To compare and contrast the levels of various metabolites and risk/stress factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with and without diabetes vs healthy controls- A study protocol..

Abstract

COPD is a progressive lung disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation and systemic inflammation. Its burden is compounded when associated with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM), which share overlapping risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. This study aims to compare and contrast metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarker profiles among COPD patients with diabetes, COPD patients without diabetes, and healthy controls. A hospital-based cross-sectional observational design will be employed at the Department of Biochemistry, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, India, over a three-year period. Participants aged 25–60 years will be included, and fasting blood samples will be analyzed for glucose, HbA1c, total protein, albumin, lipid profile, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx), ferritin, ceruloplasmin, and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP). Pulmonary function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and functional capacity (6-minute walk test) will also be assessed. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with correlation analyses exploring associations between glycemic/lipid indices and inflammatory/oxidative markers. This will be the first comparative study in an Indian setting evaluating systemic metabolite and inflammatory profiles in COPD patients with and without diabetes, generating pilot data for risk prediction models and providing insights relevant to low- and middle-income country populations.