Development of a Noninvasive Method of Evaluation of Pulmonary Inflammation in the Condensates of Exhaled Air

Development of a Noninvasive Method of Evaluation of the Pulmonary Inflammation in the Condensates of Exhaled Air

The aim of the study is identify biological parameters reflecting proteolytic activity in the exhaled condenstaes which might be useful to follow up pulmonary inflammation in various conditions including cystic fibrosis, COPD, asthma, tobacco exposure. Three proteases will be analyzed, i.e. elastase, proteinase 3 and cathepsin G. Results in the condensates will be compared to those obtained in sputum.

5 groups of 20 individuals each: group 1 CF, group 2 COPD, group 3 asthma, group 4 tobacco exposure, group 5 control subjects.

Collection of exhaled condensates in all subjects and of sputum in subjects belonging to groups 1 and 2.

Clinical examination and PFTs in all patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Subjects suffering from CF, COPD, asthma and tobacco exposure (groups 1 to 4) and controls (group 5)
• aged more or equal to 18
• stable disease
• able to perform PFTs
• informed consent signed
• affiliated to french social insurance

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute exacerbation of the disease during the last 2 weeks
• IV or oral steroids or antibiotics during the last 2 weeks
• hospitalization during the last 2 weeks
• colonization by S aureus methicillin resistant and/or Burkholderia cepacia