NEUTROPHIL ACTIVATION IN COPD PATIENTS: ANALYZING THE ROLE OF SERUM LXA4 AND LTB4 LEVELS AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH DISEASE SEVERITY IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum leukotriene B4 (LTB4), lipoxin A4 (LXA4), and neutrophil activation in athletes with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to explore the correlation of these biomarkers with disease severity. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 120 athletes diagnosed with COPD, categorized by disease severity into remission, mild, moderate, and severe groups, based on lung function tests and chronic symptoms such as dyspnea and cough. A control group comprised of 100 healthy athletes was also included for comparison. Serum levels of LXA4, LTB4, and neutrophil activation markers were measured and analyzed across all groups. Results: The levels of LTB4 and markers of neutrophil activation were significantly higher in all COPD groups compared to healthy controls, while LXA4 levels were lower. Within the COPD groups, the severe group exhibited the highest levels of LTB4 and neutrophil activation. Statistically significant differences were found among the COPD severity groups, indicating a positive correlation between LTB4/neutrophil activation and disease severity, and a negative correlation for LXA4. Conclusion: Elevated LTB4 and neutrophil activation, along with reduced LXA4, are significantly associated with greater severity of COPD in athletes. These findings suggest that these biomarkers could serve as important diagnostic and prognostic tools, aiding in the management and potentially guiding therapy for athletes suffering from COPD.