Non-exposed Control Group Research Articles

Longitudinal Assessment of Blood Cholinesterase Activities Over 2 Consecutive Years Among Latino Nonfarmworkers and Pesticide-Exposed Farmworkers in North Carolina.

This study (1) describes patterns of whole blood total cholinesterase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase activities across the agricultural season, comparing farmworkers and nonfarmworkers; and (2) explores differences between farmworkers' and non-farmworkers' likelihood of cholinesterase depression. Blood samples from 210 Latino male farmworkers and 163 Latino workers with no occupational pesticide exposure collected 8 times across 2 agricultural seasons were analyzed. Mean cholinesterase activity levels and depressions 15% or more were compared by month. Farmworkers had significantly lower total cholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in July and August and lower acetylcholinesterase activity in August. Farmworkers had significantly greater likelihood of cholinesterase depression for each cholinesterase measure across the agricultural season. A repeated-measures design across 2 years with a nonexposed control group demonstrated anticholinesterase effects in farmworkers. Current regulations designed to prevent pesticide exposure are not effective.

Repeated Moderate Noise Exposure in the Rat--an Early Adulthood Noise Exposure Model.

In this study, we investigated the effects of varying intensity levels of repeated moderate noise exposures on hearing. The aim was to define an appropriate intensity level that could be repeated several times without giving rise to a permanent hearing loss, and thus establish a model for early adulthood moderate noise exposure in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to broadband noise for 90 min, with a 50 % duty cycle at levels of 101, 104, 107, or 110 dB sound pressure level (SPL), and compared to a control group of non-exposed animals. Exposure was repeated every 6 weeks for a maximum of six repetitions or until a permanent hearing loss was observed. Hearing was assessed by the auditory brainstem response (ABR). Rats exposed to the higher intensities of 107 and 110 dB SPL showed permanent threshold shifts following the first exposure, while rats exposed to 101 and 104 dB SPL could be exposed at least six times without a sustained change in hearing thresholds. ABR amplitudes decreased over time for all groups, including the non-exposed control group, while the latencies were unaffected. A possible change in noise susceptibility following the repeated moderate noise exposures was tested by subjecting the animals to high-intensity noise exposure of 110 dB for 4 h. Rats previously exposed repeatedly to 104 dB SPL were slightly more resistant to high-intensity noise exposure than non-exposed rats or rats exposed to 101 dB SPL. Repeated moderate exposure to 104 dB SPL broadband noise is a viable model for early adulthood noise exposure in rats and may be useful for the study of noise exposure on age-related hearing loss.

Micronucleus frequency in exfoliated buccal cells from hairdresser who expose to hair products

Background: Hairdresser is one of the fastest growing occupations in today’s society. Hairdresser help styling, cutting, colouring, perming, curling, straightening hair and various treatment to customer. Somehow, hairdresser are constantly exposed to chemical substances such as aromatic amines, hydrogen peroxide, thioglycolic acid, formaldehyde in hair products which can cause damage to human’s genome. Micronucleus is one of the effective biomarker for processes associated with the induction of DNA damage. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the micronucleus frequencies in buccal mucosa epithelial cells of hairdresser who were exposed to chemical of hair products. Method: This study was conducted on twenty female subjects, who were divided into 2 groups: exposed and non-exposed (control) group. All subjects recruited were working in the same beauty salon. Buccal cells were obtained from each individual by using cytobrush. The cells were stained with modified Feulgen-Ronssenback method and counting of micronucleus per 1000 cell was done under light microscope. The data were analyzed using independent t-test and one-way Anova (p<0.05). Result: The result showed a significant difference in micronucleus frequency between 2 groups. There were a significantly increase of micronucleus frequency in hairdressers and increase of micronucleus frequency with the longer duration of exposure. Conclusion: It concluded that the chemical substances of hair products had affected the micronucleus frequency ofthe epithelial cells in buccal mucosa of hairdressers.

