IMPACT OF TECHNOGENIC AIR POLLUTION FACTORS ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Abstract

Background. Suspended solid particles (SSPs) of atmospheric air contribute to the development and progression of respiratory diseases. One of the adaptive mechanisms, allowing for adjustment under the impact of pathogenic factors of the environment is the immune system. Purpose. The objective of the present research is to reveal triggering micro-toxicants of the surface layer of the atmospheric air in Vladivostok city on the immune system of population with bronchopulmonary pathology. Materials and methods. Overall 360 patients (105 healthy humans, 130 patients with bronchial asthma (BA), and 125 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were included in the study. Percentage content of SSP fractions and absorbed heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) were assessed in the surface layer of atmospheric air. Integral immune system response indices (Dp%, Din%, ∑Nр) were determined using the Multiple Correlation module. Results. The maximum integral response (Din%=1.74) was observed in the group of patients with COPD at minimal total immune responses (∑Nр=28), in the group with AD, Din% was 1.54 (∑Nр=31). The lowest immune response was revealed in healthy individuals (Din%=1.22) at the maximum total activity of immune responses (∑Np=32). Conclusion. The microtoxicants of the surface layer of the atmospheric air in Vladivostok city have a negative effect on the immune system of all the studied population cohorts. A more pronounced immune response was observed in individuals with bronchopulmonary pathology. The analysis highlighted the trigger factors (fractions of 0-1 and 50-100 microns, as well as presence of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Co) of the atmospheric air of Vladivostok city, as well as the ranges of their impacts on the immune system of healthy population and individuals with bronchopulmonary pathology, which allows predicting the severity of environmental bronchopulmonary pathology and initiate preventive measures.

Keywords

• suspended solid particles
• heavy metals of atmospheric air
• bronchopulmonary pathology
• immune system