The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Comorbidities in COPD

Oxidative stress driven by several environmental and local airway factors associated with chronic obstructive bronchiolitis, a hallmark feature of COPD, plays a crucial role in disease pathomechanisms. Unbalance between oxidants and antioxidant defense mechanisms amplifies the local inflammatory processes, worsens cardiovascular health, and contributes to COPD-related cardiovascular dysfunctions and mortality. The current review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of different mechanisms contributing to oxidative stress and its countermeasures, with special attention to those that link local and systemic processes. Major regulatory mechanisms orchestrating these pathways are also introduced, with some suggestions for further research in the field.

Automated summary

Oxidative stress driven by environmental and local airway factors is a significant contributor to chronic obstructive bronchiolitis, a key feature of COPD. The imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants amplifies local inflammation, worsens cardiovascular health, and contributes to COPD-related cardiovascular dysfunctions and mortality. This review provides an overview of recent advances in understanding the mechanisms and countermeasures of oxidative stress, with a focus on the interplay between local and systemic processes. It also introduces major regulatory mechanisms and suggests areas for further research in this field.