Alteration of cytokine profiles in uranium miners exposed to long-term low dose ionizing radiation.

Objective: The aim of the study is to estimate the immune function through cytokine profiles in sera of uranium mines.

Methods: Antibody arrays were used to detect 50 cytokines in sera of uranium miners. Miners who had continuously worked underground for <5 years were treated as control group and those who worked for ⩾ 5 years as experimental group.

Results: Of 28 measurable cytokines, the release of IL-1 α , IL-1RI, IL-15, IL-3, and IP-10 were significantly upregulated in the experimental group, and no cytokine was found significantly downregulated. Other proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF α levels were slightly upregulated in the experimental group. With adjustment to age, BMI, and cigarette smoking, IL-1 α and IL-3 levels increased significantly with underground time.

Conclusion: Alteration of cytokine profiles in this study may indicate persistent inflammatory responses in uranium miners exposed to long-term low doses radiation.