Assessment of Serum Retinol-Binding Protein-4 Levels in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease admitted to Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading and increasing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is characterized by persistent airflow limitation. Inflammation occupies a central role in the pathogenesis of COPD. In addition to local pulmonary inflammation, systemic inflammation is adding to the complexity of the disease, characterized by increased circulating levels of inflammatory cells, cytokines and acute phase proteins that occur in both stable disease and during exacerbations. Patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) have high mortality rates and usually need admission to intensive care units (ICUs). Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) is a molecule found in the circulation, thought to be secreted mainly by adipose tissue and liver, and is a specific transporter for retinol in the circulation. This study was designed for assessment of serum-retinol binding protein-4 in AECOPD patients at intensive care units and the possibility of its use