Comparison of hematological alterations and markers of B-cell activation in workers exposed to benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene

Abstract

Benzene, formaldehyde (FA) and trichloroethylene (TCE) are ubiquitous chemicals in workplaces and the general environment. Benzene is an established myeloid leukemogen and probable lymphomagen. FA is classified as a myeloid leukemogen but has not been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), whereas TCE has been associated with NHL but not myeloid leukemia. Epidemiologic associations between FA and myeloid leukemia, and between benzene, TCE and NHL are, however, still debated. Previously, we showed that these chemicals are associated with hematotoxicity in cross-sectional studies of factory workers in China, which included extensive personal monitoring and biological sample collection. Here, we compare and contrast patterns of hematotoxicity, monosomy 7 in myeloid progenitor cells (MPCs), and B-cell activation biomarkers across these studies to further evaluate possible mechanisms of action and consistency of effects with observed hematologic cancer risks. Workers exposed to benzene or FA, but not TCE, showed declines in cell types derived from MPCs, including granulocytes and platelets. Alterations in lymphoid cell types, including B cells and CD4+ T cells, and B-cell activation markers were apparent in workers exposed to benzene or TCE. Given that alterations in myeloid and lymphoid cell types are associated with hematological malignancies, our data provide biologic insight into the epidemiological evidence linking benzene and FA exposure with myeloid leukemia risk, and TCE and benzene exposure with NHL risk.

Persistent organic pollutants and haematological markers in Greenlandic pregnant women: the ACCEPT sub-study

“…There are few reports on the association between environmental contaminant exposure and haematological markers [31–33]. The literature on this specific topic for pregnant women is sparse, however, the limited literature suggests an immunosuppression measured through specific biomarkers in humans exposed to environmental contaminants.…”

Irreversible effects of trichloroethylene on the gut microbial community and gut‐associated immune responses in autoimmune‐prone mice

“…One of the most sensitive outcomes associated with human TCE exposure in humans is immunotoxicity (EPA, ). CD4 + T cells are particularly sensitive, and even if overt disease is not diagnosed, altered numbers of activated CD4 + T cells are often found in blood of humans exposed to TCE (Bassig et al, ; Hosgood 3rd et al, ; Lan et al, ). As shown by ourselves and others, TCE exposure increased the percentage of IFN‐γ‐ and IL‐17‐secreting CD4 + T cells in mice that went on to develop CD4 + T‐cell‐mediated AIH (Gilbert et al, ; Wang, Wang, Ma, Ansari, & Khan, ).…”

Clustering of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma is associated with increased levels of the environmental toxins benzene and trichloroethylene in the state of Georgia

“…Cancer April 15, 2020 Many occupational chemicals contain carcinogenic properties; however, benzene and trichloroethylene (TCE) are 2 regulated carcinogens that have well established links to hematologic cancers, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 15,16 Benzene is produced from coal and oil, is commonly found in motor fuels, and is a byproduct of gas stations and motor vehicle exhaust. Benzene is also emitted in cigarette smoke, accounting for approximately one-half of the national exposure.…”