Reactive oxygen metabolites as an index of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to determine whether reactive oxygen metabolite species (ROMs) correlated with lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to investigate whether ROMs could be used as an index of COPD severity.

METHODS

ROMs were evaluated in plasma by a colorimetric method (d-ROM-test) in 94 patients with COPD and in 31 healthy nonsmokers subjects. Spirometry, exhaled carbon monoxide and pulse oxymetry was performed in all patients.

RESULTS

Mean plasma ROMs were significantly increased (330.38 Carratelli units) in patients with COPD. There was a negative correlation of ROMs with forced expiratory volume in the first second (r= -0.275, P<0.007), with forced vital capacity (r= -0.278, P<0.007), with forced expiratory flow (r= -0.226, P<0.029) and with oxygen saturation (r= -0.315, P<0.010). In addition a positive correlation was found between the age of the patients and the oxidative stress (r= 0.366, P<0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate the presence of systemic oxidative stress in patients with COPD. The increased oxidative stress in COPD patients was concomitant with the impairment of lung function.