LEUKOTRIENE B-4 IN BREATHING CONDENSATE OF PATIENTS WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DISEASES AND OF NORMAL-PATIENTS

The aim of the study was to validate a method for collection of non-vo latile substances from the exhalation. These exhaled non-volatile subs tances were collected in a special breathing condensate (BCO) set-up, patent pending. We developed equipment used to prevent any altering ef fect on the biochemical properties of the specimens. The method was te sted on healthy volunteers and patients with inflammatory airway disea ses e.g. asthmatics. Especially mediators released by inflammatory cel ls into the airways were detected and quantified in exhalation. The am ount of exhaled LTB4 strongly correlated with the clinical stage of br onchial asthma, i.e. the degree of airway inflammation. In contrast, n o correlation was found between exhaled LTB(4) and FEV(1). Other media tors, proteins, peptides, amino acids, phospholipids and smaller molec ules were detectable in breathing condensate in previous pilot tests. BCO collection and biochemical analysis is well-suited for use as a di agnostic tool in inflammatory airway conditions.