Increased Plasma YKL-40 Level and Chitotriosidase Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Background We investigated plasma YKL-40 levels and chitotriosidase (CHIT1) activity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and evaluated clinically relevant factors that may affect their levels. Methods Plasma samples were obtained from pediatric (n = 19) and adult patients (n = 15) during exacerbation, discharge and stable period of the disease. YKL-40 levels and chitotriosidase activity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorometric assay, respectively. Data were compared with healthy children and adults of similar age. Results YKL-40 levels of pediatric and adult CF patients at all periods were significantly higher than controls (p