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Published on: May 4, 2020
Associations between manganese exposure and multiple immunological parameters in manganese-exposed workers healthy
Xiang Chen1, Zhenfang Liu2, Xiaoting Ge1
1Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
Background:
Manganese (Mn) ions play a crucial role in the immune response. The immunotoxicity of Mn is rarely reported compared with the neurotoxicity of Mn.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between chronic Mn exposure and immunological parameters in occupational Mn-exposed workers.
Methods:
A total of 538 workers were selected from the follow-up of manganese-exposed workers healthy cohort (MEWHC) in 2017. We divided the workers into the low-exposure group and the high-exposure group by the cutoff of the manganese-time weighted average (Mn-TWA) setting at 0.15 mg/m3. We examined serum immunological parameters by the immunoturbidimetric method and leukocyte counts and ratios in blood routine. Then we used the generalized linear model analyses and spline analyses to explore the associations between external exposure of Mn and multiple immunological parameters adjusted for variables. Based on the epidemiological analyses, we used Elisa (enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay) to detect plasma complement C3 of Mn-exposed rats.
Results:
In male workers, the mean value of complement C3 was 1.20 ± 0.16 g/L in the high-exposure group, which was significantly lower as compared to the low-exposure group (1.25 ± 0.18 g/L, P = 0.023). The generalize linear models' analyses showed that complement C3 value had a significantly negative association with external exposure of Mn included adjustment for variables (β = -0.04, P = 0.035). Moreover, in male rats, the high-exposure group also had a lower level of complement C3 compared with the low-exposure group (P < 0.001). None significant association was observed in immunological parameters among female workers and rats (all P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
Mn exposure from inhalable dust was associated with decreased complement C3 among occupationally Mn-exposed male individuals but not in female workers, which was further confirmed by the rat model. Further research into the possible mechanism of C3 reduction is needed in the future.
Insights
Chronic manganese (Mn) exposure in male workers was linked to lower complement C3 levels, a key immune component. This finding in occupational settings was supported by studies on Mn-exposed rats.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Manganese (Mn) ions are vital for immune responses, yet Mn immunotoxicity is less studied than its neurotoxicity.
- Occupational exposure to Mn is a growing concern in various industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between chronic manganese exposure and immunological markers in occupationally exposed workers.
- To assess the impact of manganese exposure on complement C3 levels and other immune parameters.
Main Methods:
- Studied 538 workers, categorizing them into low and high manganese exposure groups based on Mn-time weighted average (Mn-TWA).
- Analyzed serum immunological parameters and leukocyte counts using immunoturbidimetric and blood routine methods.
- Employed generalized linear models, spline analyses, and ELISA in a rat model to explore Mn exposure effects on complement C3.
Main Results:
- Male workers in the high Mn-exposure group showed significantly lower complement C3 levels compared to the low-exposure group (P=0.023).
- Complement C3 levels demonstrated a significant negative association with external Mn exposure in male workers (β = -0.04, P = 0.035).
- Male rats exposed to high Mn levels also exhibited reduced complement C3 (P < 0.001), while no significant associations were found in females.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to inhalable manganese dust is associated with reduced complement C3 in males, confirmed by a rat model.
- The immunotoxic effects of manganese appear sex-specific, with males being more susceptible to complement C3 reduction.
- Further research is recommended to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of manganese-induced C3 reduction.
