Lung Function In Adults Research Articles

Circulating Biomarkers, Fraction of Exhaled Nitric Oxide, and Lung Function in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis.

Identification of proinflammatory factors responding to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is important to reduce long-term sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We examined the association between plasma biomarkers, the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and lung function among a prospective cohort of 105 adults newly diagnosed with TB/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Africa. Participants were followed for 48 weeks from antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation with serial assessments of plasma biomarkers, FeNO, lung function, and respiratory symptoms. Linear regression and generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations at baseline and over the course of TB treatment, respectively. At baseline, higher FeNO levels were associated with preserved lung function, whereas greater respiratory symptoms and higher interleukin (IL)-6 plasma levels were associated with worse lung function. After ART and TB treatment initiation, improvements in lung function were associated with increases in FeNO (rate ratio [RR] = 86 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 34-139) and decreases in IL-6 (RR = -118 mL, 95% CI = -193 to -43) and vascular endothelial growth factor ([VEGF] RR = -178 mL, 95% CI = -314 to -43). Circulating IL-6, VEGF, and FeNO are associated with lung function in adults being treated for TB/HIV. These biomarkers may help identify individuals at higher risk for post-TB lung disease and elucidate targetable pathways to modify the risk of chronic lung impairment among TB survivors.

Residential greenspace and lung function decline over 20 years in a prospective cohort: The ECRHS study

BackgroundThe few studies that have examined associations between greenspace and lung function in adulthood have yielded conflicting results and none have examined whether the rate of lung function decline is affected. ObjectiveWe explored the association between residential greenspace and change in lung function over 20 years in 5559 adults from 22 centers in 11 countries participating in the population-based, international European Community Respiratory Health Survey. MethodsForced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured by spirometry when participants were approximately 35 (1990–1994), 44 (1999–2003), and 55 (2010–2014) years old. Greenness was assessed as the mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in 500 m, 300 m, and 100 m circular buffers around the residential addresses at the time of lung function measurement. Green spaces were defined as the presence of agricultural, natural, or urban green spaces in a circular 300 m buffer. Associations of these greenspace parameters with the rate of lung function change were assessed using adjusted linear mixed effects regression models with random intercepts for subjects nested within centers. Sensitivity analyses considered air pollution exposures. ResultsA 0.2-increase (average interquartile range) in NDVI in the 500 m buffer was consistently associated with a faster decline in FVC (−1.25 mL/year [95% confidence interval: −2.18 to −0.33]). These associations were especially pronounced in females and those living in areas with low PM10 levels. We found no consistent associations with FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Residing near forests or urban green spaces was associated with a faster decline in FEV1, while agricultural land and forests were related to a greater decline in FVC. ConclusionsMore residential greenspace was not associated with better lung function in middle-aged European adults. Instead, we observed slight but consistent declines in lung function parameters. The potentially detrimental association requires verification in future studies.

Some results are striking - what about lung function in adults with congenital heart disease?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Stiftung KinderHerz Weserstr. 101 45136 Essen. Background During the last years, lung function tests became of high interest in patients with a congenital heart defect (CHD). However, data are still rare and mostly concentrate on spirometry, investigating forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and its ratio (FEV1/FVC). Purpose This study prospectively examined patients with CHD regarding their lung function. Data reported were FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC (spirometry) as well as total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume, presented as its ratio to TLC (RV/TLC) and compared to the latest Global Lung Initiative reference values (2021). Methods From April 2018 to October 2022, one hundred eighty-six adults with CHD (32 ± 10 years, 83 female) participated in the study. Their results (z-scores) were compared with the student’s T-test against zero. Results Patients mostly reached normal values but differed significantly in FVC-z (-1.1 ± 1.2, p<0.001), FEV1-z (-1.2 ± 1.2, p<0.001), its ratio (FEV1/FVC-z: -0.3 ± 1.0, p<0.001), TLC-z (-0.6 ± 1.2, p<0.001) and RV/TLC-z (1.1 ± 0.9, p<0.001). However, with the border of z>-1.645 as normal results, 33% had striking results: 43 showed a reduced FVC (FVC-z<-1.645), and 10 an obstructive pattern (FEV1/FVC<-1.645). Out of the patients with reduced FVC, 17 patients (40%) had a normal TLC (TLC-z>-1,645), which stands for a non-specific pattern, and 26 patients (60%) had a real restriction, which was only detected via body plethysmography. Conclusions Patients with CHD and a reduced FVC in spirometry need to undergo body plethysmography. Most of them have unrevealed ventilatory restrictions that should be further analyzed and treated if needed.

