YY Zhang, HZ Xu, XE Bao, SX Li, YS Wang, Y Chen, ZM Chen

Abstract

Purpose: To detect levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and analysis the relationship among wheezing and airway remodelling-associated factors. Methods: The levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Samples of blood and nasopharyngeal aspirates were analysed for pathogens. Meanwhile, levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and percentage of eosinophils were measured. Findings: Serum levels of MMP-9 were much higher in wheezy children than in controls (p<0.05) while the level of TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 between the wheezy and control had no significant differences (p>0.05). No significant effects of recurrent wheezing, pathogen infection, IgE level or asthma high risk factors on serum level of MMP-9 were observed (p>0.05). Conclusion: We found that serum MMP-9 levels were higher in wheezy children, indicating a possibility for airway remodelling in wheezy children. However, recurrent wheezing, pathogen infection and hereditary backgrounds had no effect on the serum level of MMP-9.