Immunological study on asthmatics in Kirkuk oil refineries.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Immunological study on asthmatic patients working in oil and gas refineries in kirkuk, iraq
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Mohemid M Al-Jebouri and Zheeno N Taha
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Immunological study on asthmatic patients working in oil and gas refineries in kirkuk, iraq
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
Asthma is a prevalent global health issue affecting approximately 300 million individuals across various demographics, leading to about 250,000 premature deaths annually. The condition is linked to work environments, particularly in oil and gas refineries where occupational exposure can exacerbate asthma symptoms, manifesting as either occasional or chronic respiratory difficulties. This study investigates the immunological responses of asthmatic patients working in oil and gas refineries in Kirkuk, Iraq, alongside those seeking treatment in an allergy and immunology center, with a focus on understanding the inflammatory markers involved.
2) Immunological Markers in Asthmatic Patients
In the study, a significant focus was placed on examining various immunological parameters such as the levels of cytokines and immunoglobulins in asthmatic patients. Results indicated notable differences in the levels of serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) between the groups, with oil and gas refinery workers exhibiting a mean IL-8 level of 34.06 pg/ml, while other asthmatic patients showed a significantly higher mean of 60.6 pg/ml and the control group reported mean levels of 26.3 pg/ml. The findings suggest that elevated IL-8 levels may indicate a marker of severe asthma and heightened airway inflammation, making it imperative for further investigation into the impacts of occupational environments on respiratory health.
3) White Blood Cell Count and Asthma
The study also assessed white blood cell (WBC) counts among participants, finding that the total WBC count was relatively comparable between oil and gas company workers, other asthmatic patients, and a control group. However, differential WBC analysis revealed significant differences in specific leukocyte subtypes, particularly lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes. The mean lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in refinery patients, which may indicate alterations in immune response due to chronic exposure to irritants in the work environment. This alteration emphasizes the potential for environmental factors to influence the immunological profiles of affected individuals.
4) The Role of Cytokines
The levels of other pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) showcased varying results, with no significant differences between the studied groups. This indicates that while certain cytokines like IL-8 may serve as markers for asthma severity, others such as TNF-α might not be as impactful or could be subject to variability based on the timing of sample collection, particularly in the context of acute versus chronic symptoms. Despite this, the data underscores the complexity of asthma pathophysiology and highlights the importance of various biomarkers in assessing the condition's severity among different populations.
5) Conclusion
This study highlights the need for ongoing research into the specific immunological effects of occupational hazards, particularly in the oil and gas industry. The distinct immunological profiles observed among refinery workers compared to other asthmatic patients and the control group suggest that exposure to certain environmental factors can significantly influence the severity and nature of asthma. Further exploration into how these factors impact immune response and the relationship with inflammatory markers such as IL-8 and complement levels will be essential in developing better management strategies for occupational asthma and improving worker health outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main purpose of the study conducted in Kirkuk, Iraq?
The study aimed to investigate the immunological aspects of asthmatic patients working in oil and gas refineries in Kirkuk, Iraq, assessing various immune markers and comparing them with other asthma patients and healthy controls.
What were the key demographic details of the study participants?
The study included 100 subjects aged 25 to 65 years from both genders, with 50 patients attending an allergy/immunology center and 50 working in the North Oil Company.
Which immune parameters were measured in the study?
The study measured total and differential white blood cell counts, serum interleukins (IL-6, IL-8), TNF-α, immunoglobulin E (IgE), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and complement component 4 (C4).
What significant findings were reported regarding serum IL-8 levels?
The study found a significant association between asthma and elevated serum IL-8 levels among the study groups, particularly higher in asthmatic patients not working in oil refineries.
How did the mean levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) compare among groups?
Mean serum IgE levels were highest in patients not working in oil refineries, indicating a potential difference in allergen exposure or immune response compared to those working in the oil sector.
What conclusions were drawn about the relationship between asthma and complement C4 levels?
There was a highly significant difference in serum C4 levels among asthmatic patient groups, suggesting that exposure to oil and gas products may impact immune function and warrant further investigation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Immunological study on asthmatics in Kirkuk oil refineries.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Company:
In this study, 'Company' refers to the North Oil Company, where the research is conducted, involving workers exposed to various occupational hazards. This context emphasizes the relationship between the workers' environments in oil refineries and the exacerbation of asthma symptoms, highlighting workplace health issues.
2) Table:
The term 'Table' relates to the structured presentation of the study's findings, particularly data about blood cell counts and serum levels among different groups. Tables effectively summarize complex numerical data, facilitating comparison and analysis of immunological parameters across asthmatic patients and controls.
3) Blood:
Blood is crucial in this research as it is used to assess various immunological markers linked to asthma. The analysis includes determining leukocyte counts, interleukins, and immunoglobulins, which provide insights into the patients' inflammatory responses and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms associated with asthma.
4) Study (Studying):
The word 'Study' encapsulates the entire research process undertaken to understand the immunological parameters of asthmatic patients working in oil refineries. It underscores the methodology used, including participant selection, blood analysis, and results, contributing to a greater understanding of occupational health.
5) Disease:
Here, 'Disease' specifically refers to asthma, a chronic respiratory condition investigated in the study. The research focuses on understanding the immunological aspects of asthma exacerbations experienced by patients working in a challenging industrial environment, emphasizing the health burden associated with this condition.
6) Inflammation:
'Inflammation' is a central theme in the study, relating to the body's immune response in asthma. The measured cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, indicate inflammatory processes that contribute to the pathophysiology of asthma. Understanding inflammation is crucial for targeted treatment approaches.
