Exhaled breath condensate analysis in horses: A scoping review.

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection is a non-invasive sampling method that provides valuable information regarding the health status of the respiratory system by measuring inflammatory mediators, such as pH, hydrogen peroxide, and leukotriene B4. This scoping review aimed to provide an update on the collection and analysis of EBC in horses. A systematic search of three electronic databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, identified 40,978 articles, of which 1590 duplicates were excluded. Moreover, 39,388 articles were excluded because of irrelevance to this review, such as studies on other species, studies on respiratory exhalation, reviews, and theses. Finally, we evaluated 14 articles in this review. Our review revealed significant differences in the collection, storage, and processing of EBC samples, emphasizing the need for standardizing the technique and using specific equipment to improve the interpretation of the results.

Elevated leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate from preterm-born infants.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), possibly contributing to persistent respiratory morbidity after preterm birth. We aimed to assess if inflammatory markers were elevated in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of infants born very prematurely (< 32 weeks gestation) at 12-16 corrected months of age, and if increased levels were associated with BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity. METHODS: EBC samples and respiratory questionnaires were collected from 15 term-born infants and 33 preterm-born infants, 12 with a neonatal BPD diagnosis. EBC samples were analysed for leukotriene B4 (inflammation) and 8-isoprostane (oxidative stress) concentrations using enzyme-linked immune-assays. Differences between groups were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis Test with post-hoc comparisons, independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on normality of the data. RESULTS: Leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane levels were elevated in exhaled breath condensate of preterm-born infants compared to those born at term (mean difference [95% CI]; 1.52 [0.45, 2.59], p = 0.02; 0.77 [0.52, 1.02], p < 0.001, respectively). Leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane levels were independent of BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity over the first year of life. CONCLUSIONS: Infants born very prematurely exhibit elevated markers of airway neutrophilic inflammation and oxidative stress beyond the first year of life, regardless of a neonatal diagnosis of chronic lung disease or respiratory morbidity during infancy. These findings may have implications for future lung health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: N/A.

Investigation of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biological Activity in a Tissue-Engineered Skin Model Involving Psoriatic Cells.

Clinical studies have shown that diets enriched with omega-3 (also know as n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids could relieve the symptoms of patients with psoriasis. However, the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA) on the proliferation and differentiation of psoriatic keratinocytes in a three-dimensional skin model. Skin models featuring healthy (healthy substitute) or psoriatic (psoriatic substitute) cells were engineered by the self-assembly method of tissue engineering using a culture medium supplemented with 10 µM ALA in comparison with the regular unsupplemented medium. ALA decreased keratinocyte proliferation and improved psoriatic substitute epidermal differentiation, as measured by decreased Ki67 staining and increased protein expression of FLG and loricrin. The added ALA was notably incorporated into the epidermal phospholipids and metabolized into long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid and n-3 docosapentaenoic acid. ALA supplementation led to increased levels of eicosapentaenoic acid derivatives (15-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid and 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid) as well as a decrease in levels of omega-6 (also know as n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acid lipid mediators (9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and leukotriene B4). Furthermore, the signal transduction mediators extracellular signal‒regulated kinases 1 and 2 were the kinases most activated after ALA supplementation. Taken together, these results show that ALA decreases the pathologic phenotype of psoriatic substitutes by normalizing keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in vitro.

Root canal contamination or exposure to lipopolysaccharide differentially modulate prostaglandin E 2 and leukotriene B 4 signaling in apical periodontitis.

