Serum angiopoietin-2 and CRP levels during COPD exacerbations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is an important mediator of angiogenesis and has been implicated in many inflammatory diseases. COPD is characterized by systemic inflammation, which is enhanced during exacerbations and may be assessed by measuring serum C-reactive protein (CRP). The aim of the study was to evaluate serum CRP and Ang-2 levels on the first (D1) and seventh day (D7) of hospitalization due to a COPD exacerbation and to examine possible associations of CRP and Ang-2 levels and kinetics with the length of hospital stay and outcome. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study and evaluated 90 patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of an acute exacerbation of COPD. A venous blood sample was obtained from all patients on D1 and D7 of hospitalization, for the measurement of Ang-2 and CRP. RESULTS: Serum Ang-2 levels were significantly higher on D1 compared to D7 during the course of COPD exacerbation (p < 0.001). Serum CRP levels were also significantly higher on D1 compared to D7 (p < 0.001). Serum Ang-2 presented a significant positive correlation with CRP levels both on D1 and D7 (r = 0.315 and r = 0.228, respectively). Patients with unfavorable outcome had significantly higher Ang-2 levels both on D1 (p = 0.04) and D7 (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Serum Ang-2 levels are elevated at the onset of COPD exacerbations and are positively associated with CRP levels. Ang-2 levels decrease during the course of COPD exacerbations in patients with favorable outcome. Serum Ang-2 may serve as a biomarker that could predict the outcome of a COPD exacerbation.