Network between Cytokines, Cortisol and Occupational Stress in Gas and Oilfield Workers

Abstract

To test whether gas and oil field work is accompanied by stress and altered immune function, the perception of workplace stress, levels of salivary cortisol, plasma levels, and mononuclear cell production of cytokines were examined in 80 healthy workers recruited among a population of operators on gas and oilfields. Specific questionnaires for determining the perception of anxiety, occupational stress, and subjective symptoms were administered. Salivary cortisol and cytokines plasma levels were evaluated by Elisa and to investigate immune function, both spontaneous and PHA- or LPS-induced expression and production of cytokines were assessed by qRT-PCR. Workers showed medium stress levels at work, with growth and increased motivation for work, and based on salivary cortisol concentrations, were divided into two groups of ≤10 ng/mL (n = 31) or >10 ng/mL (n = 49). Statistically significant higher plasma levels of IL-6, while lower TNFα, were detected in workers with cortisol >10 ng/mL. Also, BMI, DL, JD and Job strain were significantly higher in workers with cortisol >10 ng/mL. Thus, even modest variations of cortisol might have a role in the modulation of immune response and worker’s vulnerability to health imbalance.Thus, the evaluation of immune status, in addition to cortisol levels, could be useful to prevent illnesses; exacerbation of pre-existing conditions; morbidity; and consequent absences from work, with economic repercussions.

Skin sensitization among night shift and daytime healthcare workers: a cross sectional study

“…In 2013, Wen-Qing Li et al found an association between inflammatory skin disease (psoriasis) and night shift postulating that the increased risk could be related to a diminished ability of the pineal gland to produce melatonin (19). Furthermore, we have to consider the possible role of occupational stress, related to the work strain of HCWs, in the development of skin disorders according to data from literature (20,21).…”

Stressed at Work: Investigating the Relationship between Occupational Stress and Salivary Cortisol Fluctuations

“…Future work hopes to collect for a longer study period using a larger population pool which would potentially increase the statistical validity of the study and improve the foundation of knowledge. Ideally, a greater depth and breadth of knowledge will lead towards the prevention of illnesses associated with chronic stress so as to reduce workplace absenteeism or economic repercussions [53]. Further, we hope to collect data on alpha-amylase fluctuations in addition to changes in salivary cortisol levels.…”

Comparison of Subjective and Physiological Stress Levels in Home and Office Work Environments

“…As such, detecting and mitigating stress experienced by the individual with dementia in a quick and timely manner can reduce the occurrence and potential intensity of the dementia-related difficulties. Furthermore, there is a link between work stress and dementia, with long-term exposure to occupational stress being linked to an increased risk of developing dementia [26][27][28]. Thus, the timely detection and mitigation of work stress could potentially reduce the risk of an individual developing dementia in later life, further linking the domains of dementia and stress research.…”