Associations of dermal diethyl phthalate level with changes in lung function test value mediated by absolute eosinophil count: A panel study of adults in southern Taiwan

Abstract

Phthalate concentrations in indoor and outdoor dust are associated with respiratory disease. Both immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil count are associated with airway inflammation from exposure to environmental allergens. Dermal phthalate level can be used as a matrix for assessing personal exposure through direct absorption from the air, particle deposition, or contact with contaminated products. However, the association between dermal phthalate level and changes in lung function test values, as mediated by immunological response, remains unclear. In total, 237 adults in southern Taiwan were recruited. Spirometry measurements (in L) of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were taken on visits 1 (2016–2018) and 2 (2019). Dermal phthalate level, absolute eosinophil count, and IgE level were recorded on visit 1. Mean changes in FVC and FEV1 decrease pear year, as determined through pairwise comparisons, were significant (diffFVCper year: −0.46, 95% CI: −0.51, −0.41; p < 0.001; diffFEV1per year: −0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.41, −0.34; p < 0.001). For FEV1 decrease, log-unit increases in dermal diethyl phthalate (DEP) were positively associated with diffFEV1per year (β = 0.096; 95% CI: 0.042, 0.150; p = 0.001) and negatively associated with absolute eosinophil count (β= −0.201; 95% CI: −0.380, −0.023; p= 0.027). Log-unit increases in absolute eosinophil count were negatively associated with diffFEV1per year (β= −0.109; 95% CI: −0.150, −0.068; p < 0.001). Absolute eosinophil count mediated 19.70% of the association between dermal DEP level and diffFEV1per year. For FVC decrease, log-unit increases in dermal DEP were positively associated with diffFVCper year (β = 0.095; 95% CI: 0.035, 0.155; p = 0.002) and negatively associated with absolute eosinophil count (β = −0.243; 95% CI: −0.427, −0.060; p = 0.010). Log-unit increases in absolute eosinophil count were negatively associated with diffFVCper year (β= −0.122; 95% CI: −0.168, −0.076; p < 0.001). Absolute eosinophil count mediated 29.98% of the association between dermal DEP level and diffFVCper year. The results suggest that dermal DEP level is positively associated with changes in lung function test values and is mediated by absolute eosinophil count.