Abstract: Crystalline silica has recently been reported to act as an adjuvant which increases inflammation and antibody production. On the basis of new knowledge, it is possible that cement dust may have effects on the immune functions of cement factory workers. Previous studies on Nigerian cement factory workers were concentrated on the pulmonary function tests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prevalence of chest infections and liver function tests neglecting the immune parameters of the cement workers. The present study determines the levels of serum immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgM, IgG &amp; IgE)  and Alanine aminotransaminase, Alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase in 45 male cement factory workers that are occupationally exposed to cement dust compared with 30, age and sex-matched, office workers that were not resident in the town of study. Immunodiffusion method was used to determine serum IgA, IgM, IgG while ELISA method was used to determine serum IgE. Alkaline phosphatase(ALP), alanine amino transferase(ALT), bilirubin were determined using Hitachi 902 auto analyser while gamma glutamyl transferase(GGT) was determined using colorimetric method. The levels of IgM and IgA were not statistically different in cement factory workers compared with control (p&gt;0.05) while IgG and IgE were significantly higher in cement factory workers (p&lt;0.05) when compared with corresponding levels in the controls. Also, ALP and bilirubin were higher in the test subjects than in control group (p&lt;0.05). Though the mean levels of ALT and GGT were not statistically significantly higher cement factory workers when compared with control group (p&gt;0.05). This study demonstrated that higher level of IgG may be a mechanism to block anaphylaxis reaction of IgE in Nigerian cement factory workers. The raised ALP and bilirubin levels may suggest hepatotoxic effects of cement dust

Akinduti P A

Akinosun O M

Arinola O G

Ogunbileje J O

CiteSeerX

Researcher                                                                                                                                                2010;2(4)  
 
 
55 
IMMUNOGLOBULIN CLASSES (IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE) AND LIVER FUNCTION      
TESTS IN NIGERIAN CEMENT FACTORY WORKERS 
 
Ogunbileje J.O
1
, Akinosun O.M
1
, Arinola O.G 
1
, Akinduti P.A
2 
1
Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 
Nigeria. 
2
Department of Medical Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. 
Email: ifemiwale2006@yahoo.com  
 
Abstract: Crystalline silica has recently been reported to act as an adjuvant which increases inflammation and 
antibody production. On the basis of new knowledge, it is possible that cement dust may have effects on the 
immune functions of cement factory workers. Previous studies on Nigerian cement factory workers were 
concentrated on the pulmonary function tests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prevalence of 
chest infections and liver function tests neglecting the immune parameters of the cement workers. The present 
study determines the levels of serum immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgM, IgG & IgE) and Alanine 
aminotransaminase, Alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase in 45 male cement 
factory workers that are occupationally exposed to cement dust compared with 30, age and sex-matched, office 
workers that were not resident in the town of study.  Immunodiffusion method was used to determine serum 
IgA, IgM, IgG while ELISA method was used to determine serum IgE. Alkaline phosphatase(ALP), alanine 
amino transferase(ALT), bilirubin were determined using Hitachi 902 auto analyser while gamma glutamyl 
transferase(GGT) was determined using colorimetric method. The levels of IgM and IgA were not statistically 
different in cement factory workers compared with control (p>0.05) while IgG and IgE were significantly higher 
in cement factory workers (p<0.05) when compared with corresponding levels in the controls. Also, ALP and 
bilirubin were higher in the test subjects than in control group (p<0.05). Though the mean levels of  ALT and 
GGT were not statistically significantly higher cement factory workers when compared with control group 
(p>0.05). This study demonstrated that higher level of IgG may be a mechanism to block anaphylaxis reaction 
of IgE in Nigerian cement factory workers. The raised ALP and bilirubin levels may suggest hepatotoxic effects 
of cement dust. [Researcher 2010;2(4):55-58]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). 
   
Key-words: Silica, Cement dust, Nigeria, Immunoglobulin, Liver. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
        Cement is known to be a mixture of calcium 
oxide (60-67%), silicon oxide (17-25%), 
aluminium trioxide (3-8%), and ferric oxide (0-
5%) (Fell et al, 2003), and is been implicated as a 
causative agent of silicosis. Silicosis is one 
civilization’s oldest known occupational disease, 
and is induced by inhalation of crystalline silica 
(Ding et al, 2002).  Exposure to silica can result in 
or contribute to several other diseases including 
acute silicosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, interstitial 
fibrosis, rheumatoid complications, vascular 
diseases, glomerulonephritis, and immunological 
reactions (Ding et al, 2002). Though inflammatory 
responses resulting from workplace exposures are 
usually observed in specific target organs, such as 
the lungs, skin and liver and if persistent, may 
progress to fibrosis, granulomatous diseases and 
even cancer (Aminian et al, 2008). On the basis of 
new knowledge, it is possible that cement dust 
may have effects on the immune and liver 
functions.  
        Silica is a major constituent of cement dust 
and has been reported to be one of the most 
fibrogenic material found in nature (ICMR, 
2001).The reason for the fibrogenic property 
remain largely unelucidated. Though, this has been 
related to the role of immunological phenomenon 
in the pathogenesis of this disease. ICMR (2001) 
proposed a theory which suggests three possible 
ways in which free silica particles might cause 
immunological reactions viz: silica acting as an 
antigen, producing an autoantibody or acting as an 
adjuvant. This is also consistent with the report of 
Pernis (2001), which proposed that the 
pathogenesis of silicosis may be entirely 
immunological and that it involves stimulation of 
innate immune system, followed by polyclonal 
activation of the lymphoid and  adaptive moiety of 
immunity. Though, the respiratory tract is often 
the site of injury in occupationally exposed 
individuals but the kidney, liver, skin and the 
immune system may be affected. The incidence of 
autoimmune disease has also been reported in 
several studies (Sanchez-Roman et al, 1993 and 
Boll et al, 1981). Increased levels of different 
immunoglobulin classes have been reported in 
Researcher                                                                                                                                                2010;2(4)  
 
 
56 
previous studies on the effects of silica on 
immunoglobulin classes (Gregorid et al, 1980, 
Doll et al, 1980, Doll et al, 1981 and Karnick et al, 
1990). However, increased IgG level has been 
consistent in most studies (Galikova, 1982, 
Karnick, 1990). Previous studies on cement 
factory workers in Nigeria were concentrated on 
its effects on the prevalence of chest infections and 
liver function tests, neglecting the immune 
parameters of the cement workers (Omini and 
Akpogomeh, 2007 and Mojimoniyi et al, 2007). 
Encountered studies on immune functions and 
environmental exposure to substances among 
Nigerians were not on cement factory worker ( 
Akinosun et al, 2006, Arinola and Obikoya, 2008). 
This reason therefore, necessitated the 
determination of levels of some humoral 
parameters and liver function in Nigerian cement 
factory workers. 
MATERIALS AND METHODS 
        A total of seventy-five (75) Nigerian males 
were recruited for the study after obtaining an 
informed consent. Forty-five (45) were cement 
factory workers while thirty (30) controls were 
office workers that are not resident in Sagamu 
town (town of study). Smokers, alcoholics and 
those with chronic illnesses were exempted from 
the study. The mean age of the subjects group was 
35.04±8.36 years while that of the control group 
was 31.87±8.08years. Questionnaires were 
administered to obtain other information. 
 
        Five (5) millilitres of venous blood was 
withdrawn into a plain sample bottle, allowed to 
retract and spun at 3000rpm for 5min to obtain 
serum. Serum IgA, IgG, IgM were estimated using 
radial immunodiffusion method (Salimonu et al, 
1978) while IgE was determined using ELISA 
method using Human IgE MICRO-ELISA Test 
kit
R
 (Leico Technologies, Inc). ALP, ALT, 
bilirubin were determined using Hitachi 902 auto 
analyser while GGT was determined using 
colorimetric method.  
        Statistical analysis: Computer software SPSS 
version 15.0 was used for analysis of data. 
Comparison of variables were done using Student 
t-test and Pearson correlation. The probability 
value (p) less than 0.05 was considered significant. 
RESULTS 
     Table I shows the mean levels of 
immunoglobulin classes in cement factory workers 
compared with corresponding levels in controls. 
IgG and IgE were significantly higher in cement 
factory workers (p<0.05) when compared with 
corresponding levels in the controls.  The mean 
level of IgM of cement factory workers was lower 
compared with control but not statistically 
significantly (p>0.05), also IgA mean levels was 
non-significantly higher in cement factory workers 
compared with controls (p>0.05). In table II, ALP 
and bilirubin were significantly higher in the test 
subjects than in control group (p<0.05). Though, 
ALT and GGT have higher mean levels in cement 
factory workers compared with controls but the 
levels were not statistically significant (p>0.05).
Table I:  Immunoglobulin levels in Nigerian 
cement factory workers and controls. 
 N IgA 
(mg/dL
) 
IgM 
(mg/dL) 
IgG 
(mg/dL) 
      IgE 
(iu/ml) 
Con
trol 
3
0 
191.45
±86.31 
1265.45±
2262.98 
594.64±
198.49 
411.90±
454.49 
Cem
ent 
fact
ory 
wor
kers 
 
