Factor de necrosis tumoral como marcador inflamatorio en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica.

COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects bronchi less than 2 mm in diameter. This inflammation is an active and progressive mechanism with peaks of increase during exacerbations, and its deactivation becomes difficult as the disease progresses and structural damage is established. The inflammatory response is characterized by an increase in blood circulating inflammatory mediators such as CRP, fibrinogen, leukocytes, TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor), and Interleukins 6 and 8. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a central proinflammatory regulator of the immune system, and is produced primarily by activated macrophages. TNFa plays an important role in many inflammatory lung diseases, the most important of which are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, acute lung injury and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]