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Changes in Th1/Th2-producing cytokines during acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
11 Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
The Journal of International Medical Research
|June 29, 2018
Summary
Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is linked to higher cytokine levels and an imbalance in T helper cell subsets. Specifically, increased Th2 cell activity and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) are observed in AECOPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease.
- Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) represent significant clinical events.
- Immune dysregulation, particularly involving T helper cells, is implicated in COPD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum cytokine profiles in patients with AECOPD.
- To analyze the ratio of type 1 T helper (Th1) to type 2 T helper (Th2) cells in AECOPD.
- To explore the relationship between cytokine levels, T helper cell balance, and AECOPD severity.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of key cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17) and IgE were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
- Patients were categorized into three groups: AECOPD, stable COPD, and healthy controls.
- The study included 245 AECOPD patients, 193 stable COPD patients, and 50 healthy controls, diagnosed according to GOLD criteria.
Main Results:
- AECOPD patients exhibited significantly higher serum levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and IgE compared to stable COPD patients and healthy controls.
- The Th1/Th2 cell ratio and IL-17/IgE ratio were notably lower in the AECOPD group.
- These findings suggest increased IgE production and a predominance of Th2 cell differentiation in patients experiencing AECOPD.
Conclusions:
- An imbalance in circulating CD4+ T cell subsets is associated with AECOPD.
- A shift in the Th1/Th2 and IL-17/IgE ratios may be a consequence of enhanced Th2 cell activity during exacerbations.
- These immune alterations provide potential targets for understanding and managing AECOPD.
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