Surfactant protein C genetic polymorphism in patients with occupational COPD is associated with right ventricle changes

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by steadily increasing morbidity and mortality, the last one is associated with mostly cardiovascular complications of COPD. The role of individual peculiarities of organism is taken into account in development of COPD. The role of surfactant, particularly surfactant protein C (SFTP С) genetic polymorphism is known in development of irreversible bronchial obstruction component as most typical feature of COPD. While relation of SFTP С to cardiological consequences of COPD was not studied enough. Aims and objectives: Investigation of relation of SFTP-С genetic polymorphism with development of chronic pulmonary hypertension, right heart hypertrophy with dysfunction and estimation of prophylactic potential of clinical-genetic investigation in workers exposed to dust. Methods: In 42 male Caucasian workers from machine-building industry 51,3±14,42 years old COPD of 2nd stage according to GOLD (2011) standards was diagnosed. Genotypes of SFTP С: А138С (АА, АС, СС) and А186G (AA, AG, GG) were investigated in polymerase chain reaction with following mass spectrometry analysis. Morphofunctional state of heart was defined using echocardiography. Results: It was stated that А138С and А186G polymorphisms of SFTP С gene are connected with more intensive changes of right heart. E.g., СС genotype is associated with right ventricle hypertrophy, GG genotype – with decrease of right ventricle pre-expulsion (р<0,01). This may be explained by determinant role of certain SFTP С phenotypes in formation of fibrosis, pulmonary emphysema, further disturbances of pulmonary circulation and increased right ventricle pre-load. Conclusions: Evaluation of surfactant protein C genetic polymorphism in workers of dust-related occupations has a perspective of introduction as a prognostic marker in prophylaxis of COPD cardiovascular complications by formation of risk groups.