Associations between short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and lung function in adults.

Evidence of the acute effects of high-level air pollution on small airway function and systemic inflammation in adults is scarce. To examined the associations of short-term (i.e., daily) exposure to multiple air pollutants with lung function and inflammatory markers. We assessed short-term (daily) effects of air pollutants, including particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), on lung function and peripheral immune cell counts over various lag times using generalized linear regression models. A total of 4764 adults were included from the general community-dwelling population in Shanghai, China. Exposure to air pollutants and lung function were negatively correlated. Decline in FEF between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75%) were found associated with PM2.5, SO2, and CO, and decline in forced expiratory volume in 3 s (FEV3) to forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio were associated with all examined pollutants, indicating obstruction in small airways. Obstructed airflow in large and middle airways as indicated by decline in FEV1/FVC were also associated with all pollutants. In subgroup analysis, significant negative associations between the five pollutants and SAD parameters were found only in males but not in females. The difference in the associations of SO2 with FEF75% between males and females achieved statistical significance. Additionally, all examined pollutants were significantly associated with lower peripheral neutrophil count. Acute exposure to air pollutants were associated with airflow-limitation. Both small airways and proximal airways were affected. Acute exposure to air pollutants were accompanied with a lower neutrophil count.

19 Does Developmental Status and age of the Lung Influence the Hazard Elicited by Exposure to Both Indoor and Outdoor Pollutants?

Abstract Many in vitro studies that focus upon lung toxicology use models that assume, or are specifically based upon adult lung structure, function, and physiology. Yet, the most vulnerable groups of the human population (i.e., young, elderly, and diseased) have an altered lung structure and function. Notably, the developing lung (in utero) and infant lungs exhibit notable differences in term of cell type, number, ratio, organ size and surface area. Recent work has identified the detrimental implications of being exposed to AP while the lung is developing. To elucidate the mechanisms associated with AP exposure to the developing lung, the aim of this study will create and characterise an in vitro model of the foetal human bronchial region composed of cells physiologically appropriate to various stages of development, as well as an older child’s airway, notably the developing alveoli. This will allow us to determine the developmental effects of air pollution particles at an air-liquid interface (ALI) utilising a physiologically relevant aerosol exposure and standardised particulate aiming to mimic indoor and outdoor air pollution. For this work, a global approach will be utilised to determine up and down regulation of various pathways associated with both development and exposure to AP. A further aim will include comparison with an “adult” lung to analysis the potential developmental implications exposure to AP may illicit. This project is funded by the recently initiated RESPIRE project (NE/W002264/1), as part of the SPF Clean Air Programme.

Is it time to end race and ethnicity adjustment for pediatric pulmonary function tests?

The continued inclusion of race in spirometry reference equations is a topic of intense debate for adult lung function, but less discussion has focused on implications for children. Obtaining accurate estimates of children's lung function is an important component of the diagnosis of childhood respiratory illnesses, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease. Given the higher burden among racial/ethnic minorities for many respiratory illnesses, it is critical to avoid racial bias in interpreting lung function. We recommend against the continued use of race-specific reference equations for a number of reasons. The original reference populations used to develop the equations were comprised of children with restricted racial diversity, relatively small sample sizes, and likely included some unhealthy children. Moreover, there is no scientific justification for innate racial differences in lung function, as there is no clear physiological or genetic explanation for the disparities. Alternatively, many environmental factors harm lung development, including allergens from pests, asbestos, lead, prenatal smoking, and air pollution, as well as preterm birth and childhood respiratory illnesses, which are all more common among minority racial groups. Race-neutral equations may provide a temporary solution, but still rely on the racial diversity of the reference populations used to build them. Ultimately researchers must uncover the underlying factors truly driving racial differences in lung function.

Dietary fibre in relation to lung function and respiratory symptoms from childhood to adulthood.

Epidemiological studies suggest beneficial associations between dietary fibre intake, lung function and chronic respiratory symptoms in adults. Our aim was to investigate the association between dietary fibre intake in childhood and respiratory health up to adulthood. The individual fibre intake of 1956 participants from the Swedish population-based birth cohort BAMSE was estimated from 98- and 107-item food frequency questionnaires at ages 8 and 16 years, respectively. At 8, 16 and 24 years, lung function was measured by spirometry. Respiratory symptoms (cough, mucus production, breathing difficulties/wheeze) were assessed by questionnaires, and airway inflammation by exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FENO) (≥25 ppb) at 24 years. Longitudinal associations with lung function were analysed by mixed-effects linear regression; associations with respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation were analysed by logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. There were no associations between fibre intake at 8 years, as total and from different sources, spirometry measurements and respiratory symptoms at 24 years. Higher fruit fibre intake tended to be inversely associated with airway inflammation at 24 years (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.48-1.00), which became non-significant after exclusion of participants with food-related allergic symptoms (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.49-1.10). No associations between fibre intake at 8 and 16 years as an updated lagged exposure and spirometry measurements up to 24 years were observed. In this longitudinal study, we observed no consistent association between dietary fibre intake in childhood and lung function or respiratory symptoms up to adulthood. Further research on dietary fibre in relation to respiratory health across the life course is needed.

Lung function and cognitive ability in children: a UK birth cohort study

BackgroundDecreased adult lung function is associated with subsequent impairment in cognition. A similar relationship in early life could be of great policy importance, since childhood cognitive ability determines key adult...

Residential surrounding greenness is associated with improved lung function in adults: a cross-sectional study in eastern China

BackgroundWhile benefits of greenness exposure to health have been reported, findings specific to lung function are inconsistent. The purpose of this study is to assess the correlations of greenness exposure with multiple lung function indicators based on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) monitoring database from multiple cities of Anhui province in China.Methods We assessed the greenness using the annual average of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) with a distance of 1000-meter buffer around each local community or village. Three types of lung function indicators were considered, namely indicators of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEV1/FEV3); an indicator of large-airway dysfunction (PEF); indicators of small-airway dysfunction (FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75%, MMEF, FEV3, FEV6, and FEV3/FVC). Linear mixed effects model was used to analyze associations of greenness exposure with lung function through adjusting age, sex, educational level, occupation, residence, smoking status, history of tuberculosis, family history of lung disease, indoor air pollution, occupational exposure, PM2.5, and body mass index.ResultsA total of 2768 participants were recruited for the investigations. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI was associated with better FVC (153.33mL, 95%CI: 44.07mL, 262.59mL), FEV1 (109.09mL, 95%CI: 30.31mL, 187.88mL), FEV3 (138.04mL, 95%CI: 39.43mL, 236.65mL), FEV6 (145.42mL, 95%CI: 42.36mL, 248.47mL). However, there were no significant associations with PEF, FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75%, MMEF, FEV1/FVC, FEV1/FEV6, FEV3/FVC. The stratified analysis displayed that an IQR increase in NDVI was related with improved lung function in less than 60 years, females, urban populations, nonsmokers, areas with medium concentrations of PM2.5 and individuals with BMI of less than 28 kg/m2. Sensitivity analyses based on another greenness indice (enhanced vegetation index, EVI) and annual maximum of NDVI remained consistent with the main analysis.ConclusionsOur findings supported that exposure to greenness was strongly related with improved lung function.

Household Air Pollution and Adult Lung Function Change, Respiratory Disease, and Mortality across Eleven Low- and Middle-Income Countries from the PURE Study.

Globally, household air pollution (HAP) is a major environmental hazard that affects respiratory health. However, few studies have examined associations between HAP and lung function decline and respiratory disease and mortality. We used data from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study and examined adults residing in 240 rural communities in 11 low- and middle-income countries where HAP from cooking with solid fuels is common. Spirometry was conducted for 28,574 individuals at baseline and 12,489 individuals during follow-up (mean of 8 y between spirometry measures). In cross-sectional analyses, we compared lung function measurements [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (), forced vital capacity (FVC), and /FVC ratio] in those who used solid fuels for cooking in comparison with clean fuels. Using repeated measurements of lung function, we examined the percent change in lung function measures per year, comparing individuals by baseline fuel type and individuals who used solid fuels at baseline but switched to clean fuels during follow-up. We also examined associations with prospective health events (any respiratory diseases, respiratory disease hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality). In adjusted cross-sectional models, use of solid fuel in comparison with clean fuels was associated with lower of (95% CI: , ) and FVC of (95% CI: , 3.2), but not /FVC. In longitudinal analyses, individuals who switched from solid fuels to clean cooking fuels during follow-up (, 46% of those using solid fuel at baseline), showed no differences in the annual rate of change in or FVC, but had small improvements in /FVC change (0.2% per year, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.3). Individuals who switched from solid to clean fuels had a decreased hazard ratio for respiratory events of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57, 1.00) in comparison with persistent solid fuel users, which was not attenuated by lung function measures. We observed modest associations between HAP exposure and lung function, lung function change, and respiratory disease and mortality. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11179.

Association of Muscle Fat Content and Muscle Mass With Impaired Lung Function in Young Adults With Obesity: Evaluation With MRI

Although low muscle mass is associated with decreased lung function, studies exploring the relationship between muscle fat content and lung function impairment are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the association of muscle mass and fatty infiltration with lung function in young adults with obesity. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients aged 18-45 years with obesity who had impaired pulmonary function (case group, n=66) and those with normal pulmonary function (control group, n=198) by matching age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and height to assess whether muscle characteristics differed. Muscle mass and muscle fat content were assessed by MRI using a chemical shift-encoded sequence (IDEAL-IQ). A total of 264 patients were enrolled (124 females; mean age 32.0 years). The case group had lower muscle mass than the control group (p=0.012), and there was an association between low muscle mass and lung function impairment (odds ratio (OR), 3.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.57-8.93). Furthermore, muscle fat content was significantly higher in cases compared to controls (7.4 (2.7) % vs. 6.2 (2.5) %, p=0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that muscle fat content was associated with a higher risk of impaired lung function (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.65-2.66), regardless of adiposity and muscle mass. Both muscle fat content and muscle mass are associated with impaired lung function in young adults with obesity.

Association between mercury exposure and lung function in young adults: A prospective cohort study in Shandong, China

BackgroundMercury has been associated with many adverse health outcomes. However, limited studies have explored the association between blood mercury concentrations and lung function. ObjectiveTo examine the association between blood mercury concentrations and lung function among young adults. MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study among 1800 college students based on the Chinese Undergraduates Cohort in Shandong, China during August 2019 and September 2020. Lung function indicators including forced vital capacity (FVC, ml), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, ml) and peak expiratory flow (PEF, ml) were collected with a spirometers (Chestgraph Jr. HI-101, Chest M.I., Tokyo, Japan). The blood mercury concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We divided participants into low (≤25 percentiles), intermediate (25–75 percentiles), and high (≥75 percentile) subgroups according to blood mercury concentrations. The multiple linear regression model was used to examine the associations between blood mercury concentrations and lung function changes. Stratification analyses by sex and fish consumption frequency were also conducted. ResultsThe results showed that each 2-fold increase in blood mercury concentrations was significantly associated with −70.75 ml [95 % confidence interval (CI): −122.35, −19.15] change in FVC, −72.68 ml (95%CI: −120.36, −25.00) in FEV1, and −158.06 ml (95%CI: −283.77, −32.35) in PEF. The effect was more pronounced among participants with high blood mercury and male participants. Participants who consumed fish more than once a week more likely to be affected by mercury. ConclusionOur study indicated that blood mercury was significantly associated with decreased lung function in young adults. It is necessary to implement corresponding measures to reduce the effect of mercury on the respiratory system, especially for men and people who consumed fish more than once a week.

Prevalence of restrictive lung function in children and adults in the general population

BackgroundRestrictive lung function (RLF) is characterized by a reduced lung expansion and size. In the absence of lung volume measurements, restriction can be indirectly assessed with restrictive spirometric patterns (RSP) by spirometry. Prevalence data on RLF by the golden standard body plethysmography in the general population are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of RLF and RSP in the general population by body plethysmography and to determine factors influencing RLF and RSP. MethodsPre-bronchodilation lung function data of 8891 subjects (48.0% male, age 6–82 years) have been collected in the LEAD Study, a single-centered, longitudinal, population-based study from Vienna, Austria. The cohort was categorized in the following groups based on the Global Lung Initiative reference equations: normal subjects, RLF (TLC < lower limit of normal (LLN)), RSP (FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN and a FVC < LLN), RSP only (RSP with TLC ≥ LLN). Normal subjects were considered those with FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and TLC between LLN and ULN (upper limit of normal). ResultsThe prevalence of RLF and RSP in the Austrian general population is 1.1% and 4.4%. Spirometry has a positive and negative predictive value of 18.0% and 99.6% to predict a restrictive lung function. Central obesity was associated with RLF. RSP was related to smoking and underweight. ConclusionsThe prevalence of true restrictive lung function and RSP in the Austrian general population is lower than previously estimated. Our data confirm the need for direct lung volume measurement to diagnose true restrictive lung function.

Association between serum uric acid/serum creatinine ratios and lung function in the general American population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007–2012

BackgroundAssessment of lung function is essential for the early screening chronic airway diseases (CADs). Nevertheless, it is still not widely used for early diagnosing CADs in epidemiological or primary care...

Lung Function of Preterm Children Parsed by a Polygenic Risk Score for Adult COPD

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults is a result of environmental risk factors and genetic factors. Polygenic COPD risk scores are highly predictive for lung function in adults. We hypothesized that a polygenic COPD risk score is also predictive for lung function in children who are born preterm.MethodsInfants with a birth weight of less than 1500 g (n=17,394) were enrolled in the German Neonatal Network. Among these children, we included those with chip genotyping and 5-year follow-up assessment (n=1957) in this analysis. A polygenic COPD risk score derived in adults with COPD was calculated on the basis of 1,637,882 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with forced expiratory volume within 1 second (FEV1) and 1,179,331 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity). This score was related to FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC z scores by linear regression analysis.ResultsAt a mean age at follow-up of 5.8±0.4 years, the polygenic COPD risk score was strongly associated with FEV1 (−0.05 z score/decile, P=6.5 × 10−9) and FEV1/FVC (−0.07 z score/decile, P=4.4 × 10−11) but not FVC. Children in the 10th decile of the polygenic COPD risk score — that is, those at the highest risk — had a mean FEV1 z score of −1.74 (±1.1), indicating lower lung function by these measures and higher rates of obstructive bronchitis.ConclusionsThe upper deciles of a polygenic COPD risk score derived in adults identified a subgroup of children who were born preterm and who are at high risk for obstructive pulmonary disease of prematurity. This finding supports the notion that COPD-associated genes strongly impact lung function in premature children. (Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.)

Are BMI and adipokines associated with asthma, atopy and lung function in young adults previously hospitalized for bronchiolitis?

BackgroundChildren hospitalized for bronchiolitis have increased risk of asthma and low lung function persisting into adulthood, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Body mass index (BMI) and adipokines are associated with respiratory morbidity. We aimed to investigate if associations between BMI and adipokines and the outcomes asthma, atopy, and lung function differed between young adults previously hospitalized for bronchiolitis and control subjects. MethodsThis sub study of a historical cohort enrolled 185 young adults previously hospitalized for bronchiolitis and 146 matched control subjects. Exposures (BMI and the adipokines: adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and ghrelin) and outcomes (asthma, atopy, and lung function) were measured cross-sectionally at 17–20 years of age. Associations were tested in regression models, and differences between the post-bronchiolitis- and control group were tested by including interaction terms. ResultsBMI was associated with asthma and lung function, but we did not find that the associations differed between the post-bronchiolitis- and control group. We also found some associations between adipokines and outcomes, but only associations between adiponectin and forced vital capacity (FVC) and between resistin and current asthma differed between the groups (p-value interaction term 0.027 and 0.040 respectively). Adiponectin tended to be positively associated with FVC in the post-bronchiolitis group, with an opposite tendency in the control group. Resistin was positively associated with current asthma only in the control group. ConclusionThe increased prevalence of asthma and impaired lung function observed in young adults previously hospitalized for bronchiolitis do not seem to be related to growth and fat metabolism.

Comment on “The Effect of Preterm Birth on Maximal Aerobic Exercise Capacity and Lung Function in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

Comment on “The Effect of Preterm Birth on Maximal Aerobic Exercise Capacity and Lung Function in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) in homes associated with asthma and lung function among adults in Northern Europe

Associations between measured specific VOC reported to be associated with dampness and microbial growth in dwellings and asthma, lung function were investigated in 159 adults (one adult/home) from three North European cities (Reykjavik, Uppsala and Tartu). Spirometry was performed and forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC were measured. Among 159 participants, 58% were females, 24.5% atopics, 25.8% current smokers and 41% reported dampness or mold at home. Dimethyl disulphide (p = 0.004), ethyl isobutyrate (p = 0.021) and ethyl 2-methylbutyrate (p = 0.035) were associated with asthma. Isobutanol (p = 0.043), 3-methyl-1-butanol (p = 0.020), 2-hexanone (p = 0.033), 1-octen-3-ol (p = 0.027), 2-methyl-1-butanol (p = 0.022) and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (p = 0.045) were associated with lower FEV1. Isobutanol (p = 0.004), 3-methyl-1-butanol (p = 0.001), 2-heptanone (p = 0.047) and 2-methyl-1-butanol (p = 0.002) were associated with lower FEV1/FVC. The association between dimethyl disulphide and asthma was more pronounced in females (p for interaction 0.099). The association between 1-butanol and lower FEV1 was more pronounced in males (p for interaction 0.046). The associations between 3-octanone (p for interaction 0.064), 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (p for interaction 0.049) and lower FEV1, and between 2-heptanone (p for interaction 0.021), 3-octanone (p for interaction 0.008) and lower FEV1/FVC were stronger in homes with dampness/mold. Factor analysis identified one VOC factor related to asthma and two VOC factors related to lower lung function. Increased air concentrations of 2-heptanone, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate and ethyl isobutyrate were related to prescence of certain mold species (Aspergillus sp., Cladosporum sp. and Penicillium sp.) or building dampness. Some VOC were associated with type of dwelling, building age and pet keeping. In conclusion, some VOC reported to be associated with dampness and microbial growth can be associated with asthma and lower lung function in adults. Associations between these VOC and respiratory illness can be stronger in homes with dampness/mold. There can be gender differences in respiratory health effects when exposed to indoor VOC.

Blood eosinophils during bronchiolitis: Associations with atopy, asthma and lung function in young adults.

To study if blood eosinophils during bronchiolitis were associated with atopy, asthma and lung function in young adults and if these associations differed between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and non-RSV bronchiolitis. This historical cohort enrolled 225 subjects. Blood eosinophils were measured during bronchiolitis in infancy, and the subjects were invited to a follow-up at 17-20 years of age including questionnaires for asthma and examinations of lung function and atopy. The level of eosinophils was positively associated with subsequent atopy in the unadjusted analysis, but not in the adjusted analysis, and not with asthma. There was a negative association between the level of eosinophils and forced vital capacity (FVC) (-0.11; -0.19, -0.02) and forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1 ) (-0.12; -0.21, -0.03) (regression coefficient; 95% confidence interval). The non-RSV group had higher levels of eosinophils during bronchiolitis, but there was no interaction between the level of eosinophils and RSV status for any outcome. The level of eosinophils during bronchiolitis was negatively associated with lung function in young adult age, but we found no associations with atopy or asthma. These associations were not different after RSV bronchiolitis compared to non-RSV bronchiolitis.

Dietary supplementation with 5000 IU/day of vitamin D for 12 weeks leads to improved lung function in asthmatic adults

Dietary supplementation with 5000 IU/day of vitamin D for 12 weeks leads to improved lung function in asthmatic adults