Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with decreased CD4+ & CD8+ T cells and increased growth & differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) in peripheral blood.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although T cells, especially CD8+, have been implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis, their role during acute exacerbations (AE-COPD) is uncertain.

Methods

We recruited subjects with COPD and a history of previous AE-COPD and studied them quarterly to collect blood and spontaneously expectorated sputum while stable. During exacerbations (defined by a change in symptoms plus physician diagnosis and altered medications), we collected blood and sputum before administering antibiotics or steroids. We used flow cytometry to identify leukocytes in peripheral blood, plus Luminex® analysis or ELISA to determine levels of inflammatory biomarkers in serum and sputum supernatants.

Results

Of 33 enrolled subjects, 13 participated in mult

SUBMITTER: Freeman CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4531816 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature