Bronchoalveolar Lavage Neutrophils and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Sarcoidosis Clinical Phenotypes: Implications for Tissue Remodeling Leading to Pulmonary Fibrosis

Introduction Pulmonary sarcoidosis may resolve or progress to advanced stages. Increased lung neutrophils obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage are found in advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis. Persistence of a neutrophilic alveolitis has been postulated to result in tissue injury and remodeling that leads to fibrosis and clinical features of advanced disease. Since neutrophils are a source of matrix-degrading proteins like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), we hypothesized that PMNs promote disease progression through the release of MMPs. This work explores the relationship between lung neutrophils and MMP9 levels and activity and how they are associated with sarcoidosis clinical phenotypes.https://jdc.jefferson.edu/pulmcritcareposters/1005/thumbnail.jp