Abstract 219

Reactive oxygen species are involved in the inflammatory process and contribute to tissue damage. In asthmatic children there is ongoing airway inflammation even in symptom free periods. Therefore antioxidant levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) may be altered in atopic asthmatic children compared to normal control children.

Twenty-nine control (N: 15 male, 6.2±0.52y) and 15 atopic asthmatic(A: 10 male, 6.5±0.83y) children were studied. Ascorbic acid, uric acid and α-tocopherol were measured in BAL fluid using HPLC with electrochemical detection. Results are given as median (95%CI). Ascorbic acid and uric acid concentrations did not differ between the two groups. [N: 0.446(0.331-0.630) vs A: 0.433 (0.279-1.109) µmol/l] and [N: 0.476(0.378-0.630) vs A: 0.466 (0.334-0.974) µmol/l]. When expressed in terms of antioxidants/mg protein ascorbic acid and uric acid were reduced in children with atopic asthma compared to controls but this did not reach significance [N: 10.987 (7.472-15.409) vs A: 7.403 (5.728-19.056)µmol/l and N: 10.765 (8.382-15.265) vs A: 8.415 (5.883-12.184)µmol/l]. α-Tocopherol concentrations in BAL fluid did not differ between the groups. This is the first report of antioxidant concentrations in BAL fluid from children. Thus, despite ongoing inflammation in the airways of asthmatic children antioxidant levels are not significantly altered in this group of currently asymptomatic children. Supported by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Germany.