Increase in proinflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood without haemostatic changes after LPS inhalation

Introduction

Bronchoalveolar fibrin deposition is a characteristic of various lung disorders including acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. It is secondary to the activation of coagulation and inhibition of fibrinolysis in the alveolar space, and can be stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between compartmental stress in the lung and systemic response after LPS inhalation by measuring haemostatic parameters.

Patients and methods

12 healthy subjects underwent a bronchial challenge test with LPS; sequential dosages were performed for 5 biological markers (Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Prothrombin Fragments 1 and 2 (F 1+2), cortisol and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) before endotoxin inhalation and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours afterwards.

Results

IL-6 and CRP levels in the peripheral blood were higher after LPS inhalation; there was no activation of coagulation and no increase in PAI-1 level.

Conclusion

This study confirms that despite systemic release of proinflammatory cytokines, LPS inhalation does not induce systemic haemostatic response to LPS challenge.