Predictive Value of Serum Markers SFRP1 and CC16 in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are particularly vulnerable to acute exacerbation, resulting in a huge socioeconomic burden. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated the value of serum secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) and Clara cell-secreted protein (CC16) in predicting the risk of acute exacerbations in patients with COPD. METHODS: The study included 123 COPD patients admitted to our hospital from May 2020 to June 2021, including 65 patients in stable stage (STCOPD group), 58 patients in acute exacerbation stage (AECOPD group), and 60 healthy volunteers (control group). Serum SFRP1 and CC16 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of serum SFRP1 and CC16 for predicting the risk of acute exacerbation in COPD patients. RESULTS: The age among groups is significantly different, but there is no difference in the gender and body mass index (BMI). The level of serum SFRP1 in the AECOPD group was significantly higher than that in the STCOPD group and the control group, and the level of serum CC16 was lower than that in the STCOPD group and the control group. Serum SFRP1 was negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = −0.473, P < 0.001). Serum CC16 was positively correlated with FEV(1)/FVC (r = 0.457, P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of SFRP1 for predicting the risk of exacerbation was 0.847 (95% CI: 0.775 to 0.920), 86.20%, and 80.00%. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of CC16 for predicting the risk of exacerbation were 0.795 (95% CI: 0.711 to 0.879), 74.10%, and 86.20%. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that SFRP1 and CC16 may be useful serum markers for predicting the risk of exacerbation in COPD patients.