Abstract
Introduction and aim: Emerging evidence suggests that NLR pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation may be persistent in the airways and contribute to inflammation and pathological cell damage in COPD. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize COPD patients with increased inflammasome activation.
Methods: Inflammasome-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from COPD patients (n=29), healthy non-smokers (n=27) and smokers (n=8). The inflammasome-high cluster of COPD patients, identified by hierarchical clustering of IL-1β (total and active form) and IL-18, was related to clinical characteristics and disease biomarkers in BALF.
Results: The levels of inflammasome cytokines were significantly higher in BALF from COPD patients compared to healthy volunteers. The inflammasome-high cluster of COPD patients (48%) was distinguished by increased sputum neutrophils (p=0.03), decreased eosinophils (p=0.01) and increased bacterial colonization (p =0.04). Additionally, the inflammasome-high cluster exhibited significantly increased BALF levels of surrogate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis) markers; cell free DNA (p<0.001) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO; p <0.001), compared to inflammasome-low patients.
Conclusions: Inflammasome activation is increased in the airways of COPD patients with increased neutrophilic inflammation and bacterial colonization. Recent findings revealed an interplay between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NETosis in several disorders. Our results are in line with these findings, warranting further investigation of the interactions between NLRP3 inflammasome and NETosis in COPD.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, OA2702.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021