Abstract

Variations in Oxidant-Antioxidant Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Author(s): Ashrafunnisa Begum, Venkateshwari A, Anjana Munshi and Jyothy A

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease affecting the lungs. COPD is one of the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Cigarette smoke, the pollutants and the exogenous oxidants increase the oxidative stress leading to depletion of antioxidant capacities in patients with COPD. Most of the inflammation during COPD is produced by the endogenous oxidants. The literature on pathogenesis of COPD reveals the hypothesis of imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants as important mechanism. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of an imbalance between oxidants and the antioxidant defence in COPD group (COPD smokers,COPD ex-smokers and COPD non-smokers). The present study shows the evaluation of oxidant markers like plasma MDA (Malondialdehde) and NOx (Nitric oxide) with antioxidant markers SOD, GPx, CAT and Hcp (Super oxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase, Catalase and ceruloplasmin) in COPD patients and control subjects. The oxidative markers was found to be significantly (p<0.0001) elevated in group of COPD patients when compared with the controls while the levels of antioxidant markers SOD and CAT levels get decreased. The GPx and serum Hcp levels get increased, showing a significant association (p<0.0001). Our results suggest that oxidative stress and antioxidative status plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD.