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Published online before print August 6, 2008
Eur Respir J 2008, doi:10.1183/09031936.00145307
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Decreased FOXP3 expression in small airways of smokers with COPD

S. Isajevs 1*, I. Taivans 1, G. Strazda 1, U. Kopeika 2, M. Bukovskis 3, V. Gordjusina 1, A. Kratovska 1

1 Dept of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia 1a Sarlotes street, Riga, Latvia
2 Centre of Thoracic Surgery, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu street, Riga, Latvia
3 Department of Pulmonology and Allergology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu street, Riga, Latvia


  Abstract

CD4+CD25+ FOXP3 positive T regulatory cells have an important role in controlling immune and inflammatory reactions. We hypothesize that these cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. The aim of our study was to characterise the expression of FOXP3 in large and small airways of nonsmokers, smokers with normal lung function and COPD patients.

19 nonsmokers, 20 smokers with normal lung function and 20 smokers with moderate COPD undergoing lung resection for a solitary peripheral non-small cell carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate FOXP3 expression in large and small airways.

Smokers with normal lung function and COPD patients had increased numbers of FOXP3 positive cells in large airways compared to nonsmokers. A positive correlation was observed between FOXP3 expression in large airways and smoked pack years.

In small airways, COPD patients had decreased numbers of FOXP3 positive cells compared to asymptomatic smokers and nonsmokers that negatively correlated with airflow obstruction.

To conclude, COPD is characterized by upregulation of FOXP3 positive cells in large airways, but downregulation in small airways, that correlated with airflow limitation. The results of the present study contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of COPD.

Keywords:  COPD, FOXP3 T regulatory cells, inflammation




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J. Domagala-Kulawik and M. Maskey-Warzecowska
T-regulatory cells in COPD or tumour environment
Eur. Respir. J., July 1, 2009; 34(1): 284 - 284.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur Respir JHome page
S. Isajevs, I. Taivans, G. Strazda, U. Kopeika, M. Bukovskis, V. Gordjusina, and A. Kratovska
From the authors:
Eur. Respir. J., July 1, 2009; 34(1): 285 - 286.
[Full Text] [PDF]


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