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Published on: November 7, 2020
Benzene-Exposed Army Soldiers: Nasal Cytology as a Screening Tool
Ernesto Bruno1, Rita De Berardinis, Francesco di Folco
1Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier, Rome, Italy (Prof Bruno, Dr De Berardinis, Dr Tatangelo); Catholic University 'Our Lady of Good Counsel', Tirana, Albany (Prof Bruno); Department of Occupational Medicine, Policlinico Militare Celio, Rome, Italy (Dr di Folco); Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier, Rome, Italy (Dr Russo).
Objective:
Assessment of the nasal cytology in revealing early nasal mucosa alteration of workers exposed to benzene.
Methods:
Nasal cytology was compared among non-exposed and exposed workers to benzene. A comparison of the two groups was performed considering rhino-cytological features.
Results:
In the exposed group neutrophils count range was 14 to 70, compared to 2 to 5 in control group. Ciliated cells ratio range was respectively 0.28 to 2.8 and 0.25 to 0.31. In subjects exposed to benzene >10 years, nasal mucosa showed an inflammatory status and an ongoing mucipar metaplasia, defined by an alteration of mucipar/ciliated cells ratio.
Conclusions:
Nasal cytology may be a useful research tool for the health surveillance of workers exposed to benzene and may be applied to study the effects of other upper airways chemicals irritants.
