OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory reactions and imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant and protease/anti-protease are the major causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Based on the information mentioned, the expressions and significance of adiponectin (APN), D-dimer (DD), Interleukin (IL)-17, and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were investigated in this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 70 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were enrolled and divided into stable group (group A, 28 cases) and acute exacerbation group (group B, 42 cases). Thirty-five healthy volunteers were included in the control group (group C, 35 cases). The levels of serum APN, IL- 17. D-D, and hs-CRP were tested and compared RESULTS: Levels of APN from Group B were significantly lower than that of Group A or Group C, while levels of APN of Group A were also significantly lower than that of Group C, (p < 0.05). Levels of IL-17, D-D, and Hs-CRP of group b were significantly increased compared to that of Group A or Group C, and levels of IL-17, D-D, and Hs-CRP of Group A were significantly elevated compared to that of Group C (p < 0.05). A negative statistical correlation was found between APN and IL-17, D-D, and Hs-CRP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of APN were downregulated in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The expression levels of APN, IL-17, D-D, and Hs-CRP were closely correlated with clinical stages and can be used as parameters for the evaluation of the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.