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Exhaled nitric oxide and exercise in stable COPD patients
E Clini1, L Bianchi, M Vitacca
1Pulmonary Division, Lung Function Unit, Fondazione S. Maugeri IRCCS, Gussago (Brescia), Italy. fsm.g2@numerica.it
Chest
|March 14, 2000
Summary
Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) during exercise in COPD patients showed similar trends to healthy individuals. However, exhaled nitric oxide output (VNO) was significantly lower in COPD patients at peak exercise.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Stable COPD patients exhibit altered airway inflammation.
- Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a non-invasive marker of airway inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels during exercise in patients with stable COPD.
- To compare eNO concentration (FENO) and output (VNO) between COPD patients and healthy controls during exercise.
Main Methods:
- Symptom-limited cycle ergometry was performed in 11 COPD patients and 8 healthy controls.
- Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) was measured using the tidal-breath method at rest, peak exercise, and recovery.
- eNO concentration (FENO) and output (VNO) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Resting FENO and VNO were not significantly different between groups.
- During exercise, FENO decreased and VNO increased in both groups.
- Peak exercise VNO was significantly lower in COPD patients compared to controls (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) kinetics during exercise in mild-to-moderate COPD patients generally mirror those in healthy individuals.
- A significant reduction in exhaled nitric oxide output (VNO) at peak exercise distinguishes COPD patients.
- Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of exercise training on eNO in COPD.