An Evidence-Based Review of Application Devices for Nitric Oxide Concentration Determination from Exhaled Air in the Diagnosis of Inflammation and Treatment Monitoring

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): Diagnostic routes using novel biomarkers

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis is still the diagnosis of exclusion. Differentiating from other forms of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) is essential, given the various therapeutic approaches. The IPF course is now unpredictable for individual patients, although some genetic factors and several biomarkers have already been associated with various IPF prognoses. Since its early stages, IPF may be asymptomatic, leading to a delayed diagnosis. The present review critically examines the recent literature on molecular biomarkers potentially useful in IPF diagnostics. The examined biomarkers are grouped into breath and sputum biomarkers, serologically assessed extracellular matrix neoepitope markers, and oxidative stress biomarkers in lung tissue. Fibroblasts and complete blood count have also gained recent interest in that respect. Although several biomarker candidates have been profiled, there has yet to be a single biomarker that proved specific to the IPF disease. Nevertheless, various IPF biomarkers have been used in preclinical and clinical trials to verify their predictive and monitoring potential.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Oral Bacterial Flora in Patients Wearing Complete Dentures and on the Level of Exhaled Nitric Oxide as a Marker of Inflammation

BACKGROUND

Exhaled nitric oxide is helpful in the diagnosis of the inflammation process. The study aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 disease on the oral bacterial flora of patients using complete dentures with a diagnostic device that measures the level of NO in exhaled air.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included patients using upper and lower acrylic complete dentures. All patients participating in the study were vaccinated against COVID-19. The patients were divided into two groups. A dental examination was conducted in each group. The NO concentration was measured using the Vivatmo Pro device. An oral microbiological examination was performed by taking a swab from the bottom of the mouth.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of NO in relation to the number of bacteria from isolated families in the study and control groups and no statistically significant correlations between the level of NO and the number of bacteria from all families in the control and study group. Significantly higher NO values were present in the vaccinated and COVID-19-positive history population compared to the vaccinated and with no COVID-19 history population (patients with no clinical symptoms of infection or unaware they had COVID-19).

CONCLUSIONS

There are statistically significant differences in NO distribution in the considered populations: vaccinated and sick, and vaccinated and with a negative history of COVID-19. The measurement of NO in exhaled air can be a complementary, non-invasive diagnostic and inflammation monitoring method.