Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 as a possible marker of COPD in smokers and ex-smokers

Author(s)

de Oliveira Caram, Laura Miranda ; Ferrari, R. ; Nogueira, D. L. ; Oliveira, M. R. M. ; Francisqueti, F. V. ; Tanni, S. E. ; Correa, C. R. ; Godoy, I.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE; v. 12, p. 7-pg., 2017-01-01.

Abstract

Introduction: Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation are higher in smokers and patients with COPD; however, markers that may help differentiate between smokers and patients with COPD have not yet been identified. We hypothesized that tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor (TNFR) and soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) can be indicators of COPD in asymptomatic patients. Patients and methods: We evaluated 32 smokers (smoking history > 10 pack-years), 32 patients with mild/moderate COPD (smokers and ex-smokers), and 32 never smokers. Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, TNFR1 and TNFR2, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and the sRAGE were measured in serum. Results: There were higher CRP and AGEs concentrations in smokers and in patients with COPD (P<0.001 and P=0.01, respectively) compared to controls, without statistical difference between smokers and patients with COPD. Concentrations of sRAGE, IL-6, and TNFR1 did not differ between study groups. TNFR2 was significantly higher in patients with COPD than in smokers (P=0.004) and controls (P=0.004), and the presence of COPD (P=0.02) and CRP (P=0.001) showed a positive association with TNFR2. Positive associations for smoking (P=0.04), CRP (P=0.03), and IL-6 (P=0.03) with AGEs were also found. The interaction variable (smoking x COPD) showed a positive association with IL-6. Conclusion: Our data suggest that TNFR2 may be a possible marker of COPD in asymptomatic smokers and ex-smokers. Although smokers and patients with early COPD presented other increased systemic inflammation markers (eg, CRP) and oxidative stress (measured by AGEs), they did not differentiate smokers from COPD. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/22321-0 - Association between oxidative stress, inflammation and systemic manifestations in smokers and patients with mild and moderate COPD
• Grantee: Irma de Godoy
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants