Assessment of body’s response in working people in arctic region of russia based on leukocyte formula of blood: cohort study

INTRODUCTION. Leukocytes provide resistance, leukocyte indices allow analysis of the body’s adaptive capabilities. OBJECTIVE. To assess the body’s reactions in working people in the Arctic zone of Russia based on blood leukocyte count indicators for different lengths of professional activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The leukocyte formulas of blood were analyzed in military personnel with up to 5 and up to 10 years of service in the Arctic (n = 51) and Subarctic (n = 60). Leukocyte indices were calculated. The characteristics of everyday life and the ecological and hygienic conditions of living in the Subarctic were assessed.

RESULTS. Leukocytes, except for band neutrophils, were normal. In the subarctic, the number of leukocytes was 1.19– 1.31 times lower (p = 0.001), the proportion of segmented neutrophils was 1.19–1.2 times higher (p = 0.01); and monocytes exceeded normal limits by 11.1–12.7%. Leukocyte indices in groups living in the Arctic zone for up to 5 years showed differences in 5 out of 8 calculated indices, and for up to 10 years — in 7 indices. In studies up to 5 years, there were no signs of inflammation, normal immunoreactivity, sufficient reserves for adaptation, high level of immune protection, balanced immune system, high reactivity, adaptive immunity, and phagocytic activity of cells; in the Subarctic, there was an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. During work lasting up to 10 years in the Arctic, a negative effect on the humoral and cellular components of immunity and phagocytic activity of cells was revealed, as well as an increase in the body’s adaptability to conditions; in the Subarctic, there was a decrease in immunoresistance and immune protection of the body.

DISCUSSION. A negative impact of work in the North on lymphocytes has been established, with working conditions playing a more significant role than the duration of work. Our data differ from these results: we have established a multifactorial impact, determined by the type of work, its duration, environmental and hygienic conditions, and, possibly, nutrition.

CONCLUSION. Harmful mental and physical labor in the Arctic had a negative impact on the humoral and cellular components of immunity, but contributed to an increase in the body’s adaptability. Harmful mental labor in the Subarctic, with an increase in its duration, reduced the body’s adaptive capabilities and nonspecific resistance.

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