Modification of Chronic Inflammation by Inhaled Carbon Monoxide in Patients With Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is characterised by a chronic pulmonary inflammation and a shifted oxidant/antioxidant balance. The main cause of this inflammation is smoking. After smoking cessation, this inflammation and shifted oxidant/antioxidant balance continues. This causes an increased deterioration of lung function compared to healthy persons of matching age. The ongoing inflammation appears to be relatively insensitive to corticosteroid therapy. Until now, there is no therapy for this inflammation. Both in vitro and in vivo studies show that carbon monoxide has, besides an antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this trial is to study whether the inflammation can be reduced by inhalation of carbon monoxide.