Does Tai Chi improve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities via the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway and increase blood oxygen level in lung cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial?

Abstract

IntroductionTai Chi (TC) exercises appear to have beneficial effects for lung cancer patients. The effects of TC on blood oxygen level, and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities assessed by measuring Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF-E2-related factor 2 (KEAP1-NRF2) signaling was investigated in patients who had lung cancer surgery. MethodsLung cancer patients after surgery were randomly allocated into an intervention (IG, received TC) or a control (CG, received routine nurse care) group. We measured serum oxidative factors and inflammatory cytokines, KEAP1 and NRF2 in peripheral blood leukocytes, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEVi), forced vital capacity (FVC), pulse oxygen saturation (SPO2), and pain scores. ResultsAfter a 3-month intervention, TC appeared to significantly improve lung function by increasing the levels of KEAP1, NRF2, FVC, FEVi, and SPO2, and reducing pain scores (p < 0.05). TC increased the levels of antioxidant markers (superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPx)) and anti-inflammatory factor (interleukin (IL)-10), and reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), IL-1 and IL-6) (p < 0.05). The levels of KEAP1 and NRF2 had a strong relationship with the level of these oxidative and inflammatory markers (p < 0.05). ConclusionsAfter a 3-month intervention, TC appeared to patient’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities possibly by affecting KEAP1-NRF2 signaling, and increasing blood oxygen level. The study may have some bias as follow up was short and size sample small.