title: Proinflammatory cytokines and hemostatic system in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: The prothrombotic state frequently observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be related to a systemic inflammatory response. In the present study plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-2 and IL-1beta levels have been investigated in 33 patients with COPD. In vitro platelet activity, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels were also determined in all patients. The results obtained demonstrated that plasma IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared with a control population age and sex-matched ( P < 0.02), while plasma IL-2 and IL-1beta levels were not significantly modified. An overall condition of platelet hyperactivity in COPD patients was also observed. A comparative analysis of platelet activity and blood gas levels demonstrated a correlation between platelet hyperactivity and a severe impairment of oxygen ( P < 0.001) and carbon dioxide tensions ( P < 0.01). Finally, a statistical analysis of the population under study showed the presence of a significant correlation between elevated plasma IL-6 ( P < 0.001) and IL-1beta levels ( P < 0.007), and an increased sensitivity of platelets to arachidonic acid, suggesting a possible correlation between the inflammatory response and the prothrombotic state observed in patients with COPD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferroni
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Basili
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alessandri
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vieri
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Belogi
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Pulcinelli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cordova
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Gazzaniga