Multiplex analysis of cytokines in exhaled breath condensate.
BACKGROUND
To improve monitoring of lung diseases, we analyzed cytokines in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). The main challenge in measurement of cytokines in EBC is the low protein content, which requires concentration steps that conflict with the need for excessive fluid required by most commonly used kits.


METHODS
Here, a multiplex bead array for the detection of interleukins (IL) -1beta, -6, -8, -10, TNF-alpha, and IL-12p70 was modified and validated for analysis in EBC samples. Furthermore, 33 healthy volunteers and 11 patients with acute lung injury were investigated.


RESULTS
In patients with inflammatory lung diseases, cytokine levels for all investigated cytokines were higher in comparison to healthy smokers or healthy volunteers.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiplexed immunoassays in highly sensitive approaches allow for cytokine detection in EBC. We found significant differences between patients and controls for all investigated cytokines.
Institute of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. ulrich.sack@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Ulrich
U
Sack
Robert
R
Scheibe
Michael
M
Wötzel
Stefan
S
Hammerschmidt
Hartmut
H
Kuhn
Frank
F
Emmrich
Gerard
G
Hoheisel
Hubert
H
Wirtz
Christian
C
Gessner
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001944:Breath Tests / Q000379:methods*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000032:analysis; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000032:analysis; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D012907:Smoking / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis
D016207:Cytokines; D007375:Interleukin-1; D015850:Interleukin-6; D016209:Interleukin-8; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D016753:Interleukin-10; D018664:Interleukin-12