Indian Researchers Highlight Serum suPAR as Promising Biomarker for Diagnosing and Monitoring COPD
India: Emerging evidence highlights the potential role of serum soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a valuable biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A recent study revealed that as COPD severity increases, suPAR levels also rise, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for disease progression.
"Patients classified under the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage IV exhibited the highest suPAR levels (6.38 ng/mL), whereas those in stages II and I had lower levels (5.15 ng/mL and 4.17 ng/mL, respectively). These findings suggest that suPAR could be crucial in the COPD diagnosis, monitoring, and management," the researchers reported in Cureus Journal.
The researchers note that COPD is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to chronic airway inflammation. As the disease progresses, systemic inflammation contributes to worsening lung function and increased morbidity. Identifying reliable biomarkers to assess disease status and predict outcomes remains a key area of research.
Beyond FEV1, the search for a more specific biomarker to predict COPD progression continues to be a challenge. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) expression is elevated in the respiratory epithelial cells of COPD patients, reflecting the underlying inflammatory processes. As COPD severity increases, serum suPAR levels also rise, suggesting its potential as a valuable indicator of disease progression. Therefore, Rekha D, Physiology, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India, and colleagues aimed to assess serum suPAR concentrations across different grades of stable COPD patients, providing insights into its role in diagnosis, monitoring, and management.
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