Central airways remodeling in COPD patients

• DOI: 10.2147/copd.s52478
• Publication Date: 2014-09-01T20:20:40Z
• Authors: Laura Pini; Laura Tiberio; Claudio Tantucci; Denise Modina; Valentina Pinelli; Michela Bezzi
• Keywords: Versican; Biglycan; Airway obstruction; Vital capacity; Small airways

The contribution to airflow obstruction by the remodeling of peripheral airways in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients has been well documented, but less is known about role played large airways. Few studies have investigated presence histopathological changes due COPD patients.The aim this study was verify airway central patients, quantifying smooth muscle (ASM) area and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition, both subepithelial region ASM, possible above mentioned changes.Biopsies segmental bronchi spurs were performed control smoker subjects immunostained for collagen type I, versican, decorin, biglycan, alpha-smooth actin. ECM deposition measured at subepithelial, ASM layers.The staining I versican greater layer than subjects. An inverse correlation found between forced expiratory volume 1 second ratio vital capacity. A statistically significant increase observed versus controls.These findings indicate that also affects who proteins a larger These may contribute patients.