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Microfibrillar-associated protein 4: a potential biomarker of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Sofie Lock Johansson1, Nassim Bazeghi Roberts2, Anders Schlosser1
1Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, JB Winsløws Vej 25.3, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.
Background:
Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is a matricellular glycoprotein that co-localises with elastic fibres and is highly expressed in the lungs. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that plasma MFAP4 (pMFAP4) reflects clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods:
pMFAP4 was measured by an AlphaLISA immunoassay in stable COPD (n = 69) at baseline and at follow-up until 24 months after inclusion and in acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) (n = 14) at baseline and until 6 months after inclusion.
Results:
The majority of patients (89%) were in GOLD II and III. Multiple linear regressions showed positive associations between pMFAP4 and the Global initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grade (p = 0.01), modified Medical Research Council score (p < 0.0001) and BODE index (p = 0.04). Negative associations were found with 6-min walking distance (p = 0.04) and bronchodilator-induced reversibility (p = 0.02). The pMFAP4 levels varied less than 25% between the baseline and a 3 month follow-up in 83% of the patients. The pMFAP4 levels appeared unaffected in the acute phase of severe AECOPD but rose to an increased stable level within one month after hospitalization.
Conclusion:
Increased pMFAP4 was associated to the severity in COPD and has the potential to serve as a stable disease biomarker. This observation warrants confirmation in a larger longitudinal COPD population.
Insights
Plasma MFAP4 (microfibrillar-associated protein 4) is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity. This protein shows potential as a stable biomarker for COPD progression and clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pulmonology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is a glycoprotein found in elastic fibers, highly expressed in lung tissue.
- Its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and correlation with clinical outcomes remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma MFAP4 (pMFAP4) levels and clinical outcomes in patients with COPD.
- To determine if pMFAP4 can serve as a stable biomarker for COPD severity and progression.
Main Methods:
- Plasma MFAP4 levels were measured using an AlphaLISA immunoassay in stable COPD patients and those experiencing acute exacerbations (AECOPD).
- Measurements were taken at baseline and during follow-up periods of up to 24 months for stable COPD and 6 months for AECOPD.
Main Results:
- Elevated pMFAP4 levels correlated positively with COPD severity (GOLD grade, mMRC score, BODE index) and negatively with 6-minute walking distance and bronchodilator reversibility.
- pMFAP4 levels demonstrated stability over time in most stable COPD patients.
- pMFAP4 levels were unaffected during acute exacerbations but increased post-hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Increased plasma MFAP4 is associated with greater COPD severity.
- pMFAP4 shows potential as a stable biomarker for assessing COPD severity.
- Further validation in larger, longitudinal COPD cohorts is recommended.
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