Aim
Since we could not find any data on the similar effect caused by EBC in adults, the aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the biological activity of EBC in adults and children in an experimental in vitro model. Furthermore, in order to identify a putative agent responsible for these properties of EBC in children, we attempted to analyse the composition of selected EBC samples. Material and
Conclusions
Breath condensates of healthy children contain the factor which reveals the inhibitory/cytotoxic effect on endothelial cell cultures. Although the physiological role of this agent remains unclear, its identification may potentially be useful in ongoing research on SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.
Material and methods
The influence of EBC samples on metabolic activity of endothelial cell line C-166 was assessed using colorimetric tetrazolium salt reduction assay (MTT assay). Selected EBC samples were fractionated using size exclusion chromatography and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis.
Methods
The influence of EBC samples on metabolic activity of endothelial cell line C-166 was assessed using colorimetric tetrazolium salt reduction assay (MTT assay). Selected EBC samples were fractionated using size exclusion chromatography and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis.
Results
Exhaled breath condensates in healthy children, but not in adults, revealed a cytotoxic effect on in vitro cell cultures. This effect was most significant in condensate fraction, which contained a prominent 4.8 kDa peak in the mass spectra. Conclusions: Breath condensates of healthy children contain the factor which reveals the inhibitory/cytotoxic effect on endothelial cell cultures. Although the physiological role of this agent remains unclear, its identification may potentially be useful in ongoing research on SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.