Superoxide dismutase levels and peak expiratory flow in asthmatic children
Abstract: Asthma is a chronic
inflammatory process which involve variety of cells such as inflammatory
mediators, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokines. The inflammatory
process would be exacerbated in the presence of oxidative stress. Superoxide
dismutase (SOD) is the first important enzyme to protect the respiratory tract against
oxidative stress. The decreased of SOD has a correlation with increased of
airway obstruction and bronchospasm. Objective To assess for a correlation
between superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and peak expiratory low, as well as to determine the impact of SOD
levels for predicting asthma attacks. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort
study at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, between February and April 2011
involving asthmatic children aged 5-18 years. Subjects’ serum SOD levels and
peak expiratory flow were measured at the same time point. We then performed a
prospective study following up on the same subjects to find out if they had a
recurrent asthma attack within one month of the tests. We also reassessed their
peak expiratory flow one month after blood specimens were obtained. Results
Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in this study. There was no significant
correlation between SOD level and peak expiratory flow [r=0.289; 95%CI -0.025
to 0.47; P=0.074]. However, older age was significantly associated with higher
peakexpiratory flow (B=0.5; 95%CI 3.10 to 11.57; P=0.01). Lower levels of SOD
increased the risk of asthma attacks in a month following the initial measurements
(RR=5.5; 95%CI 1.6 to 18.9; P=0.009). Conclusion Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
level is not significantly associated with peak expiratory flow. However, we
find arelationship between older age and higher peak expiratory flow and a
relationship between lower SOD levels and risk of asthma attacks within one
month following the tests.
Author: Arie Kurniasih,
Madarina Julia, Amalia Setyati
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg150274