Antimicrobial peptide levels are linked to airway inflammation, bacterial colonisation and exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effectors of host defence against infection, inflammation and wound repair. We aimed to study AMP levels in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and during acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), and to examine their relation to clinical parameters and inflammatory markers.The 3-year Bergen COPD Cohort Study included 433 COPD patients and 325 controls.

Vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein, and longitudinal outcomes in COPD.

Background: Associations between Vitamin D3 [25(OH)D], vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are previously reported. We aimed to further investigate these associations on longitudinal outcomes.

Methods: 426 COPD patients from western Norway, GOLD stage II-IV, aged 40-76, were followed every six-month from 2006 through 2009 with spirometry, bioelectrical impedance measurements and registration of exacerbation frequency.

Comparison of inflammatory markers in induced and spontaneous sputum in a cohort of COPD patients.

Background: Sputum induction is a non-invasive method for obtaining measurements of inflammation in the airways. Whether spontaneously sampled sputum can be a valid surrogate is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare levels of six inflammatory markers in sputum pairs consisting of induced and spontaneous sputum sampled on the same consultation either in a stable state or during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Predictors of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease--results from the Bergen COPD cohort study.

Background: COPD exacerbations accelerate disease progression.

Aims: To examine if COPD characteristics and systemic inflammatory markers predict the risk for acute COPD exacerbation (AECOPD) frequency and duration.

Methods: 403 COPD patients, GOLD stage II-IV, aged 44-76 years were included in the Bergen COPD Cohort Study in 2006/07, and followed for 3 years.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with low levels of vitamin D.

Introduction: COPD patients may be at increased risk for vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency, but risk factors for deficiency among COPD patients have not been extensively reported.

Methods: Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by liquid chromatography double mass spectrometry in subjects aged 40-76 years from Western Norway, including 433 COPD patients (GOLD stage II-IV) and 325 controls. Levels <20 ng/mL defined deficiency.