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[Evaluation of recent thymic output function in benzene-exposed workers]
Su-fang Han1, Yang-qiu Li, Li-jian Yang
1Institute of Hematology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
Summary
Benzene exposure may impair recent thymic output function, as indicated by lower signal joint T-cell receptor excision DNA circles (sjTRECs) levels in exposed workers. sjTREC levels also appear to correlate with age in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Assessing immune system function in occupational settings is crucial.
- Benzene is a known hematotoxic agent, but its impact on T-cell dynamics requires further elucidation.
- Signal joint T-cell receptor excision DNA circles (sjTRECs) serve as a reliable biomarker for recent thymic emigrants.
Purpose:
- To quantify sjTRECs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of benzene-exposed workers and healthy controls.
- To evaluate the association between benzene exposure and recent thymic output.
- To investigate the influence of age on sjTRECs levels in benzene-exposed populations.
Summary:
- Quantitative real-time PCR and TaqMan assays were employed to measure sjTRECs in 11 healthy individuals and 62 benzene-exposed workers.
- Benzene-exposed workers exhibited significantly lower median sjTRECs levels (2.56 copies/1,000 PBMCs) compared to normal individuals (7.81 copies/1,000 PBMCs).
- sjTRECs levels were also found to be lower in individuals aged 30 years (1.76 copies/1,000 PBMCs) compared to those younger than or equal to 30 years (3.19 copies/1,000 PBMCs).
Impact:
- Benzene exposure may negatively impact the recent thymic output function.
- The findings suggest that sjTRECs can serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring immune system alterations due to benzene exposure.
- Age appears to be a modulating factor in the relationship between benzene exposure and thymic output.