Matrix metalloprotease-9 and lung function decline in arterial hypertension combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arterial hypertension (AH) are major public health epidemics, with increasing prevalence. According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), patients with COPD are at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases (GOLD 2014). Increased airway thickening and narrowing occurs in the small airways of smokers with COPD, which is the main reason for respiratory obstruction. The ECM is a complex structured network of secreted macromolecules and proteolytic enzymes that provide the basis of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Alveolar wall degrading enzyme matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) has been found to be involved in COPD progression. It is considered to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of tissue damage and fibrosis, production of various collagens and ECM proteins. The aim of the study: to evaluate the role of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) in lung function decline in patients with AH combined with COPD. Conclusions. The lung function decline in arterial hypertension combined with COPD is strongly assosiated with increase of MMP-9. The latter suggests MMP-9 as putative target for treatment of COPD progression.