A study of vitamin C, superoxide dismutase and FEV1/FVC ratio in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by incomplete reversible airflow limitation, which is associated with emphysema and chronic inflammation. Oxidative/antioxidant imbalance is one of the mechanisms of the current pathogenesis of COPD ECSOD is an antioxidant protein that scavenges superoxide free radicals from cigarette smoke and protects the lungs from free radical damage and chronic inflammation. Methods: Vitamin C was estimated by acid phosphotungustate on spectrometer at 660nm (Ayekygw 1978) method. SOD was estimated by Marklund S and Marklund G (1974) modified by Nandi and Chatterjee. FEV1/FEV ratio was done by spirometry technique. Results: The present study revealed that there was an increased oxidative stress in patients with COPD, when compared with controls and also decreased level of antioxidant activity in COPD patients, when compared with controls. In our studies significantly decreased sr. superoxide dismutase activity and FEV1/FVC ratio levels were found in subjects with COPD than healthy normal subjects. Conclusions: A significant decline in lung function may be associated with altered antioxidant enzyme activity due to the strong correlation between SOD and lung functions with COPD severity.