Antioxidants, Oxidative Stress, and Pulmonary Function in Individuals Diagnosed with Asthma or COPD

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between antioxidant nutrients and markers of oxidative stress with pulmonary function in persons with chronic airflow limitation.

Design: Cross-sectional study exploring the association of antioxidant nutrients and markers of oxidative stress with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) and forced vital capacity (FVC%).

Setting/subjects: The study data included 218 persons with chronic airflow limitation recruited randomly from the general population of Erie and Niagara counties, New York State, USA.

Results: After adjustment for covariates, multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and retinol, and dietary beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and lycopene were positively associated with FEV1% (P < 0.05, all associations). Serum vitamins beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene, and dietary beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and lutein/zeaxanthin were positively associated with FVC% (P < 0.05, all associations). Erythrocytic glutathione was negatively associated with FEV1%, while plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were negatively associated with FVC% (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that an imbalance in antioxidant/oxidant status is associated with chronic airflow limitation, and that dietary habits and/or oxidative stress play contributing roles.