Background: The pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is complex. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical value of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) combined with terbutaline sulfate in the treatment of COPD in elderly people, and its effect on the apoptosis/anti-apoptosis mechanism.
Methods: A total of 126 elderly COPD patients in our hospital from December 2017 to June 2019 were recruited and divided into 3 groups. On the basis of conventional treatment, control group A was treated with NAC, control group B with terbutaline sulfate, and combined group with both drugs. Lung function, apoptosis/anti-apoptosis related indexes, oxidative stress indexes, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), blood gas indexes, and adverse reactions were measured.
Results: The levels of forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum mid-expiratory flow rate (MMF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), oxygenation index (OI), and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) in 3 groups were increased after treatment, and were the highest in the combined group. The level of carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) was decreased, and was the lowest in the combined group. After 2 weeks of treatment, the 6MWD had increased in all 3 groups and was longest in the combined group. The CAT score was decreased and the extent of decrease was the highest in the combined group. After treatment, the levels of Fas receptor/apoptosis antigen 1 (Fas/APO-1), soluble Fas (sFas), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the three groups were decreased, and their levels were decreased most markedly in the combined group. Meanwhile, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxide enzyme (GSH-PX) were increased after treatment, and their levels were the highest in the combined group. The incidence of dizziness, chest tightness, constipation, and nasal congestion in the combination group were not significantly different from the other two groups.
Conclusions: The combined use of terbutaline sulfate and NAC in the treatment of elderly patients with COPD can effectively improve their lung function and blood gas status, which can strengthen athletic ability, reduce the oxidative stress response, and regulate apoptotic cytokines.
Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Fas receptor/apoptosis antigen 1 (Fas/APO-1); N-acetylcysteine (NAC); lung function; oxidative stress; soluble Fas (sFas); terbutaline sulfate.