Identification of differentially expressed proteins of brain tissue in response to methamidophos in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Methamidophos (MAP), an organophosphorus pesticide used around the world, has been associated with a wide spectrum of toxic effects on organisms in the environment. In this study, the flounder Paralichthys olivaceus was subjected to 10 mg/L MAP for 72 h and 144 h, and the morphological and proteomic changes in the brain were observed, analyzed and compared with those in the non-exposed control group. Under the light microscope and transmission electron microscope, MAP had evidently induced changes in or damage to the flounder tissues. Gas chromatography analysis demonstrated that the MAP residues were significantly accumulated in the flounder brain tissues. Proteomic changes in the brain tissue were revealed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and 27 protein spots were observed to be significantly changed by MAP exposure. The results indicated that the regulated proteins were involved in immune and stress responses, protein biosynthesis and modification, signal transduction, organismal development, and 50% of them are protease. qRT-PCR was used to further detect the corresponding change of transcription. These data may be beneficial to understand the molecular mechanism of MAP toxicity in flounder, be very useful for MAP-resistance screening in flounder culture. According to our results and analyzing, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and granzyme K (GzmK) had taken important part in immune response to MAP-stress and could be biomarkers for MAP-stress in flounder.

CLIP2 as radiation biomarker in papillary thyroid carcinoma

A substantial increase in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) among children exposed to the radioiodine fallout has been one of the main consequences of the Chernobyl reactor accident. Recently, the investigation of PTCs from a cohort of young patients exposed to the post-Chernobyl radioiodine fallout at very young age and a matched nonexposed control group revealed a radiation-specific DNA copy number gain on chromosomal band 7q11.23 and the radiation-associated mRNA overexpression of CLIP2. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CLIP2 as a radiation marker to be used for the individual classification of PTCs into CLIP2-positive and -negative cases-a prerequisite for the integration of CLIP2 into epidemiological modelling of the risk of radiation-induced PTC. We were able to validate the radiation-associated CLIP2 overexpression at the protein level by immunohistochemistry (IHC) followed by relative quantification using digital image analysis software (P=0.0149). Furthermore, we developed a standardized workflow for the determination of CLIP2-positive and -negative cases that combines visual CLIP2 IHC scoring and CLIP2 genomic copy number status. In addition to the discovery cohort (n=33), two independent validation cohorts of PTCs (n=115) were investigated. High sensitivity and specificity rates for all three investigated cohorts were obtained, demonstrating robustness of the developed workflow. To analyse the function of CLIP2 in radiation-associated PTC, the CLIP2 gene regulatory network was reconstructed using global mRNA expression data from PTC patient samples. The genes comprising the first neighbourhood of CLIP2 (BAG2, CHST3, KIF3C, NEURL1, PPIL3 and RGS4) suggest the involvement of CLIP2 in the fundamental carcinogenic processes including apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling and genomic instability. In our study, we successfully developed and independently validated a workflow for the typing of PTC clinical samples into CLIP2-positive and CLIP2-negative and provided first insights into the CLIP2 interactome in the context of radiation-associated PTC.

Mammography and the risk of thyroid and hematological cancers: a nationwide population-based study.

To investigate the association between thyroid cancer as well as the most radiosensitive hematological cancers and radiation exposure from mammography. This study used information from a random sample of two million persons enrolled in the nationally representative Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) Research Database. The exposed group was composed of women aged 18-65 who had undergone diagnostic mammography between 2000 and 2007. The nonexposed control group was composed of women in the NHI database who had never undergone diagnostic mammography. There were 25,362 women in the exposed group and 203,317 women in the nonexposed group. After adjusting for age and comorbidities, the patients who had been exposed to radiation from mammography did not have a significantly higher risk of developing thyroid cancer and hematological cancers (adjusted HR, 1.201; 95% CI, 0.813-1.774 for thyroid cancer and adjusted HR, 1.228; 95% CI, 0.838-1.800 for hematological cancers). The scattered radiation dose delivered by mammography should be cautiously handled, but no additional concerns about the risk of thyroid cancer developing malignancy should be emphasized.

