Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Monitoring Neutrophil Elastase and Cathepsin G Activity in Human Sputum Samples
Published on: May 21, 2021
High Expression of Cathepsin E is Associated with the Severity of Airflow Limitation in Patients with COPD
Wei-Jun Cao1,2, Man-Hui Li1,2, Jian-Xiong Li1
1a 1 Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China.
Background:
It was reported that Cathepsin E (Cat E) plays a critical role in antigen processing and in the development of pulmonary emphysema. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Cat E and airflow limitation in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Methods:
Sixty-five patients with COPD, 20 smoking control subjects without COPD and 15 non-smoking healthy control subjects were enrolled. Cat E and EIC (Elastase inhibitory capacity) expressions were measured by ELISA in sputum and serum samples and compared according to different subgroups.
Results:
Cat E concentrations were significantly higher in patients with COPD than smoking control and non-smoking control subjects (P < 0.01). The levels of CatE were inversely correlated with FEV1% predicted in COPD patients (r = -0.95, P < 0.01). The levels of EIC were inversely positively correlated with FEV1% predicted in COPD patients (r = 0.926, P < 0.01). Levels of Cat E were also inversely correlated with the levels of EIC (r = -0.922, P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
Cat E contributes to the severity of airflow limitation during progression of COPD.
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