In:
Thorax, BMJ, Vol. 56, No. 9 ( 2001-09-01), p. 721-726
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the chronic inflammatory process present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is due to a defective endogenous anti-inflammatory mechanism. METHODS Systemic levels of the anti-inflammatory mediators soluble interleukin 1 receptor II (sIL-1RII), soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor p55 (sTNF-R55) and sTNF-R75, and of C reactive protein (CRP) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) were analysed in 55 patients with stable COPD (median forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) 34% predicted (range 15–78)) and compared with levels in 23 control subjects. In addition, changes in these mediators were studied in 13 patients with COPD (median FEV 1 34% predicted (range 19–51)) during the first 7 days in hospital with an exacerbation of the disease. RESULTS Patients with stable COPD were characterised by a systemic inflammatory process indicated by an increased leucocyte count (7.2 (4.7–16.4) v 4.8 (3.5–8.3) × 10 9 /l), raised levels of CRP (11.8 (1.1–75.0) v 4.1 (0.6–75.0) μg/ml) and LBP (45.6 (8.1–200.0) v 27.9 (14.1–71.5) μg/ml), and moderate increases in both sTNF-Rs. In contrast, the sIL-1RII level did not differ between patients and controls (4.53 (2.09–7.60) v 4.63 (3.80–5.93) ng/ml). During treatment of disease exacerbations, systemic levels of both CRP (at day 3) and LBP (at day 7) were significantly reduced compared with day 1, whereas sIL-1RII levels increased. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest an imbalance in systemic levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in patients with stable COPD. The increase in the anti-inflammatory mediator sIL-1RII during treatment of exacerbations may contribute to the clinical improvement.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0040-6376
,
1468-3296
DOI:
10.1136/thx.56.9.721
Language:
English
Publisher:
BMJ
Publication Date:
2001
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1481491-2
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