Dietary nitrate boosts exercise capacity in COPD

Dietary nitrate supplementation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) appears to lead to better exercise capacity, according to a study.

For the study, researchers conducted an updated meta-analysis of current literature regarding the potential effects of nitrate in COPD. Multiple online databases were searched for relevant studies in which the safety and efficacy of nitrate supplementation were evaluated in patients with COPD.

Data analysis was conducted using the Revman 5.3 software, and mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 percent confidence interval (CI) was applied as the effect measure. Network pharmacology analysis was also conducted to look at the potential mechanisms of nitrate action in COPD.

A total of 11 studies involving 287 COPD patients were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data showed that dietary nitrate supplementation was associated with a substantial increase in plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations, as well as fractional exhaled nitric oxide in patients with COPD.

Of note, nitrate supplementation led to improved exercise capacity (SMD, 0.38, 95 percent CI, 0.04–0.72) and endothelial function (MD, 9.41, 95 percent CI, 5.30–13.52).

Patients with COPD also reported relief from dyspnoea following nitrate supplementation.

Based on data obtained from the network pharmacology analysis, the mechanisms underlying the positive effect of dietary nitrate in COPD may be related to AKT1, IL1B, MAPK3, and CASP3.