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Published on: December 21, 2019
Factors affecting soluble mesothelin related protein levels in an asbestos-exposed population
Eun-Kee Park1, Paul S Thomas, Jenette Creaney
1Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Background:
Soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) is increased in the sera of patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM), and has been suggested as a diagnostic tool for MM in an asbestos exposed population. However, factors affecting SMRP concentrations in normal subjects and those with other asbestos related disorders have not been investigated in any large population based study.
Methods:
Five hundred and thirty-eight subjects with a history of asbestos exposure were studied. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), serum creatinine and glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lung function were compared with SMRP concentrations.
Results:
The mean age [+/- standard deviation (SD)] of participants was 66.9 (+/-10.1) years, and mean (+/-SD) serum SMRP concentration was 0.91 (+/-0.67) nmol/L. SMRP values were inversely associated with weight (Pearson r=-0.1254, p=0.0036), BMI (Pearson r=-0.1594, p=0.0002), blood glucose (Pearson r=-0.1515, p=0.0004), single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) % predicted (Pearson r=-0.1847, p<0.0001), eGFR (Pearson r=-0.2835, p<0.0001) and single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity per unit alveolar volume (DLco/VA)% predicted (Pearson r=-0.1872, p<0.0001) but were positively associated with age (Pearson r=0.2315, p<0.0001) and creatinine (Pearson r=0.3833, p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
This study has shown that demographic variables, physiological factors and lung function are associated with serum SMRP concentrations. Confounding factors should be considered when interpreting serum SMRP.
Insights
Serum soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) levels are influenced by various factors in asbestos-exposed individuals. Age, creatinine, and lung function significantly impact SMRP concentrations, crucial for interpreting diagnostic potential.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Biomarker Research
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) shows potential as a diagnostic marker for malignant mesothelioma (MM) in asbestos-exposed populations.
- Limited research exists on factors influencing SMRP levels in healthy individuals and those with asbestos-related disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate demographic, physiological, and lung function factors associated with serum SMRP concentrations.
- To identify potential confounders for SMRP as a diagnostic marker in asbestos-exposed individuals.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 538 participants with a history of asbestos exposure.
- Collected data on age, height, weight, BMI, serum creatinine and glucose, eGFR, and lung function.
- Correlated these variables with serum SMRP concentrations.
Main Results:
- SMRP concentrations were positively associated with age and creatinine.
- SMRP levels showed inverse associations with weight, BMI, blood glucose, eGFR, and lung function parameters (DLco % predicted, DLco/VA % predicted).
- Significant correlations were observed between SMRP and multiple physiological and lung function measures.
Conclusions:
- Demographic variables, physiological factors, and lung function are significantly associated with serum SMRP concentrations.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering confounding factors when interpreting SMRP levels for diagnostic purposes.
- Further research is needed to refine the utility of SMRP as a biomarker in asbestos-related diseases.
