Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinaemia is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the relationship between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and spirometric measures has not been investigated in a general population. We aimed to determine whether Hcy levels are predictive for a rapid decline in lung function among healthy current smokers.
Blood sampling and spirometry were performed on subjects (n=3,257), participating in a community-based annual health check in Takahata, Japan, from 2004 to 2006. Spirometry was re-evaluated in 147 male current smokers in 2009.
On initial assessment, percent predicted forced vital capacity (%FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV1) correlated inversely with Hcy levels, and were predictive for Hcy levels, independent of various clinical factors. Hcy levels were higher in subjects with restrictive, obstructive, or mixed ventilatory disorders. Additionally, Hcy levels were higher in subjects with mixed ventilatory disorders, compared with restrictive or obstructive disorders. On follow-up, subjects showing a decline in FEV1 had higher Hcy levels than those who did not. Logistic regression analysis indicated that Hcy levels were predictive for a decline in FEV1.
%FVC and % FEV1 were significantly associated with Hcy levels, and hyperhomocysteinaemia predicted the annual rate of decline in FEV1 among male smokers.
- ERS
