Changes of tumor necrosis factor, surfactant protein A, and phospholipids in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the development and progression of coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

Objective: To evaluate the alterations of biomarkers in the development and progression of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).

Methods: The type and number of cells, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), pulmonary surfactant protein, phospholipids and fibronectin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assayed in 14 health active coal miners, 21 coal miners without CWP and 13 miners with CWP of 0/1 to 1/1.

Results: Compared to active coal miners without CWP (8.