Biomarkers of oxidative-stress and inflammation in exhaled breath condensate from hospital cleaners

<i>Objective</i>: We studied the impact of chlorinated agents exposure on exhaled breath condensate (EBC) biomarkers in cleaners. <i>Methods</i>: Malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), nitrites (), nitrates (), pH, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ammonium () were tested in EBC of 40 cleaners and 40 non-exposed controls. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and soluble type II receptor of IL-1 (sIL-1RII) were analyzed also in plasma. <i>Results</i>: Levels of MDA-EBC, 4-HNE-EBC and -EBC were higher, while pH-EBC values were lower, in cleaners. MDA-EBC was associated with 4-HNE-EBC, -EBC and pH. 4-HNE-EBC correlated with PTX3. <i>Conclusion</i>: Professional exposure to chlorinated agents increases EBC biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.