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Respiratory Research
Published in: Respiratory Research 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Free light chains: potential biomarker and predictor of mortality in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and usual COPD

Authors: Judith A. Hampson, Robert A. Stockley, Alice M. Turner

Published in: Respiratory Research | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Circulating free light chains (FLCs) can alter neutrophil migration, apoptosis and activation and may be a biomarker of autoimmune disease and adaptive immune system activation. These pathogenic roles could be relevant to lung disease in alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Total combined (c)FLCs were measured using the FreeLite® assay in 547 patients with A1ATD and 327 patients with usual COPD in the stable state, and assessed for association with clinical phenotype, disease severity, airway bacterial colonisation and mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken.

Results

Circulating cFLCs were static in the stable state when measured on 4 occasions in A1ATD and twice in usual COPD. Levels were inversely related to renal function (A1ATD and COPD p = <0.01), and higher in patients with chronic bronchitis (p = 0.019) and airway bacterial colonisation (p = 0.008). After adjusting for renal function and age the relationship between cFLCs and lung function was weak. Kaplan Meier curves showed that cFLC > normal (43.3 mg/L) significantly associated with mortality in both cohorts (A1ATD p = 0.001, COPD p = 0.013).

Conclusions

cFLCs may be a promising biomarker for risk stratification in A1ATD and COPD.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Free light chains: potential biomarker and predictor of mortality in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and usual COPD
Authors
Judith A. Hampson
Robert A. Stockley
Alice M. Turner
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Respiratory Research / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1465-993X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-016-0348-1

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