Association Between IL-17 and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by neutrophils airway infiltration. It is currently known that Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is an important pro-inflammatory factor. It can promote the accumulation of neutrophils and participate in the chronic inflammatory process of COPD. However, the value of IL-17 levels in the diagnosis and assessment of COPD remains controversial. In view of this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess its relevance. Methods: We searched databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase to extract original research. Results: A total of 10 studies with 2268 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the level of serum IL-17 in patients with stable COPD was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (standard mean difference SMD, 1.59, 95% CI 0.84-2.34; p<0.001). Compared with the stable COPD group, the serum IL-17 level in acute exacerbation (AECOPD) was significantly higher (SMD, 1.78, 95% CI 1.22-2.33; p<0.001). The level of IL-17 in sputum of COPD patients was also higher than that of healthy controls (SMD, 2.03, 95% CI 0.74-3.31; p<0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed that IL-17 levels were elevated in serum and sputum in COPD patients compared with healthy controls, and IL-17 levels increased with disease progression. IL-17 serves as a potential biomarker to indicate the persistence of neutrophilic inflammation and exacerbation of COPD.