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Bioactive tumor necrosis factor in the sputa of cystic fibrosis patients
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Abstract:
Eighty sputum samples from 37 cystic fibrosis patients were assayed for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in the L929 bioactivity assay. In addition, the presence of TNF-alpha-specific mRNA in the sputum was determined by using TNF-alpha-specific DNA probes in a PCR amplification step after reverse transcription of the mRNA to cDNA. Bioactive TNF-alpha was detected in 69 (86%) of the 80 sputum samples tested and, on at least one occasion, in 35 (95%) of the 37 cystic fibrosis patients sampled. The highest levels of TNF-alpha were observed in sputa obtained from patients presenting with an exacerbation of their disease.
Insights
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a key inflammatory marker, was frequently detected in cystic fibrosis patient sputum. Elevated levels correlated with disease exacerbations, suggesting its role in CF lung inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder characterized by chronic lung inflammation and infection.
- Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in various inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify bioactive TNF-alpha and its mRNA in sputum from cystic fibrosis patients.
- To investigate the correlation between TNF-alpha levels and disease exacerbations in CF patients.
Main Methods:
- Sputum samples from 37 CF patients were analyzed for bioactive TNF-alpha using the L929 bioactivity assay.
- TNF-alpha-specific mRNA was detected via RT-PCR using specific DNA probes.
Main Results:
- Bioactive TNF-alpha was present in 86% of sputum samples and 95% of patients.
- Elevated TNF-alpha levels were observed in patients experiencing disease exacerbations.
Conclusions:
- TNF-alpha is frequently present in the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients.
- Increased TNF-alpha levels are associated with CF disease exacerbations, highlighting its potential role in CF lung pathology.