Determination of oxidized amp;agr;-1-proteinase inhibitor in serum or plasma

摘要

A new method of determining oxidized &agr;-1-proteinase inhibitor in serum or plasma for use in studying the development of chronic obstructive lung disease is disclosed. Levels of oxidized &agr;-1- proteinase inhibitor indicate the potential for emphysema development with higher levels showing a decrease in lung protection against elastolytic enzymes such as elastase. This method can be used for patients with a potential for chronic obstructive lung disease rather than having to use bronchial lavage methods for such patients. No other method is known to exist for determining oxidized &agr;-1-proteinase inhibitor in serum or plasma.