Matrix metalloproteinase-1 and mast cells are present in the airways of people with asthma. We hypothesised that matrix metalloproteinase-1 could be activated by mast cells and increase asthma severity.
For this research patients with stable asthma and healthy controls underwent spirometry, methacholine challenge, bronchoscopy and their airway smooth muscle cells were grown in culture. A second asthma group and controls had symptom scores, spirometry and bronchoalveolar lavage before and after rhinovirus-induced asthma exacerbations. Extra-cellular matrix was prepared from decellularised airway smooth muscle cultures. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 protein and activity were assessed.
Our findings suggest that airway smooth muscle/mast cell interactions contribute to asthma severity by transiently increasing matrix metalloproteinase activation, airway smooth muscle growth and airway responsiveness.
Researcher: Shams-un-nisa Naveed
This research was published in: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine on 14th December 2016: