Changes of Proteases, Antiproteases, and Pathogens in Cystic Fibrosis Patients’ Upper and Lower Airways after IV-Antibiotic Therapy

Figure 6

Ratios of proteases and antiproteases: MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio (a) was higher in the LAW (b), whereas NE/SLPI ratio (c) was higher in the UAW and in healthy controls. SLPI/CTSS (d) was only calculable in the bronchial compartment for low detection rates of both parameters in the UAW. For all of these ratios in UAW and LAW changes did not reach statistical significance. 1 = before therapy; 2 = after therapy.

(a) MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio UAW

(b) MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio LAW

(c) NE/SLPI ratio

(d) SLPI/CTSS ratio LAW