title: IFN-γ and IP-10 in tracheal aspirates from premature infants: relationship with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interferon-inducible protein of 10 kDa (IP-10) are potent inflammatory mediators and contribute to acute lung injury in adults. Recently, a potential role for IFN-γ and IP-10 in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has been reported in animal models.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the association between IFN-γ and IP-10 in tracheal aspirate (TA) and the development of BPD in premature infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  TA samples collected within 48 hr after birth from 79 mechanically ventilated premature neonates [gestational age (GA) <30 weeks (w), birth weight (BW) <1,250 g (g)] were analyzed. IFN-γ was measured in a subgroup of 38 infants by using a biochip multi-analyte immunoassay. The level of IP-10 was determined using a commercially available ELISA kit. Total protein in TA was measured by Bradford assay to correct for sampling related dilution. BPD was defined as the need of supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty infants (GA 26.4 ± 1.9w, BW 860 ± 201 g) survived without BPD at 36 weeks PMA and 59 infants (GA 25.5 ± 1.5w, BW 751 ± 163 g) died before 36 weeks PMA or developed BPD. The mean IFN-γ level was higher in infants who died or developed BPD (9.7 ± 2.8 vs. 3.1 ± 1.1 pg/ml, P = 0.03). Similarly, the mean IP-10 level was higher in infants who died or developed BPD (63.4 ± 17.5 pg/ml) compared to those who survived without BPD (18.5 ± 7.5 pg/ml, P = 0.02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Higher IFN-γ and IP-10 levels in TA samples are associated with the development of BPD or death in premature infants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: Zubair H
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Aghai
authors.forename: Judy G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Saslow
authors.forename: Kartik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mody
authors.forename: Riva
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eydelman
authors.forename: Vishwanath
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.forename: Kee
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pyon
authors.forename: Vineet
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bhandari
mesh_terms: D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality; D054357:Chemokine CXCL10 / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008297:Male; D014132:Trachea
chemical_list: C114753:CXCL10 protein, human; D054357:Chemokine CXCL10; D007371:Interferon-gamma