低水平长期铅接触对作业工人淋巴细胞亚群的影响

[目的]检测淋巴细胞亚群以探讨低水平长期铅接触对免疫系统的影响。[方法]对44名铅作业工人和34名对照者采用流式细胞仪进行淋巴亚群分型及用酶联免疫法检测IgE,检测项目包括：CD3、CD4、CD8、CD45RO、CD19、HLADR、IgE。[结果]CD4^ CD45RO^ 、CD3^-HLADR^ 淋巴细胞铅接触组明显低于对照组,CD19^ 、CD4^ CD45RO^-、CD3^ HLADR^ 淋巴细胞和IgE两组间没有显著性差异。[结论]长期低水平铅接触可能影响T淋巴细胞亚群,从而影响细胞免疫功能。     

接触苯女工淋巴细胞亚群及免疫状态调查研究

Peripheral blood from 29 female subjects occupationally exposed to benzene for an average duration of 8.6 years were analysed with monoclonal antibodies (McAbs). Acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE)-positive cells among lymphocytes and serum IgG, IgA and IgM levels were determined simultaneously. The results showed a decreased total number of lymphocytes, reduction of percentages and absolute numbers of both CD2+ and CD4+ cells, decreased CD8+ and CD57+ cell numbers without significant changes in their percentages, a decreased CD4+/CD8+ ratio, an increased CD20+ cell percentage without significant change in its absolute number and a decreased serum IgM level. ANAE(+)-cell percentages of lymphocytes were of marked positive correlation to CD2+ cell percentages. These results indicate that benzene can cause immunosuppressive effects to the exposed subjects and the analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations by means of McAbs may be useful for evaluating early adverse health effects on workers exposed to the toxicant.     

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on the Immune Systems of Occupationally Exposed Humans and Mice

The authors examined immunological disorders in 6 individuals who had been exposed occupationally to environmental electromagnetic fields. Comparable effects on mice exposed in a similar environment were also investigated. The human subjects had worked 8 hr/day for 5 yr in a laboratory located above electrical transformers and high-tension cables, and in which there were low-frequency electromagnetic fields of 0.2-6.6 microtesla (μT). The 6 control subjects (matched for socioeconomic parameters, sex, and age) had worked away from the immediate vicinity of transformers and high-tension cables. The authors found statistically significantly lower total lymphocyte, CD4, and CD3 counts, and significantly increased natural killer (NK) cells, in exposed subjects vs. controls. Six months after exposure had ceased, total lymphocyte counts had increased, as had CD4, CD3, and CD19 counts (+13%, +28%, +22%, and +17%, respectively), and NK cell counts were decreased by 26% (not significant) in the same human subjects. In the second part of this study, 12 Swiss male mice housed in cages were exposed in the same room in which the human subjects had been exposed (i.e., 5-μT, 50-Hz magnetic field) for 109 days; 12 additional mice were used as unexposed controls. The total lymphocyte, leukocyte, polymor-phonuclear neutrophil, CD4, and NK counts of the exposed mice at 109 days were significantly lower than those of controls. In addition, plasma glucose levels (at 30 days) and amylase activity (at 109 days) were significantly lower, whereas plasma sodium and chloride levels were significantly elevated at 109 days. Results from this study suggest that chronic exposure to a 0.2-6.6-μT magnetic field can lead to decreased immunological parameters (total lymphocytes and CD4 counts) in both humans and mice. The increase in some values once exposure was terminated suggests a causal relationship with exposure to electromagnetic fields, as do the changes in mice, particularly the changes in total lymphocyte and CD4 counts.     

