Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
PTERIDINES, cilt.36, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of occupational exposure on the cellular immune response by measuring neopterin release and the kynurenine pathway and to assess trace element status and heavy metal exposure. The study group consisted of 30 male e-waste recycling workers who underwent detailed occupational anamnesis and a comprehensive physical examination. Concentrations of essential trace elements (Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, and Zn) and heavy metals (Sb, Cd, and Pb) were measured in whole blood or serum samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Serum tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine (Kyn) levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and serum neopterin concentrations were quantified using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Serum neopterin, Trp, and Kyn concentrations were 7.8 +/- 0.7 nmol/L, 54 +/- 2 mu mol/L, and 0.5 +/- 0.04 mu mol/L, respectively. The estimated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity, expressed as the Kyn/Trp ratio, was 8.8 +/- 0.8 mu mol/mmol. Elevated levels of individual metals, except for Pb, did not significantly alter neopterin release or kynurenine pathway activity (all, p > 0.05). Blood Pb levels showed positive correlations with both Sb and neopterin concentrations, whereas they were negatively correlated with Cu levels (all, p < 0.05). These results indicate that e-waste recycling workers are exposed to multiple heavy metals, suggesting potential inhalation exposure, and that such exposure may influence trace element status, neopterin release, and the kynurenine pathway without inducing pronounced changes. Further studies with larger populations are warranted to confirm these findings and to better characterize the health impact of multiple metal exposure. Occupational safety measures should be strengthened to minimize such exposures.