BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the only cause of mortality and morbidity with an increasing incidence. Adiponectin has recently gained the spotlight for its possible association with COPD or its exacerbation. This study evaluated the association of serum and alveolar adiponectin levels with COPD-related variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 45 COPD patients. Number of cigarettes smoked (packs), years of smoking, number of disease exacerbations per year and BMI were all recorded. Patients underwent spirometry and their disease severity was determined based on BODE index. Venous blood sample was obtained to measure the adiponectin serum level, ESR and CRP. Bronchoscopy and BAL were performed as well and alveolar secretions were collected to assess the alveolar fluid level of adiponectin.

RESULT: The mean serum level of adiponectin in COPD patients was significantly higher than the upper limit of normal range in healthy individuals (P = 0.000). Level of alveolar adiponectin in smoker patients was significantly higher than non-smokers (P = 0.043) but serum adiponectin was not significantly different between them. Serum adiponectin level had a significant reverse correlation with BMI and a direct correlation with number of exacerbations per year and CRP. Level of alveolar adiponectin had a direct association with number of exacerbations per year and number of smoked cigarettes.

CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results, smoking cessation is very important in COPD and more emphasis should be placed on patient's weight control especially those with low BMI as well as rehabilitation programs for these patients.

KEYWORDS:  Alveolar adiponectin; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); Serum adiponectin

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