Correlation of hematologic markers of inflammation and lung function: a comparison of asymptomatic smokers and nonsmokers

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Abstract
Increased inflammation of the peripheral airways has been implicated as a cause of pulmonary function impairment. However, little information is available on the correlation between subclinical decrements of pul monary function and inflammation in asymptomatic individuals. A relationship between markers of inflam mation and lung function may be useful in predicting the early onset of lung function impairment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of hematolo gic markers of inflammation and spirometry in asympto matic smokers and nonsmokers. The specific objectives of this study were twofold. The first objective was to quantify and compare the spirometric measures of lung function in smokers and nonsmokers having similar demographic and lifestyle characteristics. The second objective was to define the correlation between these spirometric measure ments and hematologic markers of inflammation (white blood cells, monocytes, basophils, PGE1, IgG, and IgE). Systemic blood samples and spirometric measurements were obtained from 61 age-matched (33 ± 9 years) healthy, asymptomatic smokers and nonsmokers, with similar self- reported lifestyles (i.e., food, alcohol, vitamin consump tion and exercise). Both male and female smokers self- reported a higher coffee consumption (P < 0.05) compared to nonsmokers. Male smokers self-reported a trend toward current blue-collar versus white-collar occupation when compared with the nonsmokers. Body weight (77.6± 16.6 kg) did not differ between the smokers and non smokers. The male nonsmokers were taller than the male smokers (P < 0.05). All subjects were asymptomatic and had clinically normal spirometry. Compared to male nonsmokers, the male smokers had lower FEF25-75% and FEF75-85% values (P1/FVC, FEV1 and FVC were significantly different. The female smokers did not differ from the female nonsmokers (P1) or immunologic endpoints (IgE) and spirometric measure ments were observed in female smokers, female non smokers and male nonsmokers. No statistically significant correlations involving immunologic or inflammatory endpoints were observed in the male smokers. A better mechanistic understanding of the observed relationship between elevated hematologic inflammatory endpoints and reduced lung function may provide valuable insight into the clinical significance of these correlations.