Effects of occupational chronic co-exposure to n-hexane, toluen, and methyl ethyl ketone on NK cell activity and some immunoregulatory cytokine levels in shoe workers

Abstract

1 To evaluate the effects of occupational long-term coexposure to n-hexane, toluen, and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) on NK cell activity and serum IL-2, g-IFN levels, we studied a group of workers employed in a shoe factory where the jobs include use of glues and adhesives containing mainly n-hexane, and at low concentrations, toluen and MEK. 2 No differences were found in these parameters even in those workers with 3.3-fold higher mean levels of urine, 2,5-Hxdn and approximately twofold higher mean levels of urine hippuric acid as compared to controls. 3 We conclude that chronic co-exposure to n-hexane, toluen, and MEK at these levels is not associated with an impairment on either NK cell activity or serum IL-2 and g-IFN levels.