Dysregulated iron metabolism associates with neutrophilic airway inflammation in COPD

Clinical Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: James Baker, Andrew J. Higham, Christopher McCrae, Mohammadali Yavari Ramsheh, Christopher Brightling, Simon Lea, Dave Singh
DOI: 10.1042/cs20257442
Cited by: 1
References: 41

Abstract

Pulmonary iron levels are increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), possibly due to increased red blood cell leakage from the microvasculature. Neutrophils cause endothelial cell damage which may cause vascular dysfunction and iron dysregulation in COPD. We investigate the relationships between neutrophilic inflammation, iron metabolism and vascular dysfunction in COPD. Using gene and protein analysis, associations between neutrophilic inflammation, iron dysregulation and vascular dysfunction were investigated in two COPD bronchoscopy cohorts: EvA (n=51) and Manchester (n=33). Patients were sub-grouped based on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophil percentage (neutrophilhigh≥3% and neutrophillow

Fields of Study & Subjects

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research Respiratory Support and Mechanisms Neonatal Respiratory Health Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Clinical Science
Publisher
Portland Press Ltd.
Volume
140
Issue
3
Pages
307–319
Publication date
22 January 2026
Language
EN