By InvitationNot Applicable

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in COPD

Turkey (Türkiye)27 participantsStarted 2026-01-06

Plain-language summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. Despite optimal pharmacological treatment, many patients continue to experience symptoms, reduced exercise capacity, and frequent exacerbations. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention that improves symptoms, functional capacity, quality of life, and survival in patients with COPD; however, its biological effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways remain insufficiently defined. This study aims to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with stable COPD. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 \[IL-6\], tumor necrosis factor alpha \[TNF-α\]) and the epithelial alarmin interleukin-33 (IL-33), which is released in response to airway epithelial injury, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) gene and/or protein expression as a key regulator of antioxidant defense, will be measured before and after a standardized pulmonary rehabilitation program. By assessing changes in these biomarkers, this study seeks to determine whether pulmonary rehabilitation exerts disease-modifying effects beyond symptomatic improvement and functional outcomes. The findings are expected to provide novel insights into the biological mechanisms of pulmonary rehabilitation and to support its role as a targeted, cost-effective intervention in the comprehensive management of COPD.

Who can participate

Age range

40 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 40-80 years with a diagnosis of stable COPD * Airflow limitation defined according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria (forced expiratory volume in 1 second / forced vital capacity \[FEV₁/FVC\] \< 70% and forced expiratory volume in 1 second \[FEV₁\] \< 70% predicted) * Former smokers with a smoking history of at least 10 pack-years * Clinically stable disease at the time of enrollment * Ability and willingness to participate in the pulmonary rehabilitation program * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current smokers * History of acute COPD exacerbation or respiratory infection within the past 6 weeks * Presence of other chronic lung diseases (e.g., bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, asthma) * Active malignancy * Severe or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, including recent acute myocardial infarction or malignant arrhythmias * Neurological, orthopedic, or psychiatric conditions that preclude objective functional assessment or participation in exercise training * Use of antioxidant or vitamin supplementation within the past 4 weeks * Determination by a cardiologist that participation in an exercise-based rehabilitation program is not medically appropriate

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers After Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD Patients

Timeframe: Baseline (before pulmonary rehabilitation) and after 8 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07376161

SponsorEsra Yazar

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Inflamation trials