Expression of GR, COX2и MMP1 genes in peripheral blood leukocytes after intensive therapy of the patients with chronic obstructive lung disease

Abstract

Our study was aimed at analysis of expression of genes controlling individual stages of an inflammatory process in combined therapy of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Evaluation of activity of GR, COX-2, and MMP1 genes in blood leukocytes was determined in forty one patients with COPD exacerbations (GOLD stage II to III, Group D) who underwent a two-week combined treatment including Tiotropium Bromide, Formoterol, and glucocotricoid inhalations, as well as parenteral antibacterial treatment. Before and after treatment, relative content of specific mRNAs for GR, GC receptors, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (COX-2, GR, and MMP1) genes were determined with real-time PCR. Mean values of the gene expression did not significantly differ between the pre- and post-treatment time points. We have found, however, a highly significant correlation between individual changes of the СОХ2, ММР1 и GR gene expression, as well as reverse correlation between СОХ2, GR expression and positive changes in C-reactive protein levels following treatment course. The results of study confirm some interrelations between changes in expression of the inflammation-modulating genes and improvement of clinical parameters after combined drug therapy of the COPD.