Fig. 2. Correlations of PBN-derived ROS production with the severity of airway obstruction and bronchial hyper-reactivity. PBNs from asthmatics were stimulated with fMLP and measured for the DFC fluorescence intensity. Correlations of ROS and (A) FEV1/FVC; (B) MMEF (%) predicted values; (C) PC20. P values were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient analysis.

FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FEV1/FVC ratio, a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced volume vital; MMEF, maximal mid-expiratory flow; PC20 methacholine, methacholine provocative concentration causing a 20% drop in FEV1; ROS, reactive oxygen species; MFI, mean fluorescence intensity.