European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Introduction; Increased oxidative burden plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).GGT (gamma-glutamyl-transferase) has been regarded as a novel marker of oxidative stress and CRP as inflammatory marker over the last few years. There exists a delicate balance between the toxicity of oxidants and protective function of antioxidant defence systems which is critical for the maintenance of normal pulmonary functions. Aims and objectives; This study aimed to compare the serum levels of GGT & CRP during stable and acute exacerba¬tions of COPD and its relationship with inflammation. Material and Methods; The study involved 120 patients with exacerbated COPD and normal function of the liver and biliary tract (mean age, 65.8 ±9.6 years;) and 120 patients with stable COPD (mean age, 64.5 ±7.9 years;).  Serum GGT and C‑reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured and compared between the groups. Result ; Serum GGT levels in patients with exacerbated COPD (AECOPD )were significantly higher than in those with stable COPD ( 25.3 vs. 18.6 U/l; P <0.001]. Serum CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with exacerbated COPD compared with those with stable COPD (59.6 vs. 17.4mg/l;  P<0.001). Conclusions; Our study indicates that serum GGT levels as the marker of oxidative stress increase significantly during exacerbated COPD and have a positive correlation with CRP levels as compared to stable COPD