Immune and genetic markers of functional disorders of the autonomic nervous system in workers engaged in underground mining

Introduction. Th e study of immune and genetic indicators associated with functional pathology of the autonomic nervous system in workers engaged in mining operations for the extraction of chrome ore (Perm region).

The aim of the study was to study the characteristics of cellular immunity and genetic polymorphism in workers engaged in underground mining, suff ering from functional disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

Materials and methods. Th e state of various parts of the autonomic nervous system was assessed using cardiorhythmographic program according to the standard method. Markers of cell diff erentiation (CD95+, CD127-) were determined by fl ow cytometry on fl ow cytofl uorimeter. Determining the level of protein expression of Bcl–2 and membrane expression of the receptor for tumor necrosis factor TNF was performed using corresponding monoclonal antibodies and simultaneous procedure negative isotype control. Genetic features were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and allelic discrimination based on the diagnosis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Results. The analysis of cardiointervalography indices showed that the predominant types of vegetative regulation of the initial vegetative tone in the observation and comparison groups were eitonia (37.5 and 45.8%, respectively, p=0.448). The sympathetic tone in the observation group were found 1.8 times more often than in the control group (35.4% and 20%, respectively, p=0,126). The study of indicators of the immune system in the working group of observation allowed to establish that the number of T-lymphocytes expressing the receptor apparatus of T-lymphocytes CD127- suppressors was significantly higher than the reference level. The number of T-lymphocytes carrying CD95+ cell death receptor did not significantly differ from the same index in the comparison group, at the same time, in relation to the physiological norm, their level was significantly lower. TNFR cells relative to physiological norm (p<0.05). When studying the system of transcription factors of apoptosis, inhibition of intracellular protein expression of Bcl–2 protein was established. A significant increase in the value of the index of specific sensitization to chromium (Ig E spec.), (1.63 times in relation to the comparison group). The genetic analysis revealed differences in the distribution of frequencies of alleles and genotypes in patients with diseases of the nervous system (polyneuropathy, disorders of the autonomic system, epilepsy, eitonia, etc.) on the genotypes of the following genes: gene detoxification of xenobiotics — coproporphyrinogen oxidase CPOX A/C rs1131857, serotonin receptor gene HTR2A A/G rs7997012, which forms a genetic predisposition to pathological immunoregulatory scenarios of allergization, hypersensitivity to intoxication, carcinogenesis, catecholamine regulation defects (asthenia, migraine, obesity, lability of blood pressure and pulse). Conclusions. Th e results of immunological and genetic studies indicate production conditionality in miners engaged in underground mining of chromium ore, with manifestations of functional disorders of the autonomic nervous system associated with an imbalance of immunoregulation and gene polymorphism variability.

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