Proinflammatory cytokines and hemostatic system in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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-1 beta levels have been investigated in 33 patients,vith 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-1 beta 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-1 beta 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.