Objective    To study the relation between platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)

foxp3

MMP-9 and airway remodeling due to asthma.     Methods    Serum PDGF

foxp3 and MMP-9 levels were measured in 40 patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and in 30 healthy controls before and after treatment by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chest was detected by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT).     Results    The serum PDGF and MMP-9 levels were significantly higher while the serum foxp3 level was significantly lower in asthma patients than in healthy controls (P0.05). Although the serum PDGF and MMP-9 levels were significantly decreased in asthma patients after treatment

they were still higher than those in healthy controls (P0.05). HRCT showed that the inner diameter and area of bronchus were significantly smaller in asthma patients than in healthy controls (P0.05) with no significant difference in outer diameter of bronchus. The inner diameter of bronchus was remarkably dilated with its area notably increased with no significant difference in its outer diameter after treatment (P0.01).     Conclusion    There is a ring of PDGF

foxp3 and MMP-9 in asthma patients. Combined treatment can reverse the airway remodeling due to asthma.