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Published on: August 25, 2017
Antioxidant pharmacological therapies for COPD
1Department of Environmental Medicine, Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. irfan_rahman@urmc.rochester.edu
Targeting oxidative stress in COPD with antioxidants may offer therapeutic benefits. This review discusses enhancing lung antioxidants and their potential positive effects on COPD progression.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oxidative stress in the lungs and systemically is a key factor in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathogenesis.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress are being explored for COPD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review approaches for enhancing lung antioxidants in COPD.
- To discuss the potential benefits of antioxidant therapy in COPD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on thiol antioxidants (e.g., N-acetyl-l-cysteine) and synthetic molecules (e.g., spin traps, catalytic antioxidants).
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical trial data on antioxidant effects on oxidative stress, gene expression, and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Thiol antioxidants increase lung thiol content.
- Synthetic antioxidants modulate cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress and cellular changes.
- Antioxidants have shown potential in reducing oxidative stress and affecting gene expression related to redox balance and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing lung antioxidants is a promising therapeutic avenue for COPD.
- Antioxidant therapy may positively influence the course of COPD by mitigating oxidative damage and inflammation.
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