Arterial stiffness and indicators of systemic inflammation as markers of cardiovascular risk in men exposed to industrial air pollutants
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of indicators of vascular stiffness and immune inflammatory response in individuals working under conditions of inhalation of industrial air pollutants. Materials and methods. The study included 2 groups of “VMZ” employees: the main group consisted of 120 men working in conditions of inhalation of industrial aerosols, the comparison group included 70 men who had no contact with industrial pollutants. The CAVI index and other parameters of vascular wall stiffness were instrumentally determined by volumetric sphygmography, laboratory levels of immunoglobulins A and G, interleukins, TNFα, and C-reactive protein were determined. Results. The group of workers who had respiratory contact with industrial air pollutants was characterized by significantly higher rates of vascular stiffness compared to the comparison group. Analysis of laboratory parameters revealed relative hyperimmunoglobulinemia E and G, higher levels of interleukin-8 and reduced levels of interleukin-4 in the main group of subjects. Correlation relationship between the CAVI index and some indicators of systemic inflammation were determined: the CAVI index was positively associated with the level of TNFα and negatively with anti-inflammatory IL-10. Conclusion. Elevated vascular wall stiffness, found in men who inhale industrial aerosols, is a marker of high cardiovascular risk. The established correlations between the levels of cytokines, C-reactive protein and volumetric sphygmography indicate the pathogenetic role of cytokines and acute phase proteins in the violation of the elastic properties of the vascular bed in men who inhale air pollutants. The results obtained can be used in the creation of new approaches to the stratification of the cardiovascular risk of workers in metallurgical enterprises.