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Accelerated extracellular matrix turnover during exacerbations of COPD
Jannie M B Sand1,2, Alan J Knox3, Peter Lange4,5
1Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers and Research, Herlev Hovedgade 207, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. jsa@nordicbioscience.com.
Respiratory Research
|June 12, 2015
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations accelerate extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. Circulating ECM fragments indicate disease activity and may predict progression in COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pulmonology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impact disease progression.
- The effects of COPD exacerbations on tissue structure and turnover are not well understood.
- Biomarkers for disease activity linked to progression are urgently needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in lung extracellular matrix (ECM) protein turnover during COPD exacerbations.
- To assess if ECM turnover markers can serve as indicators of disease activity and progression.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 69 COPD patients hospitalized for exacerbation.
- Measured serum/plasma protein fragments using competitive ELISAs.
- Assessed formation and degradation of collagen types III, IV, VI, elastin, and versican.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of C3M, C4M, C6M, ELM7, and EL-NE during exacerbation (P <0.0001).
- Decreased VCANM levels (P <0.0001), decreased Pro-C6, and elevated P4NP 7S during exacerbation (P <0.0001).
- Increased degradation/formation ratios for collagen types III and VI; decreased for collagen type IV.
Conclusions:
- COPD exacerbations lead to increased circulating fragments of structural proteins.
- These fragments may function as biomarkers of disease activity.
- Accelerated ECM turnover during exacerbations suggests a link to COPD progression.
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