Association between Exposure to Selected Heavy Metals and Blood Eosinophil Counts in Asthmatic Adults: Results from NHANES 2011–2018

Abstract

(1) Background: Heavy metals are widely used and dispersed in the environment and people’s daily routines. Many studies have reported an association between heavy metal exposure and asthma. Blood eosinophils play a crucial role in the occurrence, progression, and treatment of asthma. However, there have thus far been few studies that aimed to explore the effects of heavy metal exposure on blood eosinophil counts in adults with asthma. Our study aims to discuss the association between metal exposure and blood eosinophil counts among asthmatic adults. (2) Methods: A total of 2026 asthmatic individuals were involved in our research from NHANES with metal exposure, blood eosinophils, and other covariates among the American population. A regression model, the XGBoost algorithm, and a generalized linear model (GAM) were used to explore the potential correlation. Furthermore, we conducted a stratified analysis to determine high-risk populations. (3) Results: The multivariate regression analysis indicated that concentrations of blood Pb (log per 1 mg/L; coefficient β, 25.39; p = 0.010) were positively associated with blood eosinophil counts. However, the associations between blood cadmium, mercury, selenium, manganese, and blood eosinophil counts were not statistically significant. We used stratified analysis to determine the high-risk group regarding Pb exposure. Pb was identified as the most vital variable influencing blood eosinophils through the XGBoost algorithm. We also used GAM to observe the linear relationship between the blood Pb concentrations and blood eosinophil counts. (4) Conclusions: The study demonstrated that blood Pb was positively correlated with blood eosinophil counts among asthmatic adults. We suggested that long-time Pb exposure as a risk factor might be correlated with the immune system disorder of asthmatic adults and affect the development, exacerbation, and treatment of asthma.

Association between protein intake, serum albumin and blood eosinophil in US asthmatic adults

“…These processes include smooth muscle hypertrophy, neural plasticity, epithelial injury, and impaired tissue repair. The blood eosinophil count is a widely recognized and readily available biomarker that is of paramount importance in the management of asthma (7,8). The correlation between elevated blood eosinophil levels and compromised disease control, as well as an increased susceptibility to severe asthma exacerbations, has been established by a multitude of studies (9)(10)(11)(12)(13).…”

Relationship between serum iron and blood eosinophil counts in asthmatic adults: data from NHANES 2011-2018

“…The novel interleukin-5-targeting biologics, for instance, can significantly reduce circulating blood eosinophils, which is associated with fewer asthma exacerbations and improved asthma management ( 22 , 23 ). Eosinophils have a crucial role in the onset, development, and treatment of asthma ( 24 ).…”