The association between serum levels of Th cytokines and rhinoconjunctivitis caused by methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride |
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Authors: | K. Yokot K. Yamaguchi T. Takeshita K. Morimoto |
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Affiliation: | Matsushita Science Center of Industrial Hygiene, Osaka, Japan;Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Osaka University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan |
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Abstract: | Background There are few epidemiologic studies on the association between serum levels of T helper (Th) cytokines and allergic symptoms caused by sensitizing agents. Methods A population of 147 workers from two condenser plants using epoxy resin with methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) underwent a questionnaire survey and serologic investigations. Total and MTHPA-specific IgE levels were measured by the Pharmacia CAP System, and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by enzyme immunoassay. Results A significant association was found between work-related eye and nasal symptoms and a range of atopic characteristics, including the frequency of positive specific IgE, specific and total IgE levels, and IL-4 levels. A positive correlation was observed between levels of IL-4 and IL-13 (r=0.42). Furthermore, multiple logistic analysis revealed significant contributions of specific IgE and I H3 to the work-related symptoms. A similar but nonsignificant association was also found for IL-4 (P=0.07). On the other hand, a multiple regression model with specific IgE levels as a dependent variable showed a significant association with total IgE, but not with IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-γ. Conclusions These results suggest that work-related eye and nasal symptoms are closely related to specific IgE antibodies, and that allergic responses, mediated by IgE, to MTHPA may lead to a shift in the balance between Thl and Th2 cells. |
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Keywords: | interferon-gamma interleukin-4 interleukin-13 methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride rhinoconjunctivitis specific IgE antibody |
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