[Determination and clinical implication of leukotriene B(4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in condensate of exhaled breath of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients].
OBJECTIVE
To study the changes and clinical implication of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.


METHODS
EBC of 20 patients in acute episode of COPD (AECOPD), 20 patients in period of remission of COPD, and 20 persons who were having regular check-up (healthy control group) were enrolled. The concentrations of LTB(4) and TNF-alpha in EBC were assayed. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) of COPD patients were observed at the same time, pH, oxygenation index (PaO(2)/FiO(2)), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO(2)) and leukocyte count were also determined.


RESULTS
(1)The concentrations of LTB(4) in EBC of AECOPD (35.43+/-14.19)ng/L and remission of COPD(24.39+/-13.75)ng/L, were significantly higher than that of the healthy control group (16.75+/-7.44)ng/L, and the concentration of LTB(4) in EBC during remission of COPD was significantly lower than that of AECOPD (all P<0.05). (2)The concentration of TNF-alpha in EBC of AECOPD (9.35+/-8.66) ng/L was significantly higher than that of remission of COPD (4.42+/-4.11)ng/L and healthy control group (4.45+/-3.92) ng/L, and the differences had statistical significance (both P<0.05). The concentration of TNF-alpha in EBC showed no significant difference between patients in remission of COPD and healthy control group. (3)The concentration of LTB(4) in EBC had negative correlation with FEV1 of AECOPD patients. Regression equation was y=or-0.51 x+0.22, r=-0.481 (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The concentrations of LTB4 and TNF-alpha in EBC of AECOPD patients are raised when oxidation stress is reinforced, and its level reflects the severity and prognosis of COPD.
Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China. chjr@pub.nt.jsinfo.net
Jin-Liang
JL
Chen
Jian-Rong
JR
Chen
Yi-Jiang
YJ
Tao
Ying-Yun
YY
Cai
Guo-Hua
GH
Tao
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D045853:Exhalation; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007975:Leukotriene B4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000378:metabolism*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D007975:Leukotriene B4