Endothelin-1 Levels in COPD Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
Author Information
Author(s): Carratu Pierluigi, Scoditti Cristina, Maniscalco Mauro, Seccia Teresa Maria, Di Gioia Giuseppe, Gadaleta Felice, Cardone Rosa Angela, Dragonieri Silvano, Pierucci Paola, Spanevello Antonio, Resta Onofrio
Primary Institution: University of Bari, Italy
Hypothesis
The imbalance of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide levels occurs in COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Conclusion
COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension have increased levels of endothelin-1 in both exhaled breath and blood compared to those with COPD only.
Supporting Evidence
- Increased levels of endothelin-1 were found in exhaled breath and blood of COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension.
- A good correlation was observed between endothelin-1 levels and pulmonary-artery systolic pressure.
- FENO levels were significantly lower in COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension compared to those with COPD only.
Takeaway
This study found that patients with a lung disease called COPD and high blood pressure in the lungs have more of a substance called endothelin-1 in their breath and blood, which might be important for their health.
Methodology
The study measured exhaled breath condensate and blood levels of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide in three groups: COPD with pulmonary hypertension, COPD only, and healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential influence of other treatments on results, as patients were not under steroid treatment but could have been on other medications.
Limitations
The control group consisted of healthy non-smokers, which may not represent a better control group; pulmonary arterial pressure was evaluated by echocardiography rather than the gold standard.
Participant Demographics
63 subjects: 12 with COPD and pulmonary hypertension, 36 with COPD only, and 15 healthy controls; mostly male participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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