The influence of hydrocarbon composition and exposure conditions on jet fuel-induced immunotoxicity

Abstract

Chronic jet fuel exposure could be detrimental to the health and well-being of exposed personnel, adversely affect their work performance and predispose these individuals to increased incidences of infectious disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Short-term (7 day) JP-8 jet fuel exposure has been shown to cause lung injury and immune dysfunction. Physiological alterations can be influenced not only by jet fuel exposure concentration (absolute amount), but also are dependent on the type of exposure (aerosol versus vapor) and the composition of the jet fuel (hydrocarbon composition). In the current study, these variables were examined with relation to effects of jet fuel exposure on immune function. It was discovered that real-time, in-line monitoring of jet fuel exposure resulted in aerosol exposure concentrations that were approximately one-eighth the concentration of previously reported exposure systems. Further, the effects of a synthetic jet fuel designed to eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also examined. Both of these changes in exposure reduced but did not eliminate the deleterious effects on the immune system of exposed mice.

Jet Fuel Kerosene is not Immunosuppressive in Mice or Rats Following Inhalation for 28 Days

“…As indicated previously, the NRC suggested that the exposure levels in the Harris et al studies were likely higher than reported (National Research Council, 2003), and this has since been confirmed by the Harris lab (Hilgaertner et al, 2011). The report by Hilgaertner et al (2011) demonstrates JP-8-related immunosuppressive effects, including decreased spleen and thymus weights at exposure levels ≥1000 mg/m 3 and reduced IFN- γ production at doses ≥4000 mg/m 3 .…”

“…The report by Hilgaertner et al (2011) demonstrates JP-8-related immunosuppressive effects, including decreased spleen and thymus weights at exposure levels ≥1000 mg/m 3 and reduced IFN- γ production at doses ≥4000 mg/m 3 . Hilgaertner et al (2011) also indicated that these exposures were equivalent to aerosol exposures of 125 and 500 mg/m 3 in the early reports by Harris et al (1997, 2000a, 2000b, 2002, 2007, 2008). These results, which contrast with those in the present study evaluating the base jet fuel kerosene, suggest the possibility that the additives, and not the jet fuel kerosene, are primarily responsible for the immunosuppressive effects of JP-8 jet fuel.…”

“…Indeed, a subsequent report from the Harris lab indicated that the exposure levels in the earlier studies were approximately eightfold higher than vapor/aerosol levels obtained using different equipment and quantified using more accurate and reliable systems (Hilgaertner et al, 2011). Further, the NRC Committee on Toxicology also recommended that additional inhalation studies be conducted in conjunction with an accurate characterization of the exposure atmosphere, utilizing standardized, interlab validated protocols (Luster et al, 1988, 1992), to assess the immunotoxicity of JP-8 and some of its primary constituents, such as the base hydrocarbon fuel (National Research Council, 2003).…”

Hydrocarbons (jet fuel JP-8) induce epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity, reproductive disease and sperm epimutations

“…Previous studies with hydrocarbons have shown following direct exposure toxicological effects such as adverse effects in lung ventilatory function [17], immune dysfunction [18, 25], increased tumor formation [26], and suppressed immune response to viral infections [27]. In the current study, the F1 generation animals of jet fuel lineage showed an increase in the incidence of adult-onset disease/abnormalities including prostate disease, kidney disease, ovarian primordial follicle loss, polycystic ovarian disease, pubertal abnormalities, and an overall increase in total and multiple disease/abnormalities.…”

“…In animal models low toxicity of JP-8 has been reported to cause slight dermal irritation, weak dermal sensitization, respiratory tract sensory irritation, hearing loss, nephropathy, and immunosuppressive and neurobehavioral effects [24]. Previous studies have also shown adverse effects in lung ventilatory function [17], immune dysfunction [18, 25], increased tumor formation [26] and suppressed immune response to viral infections [27]. There are no reports regarding potential epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease from JP-8 exposed gestating females.…”