The sequence polymorphism of MnSOD gene in subjects with respiratory insufficiency in COPD.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with the development of respiratory failure, which, in turn, exposes the tissues to oxidative stress, which is both a cause and a result of respiratory insufficiency. The first-line defense against oxidative stress is provided by the mitochondrial enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), which is a superoxide anion scavenger. It is unknown whether genetic variability of the enzymes protecting against reactive oxygen species (ROS) can influence the development of respiratory failure in COPD patients. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between polymorphism of MnSOD signal peptide and the occurrence of respiratory failure in the course of COPD. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study group consisted of 162 COPD patients (113 men and 49 women). The control group consisted of 63 subjects. Respiratory failure was diagnosed in 42 COPD patients. In all the examined subjects, the polymorphism resulting in alanine at residue 9 being replaced by valine and the expression of MnSOD in blood cells were determined. RESULTS: The Val/Val phenotype was demonstrated to occur in COPD patients more frequently than in the control group, as well as being associated with a lower expression level of MnSOD mRNA. Respiratory failure in the course of COPD also correlates with lower expression of MnSOD mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of valine at position 9 of the MnSOD signal peptide encoded by exon 2 is a risk factor for the occurrence of respiratory failure in the course of COPD in the Polish population.

[Anxiety and depression in patients with obstructive diseases]. / Leki depresja u chorych na choroby obturacyjne pluc.

UNLABELLED: Obstructive disorders (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are associated with considerable emotional burden of the patient, with may result in the development of mood disturbances and anxiety disorders. However, the literature data are contradictory. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between subjective and objective obstruction symptoms and the intensity of anxiety as a condition, as well as estimation of the intensity of anxiety and depression in patients suffering from obstructive syndromes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 32 patients diagnosed with obstructive disorders. Structuralized anamnesis was obtained and spirometry was performed in compliance with the standards set by the Polish Society of Lungs Diseases. Disturbances of ventilation and their severity were estimated according to the GINA Report and GOLD Guidelines. All the patients were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory and Spielberg State - Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The subjective dyspnoea levels were estimated with Borg scale. The study was carried out between October 2005 and September 2008 in the Specialist Outpatient Department of the Lódz Medical University Department of Pneumonology and Allergology. RESULTS: A weak positive correlation was demonstrated between the declared dyspnoea level and the intensity of depression (p < 0.05) as well as the intensity of anxiety as a condition (p < 0.05) and anxiety as a trait (p < 0.05). A weak negative correlation was found to exist between FVC EX and the level of anxiety as condition (p < 0.01) and anxiety as a trait (p < 0.05). No statistically significant correlations between the values of spirometric parameters: FEV1, FEV1%, FEV1%FVC, and the levels of depression, anxiety and reported dyspnoea were found. CONCLUSIONS: A positive correlation between the declared dyspnoea level and the intensity of anxiety and depression as a condition was demonstrated in the studied group of patients with obstructive disorders.