Changes of T lymphocyte subsets in workers with long-term benzene exposure / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the changes of T-lymphocyte subsets in workers with long-term benzene exposure, and further understand the benzene's lymphotoxicity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood was sampled from 44 patients with chronic benzene poisoning of different degrees, (mild 22 patients, moderate 14, severe 8) respectively. Twenty-two health benzene exposed workers, and 94 health unexposed workers served as normal control. A total of the phenotype (CD4, CD8) of T lymphocyte in peripheral blood was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Lymphocyte subset analysis showed significantly decreased CD4(+) T lymphocytes, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, except CD8(+) T lymphocytes in benzene exposed groups (P<0.05). Among the four benzene-exposed groups, CD4(+) T lymphocytes and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio showed no difference (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The primary changes of T-lymphocyte subsets in workers following benzene long-term exposure are the decrease of CD4(+)%, but the changes are not correlated with haematopoietic injury.</p>