Cysteinyl-leukotrienes in nasal lavage fluid in children with asthma

Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2008 May;19(3):227-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2007.00614.x.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate repeatability of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (cys-LT) measurements in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) and to determine if cys-LT levels in NLF are related to asthma severity in children. As a second outcome, we investigated if cys-LT in NLF reflect lower airway inflammation as assessed by exhaled NO measurement. To assess the repeatability of cys-LT measurements, two NLF samples were obtained from eight healthy controls 24 h apart. Sixty-nine asthmatic children (mean age; range: 12.8; 7.3-17.7 yr), which were grouped according to asthma severity were studied cross-sectionally on one occasion. Cys-LT in NLF were analyzed using a specific enzyme immunoassay, exhaled NO, and pulmonary function parameters were measured. The coefficient of repeatability for the repeated cys-LT measurements was 1.45 pg/ml. Cys-LT levels in NLF differed significantly between asthma severity groups (p < 0.001): mild intermittent: [median (IQR)] 6.88 pg/ml (2.00-27.87); mild persistent: 21.09 pg/ml (4.50-84.67); and moderate persistent asthmatics: 36.41 pg/ml (11.03-118.40). Concentration of cys-LT in NLF and exhaled NO was positively correlated (r = 0.85; p < 0.001). In conclusion, concentration of cys-LT in NLF correlates with asthma severity in children and is related to lower airway inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Breath Tests
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cysteine / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukotrienes / analysis*
  • Male
  • Nasal Lavage Fluid / chemistry*
  • Nitric Oxide / analysis
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Leukotrienes
  • cysteinyl-leukotriene
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Cysteine