Elevated plasma levels of F2α isoprostane in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with chronic lung infection, inflammation, and elevated indices of oxidative stress. Recently, isoprostanes were shown to be a reliable in vivo marker of oxidant injury with 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha), shown to cause airflow obstruction and plasma exudation in guinea pig lung. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha), levels, plasma antioxidants, and clinical status in CF. We hypothesized that plasma 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha) levels would be higher in subjects with CF compared to healthy controls. Plasma 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha) levels were prospectively measured in 22 subjects with CF and nine healthy controls using an 8-isoprostane enzyme immunoassay kit along with plasma vitamins A, E, and p-carotene. Plasma 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha) levels were shown to be significantly elevated in the CF subjects compared to controls (319.6 +/- 52.6 vs. 145.0 +/- 21.0 pg/mL, P = 0.005). Plasma levels of antioxidants were significantly lower for the CF subjects compared to the controls (vitamin A, P < 0.003; vitamin E, P < 0.001; and beta-carotene, P < 0.01). This study confirms significantly elevated lipid peroxi--- dation in CF using 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha) levels.