Noise-induced hearing loss among workers in textile factory

Abstract Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common chronic health problems, which produces gradual progressive impairment and disturbs the patient’s quality of life. Industries in general and especially textile ones produce noise levels that, if intensified, can cause damage to worker’s hearing. Hence, premature hearing loss is a well-known outcome of noise exposure at work in industrial workers. The aim of the study was to assess hearing threshold levels among exposed patients and to compare them with the nonexposed control group and to evaluate other variables such as outer hair cell and medial olivocochlear bundle function represented with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) testing with and without suppression and to find the relationship with duration of exposure if any. The study included 145 patients and same number of controls who were exposed to hazardous levels of noise for variable durations. All participants were subjected to audiological examination including basic audiological evaluation, otoacoustic emissions, and otoacoustic emissions with contralateral suppression (CAS). Of the 145 patients (290 ears), 214 ears showed sensorineural hearing loss (73.8%). Sensorineural hearing loss was mild in 63 (43.44%) ears, moderate in 82 (56.55%) ears, and severe in 69 (47.58%) ears. TEOAEs were found in those with mild hearing loss with significantly lower amplitudes. Intact suppression (CAS) was significantly lower for the study group than for the control group. However, there was no significant difference in level of suppression for different duration of exposure. A high incidence for NIHL is present among workers in textile factories, which indicate the mandatory use of different protective measures. CAS can be used as a predictor for the susceptibility to NIHL.

Genetic damage in coal miners evaluated by buccal micronucleus cytome assay

During coal mining activities, large quantities of coal dust, ashes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals are released into the environment. This complex mixture presents one of the most important occupational hazards for health of workers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic damage together with the presence of inorganic elements, in an exposed workers population to coal mining residues of Guajira-Colombia. Thus, 100 exposed workers and 100 non-exposed control individuals were included in this study. To determine genetic damage we assessed the micronucleus (MN) frequencies and nuclear buds in buccal mucosa samples (BMCyt) assay, which were significantly higher in the exposed group than non-exposed control group. In addition, karyorrhectic and karyolytic cells were also significantly higher in the exposed group (cell death). No significant difference was observed between the exposed groups engaged in different mining activities. No correlation between age, alcohol consumption, time of service and MN assay data were found in this study. However, the content of inorganic elements in blood samples analyzed by a Particle-induced X-ray emission technique (PIXE) showed higher values of silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al) in the exposed group. In this study we discuss the possibility of DNA damage observed in the mine workers cells be a consequence of oxidative damage.

FRI0090 Pregnancy Outcome of Mothers with Rheumatic Diseases Exposed to Biological Agent during Pregnancy: A Single-Centre Study

BackgroundAnti-TNFα agents and Rituximab fall within the FDA category B concerning fetal risk. However numerous case series and registry data of pregnancies exposed to these therapies are available in the...

Telemetric Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

The long-term monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) is important for the management of acute and chronic neuropathological conditions which include head injury, traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus, etc. In this study, we developed an implantable device for measuring ICP over long periods of time in an animal model of blast-induced brain injury. The performance of the device was first evaluated in vitro and subsequently utilized to measure ICP in rats exposed to blast overpressures. The effects of blast-induced brain injury on ICP were measured for six days. A significant difference was observed between the injured group and the nonexposed control group. ICP in injured animals showed a biphasic transient increase; an immediate increase within the first 1-3h and a more gradual elevation occurring two days after the blast. The ability to monitor changes of ICP continuously over long periods after brain injury and during the course of treatment may improve the prognosis after injury and can also serve as a tool in determining the therapeutic effectiveness of new drugs.