4
5 
224.14
±86.31 
578.45±1
431.89 
862.39±
352.94 
703.64±
407.94 
t-
valu
es 
   1.629     1.612    3.771    2.898 
P   p>0.05     p>0.05   P<0.05  p<0.05 
Table II: Some liver function parameters in 
Cement factory workers and controls.  
 N ALP(i
u/L) 
GGT(i
u/L) 
T.BIL(
mg/dl) 
ALT(i
u/L) 
Cont
rol 
3
0 
82.30±
25.98 
14.77±
7.73 
0.70±0.3
1 
15.77±
8.2 
Cem
ent 
facto
ry 
wor
kers 
4
5 
94.96±
22.55 
19.07±
12.23 
0.90±0.4
0 
16.60±
8.51 
t-
valu
es  
 2.240 1.709 2.392 0.421 
p-
valu
es 
 p<0.05 p>0.05 p<0.05 p>0.0
5 
 
Researcher                                                                                                                                                2010;2(4)  
 
 
57 
DISCUSSION  
        The complex cellular interactions involving 
cells of the immune system, inflammatory and 
haematopoietic systems evolved to protect 
vertebrates from foreign invaders (Arinola and 
Obikoya, 2008). Silica is believed to be one of the 
most fibrogenic material found in nature (ICMR, 
2001), and thus triggers a host of inflammatory 
reactions resulting in the secretion of cytokines, 
lytic enzymes, chemotatic factors, reactive oxygen 
species and eicosanoids. Though, this 
immunomodulatory process has not been fully 
elucidated. The significant higher IgE suggests 
allergy response of these workers to cement dust, 
which if persistent may result in systemic  
anaphylactic reaction.  The increased IgG along 
with IgE probably  support the hypothesis that 
allergen immunotherapy inhibits allergy, in part, by 
inducing production of IgG antibodies that 
intercept allergens before they can cross-link mast 
cell FcεRI-associated IgE (Strait et al, 2006). The 
interaction between antigen anaphylactic (reagenic) 
antibody at the mast cell or basophil surface results 
in the degranulation of these cells and thus the 
release of a variety of pharmacological active 
agents, including histamine and serotonin. The 
effect of these amines on tissues such as bronchial 
smooth muscle and vascular endothelium produces 
many of the symptoms of atopic conditions (Lynch 
et al, 1978). To prevent this reaction at every 
exposure to allergens, evidence has   suggested that 
IgE and IgG antibodies interact with the mast cells 
at a common Fc receptor (Revoltella and Ovary, 
1973). Also, Strait et al (2006) provided evidence 
that direct in-vivo allergen–specific IgG blocking 
antibodies can help protect against IgE mediated 
immunopathology. The increased IgE and IgG is 
consistent with other studies (Rosenthal et al, 1998 
and Tulinska et al, 2004). It is probable that slightly 
raised IgA mean level in cement factory workers 
suggest stimulation of respiratory tracts by inhaled 
particulate matters. The significant higher ALP and 
total bilirubin levels probably confirm the 
hypothesis of the involvement of hepatic damage 
due to exposure to toxic constituent of cement 
production. The elevated ALP is not in agreement 
with other reports on cement factory workers in 
Nigeria (Morenu, 1993 and Mojimoniyi et al, 
2007); they reported a significant lower ALP. The 
elevated mean level of GGT, though not 
significant, probably suggests that the elevated 
ALP is of hepatic origin. GGT is a sensitive marker 
of hepatobiliary disease and it is closely correlated 
with serum alkaline phosphatase levels (Reddy and 
Faust, 2006).  This study suggests inflammatory 
and   hepatotoxicity of cement dust in Nigeria 
cement workers. 
 
CONCLUSION 
        Alteration in the humoral immune system and 
its implications in the evolution and pathogenesis 
of a number of non communicable diseases are 
evident in this study. Though, the body homeostatic 
system tends to prevent the progression of the 
tending pathological conditions but this is dose 
dependent. The hepatotoxic effects of cement dust 
and the possibilities of developing autoimmune 
diseases might be exacerbated if the exposure to 
this dust is not controlled. Therefore, it is advisable 
that mutual collaboration should be established 
between health officials, cement mill workers and 
their management to adopt technical preventive 
measures.  
Correspondence author: 
OGUNBILEJE, John Olusegun 
Department of Chemical Pathology, 
College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, 
Ibadan, Oyo Sate, Nigeria. 
Tel:234-08036218660 
Email: ifemiwale2006@yahoo.com  
 
 
 
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IMMUNOGLOBULIN CLASSES (IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE) AND LIVER FUNCTION TESTS IN NIGERIAN CEMENT FACTORY WORKERS

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IMMUNOGLOBULIN CLASSES (IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE) AND LIVER FUNCTION TESTS IN NIGERIAN CEMENT FACTORY WORKERS

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