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Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Sharon R Rosenberg1, Ravi Kalhan
1Asthma and COPD Program, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N St Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Summary
Identifying reliable biomarkers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial. Fibrinogen shows promise as a COPD biomarker, but further research is needed for widespread acceptance.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
- Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents complex phenotypes beyond lung function.
- Accurate COPD risk assessment, phenotype identification, and exacerbation diagnosis necessitate validated biomarkers.
- Current diagnostic methods for COPD are insufficient for comprehensive patient stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of potential biomarkers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- To highlight promising biomarkers such as fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) for COPD assessment.
- To emphasize the need for large-scale longitudinal studies to validate COPD biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on COPD biomarkers.
- Assessment of blood-based markers (fibrinogen, CRP, PARC/CCL-18, CC-16) and sputum neutrophil counts.
- Evaluation of imaging techniques (CT scans) and integrative indices (BODE index) for COPD phenotyping and prognosis.
Main Results:
- Fibrinogen is a leading candidate for the first COPD biomarker qualification by the FDA.
- Blood fibrinogen and CRP correlate with COPD presence and future risk.
- Integrative indices and CT imaging aid in COPD prognosis and therapeutic decision-making.
Conclusions:
- No single biomarker is currently widely accepted for COPD management.
- Fibrinogen and other systemic inflammation markers are elevated during exacerbations and linked to accelerated lung function decline.
- Extensive longitudinal studies are essential to validate and establish the role of biomarkers in COPD.
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