Oncostatin M (OSM) is increased in asthma with incompletely reversible airflow obstruction

Exp Lung Res. 2009 Nov;35(9):781-94. doi: 10.3109/01902140902906412.

Abstract

Oncostatin M, a unique member of the interleukin (IL)-6 cytokine family, is thought to be involved in airway remodeling. The expression of oncostatin M in the lower airways is unknown. The aim of this study was to measure the sputum expression of oncostatin M in patients with asthma with and without irreversible airflow obstruction. Induced sputum was collected from nonsmoking adults with stable asthma (n = 53), 31 with incomplete reversibility of airflow obstruction. Peripheral blood cells were isolated and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in 10 participants with asthma and irreversible airflow obstruction. Oncostatin M protein levels were determined in supernatant, whereas RNA was extracted to determine Oncostatin M mRNA expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Oncostatin M mRNA expression and protein levels were significantly higher in the sputum of asthmatics with irreversible airflow obstruction. Sputum oncostatin M levels were highest in people with severe airflow obstruction and were localized to airway neutrophils and macrophages. Peripheral blood neutrophils released more oncostatin M when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide compared with unstimulated neutrophils. Sputum oncostatin M is increased in asthma with irreversible airflow obstruction and is present in airway neutrophils and macrophages. Oncostatin M may link airway inflammation to remodeling in asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Airway Obstruction* / pathology
  • Airway Remodeling
  • Asthma / complications*
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Blood Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Macrophages, Alveolar / chemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neutrophils / chemistry
  • Oncostatin M / analysis*
  • Oncostatin M / blood
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Sputum / chemistry

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Oncostatin M