Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profile in COPD Patients: Beneficial Role of Exercise and Scope for Improvement

Smoking is a major risk factor in COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]. It contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress which are implicated in hyperlipidemia and lung function decline. Exercise may result in anti-inflammatory effects which limit smoking induced changes in COPD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oxidant antioxidant imbalance and lipid profile in exercising and non-exercising COPD groups and included 50 patients in each group. The results indicated that the lung functions were significantly reduced in those not doing exercise. The serum levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, Catalase and GPX) were significantly lower in non exercising group as compared to exercising group(p<0.001) while the levels of MDA (Malondialdehyde) were significantly higher in the same group(p<0.001). The levels of HDL(p<0.001) were significantly higher and VLDL(p=0.03) were significantly lower in exercising group as compared to non exercising group. The present study indicates that exercise has beneficial role in COPD and reduces Oxidant Anti Oxidant imbalance and improves lipid profile and it may be due to anti-inflammatory effects of exercise.