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Induced sputum nitrites correlate with FEV1 in children with cystic fibrosis

N Anil1, M Singh1, A Rajwanshi1

  • 1.Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.Department of Cytology and Gynaepathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|January 26, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have higher nitrite levels in airway secretions compared to healthy children. Increased sputum nitrites correlate with inflammation and reduced lung function in CF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, primarily the lungs.
  • Airway inflammation is a hallmark of CF pathology, contributing to lung function decline.
  • Nitrites, products of nitric oxide metabolism, are implicated in inflammatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare nitrite levels in induced sputum between children with CF and healthy controls.
  • To investigate the relationship between sputum nitrites and lung function parameters in pediatric CF patients.

Main Methods:

  • Induced sputum was collected from 20 children with CF and 10 healthy controls.
  • Nitrite concentrations were quantified using the Greiss assay.
  • Lung function was assessed via spirometry, measuring parameters like FEV1.

Main Results:

  • Children with CF exhibited significantly higher induced sputum nitrite levels (184.8 microM/L) compared to controls (56.4 microM/L).
  • Positive correlations were found between sputum nitrites and neutrophil percentage/white blood cell count in CF patients.
  • Sputum nitrite levels showed a negative correlation with FEV1 in children with CF.

Conclusions:

  • Induced sputum nitrite levels are elevated in children with cystic fibrosis.
  • Sputum nitrites may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for airway inflammation in pediatric CF.
  • This finding could aid in monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Abstract

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