镍作业工人细胞免疫功能、血清硒和过氧化脂质含量的变化

９６名镍作业工人测定结果：非特异酯酶阳性细胞百分率（ＡＮＡＥ＋％）为７６．８％±８．０％，Ｔ细胞亚群ＣＤ２、ＣＤ４、ＣＤ８阳性细胞百分率（ＣＤ＋２％、ＣＤ＋４％、ＣＤ＋８％）及ＣＤ＋４／ＣＤ＋８比值分别为６５．６％±１０．５％、５６．３％±１２．１％、３４．３％±８．２％和１．７６±０．６；酵母多糖刺激的外周血多形核白细胞化学发光（ＰＭＮ－ＣＬ）本底和峰值分别为４８±２３和３０７３±６８４ＣＰＳ／１０６ＰＭＮ；血清硒和丙二醛含量分别为１．２２±０．２３和４．７６±０．８８μｍｏｌ／Ｌ。与非镍作业的地区对照组比较，Ｔ细胞ＣＤ＋８％增高，ＣＤ＋４／ＣＤ＋８比值下降，化学发光的本底值降低，峰值增加，血清Ｓｅ含量下降，丙二醛含量升高。分析镍作业工人工龄与后三项指标变化的关系，工龄大于２０年与小于１０年有统计学上明显差别。这些观察指标为镍作业人员医学观察增加新的监护指标提供依据。     

Dietary supplementation of probiotic Bacillus polyfermenticus, Bispan strain, modulates natural killer cell and T cell subset populations and immunoglobulin G levels in human subjects

A probiotic is a viable microbial dietary supplement that has beneficial effects such as prevention and treatment of specific gastrointestinal disorders, including counteracting gut barrier dysfunction associated with inflammation and infection. Probiotic Bacillus polyfermenticus, which is commonly called Bispan strain, has been appropriately used for the treatment of long-term intestinal disorders. The use of B. polyfermenticus for immune-related chronic intestinal disease may be appropriate considering that about 80% of the body's immune system is localized in the gastrointestinal tract. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic B. polyfermenticus on the immune response of human subjects through the quantification of immune cell population and serum levels of immunoglobulins (Igs). Twenty-five male subjects, 20-35 years of age, were randomly assigned to either a control group (n =12) supplemented with a placebo or the experimental group (n = 13) supplemented with B. polyfermenticus tablets at a dose of 3.1 x 10(8) colony-forming units/day for 8 weeks. Dietary intake analyses from 3-day dietary records from three consecutive days including one weekend day and two weekdays revealed no significant differences in total energy and nutrient intakes between the two groups. The humoral immune response was monitored by the number of total B lymphocytes and serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM. To investigate the changes in immune cell populations, percentages of total T lymphocytes, CD4+ helper T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells were quantified. The concentration of IgG in the experimental group was 12% higher than in the placebo group after 8 weeks of Bispan supplementation. Also, the percentages of CD4+ helper T cells, CD8+cytotoxic T cells, and CD56+ NK cells in the Bispan strain-supplemented group were 32%, 28%, and 35% higher, respectively, compared with the control group. Because of a higher increment of the CD4+ T cell subset than CD8+ T cells, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells was greater in the experimental group. This study suggests that the supplementation of B. polyfermenticus has a potentially positive effect on immune function by enhancing IgG production as well as by modulating the number of immune cell population such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and NK cells.     

Decreases in CD8+ T, naive (CD4+CD45RA+) T, and B (CD19+) lymphocytes by exposure to manganese fume

To examine the effects of exposure to manganese (Mn) on the cellular and humoral immune system in men, T lymphocyte subpopulations, B (CD19+) lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and serum immunoglobulins (i.e., IgG, IgA and IgM) together with total T (CD3+) lymphocytes and total lymphocytes were measured in blood samples from 21 welders mainly exposed to Mn fume with blood Mn (BMn) concentrations of 0.6-2.3 (mean 1.4) microg/dl and 21 healthy controls working in the same factory (BMn concentrations: 0.7 to 1.7, mean 1.1 microg/dl). The workers engaged in welding for 6 to 36 (mean 17) yr. All the study subjects were divided into 3 equally sized groups (n=14 for each group) according to BMn concentrations. Numbers of CD8+ T, total T (CD3+), B (CD19+), and total lymphocytes were significantly lower in high-BMn group than those in low-BMn group; the numbers of CD8+ T lymphocytes were significantly lower in moderate-BMn group compared to low-BMn group. After adjusting for age and smoking, significant inverse correlations between BMn concentrations and CD4+CD45RA+ T, CD4+ T, CD8+ T, CD3+ T, and total lymphocytes were found. We conclude that T lymphocytes, especially CD8+ and CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocytes, as well as CD19+ B lymphocytes are affected by exposure to Mn fume.     

