Inflammatory indices for chronic bronchitis and COAD. Proteases and antiproteases.

The study of lung secretion proteinases and their inhibitors, both functionally and quantitatively, provide information concerning the degree of inflammation in the lung. Interpretation of individual parameters may be difficult in isolation. However, a general pattern of response provides supportive evidence of a reduction in lung inflammation, including 1) reduction in plasma inhibitor concentrations, 2) increase in local inhibitor concentrations, 3) increase in enzyme inhibition, and 4) reduction in enzyme activity. Thus such changes provide an objective basis for the assessment of drug therapy.