SERUM ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME, SOLUBLE E-SELECTIN AND LAMININ IN SUBJECTS OCCUPATIONALLY-EXPOSED TO VOLATILE ORGANIC-CHEMICALS AND MERCURY-VAPOR

This study attempts to confirm previous findings of altered serum solu ble E-selectin and laminin in workers exposed to volatile organic chem icals (VOCs) and further explore evidence of endothelial cell disturba nces in workers exposed to VOCs and mercury vapour. Serum angiotensin- converting enzyme (ACE), soluble E-selectin and laminin were measured in a cross-sectional study of workers exposed to a small range of VOCs (n = 21), mercury vapour (n = 32) and a control group (n = 50). Both endothelial markers, ACE and E-selectin were significantly higher in m ercury- and VOC-exposed workers. Laminin was significantly lower than controls in the VOC-exposed. These results confirm our previous initia l findings in workers exposed to VOCs of endothelial disturbances and decreased serum levels of a constituent of basement membranes, namely laminin. In the mercury-exposed workers who had relatively high occupa tional exposure for the UK, there was also evidence of endothelial dis turbances. The ubiquitous nature of endothelial cells and the underlyi ng structural basement membrane associated with the vasculature means that it is impossible to state with any certainty the site of the acti on of these chemicals. However due to the ease of absorption of VOCs a nd mercury via the pulmonary system, and the metabolism of VOCs in the lungs themselves, it is probable that the initial site of the disturb ances noted is in lung endothelia and associated basement membrane.