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New Research - May 2009
Osteopontin promotes airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness in chronic asthma
Osteopontin (OPN) is a cytokine that has been shown to be associated with fibrosis. It induces the migration proliferation of fibroblasts and the production of collagen, and promotes migration and proliferation of smooth muscle. OPN has been found to be up-regulated in bronchial epithelial cells and macrophages in asthmatics.
In this article from Athens, Greece, the investigators wished to study the role of OPN in airway remodeling by employing a knockout (KO) mice model. The KO model was protected against OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and had less collagen deposition, mucus production and submucosal cell infiltration. When recombinant OPN was administered to these mice, the above classic findings of remodeling were restored after OVA inhalation. In addition, recombinant OPN increased the expression of IL-13 and pro-matrix forming metalloproteinase-9 in the lungs.
Reference
Davina C, et al. Osteopontin deficiency protects against airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness in chronic asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2009; 179(10):894-902.
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