Upregulation of Calprotectin and Downregulation of Retinol Binding Protein in the Serum of Workers with Trichloroethylene-induced Hypersensitivity Dermatitis

[Abstract]: [Objectives]: The aim of this study was to explore the involved pathophysiological processes and develop biomarkers of trichloroethylene-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis (THD). [Methods]: We examined the impact of THD on the serum proteome in 8 male patients by comparing the serum samples between acute and healed stages. Sample pooling and immunodepletion were applied for sample preparation. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-TOF/MS) was utilized to identify and quantitate differentially expressed proteins. Changes in selected proteins were further confirmed by an ELISA assay. [Results]: A total of 41 spots were quantitated with significant alteration (p