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Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme is elevated in association with underground coal mining
A B Thompson1, W F Cale, N L Lapp
1West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown.
Chest
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity (SACE) is elevated in coal miners with recent dust exposure, suggesting alveolar macrophage activation. Lysozyme activity was not elevated, differing from silicosis responses.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity (SACE) and lysozyme are biomarkers implicated in lung diseases.
- Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a significant occupational lung disease.
- Alveolar macrophages are key cells in lung response to dust exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SACE and lysozyme activity in underground coal miners.
- To determine if recent dust exposure or CWP influences these enzyme activities.
- To compare enzyme responses in coal miners to those in sarcoidosis patients.
Main Methods:
- Measured SACE and lysozyme activity in 40 coal miners, 20 sarcoidosis patients, and 15 healthy controls.
- Grouped miners by recent vs. distant dust exposure and presence/absence of CWP.
- Grouped sarcoidosis patients by disease activity.
Main Results:
- Coal miners as a group did not show elevated SACE.
- Miners with recent exposure had significantly elevated SACE compared to controls.
- Miners without recent exposure and those with CWP did not show elevated SACE.
- Serum lysozyme activity was not elevated in any miner group.
Conclusions:
- Elevated SACE in recently exposed coal miners may indicate alveolar macrophage activation due to dust burden.
- The differing enzyme profiles suggest distinct macrophage responses to coal dust versus silica.
- SACE may serve as a biomarker for recent dust exposure in coal miners.