Alterations in mRNA Expression Levels of Tight Junction Proteins in the Blood Cells of Smokers with or without COPD

Abstract

Objective: In the present study, the objective was to investigate mRNA expression levels of TJP’s like TJP-1, TJP-2, TJP-3, Tight junction-associated proteins-1, claudin-1, claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-7, claudin-10, claudin-15, claudin-19, and claudin-25 from blood samples of smokers with COPD and compared it with smokers without COPD and healthy individuals Method: The mRNA expressions were evaluated by quantitative PCR method Results: The gene expressions of these TJP’s were significantly down regulated specifically in COPD patients with the history of smoking (Smokers with COPD).Besides, FEV% was also established for these patients. Similarly, smokers with COPD showed a significant increase in the expression levels of transcription factors like ZEB-1, ZEB-2, PDGFA, and HDGF when compared to COPD patients without the history of smoking (smokers without COPD)and the healthy subjects. Conclusion: In conclusion, cigarette smoke disrupts TJ of human airway epithelium, and the transcriptional factors counteract this smoke-induced COPD. Thus, TJP’s may serve as protective elements for airway epithelial homeostasis during COPD.