The protease-antiprotease balance within the human lung: Implications for the pathogenesis of emphysema

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Critical elements of the mechanisms of emphysema remain to be clarified. However, taken together, the existing evidence supports the concept that alveolar matrix destruction ensues as the regulatory interplay between oxidant and protease expression is subverted. The final common pathway of matrix destruction links the inherited and acquired forms of emphysema through the ultimate expression of unimpeded neutrophil elastase.

This publication has 47 references indexed in Scilit: