Correlation Between TNF-α, IL- 1β in Exhaled Breath Condensate and Pulmonary Function

Abstract Background Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has emerged as a non-invasive method for assessing inflammation in lung diseases. Our aim is to investigate the correlation between TNF-α, IL- 1β in EBC and in lung tissue, and between these values in EBC with pulmonary function tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and Methods To ensure availability of lung tissue, 60 patients undergoing resection for early lung cancer were divided into 3 groups, a COPD treatment group, a COPD control group and a non-COPD group. Patients in the COPD treatment group received what was termed “lung protective treatment” including ambroxol, budesonide, and ipratropium bromide in addition to chest physiotherapy. Patients underwent pulmonary function testing and EBC collection, and TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by ELISA. Tissue TNF-α and IL-1β in lung tissues were evaluated by immunoflorescense. Correlations were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficients. Results The TNF-α and IL-1β levels in EBC were significantly higher in the COPD groups compared with the non-COPD group before surgery (all P < 0.01), and the levels were significantly decreased after lung protective treatment was received before surgery (all P < 0.01). TNF-α and IL-1β levels in EBC were significantly decreased in all patients after surgery with lung protective treatment ( P = 0.027, P = 0.004). TNF-α and IL-1β content in lung tissues was significantly higher in the COPD groups (all P < 0.05), and the histological analysis showed similar results. Negative correlations between FEV1/FVC and expression of TNF-α /IL-1β were observed. There was a positive correlation between TNF-α/IL-1β in lung tissues and in EBC. Conclusions TNF-α and IL-1β in EBC are potential biomarkers for evaluating pulmonary function and inflammation in COPD patients. Furthermore, lung protective treatment is effective in reducing inflammation in COPD patients.