Lung function, blood markers and genetic polymorphisms differences, between subjects exposed and not to silica

Introduction: Studies have sought to find inflammatory or genetic markers that can aid in the early diagnosis and monitor the evolution of patients with silicosis. Aims: To compare lung function, blood markers and genetic polymorphisms on individuals exposed to silica. Methods: Were evaluated 240 subjects exposed to dust with silica, 94 with silicosis (GS), 146 without silicosis (GNS), and 28 unexposed (GNE) individuals. They were submitted to pulmonary function test, blood biomarkers and genetic polymorphisms analysis. The association of copy number variation of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was evaluated between the case and control groups. The odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI were calculated for the genotypes. The silicosis association was estimated by comparing individuals with two or more copies of each gene against those that presented one or zero copies. Results: The time of exposure to silica were 9 years for GS (IQI: 4-19) and and 9 years for GNS (IQI:5-17). GS was older (GS:51,3±11;GNS:41,0±8;GNE:44,8±9; p≤0.001), presented higher prevalence of pneumonia (GS:23,4%;GNS:9,6%;GNE:7,1%) and higher blood pressure (p≤0.001). The presence of 1 copy of GSTM1 and deletion of GSTT1 were significantly associated with the presence of silicosis. The prevalence of GSTM1 deletion among former smokers was associated with the presence of silicosis compared to GNS-OR: 3.46 (95%CI:1.04-10.88). FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC was lower and blood markers (CRP, LDH, Fibrinogen) are higher on GS. Conclusions: Individuals with silicosis showed higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension and blood inflammatory markers), worst pulmonary function parameters and association with genetic variability.