Neutrophil elastase (NE) is a major inflammatory protease released by neutrophils and is
present in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary …

Bronchiectasis refers to abnormal dilatation of the bronchi. Airway dilatation can lead to
failure of mucus clearance and increased risk of infection. Pathophysiological mechanisms …

Rationale: Sputum neutrophil elastase and serum desmosine, which is a linked marker of
endogenous elastin degradation, are possible biomarkers of disease severity and …

A characteristic feature of the human airway epithelium is the presence of ciliated cells
bearing motile cilia, specialized cell surface projections containing axonemes composed of …

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death
worldwide and has few effective therapies. It is characterized by anomalous and persistent …

Neutrophils (also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs) are the most abundant white
blood cells in humans and play a central role in innate host defense. Another distinguishing …

The mechanisms underlying the initiation of lung disease and early respiratory morbidity in
cystic fibrosis (CF) are poorly understood. By identifying infants with CF through a statewide …

SUMMARY A select group of microorganisms inhabit the airways of individuals with cystic
fibrosis. Once established within the pulmonary environment in these patients, many of …

Neutrophil elastase (NE) is a serine protease stored in the azurophilic granules of
neutrophils and released into the extracellular milieu during inflammatory response or …

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone to
frequent exacerbations which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Stable …