Evaluation of the Toxic Health Hazards in Female Nurses Chronically Exposed to Anaesthetic Gases

Background: Volatile anaesthetics are the major pollutants in operating and recovery rooms of hospitals; where the health care personnel are exposed. Serious health effects may result from chronic exposure to low levels of anaesthetic gases inhalation. Aim of The study: The study was carried out to investigate the possible hepatic, renal, haematological and immune parameters alterations in a group of workers chronically exposed to volatile anaesthetic gases compared to a non-exposed control group. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-two operating room female nurses were recruited. The control group consisted of twenty-two non-exposed similar for gender and age. Each subject examined for Hepatic function: [levels of liver transaminases (Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total Bilirubin]; Kidney function: [Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine]; Haematological profile [complete blood count (CBC)] and Immune phenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes measured by flow cytometry. Results: The exposed group showed an increased prevalence of headache, asthenia, gastritis, mouth herpes, allergic reactions, rhinitis, hypertension, arrhythmia, menstrual disorders, abortion, and infertility compared to control group. The hepatic and kidney function markers were highly significantly increased in exposed group compared to control. In addition, a statistically significant decrease in total white blood cells count (WBCs), Neutrophils percentage and a significant increase in lymphocyte percentage were found compared to control group. Furthermore, Cytotoxic T cell (CD8+/CD4-) and natural killer cells (NK) (CD19-/CD56+) percentages increased significantly, While percentages of T helper (CD8- /CD4+) cells and B lymphocytes (CD19+/CD 56- ) significantly decreased compared to control group. There were non- significant difference in red blood cells count (RBC), haemoglobin, and platelet count. In conclusion female nurses chronically exposed to low level waste anaesthetic gases developed hepatic, renal, haematological and immune parameters alterations.

Serum Biomarkers in Patients with Mesothelioma and Pleural Plaques and Healthy Subjects Exposed to Naturally Occurring Asbestos

This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the serum biomarkers osteopontin and mesothelin in discriminating mesothelioma patients from those with other, benign conditions and whether levels of the biomarkers differed in subjects who had inhaled naturally occurring asbestos compared with a non-exposed control group. This cross-sectional study studied 24 subjects with mesothelioma, 279 subjects with pleural plaques, 123 "healthy exposed," and 120 control subjects. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare mesothelin and osteopontin levels of the groups, and receiver operating characteristics curves were generated to determine diagnostic yields of both biomarkers. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify associated covariates with osteopontin and mesothelin levels. Serum osteopontin and mesothelin levels were higher in mesothelioma than in benign asbestos-related diseases and healthy exposed subjects. Both biomarker levels were independently associated with mesothelioma, age and smoking pack years. Mesothelin levels were also associated with body mass index. The sensitivity and specificity of osteopontin in distinguishing mesothelioma from the three other groups were 75 and 86%, respectively; those of mesothelin were 58 and 83%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity to discriminate mesothelioma from pleural plaques and healthy subjects were 93 and 73%, respectively, if osteopontin and mesothelin levels were higher than their optimal cut off levels. The combination of serum osteopontin and mesothelin levels can help to distinguish mesothelioma from benign asbestos-related diseases and asbestos-exposed subjects.

Evaluation of the persistence of functional and biological respiratory health effects in clean-up workers 6 years after the Prestige oil spill

Fishermen who had participated in clean-up activities of the Prestige oil spill showed increased bronchial responsiveness and higher levels of respiratory biomarkers 2years later. We aimed to evaluate the persistence of these functional and biological respiratory health effects 6years after clean-up work. In 2008/2009 a follow-up study was done in 230 never-smoking fishermen who had been exposed to clean-up work in 2002/2003 and 87 non-exposed fishermen. Lung function and bronchial responsiveness testing and the determination of respiratory biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate were done identically as in the baseline survey in 2004/2005. Associations between participation in clean-up work and respiratory health parameters were assessed using linear and logistic regression analyses adjusting for sex and age. Information from 158 exposed (69%) and 57 non-exposed (66%) fishermen was obtained. Loss to follow-up in the non-exposed was characterised by less respiratory symptoms at baseline. During the 4-year follow-up period lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and the levels of respiratory biomarkers of oxidative stress and growth factors had deteriorated notably more among non-exposed than among exposed. At follow-up, respiratory health indices were similar or better in clean-up workers than in non-exposed. No clear differences between highly exposed and moderately exposed clean-up workers were found. In conclusion, we could not detect long-term respiratory health effects in clean-up workers 6years after the Prestige oil spill. Methodological issues that need to be considered in this type of studies include the choice of a non-exposed control group and limitation of follow-up to subgroups such as never smokers.

