Systemic biomarkers of collagen and elastin turnover are associated with clinically relevant outcomes in COPD

D Stolz, DJ Leeming, JHE Kristensen, MA Karsdal… - Chest, 2017 - Elsevier
Background Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of the lung tissue releases protein
fragments into the blood, where they may be detected as serologic surrogate markers of
disease activity in COPD. Our goal was to assess the association of ECM turnover with
severity and outcome of COPD. Methods In a prospective, observational, multicenter study
including 506 patients with COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
grades II to IV), serum samples were analyzed at stable state, exacerbation, and 4 weeks …