Utility of Exhaled Breath Condensates across Respiratory Diseases

摘要

In this issue of the Journal, Effros and colleagues (pp. 803-804) summarize the origin of the constituents of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and some of the pitfalls associated with analysis and interpretation of biomarkers from this noninvasive, easily obtainable sample of the respiratory epithelial lining fluid (1). The major issues regarding interpretation of data generated from EBC measurements relate to reliability and reproducibil-ity of biomarkers and how accurately these markers reflect the pathobiology underlying the disease process. Below, we review studies that suggest utility for EBC biomarker measurements in clinical disease.