Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) expression on monocytes and peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio, as well as the relationship of these cells with pulmonary functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty COPD patients and 40 healthy volunteers were included. Participants were analysed in four groups according to their smoking status. Peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and monocyte TLR-2 expression were measured by flow cytometry in the whole study population.

RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in TLR-2 expression, number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio between the study groups. CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio and FEV1/FVC were found to have a mild positive correlation (r=0.295, p=0.022). A mild negative correlation was observed between smoking intensity and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio (r=-0.274, p=0.034).

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a mild correlation between pulmonary functions and peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio. However, we did not find a significant difference in TLR-2 expression of CD14+ monocytes in patients with airway obstruction.