Comparative Assessment of Neurochemical Indices in Patients with Occupational Pathology Caused by Physical and Chemical Factors

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare changes in serum concentrations of neuronal antibodies and cytokines in patients with occupational pathology caused by physical (vibration or aviation noise) and chemical (metal mercury vapor) factors. We examined subjects with occupational neurosensory deafness (n = 55), vibration disease (n = 53), chronic mercury intoxication (n = 27), and 34 healthy subjects. It is known that a common feature of cytokine dysregulation of the autoimmune response in patients with neurosensory deafness and vibration disease is hyperproduction of autoantibodies to regulatory proteins of nervous tissue (S-100, MBP, NF-200, GFAP, and voltage-gated calcium channels) combined with pronounced pro-inflammatory immune reactions (increase in IL-1β, TNFα, IL-2, and IL-8). Inhibition of the immune response has been shown in patients with chronic mercury intoxication characterized by impaired antibody production and decreased serum concentration of proinflammatory IL-1β and anti-inflammatory IL-4. The results prove the necessity of targeted immunotherapy to increase the efficiency of treatment and recovery after cessation of work-related exposure.