Non-invasive biomarkers and pulmonary function in smokers

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2008;3(1):171-83. doi: 10.2147/copd.s1850.

Abstract

Limited information exists regarding measurement, reproducibility and interrelationships of non-invasive biomarkers in smokers. We compared exhaled breath condensate (EBC) leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and 8-isoprostane, exhaled nitric oxide, induced sputum, spirometry, plethysmography, impulse oscillometry and methacholine reactivity in 18 smokers and 10 non-smokers. We assessed the relationships between these measurements and within-subject reproducibility of EBC biomarkers in smokers. Compared to non-smokers, smokers had significantly lower MMEF % predicted (mean 64.1 vs 77.7, p = 0.003), FEV1/FVC (mean 76.2 vs 79.8 p = 0.05), specific conductance (geometric mean 1.2 vs 1.6, p = 0.02), higher resonant frequency (mean 15.5 vs 9.9, p = 0.01) and higher EBC 8-isoprostane (geometric mean 49.9 vs 8.9 pg/ml p = 0.001). Median EBC pH values were similar, but a subgroup of smokers had airway acidification (pH < 7.2) not observed in non-smokers. Smokers had predominant sputum neutrophilia (mean 68.5%). Repeated EBC measurements showed no significant differences between group means, but Bland Altman analysis showed large individual variability. EBC 8-isoprostane correlated with EBC LTB4 (r = 0.78, p = 0.0001). Sputum supernatant IL-8 correlated with total neutrophil count per gram of sputum (r = 0.52, p = 0.04) and with EBC pH (r = -0.59, p = 0.02). In conclusion, smokers had evidence of small airway dysfunction, increased airway resistance, reduced lung compliance, airway neutrophilia and oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Bronchial Provocation Tests
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dinoprost / analogs & derivatives
  • Dinoprost / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukotriene B4 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Pulmonary Gas Exchange / physiology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Smoking / metabolism*
  • Smoking / physiopathology*
  • Total Lung Capacity / physiology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Leukotriene B4
  • 8-epi-prostaglandin F2alpha
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Dinoprost