Interdependence between lung tests, cellular immunity and dose of radiation exposure in COPD patients clean-up workers of Chernobyl NPP accident in remote post accidental period

Abstract

Objective: under the radiation-hygienic conditions of ChNPP accident more than 200 000 of clean-up workers undergone both external and internal (inhalation radionuclides incoming) irradiation and later foll sick of COPD. The aim of the study was to find correlation between lung tests, cellular immunity and dose of radiation exposure for this group of patients. Material and methods: clinical, functional (spyrometry, pletismography, DLco) and immunological (flocytometry) characteristics were caried out in 272 patients - 197 clean-up workers with radiation exposure from 25 to 988 mSv, 75 - group of nosological control and 20 healthy persons. Main results: COPD in clean-up workers were characterized with more severe clinical course with significant abnormality of lung volumes correlation, incresing levels of RV, ITGV and ERV, dose-dependent reduction of VC, FVC, FEF75 and diffusion capacity of lung and doses above 500 mSv. The largest deviation was determine due to thedoses more than 500 mSv. It was determine the interrelation of radiation-induced changes of cellular immunity (content of CD4+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and natural killers) with the severety of obstructive pulmonary violations and increasing of exacerbation rates of disease. Conclusion: it was shown that even 25 years after irradiation due to the ChNPP accident course of COPD characterized by lung tests and cellular immunity still depends from the dose of radiation exposure.