COPD and Serum Trace Elements: A Review - Abstract
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) defines COPD as a progressive disease with persistent airflow limitation, associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to the noxious particles or gases.It is well established that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Increased oxidative stress comes from the increased burden of inhaled oxidants, often from cigarette smoke, air pollution or increased amounts of reactive oxygen species released from inflammatory cells.Tests that showed alterations in serum concentrations of trace elements in COPD patients suggest that they have a role in the pathophysiology of this disease by participating in the antioxidative defense. As components of the important enzymes trace elements participate in many biochemical processes. Some studies have focused on clarifying the clinical significance of serum trace element status in COPD patients. Some of the main issues in the studies are whether the deficit of serum trace elements in COPD is associated with exacerbation frequency, severity of exacerbation or lung function. Studies also focus on whether therapy with trace elements in addition to basic therapy improves the outcome of treatment or reduces the duration of illness and can they promote bronchodilatation and improve lung function. Better understanding of the role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of COPD, their association with markers of oxidative stress and lung function could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic directions. Studies have resulted in different findings which show that the role of trace elements in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD is noteworthy, and requires further research. In this review we summarize some of these studies and current findings.