Study of the relationship between PI3K、α - SMA protein expression and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Objective To study the relationship between PI3K、α - SMA protein expression and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Methods 19 lung tissues were collected by open lung biopsies from patients with IPF;the control lung specimens were obtained from 18 patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung disease. Patients in the control group had no other underlying lung pathology and 5 centimeters away from the diseased region. Results The levels of the expression of PI3K、a -SMA protein were significantly higher in the IPF patients than in the control group (respectively U = 25. 000, P < 0. 01 ; U = 9.000, P < 0.01). There was positive correlation of the expression of α - SMA and PI3K protein (r =0. 823, P <0.01). Conclusion The acquisition of an apoptosis - resistant phenotype of myofibroblasts through activation of PI3K - AKT, which participate in the lung injury/repair process, may contribute to persistent or progressive lung fibrosis. Key words: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis;  Phosphatidylinositol - 3 - kinase ;  α - Smooth muscle actin;  Immunohistochemistry