ABSTRACT
Interaction between cell adhesion molecules and their ligands are an important step of inflammatory processes and may have direct relevance to the pathology of airway inflammation in patients with COPD. To determine the possible role of adhesion molecules in increased airway inflammation in subjects with COPD. Serum levels of adhesion molecules [ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and P-Selectin] were measured in 30 patients with COPD and in 20 healthy controls, as well as in broncho-alveolar lavage [BAL] obtained from both groups [patients and controls]. In addition, pulmonary function tests [ventilatory function FEV [1], FVC, and FEV [1]/ FVC], E.C.G. and echocardiography for all studied subjects were studied. Serum adhesion molecules were significantly higher in patients than controls, p < 0.01 [in the serum as well as in BAL]. Smoking significantly increases expression of adhesion molecules in patients and controls in the serum as well as in BAL [p < 0.01]. The degree of airway obstruction was significantly higher in smoker versus non-smoker and correlated significantly with serum levels of adhesion molecules [r = 0.520, 0.560 and 0.500] for serum ICAM 1, VCAM 1 and P-selectin respectively. Increased airway inflammation and obstruction in patients with COPD is associated with an increased expression of adhesion molecules in the serum as well as in BAL, especially in smokers, where they may reflect the degree of ongoing airway inflammation in patients with COPD