A Pilot Study Linking Endothelial Injury in Lungs and Kidneys in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Patients with COPD and/or CS-exposed mice have pulmonary and renal endothelial cell injury linked to increased endothelial cell AGEs and RAGE levels. Albuminuria could identify patients with COPD in whom angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy improves renal and lung function by reducing endothelial injury.