Association of Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Markers and Lipid Profile with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association and correlation between oxidative stress markers, inflammatory indicators, and lipid profiles in patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Study Design: Case-control study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Specialized Private Laboratories in Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq between 15th January 2025 to 15th July 2025.

Methods: Two hundred participants were enrolled, including 100 patients and 100 apparently healthy control subjects. The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was confirmed by specialist physicians.

Results: The significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, including malondialdehyde, high- sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α in the patient group compared with controls. A significant decrease was observed in albumin and zinc levels whereas no significant differences were found in magnesium. Triglyceride levels were significantly elevated, while high density lipoprotein levels were significantly reduced. However, total cholesterol showed no significant difference between the studied groups.

Conclusion: Oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic changes in the patient group are clearly related. Reduced albumin and zinc levels point to a weakened antioxidant defense system, whereas elevated malondialdehyde, high- sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels show increased oxidative and inflammatory activity.