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.

[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.

[Difficulties in diagnosis of lyme borreliosis]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne w rozpoznaniu boreliozy z Lyme.

A case of borreliosis in female aged 28 years is presented. Diagnosis was made late. The course of the disease was characterized by long-lasting high fever, enlargement of liver and spleen, pancreatitis, pneumonia of the left lung and anemia. During the antibiotic therapy (rocephin) neutropenia was observed. In every case of long-lasting fever of unknown origin, borreliosis should be taken into consideration.

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.

[Immunoregulating properties of histamine H2 receptor antagonists]. / Immunoregulacyjne wlasciwosci antagonistów receptora histaminowego H2.

The clinical aspects and their possible implication in the several disease treatment have been reviewed in the context of the immunomodulatory H2-receptor antagonist action. The therapeutical possibility considering the perspectives of the application of the H2-receptor blockers has been discussed.

[Effect of bismuth salts in elimination of Helicobacter pylori from gastric mucosa in patients with duodenal ulcer]. / Wplyw soli bizmutu na eliminacje Helicobacter pylori z blony sluzowej zoladka u chorych z wrzodem dwunastnicy.

Bismuth salts belong do basic drugs used for elimination of Helicobacter pylori (HP), a microorganism which is postulated to participate in etiopathogenesis of duodenal ulcer. The study was aimed at evaluation of effectiveness of application of tripotassium bismuth citrate (Ventrisol-Polfa) in elimination of HP and its influence on treatment of the ulcer. In 30 patients with diagnosed endoscopically duodenal ulcer, Ventrisol in tablets was applied (2 x 2); it was also used in its fluid form (4 x 5 ml). The time of treatment amounted to 28 days. During endoscopy, samples from various parts of the stomach were taken for microbiological inspection and they were studied in direct smear and in culture. HP was isolated from 20 out of 30 patients (37%) before treatment. After application of Ventrisol, the bacteria were present in 11/30 (34%) treated patients (p < 0.05). There was no influence of the form of drug for elimination of HP. No dependence was also found between elimination of HP and healing of the ulcer.

[Occurrence of Helicobacter pylori in mucous membrane of stomach in patients with duodenal ulcer and inflammation of stomach mucous membrane]. / Wystepowanie Helicobacter pylori w blonie sluzowej zoladka u chorych z wrzodem dwunastnicy i zapaleniem blony sluzowej zoladka.

In 1990-1991 microbiological studies were performed aimed at determination of frequency of occurrence of Helicobacter pylori in patients treated because of peptic ulcer in Department of Gastroenterology in Katowice. Studies were performed in 112 patients. Out of these, in 73 duodenal ulcer was detected endoscopically (group I), in 26--inflammation of stomach mucous membrane with erosion (group II), and in 13--both duodenal ulcer and erosion of stomach membrane (group III). Samples from mucous membrane of pylorus and of stomach taken endoscopically were tested microscopically and in culture. Helicobacter pylori was found in 74 patients (66.1%). Frequency of isolation was different in individual groups. Helicobacter pylori was found in 51 patients (70%) of group I, 15 (58%) of group II and in 8 (61%) of group III. Helicobacter pylori was most frequently isolated from patients with duodenal and stomach ulcer (81.3%).

[Difficulties in diagnosing a case of typhoid fever]. / Trudnosci w rozpoznaniu przypadku duru brzusznego.

A sporadic case of typhoid fever of 41 years of age male was characterized clinically mainly with long duration of fever and a few enlargement of liver. Diagnosis was made relatively late. In this case an endoscopic picture of upper gastrointestinal tract and ultrasonographic findings of the organs of abdominal cavity was described.