Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) Activity and Levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha in Induced Sputum in the Exacerbation and Recovery of COPD Patients. |
So Hyang Song, Chi Hong Kim, Soon Seog Kwon, Young Kyoon Kim, Kwan Hyoung Kim, Hwa Sik Moon, Jeong Sup Song, Sung Hak Park |
Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea 93 Chi-dong, Paldal-ku, Suwon, 442-723, Korea. chihongk@yahoo.co.kr |
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Abstract |
BACKGROUND Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are thought to be associated with increased airway inflammation, and the NF-kappa B is known to be an indicator of cellular activation and of inflammatory mediator production. This study was undertaken to investigate the change of cytokine characteristics and NF-kappa B activity in induced sputum of COPD patients during exacerbation and recovery of the disease. METHODS: Sputum induction was performed in 37 patients with COPD during exacerbation and during recovery and in 15 healthy subjects. Cell counts, levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha in induced sputum and NF-kappa B activity in macrophage of induced sputum were measured. RESULTS: Patients with COPD showed significantly increased levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha(p<0.01) and increased NF-kappa B activity in induced sputum(p<0.05) as compared with control subjects. Level of IL-8 during exacerbation of COPD decreased significantly during recovery(p<0.05). NF-kappa B activity and levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha tended to be decreased during recovery, but not siginificantly. CONCLUSION: Activation of NF-kappa B and increased levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha were thought to be associated with pathogenesis and exacerbations of COPD. |
Key Words:
COPD, exacerbation, NF-kappa B, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha |
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