Increased serum levels of ceruloplasmin in severe chronic airflow obstruction.

Serum levels of ceruloplasmin were investigated in 20 patients with severe chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) and emphysematous changes, but in whom no acute exacerbation was present. For comparison, 20 age- and sex-matched controls with a similar current tobacco consumption were investigated. Also 20 age- and sex-matched non-smoking controls were investigated. Ceruloplasmin was assessed by rocket immuno-electrophoresis, haptoglobin and orosomucoid by a laser-nephelometric method. Patients were selected on grounds of spirometric values; the reversibility test for isoprenaline was performed. Diffusing capacity was used as a measure for emphysematous lesions. Ceruloplasmin levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients with CAO, as compared with smoking and non-smoking control groups. There was no correlation between patients' current tobacco consumption and ceruloplasmin level. The other two acute phase reactants, haptoglobin and orosomucoid, were normal. It is suggested that the increased ceruloplasmin in CAO is a measure of antioxidant activity, which may play a part in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema.