Variability in the precursor proteins of collagen I and III in different stages of COPD

32Citations
Citations of this article
29Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background: Levels of precursor proteins of collagen I and III are increased in fibrotic pulmonary diseases. This study determined whether the expression of precursors of type I and III collagen proteins would be increased in small and large airways of COPD patients in various stages of the disease reflecting fibrogenesis.Methods: The levels of precursor proteins of collagen I and III were studied by immunohistochemistry and quantified by image analysis in lung tissue of 16 non-smokers, 20 smokers with normal lung function, 20 smokers with stage I-II COPD and 8 ex-smokers with stage IV COPD.Results: In large airways, the subepithelial layer which was positive for precursor proteins of collagen I and III was thicker in smokers and in stage I-II COPD compared to non-smokers. Large airways in stage IV COPD showed reduced expression of precursor protein of collagen I whereas precursor of collagen III was increased. The amount of precursor protein of collagen III was increased in small airways of smokers and stage I-II COPD but reduced in stage IV COPD.Conclusions: Precursor proteins of collagen I and III revealed different expression profiles in large and small airways in various stages of COPD. Smoking enhanced expression of both precursors in large airways with a positive correlation with pack-years. © 2010 Harju et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Harju, T., Kinnula, V. L., Pääkkö, P., Salmenkivi, K., Risteli, J., & Kaarteenaho, R. (2010). Variability in the precursor proteins of collagen I and III in different stages of COPD. Respiratory Research, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1465-9921-11-165

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free