Association of alpha-1 antitrypsin level and lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction/Objective Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is well established inherited risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),however alpha-1 antitrypsin level may result in different lung function reduction. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible associations of alpha-1 antitrypsin level and lung function in COPD patients with different alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotypes. Methods Serum alpha-1 antitrypsin concentration from patients (n=1167) with COPD, defined according to the GOLD criteria, were analysed by nephelometry, alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotype was determined by means of isoelectric-focusing. Results In COPD patients without alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (MM) a significant negative association of lung function (FEV1) with serum alpha-1 antitrypsin (r=-0,511, P<0.05) and CRP concentrations (r=-0.583, P<0.05) was detected; moreover the level of alpha-1 antitrypsin positively correlated with CRP concentration (r=0.667, P<0.05). Conclusions In patients without alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, detected negative association of alpha-1 antitrypsin level with FEV1 and positive association with CRP level defined an importance of alpha-1 antitrypsin for lung function in COPD patients.