Blood fibrocytes are recruited during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through a CXCR4-dependent pathway

摘要: Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by peribronchial fibrosis. The chronic course of COPD worsened recurrent acute exacerbations. Objective aim the study was to evaluate recruitment blood fibrocytes in patients with during exacerbations and, subsequently, identify potential mechanisms implicated such recruitment. Methods Using flow cytometry, we quantified circulating and their chemokine receptor expression 54 examined an exacerbation (V1) 2 months afterward (V2) 40 control subjects. role chemokines CXCL12 CCL11 fibrocyte migration investigated using a chemotaxis assay. Patients were followed for up 3 years after V1. Results We demonstrated significantly increased number at V1 compared decreased V2. A high percentage associated risk death. V2 negatively correlated FEV 1 , forced vital capacity, /forced capacity ratio, transfer lung carbon monoxide, Pao 2 . Fibrocytes highly expressed CXCR4 CCR3, receptors CCL11, respectively. collected from had chemotactic response but not those Plerixafor, antagonist, plasma exacerbating COPD. Conclusion Blood are recruited related mortality low function. CXCL12/CXCR4 axis involved (Firebrob study; ClinicalTrials NCT01196832).