Oxidative stress and redox imbalance in the aerodigestive system: investigating ORP and pH in gastric and bronchial aspirates
Embargo Date
2027-02-20
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory tracts perform very different functions in maintaining homeostasis. However, they share anatomy in the hypopharynx, creating a common pathway for the bidirectional movement of material. This movement can impact both physiologic (microbiome) and pathologic (inflammation and aspiration) processes. Previous efforts to assess the impact of this relationship have included radiologic, biopsy, histology, and tissue culture. Though less studied, direct measurement of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in the GI and pulmonary tracts may serve as a novel biomarker in assessing physiological and pathologic processes. To date, the relevance in ORP measurements in assessing aerodigestive and pulmonary interactions remains poorly understood.OBJECTIVES: This study explored the relationship between measurement of ORP in samples obtained from the lungs and stomachs of patients undergoing endoscopy and bronchoscopy. Data abstraction from the electronic medical records provided insight concerning how patient-specific factors may affect this relationship.
METHODS: Gastric and bronchial aspirates were collected from patients of the Aerodigestive Center at Boston Children’s Hospital undergoing combined endoscopy and bronchoscopy from May 2022 to February 2025. The ORP and pH of these aspirates were measured, and data were analyzed alongside clinical factors such as esophagitis, acid suppression therapy, immune markers, and culture of bronchial aspirates.
RESULTS: We identified a significant correlation (ρ = 0.292, p = 0.004) between gastric and bronchial ORP, suggesting an oxidative relationship between ORP (a measurement of oxidative stress) between the stomach and lungs. However, this association was disrupted in patients with esophagitis, protein pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, and pathogenic bacterial presence in the airway.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that oxidative stress in the stomach is related to oxidative stress in the lungs and that this relationship is impacted by inflammation, acid suppression, and microbial changes. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms of redox balance in the aerodigestive system.
Description
2025