Superoxide anion production by bronchoalveolar lavage cells in relation to cellular composition and lung function in sarcoidosis and chronic bronchitis.

INTRODUCTION

Increased generation of superoxide anion (O(2)(-).) by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells has been reported in various inflammatory disorders. However, the clinical relevance of this phenomenon is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate whether production of O(2)(-). is enhanced in smoking-related chronic bronchitis and sarcoidosis, and to assess a relationship between O(2)(-). generation and lung function impairment and changes in BAL cellular pattern.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients with sarcoidosis, 24 smokers with chronic bronchitis, and 17 controls were examined. A number/percentage of BAL cells was calculated. Spontaneous and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated O(2)(-). production was measured in BAL cells. Spirometry was performed.

RESULTS

Patients with smoking-related chronic bronchitis produced more O(2)(-). spontaneously (6.42 -/+1.24 vs. 15.39 -/+2.47 nmol/106 cells, P = 0.003) and after stimulation (3.73 -/+1.32 vs. 14.76 -/+2.79 nmol/106 cells; P = 0.001). PMA-stimulated excess production correlated with the percentage of neutrophils (r = 0.66, P = 0.0005). In sarcoidosis, only spontaneous production of O(2)(-). was higher (vs. 18.07 -/+2.49 nmol/106 cells, P = 0.004) and correlated with the percentage of BAL lymphocytes. There was no correlation between O(2)(-). production and lung function parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with smoking-related chronic bronchitis produce more O(2)(-)., and this phenomenon is related to BAL neutrophils. In sarcoidosis, spontaneous release of O(2)(-). from BAL cells is related to the extent of lymphocytic alveolitis. Higher O(2)(-). generation did not impair lung function.