A role of molecular analysis for diagnosis and prevention of occupational lung diseases

Morbidity of occupational respiratory diseases depends on workplace environmental and individual genotype as well. The aim of our study was to investigate molecular biomarkers of bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in workers exposed to toxic aerosols. The second aim was to develop preventive measures for these diseases. Methods. This was a randomized prospective cohort study that involved workers of food industry. Results. The study involved 159 food industry workers. Lung function abnormalities (29.3%) and hyperresponsiveness to workrelated factors (20.6%) were found in 126 of 159 workers who were at risk of occupational respiratory diseases and were exposed to biological active aerosols. BA and COPD were diagnosed in 17.4% and 11.9% of workers, respectively. Hyposecretory variants (PiMS, PiMZ) of alfa-1-protease inhibitor (API) gene were found in 5.5% of workers. Proportions of workers with deficit of GSTM1 and GSTT1 enzymes were 65% and 60%, respectively. Risk alleles (ID, DD) of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene that indicate the susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases and are typical for subjects exposed to dust particles and other hazardous agents were found in 20% of workers. Conclusion. Our results have demonstrated the role of molecular biomarkers of individual susceptibility to occupational factors. Molecular biomarkers could define the risk of occupational respiratory diseases, predict their course and help to choose therapeutic and preventive measures. Identifying the susceptible workers could underlie personalized approach to prevention of respiratory diseases.

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