Short communication, Note
Some aspects of humoral immunity in ex-asbestos-workers
B. Peruničić
; “Dr Dragomir Karajović” Institute of Occupational and Radiological Health, Belgrade, Serbia
A. Poštić-Grujin
; “Dr Dragomir Karajović” Institute of Occupational and Radiological Health, Belgrade, Serbia
M. Butković
; “Dr Dragomir Karajović” Institute of Occupational and Radiological Health, Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract
A study was performed in a group of ex-chrysotile-asbestos- workers who had been exposed to asbestos for more than 10 years, and had an interval of more than 20 years since their first exposure. According to radiographic lung findings, two subgroups were formed, one with radiographic asbestosis (N = 12) and the other without it (N = 19). The following parameters were determined and compared with those of control group: serum protein fractions (electrophoresis), immunoglobulins (radioimmunodiffusion), rheumatoid factor (Waaler-Rose) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Westergren).
In workers with asbestosis the mean values of total proteins and all globulin fractions were significantly higher. In the ones without asbestosis significantly higher mean values were those of total proteins, and of alpha-I-globulin and gamma- globulin fractions. No significant differences were found between individuals with asbestosis and those without it in terms of mean immunoglobulin values (IgA, IgM and IgG), but those were significantly higher in both subgroups than in controls. All mean values of serum proteins and immunoglobulins for the group of ex-workers and the control group were within the range of normal values. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in workers with asbestosis (X̄ = 37.0 mm/h) was higher than in workers without it (̄X̄ = 26.1 mm/h) or among the controls (X̄ = 7.72 mm/h).
In conclusion, immunoglobulin values, even if changed because of asbestos exposure, cannot explain the development of asbestosis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate should not be neglected in routine health examinations of ex-asbestos-workers.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
152623
URI
Publication date:
15.6.1989.
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