HO-1 and VEGF gene expressions are time dependant during exposure to welding fumes.
Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a defensive enzyme against oxidative stress. Vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent cytokine which promotes angiogenesis. We used induced sputum (IS) technology to study HO-1 and VEGF expressions in neutrophilic inflammation in asymptomatic welders. Aircraft plant employees were divided into three groups: Welders 1 (n=30) had short-term exposure to aluminum/iron, Welders 2 (n=16) had long-term exposure to cadmium/chromium/iron/nickel, and controls (n=27 non-exposed individuals). Participants underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), IS, differential cell counts, and determination of particle size distribution in IS samples. HO-1 and VEGF gene expressions were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels were measured by bilirubin reductase-dependant reaction and ELISA, respectively. All subjects had normal PFTs. Welders 2 had neutrophilic inflammation and higher percentages of particles between 2-5 micron than the other groups. HO-1 inversely correlated with VEGF gene expression: HO-1 was significantly higher and VEGF was significantly lower in the Welders 1 group than in the other groups. There was a correlation between HO-1 expression and protein activity (r=0.33, P=0.05). Particulate matters significantly influenced HO-1 and VEGF gene expressions, caused neutrophilic inflammation and promoted oxidative stress in welders with long-term exposure.
Stark
M
M
The Institute of Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, National Laboratory Service for ILD, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizman Street, Tel-Aviv 64239, Israel.
Zubareb
J
J
Jacovovitz
R
R
Schwartz
Y
Y
Lerman
Y
Y
Grinberg
N
N
Fireman
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D051547:Heme Oxygenase-1 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010316:Particle Size; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013183:Sputum / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D014896:Welding
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D051547:Heme Oxygenase-1