Exhaled breath condensate in acute pulmonary embolism; a porcine study of effect of condensing temperature and feasibility of protein analysis by mass spectrometry

The search for diagnostic biomarkers for pulmonary embolism (PE) has mainly been focused on blood samples. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a possible source for biomarkers specific for chronic lung diseases and cancer, yet no previous studies have investigated the potential of EBC for diagnosis of PE. The protein content in the EBC is very low, and efficient condensing of the EBC is important in order to obtain high quality samples for protein analysis. We investigated if advanced proteomic techniques in a porcine model of acute intermediate-high-risk PE was feasible using two different condensing temperatures for EBC collection. Seven pigs were anaesthetized and intubated. EBC was collected one hour after intubation. Two autologous emboli were induced through the right external jugular vein. Two hours after the emboli were administered, EBC was collected again. Condensing temperature was either −21 °C or −80 °C. Nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS)...
Source: Journal of Breath Research - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Source Type: research