http://hdl.handle.net/10171/18956 2013-05-18T06:44:52Z 2013-05-18T06:44:52Z Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de Bastarrika, G. (Gorka) Wisnivesky, J.P. (Juan P.) Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén) Campo, A. (Arantza) Seijo, L. (Luis) Pueyo, J. (Jesús) Villanueva, A. (Alberto) Lozano, M.D. (María Dolores) Montes, U. (Usúa) Montuenga, L.M. (Luis M.) Zulueta, J.J. (JavierJ.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/27564 2013-01-09T01:42:06Z 2006-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Assessing the relationship between lung cancer risk and emphysema detected on low-dose CT of the chest. Author(s) : Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de; Bastarrika, G. (Gorka); Wisnivesky, J.P. (Juan P.); Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén); Campo, A. (Arantza); Seijo, L. (Luis); Pueyo, J. (Jesús); Villanueva, A. (Alberto); Lozano, M.D. (María Dolores); Montes, U. (Usúa); Montuenga, L.M. (Luis M.); Zulueta, J.J. (JavierJ.) Abstract: Identification of risk factors for lung cancer can help in selecting patients who may benefit the most from smoking cessation interventions, early detection, or chemoprevention. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the presence of emphysema on low-radiation-dose CT (LDCT) of the chest is an independent risk factor for lung cancer. METHODS: The study used data from a prospective cohort of 1,166 former and current smokers participating in a lung cancer screening study. All individuals underwent a baseline LDCT and spirometry followed by yearly repeat LDCT studies. The incidence density of lung cancer among patients with and without emphysema on LDCT was estimated. Stratified and multiple regression analyses were used to assess whether emphysema is an independent risk factor for lung cancer after adjusting for age, gender, smoking history, and the presence of airway obstruction on spirometry. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, the incidence density of lung cancer among individuals with and without emphysema on LDCT was 25.0 per 1,000 person-years and 7.5 per 1,000 person-years, respectively (risk ratio [RR], 3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41 to 7.85). Emphysema was also associated with increased risk of lung cancer when the analysis was limited to individuals without airway obstruction on spirometry (RR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.04 to 18.16). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of emphysema (RR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.01 to 6.23) on LDCT but not airway obstruction (RR, 2.10; 95% CI, 0.79 to 5.58) was associated with increased risk of lung cancer after adjusting for potential cofounders. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the presence of emphysema on LDCT is an independent risk factor for lung cancer.

2006-12-31T23:00:00Z Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de Bastarrika, G. (Gorka) Zagaceta, J. (Jorge) Saiz-Mendiguren, R. (R.) Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén) Seijo, L. (Luis) Montes, U. (Usúa) Campo, A. (Arantza) Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/27563 2013-01-09T01:42:05Z 2009-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Emphysema presence, severity, and distribution has little impact on the clinical presentation of a cohort of patients with mild to moderate COPD Author(s) : Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de; Bastarrika, G. (Gorka); Zagaceta, J. (Jorge); Saiz-Mendiguren, R. (R.); Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén); Seijo, L. (Luis); Montes, U. (Usúa); Campo, A. (Arantza); Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) Abstract: Phenotypic characterization of patients with COPD may have potential prognostic and therapeutic implications. Available information on the relationship between emphysema and the clinical presentation in patients with COPD is limited to advanced stages of the disease. The objective of this study was to describe emphysema presence, severity, and distribution and its impact on clinical presentation of patients with mild to moderate COPD. METHODS: One hundred fifteen patients with COPD underwent clinical and chest CT scan evaluation for the presence, severity, and distribution of emphysema. Patients with and without emphysema and with different forms of emphysema distribution (upper/lower/core/peel) were compared. The impact of emphysema severity and distribution on clinical presentation was determined. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the patients had mild homogeneously distributed emphysema (1.84; 0.76%-4.77%). Upper and core zones had the more severe degree of emphysema. Patients with emphysema were older, more frequently men, and had lower FEV(1)%, higher total lung capacity percentage, and lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. No differences were found between the clinical or physiologic parameters of the different emphysema distributions. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild to moderate COPD, although the presence of emphysema has an impact on physiologic presentation, its severity and distribution seem to have little impact on clinical presentation.

