Neurotrophins in COPD

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated evidence of oxidative stress in COPD, in both respiratory tract lining fluids and biopsies. Antioxidant response in airway inflammatory cells to a pro-oxidative environment is however poorly understood. We have previously demonstrated an enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity in macrophages from asthmatics. This study was performed to assess whether a similar adaptation in intra-cellular antioxidants occurred in subjects with COPD. The activities of enzymatic antioxidants were examined in alveolar mixed cell populations and compared to healthy age-matched controls (ACs) and young adults, to permit the relative contributions of disease state and natural ageing to be disentangled.