Glutathione S-transferase omega in the lung and sputum supernatants of COPD patients
2007

Glutathione S-transferase omega in COPD patients

Sample size: 112 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Harju Terttu H, Peltoniemi Mirva J, Rytilä Paula H, Soini Ylermi, Salmenkivi Kaisa M, Board Philip G, Ruddock Lloyd W, Kinnula Vuokko L

Primary Institution: University of Oulu

Hypothesis

GSTO may participate in the maintenance of GSH not only intracellularly, but also in the extracellular space and this may be modulated by oxidative stress.

Conclusion

GSTO1-1 is abundant in the alveolar macrophages, but it is also present in extracellular fluids and in airway secretions, the levels being decreased in COPD.

Supporting Evidence

  • GSTO1-1 was mainly expressed in alveolar macrophages.
  • Levels of GSTO1-1 were significantly lower in the sputum supernatants of COPD patients than in non-smokers.
  • GSTO1-1 could be detected in extracellular fluids including sputum supernatants and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Takeaway

This study looked at a protein called GSTO1-1 in the lungs of people with COPD and found that it is lower in those patients, which might affect their lung health.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis on lung and sputum specimens from COPD patients and controls.

Limitations

The study had a limited number of cases and high variability in macrophage numbers.

Participant Demographics

The study included non-smokers, smokers, and COPD patients with varying severities.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.003

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1465-9921-8-48

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