Effects of electromagnetic fields on the immune systems of occupationally exposed humans and mice

The authors examined immunological disorders in 6 individuals who had been exposed occupationally to environmental electromagnetic fields. Comparable effects on mice exposed in a similar environment were also investigated. The human subjects had worked 8 hr/day for 5 yr in a laboratory located above electrical transformers and high-tension cables, and in which there were low-frequency electromagnetic fields of 0.2-6.6 microtesla (microT). The 6 control subjects (matched for socioeconomic parameters, sex, and age) had worked away from the immediate vicinity of transformers and high-tension cables. The authors found statistically significantly lower total lymphocyte, CD4, and CD3 counts, and significantly increased natural killer (NK) cells, in exposed subjects vs. controls. Six months after exposure had ceased, total lymphocyte counts had increased, as had CD4, CD3, and CD19 counts (+13%, +28%, +22%, and +17%, respectively), and NK cell counts were decreased by 26% (not significant) in the same human subjects. In the second part of this study, 12 Swiss male mice housed in cages were exposed in the same room in which the human subjects had been exposed (i.e., 5-microT, 50-Hz magnetic field) for 109 days; 12 additional mice were used as unexposed controls. The total lymphocyte, leukocyte, polymorphonuclear neutrophil, CD4, and NK counts of the exposed mice at 109 days were significantly lower than those of controls. In addition, plasma glucose levels (at 30 days) and amylase activity (at 109 days) were significantly lower, whereas plasma sodium and chloride levels were significantly elevated at 109 days. Results from this study suggest that chronic exposure to a 0.2-6.6-microT magnetic field can lead to decreased immunological parameters (total lymphocytes and CD4 counts) in both humans and mice. The increase in some values once exposure was terminated suggests a causal relationship with exposure to electromagnetic fields, as do the changes in mice, particularly the changes in total lymphocyte and CD4 counts.     

三氯乙烯药疹样皮炎患者及健康接触工人外周血淋巴细胞亚群分析

目的 研究二氯乙烯(TCE)对接触工人淋巴细胞亚群的影响,寻找TCE药疹样皮炎早期的免疫学效应标志物.方法 选取TCE药疹样皮炎患者28例(病例组),来自发生病例车间的健康ICE作业工人56名(接触组)和未从事过TCE作业的健康工人28名(非接触对照组)作为研究对象.所有研究对象采集静脉血2 ml,EDTA抗凝处理,应用流式细胞技术检测淋巴细胞各亚群的百分比,结合血常规检测结果计算T细胞、CD4+T细胞、CD8+T细胞、B细胞、自然杀伤(NK)细胞绝对数及CD3+ CD4 +/CD3+ CD8+比值,比较各组之间外周血淋巴细胞业群的变化情况.结果 病例组外周血淋巴细胞总数、T细胞、CD4+T细胞、CD8+T细胞绝对数(中位数依次为2810.00、1846.17、831.87、904.05个/μl全血)均明显高于接触组(中位数依次为2101.00、1218.59、643.87、482.81个/μl全血,Z值分别为-3.19、-4.96、-3.22、-4.99,P值均＜0.001)和非接触对照组(中位数依次为1900.00、1223.60、558.60、325.80个/μl全血,Z值分别为- 3.30、-4.46、-3.45、-5.03,P值均＜0.001);病例组CD3+ CI4+/CD3+ CD8+比值和NK细胞绝对数(中位数分别为1.11、255.50个/μl全血)明显低于非接触对照组(中位数分别为1.96、642.60个/μl全血,Z值分别为-3.11、-3.56,P值均＜0.01);接触组CD8+T细胞数(中位数为482.81个/μl全血)明显高于非接触对照组(中立数为325.80个/μl全血,Z=-2.63,P值＜0.01);接触组CD3+ CD4+/CD3+ CD8+比值和NK细胞数(中位数分别为1.27、318.76个/μl全血)均明显低于非接触对照组(中位数分别为1.96、642.60个/μl全血,Z值分别为-2.29、-3.52,P值均＜0.05).结论 TCE接触可导致作业工人外周血淋巴细胞亚群发生变化;总淋巴细胞、T细胞和CD4+T细胞计数升高可作为TCE药疹样皮炎早期的免疫学效应标志物.     

