Regulation of angiogenesis-related genes in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells by alpha1-antitrypsin

Introduction: Alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is an anti-protease that has broad anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects and emerges as a major protective factor against chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Evidence exists that COPD is associated with structural and functional changes in the lung circulation. Altered angiogenesis and microvascular remodeling might be an initiating event promoting COPD. Thus, question arose if A1AT influences angiogenesis-related genes in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVEC). Methods: HPMVEC were treated with 1 mg/ml human plasma-derived A1AT (Prolastin®,…