COPD Exacerbation Blood and Urine Biomarkers Study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a term describing emphysema and chronic
bronchitis, is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 24
million US adults estimated to have the disease and over 130,000 US adults dying each year
due to COPD. Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), primarily
the result of viral respiratory infections, result in accelerated decline in lung function
and increased mortality. Recent work in our laboratory demonstrates that matrix
metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), which has both collagenolytic and elastolytic activity, is
increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with COPD. It is well accepted that
viral infections have significant consequences in smokers, particularly in patients with AATD
related COPD.

COPD exacerbations clinically manifest with increased dyspnea, cough and sputum production,
and from a societal cost standpoint are associated with significant increases in health care
utilization. Recent data suggest that viral infections such as RSV increase MMP-13 secretion
and expression within lung tissues. Therefore, the studies presented here seek to understand
the effect of MMP-13 on COPD progression and the effect of disease exacerbations on MMP-13
and alpha-1 antitrypsin serum levels and later lung function decline. The investigators
hypothesize that patients with COPD, in particular patients who fall into the "frequent
exacerbator" phenotype (two or more exacerbations within the last year), will have increased
levels of MMP-13 as compared to the general non-COPD patient population and that in the
setting of a COPD exacerbation, levels will be increased. The investigators will assess how
exacerbation MMP-13 levels predict later lung function decline.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosed with COPD (FEV1 <80% AND FEV1/FVC < 70%)

- Ages 35-80yrs

Exclusion Criteria:

- History of Asthma

- Bronchiectasis

- Carcinoma of the bronchus

- Recent COPD exacerbation or pulmonary infection (less than 1 month)

- Other significant respiratory disease

- Pregnancy