Exhaled 8-isoprostane has been used as a marker of inflammation in some asthma studies but more work is required if this biomarker is to make the leap into clinical use
Adam Peel - 2nd year PhD student based at Norwich Medical School - has published his second paper, titled Biomarkers in adult asthma: a systematic review of 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate. This publication follows Adam’s presentation of his work at the 3rd Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research Annual Scientific Meeting, for which he was awarded best student presentation. Read on for a summary of his latest publication, which investigates the potential for use of exhaled 8-isoprostane as a marker of inflammation in asthma studies...
What is the issue / why do we need this
Using biomarkers to guide asthma management has the potential to personalise treatment allowing the underlying disease processes to be targeted more specifically. Collecting condensation formed from exhaled breath gives researchers a sample which contains substances from within the lungs, some of which might provide useful information. 8-isoprostane is one such substance and may serve as an indicator of the amount of inflammation present in the lungs. It is not known quite how reliable or accurate this method is.
What did the researchers do
The researchers collected and reviewed those asthma studies which have used this method and compared their results.
What did the researchers find
While the levels of 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate tended to be higher in participants with asthma than in healthy controls, this was not a consistent finding across all studies. The methods used in the collection and analysis of samples varied to such an extent that it was difficult to make comparisons. Based on the evidence available, it was not possible to reach a firm conclusion as to whether 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath might be useful to inform asthma management. Consistent, standardised methods are needed before this marker can be properly evaluated.
Read the full paper:
Biomarkers in adult asthma: a systematic review of 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate.
Peel AM, Crossman-Barnes CJ, Tang J, Fowler S, Davies G, Wilson A, Loke Y.
J Breath Res. 2017 Jan 19. doi: 10.1088/1752-7163/aa5a8a. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 28102831.