The level of soluble CD8 molecules in serum and sputum in COPD patients with an exacerbation

Abstract

To research the soluble CD8 molecules (sCD8) levels in serum and sputum in COPD patients with exacerbation. 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. The concentration of soluble CD8 molecules was measured using the immunoassay method (U/ml). Results: sCD8 levels in serum were significantly increased in COPD I (775.1±105.2 U/ml, р=0.04) and COPD II patients (684.1±47.1 U/ml, р=0.005) compared to non-smokers (482.8±35.6 U/ml). Serum concentration of sCD8 in patients with stage III (502.1±35.8 U/ml) was lower by 1.54 times (p=0.015) compared to the values of COPD I and 1.4 times (p=0.003) than COPD II and did not differ from the control group. The content of sCD8 in induced sputum in patients with stage I and II disease had no a significant difference compared to the healthy non-smokers (434.4±53.2 U/ml). A statistically significant decrease in the level of studied molecules as relative to control and compared to less severe forms of the disease was detected in severe COPD (280.7±20.3 U/ml, p There were a positive correlation between the lung function parameter FEV1, FEV1/FVC and concentration of sCD8 in serum (r=0.4 p=0.01, r=0.43 p=0.002), in sputum (r=0.5 p=0.01, r=0.53 p=0.01). Conclusion: Thus, progressing of bronchial obstruction in patients with COPD is associated with the decrease in sCD8 concentration both on the system, and at the topical level. We may consider concentrations of these molecules as additional systemic and local markers of airflow obstruction degree and disease severity.