IgE-dependent sensitization in patients with COPD

Introduction and objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences between asthma and COPD on the basis of the prevalence and profile of IgE-dependent sensitization to inhaled allergens, and the blood serum levels of select Th1/Th2 cytokines. Material and methods 103 patients with COPD (114 patients with asthma and 121 controls) were included in the study. A skin prick test with common inhaled allergens was performed, and serum levels of IgE were measured in all subjects. Lymphocyte profiles were measured via the whole-blood method using fresh 10-ml blood samples treated with EDTA. The following surface antigens were measured: CD3, CD29, CD16, CD56, CD4, CD8, and HLA-DR. The Th1/Th2 profile in blood serum was determined using Th1/Th2 cytokine kits. Results IgE-dependent sensitization to environmental allergens was found in 34 (33.3%) patients with COPD, 46 (40%) patients with asthma and in 14 (11.5%) volunteers. The odds ratio of sensitization in patients with COPD reached 0.89 (95% CI: 0.57–1.08) and it was more frequent than in the control population with an odds ratio of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.64–0.88). The serum concentration of IL-2 was significantly higher in patients with COPD and asthma than in controls. In the subgroup of patients with non-allergic asthma, similar serum concentrations were observed for all analyzed cytokines, except for IFN-gamma, which was lower in patients with COPD. Conclusions Both the prevalence and profile of IgE-dependent sensitization to inhaled allergens did not differ between asthma and COPD. Both Th2 and Th1 played a role in the immunopathology of asthma and COPD. Abbreviations COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; FEV1 – forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC – forced expiratory volume; GINA – Global Initiative for Asthma; GOLD – Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; MMRC – Modified Medical Research Council; Th1 – lymphocyte helper 1; Th2 – lymphocyte helper