接尘工人和尘肺患者痰细胞表面标记物

目的 探讨接尘工人和尘肺患者痰细胞细胞间黏附因子-1(CD54,又称ICAM-1)、表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)、血小板衍生因子(PDGF)对尘肺早期诊断的意义.方法 选择接尘工人62名为接尘组,非接尘工人51名为非接尘组,22例尘肺患者为尘肺组,健康检查者10例为健康对照组,用呼吸道诱痰技术收集研究对象的痰液,并利用流式细胞技术测定细胞表面标记物CD54、EGFR、PDGF的表达水平.结果 接尘组与非接尘组痰细胞(中性粒细胞、巨噬细胞、淋巴细胞及嗜酸/碱粒细胞)表面标记物CD54、EGFR、PDGF的表达水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与其他接尘工龄工人比较,接尘工龄10年及以上的工人痰细胞表面CD54、EGFR表达水平明显升高,PDGF表达水平明显降低,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).与健康对照组比较,Ⅰ期、Ⅱ+Ⅲ期尘肺患者痰细胞CD54、EGFR表达水平明显升高,PDGF表达水平明显降低,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 接尘工人和尘肺患者的痰细胞表面CD54、EGFR、PDGF表达水平有改变,可能对早期检测尘肺有重要意义.     

Increase in CD57 + CD16 - lymphocytes in workers exposed to benzidine and beta-naphthylamine: assessment of natural killer cell subpopulations

Previously, we found a decrease in CD4+CD45RA+T lymphocytes in workers exposed to the aromatic amines (AAs) [benzidine (BZ) and beta naphthylamine (BNA)]. For further investigation of the effects of AAs on lymphocyte subpopulations, we measured natural killer (NK) cell subpopulations using two-color staining with anti-Leu7 (CD57) and anti-Leu11 (CD16) monoclonal antibodies in peripheral blood in 78 male dyestuff workers. The workers had been exposed to AAs before 1972 at a chemical plant, either in the production of AAs (40 workers, high-exposure group) or in other work that involved handling dye-stuffs (38 workers, low-exposure group). The controls were 30 “healthy” male volunteers without a history of occupational exposure to AAs or hazardous chemicals. The number of CD57+CD16-cells in the high-exposure group was significantly higher than that in the controls (P<0.01, analysis of covariance with age as a covariate). No significant differences were found in CD57+CD16-, CD57+CD16+ and CD57-CD16+NK cells between the low-exposure group and the controls. It is suggested that a decrease in the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes following exposure to AAs might be compensated by the increase in CD57+CD16- cells, i.e. circulating peripheral lymphocytes with poor NK cell activity.     

长期低剂量接触甲基对硫磷的效应生物标志物研究

目的 探讨长期低剂量接触甲基对硫磷（M1605）的效应生物标志物。方法 选择某农药厂M1605合成和包装车间共71名作业工人为研究对象,同厂不接触毒物的健康工人50名为对照组。检测其全血乙酰胆碱酯酶活性（bl-AChE）,神经行为功能,末梢血T淋巴细胞亚群,血清中IgG、IgA、IgM,补体C3、C4含量和内分泌（FSH、LH、T）水平。结果 作业工人没有明显的症状和体征,全血bl-AChE活性显著降低,神经行为功能中平均反应时显著延长,数字译码速度明显减慢,视觉记忆能力显著降低,T淋巴细胞亚群中CD4、CD4/CD8都显著降低。而血清免疫球蛋白IgG、IgA、IgM,补体C3、C4含量移山倒海分泌FSH、LH、T皆无明显的变化。结论：初步认为bl-AChE、神经行为功能和T淋巴细胞亚群的变化可考虑作为长期低剂量接触M1605的效应生物标志物,尤其CD4/CD8指标可作为其早期免疫毒性效应生物标志物。     

Altered partition of t cell subsets in the peripheral blood of healthy workers exposed to flour dust

Occupational exposure to organic compounds can induce obvious immunological disorders or more subtle modifications. We investigated peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in 34 bakers and 82 millers exposed to wheat flour dust, and 51 salt factory workers. Significantly decreased levels of CD4 +, CD8 +, CD57 + and CD8 + /57 + cells were noted in mill workers, and of CD57+ cells in bakers. CD29 + and CD4 + /CD29 + cells were significantly lower in millers, CD4 + /CD45RA + cells higher in all exposed workers. The lower numbers of positive cells noted in millers appeared associated to significantly higher (p<0.001) levels of CD29 and CD45RA expression as measured by fluorescence intensity. These data are opposite to those previously reported in asthmatic workers exposed to flour dust. Since the individuals tested here were clinically healthy, the alterations of T-cell subsets observed could be interpreted as a successful attempt at immunoregulation maintaining homeostasis.     

