Effect of immune responses on breath methane dynamics. 2023

Daniela Polag, and Frank Keppler
Institute of Earth Sciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 236, Germany.

Methane (CH4) which can be detected in human breath has long been exclusively associated with anaerobic microbial activity (methanogenesis) in the gastrointestinal tract. However, recent studies challenge this understanding by revealing that CH4might also be produced endogenously in cells through oxidative-reductive stress reactions. Consequently, variations in breath CH4levels compared to an individual's baseline level might indicate enhanced oxidative stress levels, and, therefore, monitoring breath CH4levels might offer great potential for 'in vivo' diagnostics such as disease diagnosis, monitoring the efficacy of treatments, or during the application of personalized medicine. To evaluate the effects from immune responses triggered by infections, inflammations, and induced perturbation by vaccination on CH4dynamics in breath, two subjects were monitored over a period of almost 2 years. Breath CH4levels were measured by gas chromatography equipped with a flame-ionization detector. Both subjects exhibited significant deviations (positive and negative, respectively) from their normal CH4breath levels during periods of potential enhanced immune activity. Deviations from the 'healthy state' were indicated by the exceeding of individual CH4ranges. Moreover, for the first time we could clearly prove CH4degradation induced through vaccination by measuring stable carbon isotopes of CH4using gas chromatograph-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Hence, breath CH4concentration and isotopic analyses may be used as a biomarker to evaluate specific immune responses and individual immune states.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007109 Immunity Nonsusceptibility to the invasive or pathogenic effects of foreign microorganisms or to the toxic effect of antigenic substances. Immune Process,Immune Response,Immune Processes,Immune Responses,Process, Immune,Response, Immune
D008697 Methane The simplest saturated hydrocarbon. It is a colorless, flammable gas, slightly soluble in water. It is one of the chief constituents of natural gas and is formed in the decomposition of organic matter. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed)
D001826 Body Fluids Liquid components of living organisms. Body Fluid,Fluid, Body,Fluids, Body
D001944 Breath Tests Any tests done on exhaled air. Breathalyzer Tests,Breath Test,Breathalyzer Test,Test, Breath,Test, Breathalyzer,Tests, Breath,Tests, Breathalyzer
D002247 Carbon Isotopes Stable carbon atoms that have the same atomic number as the element carbon but differ in atomic weight. C-13 is a stable carbon isotope. Carbon Isotope,Isotope, Carbon,Isotopes, Carbon
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

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