Fibrinogen and inflammatory cytokines in spontaneous sputum of sulfur-mustard-exposed civilians - Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study

► Sulfur mustard causes delayed complications in the respiratory system observable after more than 20 year. ► There are significant amounts of cytokines in spontaneous sputum of SM-exposed individuals. ► The level of TNF-α and IL-1β increased in moderate and severe pulmonary status, while fibrinogen decreased significantly. ► TNF has a negative correlation with FEV1, while that of IL-1Ra is positive. ► IL-1β has positive and fibrinogen has negative correlation with spirometry GOLD.