The inflammatory biomarker YKL-40 is elevated in the serum, but not the sputum, of E-cigarette users. (13th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perez, Mario F.; Atuegwu, Nkiruka C.; Mortensen, Eric M.; Oncken, Cheryl
• Is Part Of: Experimental lung research. Volume 47:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2020-11-13
• Subjects: E-cigarette -- YKl-40 -- serum -- sputum; Lungs -- Periodicals; Lungs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Lung Diseases; Lung -- physiology; Respiratory System; 616.24
• DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2020.1847216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-2148

Abstract

Abstract: Rationale: E-cigarettes are popular among youth and young adults and have been shown to be associated with pulmonary conditions such as asthma and COPD. YKL-40 may serve as a biomarker of pulmonary diseases and may predict the loss of pulmonary function among smokers. We hypothesized that similar to cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users will have higher levels of YKL-40 compared to non-tobacco users. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults between 18 and 55 years old. Inclusion criteria were: exclusive e-cigarette use or cigarette smoking for ≥ 1 year or no history of tobacco use. Participants with a history of pulmonary illness, atopy, medications (except birth control pills), marijuana, and illegal substance use were excluded. Custom Multiplex ELISA was used to measure YKL-40 and other biomarker levels in the serum and induced sputum of the participants. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare the levels of YLK-40 in healthy participants, e-cigarette, and cigarette users after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. Results: We recruited 20 healthy controls, 23 cigarette smokers, and 22 exclusive e-cigarette users. Serum YKL-40 (ng/ml) was significantly higher in e-cigarette users (Median 21.2 [IQR 12.1-24.0] ng/ml) when compared to controls (12.2 [IQR 8.7-18.1] ng/ml, p = 0.016) but comparable to cigarette smokers (21.6 [IQR 11.62-51.7] ng/ml, p = 0.31). No significant differences were found in the serum or sputum of the other biomarkers tested. Conclusion: The inflammatory biomarker, YKL-40 is elevated in the serum but not the sputum of e-cigarette users with no reported pulmonary disease. Further research is necessary to characterize this association.