Abstract:
Studies comparing the systemic inflammatory profiles of smokers with and without COPD present discordant findings. The aim of our study is to compare the systemic inflammatory profile of smokers with and without COPD. This is a cross-sectional comparative study. Two groups of active smokers of more than 10 pack-years were included: 56 consecutives stable COPD (postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70) and 32 consecutives non-COPD (postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC ≥ 0.70). Smoking and clinical, anthropometric and spirometric data were noted. The following blood biomarkers were identified: leukocytes, hemoglobin, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), nterleukin-6 (IL- 6), C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). According to the levels (normal/abnormal) of these markers, two groups of smokers were formed. Quantitative and qualitative data were expressed, respectively, as means±SD and percentages. Compared to the non-COPD group, the COPD group was older (56±12 vs. 65±8 years) and had a higher smoking consumption (30±18 vs. 52±31 pack-years). Compared to the nonCOPD group, the COPD group had higher values of CRP (2.06±1.24 vs. 11.32±11.03 mg/L), of ESR (9.59±8.29 vs. 15.96±11.56), of IL-6 (9.28±4.69 vs. 20.27±5.31 ng/L) and of TNF- (18.38±7.98 vs. 8.62±3.72 ng/L). Compared to the non-COPD group, the COPD group included higher percentages of smokers with elevated CRP (0 vs. 32%), with leukocytosis (6 vs. 16%), with higher levels of IL-6 (81 vs. 98%) or TNF-α (91 vs. 100%). Smokers with COPD, compared to smokers free from COPD, have a marked systemic inflammation.