A systematic review regarding the association of illness perception and survival among end-stage renal disease patients

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have increased mortality and morbidity. According to Leventhal's self-regulation model, these patients mentally develop illness representations and coping strategies in order to better understand their condition. Mental representations seem to be an important factor for clinical and psychosocial outcomes. We aimed to systematically review all available data regarding the association between illness perception and survival/mortality among ESRD patients receiving dialysis treatment. This is a systematic review of prospective observational studies, evaluating illness perception and its association with survival/mortality in ESRD dialysis stage patients. We searched CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library until August 2012, MEDLINE from 1950, EMBASE from 1980, PsychINFO from 1967 and additional sources to identify all records evaluating illness perception and clinical outcomes in this population. Two authors assessed potential citations for eligibility and quality and extracted all data. The studied intervention was the application of the most commonly used questionnaires for assessing illness perception. The main outcomes were survival and mortality. We identified five studies evaluating the relationship between illness perception and survival/mortality in ESRD patients receiving dialysis treatment. All included studies were prospective observational ones. Four studies showed that a negative perception of illness is associated with increased risk of death and one study failed to find any association between illness perception and mortality. This is the first systematic search that analysed the existing data showing an association between illness representation and survival/mortality among these patients. The main limitation of this review includes the design of the included studies (prospective observational studies without a non-exposed control group). This study implies that patient's outcome may be improved by changes in illness perception and designing appropriate interventions. We conclude that these findings constitute an important indication for future research in this field (high-quality randomized trials) and for future implementation of effective interventions that could improve this patients' outcome.

Analysis of TP53 Codon72, and p21 Codon31 Polymorphisms in CLL Patients Exposed to Ionizing Radiation Due to the Chernobyl NPP Accident

AbstractAbstract 4580Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was shown to be the most common leukemia among nuclear workers and persons, who were exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) due to Chernobyl NPP accident (Romanenko A. et al., 2008). Some clinical features were also indicated, such as: younger age, more advanced symptoms at the onset of disease, more aggressive course with rapid progression, poor response to standard chemotherapy (Klymenko V. et al., 1999, Kryachok I. et al., 2005). The p53 signaling pathway plays an important role in the biology of CLL. Inactivating alterations of TP53 gene by mutation or deletion is strongly associated with adverse clinical outcome and drug resistance. Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), in particular SNP within TP53 gene at codon 72 (Arg/Pro) and p21 at codon 31 (Ser/Arg) were recently reported may affect p53 pathway function, and influence clinical outcome of CLL. In our study we focused on investigation of these functional SNPs.TP53 SNP at codon 72 and p21SNP at codon 31 were investigated in 79 IR exposed CLL patients, 76 IR non-exposed CLL patients and 72 controls. CLL patients and control group were compared by gender and age, and two of CLL groups were also compared by clinical data at diagnosis. Genotyping was done using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method according to Hiroshi H. et al., 2007. The digested products were separated on a 3% agarose gel and analyzed.The both of studied SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in all groups. The distribution of TP53 genotypes in IR-exposed CLL patients (Arg/Arg 49.4%; Arg/Pro 38%; Pro/Pro 12.6%) did not differ significantly from the distribution in IR non-exposed CLL cohorts (Arg/Arg 44.7%; Arg/Pro 46.1%; Pro/Pro 9.2%; p=0.549) and control group (Arg/Arg 59.9%; Arg/Pro 33.3%; Pro/Pro 6.9%; p=0.201). There were higher frequency of p21 Ser/Arg genotype in IR-exposed CLL patients (Ser/Arg 21.1%; Ser/Ser 78.9%) compared to IR non-exposed CLL (Ser/Arg 8.1%; Ser/Ser 91.9%; p=0.025), but not to controls (Ser/Arg 13.9%; Ser/Ser 86.1%; p=0.453).We analyzed the association of studied genotypes with some characteristics of CLL patients such as: clinical data at the time of diagnosis (stage, initial white blood cell count, size of lymph nodes), time-to-treatment (TTT), response to treatment, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), development of autoimmune complications, secondary tumors, Richter transformation, and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) gene mutation status. Some associations were revealed. Namely, patients with p21 Ser/Arg genotype compared to patients with Ser/Ser genotype had: significantly shorter TTT period (5 mo vs 18 mo; p=0.039), especially in IGHV mutated group (1 mo vs 12 mo; p=0.022), tendency to bulky disease (13.6% vs 5.5%; p=0.16), B-symptoms at diagnosis (22.7% vs 11.8%; p=0.116) and lower frequency of secondary tumors development (4.5% vs 20.5%; p=0.073). Among patients with unmutated IGHV genes TP53 Pro/Pro carriers had shorter PFS (35 mo vs 108 mo; p=0.05) compared to Arg/Arg and Arg/Pro carriers. In summary, we revealed increased number of p21 codon 31 Ser/Arg carriers among IR-exposed CLL patients in comparison with IR non-exposed CLL patients. Further studies are required to evaluate possible role of p21 SNP in development of CLL under IR influence. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Oxidative stress and gene expression in diverse tissues of Oryzias javanicus exposed to 17β-estradiol

