Document Type : Research Articles
Authors
1
Laboratory of Circulating Markers, Department of Pathology and Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
2
Postgraduate in Medical Sciences (PGCM), Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
3
Kennedy College, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract
Background: Gas station workers are exposed to carcinogenic substances with impact on the hematologic and
immune systems. The aim was to apply the immunophenotyping as a tool in the biological monitoring. Methods: This
is a workplace-based case-control study with 49 workers and 26 controls. Medical interviews, hematological exams,
and immunophenotyping analyses were performed. According to risk behavior (cleaning flannel and mistrust in the
automatic fuel supply) the workers were divided into two groups: low risk (group 1) and high risk (group 2). Results:
The results showed that CD16, HLA-DR, CD25, CD56+, CD16 CD56low, and CD56high expressions were higher
in workers when compared to the control group (P =0.020, P =0.001, P =0.001; P =0.034, P=0.023, and P =0.008,
respectively). The expressions of CD2, CD8, CD10, CD8low, and CD4/CD8 ratios were lower (P =0.016, P =0.001,
P=0.001, P= 0.017, P = 0.0259, and P =0.029, respectively). Headache and paresthesia complaints were associated
with workers when compared to the control group (OR = 4.091, 95% CI, 1.400 -11.951, P = 0.014; OR =12.12, 95%
CI, 1.505 - 97.61, P =0.004). Using cleaning flannel and mistrust in the automatic fuel supply (risk behaviors) were
associated with group 2 (OR = 9.71, 95% CI, 2.60-36.26, P = 0.005; OR = 18.18, 95% CI, 2.04-161.37, P = 0.004).
Conclusions: The results strengthen the worker’s immunosuppression hypothesis, which may contribute to some
disorders and the carcinogenesis process. The evaluation of the immune system by flow cytometry is a promising tool
for monitoring blood malignancy risk in addition to regular classic hematological exams.
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