ObjectiveTo detect the expression and function of Kv1.3 channel in peripheral blood T lymphocytes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and to explore the possibility of Kv1.3 channel blockers in treating chronic airway inflammation in patients with COPD.MethodsT lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of COPD patients and healthy controls. Then the mRNA and protein levels of Kv1.3 were detected in T cells. The effects of Kv1.3 channel inhibitors ShK on T cell proliferation and the production of interleukin 2 were detected.ResultsThe Kv1.3 level of peripheral blood T lymphocytes in patients with COPD was significantly higher than that of healthy controls. ShK significantly inhibited the proliferation and interleukin 2 production ability of T lymphocytes.ConclusionsKv1.3 may play important roles in inflammation in COPD. Selective blocking of Kv1.3 channels may be one of the future treatment for COPD.
ObjectiveTo detect the expression of Liver X receptors (LXRs), protein phosphatase 1A (PPM1A), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad2 in peripheral blood of bronchial asthma patients, and to explore whether LXRs and PPM1A are related to airway remodeling.MethodsSubjects were divided into healthy control group, mild and moderate asthma group and severe asthma group, with 30 subjects each. Lung function and high-resolution computed tomography examination were performed on patients with bronchial asthma to define airway remodeling. Peripheral blood was extracted and the serum levels of LXRα, LXRβ, PPM1A, TGF-β1 and Smad2 were detected after centrifugation. Then the data were analyzed.ResultsThe airway remodeling level of the mild and moderate asthma group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The airway remodeling level of the severe asthma group was significantly higher than that of the mild and moderate asthma group. Serum LXRα, LXRβ in asthma group were higher than those in the control group. The levels of LXRα and LXRβ in severe asthma were higher than those in mild and moderate asthma group. There was no significant correlation between LXRs and airway remodeling. The PPM1A level in mild and moderate asthma group was lower than that in the control group. The levels of PPM1A in severe asthma were lower than that in mild and moderate asthma group. PPM1A level was negatively correlated with airway remodeling.ConclusionsThe level of PPM1A in asthma patients is lower than that in healthy subjects, and is negatively correlated with the degree of airway remodeling. Serum LXRs in asthmatic patients are higher than that in healthy subjects, but LXRs are not significantly correlated with airway remodeling.