Background & Aims : Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction. Many of the systemic manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are mediated through increased systemic levels of inflammatory proteins. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the major hallmarks of COPD and inflammatory factors can be used as a biomarker to assess the risk of this chronic disease. This study was designed to evaluate some inflammatory factors in COPD patients.

  Materials & Methods : We assessed inflammatory factors (Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen) in 29 COPD patients, 29 smokers (S) and 29 non-smoker (NS) subjects. Interleukin-6 and CRP was assessed using ELISA Kit and fibrinogen was assessed using coagulation Clauss method.

  Results : Fibrinogen level were significantly higher in COPD patients compared to healthy smokers and healthy non smokers (p<0.05). Measurement of hsCRP and IL-6 levels showed significant increase in COPD patients compared to the healthy smokers and healthy non smokers (P<0.001) .

  Conclusions : The obtained data in this study indicated presence of inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD patients. To reduce complications of this disease, consumption of antioxidant compounds and avoiding exposure to oxidizing agents such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants are recommended. However more studies are required to reveal the effect of these factors.

  SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2013: 23(6): 705 ISSN: 1027-3727