Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an inflammatory process and airway remodeling involving matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Thus, we analyzed the expression and release of MMP-12 (macrophage metalloelastase) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue from COPD patients and control subjects.
Laboratoire de Pharmacodynamie et de Pharmacologie Moléculaire, INSERM U620, Université de Rennes 1, 2, avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043, Rennes Cedex, France.