7) Allergy:
'Allergy' refers to the hypersensitive response that can manifest in asthma. The study examines the role of allergens and the immune dysregulation in workers exposed to specific irritants within the oil and gas industry, highlighting occupational asthma's relationship with allergic reactions.
8) Bronchial asthma:
This term describes the specific type of asthma investigated, characterized by airway inflammation and obstruction. The study focuses on identifying immunological markers and potential triggers experienced by workers, providing insights into managing bronchial asthma in occupational settings.
9) Substance:
'Substance' denotes chemicals or pollutants present in the oil and gas refineries that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. The study explores the effect of these substances on respiratory health and inflammation, emphasizing the need for occupational safety measures.
10) Attending:
'Attending' highlights the aspect of patient participation in the study. It refers to individuals seeking treatment at the allergy and immunology center, contrasting their conditions with patients working in the oil company, revealing the impact of different environments on asthma severity.
11) Medicine:
In this context, 'Medicine' relates to the field involved in diagnosing, treating, and understanding asthma. The study underscores the relevance of medical research in comprehending occupational health diseases and improving treatment strategies for affected individuals.
12) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Although not the primary focus, 'Rheumatoid arthritis' serves as an illustrative example of autoimmune diseases influenced by inflammation, paralleling some immune mechanisms in asthma. Mentioning it emphasizes the significance of understanding inflammatory pathways shared among chronic diseases.
13) Pharmacological:
This term refers to the aspect of medication management within asthma treatment. The study highlights the varying responses to pharmacological treatments in asthmatic patients, particularly those with distinct inflammatory profiles, which can significantly affect therapeutic outcomes.
14) Unconscious:
The term 'Unconscious' connects to the potential cognitive impairments linked to exposure to toxic gases (like CO) in the oil industry. This underlines the occupational hazards faced by workers and emphasizes the consequences of poor environmental control in workplaces.
15) Discussion:
'Discussion' signifies the section of the study where results are interpreted and compared with existing literature. This part critically analyzes findings and contextualizes them within broader asthma research, offering insights about worker health in industrial settings.
16) Irritation:
The term 'Irritation' is relevant in discussing the harmful effects of harmful substances in the work environment. It reflects the immediate response of the airways to occupational exposures, leading to allergenic reactions or asthma exacerbations among workers.
17) Pregnant:
'Pregnant' points to exclusions in the study criteria. This signifies the acknowledgment of unique health considerations in expecting mothers, emphasizing ethical research practices and the necessity to protect vulnerable populations in occupational health studies.
18) Quality:
'Quality' pertains to the working conditions in the oil industry and their direct impact on respiratory health. The study investigates how the quality of the workplace environment relates to asthma exacerbations, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.
19) Nature:
In this context, 'Nature' relates to the characteristics of substances present in the industrial environment. Understanding the nature of these compounds is crucial for assessing their risk potential and the physiological responses they elicit in sensitized individuals.
20) Water:
'Water' may refer to its role in the context of contamination and environmental exposure. It is indirectly pertinent since water quality (and surrounding pollutants) can influence the health of workers in industrial sites, necessitating comprehensive health assessments.
21) Field:
'Field' denotes the specific area of research, occupational health, particularly focused on the oil and gas industry. This emphasizes the environmental and health challenges workers face in such fields, contributing to the overall understanding of workplace safety.
22) Death:
The mention of 'Death' highlights the severe consequences of uncontrolled asthma and significant occupational hazards. It underscores the urgency of addressing health issues faced by workers in dangerous environments, framing a critical public health concern.
23) Tank:
'Tank' refers to the storage components in oil refineries that may emit harmful vapors affecting respiratory health. Researching the impact of these tanks on worker health is vital to effectively prevent occupational asthma incidents.
24) Mast:
'Mast' may relate to structural units or equipment in oil fields that could involve exposure risks for workers. The identification of such installations is important for assessing occupational hazards and associated asthma-related risks.
25) Line:
'Line' signifies the pipelines essential for transporting oil and gas. Assessing the safety of these lines, especially concerning fugitive emissions, is crucial for understanding the broader implications for worker health in such industrial environments.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Immunological study on asthmatics in Kirkuk oil refineries.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Chronic disease, Immune system, Statistical analysis, Environmental pollution, Control group, Exclusion criteria, Ethical consideration, Cross-sectional study, Eosinophil Count, Heavy metal, Total WBC count, Acute phase response, Serum IgE, Interleukin-6, Statistically significant difference, Asthmatic patients, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Lymphocyte count, Airway hyperresponsiveness, Cytotoxic effect, Complete blood picture, Neutrophil count, Interleukin -8, Immunological study, Oil and gas refineries, Kirkuk, Iraq, Work-related exacerbation, Total and differential white blood cell count, Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), Serum interleukin-8 (IL-8), Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), Serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), Serum complement component 4 (C4), Occupational asthma, Monocyte count, Basophil count, Blood sample, Blood sampling, Immune regulation, Asthmatic attack, Serum IgA, Serum immunoglobulin, North Oil Company, Irradiates respiratory tissues, Interleukins IL-6 and IL-8, Complement component 4, Serum complement 4, Mean level, North Oil and Gas Company, Mean Lymphocyte count, Bronchoalveolar lavage monocytes, Eosinophilic asthma, Serum interleukin-6, Serum interleukin-8, Worldwide severity and control of asthma, Occupational lung disease, Eosinophilic inflammation in asthma, Interleukin-6 in biology and medicine, Free and complexed interleukin-8, Peripheral blood leukocyte counts, Basophils: a nonredundant contributor, Eosinophils and neutrophils, Airway inflammation and asthma severity, Heavy metals of bacterial pathogens, Neutrophilic inflammatory phenotype, Cytokine gene expression in vivo.