Markers of early disease and prognosis in COPD

Review

(4379) Views  (1165) Full article downloads

Authors: Morten Dahl, Børge G Nordestgaard

Published Date April 2009 Volume 2009:4 Pages 157 - 167

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S3106

Morten Dahl, Børge G Nordestgaard

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract: COPD is a complex disease with multiple pathological components, which we unfortunately tend to ignore when spirometry is used as the only method to evaluate the disorder. Additional measures are needed to allow a more complete and clinically relevant assessment of COPD. The earliest potential risk factors of disease in COPD are variations in the genetic background. Genetic variations are present from conception and can determine lifelong changes in enzyme activities and protein concentrations. In contrast, measurements in blood, sputum, exhaled breath, broncho-alveolar lavage, and lung biopsies may vary substantially over time. This review explores potential markers of early disease and prognosis in COPD by examining genetic markers in the α₁-antitrypsin, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and MBL-2 genes, and by examining the biochemical markers fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP), which correlate with degree of pulmonary inflammation during stable conditions of COPD. Chronic lung inflammation appears to contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD, and markers of this process have promising predictive value in COPD. To implement markers for COPD in clinical practice, besides those already established for the α₁-antitrypsin gene, further research and validation studies are needed.

Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, biomarker, pathogenesis, prognosis, genetics