INTRODUCTION:

Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), are deficient in a variety of lung diseases. Disorders of their production and function could be part of the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is known about this matter.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the association between specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, its precursors and COPD.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional prospective study in a cohort of 40 consenting patients with a stable COPD according to the GOLD 2022 guidelines at La Rabta Hospital between March and September 2022. We included a control group of 40 matched healthy smokers. Patients with known  co-morbidities that may interfere with lipid mediators levels were excluded. Blood samples (SPMs: Lipoxins A4 and B4, Resolvins D1 and D5, 17(S)-hydroxy Docosapentaenoic acid; SPMs? precursors: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA); and C-Reactive Protein (CRP)),were performed. 

RESULTS:

The mean age was 63.78 ± 7.58 years in COPD group (C) and 59.58 ± 6.9 years in control group (T). EPA was significantly correlated with COPD (r=0.268, p=0.015) and negatively correlated with the forced expiratory volume in seconds (FEV1) (r=-0.284, p=0.011). No significant difference in SPMs levels  was found between the two groups. Remarkably, CRP was negatively correlated with 17(S)-hydroxy DPA (r=-0.337, p=0.002) and Resolvin D5 (r=-0.221, p=0.049). Lipoxins were significantly lower in COPD patients with chronic lung failure (1.71 vs 2.62 ng/mL p=0.008 and 2.56 vs 4.26 ng/mL, P<10-3).

CONCLUSION: 

Our study shows that lipid metabolic pathways could be altered in COPD promoting inflammation and halting inflammatory resolution.