Purpose To evaluate the kinetics of apical periodontitis development in vivo , induced either by contamination of the root canals by microorganisms from the oral cavity or by inoculation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the regulation of major enzymes and receptors involved in the arachidonic acid metabolism. Methodology Apical periodontitis was induced in C57BL6 mice (n=96), by root canal exposure to oral cavity (n=48 teeth) or inoculation of LPS (10 µL of a suspension of 0.1 µg/µL) from E. coli into the root canals (n= 48 teeth). Healthy teeth were used as control (n=48 teeth). After 7, 14, 21 and 28 days the animals were euthanized and tissues removed for histopathological and qRT-PCR analyses. Histological analysis data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Sidak's test, and qRT-PCR data using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results Contamination by microorganisms led to the development of apical periodontitis, characterized by the recruitment of inflammatory cells and bone tissue resorption, whereas inoculation of LPS induced inflammatory cells recruitment without bone resorption. Both stimuli induced mRNA expression for cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. Expression of prostaglandin E 2 and leukotriene B 4 cell surface receptors were more stimulated by LPS. Regarding nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), oral contamination induced the synthesis of mRNA for PPARδ, differently from inoculation of LPS, that induced PPARα and PPARγ expression. Conclusions Contamination of the root canals by microorganisms from oral cavity induced the development of apical periodontitis differently than by inoculation with LPS, characterized by less bone loss than the first model. Regardless of the model used, it was found a local increase in the synthesis of mRNA for the enzymes 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 of the arachidonic acid metabolism, as well as in the surface and nuclear receptors for the lipid mediators prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4.

Metabolic profiling of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model rats and the interventional effects of HuaTanJiangQi decoction using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MSE.

The occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will lead to physiological and pathological variations and endogenous metabolic disorders. A traditional Chinese medicine formula, HuaTanJiangQi decoction (HTJQ), exhibits an unambiguous therapeutic effect on COPD in China. Nevertheless, the mechanism of its therapeutic effect on COPD is not clear. With this purpose, pulmonary function, histopathological and the inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in rats model of COPD were investigated. Then, ultra high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) analysis and multivariate statistical analysis were used to further reveal the mechanism of HTJQ therapeutic effect on COPD via metabolomics study. The results showed that the characteristics of lung tissues were significantly reversed, the concentration of LTB4 and LTC4 were gradually decreased, and the lung function began to recover after HTJQ treatment. These typical indicators of COPD in HTJQ intervention group were reversed similar to the control group, suggested that HTJQ has a therapeutic effect on COPD. Moreover, 32 dysregulated metabolites, including Thromboxane a2, Sphingosine 1-phosphate, PC(18:2(9Z,12Z)/18:1(11Z)), Leukotriene B4, Glutathione, Arachidonic acid, Sphingosylphosphocholine acid, N-Acetyl-leukotriene e4, Lysopc(18:1(11Z)), L-Cysteine, and Guanosine diphosphate. All the altered metabolites were associated with the onset and development of COPD, and involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism, which were significantly changed in rats model with COPD. Generally, these findings provide a systematic view of metabolic changes linked to the onset and development of COPD, also indicated that HTJQ could provide satisfactory therapeutic effects on COPD and metabolomics study can be utilized to further understand the molecular mechanisms.

Root canal contamination or exposure to lipopolysaccharide differentially modulate prostaglandin E 2 and leukotriene B 4 signaling in apical periodontitis

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the kinetics of apical periodontitis development in vivo , induced either by contamination of the root canals by microorganisms from the oral cavity or by inoculation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the regulation of major enzymes and receptors involved in the arachidonic acid metabolism. Methodology Apical periodontitis was induced in C57BL6 mice (n=96), by root canal exposure to oral cavity (n=48 teeth) or inoculation of LPS (10 µL of a suspension of 0.1 µg/µL) from E. coli into the root canals (n= 48 teeth). Healthy teeth were used as control (n=48 teeth). After 7, 14, 21 and 28 days the animals were euthanized and tissues removed for histopathological and qRT-PCR analyses. Histological analysis data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Sidak's test, and qRT-PCR data using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results Contamination by microorganisms led to the development of apical periodontitis, characterized by the recruitment of inflammatory cells and bone tissue resorption, whereas inoculation of LPS induced inflammatory cells recruitment without bone resorption. Both stimuli induced mRNA expression for cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. Expression of prostaglandin E 2 and leukotriene B 4 cell surface receptors were more stimulated by LPS. Regarding nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), oral contamination induced the synthesis of mRNA for PPARδ, differently from inoculation of LPS, that induced PPARα and PPARγ expression. Conclusions Contamination of the root canals by microorganisms from oral cavity induced the development of apical periodontitis differently than by inoculation with LPS, characterized by less bone loss than the first model. Regardless of the model used, it was found a local increase in the synthesis of mRNA for the enzymes 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 of the arachidonic acid metabolism, as well as in the surface and nuclear receptors for the lipid mediators prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4.

