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.

[Renal dysfunction in chemical plant workers producing dust pesticides]. / Dysfunkcja nerek u pracowników zakladu chemicznego produkujacych pyliste srodki ochrony roslin.

The study covered workers of a chemical plant producing dust pesticides. A study group included 24 men, aged 29-54 years, employed directly in the production, and 22 women, aged 31-52 years, performing auxiliary jobs and handling only closed packages. In order to assess the renal function in the workers, the concentrations of serum creatinine and uric acid, protein, albumin and alpha 1-microglobulin, as well as the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG) in urine were determined. The average air dust concentration at the workplaces was 0.42-16.66 mg/m3. The active substances with concentrations ranging from 10 to 75% in the final product were as follows: triazines, dithiocarbamates, carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl, captan, phenylureas, cupric oxychloride and occasionally also carbamates, dodine and 2,4-D. As compared to the results in the control groups of 31 healthy men and 22 women, free from occupational exposure to chemical noxas, a significantly higher serum creatinine concentration (in none of the subjects creatinine concentration exceeded the upper normal limit) and higher urinary protein, albumin and alpha 1-microglobulin concentrations, and higher enzyme activity were found in men, while in women only urine enzyme activity was significantly increased. The results speak in support of a discreet subclinical kidney impairment.

[Serum immunoglobulin E concentration in workers producing chlorfenvinphos]. / Stezenie immunoglobulin E w surowicy pracowników zatrudnionych przy produkcji chlorfenwinfosu.

Organophosphorous pesticides exert sensitizing effects. Our investigations in workers of the chlorfenvinphos production department showed frequent incidence of the upper respiratory tract allergy as well as diminished specific airways conductance. The aim of the study is to assess serum immunoglobulin E concentration in the workers of the chemical plant department producing chlorfenvinphos. The study covered the entire staff of the department:--35 men aged 25-55 years, employed for 1-15 years. Chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 13 (37.1%) workers; in none of the subjects examined bronchial asthma was found. Spirometry showed a lower Tiffeneau's index in 5 (14.3%) and impaired specific airways conductance in 11 (31.4%) workers. Air chlorfenvinphos concentration in the work environment did not exceed MAC level, the average concentration was 0.0008-0.0018 mg/m3, and the erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity was within normal range. Serum IgE concentration was evaluated with the enzyme immunoassay (Enzymun-Test IgE from Boehringer, Cat. No. 1289071), the results were compared with those of a control group of 30 healthy male inhabitants of the region, professionally not exposed to chemical noxes. Mean serum IgE concentration in the workers (109.6 +/- 120.0 IU/ml) was significantly (p < 0.01) higher as compared to the control group (51.1 +/- 36.4 IU/ml). In 14 (40.0%) workers the IgE concentration exceeded 100 IU/ml, whereas in the control group only in 4 (13.3%) people the IgE level was elevated. The results of our investigations provide support for an essential role of type I hypersensitivity reaction in the pathogenesis of inflammatory changes in the respiratory system caused by chlorfenvinphos.

Impaired respiratory muscle function in chemical plant workers producing chlorfenvinphos.

All employees of a chemical plant division producing chlorfenvinphos were studied, i.e. 35 males aged 25-57 years (mean 42.1); their employment period ranged from 1-15 years (mean 9.0). Chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 13 workers (37.1%). Mean air chlorfenvinphos concentrations in the work environment estimated with gas-liquid chromatography were from 0.0008-0.0018 mg/m3 (maximum allowable concentration according to Polish standards is 0. 01 mg/m3). The activity of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase was similar to that observed in people who were not exposed to chemicals, however, a slightly lowered activity of plasma cholinesterase in the studied population was evidently the result of mild liver impairment. Spirometric investigations performed in the studied workers revealed slight alterations manifested by increased intrathoracic gas volume (ITGV) (the value of the index was 138.6% of the mean value, 24 workers with an abnormally high index), as well as by decreased specific airway conductance (sGaw); its mean value in the studied group was 58.5% of the mean standard (11 people showed an abnormal index). Substantial functional changes were found in the respiratory muscles. Maximal inspiratory pressures (MIP = 97. 2 +/- 28.3 cm H2O) as well as maximal expiratory pressures (MEP = 113.9 +/- 44.2 cm H2O) in the studied group were significantly lower (p < 0.01) as compared to those observed in the control group (MIP = 120.7 +/- 31.7; MEP = 154.4 +/- 40.2 cm H2O) of 22 males having similar cigarette smoking habit, without occupational exposure to chemicals. It was also found that the people who had worked for more than 10 years under conditions of exposure to chlorfenvinphos showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) values of maximal inspiratory pressure (87.2 +/- 28.06 cm H2O, n = 17) compared to the workers whose period of employment was shorter than 10 years (106.6 +/- 26.8 cm H2O, n = 18). The two groups were comparable with regard to age and smoking habits. The values of maximal expiratory pressures were similar in both groups. No essential disturbances in neuro-muscular transmission were observed; only in 3 workers (8.5%) the electrostimulating myasthenic test showed some disturbances in neuro-muscular transmission. It seems that respiratory muscles impairment in humans exposed to chlorfenvinphos results from changes in the metabolism and structure of muscles, and partly from lung hyperinflation.

[Bronchial hyperreactivity in chemical plant workers employed in the production of dust pesticides]. / Nadreaktywnosc oskrzeli u pracowników zakladów chemicznych produkujacych pyliste srodki ochrony roslin.

The staff of two chemical plant divisions producing dust pesticides, 131 employees exposed to dust containing 28-65% SiO2 at an average dust concentration of 4.8-5.2 mg/m3 were examined. In the first division (group I, 38 males and 35 females) captan, carbamates, dodine and chlorinated hydrocarbons active substances. In the second division (group II, 26 males and 32 females) the active substances included: carbamates, triazine compounds, cupric oxychloride, captan, lindane, carboxine. Chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 51.5% of males and 14.9% of females, none had history of asthma. Spirography showed frequent occurrence of impaired maximal endexpiratory flow and elevated residual volume; in about a quarter of the examined subjects a decreased one-second forced expiratory volume was found. The rate of bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine in the examined workers (group I-9.6%, group II-10.3%) did not differ significantly from the control group of 31 healthy inhabitants of the region, professionally unexposed to dust and chemical noxes (6.5%).

The role of respiratory muscles in the impairment of the respiratory system function in the workers of a chemical plant division producing pesticides.

Workers of a chemical plant department producing dust and liquid pesticides (37 males and 17 females) exposed to dust containing free silica, organic solvents and active substances, among others: organophosphate compounds, pyrethroids, triazines, carbamates and dithiocarbamates, 2,4-D, captan, carboxine, carbendazim and dodine were studied. Spirometric investigations, including evaluation of vital capacity (VC), 1 second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and its percentage index (FEV1%VC), peak expiratory flow and maximal end-expiratory flow (MEF25), were performed directly at the workplace. At the same time mouth inspiratory pressures (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressures (MEP) were evaluated. Chronic bronchitis (according to BMRC questionnaire) was diagnosed in every second worker, and in 11 males and females obstructive impairment of pulmonary function was established; 41% of females and 27% of males were found to have diminished peak expiratory flow. Maximal inspiratory pressures were significantly lower both in the studies males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.02) than those in the control groups and amounted to 74.4 +/- 21.5 and 58.1 +/- 24.3 cm H2O, respectively. Maximal expiratory pressures were also significantly lower in the studied males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.05) and amounted to 116.6 +/- 28.4 and 74.5 +/- 17.9 cm H2O, respectively. Significant correlation between decreased PEF and the force of expiratory muscles-MEP (In males r = 0.3279, p < 0.05; In females r = 0.7049, p < 0.01) was founded. The investigations performed at the workplace allow the assumption that work at the production of pesticides may result in impairment of pulmonary ventilation, development of chronic bronchitis as well as impaired function of respiratory muscles.

The assessment of nephrotoxic effect of organophosphorous pesticides based on the determination of the activity of some selected enzymes in urine.

Pesticides and their metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidneys. The effect of these compounds on the kidney parenchyma was evaluated on the basis of determinations of the activity of the following enzymes: alkaline phosphate, N-acetylglucosaminidase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and arginase in urine of workers employed at the department producing organophosphorous pesticides (32 males and 53 females) as well as those employed at the production of chlorfenvinphos (35 males). The activity of most of the estimated enzymes was significantly higher as compared to control groups. The dynamic of changes of enzyme activity was traced in the workers employed at the department producing chlorfenvinphos over their first 18 months of employment.

Biochemical evaluation of the liver function in workers employed at the production of chlorfenvinphos.

