Sputum Exosomal microRNAs as Non-Invasive Biomarkers in COPD: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT: Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous condition marked by airway inflammation, airflow limitation, and structural remodeling. Exosomal microRNAs (exo-miRNAs) are stable, cell-free biomarkers reflecting airway molecular changes. While serum and BALF exosomal miRNAs have been examined, sputum-derived profiles remain underexplored. Methods: Induced sputum was collected from 20 clinically stable COPD patients and 10 age-matched healthy controls. Exosomes were isolated by polymer-based precipitation and verified by transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting for CD9 and CD81. Nine candidate miRNAs (miR-21, miR-155, miR-34a, miR-126, miR-210, miR-146a, miR-199a-5p, miR-223, miR-1246) were quantified by RT-qPCR. Group comparisons used

SUBMITTER: Kotsiou OS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12730506 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature