Plasma surfactant Protein-D levels in healthy subjects and COPD patients

Objective: To compare plasma surfactant protein-D levels in healthy smokers and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Methods: The comparative study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from January to December 2015, and comprised chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and healthy smokers of either gender aged 40-80 years. Plasma surfactant protein-D levels of male and female subjects were estimated and compared with lung function and tobacco exposure. Blood samples were collected after complete history, physical examination and spirometry. Plasma levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma cotinine levels were also measured for the determination of tobacco as well as biomass exposure along with pack years. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 84 subjects, there were 42(50%) patients and as many controls. Both groups had 21(50%) males and as many females. There was no significant difference in the plasma surfactant protein-D levels of males and females in the patient group compared to their counterparts in the control group (p>0.05). Females developed the disease at a younger age compared to males (p=0.04). There was no significant difference in terms of pack years and cotinine levels between the groups (p>0.05) and lung function showed greater deterioration in the females compared to males with similar tobacco exposure (p<0.05). Conclusion: The gender did not affect plasma surfactant protein-D levels.