Evaluation of Serum Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Airway Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A study was undertaken to assess both oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during mild, chronic, severe and acute exacerbations compared with those with stable COPD, healthy smokers, and non-smokers. Levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) were measured as markers of airway inflammation and TAS levels were measured as a marker of antioxidant status. MDA levels were measured as a marker of oxidative stress status in the serum of COPD patients. Mean serum MDA levels and levels of IL-8 were significantly high in COPD patients and mean serum antioxidant levels were significantly low in patients as compared to non COPD control. It was further observed that the level of MDA and IL8 elevates while that of total antioxidant level falls with the increase in Gold stage and number of smoking pack years amongst the study subjects. Oxidative stress possibly have role in the pathogenesis of COPD and its complications as indicated by the enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde and IL-8 in patients. The lower levels of the antioxidant enzyme status point towards that altered antioxidant defense system in patients. Antioxidant therapeutic use and IL-8 antagonists may have clinical usefulness in the treatment of COPD and in preventing its complication and recurrent exacerbations which may improve disease outcome.