Clinical Biochemistry in the Diagnosis of Chronic Pulmonary Diseases: Identifying Biomarkers and Innovative Treatment Strategies

Abstract

Chronic pulmonary diseases, which include COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis, are difficult to diagnose and treat because of the different mechanisms underlying each disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of clinical biochemistry in the diagnosis of these diseases offering biomarkers that distinguish these diseases and direct new therapeutic approaches. The study was conducted on 120 patients who were randomly grouped into six groups depending on their lung state and therapy they received. To examine the significance of other biomarkers involving inflammation (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-9), oxidative stress (MDA, SOD), and leukocyte subpopulations (eosinophils, basophils) in the context of the studied disease, we also determined their levels. Additional spirometric indices were also recorded during 6 months to examine the effects of various management approaches. The results showed that all the diseases had marked difference in biomarker levels and were elevated in COPD and pulmonary fibiosis compared to asthma. Pharmacological treatments like LABAs/LAMAs in COPD and antifibrotic agents in pulmonary fibrosis also showed beneficial alterations in biomarkers and spirometry and confirmed the relevance of a biomarker approach. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for the use of clinical biochemistry in the discrimination of chronic pulmonary diseases and proper management strategies of the disorder. It indicates that biomarker can help improve the overall accuracy within the diagnosis process and can also aid in the formulation of effective treatment plans for patients – and therefore improve patient outcomes.