Figure 5.

Enhanced LPS-induced release of IL-8, but not PGE2 and LTB4 in COPD spheroids. (A,B,C) Levels of IL-8, PGE2 and LTB4 in untreated spheroids. Note, no significant differences could be detected between COPD and non-COPD BES. Results are expressed as pg of mediators per mg protein of BES. (D,E,F) Levels of IL-8, PGE2 and LTB4 after LPS stimulation (10 μg/ml LPS for 24 h). Results are expressed as fold increase by comparison to untreated conditions. (G,H,I) Correlations between LPS-induced IL-8, PGE2 and LTB4 fold-increase and postbronchodilator FEV₁. Results are obtained from 16 COPD smokers (filled rhombs) and 13 non-COPD smokers (open rhombs). Mann-Whitney U test for comparisons between groups. Correlations between variables were calculated by means of the Spearman's rank correlation test.