Serum oxidative stress in patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of progressive airway destruction in incurable chronic infection of the lung – termed pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (pMAC) disease – is currently unknown. The involvement of oxidative stress in a variety of progressive chronic respiratory diseases has been previously reported. It has been hypothesized that oxidative stress may be involved in the progression of airway destruction in pMAC disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 28 untreated patients with pMAC disease. The level of serum oxidative stress was quantitatively evaluated through the diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) test, which indirectly measures the level of hydroperoxide in the serum. In addition, patients were divided into three groups based on the severity shown in the computed tomographic image. RESULTS: The level of serum oxidative stress exceeded the normal range (250–300 U.Carr [Carratelli Units]) in all patients with pMAC disease (mean: 495.5 ± 102.6 U.Carr; minimum–maximum: 340–734 U.Carr). The level of serum oxidative stress in patients with severe disease was significantly higher compared with that observed in patients with mild disease (434.6 ± 30.2 vs. 583.4 ± 95.1, respectively, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with pMAC disease, an elevation was observed in the level of serum oxidative stress. This increase in oxidative stress was more pronounced in patients with severe disease.