Abstract
Background: Accelerated-FEV1-decline, defined as rate of decline in FEV1 > 64 ml/year, is a risk factor for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed firefighters. Accelerated-FEV1-decline in this cohort is associated with elevated blood eosinophil concentrations, a mediator of Th-2 response. We hypothesized that an association exists between Th-2 biomarkers and FEV1 decline rate in those with accelerated-FEV1-decline. Methods: Serum was drawn from Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) firefighters 1–6 months (early) (N = 816) and 12–13 years (late) (N = 983) after 9/11/2001. Th-2 biomarkers IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 were assayed by multiplex Luminex. Individual FEV1 decline rates were calculated using spirometric measurements taken: (1) between 9/11/2001 and 9/10/2020 for the early biomarker group and (2) between late measurement date and 9/10/2020 for the late biomarker group. Associations of early and late Th-2 biomarkers with subsequent FEV1 decline rates were analyzed using multivariable linear regression controlling for demographics, smoking status, and other potential confounders. Results: In WTC-exposed firefighters with accelerated-FEV1-decline, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 measured 1–6 months post-9/11/2001 were associated with greater FEV1 decline ml/year between 9/11/2001 and 9/10/2020 (−2.9 ± 1.4 ml/year per IL-4 doubling; −8.4 ± 1.2 ml/year per IL-13 doubling; −7.9 ± 1.3 ml/year per IL-5 doubling). Among late measured Th-2 biomarkers, only IL-4 was associated with subsequent FEV1 decline rate (−4.0 ± 1.6 ml/year per IL-4 doubling). Conclusions: In WTC-exposed firefighters with accelerated-FEV1-decline, elevated serum IL-4 measured both 1–6 months and 12–13 years after 9/11 is associated with greater FEV1 decline/year. Drugs targeting the IL-4 pathway may improve lung function in this high-risk subgroup.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 845-852 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
Volume | 64 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2021 |
Keywords
- FEV slope
- Th-2 biomarkers
- World Trade Center
- cohort studies
- firefighting
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health