Noninvasive markers of airway inflammation in asthma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although airway inflammation plays a major role in the pathophysiology of asthma, quantitative markers of airway inflammation are limited in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if levels of noninvasive markers of eosinophil-catalyzed oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide production are associated with asthma.

METHODS:

Participants were enrolled from academic medical centers participating in the Severe Asthma Research Program. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, pulmonary function tests, and levels of the following noninvasive markers were obtained: urinary bromotyrosine, a marker of eosinophil-catalyzed oxidation; urinary F(2)-isoprostanes, markers of lipid peroxidation; and exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of airway inflammation

RESULTS:

Fifty-seven asthmatic participants and thirty-eight healthy participants were enrolled. Bromotyrosine, F(2)-isoprostanes, and exhaled nitric oxide were each significantly increased in asthmatic participants versus controls (p<0.01). An elevated level (greater than median) of any marker was associated with a significant 3- to 6-fold greater odds of having asthma. Participants with two or more elevated marker levels showed an 18-fold greater odds of having asthma. Relationships were also noted with airflow obstruction and bronchodilator response.

CONCLUSION:

Findings from this pilot study indicate that urinary levels of bromotyrosine and F(2)-isoprostanes, in addition to exhaled nitric oxide levels, are associated with asthma.

• Authors: Samuel H Wedes, Sumita B Khatri, Renliang Zhang, Weijia Wu, Suzy A A Comhair, Sally Wenzel, W Gerald Teague, Elliot Israel, Serpil C Erzurum, Stanley L Hazen
• Journal: Clinical and translational science (Clin Transl Sci) Vol. 2 Issue 2 Pg. 112-7 (Apr 2009) ISSN: 1752-8062 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20234847 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers

Topics

• Adult
• Asthma (complications, diagnosis, pathology, urine)
• Biomarkers (urine)
• Confidence Intervals
• Female
• Humans
• Inflammation (complications, urine)
• Male
• Odds Ratio
• Respiratory System (pathology)
• Young Adult