ABSTRACT
Pulmonary complications are known to occur in over half of the patients exposed to sulfur mustard [SM]. There is controversial regarding the role of extracellular superoxide dismutase [EC-SOD] in different airway diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between lung function and EC-SOD activity in patient with lung injuries due to SM. This was a case-control study carried out on 220 patients with lung complication due to SM in the city of Sardasht [Iran] in 2007. Spirometry was used to assess pulmonary function followed by measurement of EC-SOD activity. T test was employed to examine the differences between study groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used to find the possible correlation between EC-SOD activity and the lung function. The mean EC-SOD activity in control group [70.5 +/- 10.8U/L] was higher than that of moderate to severe group 67.0 +/- 6.1 U/L [p < 0.001]. There was no significant difference for mean EC-SOD activity between mild and control groups. Significant and direct association between EC-SOD activities and lung function was established [p < 0.001]. According to our findings, inactivation of EC-SOD may lead to progressive inflammation and lung injury due to sulfur mustard