P-490 Blood Monocyte Subpopulations and Cytokines as Predictors of Occupational Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Within the Next Three Years in Workers Exposed to Aerosols Containing Nanoparticles

Abstract Introduction There is unmet need in novel predictors of occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for risk management improvement. The aim of the study was to investigate the inflammatory factors associated with exposure of nanoparticles – the less investigated industrial aerosols’ component, and reveal potential risk markers. Methods It was a prospective observational study. Nanoparticles at workplaces air in a machine manufacturing facility were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Participants were 250 employees (97,2% males, 2,8% females aged 51 (46-55) years, healthy at the time of inclusion) worked at the investigated workplaces. Monocyte subpopulations was measured by flow cytometry, serum cytokines by ELISA. Spirography was done every 6 months for 36 months. COPD was diagnosed by GOLD criteria. Relationships were measured by Cox proportional hazard and linear regression. Results Silica nanoparticles were predominant, their mass concentration was 0.035 (0.028-0.042) µg/mL. It was 31 (12.8%) COPD cases during follow up. In multivariate analysis (OR, 95% CI) CD14DimCD16+ monocytes (2.45, 1.003–6.001), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) (9.61, 2.081–44.399), soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) (1.49, 1.243–1.939), amino-terminal propeptide of type-III procollagen (PIIINP) (1.3, 1.070–1.570), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) (1.23, 1.023–1.470) were associated with COPD development. All these molecules were associated with silica nanoparticles mass concentration (p0.010). Discussion Perspective COPD predictors were established. Further validation is needed to develop the prognostic scale. Conclusion Percent of non-classical monocytes, serum levels of FGF-2, sVCAM-1, PIIINP and MMP-9 are perspective predictors of COPD within the next three years in workers exposed to aerosols, containing silica nanoparticles.