Multiplex Cytokine Profiling in whole blood from individuals occupationally exposed to particulate coal species

Adverse health effects can result from occupational exposure to dust, fine particles, or toxic substances. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that particulate air pollutants can cause both pulmonary and airway inflammation. The aim of the paper was to perform an exploratory study on peripheral whole-blood using Luminex® 200TM xMAP (multi-analyte profiling) technology to analyze early effects of occupational exposure in coal fired power plants, taking into account that the studied groups contained 10 years, respectively 20 years exposed persons. The altered expression of cytokine profiling in response to coal particulate matter (PM) exposure compared with control subjects has been related to inflammatory response. The results indicate that exposure to coal dustand ash at work can be considered potential etiological factor for respiratory diseases of the subjects investigated and may aggravate the existing dysfunctions of the biochemical and functional parameters of the exposed persons, arterial blood pressure, dyslipidemia, excess of serum creatinin, urea and uric acid, associated with mixed and restrictive ventilator dysfunction. The changes of the in vivo and ex vivo inflammatory cytokine profile analyzed using xMAP technology in whole blood system exhibit early statistically significant differences in exposed groups compared to control. The test tool assaying whole blood parameters is a noninvasive, rapid methodology and can be an useful prerequisite in clinical monitoring of individuals occupationally exposed to coal particulate pollutants in power plants.