Plasma samples
BLOOD, HEART, LUNG
Plasma samples and coded data sheets from patients enrolled in ALTA were obtained from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Biological Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). As negative controls, an additional 20 healthy patient plasma samples were obtained from Innovative Research Inc, Novi, MI. Samples were stored at − 80 °C. Plasma MMP-3 concentration was assessed in duplicates on days 0 and 3 by ELISA.