The effect of bronchoscopy on oxidative and antioxidative status

Hypoxemia often occurs during bronchoscopy. Pulmonologists managed it with supplement oxygen and sometimes stopping the procedure. We suggest that the main source of the reactive oxygen species is hypoxia during bronchoscopy. We investigated the alterations in oxidative and antioxidative status during bronchoscopy using oxidative stress parameters including oxidative stress index (OSI) and total oxidant status (TOS). Twenty two patients included to the study for whom bronchoscopy was performed. Twelve patients were diagnosed with lung cancer. Ten patients with normal bronchoscopy comprised the control group. Blood samples were taken just before and 1 hour after bronchoscopy. For antioxidative status, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total free sulfhydryl groups were determined. Indicators of oxidative stress (TOS, lipid hydroperoxides, and OSI) were statistically higher (p<0.05, p<0.05, p<0.05), whereas indicators of antioxidative status (TAC and free sulfhydryl) were statistically lower in the after bronchoscopy blood samples than before bronchoscopy blood samples in all patients (p<0.05, p<0.05). Before bronchoscopy, indicators of oxidative stress were higher (p <0.001, p<0.05, and p<0.001 respectively), and indicators of antioxidative status (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively) were lower in the lung cancer group than control group. After bronchoscopy of lung cancer group, indicators of oxidative stress (TOS, lipid hydroperoxides, and OSI) showed significant increases (p<0.05, p<0.05, and p<0.01 respectively), whereas indicators of antioxidative status (TAC and total free sulfhydryl groups) (p<0.05, p<0.01 respectively) were significantly decreased than control group. We demonstrate that bronchoscopy is associated with increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidative response through possibly caused hypoxemia.