High sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hsCRP) levels correlate with pulmonary inflammation in stable COPD

 

E Sapey 1, D Griffiths 1, D Bayley 1, A Ahmad 1, P Newbold 2, RA Stockley 1

 

Institutes: 1.  Lung Investigation Unit                     2.        AstraZeneca   

                        Birmingham University                                  R & D Department

                        Edgbaston                                                       Charnwood

                        Birmingham                                                    Leicestershire

                        B15 2TT

 

 

HSCRP levels are frequently raised in COPD (Mannino et al, Am J Med, 2003; 114: 758) and correlate with impaired functional capacity and psychological distress (Broekhuizen et al, Thorax, 2006; 61: 17).  The relationship between HSCRP and markers of pulmonary inflammation has not been assessed.

 

Methods:

12 patients with GOLD stage 3 COPD and chronic sputum production were studied.  Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF), Interleukin 8 (CXCL8), Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), Calprotectin and Growth related oncogene alpha (GRO) were measured in sputum supernatent.  Differential cell counts were obtained for sputum and HSCRP was measured in plasma.  Patients were assessed to ensure they remained stable.

 

Results:

HSCRP levels correlated with sputum concentrations of CXCL8 (p=0.004), LTB4 (p=0.001), Calprotectin (p<0.001), TNF (p=0.02), myeloperoxidase (p=0.02), IL1 (p = 0.03) and sputum absolute neutrophil counts (p<0.001). 

 

Patients with raised HSCRP had higher concentrations of CXCL8 (p=0.005), TNF (p=0.005), LTB4 (p=0.03), Calprotectin (p=0.02) and GRO (p=0.003) compared with those in the normal range.

 

Conclusion

A raised HSCRP concentration in plasma is associated with a higher pulmonary burden of inflammation in COPD.  It may be possible to use HSCRP concentrations as marker for disease burden. 

 

 

 

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