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Updated: May 8, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 14, 2010
Using biomarkers in the assessment of airways disease
1Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. robin.taylor@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Abstract:
A biomarker provides a window on underlying disease activity. This is helpful when the pathology, treatment response, or both are heterogeneous or when trying to interpret nonspecific respiratory symptoms in patients with comorbidities. The successful application of a biomarker result is critically dependent on the specific question being addressed and the performance characteristics of the biomarker in relation to that question in the context of pretest probabilities. Negative prediction might be the best way to use a biomarker, such as a D-dimer, pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and exhaled nitric oxide. In this review the role of biomarkers in airways disease (notably induced sputum eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide) is considered in relation to risk stratification, identification of treatment responders, identification of a clinical phenotype, monitoring of disease, and new drug development.
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