Role of non invasive markers of oxidative stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Many studies have demonstrated an increased oxidative stress in the lower airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many of these studies have measured the oxidants/antioxidants balance in the lower airways of patients with COPD, and its modulation by drug treatment, using non-invasive biomarkers of oxidative stress. However, so far these biomarkers remain mainly a research tool. This is mainly due to a number of limitations including lack of standardization, poor reproducibility and low sensitivity and specificity of these tests. These limitations restrict the use of these techniques in clinical practice. Despite this, studies on oxidative stress biomarkers represent an active area of ongoing research.