Type I collagenases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from preterm babies at risk of developing chronic lung disease.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether increased collagenolysis precedes severe chronic lung disease (CLD).


METHODS
Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-8 (enzymes that degrade type I collagen, the main structural protein of lung extracellular matrix) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 100 bronchoalveolar lavage samples taken during the first 6 postnatal days from 45 ventilated preterm babies < 33 weeks gestation. The median value for each baby was calculated. CLD was defined as an oxygen requirement after the 36th week after conception.


RESULTS
MMP-8 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were higher (median 13 ng/ml) in 20 babies who developed CLD than in 25 without CLD (median 2 ng/ml). No MMP-1 was detected in any sample.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-8 can be detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from preterm babies, and higher levels are found in those who later develop CLD. MMP-8 may contribute to lung injury that occurs as a prelude to CLD.
Sweet
D G
DG
Department of Child Health, The Queen's University of Belfast and Regional Neonatal Unit, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland. dsweet@dnet.co.uk
McMahon
K J
KJ
Curley
A E
AE
O'Connor
C M
CM
Halliday
H L
HL
D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000032:analysis*; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000032:analysis*; D016011:Normal Distribution; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1