Epigenetic regulation of defensin gene expression in lung epithelial cells and COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Although inflammatory processes play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD, the exact role of the innate immune system of the bronchial system and in particular the mode of action of epithelial cells in COPD remains poorly understood. Preliminary results of a recently started study with COPD patients of different clinical stages indicated an increased expression of human β-defensin (hBD)-1 (control group, n=8: 0.0258±0.0053 hBD-1/β2M vs. COPDIII, n=9: 0.119±0.033; P val…