The HLA-DRB1*07 Allele Is Associated with Interstitial Lung Abnormalities (ILA) and Subpleural Location in a Mexican Mestizo Population

Abstract

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are defined as the presence of different patterns of increased lung density, including ground glass attenuation and reticular opacities on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). In this study, we included 90 subjects with ILA and 189 healthy controls (HC) from our Aging Lung Program. We found that subjects with ILA are older, have a significant smoking history, and have worse pulmonary function than HC (p < 0.05). When we evaluated the allele frequencies of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, we found that HLA-DRB1*07 was associated with a higher risk for ILA (p < 0.05, OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.06–3.57). When we compared subjects with subpleural ILA vs. HC, the association with HLA-DRB1*07 became stronger than the whole ILA group (p < 0.05, OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.24–4.25). Furthermore, subjects with subpleural ILA and central ILA display differences in allele frequencies with HLA-DRB1*14 (3.33% vs. 13.33%, p < 0.05) and *15 (3.33% vs. 20%, p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that the HLA-DRB1*07 allele contributes to the risk of ILA, especially those of subpleural locations.

Pre-Existing Interstitial Lung Abnormalities in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Follow Up after Therapy

“…Risk factors for the presence of ILA, other than cigarette smoking, include increasing age, other inhalational exposures (e.g., vapors, gases, dust, fumes, traffic-related air pollution such as nitrogen oxides or carbon), some biomarkers and genetic factors [ 6 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Regarding genetic factors, a piece of evidence has been found that associates HLA-DRB1*14 allele with increased risk for developing ILA, especially those of subpleural location [ 15 ]. The systematic evaluation of large cohorts has shown a prevalence of ILA in 2–9% of cigarette smokers and 2–7% of non-smokers [ 7 , 16 ].…”