Effect of lifestyle on levels of specific IgE antibodies

Specific IgE antibodies against cobalt-conjugated human serum albumin (Co-HSA) were determined in serum samples from 706 hard metal workers who responded to a questionnaire on 17 physical and mental health practices. Hard metal (an alloy of cobalt) exposure resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increases in Co-HSA RAST indices in male subjects. In contrast, no factor concerning health practices made an independent contribution to elevation or suppression of specific IgE levels against cobalt. Although total IgE level was found to be significantly (P < 0.01) modulated by the cumulative health practice index (HPIA: Health Practice Index in Allergic reaction), which was extracted by MANOVA analysis while controlling for sex, age, and environmental factors, no significant association was found between HPIA and specific IgE level against cobalt. Multiple logistic analysis also revealed that health practices and hard metal exposure had a significant relative risk (> 2.3; P < 0.05) of elevating Co-HSA RAST index when the total IgE level was more than 400 IU/ml. Thus, a healthy lifestyle as well as discouragement of occupational exposure may be of benefit in reducing allergic disorders for persons with high IgE levels.