Exhaled breath condensate pH decreases following oral glucose tolerance test

J Breath Res. 2015 Dec 15;9(4):047112. doi: 10.1088/1752-7155/9/4/047112.

Abstract

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH is a widely measured non-invasive marker of airway acidity. However, some methodological aspects have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on EBC pH in attempt to better standardize its measurement. Seventeen healthy subjects (24 ± 2 years, 6 men, 11 women) participated in the study. EBC collection and capillary blood glucose measurements were performed before as well as 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after a standardized OGTT test. The rate of respiratory droplet dilution and pH were evaluated in EBC. Blood glucose significantly increased at 30 min and maintained elevation after 60 and 120 min following OGTT. Compared to baseline (7.99 ± 0.25) EBC pH significantly decreased immediately after OGTT (7.41 ± 0.47); this drop sustained over 30 (7.44 ± 0.72) and 60 min (7.62 ± 0.44) without a significant difference at 120 min (7.78 ± 0.26). No change was observed in the rate of respiratory droplet dilution. There was no relationship between blood glucose and EBC pH values. Sugar intake may significantly decrease EBC pH. This effect needs to be considered when performing EBC pH studies. Further experiments are also warranted to investigate the effect of diet on other exhaled biomarkers.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Breath Tests / methods*
  • Exhalation*
  • Female
  • Glucose Tolerance Test*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Reference Standards
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Blood Glucose