Mustard Lung Shows Elevated Oxidative Stress, Distinct from Other Respiratory Conditions: Study Shows

The study revealed the following findings:

• Patients with mustard lung showed a significant increase in TPX levels, indicating heightened oxidative stress.
• Certain factors suggested the presence of a compensatory mechanism that helps balance oxidative stress over time following SM exposure.
• When compared to veterans with BO, CB, and asthma-like conditions, mustard lung exhibited distinct oxidative stress patterns despite some similarities.
• The oxidative stress profiles of mustard lung patients differed from those of corresponding respiratory diseases.
• Disease severity in mustard lung had no significant impact on oxidative stress levels or antioxidant responses.

The researchers highlight mustard lung as a distinct pulmonary condition with a unique oxidative stress profile, emphasizing the need for specific diagnostic and treatment approaches for SM-induced respiratory diseases. Their investigation into the oxidative and antioxidative profiles of veterans with long-term respiratory complications nearly three decades after SM exposure revealed a significant increase in TPX levels, indicating elevated oxidative stress. However, the findings suggest that disease severity does not significantly influence oxidative burden or antioxidant responses.

"This study provides valuable biochemical insights, reinforcing the recognition of mustard lung as an independent pulmonary disorder requiring targeted management strategies," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Jamali, T., Vaez-Mahdavi, M., Taravati, A., Mohammadian, R., Jalilvand, F., Fallahi, F., Ghazanfari, T., & Ardestani, S. K. (2025). Mustard lung with a unique oxidative stress profile as an independent pulmonary disease. International Immunopharmacology, 149, 114210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114210