The effect of different workplace nanoparticles on the immune systems of employees

Abstract

Currently, nanoparticles are widely present in the environment and are being used in various industrial technologies. Nanoparticles affect immune functions, causing different immune responses. The aim of the current study was to evaluate several cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interferon-γ, adhesive molecule sICAM-1, macrophage inhibitory protein 1a (MIP1a) and secretory immunoglobulin A, in nasal lavage fluid and in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects exposed to workplace nanoparticles. Thirty-six employees from three different environments were examined: 12 from a metalworking company, 12 from a woodworking company and 12 office workers. The nanoparticles in the different workplaces were detected in the air in the immediate vicinity of the employees. The particle number concentration and surface area values were significantly higher in the workplaces of the metal- and woodworking industries, but concentrations of mass were lower (the measurements were performed by an electrical low-pressure impactor ELPI+). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, an attachment to a high-resolution SEM) was used to provide elemental analysis or chemical characterization of the dust particles in a low-vacuum field-free mode operating at a potential of 15 kV spot 3.0. The technique used provided quantitative and spatial analyses of the distribution of elements through mapping (two to three parallel measurements) and point analysis (four to five parallel measurements). Samples from the metal industry contained more ultramicroscopic and nanometric particles, e.g. toxic metals such as Zn, Mn and Cr, and fewer microscopic dust particles. The nasal lavage and peripheral blood were taken at the beginning and the end of the working week, when immune indices were measured. Our data showed a statistically significant increased level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in serum in both exposed groups compared with office workers as well as a higher level of TNF-α in workers from the woodworking company compared with the metalworking employees. We found an elevated level of IL-6 in the exposed groups as well as an elevated level of IL-8 in the nasal lavage in woodworking employees after work.

Deep Airway Inflammation and Respiratory Disorders in Nanocomposite Workers

“…Both pre-shift and post-shift TNF overexpression were positively associated with exposure, as well as with several other oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in other human studies [ 8 , 33 , 34 ]. TNF seems to be an important inflammatory biomarker as it was correlated with the length of the employment in the nanocomposites researchers and with the decline in the FEV1/FVC ratio.…”

“…Molecular epidemiological studies to date on workers handling engineered nanomaterials, suggest respiratory health impairment. Elevated pro-inflammatory markers, including-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL) 6 and IL 8 in the biological fluids (blood) of workers [ 8 ], elevated antioxidant enzymes and cardiovascular markers in circulation [ 9 , 10 ], higher pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LTs) [ 11 ], and markers of oxidative stress in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and/or circulation [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

Metal nanomaterials: Immune effects and implications of physicochemical properties on sensitization, elicitation, and exacerbation of allergic disease

“…Similar studies have also demonstrated that exposure to nanomaterials in the workplace can cause elevations in various immune-related biomarkers indicative of potential effects on allergy (Andujar et al 2014; Glass et al 2017; Kurjane et al 2017) For example, elevations in breath condensate leukotriene (LT) levels were observed in subjects exposed to TiO 2 NP aerosol (< 100 nm) in their workplaces (Daniela et al 2016). The exposed workers had elevated levels of LTB 4 , a lipid mediator associated with the recruitment, activation, and prolongation of survival of leukocytes in the lung, as well as multiple cysteinyl leukotrienes (i.e.…”

Susceptibility Factors in Chronic Lung Inflammatory Responses to Engineered Nanomaterials

“…Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is major pro-inflammatory cytokine and vital regulator for both the innate and adaptive immune system [ 138 ]. Studies have shown that IL-6 is increased systemically upon inhalation exposure to ENMs in mice and humans [ 139 , 140 , 141 ]. Specifically, pulmonary instillation of MWCNTs induced levels of systemic IL-6 in the heart, and MWCNTs coated with Zn also induced IL-6 mRNA levels in the heart and liver [ 141 , 142 ].…”