Impact of Oxidative Stress in Bronchial Asthma as Measured via Serum Derivatives of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Biological Antioxidant Potential

Background and Aims: Oxidative stress is reportedly associated with bronchial asthma (BA). However, many markers of oxidative stress cannot be measured sufficiently rapidly for clinical settings. Much remains unknown about the usefulness of oxidative stress measurements in BA. In this study, we assessed whether oxidative stress is associated with clinical features of BA and exacerbations of the condition. Methods: We recruited 127 patients with BA for this study. We examined their characteristics, respiratory function, and blood test results. We measured serum derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) to assess oxidative stress. Results: d-ROMs levels and d-ROMs/BAP ratios were significantly higher in the uncontrolled group than those in the well- or partly controlled symptom group. BAP levels were significantly higher in the well- or partly controlled group than those in the uncontrolled symptom group. d-ROMs levels and the d-ROMs/BAP ratio were positively correlated with white blood cell and neutrophil counts, as well as with levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and serum amyloid A. During the 52 weeks after recruitment, 18 patients experienced BA exacerbations. Those patients had significantly higher d-ROMs levels and d-ROMs/BAP ratios than the rest. Conclusions: In patients with BA, oxidative stress may serve as a marker reflecting inflammation and association with subsequent exacerbations.