The absence of correlation between immunoregulatory T cells and induced lymphoproliferative response in treated B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

BACKGROUND: Many data suggest T cell functional impairment in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The mechanism responsible for this phenomenon is still unresolved. METHODS: In 88 B-CLL patients (RAI II-IV) the relationship between immunoregulatory T cells and PHA induced lymphoproliferative response (LPR) was analysed before and after the therapy. The number of peripheral blood CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay using monoclonal antibodies. LPR was estimated in whole blood culture method. RESULTS: The absolute number of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells in untreated CLL patients was much higher than in healthy controls (n = 26), but the percentages of these subpopulations, CD4/CD8 ratio and LPR to PHA were significantly (p < 0.00001) decreased. The chemotherapy induced a significant rise of CD3+ and CD4+ percentages (p < 0.006 < p < 0.022 respectively) in comparison to baseline levels, but their levels remained significantly (p < 0.00001) lower than the controls. The CD4/CD8 ratio was also elevated after the therapy (p < 0.048) but remained below the normal value as well. The absolute number of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells were normalized after treatment, while the CD8+ cells were still higher (p < 0.044) than controls. The increase of LPR has been registered after treatment, but it failed to reach the control values. We could not find any correlation between the number of immunoregulatory T cells and induced LPR (r = 0.07, for CD4+; r = 0.09 for CD8+ cells). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate some profound lymphoid cell defect in CLL patients affecting CD8+ proliferation as well as LPR.     

Zinc-deficient rats have fewer recent thymic emigrant (CD90+) T lymphocytes in spleen and blood

It has been hypothesized that increased expression of the signaling protein p56(lck) disrupts maturation of T lymphocytes, leading to the lymphopenia associated with dietary zinc deficiency and malnutrition. Our objective was to examine p56(lck) protein levels, flow cytometric markers of T cell development (CD4, CD8, TCRalphabeta, TCRgammadelta and CD90) and absolute cell numbers in thymus, spleen and blood of zinc-deficient (ZD), diet-restricted (DR) and control (CTL) rats. Recent thymic emigrant (CD90+) T lymphocytes were also investigated after dietary repletion. P56(lck) protein levels were one- to twofold greater in thymocytes than splenocytes, and ZD rats had more thymocyte p56(lck) protein than CTL rats. In the thymus and blood, the proportions of T lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+ and CD4+CD- or CD4-CD8+) were unchanged, except for a higher percentage of TCRalphabeta+CD-CD8+ thymocytes in ZD rats. The 15-29% fewer CD90+ T cells in the blood and spleen of ZD rats were reversed after dietary repletion for 7 and 23 d, respectively. In summary, T-cell numbers were proportional to thymus and spleen weights and unaltered per unit blood volume, despite elevated thymocyte p56(lck) protein in ZD rats. In zinc deficiency, the decreased percentages of CD90+ cells in the blood and spleen could adversely affect the T-cell repertoire.     

Changes in T-lymphocyte distribution associated with ingestion of aldicarb-contaminated drinking water: a follow-up study

The carbamate pesticide, aldicarb, is the most commonly found man-made groundwater contaminant in Wisconsin. A 1985 study linked ingestion of aldicarb-contaminated drinking water with altered T-cell distributions, specifically an increase in the mean number of CD8+ (T8) T cells. To further evaluate this finding, a follow-up study was done in 1987. Of the 50 Portage County, Wisconsin, women who participated in the first study, 45 participated in the follow-up: 18 formerly exposed and 27 formerly unexposed. In our follow-up study, only 5 women were found to be currently exposed to aldicarb. This group of 5 women, compared to 39 unexposed women who had peripheral blood specimens taken, had an increased percentage of lymphocytes and an increased number of CD2+ T cells, due to an increased number of total CD8+ T cells. Although the number of exposed persons was small, the increases in percentage lymphocytes and absolute numbers of CD2+ and CD8+ T cells were consistent with a dose-response relationship. No identified drinking water contaminant other than aldicarb could explain these findings. These results support earlier evidence linking aldicarb exposure and lymphocyte distribution changes. Although adverse clinical effects have not been documented, the widespread use of this chemical and consequent potential for widespread exposure indicate a clear need for further research on this issue.     

