Fibronectin levels in nasal lavage: Comparing atopic and nonatopic subjects

Measurement of fibronectin, a matrix protein that enhances adherence and ki lling of pathogens, has been shown to be predictive of poor outcome in resp iratory distress states such as adult respiratory distress syndrome, bronch iolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and id iopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Our report examines for the first time fibrone ctin levels in nasal lavage fluid obtained from atopic and nonatopic subjec ts. Levels of fibronectin were up to ten times higher in atopic patients co mpared with the nonatopic patients, Correction with albumin for thickness o r viscosity of secretion suggests no significant difference between the two groups. Future studies are required to determine the significance of these findings.