Figure 5
From: N-α-PGP and PGP, potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COPD
MMP-1, MMP-9 and PE act synergistically to generate PGP in vivo. Protease combinations were administered intratracheally to mice (4 to 7 per group) and BAL fluid collected 24 hours later. PGP levels in BAL fluid were measured by ESI-LC-MS/MS. Addition of PE to MMP's greatly increased PGP production over MMP's alone (* p < 0.05 vs. MMP-1, MMP-9 or MMP-1 + MMP-9). MMP-1 and MMP-9 combined with PE generated more PGP than either MMP-1 or MMP-9 alone with PE (p < 0.05). Results are presented as mean ± SEM. Comparisons between groups were performed using the two group t test.