[Changes of T lymphocyte subsets in workers with long-term benzene exposure].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the changes of T-lymphocyte subsets in workers with long-term benzene exposure, and further understand the benzene's lymphotoxicity.


METHODS
Blood was sampled from 44 patients with chronic benzene poisoning of different degrees, (mild 22 patients, moderate 14, severe 8) respectively. Twenty-two health benzene exposed workers, and 94 health unexposed workers served as normal control. A total of the phenotype (CD4, CD8) of T lymphocyte in peripheral blood was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay.


RESULTS
Lymphocyte subset analysis showed significantly decreased CD4(+) T lymphocytes, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, except CD8(+) T lymphocytes in benzene exposed groups (P<0.05). Among the four benzene-exposed groups, CD4(+) T lymphocytes and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio showed no difference (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The primary changes of T-lymphocyte subsets in workers following benzene long-term exposure are the decrease of CD4(+)%, but the changes are not correlated with haematopoietic injury.
Chen
Jia-yu
JY
Occupational Department of Guangzhou Municipal Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510620, China.
Yu
Wei
W
Liu
Wei-wei
WW
Chen
Ling-zhen
LZ
Wu
Jin-ming
JM
Yang
Li-jian
LJ
Li
Yang-qiu
YQ
D000328:Adult; D001554:Benzene / Q000506:poisoning*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D001554:Benzene