Intra-alveolar neutrophil-derived microvesicles are associated with disease severity in COPD

Despite advances in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is a distinct lack biochemical markers to aid clinical management. Microvesicles (MVs) have been implicated inflammatory diseases including COPD, but their association COPD severity remains unknown. We analyzed different MV populations plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) taken from 62 patients with mild very severe (51% male; mean age: 65.9 yr). These underwent comprehensive evaluation (symptom scores, lung function, exercise testing), capacity MVs be was assessed. successfully identified various subtype within BALF [leukocyte, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN; i.e., neutrophil), monocyte, epithelial, platelet MVs] (leukocyte, PMN, endothelial MVs) compared each population severity. neutrophil were only significantly correlate scores forced expiratory volume 1 s, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score, 6-min walk test, hyperinflation, gas transfer. MVs, not cell numbers, also strongly correlated BODE index. undertaken, for first time, profiles BALF/plasma patients. demonstrate that levels neutrophil-derived are unique correlating number key functional clinically relevant indexes. Our results show potential biomarker tightly links pathophysiological mechanism (intra-alveolar activation) severity/outcome.