[Influence of Broncho-Vaxom treatment on serum concentration of metalloproteinase-9 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

UNLABELLED

Immunomodulatory activity of bacterial extracts such as Broncho-Vaxom results in stimulation of different immune cells, increase of expression of proinflammatory cytokines and enhancement of resistance to infection. Lyophilized extracts from bacteria are particularly recommended for patients with chronic respiratory tract diseases, in whom infectious exacerbations irreversibly worsen lung damage. Despite the fact that treatment with bacterial lysates is considered safe, it is not clear if such immunomodulation does not negatively affect the proteinase--antiproteinase balance in patients with COPD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Evaluation of influence of treatment with Broncho-Vaxom on the concentration of metalloproteinase-9 in serum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty one patients with moderate COPD were included in the study The patients were divided into two groups: smokers and nonsmokers. Each patient received Broncho-Vaxom for the first ten days each month for three consecutive months. The patients were examined twice: before treatment and in the third month of treatment. During each visit clinical symptoms of COPD were assessed, spirometric tests and blood tests were performed, the concentrations of immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein and metalloproteinase-9 in serum (MMP-9) were measured.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the groups in predicted value of FEV1%, concentrations of immunoglobulins and C-reactive protein in serum and the number of leukocytes in blood after treatment with Broncho-Vaxom. A significant decrease of intensity of COPD symptoms in both groups after immunostimulatory treatment was observed. There were no differences in metalloproteinase-9 concentration in serum between the smokers and nonsmokers. Administration of bacterial extract did not significantly influence MMP-9 concentration in serum of the patients.

RESULTS

Treatment with Broncho-Vaxom does not increase the concentration of metalloproteinase-9 in serum of patients with COPD, while it decreases the symptoms of stable COPD.