title: The values of alpha 2-macroglobulin in the serum of persons at work with x-rays.
abstract: A group of 86 persons (65 women, 21 men) working at the risk of ionizing radiation (IR) was examined for the levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha2-M), and compared to a group of age matched healthy population. Whereas the difference in men did not reach a level of significance, significant difference was assessed in women: in a subgroup older than 40 y exposed to the IR a rise of alpha 2-M levels was noted in correlation with the age. Multiple correlation coefficients showed a synergistic influence of both age and exposure to IR. The results are discussed from the point of view of the hypothesis that in exposed women a shifting realizes of usual old age changes to younger age group. A possibility is suggested to use the examination of alpha 2-M levels for preventive control of workers at the risk of IR.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012463:Saliva / Q000032:analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D014965:X-Rays; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins