High hsCRP is associated with reduced lung function in structural firefighters

Am J Ind Med. 2014 Jan;57(1):31-7. doi: 10.1002/ajim.22260. Epub 2013 Sep 20.

Abstract

Background: To assess the association between markers of systemic inflammation and pulmonary function in a population of structural firefighters.

Methods: We studied male career members of a large Midwestern fire department with questionnaires, spirometry, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a biomarker of systemic inflammation. We examined percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 %-predicted) and forced vital capacity (FVC%-predicted).

Results: Complete data were available for 401 firefighters. Higher hsCRP levels were associated with lower lung function values, after adjusting for confounding variables. Specifically, for every twofold increase in log10-hsCRP, FEV1 %-predicted decreased by a mean 1.5% (95% CI: 0.4, 2.6%) and FVC%-predicted decreased by a mean 1.4% (95% CI: 0.4, 2.3%).

Conclusion: hsCRP as a biomarker of systemic inflammation may indicate reduced lung function in structural firefighters.

Keywords: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP); percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%-predicted); percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%-predicted).

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism*
  • Firefighters*
  • Fires*
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / blood*
  • Lung / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Spirometry
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vital Capacity

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein