Biomarker Analysis of Human Breath for Early Prediction of Hepatotoxicity

摘要

This past three years of research conducted with support from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research has been directed towards evaluating the use of exhaled breath to estimate the actual-exposure to xenobiotics in the work place and the environment. In addition, research has focused on identifying endogenously produced molecules in exhaled breath that serve as sentinel biomarkers of tissue injury and disease. Exhaled breath is composed of many molecules in a gaseous matrix consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide and the inert gases. Endogenously produced molecules are present in concentrations that are less than 100 parts per billion (v/v) whereas the concentrations of exogenous molecules are dependent upon the actual exposure concentration. However, the composition of exhaled breath can change throughout the normal expiratory cycle and includes molecules that arise from the alveolar membrane junction, conducting airway, mouth and sinuses. Research conducted during this period has been focused on many aspects of breath analysis since the overall goal of this project was to collect and analyze representative breath samples from laboratory animals and human subjects.