Early-warning blood biomarkers identified for lung damage

Blood biomarkers that predict accelerated loss of lung function have been identified in a study of fire-fighters who worked in the aftermath of the World Trade Center disaster.

After the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11 2001 rescue and recovery workers, including the Fire Department of the City of New York, spent long hours working at the scene. The vast dust cloud ensuing from the disaster contained large-sized particulate matter, caustic dust and products of combustion.

As a consequence of inhaling such contaminated air, many of the New York City fire department rescue and recovery workers presented with lung injury and loss of lung function. A great disparity in the evolution of symptoms was observed among those affected. Although the decline in lung function stabilised in the majority of cases, there were some individuals who experienced continued decline and some whose lung function improved.

It was discovered that many of the individuals experiencing rapid decline in lung function had higher levels of eosinophils. These cells form part of the body's immune system and are commonly implicated in respiratory disease. Further analyses were thus conducted to assess whether there was a correlation between the concentration of white blood cells and excessive loss of lung function after lung damage.

Blood smear sample showing eosinophils and neutrophils. Credit: Chamaiporn Naprom/Shutterstock.com

Five-years of data from over nine thousand fire-fighters who worked at the World Trade Center disaster site were analysed. Accelerated loss of lung function, defined as a reduction in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of >64 ml/year above expected, was recorded in 13% of the fire-fighters. An improvement in lung function was reported for 8% of the fire-fighters.

Those individuals experiencing a rapid loss of lung function were found to have higher blood concentrations of both eosinophils and neutrophils. There was also a correlation between high eosinophil levels and airflow obstruction. Furthermore, the risk of developing airflow obstruction was four times higher among those fire-fighters who presented with an accelerated decline in lung function compared with those experiencing the expected FEV1 decline.

Review of medical notes from before the disaster revealed that the fire-fighters who had elevated eosinophil and neutrophil levels before attending the World Trade Center disaster were those who experienced accelerated FEV1 decline.

Michael D Weiden, associate professor of medicine and environmental medicine at New York University, commented:

After 9/11, about one in eight firefighters who worked at the World Trade Center had accelerated loss of lung function over the next 15 years. Even in those who had never smoked we found that accelerated loss of lung function increased their risk of airway obstruction and COPD".

Although it may not be possible to extrapolate these findings to other populations, it is hoped that they will motivate further research into the treatment of on-going lung injury.

Sources

Kate Bass

Written by

Kate Bass

Kate graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne with a biochemistry B.Sc. degree. She also has a natural flair for writing and enthusiasm for scientific communication, which made medical writing an obvious career choice. In her spare time, Kate enjoys walking in the hills with friends and travelling to learn more about different cultures around the world.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Bass, Kate. (2018, August 23). Early-warning blood biomarkers identified for lung damage. News-Medical. Retrieved on November 06, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20171103/Early-warning-blood-biomarkers-identified-for-lung-damage.aspx.

  • MLA

    Bass, Kate. "Early-warning blood biomarkers identified for lung damage". News-Medical. 06 November 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20171103/Early-warning-blood-biomarkers-identified-for-lung-damage.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Bass, Kate. "Early-warning blood biomarkers identified for lung damage". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20171103/Early-warning-blood-biomarkers-identified-for-lung-damage.aspx. (accessed November 06, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Bass, Kate. 2018. Early-warning blood biomarkers identified for lung damage. News-Medical, viewed 06 November 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20171103/Early-warning-blood-biomarkers-identified-for-lung-damage.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
High-protein diets: How they affect weight, energy, and blood sugar levels