Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellular profile in workers exposed to chrysotile asbestos.
Toxicol Ind Health
; 27(9): 849-56, 2011 Oct.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21421677
ABSTRACT
The cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in asbestos-exposed population remains controversial. We, therefore, aimed to investigate BALF in apparently healthy individuals that were exposed in asbestos-related work for a long period of time. Participants were selected among employees of a car brakes and clutches factory that used chrysotile asbestos. Selection criteria were an employment history of ≥ 15 years and the absence of severe respiratory disease. The total number and type of BALF cells, the existence of dust cells, iron-laden macrophages and asbestos bodies were assessed. Thirty-nine workers (25 men), with a mean age of 46.2 ± 4.2 years and a mean employment time of 23.5 ± 4 years, participated. Asbestos bodies were observed in 14 out of 39 (36%) specimens, dust cells in 37 and iron-laden macrophages in all. Those with asbestos bodies had at least 3 times higher probability to have lymphocytosis (lymphocytes > 11% 64% vs 28%, p = 0.027) and had an increased percentage of iron-laden macrophages compared to those without asbestos bodies (median values 42% vs 13%, p = 0.08). Smokers (36%) had less lymphocytes compared to non and ex-smokers (median values 6% vs. 13%, p = 0.002), and iron-laden macrophages count had a positive relation (r = 0.31, p = 0.05) to lymphocyte count. Asbestos-exposed asymptomatic individuals with the presence of asbestos bodies in the BALF are more likely to have lymphocytic alveolitis while concurrent dust exposure and smoking habits hold a significant role.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar
/
Exposición Profesional
/
Asbestos Serpentinas
/
Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Toxicol Ind Health
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA OCUPACIONAL
/
TOXICOLOGIA
Año:
2011
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Grecia