The role of FGF-2 in smoke-induced emphysema and the therapeutic potential of recombinant FGF-2 in patients with COPD

Abstract

Lung disease: Inhaling a protein might help Studies on the role of the protein ‘fibroblast growth factor-2’ (FGF-2) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suggest that inhaled FGF-2 could help treat the emphysema linked to smoking. Researchers in South Korea led by Young-Koo Jee at Dankook University, Cheonan, and Yeon-Mok Oh at the University of Ulsan, Seoul, studied the role of the reduced FGF-2 levels found in mice with lung inflammation caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. They also uncovered details of a protective effect of inhaled FGF-2, identifying specific cellular and lung structure changes attributed to the administered FGF-2. Reduced FGF-2 levels were also found in patients with COPD. Initial trials revealed some improvement in patients treated with FGF-2, but not at a statistically significant level. Nevertheless, the authors suggest their results justify further investigation of the protein’s therapeutic potential.