Pulmonary Function Changes in the Older adults with and without Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract Low-grade inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) triggers alterations in several organs, but its effects on pulmonary functional and immunological response in older adults are unknown. This cross-sectional study investigated such responses in older adults with and without MS. The study consisted of 77 older adults with MS (68 ± 3 years old) and without MS (67 ± 3 years old). Impulse oscillometry (IOS) was used to evaluate airway and tissue resistance and reactance. Biomarkers of systemic and pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis were studied. Total resistance of respiratory system (R5Hz; p < 0.009), and resistance of proximal (R20Hz; p < 0.001) and distal (R5Hz-R20Hz; p < 0.004) airways were impaired in MS individuals compared to those without MS. The levels of pro-inflammatory (leptin; IL-1beta; IL-8, p < 0.001; TNF-alpha, p < 0.04) and pro-fibrotic (VEGF, p < 0.001) factor increased in MS, while reduced levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (adiponectin; IL-1ra; IL-10; p < 0.001), and anti-fibrotic (relaxin 1; relaxin 3; Klotho, p < 0.001) factors were found. We conclude that MS accelerates lung function and mechanics impairment in older adults in detriment of an imbalance between pro and anti-inflammatory and fibrotic mediators. Furthermore, this study shows that the lungs also are a target organ in MS, deserving clinical assessment in older adults’ population.