Cysteinyl leukotrienes in exhaled breath condensate of smoking asthmatics.

摘要

BACKGROUND : Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are among important inflammatory mediators in asthma pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to determine leukotriene D? (LTD?) and leukotriene E? (LTE?) levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in asthmatics and to evaluate the effect of smoking upon CysLTs levels and to speculate the importance of adding leukotriene receptor antagonists in smoking asthmatics. METHODS : A total of 88 participants were included in the study. Of them, 59 were asthmatics; 30 of the 59 asthmatics were smokers (Group I) and the others were non-smokers (Group II). As a control group (Group III), 29 healthy non-smokers were enrolled. EBC samples were collected (EcoScreen, Jaeger, Hoechberg, Germany) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed in each case, and an asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) was completed by the asthmatics. LTD? and LTE? levels in EBC samples were analyzed by using ELISA. RESULTS : LTD? levels were found to be higher in Group I than other groups and similar in Group II and Group III. LTE? levels were lower in Group III than other groups and similar in Group I and Group II. PFTs were different between Group I and Group III and there was a significant negative correlation between LTE? levels and forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity ratio in Group I. CONCLUSIONS : LTD?, but not LTE?, concentrations in EBC were higher in asthmatic smokers than asthmatic nonsmokers. LTE? concentrations in EBC were higher in asthmatics than healthy non-smokers. In smoking asthmatics usage of agents that block the effects of LTD? can be beneficial; however, new clinical studies are required.