Concentration of serum superoxide dismutase and expression of serum IL-2 and TNF-α in workers exposed to coke oven emission

Objective To detect the level of the serum superoxide dismutase(SOD),interleukin-2(IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in workers exposed to coke oven emission(COE).Methods A total of 60 workers(20 at top,20 at side and 20 at bottom of the oven) were employed in the study,and 20 students and teachers were assigned as the control group.The levels of serum SOD in workers s blood were measured with xanthosine oxidsae method and the levels of the serum IL-2,TNF-α with ELISA.Results The SOD activity,IL-2,and TNF-α of workers at top of the oven was 10.50±5.34 U/mL,59.188±47.7 pg/mL,and 59.188±47.7 pg/mL,respectively.The level of serum SOD activity of the exposed group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The levels of the serum IL-2 and TNF of the exposed group were sign-ificantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion The occupational exposure to coke oven emission resulted in increase of serum SOD activity and decrease of serum IL-2 and TNF.