title: Assessment of blood serum immunoglobulin and C-reactive protein concentrations in workers of x-ray diagnostics units.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Workers of x-ray departments are occupationally exposed to long-term low levels of ionizing radiation. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occupational exposure of low-level x-ray radiation on immunoglobulin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in radiology workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the study group of 41 x-ray department workers and the control group composed of 32 persons, immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA) and CRP concentrations were analyzed. The study group was subdivided by gender and smoking habit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant decrease in IgG level was found in the workers and the female subgroup. The same observation was made when smokers and nonsmokers of both groups were compared. Smoking workers showed lower concentrations of IgA than non-smokers. The remaining results of immunoglobulin and CRP concentrations did not show significant differences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Occupational exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation is associated with suppressive influence on the immunoglobulin production, especially IgG. In addition, smoking decreases the production of IgA in radiology workers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. pklucinski@slam.katowice.pl
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kłuciński
authors.forename: Bogdan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mazur
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.forename: Antoni
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hrycek
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cieślik
authors.forename: Gayane
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Martirosian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011044:Poland; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital; D044967:Serum / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein