In vitro studies showed that fluoride and magnesium salts relax bronchial smooth muscle cells. Their combined administration could have potential interest. Magnesium fluoride salt (MgF₂) is nearly insoluble. A soluble derivate can be obtained by introducing L-arginineinine (L-arginine) between the ions. L-arginine, being the substrate leading to the release of NO, might add another relaxing effect to this derivate. Relaxing effects of NaF, MgSO₄, L-arginine, NaF+MgSO₄ and MgF₂+L-arginine given via the inhaled route were studied on rats challenged with acetylmethylcholine (ACMCH) following eight successive doses. Tested salts were given at the fourth dose of ACMCH. Changes in bronchial resistances (R) were measured and compared to results obtained in a control group, receiving ACMCH alone. NaF, MgSO₄, and L-arginine led to significant bronchorelaxing effects (p < 0.05). The association NaF+MgSO₄ gave a greater decrease in bronchial resistance compared to that obtained with each salt (fluoride and magnesium) separately. (MgF₂, 2L-arginine) induced a significant fall in R at the fourth dose of ACMCH just after its inhalation. R values obtained with (MgF₂, 2L-arginine) were significantly lower than L-arginine alone at the sixth dose of ACMCH (p < 0.05). (MgF₂, 2L-arginine) is a triple combination able to induce a significant and constant bronchodilating effect through three different pathways. The effect looked partly additive.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on oxidative stress biomarker (Thiobarbituric acid substances "TBARS") and antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase "SOD", glutathione peroxidise "GPx" and catalase "CAT") in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to healthy subjects. Material and Methods: The study included 26 patients with COPD and 12 healthy subjects. The patients were divided into 2 groups (16 trained and 10 untrained). Trained groups performed 45 min individualized exercise training enrolled to an 8 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation program 3 times a week. Prior to and after the programme, exercise testing and pulmonary function were evaluated. Antioxidant enzymes activities were measured by spectrophotometry and spectrofluorimetry was used for plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid substances. Results: After the program, exercise capacity improved significantly in trained groups. At baseline, plasma TBARS were significantly increased in patients with COPD compared to the healthy subjects (p<0.05). Baseline values of SOD and CAT activities were significantly lower in patients with COPD than in healthy subjects. After rehabilitation, there were no significant differences in plasma TBARS between groups. However, SOD activity increased significantly in trained patients and in healthy subjects. GPx activity increased only in trained patients. There was no significant change for CAT activity for all groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation program with moderate physical training can activate antioxidant defence and regulate systemic oxidative stress release.

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