Objective

This study aimed to detect novel mesenchymal stem cell peptides/biomarkers of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the tracheal aspirate fluid (TAF) of preterm infants.

Study design

Participants included infants less than 32 weeks' gestational age or birth weight under 1500 grams who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation within first 24 hours of life. TAF sample collection was performed at the time of the first clinically indicated routine suctioning. Standardization curves for human levels of osteopontin (Opn), macrophage colony stimulating factor 1 (Csf1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were generated for 15 enrolled participants.

Results

We demonstrated that stem cell biomarkers are secreted into the TAF of preterm infants and their concentrations can be easily measured during the first week of life.

Conclusions

Further studies are warranted to determine a causal relationship between these biomarkers and BPD development and severity.