Sputum trypsin-like protease activity relates to clinical outcome in cystic fibrosis.

Background: In cystic fibrosis (CF) airways excessive levels of serine trypsin-like proteases (TLPs) activate the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) resulting in airways dehydration and promotion of mucus secretion. Despite this the relationship of TLP activity and clinical outcome has not been studied.

Methods: We analysed supernatant (sol) prepared from CF sputum from adult CF patients in two study cohorts (29 and 33 samples, respectively).

Neutrophil elastase as a biomarker for bacterial infection in COPD.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is predominantly associated with neutrophilic inflammation. Active neutrophil elastase (NE) is a serine proteinase, secreted by neutrophils, in response to inflammation and pathogen invasion. We sought to investigate if NE could be used as a biomarker for bacterial infection in patients with COPD.

A point-of-care neutrophil elastase activity assay identifies bronchiectasis severity, airway infection and risk of exacerbation.

Introduction: Neutrophil elastase activity in sputum can identify patients at high risk of airway infection and exacerbations in bronchiectasis. Application of this biomarker in clinical practice is limited, because no point-of-care test is available. We tested whether a novel semi-quantitative lateral flow device (neutrophil elastase airway test stick - NEATstik®) can stratify bronchiectasis patients according to severity, airway infection and exacerbation risk.

Neutrophil Elastase Activity Is Associated with Exacerbations and Lung Function Decline in Bronchiectasis.

Rationale: Sputum neutrophil elastase and serum desmosine, which is a linked marker of endogenous elastin degradation, are possible biomarkers of disease severity and progression in bronchiectasis. This study aimed to determine the association of elastase activity and desmosine with exacerbations and lung function decline in bronchiectasis.

Methods: This was a single-center prospective cohort study using the TAYBRIDGE (Tayside Bronchiectasis Registry Integrating Datasets, Genomics, and Enrolment into Clinical Trials) registry in Dundee, UK.

Proteases implicated in apoptosis: old and new.

Objectives: The role of proteases in the regulation of apoptosis is becoming increasingly apparent. Whilst many of these proteases are already characterised, some have yet to be identified. Traditionally caspases held the traditional role as the prime mediators of apoptosis; however, attention is now turning towards the contribution made by serine proteases.

From sentencing to execution--the processes of apoptosis.

Objectives: Cell proliferation and apoptosis play a major role in maintaining homeostasis and as such any disruption within these processes can lead to disease states. Apoptosis occurs in three non-distinct phases--induction, effector and degradation--and can be executed through both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in addition to recognised sub-pathways such as the p53 and lysosomal pathways. This review article highlights these pathways, incorporating an overview of the molecular regulators of apoptosis.