Increased plasma interleukin-1β is associated with accelerated lung function decline in non-smokers

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Immunology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a key cytokine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) airway inflammation.
• The link between plasma IL-1β levels and the rate of lung function decline in COPD patients is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma IL-1β concentration and lung function decline in COPD patients.
• To explore the relationship between plasma IL-1β, COPD exacerbations, and disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal analysis of data from the Early COPD study.
• Inclusion of 1,328 participants at baseline, with 1,135 completing a 1-year follow-up.
• Assessment of plasma IL-1β concentration, lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC), and COPD exacerbations.

Main Results:

• Increased plasma IL-1β was significantly associated with accelerated lung function decline (FEV1 and FVC) in non-smokers, but not in smokers.
• Non-smokers in the top 30% of IL-1β levels (>5.02 pg/mL) exhibited more respiratory symptoms, severe emphysema, air trapping, and higher inflammation biomarkers.
• A distinct subgroup of non-smokers with elevated plasma IL-1β was identified, correlating with faster lung function deterioration.

Conclusions:

• Elevated plasma IL-1β is a predictor of accelerated lung function decline in non-smoking COPD patients.
• Plasma IL-1β may serve as a relevant biomarker for disease progression and inflammation severity in specific COPD subgroups.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of IL-1β in COPD pathogenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target.