Effects of a helium/oxygen mixture on individuals’ lung function and metabolic cost during submaximal exercise for participants with obstructive lung diseases

Previous studies have reported an association between the impairment of cognitive performance and lung diseases. However, whether obstructive or restrictive lung diseases have an impact on cognitive function is still inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the association between cognitive function and obstructive or restrictive lung diseases in Taiwanese adults using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). In this study, we used data from the Taiwan Biobank. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MMSE. Spirometry measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were obtained to assess lung function. Participants were classified into three groups according to lung function, namely, normal, restrictive, and obstructive lung function. In total, 683 patients enrolled, of whom 357 participants had normal lung function (52.3%), 95 had restrictive lung function (13.9%), and 231 had obstructive lung function (33.8%). Compared to the normal lung function group, the obstructive lung function group was associated with a higher percentage of cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24). In multivariable analysis, a low MMSE score was significantly associated with low FVC, low FEV1, and low FEV1/FVC. Furthermore, a low MMSE score was significantly associated with low FEV1 in the participants with FEV1/FVC < 70%, whereas MMSE was not significantly associated with FVC in the participants with FEV1/FVC ≥ 70%. Our results showed that a low MMSE score was associated with low FEV1, low FVC and low FEV1/FVC. Furthermore, a low MMSE score was associated with obstructive lung diseases but not with restrictive lung diseases.

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Systematic Review of Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Obstructive Lung Disease

Journal of Health and Pollution ◽

10.5696/2156-9614-11.31.210903 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (31) ◽

Author(s):

Chinemerem C. Nwaozuzu ◽

Kingsley C. Partick-Iwuanyanwu ◽

Stephen O. Abah

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽

Lung Function ◽

Chronic Bronchitis ◽

Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽

Lung Diseases ◽

Small Sample ◽

Obstructive Lung Diseases ◽

Polycyclic Aromatic ◽

The Relationship

Background. There is fast-growing epidemiologic evidence of the effects of environmental chemicals on respiratory health. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been linked with airway obstruction common in asthma and/or asthma exacerbation, and chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Objectives. A systematic review of the association between exposure to PAHs and obstructive lung diseases is not yet available. The present systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence available in epidemiological studies that have associated PAHs with obstructive lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema. Methods. We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases using relevant keywords and guided by predesigned eligibility criteria. Results. From the total of 30 articles reviewed, 16 articles examined the link between PAHs and lung function in both adults and children. Twelve articles investigated the association between PAHs and asthma, asthma biomarkers, and/or asthma symptoms in children. Two articles studied the relationship between PAHs and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a biomarker of airway inflammation and the relationship between PAHs and obstructive lung diseases and infections, respectively. One study assessed exposure to daily ambient PAHs and cough occurrence. Discussion. Twenty-seven studies found an association between PAHs and asthma and reduced lung function. In children it is reinforced by studies on prenatal and postnatal exposure, whereas in adults, reductions in lung function tests marked by low forced expiratory volume in 1 second, (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow (FEF25–75%) were the major health outcomes. Some studies recorded contrasting results: insignificant and/or no association between the two variables of interest. The studies reviewed had limitations ranging from small sample size, to the use of cross-sectional rather than longitudinal study design. Conclusions. The literature reviewed in the present study largely suggest positive correlations between PAHs and obstructive lung diseases marked mainly by asthma and reduced respiratory function. This review was registered with PROSPERO (Registration no: CRD42020212894) Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Evidence on the Link between Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Early Life and Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1714345 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (S 02) ◽

pp. S26-S30

Author(s):

Eugenio Baraldi ◽

Luca Bonadies ◽

Paolo Manzoni

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Lung Function ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Early Life ◽

Lower Respiratory Tract ◽

Lung Diseases ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Lung Diseases ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases

There is growing evidence in medical literature to support an association between early-life respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract-lower respiratory tract infection (RSV-LRTI) and recurrent wheezing/asthma-like symptoms. It has been estimated that children with a history of RSV-LRTI have a 2- to 12-fold higher risk of developing asthma. The connection between RSV infection and a developmental trajectory of reduced lung function remains throughout adolescence and early adulthood, suggesting a possible role for RSV even in the inception of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. That is why the postnatal period appears to offer a specific window of opportunity for early intervention to prevent chronic obstructive lung diseases. The mechanisms by which RSV contributes to the onset of wheezing/asthma and lung function impairment are not fully understood but appear to relate to injury caused directly by the virus and/or to pre-existing predisposing factors. While awaiting a deeper understanding of the association between RSV and chronic lung diseases, the crucial role of pediatricians and physicians is to develop strategies to prevent RSV infections to try and protect children's lifelong respiratory health. Key Points

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