Leukotriene B4 in equine asthma syndrome: what do we know so far? / Leucotrieno B4 na síndrome asmática equina: o que sabemos até o momento?

The term "equine asthma syndrome" (EAS) was recently proposed due to the resemblance of the equine disease to human asthma. Leukotrienes cause constriction of the bronchi, especially in the lower airways and increase mucus secretion in the respiratory system. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) has been discovered as a strong chemotactic factor, which plays a role in neutrophil migration. The immunologic background of EAS remains not fully elucidated despite many studies on the pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the LTB4 concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of horses with and without pulmonary inflammatory disease. Thirty-five mixed breed horses were studied and LTB4 was determined by using specific ELISA Kit. The horses were grouped by 2 different criteria for statistical analysis of data: 1) according to the values for BALF citology and 2) according to the detection of LTB4 in BALF. There was significant difference of effect of age on the LTB4 detection in equine BALF. Younger animals were the majority where it was possible to detect LTB4 values in LBA. In conclusion, there was an effect of age on the detection of LTB4 in equine BALF, where LTB4 levels were more easily detected in younger animals than older animals and the results of this study raise the possibility of considering future studies with the objective of establishing the real role and the best moment to detect LTB4 in BALF of the equine asthma syndrome.(AU)

Recentemente, o termo "síndrome da asma equina" (SAE) foi proposto devido à semelhança da doença equina à asma humana. Os leucotrienos causam constrição dos brônquios, especialmente nas vias aéreas posteriores e aumentam a secreção de muco no sistema respiratório. O leucotrieno B4 (LTB4) foi descoberto como um forte fator quimiotático, que desempenha um papel na migração de neutrófilos. O fundo imunológico do SAE permanece não completamente elucidado apesar de muitos estudos sobre a patogênese. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a concentração de LTB4 no lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) de equinos com e sem doença inflamatória pulmonar. Trinta e cinco cavalos de raças mistas foram estudados e o LTB4 foi determinado usando o kit ELISA específico. Os animais foram agrupados por dois critérios diferentes para análise estatística dos dados: 1) de acordo com os valores para citologia do LBA e 2) de acordo com a detecção do LTB4 no LBA. Houve diferença significativa do efeito da idade na detecção do LTB4 no LBA equino. Os animais mais jovens foram a maioria onde foi possível detectar os valores de LTB4 no LBA. Em conclusão, houve um efeito da idade na detecção de LTB4 em LBA equino, onde os níveis de LTB4 foram mais facilmente detectados em animais jovens do que em animais mais velhos e foi possível detectar a concentração de LTB4 no LBA equino e os resultados deste estudo levantam a possibilidade de considerar futuros estudos com o objetivo de estabelecer o real papel e o melhor momento para detectar LTB4 no LBA da síndrome asmática equina.(AU)

Exhaled breath condensate hydrogen peroxide, pH and leukotriene B4 are associated with lower airway inflammation and airway cytology in the horse.

BACKGROUND: Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analysis is a noninvasive method to assess the lower respiratory tract. In human subjects, EBC hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), pH and leukotriene B4 (LTB4 ) are useful for detection and monitoring of inflammatory lung diseases, including asthma. OBJECTIVES: To determine associations between EBC biomarkers and cytological and endoscopic definitions of lower airway inflammation (LAI) while controlling for sampling and environmental variables. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Clinical, endoscopic and airway cytological findings from 47 horses were compared with EBC pH and concentrations of H2 O2 and LTB4 by univariate and multivariable analyses. Dichotomous (presence/absence of airway inflammation) and continuous outcome variables (differential cell counts in tracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, BALF) were evaluated and potential effects of collection and methodological factors were included. RESULTS: EBC pH and H2 O2 concentrations were higher in horses with LAI and both were positively associated with the percentage of neutrophils in BALF (P<0.05). Mast cell percentage in BALF was negatively associated with EBC pH, and BALF eosinophil percentage was positively associated with EBC LTB4 (P<0.05). Ambient temperature, relative humidity and assay methodology significantly impacted some analytes. MAIN LIMITATIONS: LAI is challenging to categorise due to a variety of clinical and cytological phenotypes. Although the study was designed to overcome this limitation, numbers of horses were small in some categories. CONCLUSIONS: EBC pH and H2 O2 concentrations are altered by airway inflammation, suggesting a role for these biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of airway disease. Environmental and methodological factors can influence these biomarkers and should be considered in the interpretation of results.

