Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
1682742 
Journal Article 
The effects of age on exhaled breath nitric oxide levels 
Haight, RR; Gordon, RL; Brooks, SM 
2006 
1 
Lung
ISSN: 0341-2040
EISSN: 1432-1750 
184 
2 
113-119 
16622781 
WOS:000236954400009 
A variety of factors influence exhaled breath nitric oxide (E-NO) but few studies have examined E-NO at the extremes of adult age. This investigation explores whether there is a difference in E-NO between groups of older and younger individuals. A total of 48 normal subjects consisting of 23 younger (median age - 24 years) and 25 older (median age - 72 years) participants were studied. Carefully defined clinical and spirometric parameters, smoking history, and drug/medication documentation were determined to insure normalcy. Measurements of E-NO were made using ATS/ERS recommended methodologies. The older group consistently showed higher E-NO concentrations than-the younger subjects; median E-NO values were 36.9 and 18.7 ppb, respectively (p < 0.001). The statistical significance held true when adjusting for multiple testing with the Holm method and accounting for outliers and medication usage. E-NO levels are significantly higher in a normal older population. Comparing E-NO between individuals at the extremes of age may depict differences more decidedly. Whether elevated E-NO reflects underlying airway inflammation in older persons remains unanswered. It is possible that the difference in NO concentrations between older and younger groups represents only a marker of past oxidant exposures and holds no clinical significance. Additional investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms and significances of elevated NO levels in the aged. 
nitric oxide; aging; immunity; breath tests