Bioluminescence Enzymatic Bioassay of Saliva for Occupational Monitoring of the Functional State of the Body in Rail Transportation Workers

A bioluminescence enzymatic assay of saliva was proposed as a noninvasive method to monitor the functional state of the body. The luminescence intensity from coupled enzymatic reactions catalyzed by NADH:FMN oxidoreductase and luciferase on exposure to saliva served as an indicator of the body state of workers at work. The absence of a significant difference between bioluminescence values measured before and after a shift with no changes in biochemical, physical, and chemical parameters of saliva suggested adaptation to a workload. An increased bioluminescence intensity was typical for workers in a state of chronic fatigue; a decreased intensity was observed in workers with chronic diseases and harmful habits. Bioluminescence intensity was found to depend on the concentrations of lactate and lipid peroxidation products, the ionic and mineral composition, and parameters of free radical oxidation and antiradical protection. Thus, the dependence of the saliva constituents on the life conditions and health status of workers can be detected using the bioluminescence enzymatic bioassay, which is suitable for rapid occupational monitoring.