Leptin and TNF-Alpha Levels in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Their Relationship to Nutritional Parameters

Abstract

In conclusion (1) elevated TNF-alpha levels may be related to increased inflammation in patients, (2) circulating TNF-alpha levels were associated with increased leptin levels and (3) although leptin and nutritional parameters were correlated in the stable COPD patients, the correlation was weaker compared to controls, and during an exacerbation it disappeared completely. Therefore, inappropriately increased levels of leptin and TNF-alpha noted during recurrent acute exacerbations in patients with COPD may lead to changes in nutritional parameters and body weight in the course of the disease.