Increased Plasma YKL-40 Level and Chitotriosidase Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Abstract

BackgroundWe investigated plasma YKL-40 levels and chitotriosidase (CHIT1) activity in patients with cystic brosis (CF) lung disease and evaluated clinically relevant factors that may affect their levels. MethodsPlasma samples were obtained from pediatric (n = 19) and adult patients (n = 15) during exacerbation, discharge and stable period of the disease. YKL-40 levels and chitotriosidase activity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and uorometric assay, respectively. Data were compared with healthy children and adults of similar age. ResultsYKL-40 levels of pediatric and adult CF patients at all periods were signi cantly higher than controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). CHIT1 activities of adult patients at all periods were signi cantly higher compared to controls (p < 0.05). On the other hand, CHIT1 activities of pediatric CF patients were similar with controls.YKL-40 levels of exacerbation period of adult CF patients were negatively correlated with % FVC (r= -0.800, p = 0.014) and % FEV1 (r= -0.735, p = 0.008). YKL-40 levels in the exacerbation period of pediatric CF patients were negatively correlated with % FVC (r= -0.697, p = 0.0082) and % FEV1 (r= -0.720, p = 0.006). ConclusionsCHIT1 activity may be a valuable marker of chronic in ammation in adult CF patients who suffer from CF for a longer period of time compared to pediatric patients. Increased YKL-40 levels in both pediatric and adult patients compared to controls may point to a role in between CF pathology. Furthermore, as YKL-40 levels are correlated with FEV1 and FVC in patients, it may be useful for the monitoring of pulmonary function in CF patient.