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Updated: May 6, 2026

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Sputum ADAM8 expression is increased in severe asthma and COPD
K M Oreo1, P G Gibson, J L Simpson
1Virus Infections/Immunity Vaccines & Asthma, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Severe Asthma Network, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, NSW, Australia; The University of Sydney, Camperdown/Darlington, NSW, Australia.
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 8 (ADAM8) is elevated in severe asthma and COPD, correlating with increased neutrophils. This suggests ADAM8 may play a role in neutrophil migration in these respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Severe asthma and COPD are chronic airway inflammatory diseases with incompletely understood mechanisms.
- A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 8 (ADAM8), an enzyme on leucocytes, may influence leucocyte migration in respiratory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify ADAM8 mRNA and protein expression in asthma and COPD patients.
- To examine the relationship between ADAM8 expression, asthma severity, and inflammatory phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Induced sputum was analyzed from 113 asthma patients, 20 COPD patients, and 21 healthy controls.
- ADAM8 mRNA levels were measured using qPCR, and soluble ADAM8 (sADAM8) protein was quantified via ELISA.
Main Results:
- ADAM8 mRNA and sADAM8 protein were significantly higher in both asthma and COPD patients compared to healthy controls.
- Severe asthma cases showed significantly elevated ADAM8 mRNA and sADAM8 protein levels, along with increased inflammatory cells and neutrophils.
- ADAM8 expression correlated positively with sputum total cell count and neutrophil levels, particularly in severe asthma.
Conclusions:
- ADAM8 expression is upregulated in severe asthma and COPD.
- Increased ADAM8 is associated with higher sputum cell counts and neutrophil infiltration.
- ADAM8 may contribute to neutrophil migration in the airways of patients with severe asthma and COPD.
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