Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United
States. Cardiovascular comorbidities associated with both active and secondhand cigarette …

Chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and emphysema are
characterized by higher‐than‐normal levels of pulmonary proteases. While these enzymes …

Apoptosis plays an essential role in homeostasis and pathogenesis of a variety of human
diseases. Endothelial cells are exposed to various environmental and internal stress and …

One would assume that the anti-inflammatory activity of α1-anti-trypsin (AAT) is the result of
inhibiting neutrophil enzymes. However, AAT exhibits tolerogenic activities that are difficult …

Various studies using proteomic approaches have shown that HDL can carry many proteins
other than its constitutive apolipoprotein AI (apoA-I). Using mass spectrometry and Western …

α1-Antitrypsin (A1AT) is an acute-phase reactant, but also a major protective factor against
the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a complex disease with …

Abstract Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), also known as alpha1-proteinase inhibitor
deficiency, is an autosomal co-dominant condition. The genotypes associated with AATD …

Pulmonary exposure to cadmium, a major component of cigarette smoke, has a dramatic
impact on lung function and the development of emphysema. Cigarette smoke exposure …

Inflammation, proteolysis, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis have been
implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), although the well …

Emphysema is mainly caused by cigarette smoking and is characterized by the loss of
alveolar integrity and an enlargement of the alveolar space. However, mechanisms involved …