Level of soluble molecules of major histocompatibility complex CLASS II in serum, sputum and exhaled breath condensate in COPD of patients with an exacerbation of COPD

Abstract

Objective: To research the soluble major histocompatibility complex class II (sHLA-II)level in serum, sputum and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in the patientswith COPD. Methods: We examined 61 patients 44-69 years old (62 ± 4.8) with COPD I (n = 21), COPD II (n = 22) and stage III (n = 27) and 30 healthy non-smokers. Results: Levels of the soluble form of HLA class II molecules in serum and sputum were significantly increased in comparison with the norm at all stages of the disease (p 1 and concentration of sHLA-II in serum (r=0.52 p=0.0003), in sputum (r=0.65 p=0.01) and in EBC (r=0.62 p=0.01). It was also found a high positive correlation between FEV 1 /FVC and HLA-II level in in serum (r=0.48 p=0.006), in sputum (r=0.74 p=0.003) and in EBC (r=0.44 p=0.04). Conclusion: Taking into account the associations between measures of lung function and sHLA-II levels in serum, sputum and EBC of COPD patients, we may consider concentrations of these molecules as additional systemic and local markers of airflow obstruction degree and disease severity.