The Role of Cytokines In bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in the Pathogenesis of the Neonatal Chronic Lung Disease

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Chronic lung disease is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Although the exact mechanisms leading to the development of chronic lung disease are unknown, there is increasing evidence indicating that pulmonary inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis. The proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin(IL)-1beta, IL-8 may have a role to play in initiating the inflammatory response that is seen in chronic lung disease. In contrast, IL-10 is an antiinflammatory cytokine. The abnormal persistent inflammatory process in chronic lung disease may be due to dysregulation of these proinflammatory cytokines. So, to describe cytokine profiles of chronic lung disease in neonate, we analysed the IL-1beta, IL-8 and IL-10 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by ELISA technique. METHODS: We obtained bronchoalveolar lavage samples from 14 respiratory distress syndrome infants without chronic lung disease and 8 respiratory distress syndrome infants with chronic lungisease. The cytokine levels were assayed. RESULTS: The results were as follows 1) IL-1beta levels were higher in chronic lung disease group(205.16+/-360.21pg/rnl) than group without chronic lung disease(21.21+/-26.14pg/ml)(P0.05). 3) In contrast, IL-10 levels were lower in chronic lung disease group(78.29+/-138.69pg/ml) than group without chronic lung disease(111.29+/-155.27pg/ml)(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the dysregulation of cytokines contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic lung disease. The difference in cytokine levels of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid can be used as a predictor for development of chronic lung disease.