Serum angiotensin converting enzyme, soluble E-selectin and laminin in subjects occupationally-exposed to volatile organic chemicals and mercury vapour.

This study attempts to confirm previous findings of altered serum soluble E-selectin and laminin in workers exposed to volatile organic chemicals VOCs and further explore evidence of endothelial cell disturbances in workers exposed to (VOCs) and mercury vapour. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), soluble E-selectin and laminin were measured in a cross sectional study of workers exposed to a small range of VOCs (n = 21), mercury vapour (n = 32) and a control group (n = 50). Both endothelial markers, ACE and E-selectin were significantly higher in mercury- and VOC-exposed workers. Laminin was significantly lower than controls in the VOC exposed. These results confirm our previous initial findings in workers exposed to VOCs of endothelial disturbances and decreased serum levels of a constituent of basement membranes, namely laminin. In the mercury exposed workers who had relatively high occupational exposure for the UK, there was also evidence of endothelial disturbances. The ubiquitous nature of endothelial cells and the underlying structural basement membrane associated with the vasculature means that it is impossible to state with any certainty the site of the action of these chemicals. However due to the ease of absorption of VOCs and mercury via the pulmonary system, and the metabolism of VOCs in the lungs themselves, it is probable that the initial site of the disturbances noted is in lung endothelia and associated basement membrane.