Abstract
Introduction: Asthma-like symptoms may occur in healthy athletes especially in extreme conditions. The aim of this study was to assess hyperresponsiveness, airway cellularity and cytokines by induced sputum in skier children
Methods: 15 children (8 healthy, 7 asthmatics) aged 7-13 years were recruited. FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide) and eCO (exhaled carbon monoxide) were determined. Challenge test and induction sputum with mannitol were done as previously published. IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12p70, TNF-α, and GM-CSF levels were determined in sputum supernatants by flow cytometry and studied at the mRNA level (real time RT-PCR). Two determinations were done in each children: before ski season (at hospital: altitude 1013m; T 19,5ºC; Patm 766mmHg) and one hour after skiing at ski slopes (altitude 2000m; T 10ºC; Patm 685mmHg). A taxi driver carried fresh sputum samples from ski slopes to the laboratory
Results: There were no significant differences in FeNO, eCO, pulmonary function, PD15 (mannitol dose that causes a 15% fall in FEV1), RDR (response-dose ratio) between children before ski season and after skiing. Mean values of sputum weight (g) for basal and after skiing groups were 0.24(0.13) and 0.11(0.06) respectively; p=0.02. Sputum viability (%) for basal and after skiing groups were 67(24) and 96(4) respectively; p=0.001. There were no differences in sputum cell count between groups. Regarding cytokines, the majority were undetectable, but a slight increase in IFN-γ and IL-12p70 were detected after skiing
Conclusions: We have not found differences in hyperresponsiveness nor inflammation in skier children. Sputum cell viability is higher at 2000m.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
