Alpha 1 antitrypsin and lung function in British coalminers.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Coal miners are susceptible to respiratory diseases.
• Lung function decline in some miners is unexplained by age or dust exposure.
• Alpha 1 antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT) is a key proteinase inhibitor in the lungs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alpha 1 antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT) serum concentrations in coal miners with unexplained low lung function.
• To compare alpha 1 AT levels between miners with poor, average, and above-average lung function.
• To explore potential links between alpha 1 AT levels, dust exposure, chest disease, and lung function.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from three groups of coal miners: those with particularly low lung function, and two control groups with average or above-average lung function.
• Alpha 1 antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT) serum concentrations were measured.
• Lung function was assessed.
• Dust exposure levels and signs of bronchitis were evaluated.
• Pneumoconiosis presence and severity were considered.

Main Results:

• No evidence of alpha 1 antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT) deficiency was found in coal miners with poor lung function.
• A reactionary increase in alpha 1 AT levels was observed in miners with poor lung function, even in non-smokers.
• Miners with poor lung function, particularly non-smokers, had higher mean dust exposure and more signs of bronchitis.
• Pneumoconiosis did not appear to influence the observed alpha 1 AT levels or lung function results.

Conclusions:

• Unexplained poor lung function in coal miners is not associated with alpha 1 antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT) deficiency.
• Elevated alpha 1 AT levels may be a reactive response to high rates of chest disease in this occupational group.
• Dust exposure and bronchitis signs are more prevalent in coal miners with poor lung function, independent of alpha 1 AT levels.