This is a randomized-controlled unblinded clinical trial to investigate dietary intervention on metabolic biomarker assessment in World Trade Center (WTC) Lung Injury (LI) in firefighters. The purpose of this study is to evaluate biomarkers of metabolic dysregulation that have previously been found to predict WTC-LI in a case cohort study selected from the entire exposed firefighter cohort, and attempt to alter these metabolites using dietary intervention and a technology-supported behavioral modification program. Investigators will measure Pre/Post global metabolic expression in WTC-exposed, symptomatic firefighter serum sampled after 6-month intervention, as well as clinical outcomes of WTC-LI in the study group vs controls.
Investigators propose to measure metabolites on this expanded cohort with serum sampled before and after 6-month intervention with calorie restricted Mediterranean diet to: 1) determine the effects of a technology assisted calorie restricted diet on metabolic risk and lung function; 2) determine differences between usual care and intervention group using genomics and metabolomics that may be targetable markers for further evaluation; 3) quantify the metabolome and evaluate pre/post changes in BMI, FEV1, FeNo, vascular stiffness, and overall quality of life; and 4) explore dietary modification as treatment of WTC-LI. The biomarker profile of the cohort control will be useful for discovering biomarker associations with other disease manifestations such as: bronchial wall thickening on CT, obstruction on FEV1 /FVC ratio, bronchodilator response, methacholine reactivity, and other definitions of loss of FEV 1 . This cohort control will be an asset to future studies.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Participants in the intervention group will receive 6 months of education and behavioral counseling with self-monitoring to help them adopt a Mediterranean-style, calorie-restricted diet, and engage in physical activity
Intervention participants will use smart phones to connect to intervention applications, WebEx, MyNetDiary
Control group, who will receive no dietary or behavioral intervention during the trial
New York University School of Medicine
New York, New York, United States
Body mass index (BMI)
Body mass (weight in kg) divided by square of the body height (measured in meters), expressed in units kg/m\^2
Time frame: 4 Years
Pulmonary Function using FEV Measure
Forced expiratory volume (FEV) using spirometer that measures the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.
Time frame: 4 Years
St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)
Airways-disease specific paper questionnaire assessing symptoms, effect on activity level, and impact on quality of life.
Time frame: 4 Years
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Non-invasive brief electrical recording of heart rate and rhythm using electrodes placed on the chest
Time frame: 4 years
Fraction of exhaled nitrous oxide (FENO)
Simple breathing test to measure airway inflammation as often seen in asthma or particulate matter lung injury, measured in ppb.
Time frame: 4 years
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV)
Non-invasive measurement to ascertain vascular stiffness, by measuring the velocity at which the blood pressure pulse propogates through the circulatory system. This is done using a simple non-invasive blood pressure cuff assessment at the carotid and femoral arteries. It is measured as a velocity, in meters/per second.
Time frame: 4 years
Individual microbiome profile - stool sample
Simple home collection of a stool sample using a sterile collection kit, provided to the human subject. Stool will be used to generate a microbiome profile unique to that individual, reported as bacterial species found in the gut flora, that may predict lung injury. There is no risk to the human subject aside that of providing a stool sample. All individual information is de-identified for personal protection.
Time frame: 4 years
6-minute walk test (6MWT)
Simple exercise capacity assessment measuring distance walked over 6 minutes, measured in meters.
Time frame: 4 years
Individual metabolomic profile - blood sample
Routine blood testing via sterile phlebotomy to assess metabolic biomarkers that may or may not predict lung injury. These metabolites are generated in all individuals based on their dietary and exercise habits, underlying comorbidities, and unique metabolism. Measured in routine blood samples, and quantified based on unique chemical composition of that molecule. There is no additional risk to the human subject aside that of venipuncture.
Time frame: 4 years
Individual genomic profile - saliva sample
Simple home collection of sputum/saliva sample using a buccal swab kit, provided to the human subject. Saliva will be used to generate a genetic profile unique to that individual, reported as chromosomes, genes, and proteins that may predict lung injury. There is no risk to the human subject aside that of providing a sputum sample. All individual information is de-identified for personal protection.
Time frame: 4 years
Short-form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire
Generalized paper questionnaire for self-assessment of mental health, general health perception, and overall quality of life
Time frame: 4 years
Routine vital signs - Heart Rate
Brief assessment of heart rate (pulse) measured in beats/per minute
Time frame: 4 years
Routine vital signs - Blood Pressure
Subjects who have spirometry available within the last 36 months, and at their post-9/11 visits at the FDNY.
Time frame: 4 years
Routine vital signs - Body temperature
Brief assessment of body temperature using a basic thermometer under the tongue, measured in degrees Fahrenheit
Time frame: 4 years
Neck circumference
Assessment of neck circumference using basic measuring tape, recorded in centimeters
Time frame: 4 years
Waist circumference
Assessment of waist circumference using basic measuring tape, recorded in centimeters
Time frame: 4 years
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
Assessment of lean body mass and total body fat percentage using an InBody bioelectrical impedance analysis scale.
Time frame: 4 years
Food Frequency Questionnaire
Paper assessment of typical dietary intake over previous one month, multiple choice answers
Time frame: 4 years
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