TY - JOUR T1 - Inflammatory biomarkers in urine of cystic fibrosis patients JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - P1208 AU - Gita Parekh AU - Michael Tunney AU - Emilie Vallières AU - Stef McGrath AU - Leanne McIlreavey AU - Elinor Johnston AU - Damian Downey AU - Kevin Woolston AU - Paul Davis AU - Stuart Elborn Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P1208.abstract N2 - Introduction:Urinary biomarkers of pulmonary exacerbation in CF have not been as extensively studied as blood, sputum and bronchial fluid. However, urine collection is less invasive and would allow more frequent sampling at home or at point of care. This pilot study was intended to explore whether 24 rationally selected markers of inflammation were detectable in the urine of CF patients and healthy volunteers, and whether the levels of any of these were significantly different.Methods:129 clinically stable CF patients (aged 6-68) attending the adult and paediatric CF centres in Belfast were recruited to the study. Some additional samples were collected at the start and/or end of antibiotic treatment of an infective exacerbation. 34 samples from healthy individuals (aged 24-60) were also included. Urinary biomarkers were measured with a combination of in-house assays (Mologic Ltd) and commercial assays (ELISA, lateral flow, substrate assays, zymography).Results:All 24 analytes were detectable in the urine samples, 10 were found to be significantly different in CF patient samples compared to healthy individuals (T test; p<0.05). TIMP2 and A1AT both protease inhibitors were excreted in the urine at significantly higher levels in the CF patients (p=0.001 and p=0.004 respectively) and fMLP, a chemotactic for neutrophils was significantly lower (p=<0.0001).Conclusion:Markers can be detected and quantified in urine. Further investigation is required to determine whether changes in levels of any of these can be used to predict exacerbation onset in order to instigate pre-emptive therapy.This study was supported by the UK Translational Research Partnership (TRP) and a US Ireland Partnership Grant. ER -