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Toxicol Lett

Title:		T(H1)-directed modulation of in vitro cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by styrene-7.8-oxide
Author(s):		Merker GH; Metzner G; Raabe F;
Address:		"Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University of Leipzig, Germany"
Journal Title:		Toxicol Lett
Year:		2006
Volume:		20050818
Issue:		2
Page Number:		105 - 111
DOI:		10.1016/j.toxlet.2005.06.014
ISSN/ISBN:		0378-4274 (Print) 0378-4274 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Styrene and its chiral main metabolite styrene-7.8-oxide are well characterized regarding their cytotoxic, genotoxic and neurotoxic properties. To our knowledge, no data exist on the influence of styrene and styrene-7.8-oxide on immune reactions. Epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to environmental pollutants, specifically volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including styrene is one factor contributing to increasing prevalence rates of allergic diseases. In this study, we investigated the modulation of the immune system by styrene-7.8-oxide in vitro. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with styrene-7.8-oxide, either as (S)-enantiomer, (R)-enantiomer, or racemic styrene-7.8-oxide. Subsequently, the secretion of T(H1)-cytokines IFNgamma and IL-12 as well as T(H2)-cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 were measured by ELISA. We introduced a novel mathematical approach to quantify and compare cytokine responses. The results revealed a stimulation of cytokine secretion with emphasis on T(H1)-cytokines IFNgamma and IL-12. The stimulating effects were elicited at concentrations of styrene-7.8-oxide comparable to what would be encountered at industrial workplaces where styrene is processed. Therefore, we conclude that styrene-7.8-oxide exhibits immunomodulating capacities, which can be of clinical relevance for individuals with high styrene exposure"
Keywords:		"Air Pollutants, Occupational/*toxicity Carcinogens/toxicity Cells, Cultured Cytokines/analysis/*immunology Epoxy Compounds/*toxicity Humans Interferon Inducers/toxicity Leukocytes, Mononuclear/*drug effects/immunology Mutagens/toxicity Th1 Cells/immunolog;"
Notes:		"MedlineMerker, Georg H Metzner, Gerhard Raabe, Ferdinand eng Netherlands 2005/08/23 Toxicol Lett. 2006 Jan 5; 160(2):105-11. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2005.06.014. Epub 2005 Aug 18"