Increased levels of oxidative stress markers in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Recent studies suggest that there are several potential interactions between TGF-β, one of a key regulators of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and oxidant/antioxidants in the lung. Therefore, an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance is now considered to be one of the pathogenetic factors of IPF. However, there is no consensus whether the oxidative stress (OS) markers are useful indicator of disease severity or disease progression in IPF. Aims: To evaluate the OS markers in patients with IPF, and to explore the relationship between OS levels and clinical state of IPF. Methods: Fifteen untreated patients with IPF and six healthy age-matched control subjects were studied. A pulmonary function test (at baseline and 3-month later), 6-minute walking test, the St. George9s Respiratory Questionnaire, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis were administered. We measured serum d-ROMs as a marker of oxidants and serum BAP as a marker of antioxidants through a spectrophotometric procedure (FRAS4). Results: Serum levels of d-ROMs were significantly increased, and serum levels of BAP were significantly decreased in patients with IPF compared to controls (dROMs: 427.7±54.4 vs 361.0±61.9 U. CARR, p p Conclusions: The current study suggested that an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance is significantly worse in patients with IPF compared with healthy controls. However, at the moment, OS markers might not be a useful indicator of disease severity or disease progression in IPF.