Immune markers in biological monitoring of occupationally exposed workers

Immune function parameters represent important tools for the evaluation of individual health risk in workers occupationally exposed to immunotoxic industrial chemicals. In vitro lymphocyte proliferation assays were used for biomonitoring of groups of workers occupationally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a rubber factory, and to styrene in the plastic lamination plant. Adhesion molecules were measured by Row cytometry in peripheral blood of workers exposed to styrene. In our studies in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assays were sensitive indicators of immunotoxic effects of industrial chemicals. Workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rubber manufacture displayed enhanced lymphocyte proliferation. Workers occupationally exposed to styrene had suppressed lymphocyte mitogen proliferation response. Styrene exposure appeared to activate the immune system and alter leukocytes adherence. The peripheral blood lymphocyte expressions of CD11b, CD54 and CD62L adhesion molecules were significantly higher among the workers exposed to styrene in plastic lamination plant than among unexposed in-plant controls. These data indicate suitability of both assays - in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay and the expression of adhesion molecules for biological monitoring for subclinical immunomodulatory effects in occupational settings.