Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Status and Inflammation in Chronic Bronchitis and Pulmonary Emphysema

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by a complex range of pathological changes including both pulmonary and systemic effects. Several mechanisms contribute to the variable intermediate and clinically relevant disease phenotypes, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and systemic disease. The molecular mechanisms associated to the pathogenesis of COPD are not yet clearly understood. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidant/antioxidant balance and the systemic inflammation in chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema COPD patients. Methods: We analyzed COPD patients divided in 2 groups: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Healthy volunteers without lung disease were used as control group.