Effects of physical exercise on lung injury and oxidant stress in children with asthma

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise training on oxidative stress and markers of lung inflammation in children with asthma. Methods Thirty children aged 8-13 years diagnosed with asthma were enrolled in the study as well as 13 healthy children. One group received only pharmacological treatment and the other group was also enrolled in an exercise programme. Venous blood and 24-hour urine samples were obtained from the children enrolled in the study at the beginning and end of the study. Leukotriene E4 and creatinine levels were measured in the urine and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP-9), endothelin-1(ET-1), malnodialdehyde (MDA), IgE and specific IgE levels were measured in blood samples. Results Leukotriene E4, MDA and MMP9 levels decreased significantly with treatment in both groups (p<0.001). However, ET-1 levels decreased significant only in the exercise group (26.5±3.6 vs 21.3±2.4pg/ml respectively, p=0.001). Moreover, ET-1 levels were found to be significantly lower in the exercise group compared to the only pharmacotherapy group (24.2±3.1 vs 21.3±2.4pg/ml, p=0.007). Conclusions Positive influences of exercise training in children with asthma may be mediated by decrease in ET-1 levels(AU)

Effects of physical exercise on lung injury and oxidant stress in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise training on oxidative stress and markers of lung inflammation in children with asthma. METHODS: Thirty children aged 8-13 years diagnosed with asthma were enrolled in the study as well as 13 healthy children. One group received only pharmacological treatment and the other group was also enrolled in an exercise programme. Venous blood and 24-hour urine samples were obtained from the children enrolled in the study at the beginning and end of the study. Leukotriene E4 and creatinine levels were measured in the urine and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP-9), endothelin-1(ET-1), malnodialdehyde (MDA), IgE and specific IgE levels were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: Leukotriene E4, MDA and MMP9 levels decreased significantly with treatment in both groups (p < 0.001). However, ET-1 levels decreased significant only in the exercise group (26.5 ± 3.6 vs 21.3 ± 2.4 pg/ml respectively, p = 0.001). Moreover, ET-1 levels were found to be significantly lower in the exercise group compared to the only pharmacotherapy group (24.2 ± 3.1 vs 21.3 ± 2.4 pg/ml, p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Positive influences of exercise training in children with asthma may be mediated by decrease in ET-1 levels.

The beneficial effects of physical exercise on antioxidant status in asthmatic children

Background: The pathogenesis of asthma involves both airway inflammation and an oxidant / antioxidant imbalance. It is demonstrated in asthmatic adults that exercise programmes improve lung function, a mechanism yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of physical exercise on antioxidant status in asthmatic children which may lead to a meliorated lung function. Methods: The study enrolled thirteen control and thirty asthmatic children. The asthmatic group was subdivided into two: the first group receiving only pharmacological treatment (n = 15) and the second receiving pharmacological treatment with exercise programme (n = 15) for 8 weeks. Blood samples were drawn from the subjects before and after treatment periods. As oxidant stress markers blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total nitric oxide (NO), and as antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities were assessed. Results: Before any treatment was initiated, MDA and NO levels in the asthmatic group were significantly higher than the controls (3.40 ± 0.96 nmol / ml vs 2.46 ± 0.58 nmol / ml, and 12.53 ± 2.10 vs 9.40 ± 1.39 micromol/L, respectively). Both SOD (p = 0.0001) and GSH-Px (p = 0.023) activities were significantly lower in the asthmatic group. Pharmacological treatment and exercise programme together significantly improved lung performance and decreased the levels of oxidant stress markers, in concordance with a significantly increase in antioxidant enzyme activity measures when compared to the pharmacological treatment. Conclusion: Structured exercise programme in asthmatic children resulted in better lung function, which may be attributed to its effect on antioxidant status (AU)

Oxidative stress impairs endothelial nitric oxide levels in Behçets' disease.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory vasculitis. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO), produced by endothelial cells, has pleiotropic effects such as vasodilatator, antiplatelet, antiproliferative. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced at sites of endothelial inflammation. ROS target polyunsaturated lipids, which results in malondialdehyde (MDA) production. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the oxidative stress in BD patients by measuring MDA and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels and to establish a possible relationship with respect to NO levels regarding disease activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 55 BD patients (30 active/25 inactive) and 20 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Blood samples were drawn following an overnight fasting. TAS and MDA levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Serum nitrite (NO(2-)) and nitrate (NO(3-)) levels were measured to estimate NO production. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. RESULTS: TAS levels were significantly lower in BD patients than the controls (1.19 ± 0.34 vs. 3.29 ± 0.89 mmol/L). In the active BD group, MDA levels (0.36 ± 0.19 nmol/mL) were significantly higher than both the inactive BD group (0.25 ± 0.18 nmol/mL) and controls (0.18 ± 0.41 nmol/mL). NO levels were significantly lower in the active group compared to the inactive group (18.0 ± 2.80 vs. 19.40 ± 2.70 µmol/L). MDA levels correlated negatively with NO levels in the active group. CONCLUSION: Decreased NO levels mediated by increased oxidative stress significantly contribute to endothelial dysfunction observed in BD.

The beneficial effects of physical exercise on antioxidant status in asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of asthma involves both airway inflammation and an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance. It is demonstrated in asthmatic adults that exercise programmes improve lung function, a mechanism yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of physical exercise on antioxidant status in asthmatic children which may lead to ameliorated lung function. METHODS: The study enrolled thirteen control and thirty asthmatic children. The asthmatic group was subdivided into two: the first group receiving only pharmacological treatment (n=15) and the second receiving pharmacological treatment with exercise programme (n=15) for 8 weeks. Blood samples were drawn from the subjects before and after treatment periods. As oxidant stress markers blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total nitric oxide (NO), and as antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities were assessed. RESULTS: Before any treatment was initiated, MDA and NO levels in the asthmatic group were significantly higher than the controls (3.40±0.96 nmol/ml vs 2.46±0.58 nmol/ml, and 12.53±2.10 vs 9.40±1.39 micromol/L, respectively). Both SOD (p=0.0001) and GSH-Px (p=0.023) activities were significantly lower in the asthmatic group. Pharmacological treatment and exercise programme together significantly improved lung performance and decreased the levels of oxidant stress markers, in concordance with a significantly increase in antioxidant enzyme activity measures when compared to the pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSION: Structured exercise programme in asthmatic children resulted in better lung function, which may be attributed to its effect on antioxidant status.