Abstract
Introduction: Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane vesicles of 0,1-1 µm released by cells, following chemical, physical and apoptotic stimuli. MPs represent more than just a miniature version of the cell, their composition and their function depend not only by cellular origin but also by stimuli. Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by nearly irreversible lung destruction which result in airway limitation. Aims: We investigated the presence and the source of MPs in sputum COPD patients to evaluate if changes in MPs number and composition may reflect the pathophysiological conditions of disease, and may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic use. Methods: Induced sputum sample were collected from 18 male subjects and liquefied with sputasol. MPs obtained were analized by cytofluorimetry and immunolabelling for leukocyte (CD11a), granulocyte (CD66b), monocyte-macrophage (CD11b), platelets and megakaryocytic ( CD41), endothelial CD31, and from red blood cells (CD235ab). Results: There was a negative correlation between CD31-MPs and FEV1 (R=-53, p Conclusion: MPs are detected in sputum of patients affected by COPD. The phenotype of some of them are related with main COPD parameters. These results suggest that MPs are likely implicated in the pathogenesis, or in evolution, of COPD.
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