Cognitive impairment and associated loss in brain white microstructure in aircrew members exposed to engine oil fumes

摘要: Cabin air in airplanes can be contaminated with engine oil contaminants. These contaminations may contain organophosphates (OPs) which are known neurotoxins to brain white matter. However, it is currently unknown if matter aircrew affected. We investigated whether we could objectify cognitive complaints and find a neurobiological substrate for their complaints. After medical ethical approval from the local institutional review board, informed consent was obtained 12 (2 females, on average aged 44.4 years, 8,130 flying hours) 11 well matched control subjects 43.4 years, 233 hours). Depressive symptoms self-reported were assessed, addition neuropsychological test battery. State of art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques administered that assess structural functional changes, focus integrity. In found significantly more depressive symptoms, higher number tests scored impaired range compared group. observed small clusters microstructure Also, cerebral perfusion values left occipital cortex, reduced activation MRI executive function task. The extent impairment strongly associated integrity, but estimated flight hours not nor reductions microstructure. Defects potential substrates impairments mood deficits reported aircrew.