TY - JOUR T1 - Extracellular matrix remodelling in COPD JF - European Respiratory Review JO - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW DO - 10.1183/16000617.0124-2019 VL - 29 IS - 158 SP - 190124 AU - Meropi Karakioulaki AU - Eleni Papakonstantinou AU - Daiana Stolz Y1 - 2020/12/31 UR - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/29/158/190124.abstract N2 - The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the lung plays several important roles in lung function, as it offers a low resistant pathway that allows the exchange of gases, provides compressive strength and elasticity that supports the fragile alveolar–capillary intersection, controls the binding of cells with growth factors and cell surface receptors and acts as a buffer against retention of water.COPD is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition, characterised by various conditions that result in progressive airflow limitation. At any stage in the course of the disease, acute exacerbations of COPD may occur and lead to accelerated deterioration of pulmonary function. A key factor of COPD is airway remodelling, which refers to the serious alterations of the ECM affecting airway wall thickness, resistance and elasticity. Various studies have shown that serum biomarkers of ECM turnover are significantly associated with disease severity in patients with COPD and may serve as potential targets to control airway inflammation and remodelling in COPD. Unravelling the complete molecular composition of the ECM in the diseased lungs will help to identify novel biomarkers for disease progression and therapy.Airway remodelling in COPD refers to alterations of the lung ECM that affect airway wall thickness, resistance and elasticity. Unravelling such molecular modifications will help us to identify novel biomarkers for disease progression and therapy. https://bit.ly/2LObAga ER -