Features of clinical and laboratory changes in the body under the intense influence of factors of cement production

Abstract

Introduction. Industrial dust is an extremely common occupational hazard, which affects large contingents of workers. In this regard, early detection of its negative effect on the body will make it possible, even at the stage of pre-pathology, to register negative dynamics and the specifics of increasing the risk of health disorders in workers of dust-hazardous occupations. The aim of the work is to evaluate changes in a number of indicators of the main homeostasis systems under prolonged exposure to industrial aerosol. Materials and methods. Two hundred thirty four cement production workers (observation group) and 69 control group people who were not exposed to harmful factors of production were examined. Biochemical and immunological studies were carried out using standard and unified methods. Results. With an increase in work experience in conditions of intense dustiness, the examined workers have an imbalance of oxidative metabolism manifested with the elevated content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (r=0.85), depressed activity of antioxidant defense enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase in MPn neutrophils (r=-0.64,-0.88)). On the part of the immune system, there was an increase in the levels of immunoglobulins IgA, IgE and circulating immune complexes by 1.6-2.0 times and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-4) by 2.0-3.5 times relative to the control. The high intensity of inflammatory processes in all probation groups was confirmed by an increase (α2-, β-, γ-globulins) in 35-69% of workers and an increase in the cytokine balance coefficient of Ci up to 1,8 times, reflecting the activation of the pro-inflammatory component. Limitations. The limitations of the study are related to the fact that the results obtained characterize the state of the immunobiochemical status of employees of a cement enterprise, however, the proposed methods can be used to assess the health status of persons exposed to dust production exposure. Conclusion. The results of the study prove the negative role of cement dust in the formation of protective and compensatory reserves of the body, which can be regarded as criteria for changing resistance and predictors of health disorders already in low-skilled workers. It is advisable to use the proposed biomarkers for the timely implementation of therapeutic, preventive and health measures.