Ubiquitin and stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after burn and inhalation injury. Journal Article


Authors: Baker, T. A.; Davis, C. S.; Bach, H. H., 4th; Romero, J.; Burnham, E. L.; Kovacs, E. J.; Gamelli, R. L.; Majetschak, M
Article Title: Ubiquitin and stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after burn and inhalation injury.
Abstract: The objective of the study was to determine whether the CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4 ligands ubiquitin and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1alpha are detectable in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after burn and inhalation injury and whether their concentrations in BALF are associated with injury severity, physiological variables, or clinical outcomes. BALF was obtained on hospital admission from 51 patients (48 +/- 18 years) with burn (TBSA: 23 +/- 24%) and inhalation injury (controls: 10 healthy volunteers, 42 +/- 8 years). BALF was analyzed for total protein and for ubiquitin and SDF-1alpha by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ubiquitin/SDF-1alpha levels were normalized to total BALF protein content. The extent of inhalation injury was determined during bronchoscopy using a standardized scoring system. Percent TBSA, Baux scores, revised Baux scores, and clinical variables were documented. Ubiquitin and SDF-1alpha were detectable in 40% of normal BALF specimens. After injury, ubiquitin was detectable in 90% (P .01 vs control) and SDF-1alpha in 10% of the specimens (P .05 vs control). While SDF-1alpha levels were reduced in patients (P .01), ubiquitin levels were increased (P .01). Ubiquitin concentrations correlated inversely with grade of inhalation injury, revised Baux scores, and resuscitation fluid requirements (Spearman correlation coefficients [r]: -.3, -.33, and -.45, respectively). Ubiquitin levels correlated positively with arterial oxygenation at the time of bronchoscopy (r: .35). BALF levels of CXCR4 agonists are differentially regulated after burn and inhalation injury. Increases in BALF ubiquitin after inhalation injury may maintain CXCR4-mediated lung protection and repair processes. The finding that BALF ubiquitin decreased with higher grades of inhalation injury may provide a biological correlate for an insufficient local inflammatory response after severe inhalation injury.
Journal Title: Journal of Burn Care Research
Volume: 33
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1559-0488
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2012
Start Page: 57
End Page: 64
Language: English
DOI/URL:
Notes: ID: 12311; Record Owner: From MEDLINE, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.; Status: MEDLINE; Publishing Model: Journal available in: Print Citation processed from: Internet; NLM Journal Code: 101262774; CAS Registry/EC Number/Name of Substance: 0 (Biological Markers). 0 (Chemokine CXCL12). 0 (Ubiquitin).; Grant Number: R01 AA012034 (United States NIAAA NIH HHS), T32AA13672 (United States NIAAA NIH HHS), T32GM008750 (United States NIGMS NIH HHS); Entry Date: 20120517