The association between serum levels of Th cytokines and rhinoconjunctivitis caused by methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride.
BACKGROUND
There are few epidemiologic studies on the association between serum levels of T helper (Th) cytokines and allergic symptoms caused by sensitizing agents.


METHODS
A population of 147 workers from two condenser plants using epoxy resin with methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) underwent a questionnaire survey and serologic investigations. Total and MTHPA-specific IgE levels were measured by the Pharmacia CAP System, and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by enzyme immunoassay.


RESULTS
A significant association was found between work-related eye and nasal symptoms and a range of atopic characteristics, including the frequency of positive specific IgE, specific and total IgE levels, and IL-4 levels. A positive correlation was observed between levels of IL-4 and IL-13 (r=0.42). Furthermore, multiple logistic analysis revealed significant contributions of specific IgE and IL-13 to the work-related symptoms. A similar but nonsignificant association was also found for IL-4 (P=0.07). On the other hand, a multiple regression model with specific IgE levels as a dependent variable showed a significant association with total IgE, but not with IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-gamma.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that work-related eye and nasal symptoms are closely related to specific IgE antibodies, and that allergic responses, mediated by IgE, to MTHPA may lead to a shift in the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells.
Yokota
K
K
Matsushita Science Center of Industrial Hygiene, Osaka, Japan.
Yamaguchi
K
K
Takeshita
T
T
Morimoto
K
K
D000328:Adult; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000097:blood; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010796:Phthalic Anhydrides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology; D012907:Smoking; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
D016207:Cytokines; D018793:Interleukin-13; D010796:Phthalic Anhydrides; D015847:Interleukin-4; C088343:methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D007371:Interferon-gamma