Figure 3From: The genetics of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseInflammatory mediators in COPD. There are many pro-inflammatory mediators involved in COPD, some of which are illustrated here. Cigarette smoke activates macrophages (1) to release TNFα, LTB4, IL8 and other neutrophil chemotactic factors (2), as well as proteases (3). TNFα promotes further IL8 release from other cells in the respiratory tract by NFκβ mediated effects on gene transcription (4). This increases local neutrophilic inflammation (5), and hence the release of proteases. Epithelial cells also stimulate fibroblasts via TGFβ, leading to fibrosis (6). TNF = tumour necrosis factor alpha, LTB4 = leukotriene B4, IL8 = interleukin 8, GRO = growth related oncogene, TGF = transforming growth factor, NF = nuclear factorBack to article page