Neutrophil elastase and obliterative bronchiolitis |
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Authors: | J.P. Scott D.W. Holt J. Wallwork |
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Affiliation: | Division of Thoracic Diseases, East 18th Floor, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA |
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Abstract: | Abstract Bronchoalveolar lavage levels of elastase were assayed to determine the timing and magnitude of elevations in elastase relative to both fibrosis, as indicated by hyaluronate (HA) levels, and decline in FEV, characteristic of the clinical syndrome of obliterative bronchiolitis (OB). Samples were collected from 48 heart-lung or single lung transplant recipients. Regression analysis was performed and demonstrated that high levels of elastase occurred with active decline in lung function and in association with high levels of HA. This study suggested that intense neutrophil elastase release occurs concurrent with the development of OB and may contribute to the destruction of bronchiolar architecture. |
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Keywords: | Lung transplantation Obliterative bronchiolitis Elastase Hyaluronic acid Bronchoalveolar lavage Neutrophils |
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