Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

An IL-8 Transiently Transgenized Mouse Model for the In Vivo Long-term Monitoring of Inflammatory Responses
Published on: July 7, 2017
Interleukin-18 in induced sputum: association with lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Nikoletta Rovina1, Efrossini Dima, Christina Gerassimou
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital for Diseases of Chest, 152 Mesogion Avenue, Athens GR-11527, Greece. krovina@med.uoa.gr
Background:
It has been shown that interleukin (IL)-18 levels in induced sputum are reduced in asthmatic and healthy smokers. However, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, recent data show an overproduction in the lungs and increased serum levels of IL-18, suggesting that IL-18 may be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Method:
In order to assess the relation of IL-18 with pulmonary function and airway inflammation in COPD, IL-18, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-8 levels were measured by ELISA in sputum supernatants obtained from patients with bronchitis type COPD (n=28), and healthy subjects (18 smokers and 17 non-smokers). Cellular localization of IL-18 was assessed by immunocytochemistry.
Results:
The levels of IL-18 were significantly higher in sputum supernatants of COPD patients compared to healthy smokers and non-smokers (p<0.05). IL-18 production was localized to sputum macrophages. IL-18 levels were inversely correlated with FEV(1) (% predicted) (r=-0.572, p=0.002) and FEV(1)/FVC ratio in COPD smokers (r=-0.608, p=0.001). No correlations were found between IL-18 levels and inflammatory markers studied in induced sputum obtained from COPD patients, healthy smokers and non-smokers.
Conclusion:
In patients with COPD, increased levels of IL-18 in induced sputum were associated with airflow limitation, suggesting that IL-18 may be implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