2009-12-31T23:00:00Z Lozano, M.D. (María Dolores) Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) Echeveste, J.I. (José I.) Gurpide, A. (Alfonso) Seijo, L. (Luis) Martin-Algarra, S. (Salvador) Barrio, A. (Anabel) del Pio, R. (Rubén) Idoate, M.A. (Miguel A.) Labiano, T. (Tania) Perez-Gracia, J.L. (José Luis) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/23549 2012-11-01T01:11:04Z 2010-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Assessment of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and K-Ras Mutation Status in Cytological Stained Smears of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Correlation with Clinical Outcomes Author(s) : Lozano, M.D. (María Dolores); Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.); Echeveste, J.I. (José I.); Gurpide, A. (Alfonso); Seijo, L. (Luis); Martin-Algarra, S. (Salvador); Barrio, A. (Anabel) del; Pio, R. (Rubén); Idoate, M.A. (Miguel A.); Labiano, T. (Tania); Perez-Gracia, J.L. (José Luis) Abstract: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and K-ras mutations guide treatment selection in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Although mutation status is routinely assessed in biopsies, cytological specimens are frequently the only samples available. We determined EGFR and K-ras mutations in cytological samples. METHODS: DNA was extracted from 150 consecutive samples, including 120 Papanicolau smears (80%), 10 cell blocks (7%), nine fresh samples (6%), six ThinPrep(R) tests (4%), and five body cavity fluids (3.3%). Papanicolau smears were analyzed when they had >50% malignant cells. Polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of exons 18-21 of EGFR and exon 2 of K-ras were performed. EGFR mutations were simultaneously determined in biopsies and cytological samples from 20 patients. Activity of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) was assessed. RESULTS: The cytological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma in 110 samples (73%) and nonadenocarcinoma in 40 (27%) samples. EGFR mutations were identified in 26 samples (17%) and K-ras mutations were identified in 18 (12%) samples. EGFR and K-ras mutations were mutually exclusive. In EGFR-mutated cases, DNA was obtained from stained smears in 24 cases (92%), pleural fluid in one case (4%), and cell block in one case (4%). The response rate to EGFR TKIs in patients harboring mutations was 75%. The mutation status was identical in patients who had both biopsies and cytological samples analyzed. CONCLUSION: Assessment of EGFR and K-ras mutations in cytological samples is feasible and comparable with biopsy results, making individualized treatment selection possible for NSCLC patients from whom tumor biopsies are not available.

2010-12-31T23:00:00Z Torre, W. (Wenceslao) Rodriguez-Spiteri, N. (Natalia) Sola, J.J. (Jesús J.) Delgado, M. (M.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/23332 2012-10-10T00:04:45Z 2003-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Localized Fibrous Tumors of the Pleura: Experience With 7 Recent Cases Author(s) : Torre, W. (Wenceslao); Rodriguez-Spiteri, N. (Natalia); Sola, J.J. (Jesús J.); Delgado, M. (M.) Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Localized fibrous tumors of the pleura are rare. We report 7 cases and review the literature in order to define the range of clinical characteristics of these tumors, treatment options, and prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of 7 cases treated between 1997 and 2003, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, and treatment. The tumor was removed surgically in all cases, by thoracotomy in 6 cases and by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in 1 patient. RESULTS: All patients recovered fully after surgery, with no postoperative complications. One patient experienced recurrence twice, 33 and 67 months after the initial resection. All are alive at the time of writing, after a mean follow up period of 19 months (range 1 month to 5 years and 10 months). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of choice for a fibrous tumor of the pleura is full resection and follow up to detect possible late recurrence.

2003-12-31T23:00:00Z Rodrigo, M. (Manuel) Tirapu, I. (Íñigo) Arina, A. (Ainhoa) Centelles, M.N. (Miguel N.) Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/23294 2012-10-05T00:10:03Z 2005-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Use of Gene Therapy in a Subcutaneous Murine Model of Lung Cancer Author(s) : Rodrigo, M. (Manuel); Tirapu, I. (Íñigo); Arina, A. (Ainhoa); Centelles, M.N. (Miguel N.); Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of in vivo gene therapy to treat subcutaneous tumors generated from murine lung cancer cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice received subcutaneus injections of 5×105 cells from the murine Lewis lung cancer cell line. By 10 days, subcutaneous tumors of approximately 5 mm diameter were formed. At that point, treatment was provided by intratumor injection of a replication-defective recombinant adenovirus carrying the gene for thymidine kinase (AdCMV-Tk) or interleukin (IL) 12 (AdCMV-IL12), or by injection of syngeneic dendritic cells previously transduced with adenovirus containing the IL-12 gene (DC-IL12). Control groups were treated with saline or adenovirus containing the gene for β-galactosidase (AdCMV-LacZ), which functions as a reporter gene and does not have a therapeutic effect. The number of animals in each group ranged from 14 to 25 in experiments using adenovirus and from 10 to 12 in experiments using dendritic cells. Tumor size was followed for 3 weeks in the case of treatment with adenovirus and 4 weeks for treatment with dendritic cells. RESULTS: A significant reduction in subcutaneous tumor growth was observed in the groups treated with AdCMVTk, AdCMV-IL12, and DC-IL12 compared with control groups treated with saline or AdCMV-LacZ. The difference was statistically significant from day 7 of treatment in the AdCMV-Tk group, from day 9 in the AdCMV-IL12 group, and from day 10 in the DC-IL12 group, and in all cases it was maintained until the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Gene therapy with AdCMV-Tk, AdCMVIL12, or DC-IL12 is effective in our model of subcutaneous tumors arising from cells of the Lewis lung cancer cell line. The treatment leads to a significant reduction in tumor growth compared with control groups.

