Biomarker Discovery After Occupational Exposure To Volatile Organic Compounds And Aerosols In F-15 and C-130 Flight Line Crews: Examination of ProInflammatory Cytokines in Serum.

摘要

Air and ground crews transfer significant amounts of jet fuel and, as a result of transfers, breathe its volatile emissions. Working on flight lines also exposes maintainers to jet fuel exhaust. Little is known concerning levels of exposure and corresponding response biomarkers associated with human jet fuel exposure. The objective of this study was screening blood for detectable jet fuel components and potential biomarkers. As collaborative research the Japan Air Self-Defense Force measured JP-4 or JP-8 components in blood and the U.S. Air Force analyzed for biomarkers. This report describes methods and results for examining ten proinflammatory cytokines in serum. Blood was collected from volunteers at USAF and JASDF air bases in Japan only once pre-shift, post-shift, and the following morning. Concentrations of 5 cytokines (GM-CSF, IFN- , IL-2, IL-1 and IL-1 ) fell below assay range. No changes were observed with IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 p70. TNF- at Kadena AB showed a significant increase post-shift for JP-8-exposed subjects, but levels did not differ from control subjects. IL-8 levels in JP-4-exposed subjects were higher than those in Tachikawa control subjects (no active runway) at the post-shift time point. IL-8 levels in JP-8-exposed subjects were also higher than levels in control subjects (at the recovery time point). IL-8 levels in JP-4-exposed subjects were higher than levels in JP-8-exposed subjects at all three time points. Data might indicate a low level of inflammation. However, cytokines may not be sensitive markers for jet fuel exposure or exposure was too low to trigger inflammatory effects.