Predictors of bone and joint pathology formation and quality of life in vibration disease
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Babanov S.A. , Kiryushina T.M. ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Strizhakov L.A. ,   FSAEI HE I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Melentiev A.V. ,   FBSI F. F. Erisman Federal Scientific Centre of Hygiene of Rospotrebnadzor, Mytishchi, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

Introduction: The article describes the features of working conditions, clinical picture, state
of the immune profile, and cytokine regulation in vibration disease from the effects of local vibration
and its combination with osteoarthritis in the assemblers-riveters of an aircraft manufacturing enterprise.
The prognostic value of changes in the immune profile and cytokine regulation in vibration
disease from the effects of local vibration and its combination with osteoarthritis has been established.
It is proved that when exposed to industrial vibration, all indicators characterizing the quality of life
alter, with the most pronounced changes in second-degree vibration disease from exposure to local
vibration and its combination with osteoarthritis.
Objective: to identify the clinical and pathogenetic features and quality of life in vibration disease from
the effects of local vibration and its combination with osteoarthritis.
Materials and methods: The level of C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor was studied by the solid-
phase enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The most common Clauss method was used to determine
fibrinogen. Immune disorders in first and second-degree vibration disease from exposure to local
vibration and in combination with osteoarthritis were investigated by methods including the determination
of CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ lymphocyte subpopulations using monoclonal antibodies of the LT
series (SRC Institute of Immunology FMBA). The percentage of the total population of cells expressing
CD4+ and CD8+ receptors was determined. The immunofluorescence of the cells was evaluated using
the Epics Profile flow cytometer from Coulter. To assess the cytokine status, the content of interleukin 1‑beta (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the blood serum of the subjects was
analyzed. The study was conducted using the BMS 223/4 reagent kit from eBioscience with enzyme
immunoassay by means of the enzyme immunoassay method on the Expert Plus tablet photometer
analyzer (Biochrom, UK); the study of quality of life was conducted using the SF-36 questionnaire. The
results were interpreted as follows: the higher the sum of the points is, the better the quality of life is,
except for the «reverse» indicators, such as role functioning due to physical condition, pain intensity,
and role functioning due to mental condition. The scores on each scale were summed up, and the
average value and its error were calculated. The calculation of the statistical significance of the differences was carried out according to the Mann-Whitney criterion.
Results: The prognostic value of changes in the immune profile and cytokine regulation in vibration
disease from exposure to local vibration and its combination with osteoarthritis has been established.
In case of vibration disease from the effects of local vibration and its combination with osteoarthritis, clinical and pathogenetic changes are characterized by a significant decrease in CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations and an increase in serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-8. The data obtained
indicate that a change in the immune reactivity of the body of individuals working under the impact
of industrial vibration is an important factor in the pathogenesis of the formation of the occupational
pathology. At the same time, the study of the parameters of immune homeostasis in vibration disease
from the effects of local vibration and its combination with osteoarthritis opens up prospects for rehabilitation and treatment of patients with this pathology, as well as complements our knowledge about
the pathogenesis of the disease.
Conclusions: Taking into account the fact that the development and manifestation of symptoms of vibration disease from the effects of local vibration, with comorbid conditions (which include osteoarthritis), appear later than changes in the immune status are recorded, it is of great practical importance to create dynamic monitoring of health of individuals exposed to industrial vibration. The prognostic value of determining the quality of life in vibration disease from the effects of local vibration and its combination
with osteoarthritis has also been established. It is proved that when exposed to industrial vibration, all indicators characterizing the quality of life alter, with the most pronounced changes in second-degree vibration disease from exposure to local vibration and its combination with osteoarthritis.