Are serum eosinophilic cationic protein levels of toll collectors affected by diesel exhaust exposure?

Cahit Bilgin,Ege Guleç Balbay,Peri Arbak,Ali Nihat Annakkaya,Ozlem Yavuz,Oner Balbay

doi:10.12669/pjms.325.10844

Abstract

Objective:There are few studies on the diesel exhaust particulates (DEP) / eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) level relationship. This study aimed to detect ECP levels in a highly DE exposed group, named as toll collectors.Methods:In a cross-sectional study, levels of serum ECP, rates of respiratory symptoms, mean levels of respiratory functions, smoking status, and variations in peak expiratory flow (PEF) during weekends and working days were compared for 68 toll collectors (TC) (range of age, 24-48 years) and 28 controls (range of age, 25-61 years). All subjects in the study group were men.Results:No significant difference was observed in terms of symptoms and smoking rates between the toll collectors and control group. The number of toll collectors [12/68 (17.7%) vs 1/28 (3.5%)] with diurnal PEF variability in the working period was higher than that of controls (p=0.058). Mean ECP level of toll collectors was higher than that of controls (32.8 vs 21.4 ng/L), but the difference was not significant. Mean ECP levels were higher in subjects experiencing diurnal PEF variability during work and off-work periods (34.9 vs 28.3 ng/L, p=0.410).Conclusions:Serial PEF measurements combined with serum ECP measurements did not add a new tool to detect the sensitivity of workers dealing with DE. Much more diesel exhaust exposed workers should be included to search for cheap and available methods when evaluating airway.

Highlights

There is increasing concern about the possible adverse effects of diesel exhaust particulates (DEP) on human health.[1]
Among inflammation markers of asthma, Eosinophilic Cationic Protein (ECP) levels reflect the intensity of eosinophilic airway inflammation, as well as the disease activity
Toll collectors affected by diesel exhaust exposure

Summary

Introduction

There is increasing concern about the possible adverse effects of diesel exhaust particulates (DEP) on human health.[1]. Pak J Med Sci 2016 Vol 32 No 5 www.pjms.com.pk 1169 patients exposed to diesel particulates.[1] Among inflammation markers of asthma, Eosinophilic Cationic Protein (ECP) levels reflect the intensity of eosinophilic airway inflammation, as well as the disease activity. Serum levels of ECP have been shown to correlate with the severity of bronchial asthma.[7] Noah et al demonstrated a significant increase in ECP levels of upper airway secretions following exposure to diesel particulates.[8] The ECP levels in sputum of asthmatic patients after diesel particles exposure were found high in another study.[9] A comparative study showed that ECP levels in bronchial washing of mild asthmatics were higher than those of healthy subjects after DE exposure.[10]

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Conclusion