Exhaled Breath Condensate – Specific Matrix for Monitoring Lung Diseases

Abstract

Diagnostic methods, used in the contemporary medical practice, consist of a combination of distressing invasive (bronchial biopsy, bronchoalveolar lavage) and semi-invasive (induced sputum technique) methods. Monitoring of specific molecules produced during pathological processes in biological matrices is a relatively new technique which represents an alternative way of an entirely non-invasive and comfortable method. The principle is based on the quantification of specific substances - "biomarkers", which are considered to be objectively measurable indicators of a physiological/pathological condition of the organism. Unlike non-specific matrices such as blood plasma (reflecting the state of the whole organism), the exhaled breath condensate is a specific matrix. Concentration levels of biomarkers in the latter matrix evidence the pathological process only in the airways and lungs. Typical molecules to be monitored include H₂O₂, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, lipoxins and prostanoids.