RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Plasma cytokine levels in non-smoking and smoking patients with COPD JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P840 VO 44 IS Suppl 58 A1 Anatoli Tahanovich A1 Aliaksei Kadushkin YR 2014 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P840.abstract AB Background. The results of recently published studies suggest that there are some molecular differences in the pathogenesis of COPD between smokers and non-smokers.Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF) and neutrophil elastase (NE) in blood of non-smokers and smokers with COPD.Methods. We examined 21 non-smokers with COPD, 20 smokers with COPD, 20 healthy non-smokers and 21 healthy smokers. Plasma levels of six inflammatory mediators and protease NE were determined by an immunoassay technique.Results. Concentrations of IL-8, VEGF and NE were significantly elevated in smokers with COPD compared to healthy smokers, and in non-smoking COPD patients compared to healthy non-smokers. Increased level of TNF-α was observed only in non-smoking COPD patients compared to non-smoking healthy control subjects. Smokers with COPD had higher concentration of NE and lower level of TNF-α than non-smokers with COPD. There were no differences in IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 levels between the investigated groups. Patients (smokers and non-smokers combined) with high and very high impact level of COPD on health status (according to the results of CAT, COPD Assessment Test) had significantly higher levels of TNF-α and VEGF than patients with low and medium impact level.Conclusion. Our findings reveal some new molecular differences in the pathogenesis of COPD between non-smokers and smokers.