Hematotoxocity among Chinese workers heavily exposed to benzene

Benzene is a well-established hematotoxin. However, reports of its effects on specific blood cells have been somewhat inconsistent and the relative toxicity of benzene metabolites on peripheral blood cells in humans has not been evaluated. We compared hematologic outcomes in a cross-sectional study of 44 workers heavily exposed to benzene (median: 31 parts permillion [ppm] as an 8-hr time-weighted average [TWA] and 44 age and gender-matched unexposed controls from Shanghai, China. All hematologic parameters (total white blood cells [WBC], absolute lymphocyte count, platelets, red blood cells, and hematocrit) were decreased among exposed workers compared to controls, with the exception of the red blood cell mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which has higher among exposed subjects. In a subgroup of workers who were not exposed to more than 31 ppm benzene on any of 5 sampling days (n = 11, median 8 hr TWA = 7.6 ppm, range = 1–20 ppm), only the absolute lymphocyte count was significantly different between exposed workers (mean [sd] 1.6 [0.4] x 10³ μL) and controls (1.9 [0.4] x 10³ μL, p = 0.03). Among exposed subjects, a dose-response relationship with various measures of current benzene exposure (i.e., personal air monitoring, benzene metabolites in urine) was present only for the total WBC count, the absolute lymphocyte count, and the MCV. Correlations between benzene metabolites and hematologic parameters were generally similar, although hydroquinone was somewhat more strongly associated with a decrease in the absolute lymphocyte count, and catechol was more strongly associated with an increase in MCV. Morphologic review of peripheral blood slides demonstrated an excess of red blood cell abnormalities (i.e., stomatocytes and target cells) only in the most heavily exposed workers, with no differences in granulocyte, lymphocyte, or platelet morphology noted. Although benzene can affect all the major peripheral blood elements, our results support the use of the absolute lymphocyte count as the most sensitive indicator of benzene-induced hematotoxicity. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Minimal immunological effects on workers with prolonged low exposure to inorganic mercury.

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to investigate possible immunological changes in workers with prolonged low exposure to inorganic mercury in a fluorescent light bulb factory. METHODS: 29 immunological variables were examined in 34 workers with prolonged low level exposure to inorganic mercury (exposed workers) and 35 unexposed workers as the controls. The selected indicator of mercury exposure was concentration of mercury in the urine (U-Hg), which declined progressively from 36.0 micrograms/l in 1978 to 6.0 micrograms/l in the study year 1994. RESULTS: None of the exposed workers had ever shown signs of either acute or chronic inorganic mercury toxicity or had shown any form of hypersensitivity. The only changes found in the exposed workers, compared with the controls, were a reduction of the cells that express cluster differentiation (CD25,(T activation antigen (Tac antigen))) and concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in serum. However, the decrease of cells that express CD25 was unrelated to occupational exposure and was, in all likelihood a chance finding. Conversely, the decline in serum TNF-alpha was closely associated with occupational exposure. However, no dose-response relation was found between U-Hg and TNF-alpha concentrations; nor were TNF-alpha concentrations affected by cumulative occupational exposure to inorganic mercury in over 20 years. CONCLUSIONS: Tentatively, we suggest that reduced serum TNF-alpha concentrations might be indicative of an in vivo functional defect of the monocyte macrophage system in this particular group of workers even though they were clinically asymptomatic.     

Immune alteration associated with exposure to toxic chemicals.

Immunological abnormalities including lymphocyte subset, lymphocyte immune functional assays, chemical antibodies, and different markers for autoimmune response were examined in individuals exposed to a variety of chemicals in computer manufacturing plants. A comparison of 289 individuals exposed to chemicals to 120 controls revealed that exposed individuals had a significantly higher percentage with either increased or decreased T helper/T suppressor ratios. In addition, the individuals with abnormal T4/T8 ratios demonstrated significant elevation in chemical-hapten antibodies. Therefore, 87 exposed subjects with abnormal T4/T8 ratios were selected for further evaluation by lymphocyte phenotypic expression and T cell, B cell, NK activity, and autoimmune markers, and were compared to 60 controls. The comparison of exposed individuals with controls indicated elevation of T cell (CD3), B cell (CD19), and activated T cell (CD10, CD15, CD26, CD38), suppressed T cell and B cell function decreased or increased NK cell cytotoxic activity. Autoimmunity due to chemical exposure was evidenced by elevation of TA1 phenotype frequencies and presence of rheumatoid factor, immune complexes, ANA, and anti myelin basic protein antibodies. We conclude that chemical exposure may induce immune abnormalities including immune suppression and autoimmunity.     

Mixed mold mycotoxicosis: immunological changes in humans following exposure in water-damaged buildings

The study described was part of a larger multicenter investigation of patients with multiple health complaints attributable to confirmed exposure to mixed-molds infestation in water-damaged buildings. The authors present data on symptoms; clinical chemistries; abnormalities in pulmonary function; alterations in T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells; the presence of autoantibodies (i.e., antinuclear autoantibodies [ANA], autoantibodies against smooth muscle [ASM], and autoantibodies against central nervous system [CNS] and peripheral nervous system [PNS] myelins). A total of 209 adults, 42.7 +/- 16 yr of age (mean +/- standard deviation), were examined and tested with (a) self-administered weighted health history and symptom questionnaires; (b) standardized physical examinations; (c) complete blood counts and blood and urine chemistries; (d) urine and fecal cultures; (e) thyroid function tests (T4, free T3); (f) pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1.0], and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 25-75% of FVC [FEF25, FEF50, FEF75, and FEF2(25-75)]); (g) peripheral lymphocyte phenotypes (T, B, and NK cells) and mitogenesis determinations; and (h) a 13-item autoimmune panel. The molds-exposed patients reported a greater frequency and intensity of symptoms, particularly neurological and inflammatory symptoms, when compared with controls. The percentages of exposed individuals with increased lymphocyte phenotypes were: B cells (CD20+), 75.6%; CD5+CD25+, 68.9%; CD3+CD26+, 91.2%; CD8+HLR-DR+, 62%; and CD8+CD38+, 56.6%; whereas other phenotypes were decreased: CD8+CD11b+, 15.6% and CD3-CD16+CD56+, 38.5%. Mitogenesis to phytohemagglutinin was decreased in 26.2% of the exposed patients, but only 5.9% had decreased response to concanavalin A. Abnormally high levels of ANA, ASM, and CNS myelin (immunoglobulins [Ig]G, IgM, IgA) and PNS myelin (IgG, IgM, IgA) were found; odds ratios for each were significant at 95% confidence intervals, showing an increased risk for autoimmunity. The authors conclude that exposure to mixed molds and their associated mycotoxins in water-damaged buildings leads to multiple health problems involving the CNS and the immune system, in addition to pulmonary effects and allergies. Mold exposure also initiates inflammatory processes. The authors propose the term "mixed mold mycotoxicosis" for the multisystem illness observed in these patients.     

