Evaluation of serum aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen as an early marker of the active fibrotic process in asbestos-exposed workers.
研究了血清III型前胶原氨基端前肽(PIIINP)能否作为石棉暴露工人活动性纤维化的早期标志物，发现其水平与暴露程度相关，且肺功能下降者水平更高。
In an evaluation of the possibility of type III procollagen N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) being an early marker of the active fibrotic process in asbestos-exposed workers, 91 asbestos workers had higher serum PIIINP concentrations than 108 referents. In 24 workers exposed to low levels of airborne asbestos, the serum PIIINP was higher than in the referents but lower than in an exposed group with higher exposure; furthermore a significant correlation (r = 0.63) was found between serum PIIINP and individual cumulative exposure. These data suggest a dose-effect relationship between asbestos exposure and PIIINP serum concentration. In addition workers with a reduced pulmonary function had higher PIIINP values than the referents or the exposed workers with normal pulmonary function. The serum PIIINP levels were related to asbestos exposure even at low airborne concentrations and may represent an early biological marker of impending fibrotic process induced by asbestos.