Expression of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 in saliva from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

The increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) is considered a key factor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed at assessing expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in saliva from patients with COPD, comparing them to those of healthy subjects, thus assessing the feasibility of characterizing specific biomarkers for COPD. Patients with COPD (n=16) and healthy controls (n=9) were selected; both groups submitted to spirometry and to collection of saliva samples. Saliva levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by Western blot. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in COPD patients than in control subjects. In COPD patients, a moderate, negative correlation was found between MMP-2 concentration and forced expiatory volume at the first second (r= -0.582; p=0.014). These findings open new perspectives to study specific biomarkers in saliva to predict and monitor airway obstruction in COPD patients.