Relationships between TNF-α、 IL-8、 IL-6 and clinical stages, airflow limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective To investigate the serum levels TNF-a,IL- 8 and lL-6 levels and their relationships to clinical stages and airflow limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD).Methods The serum was sampled and prepared from 120 cases of COPD( exacerbation group 60 cases,remission group 60 cases) patients and 30 healthy persons.Serum level of TNF-α,IL-8 and IL-6 were detected by ELISA,they were statistically analyzed according to clinical stages,airflow obstruction limitation.Results Levels of TNF-α,IL-8 and IL-6 in the cases of the COPD stable time and the period of AECOPD were higher than the healthy cases (P ＜ 0.05).Levels of TNF-α,IL-8 and IL-6 in the period of AECOPD were higher than in the cases of the COPD stable time (P ＜ 0.05).Levels of TNF-α,IL- 8 and IL-6 0f ventilated function obstacle groups of medium scan and heavy scan were higher than light scan group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions TNF-α,lL-8 and IL-6 are involved in airway inflammation,TNF-α,IL-8 and IL-6 not only take part in the acute inflammation in COPD,but also are closely correlated with clinical stages and airflow limitation. Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;  TNF-α;  IL-8;  IL-6;  Clinical stages;  Airflow limitation