Sputum-to-serum hydrogen sulphide ratio as a novel biomarker of predicting future risks of asthma exacerbation

Abstract

Background: Increased level of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in sputum is reported to be a new biomarker of neutrophilic airway inflammation in chronic airway disorders. However, the relationship between H2S and disease activity remains unclear. Objective: We investigated whether H2S levels could vary during different conditions in asthma. Method: H2S levels in sputum and serum were measured using a sulphide-sensitive electrode in 47 stable asthmatic subjects (S-BA), 21 uncontrolled asthmatic subjects (UC-BA), 26 asthmatic subjects with acute exacerbation (AE-BA) and 15 healthy subjects. Of these, H2S levels during stable, as well as exacerbation states, were obtained in 13 asthmatic subjects. Results: Sputum H2S levels were significantly higher in the AE-BA subjects compared to the UC-BA and healthy subjects (P