A composite of exhaled LTB4 , LXA4 , FeNO, and FEV1 as an "asthma classification ratio" characterizes childhood asthma.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant generation of eicosanoids is associated with asthma, but the evidence remains incomplete and its potential utility as biomarkers is unclear. Major eicosanoids in exhaled breath condensates (EBCs) were assessed as candidate markers for childhood asthma. METHODS: Ten exhaled eicosanoid species was evaluated using ELISA in the discovery phase, followed by prediction model-building and validation phases. RESULTS: Exhaled LTB4 , LTE4 , PGE2, and LXA4 showed significant difference between asthmatics (N = 60) and controls (N = 20). For validation, an expanded study population consisting of 626 subjects with asthma and 161 healthy controls was partitioned into a training subset to establish a prediction model and a test sample subset for validation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of the training subset revealed the level of exhaled LTB4 to be the most discriminative among all parameters, including FeNO, and a composite of exhaled LTB4 , LXA4 , together with FeNO and FEV1 , distinguishing asthma with high sensitivity and specificity. Further, the Youden index (J) indicated the cut point value of 0.598 for this composite of markers as having the strongest discriminatory ability (sensitivity = 85.2% and specificity = 83.6%). The predictive algorithm as "asthma classification ratio" was further validated in an independent test sample with sensitivity and specificity being 84.4% and 84.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a pediatric study population in Taiwan, the levels of exhaled LTB4 , LTE4 , LXA4, and PGE2 in asthmatic children were significantly different from those of healthy controls, and the combination of exhaled LTB4 and LXA4 , together with FeNO and FEV1 , best characterized childhood asthma.

The consistency and influence of environmental and animal factors on exhaled breath condensate hydrogen peroxide, pH and leukotriene B4 in horses.

This study was performed to determine the consistency of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), pH and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) measurements in asymptomatic horses and to define the influence of environmental and animal factors on these variables. Intra- and inter-day consistency for both H2O2 and pH measurements were adequate, with intraclass correlation coefficients ≥0.8, whereas the consistency for LTB4 was poor. H2O2 was influenced by ambient temperature (TA), humidity, time of day and collection location (all P<0.01), while pH was influenced by respiratory rate during EBC collection and TA (both P<0.001). The consistency of EBC H2O2 and pH measurements may be sufficient for use as diagnostic biomarkers in horses. However, the influence of identified environmental and animal factors should be considered.

Erythromycin attenuates metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease imbalance in cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in rats via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κB activation pathway.

