Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Implantation of Fibrin Gel on Mouse Lung to Study Lung-specific Angiogenesis
Published on: December 21, 2014
Exhaled matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in different biological phenotypes of asthma
Maria P Foschino Barbaro1, Antonio Spanevello2, Grazia P Palladino1
1Institute of Respiratory Disease, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, University of Foggia, Italy.
Background And Objectives:
Airway remodeling is a main feature of asthma. Different biological phenotypes of severe asthma have been recently recognized by the ENFUMOSA study group and among these one is characterized by neutrophilic airway inflammation. Concentrations of MMP-9 in airways have been suggested as a marker to monitor airway remodeling in asthma.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to explore airway remodeling in different biological phenotypes of asthma by measuring MMP-9 in EBC and correlating these with other variables.
Methods:
Sixty consecutive subjects with asthma and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Exhaled MMP-9, pH and NO levels and inflammatory cells in sputum were measured in all subjects enrolled.
Results:
We observed an increase of exhaled MMP-9 in asthmatic subjects compared to controls. Higher exhaled MMP-9 concentrations were described in severe asthmatics compared to mild to moderate especially in those with neutrophilic airway inflammation. We further found a correlation between exhaled MMP-9 and percentage of neutrophils in sputum, FEV1, exhaled NO and pH.
Conclusion:
Our results seem to substantiate the feasibility of measuring exhaled MMP-9 in the breath of asthmatic patients. MMP-9 may be considered a proxy of the amount of the ongoing airway remodeling in asthma. MMP-9 has been shown to be differentially released in different phenotypes of asthma. The measure of exhaled MMP-9 could help to monitor the ongoing airway remodeling, recognize severe stages of asthma, and possibly help determine the appropriate choice of therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations