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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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17-04-2023 | Silicosis | Original Article

Exploratory study on noninvasive biomarker of silicosis in exhaled breath by solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis

Authors: Zonghui Yi, Simin Dong, Xixi Wang, Mucen Xu, Yongxin Li, Linshen Xie

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2023

Abstract

Background

As a chronic occupational disease, silicosis could cause irreversible and incurable impair to the lung. The current diagnosis of silicosis relies on imaging of X-ray or CT, but these methods cannot detect lung lesions in the early stage of silicosis.

Objective

To establish a regular screening and early diagnosis methods for silicosis, which could be helpful for the prevention and treatment of silicosis.

Methods

A total of 161 subjects were enrolled in the study, including 69 patients with silicosis (SILs) and 92 healthy controls. The exhaled breath samples of the subjects were collected with breath sampler and Tedlar bag. The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath was performed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Results

After excluding the pollutants from sampling bags and instruments, 86 VOCs have been identified in the exhaled breath. The orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was employed for the screening of potential biomarkers of silicosis. Those components that related to smoking were also excluded from the biomarkers. Finally, nine possible biomarkers for silicosis were screened out, including 2,3-butanedione, ethyl acetate, chlorobenzene, o-cymene, 4-ethylhex-2-ynal, 3,5-dimethyl-3-heptanol, hydroquinone, phthalic anhydride and 5-(2-methylpropyl)nonane. Based on these biomarkers screened, a predicted model for silicosis was generated with the accuracy of 89.61%.

Conclusion

The nine biomarkers in exhaled breath were preliminarily screened out for the early diagnosis of silicosis, which can be helpful to the establishment of a noninvasive screening method for silicosis. Follow-up studies should be conducted to further verify these markers.

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Title: Exploratory study on noninvasive biomarker of silicosis in exhaled breath by solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Zonghui Yi
Simin Dong
Xixi Wang
Mucen Xu
Yongxin Li
Linshen Xie
Publication date: 17-04-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Silicosis
Biomarkers
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2023
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-023-01971-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Exploratory study on noninvasive biomarker of silicosis in exhaled breath by solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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