Superoxide dismutase levels and peak expiratory flow in asthmatic children

Abstract

involvevariety of cells such as inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygenspecies (ROS), and cytokines. The inflammatory process would beexacerbated in the presence of oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase(SOD) is the first important enzyme to protect the respiratory tractagainst oxidative stress. The decreased of SOD has a correlation withincreased of airway obstruction and bronchospasm.Objective To assess for a correlation between superoxide dismutase(SOD) levels and peak expiratory flow, as well as to determinethe impact of SOD levels for predicting asthma attacks.Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study at Dr. SardjitoHospital, Yogyakarta, between February and April 2011 involvingasthmatic children aged 5-18 years. Subjects’ serum SOD levelsand peak expiratory flow were measured at the same time point.We then performed a prospective study following up on the samesubjects to find out if they had a recurrent asthma attack withinone month of the tests. We also reassessed their peak expiratoryflow one month after blood specimens were obtained.Results Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in this study. Therewas no significant correlation between SOD level and peakexpiratory flow [r=0.289; 95%CI -0.025 to 0.47; P=0.074].However, older age was significantly associated with higher peakexpiratory flow (􀁂=0.5; 95%CI 3.10 to 11.57; P=0.01). Lowerlevels of SOD increased the risk of asthma attacks in a monthfollowing the initial measurements (RR=5.5; 95%CI 1.6 to 18.9;P=0.009).Conclusion Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level is not significantlyassociated with peak expiratory flow. However, we find arelationship between older age and higher peak expiratory flowand a relationship between lower SOD levels and risk of asthmaattacks within one month following the tests. [