Are sequence variations in the collagen IX and XI genes associated with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis?
Genetic factors have an important role in the pathogenesis of LSS.
There appears to be rapid consumption of secreted proteases due to an increase in antiproteases, at the start of a COPD exacerbation. This leads to increased mucin gel stability which may be important in trapping and clearing infectious and inflammatory mediators, but this may also contribute acutely to mucus retention.