Lung fibroblast repair functions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are altered by multiple mechanisms.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Fibroblasts are believed to be the major cells responsible for the production and maintenance of extracellular matrix. Alterations in fibroblast functional capacity, therefore, could play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema, which is characterized by inadequate maintenance of tissue structure.

Objectives

To evaluate the hypothesis that deficient fibroblast repair characterizes cells obtained from individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with control subjects.

Methods

Fibroblasts were cultured from lung tissue obtained from individuals undergoing thoracotomy and were characterized in vitro.

Measurements and main results

Fibroblasts from individuals with COPD, defined by reduced FEV(1), manifested reduced chem

SUBMITTER: Togo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2542423 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature