Cytological aspects of dust changes in bronchopulmonary histione in coal miners

Introduction. Cytological investigation of pneumoconiosis is a key tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of occupational lung diseases. It provides valuable information about the nature and extent of the damage to lung tissue, facilitates early detection of the disease and planning of adequate preventive and treatment measures. The inclusion of cytological analysis in the comprehensive examination of workers in the coal industry helps to reduce the risk of developing pneumoconiosis and improves health prognosis. The aim of the study was to carry out a cytological analysis of the biological material of the bronchopulmonary system as a marker of early verification of pneumoconiosis in workers of the main coal mining occupations. Materials and methods. Cytological analysis with the elements of histological and morphometric verification of the obtained data was conducted using light microscopy. Structure measurements were evaluated microscopically using West Medica computer technology software. The analysis included the study of smears-prints and washes, immunohistochemical staining of cytological and histological samples, morphometric analysis, and the implementation of semi-quantitative methods for evaluating immunohistochemical markers. Results. In the studied biological samples of miners, there were noted a significant reduction in the cellular element diversity and an increase in the number of alveolar macrophages “loaded” with dust and coal particles indicating to a high degree of dust load and the development of pneumoconiotic processes. Morphometric analysis revealed a gain in the area of “dust cells” confirming the activation of macrophages. Signs of squamous metaplasia in the bronchial epithelium, indicating changes caused by coal dust exposure, were also detected. Immunohistochemical investigation confirmed the inflammatory response, and vimentin marker analysis suggested potential development of fibrosis. The results emphasize the importance of cytological and immunohistochemical methods in early diagnosing of dust pathology in coal miners. Limitations. This study suggests further expansion using cytogenetic and electron microscopic examination. Conclusion. The conducted research confirmed the importance of cytological data as a marker of early, pre-clinical pathological changes of bronchopulmonary system in coal miners, that allows reducing the risk of developing dust-related occupational diseases.