Oxidative burden and antioxidant defense system in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of human lung diseases.

Superoxide anion (02 .. ) and hydrogen peroxide (H20 2) production was significantly higher in blood neutrophils (PMNs) of patients with lung cancer and non-malignant lung diseases when compared to the controls (p<0.00 1). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly decreased in PMNs of patients with lung cancer (p<0.00l). Similarly, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were lower in PMNs of lung cancer patients as compared to non-malignant lung diseases and controls. There was an increase in HMP shunt activity as measured by rate of formation of 14C02 from [1_'4C]_ glucose in PMNs of lung cancer patients. Modifications in the antioxidant defense system in PMNs of malignant and non­ malignant lung diseases, the changes being more in the malignancy are indicated. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play an important role as a mediator of tissue destructive events in inflammatory diseases, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis and myocardial reperfusion injury to respiratory distress syndrome l