Effects of clarithromycin on cellular immune and respiratory function in patients with COPD in stable phase

Objective To investigate the effects of clarithromycin on cellular immune and respiratory function in patients with COPD in stable phase. Methods A total of 108 patients was randomly assigned to two groups. Group A(56 cases) was treated with basic therapy plus oral clarithromycin,group B(52 cases) with basic therapy alone. Another 45 healthy subjects were taken as blank controls(group C). Interleukin(IL)-8,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,CD3+,CD4+,CD8+ T lymphocytes,CD4+/CD8+ ratio in peripheral blood,FEV1.0 and FEV1.0/FVC were measured in three groups before and 8 weeks after treatment.Results Compared with groups of B and C after treatment,group A had significantly lower serum levels of IL-8,TNF-α,IL-6 and CD8+ T lymphocytes with higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio,FEV1.0,and FEV1.0/FVC.Serum levels of IL-8,TNF-α,IL-6 and CD8+ T lymphocytes were negatively correlated with FEV1.0 and FEV1.0/FVC. CD4+/CD8+ ratio was positively correlated to FEV1.0 and FEV1.0/FVC.Conclusion Clarithromycin can reduce serum levels of IL-8,TNF-α and IL-6 in COPD patients in stable phase,inhibit inflammation,regulate cellular immune function and improve lung function.