The present study investigated whether erythromycin (ERY) reduces cigarette smoke (CS)-induced emphysema in rats and aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of ERY, which may identify potential treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, the current study focused on the potential effects on the imbalance between matrix metalloprotease (MMP) and anti-MMP activity, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the nuclear factor­κB (NF­κB) signaling pathway. Wistar rats were divided into the following three groups (n=12 each): control (ERY vehicle only, without any CS exposure), CS (animals were exposed to CS for 12 weeks) and CS + ERY (animals were exposed to CS for 12 weeks and received 100 mg/kg/day ERY). The recruitment of inflammatory cells into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the histopathology of lung tissue from all groups was evaluated to grade the severity of the emphysema. The expression of MMP­2, MMP­9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase­1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The activation of MAPKs, NF­κB and inhibitor of NF­κB (IκBα), in lung tissues was examined by western blotting. Treatment with ERY resulted in fewer inflammatory cells and cytokines in the BALF, and fewer emphysema­associated changes in the lungs compared with control. The stimulus of CS promoted the phosphorylation of extracellular signal­regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38, but not c­Jun NH2­terminal kinase, thereby inducing the activation of the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway in rats. Furthermore, CS exposure increased the expression of NF-κB and decreased the expression of IκBα. The levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and p38 were significantly reduced in rats with CS­induced emphysema when treated with ERY compared with the CS group. The results of the present study therefore indicate that oral administration of ERY may suppress CS­induced emphysema by regulating inflammatory cytokines and the MMP/anti-MMP imbalance via the MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Low salivary resolvin D1 to leukotriene B4 ratio predicts carotid intima media thickness: A novel biomarker of non-resolving vascular inflammation.

Background Different lipid mediators may have opposing effects on vascular inflammation. For example, whereas leukotriene B4 (LTB4) transduces inflammation, resolvin D1 (RvD1), which is synthesized from the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, facilitates the resolution of inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the RvD1/LTB4 ratio with subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods Saliva samples and ultrasound measurements of the intima media thickness of the carotid artery was obtained for 254 participants. The lipid mediators RvD1 and LTB4 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Participants with a salivary RvD1/LTB4 ratio >1 had a significantly lower intima media thickness than those in whom LTB4 prevailed. The salivary RvD1/LTB4 ratio independently predicted carotid intima media thickness. Conclusions The ratio between the proresolving and proinflammatory salivary lipid mediators RvD1 and LTB4 may serve as a biomarker of non-resolving inflammation and its relation to intima media thickness in cardiovascular disease.

Inhalation of two putative Gulf War toxins by mice.

We employed our inhalation methodology to examine whether biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress would be produced in mice following inhalation of aerosols containing carbonaceous particles or the vapor of pesticides prevalent during the first Gulf War. Exposure to two putative Gulf War Illness toxins, fine airborne particles and the pesticide malathion, increased biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in Friend virus B (FVB) female mice. Mice inhaling particles 24 h before had increased lung lavage and plasma Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) (a biomarker of inflammation) and PGF2α (a biomarker of oxidative stress) levels, lung lavage protein and lung lavage lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. These changes were a function of particle density and exposure time. Compared to particle inhalation, mice inhaling malathion 24 h before had small increase in plasma LTB4 and PGF2α levels but no increase in lung lavage LTB4, lung lavage protein, lung lavage LDH, and lung lavage alveolar macrophage (AM) levels compared to unexposed control mice. AM from particle-exposed mice contained phagocytosed particles, while AM from malathion-exposed mice showed no abnormalities. Our results indicate that inhaling particles or malathion can alter inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in mice and raise the possibility that these toxins may have altered inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in Gulf War-exposed individuals.

A dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase protects against kainic acid-induced brain injury.

Systemic administration of kainic acid causes inflammation and apoptosis in the brain, resulting in neuronal loss. Dual cyclooxygenase/5-lipoxygenase (COX/5-LOX) inhibitors could represent a possible neuroprotective approach in preventing glutamate excitotoxicity. Consequently, we investigated the effects of a dual inhibitor of COX/5-LOX following intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid (KA, 10 mg/kg) in rats. Animals were randomized to receive either the dual inhibitor of COX/5-LOX (flavocoxid, 20 mg/kg i.p.) or its vehicle (1 ml/kg i.p.) 30 min after KA administration. Sham brain injury rats were used as controls. We evaluated protein expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as well as levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in the hippocampus. Animals were also observed for monitoring behavioral changes according to Racine Scale. Finally, histological analysis and brain edema evaluation were carried out. Treatment with the dual inhibitor of COX/5-LOX decreased protein expression of p-ERK1/2 and TNF-α in hippocampus, markedly reduced MDA, LTB4 and PGE2 hippocampal levels, and also ameliorated brain edema. Histological analysis showed a reduction in cell damage in rats treated with the dual inhibitor of COX/5-LOX, particularly in hippocampal subregion CA3c. Moreover, flavocoxid significantly improved behavioral signs following kainic acid administration. Our results suggest that dual inhibition of COX/5-LOX by flavocoxid has neuroprotective effects during kainic acid-induced excitotoxicity.

