CC-Chemokine Ligand 18, CXC Motif Chemokine 13, and Osteopontin as Biomarkers of Silicosis and Asbestosis: A Case-Control Study

Background: Silicosis and asbestosis are progressive pneumoconiosis characterized by interstitial fibrosis exposure to silica dust or asbestos fibres. This study aimed to explore the potential biomarkers for diagnosis of silicosis or asbestosis. Methods Plasma concentrations of CC-chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18), CXC motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13), osteopontin (OPN), periostin, and fibulin-3 were compared between silicosis, asbestosis, and healthy controls (HCs). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to monitor the diagnostic sensitivity, and their correlation to disease severity was examined. Results Plasma CCL18, CXCL13, and OPN concentrations in both patient groups were high. For silicosis patients, these plasma concentrations were significantly correlated with predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) and lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL CO SB%). The order of diagnostic accuracy was CCL18, OPN, and CXCL13 in silicosis or asbestosis. Combining CCL18, OPN, and CXCL13 can improve diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions CCL18, CXCL13, and OPN are available biomarkers for the diagnosis of silicosis and asbestosis.