5 inflammation-sensitive plasma proteins associated with an increased incidence of COPD hospitalizations

The relationship between plasma markers of inflammation and the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still unclear. This population-based study explored whether raised levels of 5 inflammation-sensitive plasma proteins (ISPs) predicted hospital admissions for COPD during 25 years of follow-up.

Spirometric tests and measurements of five ISPs (fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, 1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, orosomucoid) were performed in 5247 healthy men from a Swedish city.


Ceruloplasmin (ferroxidase). Image source: Wikipedia, public domain.

Raised plasma ISP levels were associated with an increased incidence of COPD requiring hospitalisation.

Alpha globulins are a group of globular proteins in plasma, which are highly mobile in alkaline or electrically charged solutions:


Schematic representation of a protein electrophoresis gel. Image source: Wikipedia, public domain.

Alpha 1 globulins:
- α1-antitrypsin
- Orosomucoid (acid glycoprotein)

Alpha 2 globulins:
- Haptoglobin
- Ceruloplasmin

References:
Plasma markers of inflammation and incidence of hospitalisations for COPD: results from a population-based cohort study. G Engström1,2, N Segelstorm1, M Ekberg-Aronsson1, P M Nilsson1, F Lindgärde1 and C-G Löfdahl. Thorax 2009;64:211-215, 6 November 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2008.102079.