Early effects of fluoro-edenite: correlation between IL-18 serum levels and pleural and parenchymal abnormalities.
Fluoro-edenite (FE) is a natural mineral asbestos-like fibrous species first isolated in Biancavilla, Sicily. In order to clarify potential involvement of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of FE-induced chest abnormalities, we analyzed IL-18 serum levels in FE-exposed workers (FEEW) and correlated them with pleural and parenchymal abnormalities. A total of 21 FEEWs, residing in Biancavilla for >30 years, with a working seniority of 17 ± 6.1 years were examined. High-resolution computed tomography scans revealed low grade of fibrosis in 8 (38%) FEEWs, and pleural plaques (PPs) in 13 (62%) FEEWs. The mean IL-18 level was 203.13 ± 90.43 pg/ml. Pearson correlation showed a significant association (p < 0.0001) between IL-18 and PPs and parenchymal abnormality scores. Data suggest a potential role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Caterina
C
Ledda
Department of Biomedical & Biotechnology Sciences, Human Anatomy & Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Carla
C
Loreto
Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Serena
S
Matera
Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Nicoletta
N
Massimino
Department of Sciences for Health Promotion & Mother & Child Care 'Giuseppe D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Emanuele
E
Cannizzaro
Division of Radiology, University Hospital 'Policlinico, Vittorio Emanuele', University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Andrea
A
Musumeci
Department of Surgery, Academic Thoracic Surgery Unit, University Hospital 'Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele', University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Marcello
M
Migliore
Department of the Environment, Safety, Territory, Food & Health Sciences, Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Concettina
C
Fenga
Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.|Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
Cristoforo
C
Pomara
Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Venerando
V
Rapisarda
D000328:Adult; D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000097:blood*; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed
D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D020382:Interleukin-18; C492470:fluor-edenite
IL-18; asbestos; natural carcinogenic fiber