title: Gene and Protein Expression of Fibronectin and Tenascin-C in Lung Samples from COPD Patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Fibronectin (Fn) and tenascin-C (TnC) are two extracellular matrix proteins associated with remodeling changes. Fn and TnC gene and protein expression in lung tissue, including their predominant location in bronchial and pulmonary artery structures, have not yet been fully evaluated. The aim of the present study was to assess: (1) gene expression of Fn and TnC in lung samples from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-COPD subjects; and (2) protein content and location of Fn and TnC in both groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive subjects requiring lung resection due to lung cancer surgery were included. Lung specimens were examined for gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR (values expressed as fold change ratio). The analysis of their protein content and location was performed by western blot and immunohistochemical studies, respectively. Patients were divided into two cohorts according to COPD status.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 41 patients (20 with COPD and 21 without COPD) were included. An enhanced Fn gene expression was observed in the COPD group compared to the non-COPD group (4.73 ± 0.54 vs. 2.65 ± 0.57; P = 0.012), whereas no differences in gene TnC expression were observed (2.91 ± 0.44 vs. 2.60 ± 0.48; P = 0.633). No differences in lung protein content and location were found between groups. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed a predominantly vascular and bronchial location of Fn and TnC in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An enhanced lung gene expression of Fn was observed in COPD subjects compared to non-COPD subjects. No differences were found in Fn protein expression or in TnC gene or protein expression among groups.
authors: Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge - IDIBELL, University of Barcelona, c/Feixa Llarga s/n. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, CP 08907, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Mariana
authors: M
authors: Muñoz-Esquerre
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Huertas
authors: Ignacio
authors: I
authors: Escobar
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: López-Sánchez
authors: Rosa
authors: R
authors: Penín
authors: Victor
authors: V
authors: Peinado
authors: Joan Albert
authors: JA
authors: Barberà
authors: María
authors: M
authors: Molina-Molina
authors: Frederic
authors: F
authors: Manresa
authors: Jordi
authors: J
authors: Dorca
authors: Salud
authors: S
authors: Santos
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D056151:Airway Remodeling; D015153:Blotting, Western; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019063:Tenascin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins; D019063:Tenascin