Background: Airway remodeling is a significant pathological characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In recent years, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α), a member of the hypoxia-inducible factor protein family, has gained attention. However, the potential correlation between HIF-1α and COPD airway remodeling remains unclear.
Objective: This study explored the expression patterns of HIF-1α in patients with COPD and its association with airway remodelling. This investigation aims to furnish novel insights for the clinical identification of prospective therapeutic targets for ameliorating COPD-related airway remodelling.
Patients and Methods: A total of 88 subjects were included, consisting of 28 controls and 60 COPD patients. Various staining methods were employed to observe the pathological changes in airway tissues. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect the expression of HIF-1α and MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9) in airway tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the concentration in serum of HIF-1α and MMP9. Computed tomography (CT) airway parameters were measured in all participants to assess airway remodeling. The relationship between serum HIF-1α and MMP9 concentrations and airway parameters was analyzed.
Results: Staining of airway structures in COPD patients revealed significant pathological changes associated with airway remodelling, including mixed cilia and subepithelial fibrosis. The expression of HIF-1α and MMP9 was significantly higher in both human airway tissue and serum compared to controls. Chest CT scans exhibited typical imaging features of airway remodeling and increased airway parameters.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a correlation between increased HIF-1α expression and COPD airway remodelling. This study provides novel evidence that HIF-1α may be a potential biomarker for airway remodelling in COPD patients.

Keywords: hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, matrix metalloproteinase 9, airway remodelling