Humoral and cellular immunity rates in chemical plant workers producing dust pesticides.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to pesticides may affect humoral and cell-mediated immunity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group was composed of 24 men employed in the production of dust pesticides and 23 females performing ancillary jobs under conditions of lower pesticide exposure. Chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 10 males (41.7%) and 13 females (56.5%). The workers were exposed to: triazines, carbamates and dithiocarbamates, carbendazim, captan, dodine, dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), and cupric oxychloride. Silica, kaolin, chalk, and talc were used as carriers. The average workplace air concentrations of pesticides did not exceed the MAC. The serum concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A and M, complement component C3, and circulating immune complexes (CIC) were estimated. The peripheral blood leukocyte count and percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 lymphocytes were evaluated. RESULTS: IgA and CIC concentrations in the female group were higher as compared to controls, whereas the percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8 cells was significantly lower, as opposed to an increased percentage of CD19 cells. The male group showed lower CIC concentrations, and the C3 complement component level was significantly higher. The decreased percentage of CD3 cells was accompanied by a higher CD19 cells ratio. The white blood cell count was higher in the males. No significant changes were found in other immunity parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed changes in some components of humoral and cellular immunity, which may influence damage to the respiratory system.

[Analysis of occurrence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection serological markers in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Analiza wystepowania serologicznych markerów zakazenia Chlamydophila pneumoniae u chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

Numerous publications pointing the role of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections in etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma have appeared in recent years. Up to the presence the diagnostics of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections has been based on the serological examinations especially on indirect microimmunofluorescence which is regarded to be a "gold standard". The aim of the paper was to compare the occurrence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection serological markers in the group of patients with asthma (N = 38) and in the control group (N = 38). The obtained results have allowed making the following conclusions: 1. The increased level of IgG class anti-Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in the group of patients with asthma, which proves more frequent contact with Chlamydophila pneumoniae in that group, seems to support the hypothesis about the role of chlamydial infections in etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma. 2. The single assessment of anti-Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in the ELISA test has not allowed determining the type of chlamydial infection in unambiguous way. However, with reference to the entire clinical picture, the statement of the contact with Chlamydophila pneumoniae can be helpful especially in the treatment of severe asthma.

[Concentration of interleukin-6 and interleukin-12 in pregnant women infected and noninfected with parvovirus B19]. / Stezenia interleukin 6 oraz 12 u kobiet ciezarnych zakazonych ludzkim parwowirusem B19 i niezakazonych.

The aim of the study was to pay attention to the frequency and consequences of Parvovirus B19 infection and observation of IL-6 and IL-12 concentrations in pregnant women who have or have not undergone parvovirus infection. In 32 pregnant women in their first or the next pregnancy with the imminent abortion IgM and IgG antibodies against Parvovirus B19 and serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-12 were determined using ELISA test. Parvovirus infection was diagnosed in 14 patients, abortion occurred in 5 cases and in 1 case fetal dystrophy was found. In the group of 18 noninfected pregnant women all the pregnancies were finished by healthy newborn delivery. Statistical analysis showed significant increase of IL-6 and IL-12 concentrations in patients infected by parvovirus in comparison to the noninfected group. The estimation of IL-6 concentration may be helpful in evaluation of existing intrauterine inflammation. The concentration of IL-12 should be analysed taking under consideration its role in the cytokine network.

Release of interleukin-1 beta from peripheral blood monocytes and its concentration in the blood serum of the workers employed at the production of chlorfenvinphos.

Our earlier investigations of people exposed to chlorfenvinphos revealed obstructive impairment of pulmonary function and changes in collagen metabolism. In order to evaluate the role of interleukin-1 beta in the development of these changes the serum interleukin-1 beta concentration and the ability of spontaneous and LPS stimulated production of interleukin-1 beta by monocytes were determined in 25 males aged 33-54 years and employed at the department producing chlorfenvinphos (its air concentration did not exceed permissible levels). Higher spontaneous production of interleukin-1 beta was found; the remaining parameters did not differ significantly as compared to the control group of 23 healthy males.

Humoral and cellular immunity rates in chemical plant workers employed in the production of liquid pesticides.

In order to assess the immunological system of the chemical plant workers certain rates of cellular and humoral immunity were estimated. The study group was composed of 19 males employed in the production of liquid pesticides, and 18 females performing ancillary jobs and handling closed containers. They were alternatively exposed to phosphoroorganic compounds and pyrethroides, and to chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbamates, nitrophenols and organic solvents, however exposure to the latter was lower. Chronic bronchitis was observed in 7 (37%) males and 4 (22%) females. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A and M, complement protein Cs, and circulating immune complexes were estimated. The peripheral blood leukocyte count and percentage, the granulocyte adherence and phagocytic activity, spontaneous NBT-dye reduction as well as cytochemical reactions to alkaline and acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase and catalase of neutrophils were evaluated; the lymphocyte subpopulations CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16 were also estimated. As compared to controls, a significantly increased serum IgG concentration was found, together with elevated IgM in males and IgA in females. The leukocyte count in males was significantly higher. A considerable decrease in the percentage of neutrophils was accompanied by a significantly greater spontaneous NBT-dye reduction in both groups. Neutrophil adherence impairment was observed in males. Cytochemical reactions to beta-glucuronidase and catalase in both sexes, to alkaline and acid phosphatase in females, and to myeloperoxidases in males were significantly lowered, whereas the reaction to acid phosphatase in males was significantly enhanced. The percentages of lymphocytes CD3, CD4 and the CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly decreased.

Determination of immune complexes in patients with acquired valvular heart disease.

The authors investigated the incidence of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in 52 patients with acquired valvular heart disease (VHD) and in 50 control blood donors. There was a statistically significant relationship between the CIC occurrence in patients with VHD and the presence of an active process in endocardium. However, no relation was found between the presence of CIC and heart operations, enucleation of palatine tonsils and the past history of rheumatic disease. The authors conclude that CIC investigation is a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with VHD and in those suspected of active infective endocarditis (IE). The obtained results confirm the presence of an immune factor in the etiopathogenesis of IE leading to VHD. However, they do not explain the implantation of the inflammatory process in the heart valves.