Elevated exhaled leukotriene B4 in the small airway compartment in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory processes in the asthmatic lung involve the large and small airway and alveolar sites. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is an important disease marker, but its role in inflammation of the small airways in asthma has not been established yet. OBJECTIVE: To distinguish between large and small airway or alveolar LTB4 concentrations in children with asthma using the new technique of fractionated exhaled breath condensate sampling. METHODS: Sixty-eight children (9-17 years old, 33 children with asthma and 35 controls) underwent fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements, lung function testing, and collection of fractionated exhaled breath condensate using a capnograph-based approach. The LTB4 concentrations in the small airway or alveolar and large airway fractions were correlated to disease status, lung function impairment, and clinical parameters. RESULTS: Children with asthma had significantly higher LTB4 concentrations in the small airway or alveolar fraction than controls (5.58 pg/mL; 95% interquartile range [IQR], 2.0-11.77 pg/mL; vs 2.0 pg/mL; 95% IQR, 2.0-6.2 pg/mL; P = .003). No difference was found between the groups in the large airway fraction. Children with obstructive lung function impairment (forced expiratory volume in 1 second z score <-1.65) had increased small airway or alveolar LTB4 concentrations compared with children without impairment (2.0 pg/mL; 95% IQR, 2.0-9.21 pg/mL; vs 18.32 pg/mL; 95% IQR, 3.7-23.02 pg/mL; P = .04). Children with asthma but without pathologic obstructive lung function still had higher LTB4 concentrations than controls (5.57 pg/mL; 95% IQR, 2.00-10.60 pg/mL; vs 2.00 pg/mL; 95% IQR, 2.00-6.20 pg/mL; P = .01). CONCLUSION: LTB4 is detectable and elevated in the small airway or alveolar fraction of exhaled breath condensate in pediatric asthma. Because of the possibility of detecting elevated levels in patients without lung function impairment in controlled disease, it may be used as a noninvasive marker of small airways disease; however, future long-term studies are needed.

[Determining asthma treatment in children by monitoring fractional exhaled nitric oxide, sputum eosinophils and leukotriene B4]. / Monitorización del tratamiento en el asma bronquial mediante determinación de fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico, eosinófilos y leucotrieno B4 en esputo inducido de población infantil.

Sputum eosinophils and exhaled fractional nitric oxide (FENO) are markers of airway inflammation in asthma. Cytokines, cysteinyl-leukotrienes and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are responsible for this inflammation. The aim of this study is to determine the usefulness of these markers in monitoring asthma treatment in children. FENO, sputum eosinophils, and LTB4 in induced sputum were performed in 10 children (9-15 years old). These determinations were repeated four months later, after the beginning or an increase in the treatment. FENO values tended to decrease (P=.15), pulmonary function tended to improve (P=.10), and sputum eosinophils decreased (P=.003) compared to the first determination. There were no differences in LTB4 concentrations (P=.88). Sputum eosinophils seem to be more precise than FENO in the monitoring of inflammation in asthmatic children.

Human cytomegalovirus infection induces leukotriene B4 and 5-lipoxygenase expression in human placentae and umbilical vein endothelial cells.

