Performance of the beryllium blood lymphocyte proliferation test based on a long-term occupational surveillance program

Abstract

The detection of confirmed positive results in non-occupationally exposed persons, the apparent reversions of previously confirmed positive results, the identification of a positive BeBLPT peak prevalence period, and the variation in intra- and inter-laboratory test methods and interpretation should be considered when interpreting results from studies utilizing the BeBLPT, especially when considering worker-specific interventions. Additional research to refine the BeBLPT or develop a new test is needed to properly characterize the relationship between sensitization and subclinical or clinical indicators of chronic beryllium disease.

Sensitization and chronic beryllium disease at a primary manufacturing facility, part 3: exposure–response among short-term workers

“…elsewhere found cases of BeS and CBD among office and administrative workers (1-3, 5, 6, 24, 25). These results also confirm findings from other studies that BeS can be identified very early after initial exposure (3,6,(12)(13)(14)26). Here, four workers had confirmed abnormal BeLPT within four months of first reported beryllium exposure.…”

“…The interval between initial exposure to beryllium and the development of BeS can be as short as three months with several studies detecting a higher prevalence of BeS among workers with one year or less of employment tenure (3,6,(12)(13)(14). The interval between initial exposure and the development of CBD is not well understood.…”

Recent Advances in Understanding the Biomolecular Basis of Chronic Beryllium Disease: A Review

“…Beryllium has been detected in only 5% of 1,577 drinking water samples obtained throughout the US Beryllium is naturally present in various foods, with a median concentration of 22.5 g kg" 1 reported across 38 different food types, ranging from less than 0.1 g kg' 1 to 2,200 g kg" 1 . When compared with other harmful elements like lead and chromium, however, beryllium exposure through food is not significant.…”

“…Although Jonth et al /244/ found no significant differences between CBD cases and controls in TGF-l variants or haplotypes based on sequencespecific primer PCR analysis, the -509C and codon 10T implicated in lower levels of TGF-l protein production were significantly associated with disease severity indicators. 1 protein controlling when genes are switched on or off Programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression. The negative T-cell regulator, PD-1, is involved in signaling T cell death (apoptosis) and negatively regulates T-cell function /245-246Λ The expression of PD-1 is upregulated in response to chronic exposure to various conventional antigens /247-249/.…”

“…Beryllium sensitization: Between 1% and 15% of exposed workers become sensitized to beryllium following exposure. The incubation period for sensitization is as short as a few months of exposure (1,129,1437. Beryllium sensitivity induced through dermal contact could make the individual more susceptible to CBD should they subsequently inhale beryllium /120/.…”