Hematological, immunological, and cardiovascular changes in individuals residing in a polluted city of India: a study in Delhi

Exposure to poor air quality is associated with a multitude of hematological and immunological alterations. Cardio vascular diseases, rather than respiratory ailments, are the most important cause of death from air pollution exposure. Thus, hematological, immunological and cardiovascular alterations in healthy individuals exposed to vehicular pollution (one of the leading source of air pollution in growing metropolitan cities) are investigated in this study. A total number of 2218 (21-65 years old) adults residing in Delhi participated in this study. As control, 642 age and sex matched healthy subjects from the rural areas of Uttaranchal were enrolled. Arterial blood pressure (BP) was measured by a sphygmomanometer. Blood samples were collected and routine hematology was done. Lymphocyte subset analysis and platelet P-selectin expression was measured by flow cytometry. Air quality data was collected from Central and State Pollution Control Boards and was also measured onsite by portable, battery-operated laser photometer. The prevalence of hypertension was nearly 4-times higher in Delhi when compared to the control. Platelet P-selectin was remarkably upregulated in residents of Delhi. They had depleted number of CD4+ T-helper cells and CD19+ B cells but elevated level of CD56+ natural killer cells. Altered lymphocyte subtypes and increased number of P-selectin-positive platelets suggest altered immunity (that may compromise body's defense against infections) and hypercoagulable state, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The current study has identified poor air quality of Delhi as a key contributor to several adverse health conditions experienced by the general population of the city, which not only makes the quality of life compromised but also put them at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular ailments later in life.     

微波辐射对作业人员外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

目的探索长期低剂量高功率微波辐射对作业人员免疫功能的影响。方法对38名某研究所雷达科研人员(接触组)和39名非微波作业人员(对照组)进行外周血白细胞计数和淋巴细胞百分率,以及T淋巴细胞亚群CD3+、CD4+、CD8+和CD4+/CD8+比值的测定。结果与对照组相比,接触组白细胞计数和淋巴细胞百分比均降低,但差异不显著:接触组CD3+、CD4+、CD8+均升高,CD4+/CD8+比值降低,差异显著;接触组≤10 a组的T淋巴细胞亚群的变化差异不显著,接触组>10 a组CD3+、CD4+、CD8+及CD4+/CD8+比值均升高,且CD3+升高差异显著。接触组和对照组组内工龄≤10 a和>10 a间T淋巴细胞亚群的差异不显著。结论长期低剂量高功率微波辐射能明显导致人体免疫功能紊乱,但未表现出累积效应。应当采取有效的职业防护。     

Immunological changes among workers occupationally exposed to styrene

The functional status of the immune system was investigated in a group of 71 workers exposed to styrene and in 65 control subjects, recruited according to the same selection criteria and comparable as to sex, age, and confounding variables. Air and biological monitoring were used to characterize styrene exposure (median of the main urinary metabolites in the next-morning spot samples: 106 mg/g creatinine). Phenotypic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) by automated flow cytometry revealed a reduced proportion of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3⁺, CD4⁺ and CD4⁺45⁺), with no changes in CD8⁺, and a higher proportion of B lymphocytes (CD19⁺) among styrene-exposed workers. The exposed workers showed a higher proportion of activation markers, namely DR and interleukin-2 receptors (CD25). Immunoglobulin subclasses were comparable in the two groups. An increased prevalence of abnormally low values was apparent for CD2⁺, CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD4⁺45⁺ and CD11b subsets among workers exposed to styrene, whereas CD19⁺, DR⁺ and CD25⁺ showed an increased prevalence of abnormally high values. Natural killer-related phenotypes (CD56⁺, CD56+16⁺, and CD56⁺16^–) were more expressed among styrene workers, with average increase of 30%. However, the frequency distribution of the lytic activity of natural killer cells against K-562 target cells was shifted towards lower values in the exposed workers as compared to control subjects. Dose-response relationships between indices of internal dose and prevalence of abnormal values were detectable for T lymphocyte subsets, NK phenotypes, and activation markers. These findings suggest that moderate exposure to styrene is associated with an altered distribution of lymphocyte subsets. The decreased proportion of T lymphocytes, mainly of T helper-inducer cells, could hamper regulatory functions, thus suggesting a negative modulation by styrene exposure. Since a proper balance between immunocycte subsets is important for immunological responses, such changes should be regarded as adverse effects.     

