Abstract | BACKGROUND: It has been shown that interleukin (IL)-18 levels in induced sputum are reduced in asthmatic and healthy smokers. However, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) patients, recent data show an overproduction in the lungs and increased serum levels of IL-18, suggesting that IL-18 may be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. METHOD: In order to assess the relation of IL-18 with pulmonary function and airway inflammation in COPD, IL-18, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-8 levels were measured by ELISA in sputum supernatants obtained from patients with bronchitis type COPD (n=28), and healthy subjects (18 smokers and 17 non-smokers). Cellular localization of IL-18 was assessed by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The levels of IL-18 were significantly higher in sputum supernatants of COPD patients compared to healthy smokers and non-smokers (p<0.05). IL-18 production was localized to sputum macrophages. IL-18 levels were inversely correlated with FEV(1) (% predicted) (r=-0.572, p=0.002) and FEV(1)/FVC ratio in COPD smokers (r=-0.608, p=0.001). No correlations were found between IL-18 levels and inflammatory markers studied in induced sputum obtained from COPD patients, healthy smokers and non-smokers. CONCLUSION: In patients with COPD, increased levels of IL-18 in induced sputum were associated with airflow limitation, suggesting that IL-18 may be implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD.
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Authors | Nikoletta Rovina, Efrossini Dima, Christina Gerassimou, Androniki Kollintza, Christina Gratziou, Charis Roussos |
Journal | Respiratory medicine
(Respir Med)
Vol. 103
Issue 7
Pg. 1056-62
(Jul 2009)
ISSN: 1532-3064 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 19208460
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- Interleukin-18
- Interleukin-8
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
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Topics |
- Biomarkers
(metabolism)
- Female
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Interleukin-18
(metabolism)
- Interleukin-8
(metabolism)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
(genetics, metabolism, physiopathology)
- Respiratory Function Tests
- Sputum
(metabolism)
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
(metabolism)
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