Exacerbations in COPD inversely associated with human beta-defensin-2 levels

China: New study from China revealed that COPD patients with a high risk of exacerbations are found to have lower sputum human beta-defensin-2 levels. These hBD-2 levels can be used to predict exacerbations in COPD patients in the next 12 months. The study results were published in the journal BMC Pulmonary Medicine. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex chronic inflammatory condition of the pulmonary tract. Potential pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) can cause inflammation leading to exacerbation frequency and severity of COPD. Respiratory viral infection like the rhinovirus also causes acute exacerbations of COPD. Human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) which is an anti-microbial peptide, is an essential component of innate and adaptive immunity that promotes host defense by destroying the cell membranes of microorganisms. Hence researchers from China conducted a 2-year, single-center, observational study in Guangzhou province, China based on the hypothesis that levels of hBD-2 and cytokines may predict the acute exacerbations of COPD. 

Sputum hBD-2 levels were measured in nearly 254 patients from Guangzhou, China, for 2 years. The study participants were categorized into the COPD group (n = 203) and the control group (n = 51). All the participants were aged 40–79 years old.  Based on the disease severity participants were divided into 4 groups of GOLD 0-4. The sputum hBD-2 level and levels of cytokines, such as CXCL10, CXCL11, and IFN were measured at baseline, 12th month, and 24th month using the ELISA method.