Antimicrobial peptides in COPD

Background: Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are part of the epithelial innate immune defense. The role of AMPs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with recurrent exacerbations is not known. Methods: We analyzed the expression of human-beta-defensis 1–3, psoriasin and RNase 7 in pulmonary epithelia and bronchoalveolar-lavage (BAL)-fluid from healthy controls and patients at different stages of COPD. Clinical and lung function parameters were collected. Results: Thirty-two patients at different stages of COPD, 16 with acute exacerbations and 10 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. In bronchial bio…