Abstract

The trefoil factor family proteins: TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3 are secreted by epithelial cells in the respiratory tract. Here, we explore circulating concentrations of the trefoil factors in relation to lung cancer, age and lung function. We included 751 patients suspected of lung cancer. Lung cancer diagnosis was based on data reported to a national database. Serum TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3 concentrations were measured by ELISA, and spirometry was performed within ±3 days of blood sampling. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) in relation to forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC (a parameter used to quantify reduced lung function) was recorded. Lung cancer was diagnosed in 163 (22%) patients. Circulating concentrations of TFF3 (p = .021), but not TFF1 and TFF2, were significantly elevated in cancer patients. All three trefoil factors showed an increase in concentration with increasing age (p < .001) and declining lung function (p < .004). In the present cohort, concentrations of all three peptides were elevated compared with previous results published for healthy individuals. In conclusion, we report higher concentrations of TFF3 in patients with lung cancer, while increasing age and reduced lung function are associated with increasing concentrations of all trefoil factors in this specific patient population. The results emphasize that age and lung function should be taken into consideration when evaluating concentrations of trefoil factors in patients. However, the increases in trefoil factor concentrations were relatively small, and consequently, it is unlikely that circulating trefoil factor concentrations may have a role in the diagnosis of lung cancer and lung function impairment.

摘要

三叶因子家族蛋白：TFF1、TFF2 和 TFF3 由呼吸道上皮细胞分泌。在这里，我们探讨了与肺癌、年龄和肺功能相关的三叶因子的循环浓度。我们纳入了 751 名疑似肺癌患者。肺癌诊断基于向国家数据库报告的数据。通过ELISA测量血清TFF1、TFF2和TFF3浓度，并在采血后±3天内进行肺活量测定。记录第一秒用力呼气量 (FEV1) 与用力肺活量 (FVC) 的关系，FEV1/FVC（用于量化肺功能降低的参数）。163 名 (22%) 患者被诊断出肺癌。TFF3 的循环浓度 ( p = .021)，但不是 TFF1 和 TFF2，在癌症患者中显着升高。所有三个三叶因子的浓度都随着年龄的增长 ( p  < .001) 和肺功能下降 ( p < .004)。在目前的队列中，所有三种肽的浓度均高于之前针对健康个体公布的结果。总之，我们报告了肺癌患者中更高浓度的 TFF3，而年龄增加和肺功能下降与这一特定患者群体中所有三叶因子浓度的增加有关。结果强调，在评估患者三叶因子浓度时应考虑年龄和肺功能。然而，三叶因子浓度的增加相对较小，因此，循环三叶因子浓度不太可能在肺癌和肺功能损害的诊断中起作用。