Transcriptional changes in the expression of stress-related genes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, metallothionein, and ubiquitin) in intestinal, liver and muscle tissues of Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus) exposed to 17-estradiol (E2) were investigated using real-time quantitative PCR. The lipid peroxidation levels and superoxide dismutase activity in liver tissues was also examined at various exposure concentrations. In fish exposed to 10, 100 and 1000 g/L E2 the level of catalase mRNA increased significantly in intestinal and muscle tissues, while expression of the glutathione peroxidase gene showed the opposite trend in liver and muscle tissues. Expression of the glutathione S-transferase gene increased in a dose-dependent manner in liver and muscle tissues of fish exposed to E2, relative to the non-exposed control group. The level of glutathione reductase mRNA increased markedly in the liver tissues of all fish exposed to 100 and 1000 g/L E2, but decreased in intestinal tissues. The metallothionein gene was strongly downregulated in intestinal and liver tissues of fish exposed to E2, but slightly upregulated in muscle tissues. In all fish exposed to 100 and 1000 g/L E2 expression of the ubiquitin gene increased markedly in liver and muscle tissue, but not in intestinal tissues. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activities increased significantly in all 17-estradiol treatment groups, and were correlated to the exposure concentration. Thus, E2 exposure differentially affected the transcription of a range of stress-related genes in various tissues of Javanese medaka, suggesting that analysis of transcriptional changes in these genes could be used as a rapid assay of the effects of E2 exposure.

Cytogenetic and Immunological Effects on Human Blood Cultures Resulting from Cold Pulsed Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Exposure

Plasma medicine is an emerging field of research that aims to increase under - standing and utilization of the interaction of plasmas with living tissues and cells. Low-tem- perature atmospheric-pressure plasma is a multi-component system that includes such biologi- cally active agents as charged particles, reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, metastable-state molecules or atoms, and UV radiation. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects on human blood cultures of exposure to the plasma components for different time periods (20 s, 40 s, 60 s, and 80 s). The present study recorded the scoring of micronuclei in both mono- and bi-nucleated lymphocytes as well as the apoptosis and necrosis of cells for each time period of exposure. Three blood samples for each experimental dose were compared with a non-exposed (control) group. In addition, the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed for each experimental dose and for the control samples. The results showed that the exposure of blood samples to the plasma jet yielded significant incremental differences in micronuclei, IL-1β, and TNF-α, except in the first dos- age group. Based on these results, we conclude that plasma can be used to repair tissues, cure diseases, and treat tumors.

