The Role of Endothelium-Derived Mediators in Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction

Abstract

Background: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a highly prevalent condition whose pathogenesis and effect on airways remain unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in endothelial-derived mediators following intensive exercise in asthmatic patients. Methods: The study was conducted in a group of 25 asthmatic patients (15 with EIB, 10 without EIB) and 8 healthy volunteers. Changes induced by intensive exercise in the plasma concentrations of endothelin-1 (ET-1), thrombomodulin and soluble E-selectin were determined. Moreover, the possible correlations of these measurements with the results of baseline lung function, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), exhaled nitric oxide (F_ENO), baseline eosinophil cationic protein, peripheral blood eosinophilia and total IgE were investigated. Results: In the group of asthmatics with EIB, statistically significantly higher baseline concentrations of ET-1 and soluble E-selectin compared with asthmatics with negative exercise test results were revealed. In this group of patients, ET-1, thrombomodulin and soluble E-selectin concentrations significantly increased after exercise. Baseline concentrations of ET-1 as well as an increase in soluble E-selectin concentrations 60 min after exercise showed a statistically significant correlation with baseline eosinophil cationic protein, F_ENO and BHR. The increase in plasma concentrations of ET-1 15 min after exercise and soluble E-selectin 60 min after exercise showed a statistically significant correlation with the increase in F_ENO and BHR to histamine 24 h after exercise. Conclusions: We suggest that during EIB changes in the function of pulmonary endothelium occur and these changes may influence inflammation of the airway and remodeling in asthmatic patients.