Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Activity and Levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in Induced Sputum in the Exacerbation and Recovery of COPD Patients

Background Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are thought to be associated with increased airway inflammation, and the NF-κB is known to be an indicator of cellular activation and of inflammatory mediator production. This study was undertaken to investigate the change of cytokine characteristics and NF-κ B activity in induced sputum of COPD patients during exacerbation and recovery of the disease. Methods Sputum induction was performed in 37 patients with COPD during exacerbation and during recovery and in 15 healthy subjects. Cell counts, levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in induced sputum and NF-κB activity in macrophage of induced sputum were measured. Results Patients with COPD showed significantly increased levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α(p<0.01) and increased NF-κB activity in induced sputum(p<0.05) as compared with control subjects. Level of IL-8 during exacerbation of COPD decreased significantly during recovery(p<0.05). NF-κB activity and levels of IL-6 and TNF-α tended to be decreased during recovery, but not siginificantly. Conclusion Activation of NF-κB and increased levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were thought to be associated with pathogenesis and exacerbations of COPD.