Human Biomonitoring Data from Mercury Exposed Miners in Six Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining Areas in Asia and Africa

Objectives: In artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas in many developing countries, mercury (Hg) is used to extract gold from ore. Data of 1250 participants from Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe were combined to analyze the relation between exposure in ASGM areas and body burden. Methods: Four groups were selected relating to their intensity of contact with mercury: (i) a non-exposed control group; (ii) a low exposed group with participants only living in mining areas, but not working as miners; (iii) a medium exposed group, miners living in exposed areas and working with mercury without smelting amalgam; and (iv) a high exposed group, miners living in exposed areas and smelting amalgam. Results: Compared to the non-exposed control group, participants living and/ or miners working in highly exposed areas have significantly higher concentration of total mercury in urine, hair and blood (p-value &lt; 0.001). The median mercury value in urine in the control group is &lt; 0.2 µg/L. In the high exposed group of amalgam smelters, the median in urine is 12.0 µg/L. The median in blood in the control group is &lt; 0.93 µg/L. The median level in blood of the high exposed group is 7.56 µg/L. The median for mercury in hair samples from the control group is 0.21 µg/g. In the high exposed group the median hair concentration is 2.4 µg/g hair. Mercury levels also differ considerably between the countries, reflecting a diverse background burden due to different fish eating habits and different work place methods. Conclusions: A high percentage of exposed individuals had levels above threshold values. These high levels of mercury are likely to be related with serious health problems.

The Effects of Long-Term, Low-Level Exposure to Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Worker's Insulin Resistance

ObjectivesThis study was designed to investigate whether long-term, low-level exposure to monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) induced insulin resistance.MethodsThe subjects were 110 male workers who were occupationally exposed to styrene, toluene, and xylene. One hundred and ten age-matched male workers who had never been occupationally exposed to organic solvents were selected as a control group. Cytokines, which have played a key role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, and oxidative stress indices were measured. Assessment of exposure to MAHs was performed by measuring their ambient levels and their urinary metabolites in exposed workers, and the resulting parameters between the exposed group and non-exposed control groups were compared.ResultsThere was no significant difference in general characteristics and anthropometric parameters between the two groups; however, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels were significantly higher in the exposed group. Phenylglyoxylic acid levels showed significant association with tumor necrosis factor-α, total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index via multiple linear regression analysis. Further, there was a negative correlation between methylhippuric acid levels and total anti-oxidative capacity, and there was a significant relationship between MAHs exposure and fasting glucose levels, as found by multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 3.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.074-14.530).ConclusionThis study indicated that MAHs increase fasting glucose level and insulin resistance. Furthermore, these results suggested that absorbing the organic solvent itself and active metabolic intermediates can increase oxidative stress and cytokine levels, resulting in the changes in glucose metabolism and the induction of insulin resistance.

Coronary Artery Angiographic Changes in Veterans Poisoned by Mustard Gas

Objectives: We aimed to identify coronary artery involvement in mustard gas-poisoned patients. Methods: We conducted a case-control study on 40 mustard gas-poisoned patients who underwent coronary artery angiography due to cardiac pain. The study was performed during a 3-year interval on patients who were referred to three main hospitals of Mashhad, Iran. The nonexposed control group consisted of 40 normal individuals who had undergone angiography for the same reasons. The primary outcome measurement was coronary artery involvement and its location. Data were collected through studying the angiography films. Results: Among the 40 poisoned patients studied, 15 (37.5%) had coronary artery ectasia, mainly in the left anterior descending artery, but 25 (62.5%) did not. The same values were 2 (5%) and 38 (95%) in the nonexposed group, respectively, which was significantly different compared to the exposed group (p = 0.001). The odds ratio was 11.40. Conclusions: The prevalence of coronary artery ectasia in mustard gas-poisoned patients was 7.5 times more than in nonexposed controls. Considering the proposed odds ratio, the occurrence of coronary artery ectasia is around 11.4 times greater in mustard gas-poisoned veterans. This is the first study to suggest a strong correlation between mustard gas poisoning and coronary artery ectasia.