Cathelicidin LL-37, granzymes, TGF-β1 and cytokines levels in induced sputum from farmers with and without COPD

Golec M1, Reichel C2, Mackiewicz B3, Skorska C1, Curzytek K4, Lemieszek M1, Dutkiewicz J5, Gora A5, Ziesche R6, Boltuc J7, Sodolska K7, Milanowski J1,3, Spiewak R4

1Unit of Fibroproliferative Diseases, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Lublin, Poland
2Austrian Institute of Technology - Seibersdorf Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria
3Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
4Institute of Dermatology, Kraków, Poland
5Department of Occupational Biohazards, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Lublin, Poland
6Department of Internal Medicine II, Clinical Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
7Department of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Lublin, Poland

Source: Golec M, Reichel C, Mackiewicz B, Skorska C, Curzytek K, Lemieszek M, Dutkiewicz J, Gora A, Ziesche R, Boltuc J, Sodolska K, Milanowski J, Spiewak R. Cathelicidin LL-37, granzymes, TGF-β1 and cytokines levels in induced sputum from farmers with and without COPD. Ann Agric Environ Med 2009; 16 (2): 289-297.

 

The cathelicidin LL-37 is an antimicrobial and lipopolysaccharide neutralizing peptide, possessing pro-inflammatory, tissue repair and remodeling activities. Recent reports indicate that the progression of COPD might be connected with increased levels of LL-37. The numerous experimental data show the potential role of LL-37 in the response to the exposure to organic dust (containing lipopolysaccharide and microorganisms) which is one of the major COPD causative factors. This work strives to further prove the role of LL-37 in the development of COPD. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 farmers in the early stages of COPD according to GOLD, 36 healthy farmers and 16 healthy urban dwellers. Collection of induced-sputum samples and lung function testing were conducted before and after work. The quantification of the LL-37 in sputum samples was performed by mass spectrometry and radioisotope techniques. Levels of granzymes A and B, IL-8, IFN-γ and TGF-β1 in sputum were measured by ELISA technique. Statistical analysis was conducted by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Significantly higher levels of LL-37 were observed in sputum samples from farmers with COPD compared to healthy individuals. The concentration of LL-37 in sputum from farmers was significantly higher compared to urban dwellers. The same was true for both granzymes A and B. The results of this study suggest that LL-37 and granzymes A and B may add to the development of COPD. The results suggest also their role in an organism's response to organic dust exposure.

Key words: cathelicidin LL-37, granzymes, TGF-β1, cytokines, farmers, COPD, induced sputum, organic dust, LPS.

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Document created: 18 December 2009, last updated: 25 November 2021.