Decrease of suppressor-inducer (CD4+ CD45RA) T lymphocytes and increase of serum immunoglobulin G due to perceived job stress in Japanese nuclear electric power plant workers

To clarify the effects of perceived job stress on the immune system, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 116 male Japanese workers of a nuclear electric power plant (age, 20 to 39; mean, 31 years). Perceived job stress, i.e., psychological job demand, job control, worksite social support, and job strain, was assessed by means of the Japanese version of the Job Content Questionnaire. The job strain score was calculated as the ratio of the job demand score to the job control score. Blood samples were taken from all workers, and numbers of T and natural killer cell subpopulations, B lymphocytes, total lymphocytes and white blood cells, and serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE and IgD) in their blood were measured. The workers were divided into higher and lower strain groups according to their job strain scores. The number of CD4+ CD45RA+ T lymphocytes in the higher strain group having the job strain score of 0.5 or more (41 workers) was significantly smaller than that in the lower strain group having the score of less than 0.5 (75 workers). In contrast, the serum IgG concentration in the former group was significantly higher than that in the latter group (analysis of covariance with age and smoking as covariates). Also, the numbers of total CD4+ T and total T (CD3+) lymphocytes and of white blood cells in the former group were significantly smaller than those in the latter group. After controlling for age and smoking by the partial correlation coefficient in all 116 workers, the number of CD57+ CD16+ natural killer cells was inversely correlated with job demand and with job strain; the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes was positively correlated with worksite social support; and serum IgG and IgM concentrations were positively correlated with job strain. It is suggested that higher job strain decreases the number of CD4+ CD45RA+ T lymphocytes in male Japanese workers but increases serum IgG concentrations.     

Hematological changes due to chronic exposure to natural gas leakage in polluted areas of Masjid-i-Sulaiman (Khozestan province, Iran)

An overwhelming number of studies have given consistent findings that environmental or occupational exposure to oil products results in a significant decrease in circulating erythrocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, total white blood cells, and absolute numbers of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Some parts of Masjid-i-Sulaiman (located in the southwest of Iran) are contaminated by subsurface leakage of natural gas, which contains a high level of hydrogen sulfide. The amount of all reactive sulfur compounds in air of contaminated areas of MIS was estimated as equal to 0.023+/-0.002 ppm of SO(2). In the present report the hematological findings of 99 persons from polluted areas of MIS were compared with those of 396 individuals from the general population of MIS matched by age (+/-3 years) and sex. The CBC test and the WBC differential were analyzed in one central laboratory according to standard hematological methods, by Coulter S (Biomedical). The multiple linear regression method was applied in order to detect differences among exposed and unexposed groups for hematological markers. The absolute mean number of red blood cells, percentages of hematocrit, level of hemoglobin, and absolute number of platelets were significantly higher among the exposed subjects compared with the control group. However, the absolute mean numbers of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were significantly decreased in the exposed group compared with the control.     

Effects of occupational metallic mercury vapour exposure on suppressor-inducer (CD4+CD45RA+) T lymphocytes and CD57+CD16+ natural killer cells

Objectives: To examine the effects of metallic mercury vapour on the cellular and humoral immune system. Methods: We measured T lymphocyte and natural killer (NK) cell subpopulations, B lymphocytes, and serum immunoglobulins (i.e. IgG, IgA and IgM) together with total T (CD3+) lymphocytes and total lymphocytes in blood samples from 20 male, fluorescent-lamp makers (mercury workers) and the same number of gender-, age- and smoking-matched controls. Urinary concentrations of inorganic mercury (UHg) in the 20 workers ranged from 1.8 to 163.5 (mean 44.8) μg/l. They had been exposed to mercury vapour for 4 to 62 (mean 31) months. Results: Numbers of CD4+CD45RA+ (suppressor-inducer) T lymphocytes and total CD4+ T lymphocytes in the mercury workers were significantly smaller than those in the controls (paired-sample t-test, P < 0.01). The number of CD57+CD16+ NK cells was inversely correlated with UHg. Conclusion: It is suggested that numbers of CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocytes and CD57+CD16+ NK cells are inversely affected by exposure to metallic mercury vapour in workers, with an average urinary inorganic mercury concentration of 45 μg/l being found. Received: 7 September 1999 / Accepted: 6 May 2000     

Ambient level ozone effects on subpopulations of thymocytes and spleen T lymphocytes

The effects of ozone on thymocyte and spleen T lymphocyte subpopulations were studied. Balb/c mice were exposed to clean air or to 0.3 +/- 0.05 ppm ozone for 1-3 wk. Thymocytes and spleen T cells were stained with fluorochrome conjugated monoclonal antibodies against surface differentiation markers and/or propidium iodide for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The cells were then analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorter. The percentages of certain thymocyte and spleen T lymphocyte subtypes and DNA synthesizing spleen T cells were lower following 1 wk of ozone exposure. After 3 wk exposure, the thymocyte percentages were higher in ozone-exposed mice, whereas the absolute number remained lower, and spleen T lymphocytes showed no changes. The findings suggest that short-term ozone inhalation can affect the T cell immune system adversely, particularly the CD4+ cells.