Plasma cathelicidin and longitudinal lung function in current and former smokers

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pulmonology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Cathelicidin (LL-37) is an antimicrobial peptide regulated by vitamin D.
• Its immunological functions suggest potential as a biomarker for lung function.
• Identifying individuals at risk for reduced lung function is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between low plasma cathelicidin and longitudinal lung function.
• To assess this association in current or former smokers without COPD.
• To determine if cathelicidin is a predictive biomarker for lung function decline.

Main Methods:

• Nested analysis of 308 participants from an observational cohort.
• Plasma cathelicidin and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D measured at baseline, years 3, and 5.
• Generalized estimating equations used to assess association with FEV1, adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

• Low cathelicidin was associated with reduced FEV1 at 6 and 18 months post-measurement.
• The association remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, race, and smoking status.
• Cathelicidin levels were stable over time and not correlated with vitamin D.

Conclusions:

• Low plasma cathelicidin is associated with sustained lung function reductions in smokers.
• Cathelicidin may serve as an informative biomarker for predicting lung function disparities.
• This finding is relevant for at-risk individuals, particularly smokers.