Abstract
Background: Serum pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels are increased with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to examine the levels of pro-BNP and IL-6 in stable COPD patients and the correlation of these markers with health-related quality of life using COPD assessment test (CAT).
Method and Materials: Serum pro-BNP and IL-6 levels were measured in 82 patients with stable COPD. Serum pro-BNP levels, serum IL-6 levels, pulmonary function, and O2 saturation (Spo2) were compared according to GOLD stage and CAT score. Additionally, we tested association both pro-BNP and IL-6 with clinical parameters of patients.
Results: Plasma IL-6 and pro-BNP levels increased with enhancing disease severity according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) classification (P=0.034, P=0.068; respectively). Also, results showed that plasma levels of pro-BNP and IL-6 were higher in patients with high CAT score (P=0.004, P=0.017; respectively). Additionally, there was positive significantly correlation between plasma pro-BNP and IL-6 levels (r= 0.332; P=0.002).
Conclusion: The results demonstrated that with the increasing severity of the obstruction in patients with stable COPD, increased both IL-6 and pro-BNP. This increase in inflammatory markers is associated with reduced quality of life and severity of hypoxia. These results suggest that lowering of IL-6 and pro-BNP may be useful in the management of COPD patients.
- Copyright ©the authors 2017
