Diagnostic methods used in the contemporary medical practice consist of a combination of distressing invasive (bronchial biopsy, bronchoalveolar lavage) and semiinvasive (induced sputum technique) methods. Monitoring of specific molecules produced during pathological processes in biological matrices is a relatively new technique which represents an alternative, 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. In contrast with 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 point at pathological processes only in the airways and lungs. Typical molecules to be monitored include hydrogen peroxide, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, lipoxins and prostanoids.

Vysoká škola chemicko technologická Technická 5 166 28 Praha

Exhaled breath condensate – specific matrix for monitoring lung diseases

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