INTRODUCTION: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause congenital infection with risk of neurological disability. Maternal-fetal transmission is associated with placental inflammation. 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of Leukotrienes (LTs), which are proinflammatory mediators. This study investigated the effect of HCMV infection on 5-LO expression and Leukotriene-B4 (LTB4) induction in human placentae and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). METHODS: Seven placentae from fetuses with congenital HCMV infection and brain damage and six controls were stained with HCMV-immediate-early-antigen (HCMV-IEA) and 5-LO by immunohistochemistry. 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and LTB4 were measured in culture supernatant from ex vivo HCMV-infected placental histocultures by liquid chromatography. In vitro, HCMV infected HUVEC cells were analyzed for 5-LO mRNA and protein expression by real time PCR and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: HCMV-IEA was abundant in all HCMV infected placentae but absent in control placentae. 5-LO expression was higher in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of HCMV-infected placentae, compared to control placentae. HCMV infection induced an up-regulation of LTB4 in ex vivo placental explants with higher levels of LTB4 at 72 h compared to controls (p = 0.002). In vitro, 5-LO transcript and protein expression were significantly induced in HCMV-infected HUVEC, compared to the control cultures (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The presence of HCMV coincided with high 5-LO expression in cells of in vivo HCMV infected placentae. HCMV induced up-regulation of 5-LO in both ex vivo HCMV-infected placental explants and HUVEC. HCMV induced LT-biosynthesis in congenitally infected placentae may have a role in pathogenesis of congenital HCMV disease.

Using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detector to quantify exhaled leukotriene B4 level in nonatopic adults.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the chemical method to analyze exhaled breath condensate (EBC) leukotriene B4 (LTB4) level in humans. High-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detector was applied to quantify the inflammatory biomarker. The LTB4 concentration in the concentrated pooled EBC samples was 1.19 ng/µL, and the average LTB4 concentration of each EBC sample was 15.38 ng/µL. This analytical technique was feasible to evaluate the levels of inflammatory mediators such as LTB4 in human EBCs without any complicated sample pretreatment processes.

Synthesis of leukotrienes in porcine uteri with endometritis induced by infection with Escherichia coli.

Leukotrienes (LTs) are lipid mediators that play a significant role in the inflammatory process. Their production in inflamed uteri is not fully understood. The present experiment aimed to determine LTB4 and LTC4 amounts, 5-lipooxygenase (5-LO), LTA4 hydrolase (LTAH) and LTC4 synthase (LTCS) mRNA levels and protein expression in inflamed porcine uteri. On Day 3 of the oestrous cycle (Day 0 of the study), either Escherichia coli suspension or saline were infused into uterine horns. Collection of uterine tissues and washings took place eight or sixteen days later. In gilts suffering from endometritis increased LTB4 and LTC4 levels in the endometrium and washings and 5-LO mRNA levels in the myometrium on Days 8 and 16, 5-LO protein levels in the endometrium and myometrium on Day 8, LTAH mRNA and protein levels in the endometrium and myometrium on Days 8 and 16, respectively. Although LTCS mRNA and protein expression in the myometrium and LTCS protein expression in the endometrium were enhanced on Day 16 after Escherichia coli inoculation, LTCS mRNA levels decreased on Day 8 in both tissues. Our study shows the upregulation of LT production in inflamed porcine uteri, which suggests the importance of these factors to the process of uterine inflammation.

Inflammatory mediators in saliva associated with arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Whereas circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with, for example, arterial stiffness, subclinical atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome, other inflammatory biomarkers with potential interest for these conditions may not be measurable systemically. The predictive value of salivary biomarkers in these contexts has remained largely unexplored. The aim of the present study was to establish the association of different salivary biomarkers of inflammation with subclinical cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-nine individuals were included in the study. Saliva and plasma samples were collected, and each individual underwent carotid ultrasound and measures of pulse wave velocity and blood pressure. Medical history of previous cardiovascular disease, current medications and smoking were collected by questionnaire. RESULTS: Salivary levels of CRP, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), creatinine and lysozyme were measured. Salivary levels of CRP were significantly correlated with plasma levels (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001). In an age-adjusted and sex-adjusted analysis, salivary CRP was significantly and positively correlated with mean arterial blood pressure, pulse pressure, pulse wave velocity, BMI, metabolic syndrome, waist-to-hip ratio and intima-media thickness. Increasing age and sex-adjusted salivary CRP tertiles were in addition associated with carotid plaques. In a multivariate analysis, CRP and MMP-9 were associated with intima-media thickness, LTB4 and PGE2 with arterial stiffness, and lysozyme with hypertension. CONCLUSION: Saliva may represent an alternative mean for evaluation of cardiovascular risk.