HO-1 and VEGF gene expressions are time dependant during exposure to welding fumes

M. Stark, J. Zubareb, R. Jacovovitz, Y. Schwartz, Y. Lerman, N. Grinberg, E. Fireman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a defensive enzyme against oxidative stress. Vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent cytokine which promotes angiogenesis. We used induced sputum (IS) technology to study HO-1 and VEGF expressions in neutrophilic inflammation in asymptomatic welders. Aircraft plant employees were divided into three groups: Welders 1 (n = 30) had short-term exposure to aluminum/iron, Welders 2 (n = 16) had long-term exposure to cadmium/chromium/iron/nickel, and controls (n = 27 non-exposed individuals). Participants underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), IS, differential cell counts, and determination of particle size distribution in IS samples. HO-1 and VEGF gene expressions were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels were measured by bilirubin reductase-dependant reaction and ELISA, respectively. All subjects had normal PFTs. Welders 2 had neutrophilic inflammation and higher percentages of particles between 2-5 μ than the other groups. HO-1 inversely correlated with VEGF gene expression: HO-1 was significantly higher and VEGF was significantly lower in the Welders 1 group than in the other groups. There was a correlation between HO-1 expression and protein activity (r = 0.33, P = 0.05). Particulate matters significantly influenced HO-1 and VEGF gene expressions, caused neutrophilic inflammation and promoted oxidative stress in welders with long-term exposure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)290-295
Number of pages6
JournalCytokine
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2009

Keywords

  • Induced sputum
  • Oxidative stress
  • Welders

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