Figure 7
From: Variability in the precursor proteins of collagen I and III in different stages of COPD
Precursor protein of collagen III in the small airways of non-smokers, smokers and the patients with COPD. The subepithelial layer expressing precursor protein of collagen III was thicker in smokers and in the patients with stage I-II COPD compared to the non-smokers but its accumulation was decreased in patients with stage IV COPD. The difference between stage I-II and stage IV COPD was statistically significant (p = 0.015).