Increased Serum Inflammatory Markers in the Absence of Clinical and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Our results identify hs-CRP as an early marker of inflammation that is significantly increased in the circulation even in mild COPD. Serum interleukin levels appear to be increased with disease progress. These changes were manifested in the absence of any clinical signs of disease exacerbation, evidence of skeletal muscle inflammation or hormonal changes.