2005-12-31T23:00:00Z Seijo, L. (Luis) Campo, A. (Arantza) Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén) Lacunza, M.M. (María M.) Armendariz, A.C. (Ana Carmen) Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/23292 2012-10-05T00:07:12Z 2005-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Outpatient Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion Using a Tunneled Pleural Catheter: Preliminary Experience Author(s) : Seijo, L. (Luis); Campo, A. (Arantza); Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén); Lacunza, M.M. (María M.); Armendariz, A.C. (Ana Carmen); Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) Abstract: Inpatient management of malignant pleural effusion includes the placement of a conventional thoracostomy tube for drainage and talc slurry pleurodesis and/or a surgical approach consisting of video-assisted thoracoscopic talc insufflation. Both techniques require prolonged hospital stays of up to 1 week. Unfortunately, life expectancy in patients with this disease does not usually exceed 6 months, and so the primary aim of any palliative intervention intended to improve quality of life should be to avoid hospital admissions and to relieve pain as far as possible. Of the few outpatient alternatives to hospital management the most frequently used is repeated thoracentesis. We describe the outpatient management of malignant pleural effusion by placement of a tunneled pleural catheter in a patient with stage IIIB lung adenocarcinoma. In our opinion, the use of this catheter offers a viable alternative to conventional therapy and is better tolerated.

2005-12-31T23:00:00Z Seijo, L. (Luis) Bastarrika, G. (Gorka) Lozano, M.D. (María Dolores) Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/23285 2012-10-04T00:07:50Z 2006-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Preliminary Experience With the Use of Electromagnetic Navigation for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules and Enlarged Mediastinal Lymph Nodes Author(s) : Seijo, L. (Luis); Bastarrika, G. (Gorka); Lozano, M.D. (María Dolores); Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) Abstract: Electromagnetic navigation is a new technique that can be used with bronchoscopy to obtain samples of small peripheral nodular lesions and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. It is very versatile in that it enables both transbronchial biopsies and fine-needle aspiration to be performed. We describe 2 cases in which navigation with the superDimension/ Bronchus system combined with traditional diagnostic techniques facilitated a definitive diagnosis by bronchoscopy. Electromagnetic navigation can obviate the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures such as surgery, thus saving time and money and avoiding complications.

2006-12-31T23:00:00Z Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de Casanova, C. (Ciro) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/22960 2012-07-31T00:10:01Z 2009-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: EPOC en la mujer Author(s) : Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de; Casanova, C. (Ciro) Abstract: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide, mainly due to the increase in women. In developed countries, COPD in women is mainly a result of exposure to tobacco smoke and in developing countries to inhalation of biomass combustion products. Underdiagnosis of COPD is more common in women since this disease has classically been associated with men. Moreover, COPD in women shows certain differential features, such as a greater expression of aspects related to perception (dyspnea and health-related quality of life), a high prevalence of malnutrition, anxiety and depression, and a distinct distribution of emphysema from that in men. Better phenotypical characterization of COPD in women would allow its impact on the health system to be more accurately evaluated and more individualized therapeutic strategies to be designed