In order to assess the liver damage caused by chlorfenvinphos, all the workers employed at the production of this compound were examined twice, 9 years apart. Serum concentration of bilirubin, protein components and the activity of some selected enzymes--red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE), serum alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma-glutamyltranspeptydase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malic dehydrogenase (MDH) were determined in 41 males on the first examination. On the second examination serum bilirubin concentration and the activity of AChE, ChE, AP and ALT were determined in 35 males. As compared to the results obtained in control groups the first study showed that a lower concentration of serum proteins was accompanied by decreased globulin alpha 1 and beta percentage along with an increased globulin gamma percentage; bilirubin concentration and the activity of ALT, AST, and MDH were higher, whereas the activity of AP, GGT and AChE was lower. The results of the second study were similar--lowered activity of ChE and AP, and increased ALT activity. The results of the investigation provide support for a very slight impairment of the liver parenchyma.

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.

[Electronystagmographic examinations in workers of the repair brigade at the "Organika-Azot" chemical factory in Jaworzno]. / Badania elektronystagmograficzne u pracowników brygad remontowych Zakladów Chemicznych "Organika-Azot" w jaworznie.

In order to evaluate the vestibular organ, electronystagmography (ENG) was performed in 43 overhaul workers of the chemical plant producing pesticides and in the control group of 50 healthy non-exposed inhabitants of the same region. Central impairment of the vestibular organ was significantly more frequent in workers (37.2%) than in controls (16.0%). A mixed impairment was found in one worker and in one persons from the control group. Neither the study group nor the control group showed signs of peripheral lesion. The ENG is a useful method for assessment of early symptoms of the central nervous system dysfunction.

[Blood serum lipoproteins in overhaul workers of the chemical plant at Jaworzno]. / Lipoproteiny surowicy krwi u pracowników brygad remontowych Zakladów Chemicznych "Organika-Azot" w Jaworznie.

For the evaluation of fat metabolism in 45 overhaul workers of a chemical plant producing pesticides, the serum concentration of total cholesterol and its LDL nd HDL fraction (also HDL2 and HDL3), apolipoprotein A and B, phospholipids and triglycerides were estimated. As compared to the results in the control group of healthy inhabitants of the region, occupationally not exposed to chemical agents, higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A, total and LDL phospholipids, as well as triglycerides were found. Serum HDL2 cholesterol concentration was also, though insignificantly elevated. Such lipoprotein distribution can promote atherogenesis.

[Cytoenzymatic examinations of peripheral blood granulocytes in overhaul workers of the chemical plant "Organika-Jaworzno" at Jaworzno]. / Badania cytoenzymatyczne granulocytów krwi obwodowej u pracowników brygad remontowych Zakladów Chemicznych "Organika - Azot" w Jaworznie.

In order to evaluate the functions of granulocytes, cytochemical reactions to alkaline and acid phosphatases, beta-glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase and catalase were performed in leukocyte concentrate smears for 45 overhaul workers of a chemical plant producing pesticides. As compared to the control group of 24 unexposed healthy individuals living in the plant area, the alkaline phosphatase and catalase reactions were weaker; the leukocyte count was slightly elevated; the differential white blood cell count did not show any significant changes, only the percentage of monocytes was slightly reduced. The results of our studies can testify a slight impairment of leukocyte function in workers exposed to chemical pesticides.

[Activity of selected enzymes in urine of workers from the repair brigades in chemical plants "Organika-Azot" in Jaworz]. / Aktywnosc wybranych enzymów w moczu pracowników brygad remontowych zakladów chemicznych "Organika-Azot" w Jaworznie.

In 45 repair service workers of a chemical plant producing pesticides the serum concentration of creatinine and uric acid as well as the concentration of proteins and the activity of alkaline phosphatase, a alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, lactic dehydrogenase, and N-acetyl-beta- glucosaminidase in urine were determined. As compared to 31 healthy controls, the serum creatinine concentration was significantly higher (in any case the creatinine and uric acid concentration did not exceed the upper normal limit), the urine lactic dehydrogenase and N-acetyl-beta- glucosaminidase activity, factored by creatinine, was significantly elevated. The results of the examinations point to a discrete lesion of the kidneys.

[Biochemical indices of liver function in workers from repair brigades in chemical plants "Organika-Azot" in Jaworz]. / Biochemiczne wskazniki funkcji watroby u pracowników brygad remontowych Zakladów Chemicznych "Organika-Azot" w Jaworznie.

In order to assess the functional state of the liver in 45 repair service workers of a chemical plant producing pesticides the serum concentration and electrophoretic pattern of proteins, the concentration of bilirubin and the activity of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl- transpeptidase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, and lactic and malic dehydrogenase were determined. As compared to 35 healthy controls, not exposed to noxious chemicals, a significantly lower serum protein concentration with higher percentage of gamma-globulins and lower albumins and alpha 2-globulins were observed, the serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities were significantly elevated. Ultrasound examination of the hepatic structure revealed liver steatosis in 11 (24.4%) workers. The results of our study point to a discrete lesion of the liver.

[Evaluation of the nervous system in workers of a enolofos production department in chemical factories]. / Ocena stanu ukladu nerwowego u pracowników oddzialu produkcji enolofosu zakladów chemicznych.

Neurological examination including EEG, ENG and measurement of nerve motor conduction velocity were performed in 41 male workers, exposed to enolofos. 43% of the population examined developed subjective neurological symptoms 34%--discrete lesions of CNS and in 31% polineuropathy was observed. Motor nerve conduction velocity was decreased in 10 workers (24%) in peroneus nerves and in 1 worker in ulnaris nerve. Comparison of EEG and ENG with the control group was not statistically significant.

Neutrophil function in chemical plant workers employed in the production of dust pesticides.

In two divisions of a chemical plant producing dust pesticides, employees exposed to dust, containing 28%-65% SiO2, were examined. In the first division (group I, 38 males and 35 females), the average air dust concentration was 5.0 mg/m3, and the active substances were: chlorinated hydrocarbons, captan, carbamates and dodine. In the other division (group II, 26 males and 33 females), the air dust concentration was 4.8-5.2 mg/m3, and the active substances included: carbamates, triazine compounds, cupric oxychloride, captan, lindane, carboxine. Spirographic investigations showed signs of pulmonary emphysema (RV/TLC) in 65.8% males and 60% females of group I and 38.5% males and 40.6% females of group II. In leucocyte concentrate smears, the cytochemical reactions to beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase, as well as the nitroblue tetrazolinum (NBT)-dye reduction of neutrophils were performed. The random migration and chemotaxis of isolated neutrophils, washed or incubated in 10% autologous serum, their phagocytic activity and tube adherence test were also investigated. Compared to the controls, the reaction to beta-glucuronidase as well as the NBT reduction were increased, whereas the acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase reactions were lowered. Impairment of neutrophil chemotaxis stimulated with zymozan-activated serum was observed in all groups of workers; random migration was enhanced in workers of group I and lowered in male workers of group II. Higher phagocytosis of latex particles occurred in workers of group I and in males of group II, while tube adhesion was impaired in group I and enhanced in males of group II.

[Activity of PZ-peptidase in blood serum of workers from a pesticide dust production factory]. / Aktywnosc PZ-peptydazy w surowicy krwi pracowników oddzialu pylistych srodków ochrony roslin zakladów chemicznych.

In 31 subjects with an occupational exposure to dust pesticides the levels of PZ-peptidase, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-2-macroglobulin were determined. A decrease of PZ-peptidase and an increase of alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-2-macroglobulin were found in comparison with a control group of 30 healthy volunteers.

[Peripheral blood neutrophils in automobile tire factory workers in the light of cytochemical studies]. / Granulocyty obojetnochlonne krwi obwodowej u pracowników zakladów opon samochodowych w swietle badan cytochemicznych.

In 73 workers producing rubber mixtures and tubes the number and percentage composition of white peripheral blood cells as well as the NBT reduction test and cytochemical reactions to lactic (LDH) and succinic (SDH) dehydrogenases in neutrophils were estimated. The amount and percentage composition only slightly differed from controls. The NBT reduction index and the reactivity of LDH and SDH tests in neutrophils were elevated.

[Immunoelectrophorogram and serum levels of immunoglobulins G, A and M in automobile tire factory workers]. / Immunoelektroforogram oraz stezenia immunoglobulin G, A i M w surowicy krwi pracowników zakladow opon samochodowych.

Electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis of serum proteins and concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM in serum were estimated in 87 rubber tire workers producing rubber mixtures (44 males) and tubes (25 males and 18 females). The total serum protein concentration, as compared with controls, was not changed, however the percentage of gamma globulins was elevated and that of albumins and alpha and beta globulins reduced. The immunoelectrophoretic distribution frequently showed a rise of acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins, most frequently those of IgG and IgA. Quantitative determinations showed a significant rise of serum IgG and IgA and in workers employed at the production of rubber mixtures also a fall of IgM concentrations, as compared to control groups.