Extracellular Matrix and Endothelial Activation Markers in the Bronchial and Pulmonary Arteries in COPD.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vascular alterations contribute significantly to the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathophysiology. Thirty-nine percent of patients with COPD develop pulmonary hypertension, especially patients with the severe form of the disease. Cigarette-induced endothelial dysfunction is important in the pathogenesis of vascular alterations, even in the mild forms of the disease. This study investigates extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and endothelial activation in pulmonary (PMA) and bronchial muscular arteries (BMA) from non-smokers (NS), nonobstructed smokers (NOS) and patients with mild/moderate COPD.

Methods

Lung tissue samples from 44 patients undergoing lung resection were analysed. Morphometric parameters, ECM components (collagens, fibronectin, el

SUBMITTER: Annoni R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12663766 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature