Lung Function Indices Research Articles

Reference equations using segmented regressions for impulse oscillometry in healthy subjects aged 2.7-90 years.

Published reference equations for impulse oscillometry (IOS) usually encompass a specific age group but not the entire lifespan. This may lead to discordant predicted values when two or more non-coincident equations can be applied to the same person, or when a person moves from one equation to the next non-convergent equation as he or she gets older. Thus, our aim was to provide a single reference equation for each IOS variable that could be applied from infancy to old age. This was an ambispective cross-sectional study in healthy nonsmokers, most of whom lived in Mexico City, who underwent IOS according to international standards. A multivariate piecewise linear regression, also known as segmented regression, was used to obtain reference equations for each IOS variable. In a population of 830 subjects (54.0% female) aged 2.7 to 90 years (54.8% children ≤12 years), segmented regression estimated two breakpoints for age in almost all IOS variables, except for R5-R20 in which only one breakpoint was detected. With this approach, multivariate regressions including sex, age, height and body mass index as independent variables were constructed, and coefficients for calculating predicted value, lower and upper limits of normal, percentage of predicted and z-score were obtained. Our study provides IOS reference equations that include the major determinants of lung function, i.e. sex, age, height and body mass index, that can be easily implemented for subjects of almost any age.

Changes and clinical significance of serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2, and immune levels in patients with asthma

Objective: To detect serum metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and T helper cells 1–T helper cells 2 (Th1–Th2) levels in asthma patients and assess their clinical significance. Methods: A total of 72 patients experiencing acute asthma (acute group), 66 stable asthma patients (stable group), and 60 healthy volunteers (control group) were included in this study. The levels of TIMP-1, COX-2, and Th1–Th2 in patients with acute asthma were measured following treatment with budesonide aerosol inhalation. In addition, the levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2 and Th1–Th2 were compared in patients with different severity of acute asthma before and after treatment. Results: The serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and COX-2 showed an increasing trend in the control, stable, and acute groups, while levels of Th1–Th2 showed a sequential decreasing trend, and the differences were statistically significant. Comparison of lung function indexes among the three groups of patients established a negative correlation between serum MMP-9 and its forced vital capacity% predicted (FEV%pred), TIMP-1, and COX-2, and FEV%pred and forced expiratory volume in 1 s–forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) levels, but a positive correlation between Th1–Th2 and FEV1/FVC levels in the acute group. A significant difference was observed on comparing the levels of serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2, and Th1–Th2 in patients with different conditions in the acute group. Specifically, as the condition worsened, a significant increase in serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, and COX-2 levels but a significant decrease in Th1–Th2 levels was observed. After treatment, we observed a significant decrease in serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, and COX-2 levels but a significant increase in Th1–Th2 levels in the acute group. Conclusion: The serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2, and Th1–Th2 are valuable indicators reflecting the condition of asthma patients and could be considered promising clinical monitoring indicators.

Renal function during long-term therapy with rituximab in patients with systemic sclerosis

In systemic sclersis (SSc), different types of renal involvement occur. Their severity can range from asymptomatic deterioration of renal function to life-threatening damage, which is a complex therapeutic problem. Rituximab (RTM) has been used in the treatment of SSc and other autoimmune diseases with promising results, but its effect on renal function has not been adequately studied. Objective: to evaluate the renal function during complex therapy, including RTM, in patients with SSc over a long-term follow-up (at least 1 year). Material and methods. The study included 90 patients with SSc who were examined at least twice – before and 1–3.5 years after initiation of RTM treatment. Renal function was assessed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated according to the CKD-EPI formula. The stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), blood pressure, daily proteinuria, skin score, activity, and indicators of lung function – forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity of the lungs – were also determined. Results and discussion. Against the background of complex therapy with RTM, there was a statistically significant decrease in GFR in the entire group of patients at the end of observation. On the other hand, renal function remained stable in the majority of patients with initially preserved GFR and there was a 25 % decrease – from 20 to 15 patients – in the number of patients with CKD. In more than half of the patients who initially had CKD, GFR increased (n = 11) or stabilized (n = 2) after therapy, and it decreased in a statistically insignificant manner in only 7 patients, whereas the development of a more advanced stage of CKD was observed in only 2 cases. The results of the treatment of 2 patients who had previously experienced scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) are reviewed in detail. Conclusion. In this study, there was no significant effect of RTM treatment on GFR and grade of CKD. Most patients had stable renal function; patients with an initial low grade of CKD showed a tendency toward stabilization of renal function. A significant decrease in GFR during long-term therapy noted in the entire patient group appears to be explained by an increase in renal insufficiency in patients with initially severe scleroderma renal damage, particularly due to SRC. Further studies on the effects of RTM therapy on renal function in patients with SSc are needed.

LUNG FUNCTION AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS

Dyslipidemia, hypertension, and lung function impairment leading to cardio-pulmonary disorders has been associated with chronic exposure to chemical toxicants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in automobile workshop. The cardiovascular risk factors, indices of lung function and PAH exposure in relation to duration of years at occupation were assessed in automobile workers. This comparative cross-sectional study enrolled one hundred men comprising 50 automobile workers and 50 non-automobile workers (controls). The peak expiratory flow rate was estimated using the peak flow meter, PAH metabolite (urine 1-hydroxy pyrene (1-HOP) by high-performance liquid chromatography, lipid profile indices (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) by colorimetry, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by Friedewal’s formular. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated as a ratio of TG to HDL-C. The Anthropometric indices and blood pressure (systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)) were obtained. Data analysis was done using t-test and correlation at P<0.05. Automobile workers had lower PEFR, HDL-C, and higher SBP, AIP and LDL-C compared to non-automobile workers (P<0.001). PEFR correlated negatively with 1-HOP (r=-0.322, P=0.022) while AIP correlated negatively with HDL (r=-0.307, P=0.030) and positively with TG (r=0.774, P=0.000), TC (r=0.726, P=0.000), LDL (r=0.777, P=0.000) and VLDL (r=0.793, P=0.000) respectively only in automobile workers. Atherogenic dyslipidemia characterized by elevated LDL, AIP, and lower HDL and PEFR observed in automobile workers may suggest an increased risk for cardio-pulmonary dysfunctions.

Phagocyte population in the inflammatory pattern of the bronchi of asthma patients regulated by interleukin-17A and interferon-gamma during the airway response to a cold stimulus

Introduction. Based on the common effector functions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages as phagocytic cells, their role in the formation of an acute reaction of the respiratory tract to a cold stimulus in patients with asthma is of concern.Aim. The study of the concentration of phagocytes, IL-17A and IFN-γ in the inflammatory pattern of the bronchi of asthma patients depending on the airway reaction to a cold stimulus.Materials and methods. 129 patients with asthma were examined. The design of the study included questioning patients using a validated questionnaire Asthma Control Test (ACT, Quality Metric Inc., 2002), collection of induced and spontaneously produced sputum, exhaled breath condensate (EBC), bronchoprovocation test with a 3-minute isocapnic hyperventilation with cold (-20ºС) air (IHCA) with an assessment of the airway response (ΔFEV1) by spirometry.Results. Group 1 (n=55) included individuals with ΔFEV1 -10% and below, group 2 (n=74) – with ΔFEV1 above -10%: -15 (-21; -11) and -3.7 (-6.1; -0.38)%, respectively (p=0.0002). According to the level of ACT (17 [13; 21.5] and 19 [14; 22] points) and indicators of lung function (FEV1 [93.0±2.4 and 97.1±2.4%] and FEF25-75 [63.5±3.5 and 72.0±3.7%]), the patients had no significant intergroup differences. The pattern of bronchial inflammation in group 1 was mixed (neutrophils ≥40%), in group 2 – eosinophilic. In response to the IHCA test, the number of neutrophils significantly increased in the sputum of patients in group 1, the number of macrophages and the number of structurally intact epithelial cells decreased, in proportion to this, the level of IFN-γ and IFN-γ-inducible protein IP-10 (CXCL10) increased in the EBC in relation to patients of the 2nd group. A direct relationship was found between baseline concentrations of IP-10 and IFN-γ (Rs=0.7; p<0.01) in EBC.Conclusion. The airway response to a cold stimulus of patients with asthma is accompanied by functional activation of phagocytic cells with an escalation of neutrophilic inflammation and a decrease in the number of macrophages infiltrating the bronchi associated with an increase in the concentration of IFN-γ, which stimulates the processes of respiratory burst and triggers cell destruction and cytolysis.

Effect of two surgical approaches on the lung function and prognosis of patients with combined esophagogastric cancer.

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction has a center of origin within 5 cm of the esophagogastric junction. Surgical resection remains the main treatment. A transthoracic approach is recommended for Siewert I adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and a transabdominal approach is recommended for Siewert III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. However, there is a need to determine the optimal surgical approach for Siewert II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction to improve lung function and the prognosis of patients. To investigate and compare the surgical effects, postoperative changes in pulmonary function, and prognoses of two approaches to treating combined esophagogastric cancer. One hundred and thirty-eight patients with combined esophagogastric cancer treated by general and thoracic surgeries in our hospital were selected. They were divided into group A comprising 70 patients (transabdominal approach) and group B comprising 68 patients (transthoracic approach) based on the surgical approach. The indexes related to surgical trauma, number of removed lymph nodes, indexes of lung function before and after surgery, survival rate, and survival duration of the two groups were compared 3 years after surgery. The duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and postoperative drainage duration of the patients in group A were shorter than those of the patients in group B, and the volume of blood loss caused by surgery was lower for group A than for group B (P < 0.05). At the one-month postoperative review, the first second, maximum ventilation volume, forceful lung volume, and lung volume values were higher for group A than for group B (P < 0.05). Preoperatively, the QLQ-OES18 scale scores of the patients in group A were higher than those in group B on re-evaluation at 3 mo postoperatively (P < 0.05). The surgical complication rate of the patients in group A was 10.00%, which was lower than that of patients in group B, which was 23.53% (P < 0.05). Transabdominal and transthoracic surgical approaches are comparable in treating combined esophagogastric cancer; however, the former results in lesser surgical trauma, milder changes in pulmonary function, and fewer complications.

Clinical determinants for State-Trait Anxiety Inventory of the parents of children with respiratory problems.

Understanding factors associated with anxiety of parents/carers of children with respiratory problems is clinically important yet there is relative paucity of data. In 106 children seen in the respiratory clinic of a pediatric hospital, we evaluated (a) the determinants for parental anxiety and (b) whether the anxiety scores correlate with quality-of-life (QoL) scores in the subset with chronic cough. We opportunistically re-analyzed data of our main study that examined the benefits of using spirometry for pediatric respiratory consultation where parents completed an anxiety questionnaire (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) pre- and postconsultation. A subset (children with chronic cough) also completed the parent-proxy quality-of-life (PC-QoL) tool. We computed the association between clinical characteristics and anxiety scores using multivariable regression and between the two patient-reported outcome measures using Spearman's correlation. The majority of parents/carers were women (n = 89, 84%). Most children (mean age = 10.9 years, SD = 3.7 years) were previously seen at the clinic (n = 67, 63.2%). In multivariate regression, parental anxiety score was significantly associated with reported presence of cough [coefficient β = 17.31 (95%confidence interval 9.62, 25.1)] and lower forced expiratory volume in first second(FEV1 )/forced vital capacity(FVC) [-3.88 (-7.05, -0.71)] at preconsultation, but associated with cough only [coefficient β = 12.04 (5.24, 18.84)] at postconsultation, all p < .05. STAI strongly correlated with PC-QoL scores at pre- but only modestly at postconsultation (rs = -.63 and -.39, respectively, p < .05). Parental anxiety levels of children attending respiratory clinics are influenced by the presence of cough and low FEV1 /FVC of their child and are associated with poorer QoL. These highlight the need for on-going research to reduce parental anxiety focusing on cough and lung function indices.

Effectiveness of combined use of formoterol fumarate tablets and interventional bronchoscopy in the treatment of central airway tumor

Purpose: To study the effectiveness of formoterol fumarate tablets when used in combination with interventional bronchoscopy for central airway tumor.Methods: A total of 154 central airway tumor patients on admission in Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China (August 2020 - December 2022) were assigned to benign group (BG, n = 70) and malignant group (MG, n = 84), based on the nature of tumor lesion. The patients were administered formoterol fumarate tablets as well as interventional bronchoscopy. Clinical efficacy, lung function indices such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio, blood gas indices (pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)), scores on shortness of breath, and survival rate, were determined and compared between the two groups.Results: The overall effectiveness in BG (97.14 %) was significantly higher than that in MG (84.52 %). There were higher post-treatment values of FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC; higher values of pH and PaO2, lower PaCO2, and lower scores on shortness of breath in BG and MG, relative to pre- treatment levels (p &lt; 0.05). Follow-up showed no recurrence in patients with benign tumor, and clinical efficacy was satisfactory. The 2-year survival rate of patients with malignant tumor was 51.19 %.Conclusion: The combination of formoterol fumarate tablets and interventional bronchoscopy produces significant curative effect on benign and malignant tumor in central airway. It improves lung function, blood gas indices and survival rate, and mitigates shortness of breath. Therefore, this treatment strategy has a high potential for use in clinical practice.

Blood eosinophils and clinical features of pneumoconiosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To analyze the correlation between peripheral blood eosinophil (EOS) level and clinical characteristics of patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Methods: From January 2007 to November 2020, newly diagnosed patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were stratified into EOS<100 cells/μl group and EOS≥100 cells/μl group, taking 100 cells/μl as the cut-off value. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, lung function and laboratory indexes were compared between the two groups. Results: The median EOS count of patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD was 100 (40, 180) cells/μl. 50.2% (160/319) had blood eosinophil counts ≥100 cells/μl, and 11.0% (35/319) had blood eosinophil counts ≥300 cells/μl. In comparison with EOS<100 cells/μl group, EOS≥100 cells/μl group were older (P=0.035), had higher body mass index (P=0.008), and had lower forced respiratory volume in the first second (P=0.017), had higher the ratio of residual volume to total lung volume (P=0.010), and had lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (P=0.008). Arterial partial pressure of oxygen was significantly reduced in EOS≥100 cells/μl group (P=0.039). The peripheral blood EOS count was negatively correlated with forced vital capacity, forced breathing volume in the first second, carbon monoxide diffusion, peak expiratory flow, and maximum mid expiratory flow as a percentage of expected values (r(s)=-0.22, -0.18, -0.19, -0.19, -0.19, P=0.000, 0.001, 0.003, 0.008, 0.002), and positively correlated with the ratio of residual air volume to total lung volume (r(s)=0.17, P=0.002) . Conclusion: There was a correlation between blood EOS count and pulmonary function parameters, can proide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of chnoric obstuctive pulmmory disease in clinical practice.

High Transcriptional Activity and Clinical Correlations in Eosinophils of Patients with Late-Onset Asthma.

The immunological features of eosinophils in early-onset asthma (EOA) differ from those in late-onset asthma (LOA). Clinical trials of anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma showed a better response for LOA patients than EOA patients. We wonder if the transcriptional activity of activated eosinophils was different in EOA and LOA. Eosinophils obtained from well-controlled EOA and LOA patients and normal subjects were compared in terms of the mRNA expression of activation-related genes and specific markers related to cell functions in eosinophils activated by IL-5 or IL-17. The correlation between mRNA expression and clinical features and lung function was further analyzed. The transcriptional expression of most genes was higher in activated eosinophils from LOA patients than in those from EOA patients and normal subjects. After IL-17 stimulation, the expression of certain genes was higher in atopic EOA patients than in non-atopic EOA patients. Similar observation was noted in obese EOA patients. After IL-5 stimulation, the transcriptional expression of most genes in eosinophils from LOA patients was negatively correlated with indicators of lung function. These correlations were less pronounced in EOA patients: After IL-17 stimulation, some genes in EOA patients were negatively correlated with post-bronchodilator changes in lung function. This study describes differences in the transcriptional active patterns of eosinophils and their correlation to atopy and obesity by age of onset. High transcriptional activity in activated eosinophils and a negative correlation to lung function indicate the importance of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of LOA.

Short-term effect of particulate matter on lung function and impulse oscillometry system (IOS) parameters of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Beijing, China

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the associations between particulate matter (PM), lung function and Impulse Oscillometry System (IOS) parameters in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and identity effects between different regions in Beijing, China.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we recruited 1348 outpatients who visited hospitals between January 2016 and December 2019. Ambient air pollutant data were obtained from the central monitoring stations nearest the participants’ residential addresses. We analyzed the effect of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) exposure on lung function and IOS parameters using a multiple linear regression model, adjusting for sex, smoking history, education level, age, body mass index (BMI), mean temperature, and relative humidity .ResultsThe results showed a relationship between PM2.5, lung function and IOS parameters. An increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM2.5 was associated with a decline of 2.083% (95% CI: −3.047 to − 1.103) in forced expiratory volume in one second /predict (FEV1%pred), a decline of 193 ml/s (95% CI: −258 to − 43) in peak expiratory flow (PEF), a decline of 0.932% (95% CI: −1.518 to − 0.342) in maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF); an increase of 0.732 Hz (95% CI: 0.313 to 1.148) in resonant frequency (Fres), an increase of 36 kpa/(ml/s) (95% CI: 14 to 57) in impedance at 5 Hz (Z5) and an increase of 31 kpa/(ml/s) (95% CI: 2 to 54) in respiratory impedance at 5 Hz (R5). Compared to patients in the central district, those in the southern district had lower FEV1/FVC, FEV1%pred, PEF, FEF75%, MMEF, X5, and higher Fres, Z5 and R5 (p < 0.05).ConclusionShort-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with reductions in lung function indices and an increase in IOS results in patients with COPD. The heavier the PM2.5, the more severe of COPD.

Body composition modify the association between ambient particulate matter and lung function among asthma patients.

The effect of ambient PM10 and PM2.5 on lung function modified by body muscle and adipose tissue is not fully understood at present. Our aims were to investigate the association between seasonal average air pollutants and lung function in asthmatic patients modified by body composition indicators. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 914 doctor-diagnosed asthmatic patients, and performed interaction and stratified analysis using the median values of total body muscle (TBM), total body fat (TBF), and percentage body fat (PBF) as well as body mass index (BMI) =25 as the cutoff points of the high/low body composition groups. The adjusted R2 values of the developed LUR models of PM2.5 and PM10 were 91.4% and 90.5% and also verified by cross-validation, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that TBM significantly modified the association between PM10 and lung function among asthma patients (interaction P value <0.05). In the low TBM group, seasonal average concentrations of PM10 estimated by the LUR model increased by 10 μg/m3, and negative associations with lung function indicators were observed. For obese patients with BMI>25 and high TBF, the increase in PM10 was associated with the decrease in lung function. The asthma patients with obesity and low total body muscle were more susceptible to adverse effects of PM10 on lung function.

Computed Tomography-Based Deep Learning Model for Assessing the Severity of Patients With Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

This study aimed to develop a computed tomography (CT)-based deep learning model for assessing the severity of patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD). The retrospective study included 298 CTD-ILD patients between January 2018 and May 2022. A deep learning-based RDNet model was established (1610 fully annotated CT images for training and 402 images for validation). The model was used to automatically classify and quantify 3 radiologic features (ground glass opacities [GGOs], reticulation, and honeycombing), along with a volumetric sum of 3 areas (ILD%). As a control, we used 4 previously defined CT threshold methods to calculate the ILD assessment index. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient ( r ) evaluated the correlation between various indicators and the lung function index in the remaining 184 CTD-ILD patients who were staged according to the gender-age-physiology (GAP) system. The RDNet model accurately identified GGOs, reticulation, and honeycombing, with corresponding Dice indexes of 0.784, 0.782, and 0.747, respectively. A total of 137 patients were at GAP1 (73.9%), 36 patients at GAP2 (19.6%), and 11 patients at GAP3 (6.0%). The percentages of reticulation and honeycombing at GAP2 and GAP3 were markedly elevated compared with those at GAP1 ( P < 0.001). The percentage of GGOs was not significantly different among the GAP stages ( P = 0.62). As the GAP stage increased, all lung function indicators tended to decrease, and the composite physiologic index (CPI) indicated an upward tendency. The percentage of honeycombs moderately correlated with the percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco%) ( r = -0.58, P < 0.001) and CPI ( r = 0.63, P < 0.001). The ILD assessment index calculated by the CT threshold method (-260 to -600 Hounsfield units) had a low correlation with DLco% and CPI (DLco%: r = -0.42, P < 0.001; CPI: r = 0.45, P < 0.001). The RDNet model can quantify GGOs, reticulation, and honeycombing of chest CT images in CTD-ILD patients, among which honeycombing had the most significant effect on lung function indicators. In addition, this model provided good clinical utility for evaluating the severity of CTD-ILD.

CTRP3 regulates NF-κB and TGFβ1/Smad3 pathways to alleviate airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice induced by OVA.

Asthma is a common illness with chronic airway inflammation. C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein 3 (CTRP3) plays a vital role ininflammatory response, but its effect on asthma is imprecise. Herein, we analyzed the functions of CTRP3 in asthma. The BALB/c mice were randomized into four groups: control, ovalbumin (OVA), OVA+vector, and OVA+CTRP3. The asthmatic mice model was established by OVA stimulation. Overexpression of CTRP3 was implemented by the transfection of corresponding adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6). The contents of CTRP3, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA), phosphorylated (p)-p65/p65, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), and p-Smad3/Smad3 were determined by Western blot analysis. The quantity of total cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was assessed by using a hemocytometer. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in BALF were examined by enzyme-linked immunesorbent serologic assay. The lung function indicators and airway resistance (AWR) were measured. The bronchial and alveolar structures were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and sirius red staining. The CTRP3 was downregulated in mice of OVA groups; however, AAV6-CTRP3 treatment markedly upregulated the expression of CTRP3. Upregulation of CTRP3 diminished asthmatic airway inflammation by decreasing the number of inflammatory cells and the contents of proinflammatory factors. CTRP3 markedly lessened AWR and improved lung function in OVA-stimulated mice. Histological analysis found that CTRP3 alleviated OVA-induced airway remodeling in mice. Moreover, CTRP3 modulated NF-κB and TGFβ1/Smad3 pathways in OVA-stimulated mice. CTRP3 alleviated airway inflammation and remodeling in OVA-induced asthmatic mice via regulating NF-κB and TGFβ1/Smad3 pathways.

Effect of PRDX6 gene polymorphism on susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Chinese Han population.

To explore the relationship of peroxiredoxin6 (PRDX6) tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Chinese Han population. A total of 502 patients with COPD and 481 healthy controls from nine hospitals in China were enrolled in this study. The PRDX6 tag-SNPs were identified by linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis in 30 healthy controls. The associations between identified tag-SNPs and COPD risk were further evaluated. Four PRDX6 tag-SNPs, including rs7314, rs34619706, rs33951697, and rs4382766, were identified in 30 healthy controls. Moreover, in the allele model, there was no statistical difference in locus in PRDX6 between patients with COPD and healthy controls (P > 0.05). However, in the recessive model, rs33951697 locus in PRDX6 gene carrier with T/T had an increased risk of COPD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.06-6.33, P = 0.028). Furthermore, in the relevance analysis between genetic polymorphisms and smoking behavior and lung function indexes, we found that the number of smoked cigarettes per day and FEV1/FVC differed among different genotypes of PRDX6, rs4382766, and rs7314 (P < 0.05). PRDX6 gene polymorphism with smoking status may contribute to the etiology of COPD in the Chinese Han population.

Bone Marrow Stromal Cell-Secreted Extracellular Vesicles Containing miR-34c-5p Alleviate Lung Injury and Inflammation in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Through Promotion of PTEN Degradation by Targeting OTUD3

ABSTRACT Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the predominant chronic disorder in preterm neonates. This study explored impacts of miR-34c-5p carried by bone marrow stromal cells-secreted extracellular vesicles (BMSC-EVs) on BPD progression.Methods: A BPD mouse model was established, followed by measurement of miR-34c-5p, OTUD3, and PTEN expression. EVs were isolated from BMSCs transfected with miR-34c-5p mimic or mimic NC and intratracheally injected into mice. CD31 and Ki67 expression was detected and the pathological changes of lung tissues and lung function indexes were observed for mice. A neonatal human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (HPMEC) model was developed with hyperoxia, followed by co-culture with extracted EVs and ectopic experiments for measurement of cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis. IL-4, IL-13, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were measured in cell supernatants and lung tissues. Dual-luciferase reporter, ubiquitination, Co-IP, and RIP assays were adopted to determine the relationship among miR-34c-5p, OTUD3, and PTEN.Results: Lung tissues of BPD mice had downregulated miR-34c-5p expression and upregulated OTUD3 and PTEN expression. BMSC-EVs and BMSC-EVs-miR-34c-5p treatment improved lung injury and alveolar structure, decreased lung resistance and IL-4, IL-13, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, and elevated dynamic lung compliance in BPD mice, as well as enhanced proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration and restrained inflammation in HPMECs. Mechanistically, miR-34c-5p negatively targeted OTUD3 which restrained ubiquitination to promote PTEN protein stabilization. Upregulation of OTUD3 or PTEN negated the changes in the proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and inflammation of hyperoxia-treated HPMECs induced by BMSC-EVs-miR-34c-5p.Conclusion: BMSC-EVs-miR-34c-5p alleviated lung injury and inflammation in hyperoxia-induced BPD by blocking the OTUD3/PTEN axis.

Lung function indices do not affect the incidence of coronary heart disease in patients with sleep-disordered breathing

BackgroundCurrently, it's unclear whether sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and reduced lung function could synergistically increase the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). Furthermore, the predictive value of different lung function indices for the incidence of CHD remains unknown. MethodsWe enrolled 3749 participants from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) to conduct a retrospective study. The individuals were divided into the SDB and non-SDB subgroups according to Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (AHI). Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between lung function and CHD. We also conducted a ROC analysis to assess the predictive value of different lung function indices. Results512 cases of CHD were identified during an average of 10.40 years of follow-up in participants without CVD at baseline. We observed that lung function was a better predictor of CHD in non-SDB participants compared with SDB participants. Reduced lung function was associated with a higher risk of CHD in participants without SDB, while the inverse association became non-significant in participants with SDB. Furthermore, the incremental contribution of lung function to CHD diminished with increasing severity of SDB. ConclusionWe need to focus more on the lung function of individuals without SDB rather than those with SDB to reduce the risk of CHD.

Evaluation of Peripheral Capillary Oxygen Saturation and Pulmonary Functions of Subjects Exposed to Soot in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Nigeria

The present study reports for the first time, the effects of soot exposure on peripheral capillary oxygen saturation and pulmonary functions among residents of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. In the present study, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation level and respiratory indices ie pulmonary functions were evaluated among soot exposed residents in Yenagoa, Nigeria and the values compared with apparently healthy residents of a less polluted region in the same city. A total of 300 subjects within the ages of 18 to 65 consisting of 200 subjects living within soot exposed areas and 100 subjects who live 2km away from the polluted environment. Using questionnaires, personal data of each participant were collected. The questionnaire focused on sex, age, height and weight, duration of stay in Yenagoa, oxygen saturation level, respiratory indices, pulse rate, smoking habit, pregnancy and lung conditions. Hospital scale balance and calibrated metre rule were used to collect their anthropometric data while oxygen saturation, pulse rate and respiratory indices were measured using Sp-10 pocket spirometer and Pulse oximeter.The results from the study population shows a significant decrease in PEFR, FEF and pulse rates of exposed subjects compared with the control. Meanwhile no statistical differences were observed in BMI, FVC, FEV1and oxygen saturation level between the exposed and the control subjects except the BMI of the exposed subjects across their various age groups. There was a negative correlation observed in the plot against age and BMI versus respiratory indices. This study shows that the subjects living within soot polluted environment possess lower lung function indices compared with those living two kilometres away from the polluted environment, in Yenagoa, Nigeria.

Associations between the muscle quality index and adult lung functions from NHANES 2011-2012.

The muscle quality index (MQI), as an important component of sarcopenia, is defined as the ratio of muscle strength to muscle mass. Lung function, is a clinical indicator to assess ventilation and air exchange function. This study investigated the relationship between lung function indices and MQI in the NHANES database from 2011 to 2012. This study included 1,558 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2012. Muscle mass and muscle strength were assessed using DXA and handgrip strength, and all participants underwent pulmonary function measurements. Multiple linear regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the correlation between the MQI and lung function indices. In the adjusted model, MQI was significantly correlated with FVC% and PEF%. And, after quartiles of MQI in Q3, where FEV1%, FVC%, and PEF% were all associated with MQI, in Q4, a lower relative risk of a restrictive spirometry pattern was linked to increased MQI. Compared to the lower age group, the relationship between the MQI and lung function indices was more significant in the higher age group. There was an association between the MQI and lung function indices. Furthermore, in the middle-aged and older adult populations, lung function indicators and restrictive ventilation impairment were significantly associated with MQI. This implies that improving lung function through muscle training may be beneficial to this group.

Hubungan Antara Kedekatan dan Lama Domisili Di Sekitar TPA Kebon Kongok Desa Suka Makmur Gerung NTB Dengan Arus Puncak Ekspirasi Pada Ibu Rumah Tangga

Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) is a simple measurement of the maximal flow rate achieved during a strong expiration following a full inspiration. PEF is used as an indicator of lung function. Decreased lung function can be caused by gases emitted from landfill sites. TPA Kebon Kongok is the largest landfill in the province of NTB, which has been operating since 1993. The landfill used open dumping system for a long time before switching to sanitary landfill in 2021. This situation can lead to gas exposure for residents living near the landfill, especially for housewives who spend a lot of time at home. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between proximity and length of residency around TPA and PEF in housewives. The study was conducted in Suka Makmur village by comparing two hamlets near and far from the landfill. The nearest hamlet (0-1 km) from the landfill was Kedatuk, while the farthest hamlet (1-2 km) was Ketejer. The study used a cross-sectional design with proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The total sample in this study was 183, consisting of 110 samples from the near hamlet of Kedatuk and 73 samples from the far hamlet of Ketejer.There was a significant statistical relationship between proximity to the landfill and PEF (p-value 0.001), while there was no significant relationship between length of residency and PEF (p-value 0.421).There is a significant relationship between proximity to the landfill and PEF, while there is no significant relationship between length of residency and PEF.