Oxidative stress in bronchopulmonary disease: contribution of N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Oxidative stress is a frequent mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary disease. The cause can be exogenous, in particular related to to atmospheric pollution and tobacco smoke, or endogenous, related to mobilization of inflammatory cells (macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutroph...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revue de pneumologie clinique 2005-02, Vol.61 (1 Pt 1), p.16
Main Authors: Guerin, J-C, Leophonte, P, Lebas, F-X, Liard, F, Terrioux, Ph, Boulanger, P
Format: Article
Language:fre
Subjects:
Acetylcysteine - pharmacology
Glutathione - biosynthesis
Humans
Inflammation
Lung Diseases - genetics
Lung Diseases - immunology
Oxidative Stress
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Summary:Oxidative stress is a frequent mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary disease. The cause can be exogenous, in particular related to to atmospheric pollution and tobacco smoke, or endogenous, related to mobilization of inflammatory cells (macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils). In this general review, we present work demonstrating this oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory cells. We discuss the effect of oxidative stress on the bronchial tree and the need to maintain an adequate balance between oxidants and anti-oxidants. This reviews focuses on experimental studies proving the anti-oxidant effect of NAC on glutathione synthesis and on different pharmacological models. We then discuss human trials, initially experimental then in different bronchopulmonary pathologies related to oxidative stress. Acetaminophen intoxication and pulmonary fibrosis are models for use of NAC. Recent work on COPD appears to show a decrease in exacerbations, improvement in symptoms and quality-of-life, and perhaps a reduction in the alteration of ventilatory function.
ISSN:0761-8417