2009-12-31T23:00:00Z Seijo, L. (Luis) Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de Lozano, M.D. (María Dolores) Bastarrika, G. (Gorka) Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén) Lacunza, M.M. (María M.) Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/22930 2012-10-03T08:45:44Z 2009-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Diagnostic yield of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy is highly dependent on the presence of a Bronchus sign on CT imaging: results from a prospective study Author(s) : Seijo, L. (Luis); Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de; Lozano, M.D. (María Dolores); Bastarrika, G. (Gorka); Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén); Lacunza, M.M. (María M.); Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) Abstract: Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) has been developed as a novel ancillary tool for the bronchoscopic diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. Despite successful navigation in 90% of patients, ENB diagnostic yield does not generally exceed 70%. We sought to determine whether the presence of a bronchus sign on CT imaging conditions diagnostic yield of ENB and might account for the discrepancy between successful navigation and diagnostic yield. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-center study of ENB in 51 consecutive patients with pulmonary nodules. ENB was chosen as the least invasive diagnostic technique in patients with a high surgical risk, suspected metastatic disease, or advanced-stage disease, or in those who demanded a preoperative diagnosis prior to undergoing curative resection. We studied patient and technical variables that might condition diagnostic yield, including size, cause, location, distance to the pleural surface, and fluorodeoxyglucose uptake of a given nodule; the presence of a bronchus sign on CT imaging; registration point divergence; and the minimum distance from the tip of the locatable guide to the nodule measured during the procedure. RESULTS: The diagnostic yield of ENB was 67% (34/51). The sensitivity and specificity of ENB for malignancy in this study were 71% and 100%, respectively. ENB was diagnostic in 79% (30/38) patients with a bronchus sign on CT imaging but only in 4/13 (31%) with no discernible bronchus sign. Univariate analysis identified the bronchus sign (P = .005) and nodule size (P = .04) as statistically significant variables conditioning yield, but on multivariate analysis, only the bronchus sign remained significant (OR, 7.6; 95% CI, 1.8-31.7). No procedure-related complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: ENB diagnostic yield is highly dependent on the presence of a bronchus sign on CT imaging.

2009-12-31T23:00:00Z Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de Cote, C.G. (C.G.) Lopez, M.V. (M.V.) Casanova, C. (Ciro) Diaz, O. (O.) Marin, J.M. (J.M.) Pinto-Plata, V. (Víctor) Oca, M.M. (M.M.) de Nekach, V. (V.) Dordelly, L.J. (L.J.) Aguirre-Jaime, A. (A.) Celli, B.R. (Bartolomé R.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/22909 2012-08-30T12:49:39Z 2008-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Sex differences in mortality in patients with COPD Author(s) : Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de; Cote, C.G. (C.G.); Lopez, M.V. (M.V.); Casanova, C. (Ciro); Diaz, O. (O.); Marin, J.M. (J.M.); Pinto-Plata, V. (Víctor); Oca, M.M. (M.M.) de; Nekach, V. (V.); Dordelly, L.J. (L.J.); Aguirre-Jaime, A. (A.); Celli, B.R. (Bartolomé R.) Abstract: Little is known about survival and clinical prognostic factors in females with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to determine the survival difference between males and females with COPD and to compare the value of the different prognostic factors for the disease. In total, 265 females and 272 males with COPD matched at baseline by BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity) and American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society/Global Initiative of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria were prospectively followed. Demographics, lung function, St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, BODE index, the components of the BODE index and comorbidity were determined. Survival was documented and sex differences were determined using Kaplan–Meier analysis. The strength of the association of the studied variables with mortality was determined using multivariate and receiver operating curves analysis. All-cause (40 versus 18%) and respiratory mortality (24 versus 10%) were higher in males than females. Multivariate analysis identified the BODE index in females and the BODE index and Charlson comorbidity score in males as the best predictors of mortality. The area under the curve of the BODE index was a better predictor of mortality than the forced expiratory volume in one second for both sexes. At similar chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity by BODE index and forced expiratory volume in one second, females have significantly better survival than males. For both sexes the BODE index is a better predictor of survival than the forced expiratory volume in one second.

