Systemic and local expression of Mithocondrial DNA and Periostin in IPF

Abstract

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease of unknown aetiology. As the diagnosis of IPF is complex, the search for non invasive biomarkers is of great relevance in consideration of the management of these patients. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of IPF patients the mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA) alterations, as oxidative stress marker, and the potential role of Periostin in IPF pathogenesis. Methods: 48 IPF patients were compared with 20 control subjects. Patients underwent EBC and blood collection. Content of MtDNA and nDNA was measured in EBC by Real Time PCR and the ratio between MtDNA/nDNA was calculated. Periostin was assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit on EBC. Results: Exhaled MtDNA/nDNA was higher in IPF patients compared to healthy controls (16.59±10.30 vs 7.94±4.56;p Conclusions: There is an increase of MtDNA/nDNA ratio in IPF subjects that led us to suggest that there is a presence of mitochondrial dysfunction that confirms an important role of the oxidative stress in IPF. We also found that Periostin is measurable in the airways and increased in patients with IPF and could be a useful marker to better understanding the pathogenesis of IPF.