Abstract: Objective To investigate the co-relations between serum α₁-antitrypsin level and airway inflammation,and pulmonary function in stable COPD patients.Methods 60 stable COPD patients and 30 healthy controls were recruited.Their serums level of α₁-antitrypsin,interleukin-6,interleukin-8 and neutrophil elastase,and the patients pulmonary function as well were detected.Results The findings show that the serum levels of α₁-AT,IL-6,IL-8 and NE in COPD patients are much higher than those of the controls;there exist positive correlations between serum levels of α₁-AT and NE and negative correlations between serum level of α₁-AT and RV/TLC of pulmonary function.Conclusion This indicates that airway inflammation continues during the stationary phases in COPD patients,that the serum α₁-AT level are positive with the degree of airway inflammation,and negative with the degree of emphysema.

Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, α₁-antitrypsin, neutrophil elastase, pulmonary function