After stimulation with interferon-g, human macrophages produce neopterin which serves as a marker of activated cell-mediated immune response. Aim: Assessment of serum neopterin levels in silicosis patients, workers exposed to inorganic dust, and a control group.
Methods: Serum neopterin levels were measured using ELISA in 60 patients with silicosis, according to conventional X-ray observation (ILO, 2002), 92 male workers exposed to dust containing free crystalline silica, and 43 controls.
Results: Serum neopterin levels in silicosis patients (2.74ng/ml) and in exposed workers (3.22ng/ml) were significantly higher (p<0.0005) compared to the control group (1.6ng/ml). Significant difference was also found between silicosis patients and exposed workers (p<0.005).
Conclusions: Increased serum neopterin levels could be used as a marker for effect of exposure to inorganic dust containing more than 2% of free crystal line silica.
Scripta Scientifica Medica 2009; 41(1): 91-94.
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