Serum resistin levels in patients presenting with acute exacerbation of copd and its relationship with airway obstruction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is characterized by not fully reversible airflow limitation. This airflow limitation is usually associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to harmful particles or gases and it is often progressive.At approximately one third of patients with COPD, as a result of impaired gastrointestinal function, lack of nutritional intake, lack of nutrient?s oxidation and the hypermetabolic state, malnutrition is developing and the situation may further worsen in advanced stages of the diseaseIn this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma resistin, leptin, inflammatory cytokine levels and the degree of airway obstruction in patients presenting with acute exacerbation of COPD. 35 COPD patients with acute exacerbation and 20 healthy control subjects were enrolled to study.Venous blood samples were taken at 1. and 15. day of exacerbation from COPD patients, once from healthy control subjects. Inflammatory cytokine (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-?) leptin and resistin levels were measured at these serum.In COPD patients at the beginning of exacerbation inflammatory cytokines, leptin and resistin levels were significantly higher and when compared with the control group, a statistically significant difference was observed (p <0.05). After the treatment?s 15. day a significant decrease with inflammatory cytokines, leptin and resistin levels were detected even as the healthy control group at COPD patients. Also the statistical difference measured during the exacerbation was resolved. In addition, there was no relationship between leptin, resistin levels measured at the beginning of attack and pulmonary function parameters.As a result, it is considered that leptin and resistin levels increase in COPD exacerbation and return to normal with treatment such as the other inflammatory cytokines. As a result of these properties both of the substances can be used as a inflammatory marker but having no relationship with lung function parameters they can?t be used as a functional marker.Key Words: COPD, Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, TNF-?), Leptin, Rezistin