Systemic inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important public health problem. According to various studies, the prevalence of obesity in patients with COPD is as high as 50%. Aim. To evaluate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, lung diseases biomarkers levels and adipokines levels in patients with COPD and obesity. Materials and methods. The study included 88 patients with COPD (GOLD 2–4, group D). Patients were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 44 patients with COPD and normal body weight: 35 men and 9 women. The second group – 44 patients with obesity and COPD: 34 men and 10 women. The levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined – interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor  (TNF-), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), as well as the concentration of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP), surfactant protein D, elastase, leptin, adiponectin, 1-antitrypsin, receptors of tumor necrosis factor 1 and 2 (TNF-R1, TNF-R2). Results. In patients with COPD and obesity, compared with patients with COPD and normal body weight, the levels of CRP, interferon-, TNF-, TNF-R1, TNF-R2 were significantly higher. At the same time, the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 did not differ significantly. The level of leptin in patients with COPD and obesity was significantly higher than in patients with COPD and normal body weight. Conclusion . In patients with COPD and obesity, in contrast to patients with COPD with normal body weight, the severity of systemic inflammation is significantly higher. However, further research is needed in this area.