title: Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD: systemic effects of a local therapy?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are few data on the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on systemic inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Evaluation of the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination with long acting beta2-agonists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analysis of the results of a randomized study assessing the short-term effects of inhaled fluticasone propionate, inhaled fluticasone + salmeterol and placebo on three inflammation biomarkers represented by C-reactive protein, IL-6 and surfactant protein-D.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination exhibited partial systemic anti-inflammatory effects, reducing significantly only SP-D serum levels. Further evaluation of effects of inhaled corticosteroids on various biomarkers of systemic inflammation is required in more severe stable COPD.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Gr. T. Popa' Iasi, Division of Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Disease University Hospital, 30 Dr I Cihac Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania. sabina.antonela.antoniu@pneum.umfiasi.ro
authors.forename: Sabina A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Antoniu