Transforming Growth Factor-β Induces Changes in the Volatile Metabolite Profile of Human Lung Cells In Vitro

Rationale Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing compounds present in trace amounts which may be produced as part of physiological and pathophysiological processes. They are detectable in both exhaled breath and the headspace of in vitro cell culture models. VOC profiles have been shown to be unique to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and offers a potential source of biomarkers in the disease. 1 However, individual volatiles produced by lung fibrosis have yet to be identified and characterised. We aimed to identify VOCs produced by lung cells in vitro in response to stimulation by the pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Methods We cultured human alveolar type II epithelial cells (A549 cell line) and human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cell line) under standard conditions. Cells were stimulated with TGF-β for 48 hours prior to headspace gas collection …