Association of Serum MMP 9 Level with COPD and Healthy Control in North Indian Population

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. MMP 9 is an acute phase reactant secreted by the liver in response to infection, inflammation or tissue damage. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 35 healthy controls and 40 COPD patients at a tertiary care hospital in north India. MMP 9 levels were measured in serum by ELISA Kit. Results: The present study showed that mean MMP 9 level in serum was significantly higher in COPD group as compared to control group (p<0.0001) and the levels increased with the increasing severity of the disease. Conclusion: Our study confirms that MMP 9 level was significantly higher in COPD patients as compared to controls and their levels increased with the increasing severity of the disease. Measuring MMP 9 levels in combination with other biochemical markers can be helpful in monitoring disease outcome and management of the disease. Key-wordsBiomarker, COPD, Inflammation, MMP 9, Matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs INTRODUCTION Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Smoking and biomass exposure, along with genetic predisposition, are the major risk factors for developing COPD . Persistent systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are common features of this disease . Progressive destruction of the extracellular matrix of lungs by MMPs is observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as in the pathogenesis of other diseases . MMP-9 also known as gelatinase B is 85 kD protein secreted by bronchial epithelial cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells and alveolar macrophages. Increased expression of MMP-9 by inflammatory cells e.g. neutrophils and macrophages are correlated with a variety of processes that cause lung damage . It is thought to have an important role in lung-remodeling and has been investigated as a potential biomarker of COPD. Diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by spirometry but it depends mainly on the level of effort done by the patient and so this may alter the diagnosis in many patients. Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: