Influence of shift-work on selected immune variables in nurses

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Immunology
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Shift work, especially night shifts, disrupts circadian rhythms, potentially causing psycho-physiological issues.
• Previous research suggests potential adverse effects of shift work on the immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if shift work induces changes in immune variables among nurses.
• To assess the long-term (12-month) impact of shift work on immune function and cortisol levels.

Main Methods:

• Compared immune variables (lymphocyte immunophenotype, proliferative response, NK cytotoxicity, cytokines, cortisol) in 68 shift-working nurses and 28 daytime nurses.
• Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 months.
• Statistical analysis adjusted for baseline values and job seniority.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in most immune variables were observed between shift and daytime nurses at baseline or 12 months.
• Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) were higher in daytime nurses at baseline, but this difference disappeared at follow-up.
• No adverse effects of shift work on immune variables or cortisol levels were detected at 12 months after adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Rotational shift work, depending on the specific schedule and job type, may not adversely affect the immune system.
• Findings suggest that immune changes reported in other shift-worker studies may not be universally applicable and should not be generalized.