Changes of plasma lysophosphatidic acid levels in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the effects of LMWH

Abstract

Objective To observe the changes of plasma lysophosphatidic acid（ LPA）levels in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease（ AECOPD ）and the effects of low molecular weight heparin（ LMWH）. Methods A total of 65 patients with AECOPD,60 cases of healthy volunteers as control were enrolled into the study. The 65 patients with AECOPD were randomly divided into heparin treatment group and general treatment group. The plasma LPA levels were detected by measuring its inorganic phosphorus after separation by chromatograph. Meanwhile,the effects of LMWH on plasma LPA levels were observed. Results The plasma LPA levels significantly increased in patients with AECOPD,as compared with controls and stable COPD（P〈0. 05）. Administration of LMWH for two weeks significantly lowered the LPA levels of patients,as compared with general treatment（ P〈0. 05）,and the lung function parameter FEV1/ FVC,FEV1 significantly improved（P〈0. 01）. Plasma LPA levels were positively correlated with PCO2 ,and negatively correlated with PO2 ,FEV1/ FVC,and FEV1 before or after treatment. Conclusions Plasma LPA levels significantly elevated in patients with AECOPD,suggesting that platelet activation,hypercoagulability or thrombosis. Heparin treatment can significantly reduce the plasma levels of LPA and improve the lung function. LPA may be used as a new biomarker for patients with AECOPD. Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Lysophosphatidic acid; Biomarker; Low molecular weight heparin