2008-12-31T23:00:00Z Campo, A. (A.) Frühbeck, G. (Gema) Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) Iriarte, J. (Jorge) Seijo, L. (Luis) Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén) Galdiz, J.B. (J.B.) Salvador, J. (Javier) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/22880 2012-07-12T00:10:52Z 2006-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Hyperleptinaemia, respiratory drive and hypercapnic response in obese patients Author(s) : Campo, A. (A.); Frühbeck, G. (Gema); Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.); Iriarte, J. (Jorge); Seijo, L. (Luis); Alcaide, A.B. (Ana Belén); Galdiz, J.B. (J.B.); Salvador, J. (Javier) Abstract: Leptin is a powerful stimulant of ventilation in rodents. In humans, resistance to leptin has been consistently associated with obesity. Raised leptin levels have been reported in subjects with sleep apnoea or obesity-hypoventilation syndrome. The aim of the present study was to assess, by multivariate analysis, the possible association between respiratory centre impairment and levels of serum leptin. In total, 364 obese subjects (body mass index >or=30 kg.m(-2)) underwent the following tests: sleep studies, respiratory function tests, baseline and hypercapnic response (mouth occlusion pressure (P(0.1)), minute ventilation), fasting leptin levels, body composition and anthropometric measures. Subjects with airways obstruction on spirometry were excluded. Out of the 346 subjects undergoing testing, 245 were included in the current analysis. Lung volumes, age, log leptin levels, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension, percentage body fat and minimal nocturnal saturation were predictors for baseline P(0.1). The hypercapnic response test was performed by 186 subjects; log leptin levels were predictors for hypercapnic response in males, but not in females. Hyperleptinaemia is associated with a reduction in respiratory drive and hypercapnic response, irrespective of the amount of body fat. These data suggest the extension of leptin resistance to the respiratory centre.

2006-12-31T23:00:00Z Espinosa, M. (M.) Rodil, R. (R.) Goikoetxea, M.J. (María J.) Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.) Seijo, L. (Luis) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/22675 2012-06-22T00:09:33Z 2005-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Trasplante pulmonar Author(s) : Espinosa, M. (M.); Rodil, R. (R.); Goikoetxea, M.J. (María J.); Zulueta, J.J. (Javier J.); Seijo, L. (Luis) Abstract: A lung transplant is usually the final therapeutic option for patients with respiratory insufficiency. In spite of the many advances in immunology and the management of complications, mortality and morbidity associated with this transplant are far higher than with others. Acute rejection is an almost universal problem in the first year, while obliterative bronchitis reduces long term survival. Respiratory infections also play a significant role in the complications associated with lung transplants due to the constant exposure of the graft to the outside. However, the success of this therapeutic option, which basically depends on a suitable selection of donor and recipient, are evident, above all with respect to quality of life.

2005-12-31T23:00:00Z Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de Casanova, C. (Ciro) Pinto-Plata, V. (Víctor) Varo, N. (Nerea) Restituto, P. (Patricia) Cordoba-Lanus, E. (Elisabeth) Baz-Davila, R. (Rebeca) Aguirre-Jaime, A. (Armando) Celli, B.R. (Bartolomé R.) http://hdl.handle.net/10171/22417 2012-06-04T00:09:51Z 2010-12-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Gender differences in plasma biomarker levels in a cohort of COPD patients: a pilot study Author(s) : Torres, J.P. (Juan P.) de; Casanova, C. (Ciro); Pinto-Plata, V. (Víctor); Varo, N. (Nerea); Restituto, P. (Patricia); Cordoba-Lanus, E. (Elisabeth); Baz-Davila, R. (Rebeca); Aguirre-Jaime, A. (Armando); Celli, B.R. (Bartolomé R.) Abstract: Little is known about gender differences in plasma biomarker levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HYPOTHESIS: There are differences in serum biomarker levels between women and men with COPD. OBJECTIVE: Explore gender differences in plasma biomarker levels in patients with COPD and smokers without COPD. METHODS: We measured plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-16, MCP-1, MMP-9, PARC and VEGF in 80 smokers without COPD (40 males, 40 females) and 152 stable COPD patients (76 males, 76 females) with similar airflow obstruction. We determined anthropometrics, smoking history, lung function, exercise tolerance, body composition, BODE index, co-morbidities and quality of life. We then explored associations between plasma biomarkers levels and the clinical characteristics of the patients and also with the clinical and physiological variables known to predict outcome in COPD. RESULTS: The plasma biomarkers level explored were similar in men and women without COPD. In contrast, in patients with COPD the median value in pg/mL of IL-6 (6.26 vs 8.0, p = 0.03), IL-16 (390 vs 321, p = 0.009) and VEGF (50 vs 87, p = 0.02) differed between women and men. Adjusted for smoking history, gender was independently associated with IL-16, PARC and VEGF levels. There were also gender differences in the associations between IL-6, IL-16 and VEGF and physiologic variables that predict outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In stable COPD patients with similar airflow obstruction, there are gender differences in plasma biomarker levels and in the association between biomarker levels and important clinical or physiological variables. Further studies should confirm our findings.

2010-12-31T23:00:00Z