Mixed Mold Mycotoxicosis: Immunological Changes in Humans following Exposure in Water-Damaged Buildings

The study described was part of a larger multicenter investigation of patients with multiple health complaints attributable to confirmed exposure to mixed-molds infestation in water-damaged buildings. The authors present data on symptoms; clinical chemistries; abnormalities in pulmonary function; alterations in T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells; the presence of autoantibodies (i.e., antinuclear autoantibodies [ANA], autoantibodies against smooth muscle [ASM], and autoantibodies against central nervous system [CNS] and peripheral nervous system [PNS] myelins). A total of 209 adults, 42.7 ± 16 yr of age (mean ± standard deviation), were examined and tested with (a) self-administered weighted health history and symptom questionnaires; (b) standardized physical examinations; (c) complete blood counts and blood and urine chemistries; (d) urine and fecal cultures; (e) thyroid function tests (T4, free T3); (f) pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV_1.0], and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 25–75% of FVC [FEF₂₅, FEF₅₀, FEF₇₅, and FEF_25–75]); (g) peripheral lymphocyte phenotypes (T, B, and NK cells) and mitogenesis determinations; and (h) a 13-item autoimmune panel. The molds-exposed patients reported a greater frequency and intensity of symptoms, particularly neurological and inflammatory symptoms, when compared with controls. The percentages of exposed individuals with increased lymphocyte phenotypes were: B cells (CD20+), 75.6%; CD5+CD25+, 68.9%; CD3+CD26+, 91.2%; CD8+HLR–DR+, 62%; and CD8+CD38+, 56.6%; whereas other phenotypes were decreased: CD8+CD11b+, 15.6% and CD3–CD16+CD56+, 38.5%. Mitogenesis to phytohemagglutinin was decreased in 26.2% of the exposed patients, but only 5.9 % had decreased response to concanavalin A. Abnormally high levels of ANA, ASM, and CNS myelin (immunoglobulins [Ig]G, IgM, IgA) and PNS myelin (IgG, IgM, IgA) were found; odds ratios for each were significant at 95% confidence intervals, showing an increased risk for autoimmunity. The authors conclude that exposure to mixed molds and their associated mycotoxins in water-damaged buildings leads to multiple health problems involving the CNS and the immune system, in addition to pulmonary effects and allergies. Mold exposure also initiates inflammatory processes. The authors propose the term “mixed mold mycotoxicosis” for the multisystem illness observed in these patients.     

手术前后卵巢癌患者外周血T细胞亚群及CD4~+CD25~+调节性T细胞表达及临床意义

目的:探讨手术前后卵巢癌患者外周血T细胞亚群及CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的变化及其临床意义。方法:采用流式细胞术检测80例卵巢癌患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、NK细胞及CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞水平。结果:与对照组相比,卵巢癌患者外周血中CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+比值及NK细胞含量均降低(P0.05),CD8+升高(P0.05);随着疾病进展Ⅲ期+Ⅳ期与Ⅰ期+Ⅱ期比较CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+比值及NK细胞含量均降低(P0.05),CD8+升高(P0.05)。卵巢癌患者外周血CD4+CD25+细胞比例高于正常对照组(P0.05);手术后卵巢癌患者T细胞亚群比例与术前比较并未明显恢复(P0.05),但CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞水平有所恢复(P0.05)。结论:卵巢癌患者免疫功能低下,术后短期并不能恢复,CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞水平升高,术后明显恢复,提示其在免疫耐受中起重要作用。     

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     

探讨孕妇怀孕前后细胞免疫功能变化和CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞及雌二醇对妊娠的影响

目的:探讨孕妇免疫功能变化和CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞功能变化及雌激素水平与妊娠的关系。方法:采用流式细胞仪检测30例孕妇外周血淋巴细胞亚群比例和CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞值及雌二醇的变化,并且测定20例未孕妇女外周血T细胞亚群比例和CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞值及雌二醇做对照。结果:淋巴细胞亚群比例存在明显差异,CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞值及雌二醇值明显升高。结论:孕妇免疫功能受到抑制,CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞及雌二醇在孕妇中调节免疫耐受起着重要作用。