How does exhaled nitric oxide measurement fit in asthma assessment?

摘要

Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous regulatory molecule widely distributed throughout the body. It is produced by the enzymes nitric oxide synthases. This presentation addresses the role of exhaled NO (eNO) measurement in asthma assessment. 1. Produced by nitric oxide synthases in airway epithelial cells, particularly when damaged by eosinophilic inflammation. Unclear how NO contributes to the pathophysiology of asthma. Is it a good regulatory agent, a proinflammatory factor, or just a marker of eosinophilic inflammation? 1. Levels correlate with: 1. sputum eosinophils 2. broncho-alveolar lavage eosinophils 3. basement membrane major basic protein.