Epithelial-mesenchymal transition biomarkers in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD are indicative of disease severity, disease progression, and risk of readmission

Low serum levels of E-cadherin and high serum levels of vimentin and α-SMA are associated with an increase in disease severity/progression leading to AECOPD-related readmissions during a 12-month follow-up period. Moreover, simultaneous evaluation of E-cadherin and α-SMA levels enhances the accuracy in identifying patients who are likely to be re-hospitalized with AECOPD.