Conclusion
ESM-1 expression decreased and AI increased in emphysematous mice and stable COPD patients. Findings suggested that ESM-1 may be involved in anti-apoptotic therapy of COPD.
Methods
At day 0, 11, and 22, murine were injected IP with 0.3 ml of PBS/Cigarette smoke extract, and euthanized at day 28. Lung tissues from 20 stable COPD patients and 12 Controls were evaluated. Serum was obtained from 25 stable COPD patients and 12 healthy Controls. Pulmonary function, pathology, pulmonary apoptosis index (AI), expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and ESM-1 in lung tissue, and concentration of ESM-1 in serum were tested.
Results
Protein expression of ESM-1, VEGF and HGF were decreased significantly in emphysematous mice (P<0.05), while AI was increased (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that association between AI and ESM-1 was negative (P<0.01), VEGF and ESM-1 was positive (P<0.01), and HGF and ESM-1 was positive (P<0.01). In stable COPD patients, we proved that ESM-1, VEGF and HGF were decreased significantly, while AI was increased (P<0.05). Correlation between AI and ESM-1 was negative (P<0.01), VEGF and ESM-1 was positive (P<0.01), and HGF and ESM-1 was positive (P<0.01).