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Dauter UM, Gliga AR, Albin M, Broberg K. Longitudinal changes in cardiovascular disease-related proteins in welders. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024:10.1007/s00420-024-02086-8. [PMID: 38958674 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02086-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Occupational exposure to welding fumes is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the threshold exposure level is unknown. Here, we aimed to identify changes in proteins associated with cardiovascular disease in relation to exposure to welding fumes. METHODS Data were obtained from two timepoints six years apart for 338 non-smoking men (171 welders, 167 controls); of these, 174 (78 welders, 96 controls) had measurements available at both timepoints. Exposure was measured as personal respirable dust (adjusted for personal protective equipment), welding years, and cumulative exposure. Proximity extension assays were used to measure a panel of 92 proteins involved in cardiovascular processes in serum samples. Linear mixed models were used for longitudinal analysis. The biological functions and diseases related to the identified proteins were explored using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. RESULTS At both timepoints, the median respirable dust exposure was 0.7 mg/m3 for the welders. Seven proteins were differentially abundant between the welders and controls and increased incrementally with respirable dust: FGF23, CEACAM8, CD40L, PGF, CXCL1, CD84, and HO1. CD84 was significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. These proteins have been linked to disorders of blood pressure, damage related to clogged blood vessels, and chronic inflammatory disorders. CONCLUSION Exposure to mild steel welding fumes below current occupational exposure limits for respirable particles and welding fumes in Europe and the US (1-5 mg/m3) was associated with changes in the abundance of proteins related to cardiovascular disease. Further research should evaluate the utility of these proteins as prospective biomarkers of occupational cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Maria Dauter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Nobels Väg 13, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anda Roxana Gliga
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Nobels Väg 13, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Nobels Väg 13, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Nobels Väg 13, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Badima H, Kumie A, Meskele B, Abaya SW. Welding fume exposure and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders in micro- and small-scale enterprise in Akaki Kality sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:147. [PMID: 38509548 PMCID: PMC10956262 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02958-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to welding fumes can lead to different respiratory health disorders, including lung cancer, due to long-term exposures. In Ethiopia, large numbers of people are engaged in the welding sector. Often, these workers are exposed to welding fumes at their workplaces, however, the level of exposure and its health effects have never been studied. OBJECTIVE To measure the level of personal welding fume exposure and assess chronic respiratory symptoms and associated factors, among micro and small-scale enterprise metal workshop workers, in Akaki Kality Sub city, Ethiopia. METHODS A comparative cross-sectional study involving 226 welders and 217 controls. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Welding fumes were collected from the welder's breathing zone using 37 mm close-faced plastic cassettes fitted with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) filters connected to Casella pumps at an airflow rate of 2 L/min. RESULT The overall prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders and controls were 54 (23.9%) and 20 (9.2%) respectively. The geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of personal welding fume exposure, among welders was 5.98 mg/m3 (± GSD = 1.54). In this study, 53.3% of the samples exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit defined by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene. Chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with educational status (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 5.11, 95% CI: 1.35, 19.33), respiratory protective equipment use (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.52, 7.31), safety training (AOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.28), smoking (AOR:3.57, 95% CI: 1.54, 8.23), welding machine maintenance (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.59) and welding site (i.e. indoors vs. outdoor) (AOR: 6.85. 95% CI: 2.36, 19.89). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welding workers was significantly higher than controls. More than half of the samples exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit. Educational status, implementation of safety training, and welding sites were significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. The results suggested a need to reduce welding fume exposure to improve the respiratory health of the workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hager Badima
- Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia
| | - Bereket Meskele
- Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
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Boudjema J, Lima B, Grare C, Alleman LY, Rousset D, Perdrix E, Achour D, Anthérieu S, Platel A, Nesslany F, Leroyer A, Nisse C, Lo Guidice JM, Garçon G. Metal enriched quasi-ultrafine particles from stainless steel gas metal arc welding induced genetic and epigenetic alterations in BEAS-2B cells. NANOIMPACT 2021; 23:100346. [PMID: 35559847 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2021.100346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence has supported welding fume (WF)-derived ultrafine particles (UFP) could be the driving force of their adverse health effects. However, UFP have not yet been extensively studied and are currently not included in present air quality standards/guidelines. Here, attention was focused on the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms by which the quasi-UFP (Q-UFP, i.e., ≤ 0.25 μm) of the WF emitted by gas metal arc welding-stainless steel (GMAW-SS) exert their toxicity in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. The Q-UFP under study showed a monomodal size distribution in number centered on 104.4 ± 52.3 nm and a zeta potential of -13.8 ± 0.3 mV. They were enriched in Fe > Cr > Mn > Si, and displayed a relatively high intrinsic oxidative potential. Dose-dependent activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, glutathione alteration, and DNA, protein and lipid oxidative damage were reported in BEAS-2B cells acutely (1.5 and 9 μg/cm2, 24 h) or repeatedly (0.25 and 1.5 μg/cm2, 3 × 24 h) exposed to Q-UFP (p < 0.05). Alterations of the Histone H3 acetylation were reported for any exposure (p < 0.05). Differentially regulated miRNA and mRNA indicated the activation of some critical cell signaling pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell cycle deregulation towards apoptosis. Taken together, these results highlighted the urgent need to better evaluate the respective toxicity of the different metals and to include the Q-UFP fraction of WF in current air quality standards/guidelines relevant to the occupational settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Boudjema
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France; Action Santé Travail, Aix-Noulette, France
| | - B Lima
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - C Grare
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - L Y Alleman
- IMT Lille Douai, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Lille, Centre for Energy and Environment, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - D Rousset
- Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), Department of Pollutant Metrology, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - E Perdrix
- IMT Lille Douai, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Lille, Centre for Energy and Environment, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - D Achour
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - S Anthérieu
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - A Platel
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - F Nesslany
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - A Leroyer
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - C Nisse
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - J-M Lo Guidice
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - G Garçon
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Univ. Lille, Lille, France.
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Taj T, Gliga AR, Hedmer M, Wahlberg K, Assarsson E, Lundh T, Tinnerberg H, Albin M, Broberg K. Effect of welding fumes on the cardiovascular system: a six-year longitudinal study. Scand J Work Environ Health 2021; 47:52-61. [PMID: 32725248 PMCID: PMC7801138 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigated whether low-to-moderate exposure to welding fumes is associated with adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Methods To test this, we performed a longitudinal analysis of 78 mild steel welders and 96 controls; these subjects were examined twice, six years apart (ie, timepoints 1 and 2). All subjects (male and non-smoking at recruitment) completed questionnaires describing their health, work history, and lifestyle. We measured their blood pressure, endothelial function (by EndoPAT), and risk markers for cardiovascular disease [low-density lioprotein (LDL), homocysteine, C-reactive protein]. Exposure to welding fumes was assessed from the responses to questionnaires and measurements of respirable dust in their breathing zones adjusted for use of respiratory protection equipment. Linear mixed-effect regression models were used for the longitudinal analysis. Results Median respirable dust concentrations, adjusted for respirable protection, of the welders were 0.7 (5-95 percentile range 0.2-4.2) and 0.5 (0.1-1.9) mg/m 3at timepoints 1 and 2, respectively. Over the six-year period, welders showed a statistically significant increase in systolic [5.11 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92-8.31] and diastolic (3.12 mm Hg, 95% CI 0.74-5.5) blood pressure compared with controls (multi-variable adjusted mixed effect models). Diastolic blood pressure increased non-significantly by 0.22 mm Hg (95% CI -0.02-0.45) with every additional year of welding work. No consistent significant associations were found between exposure and endothelial function, LDL, homocysteine, or C-reactive protein. Conclusion Exposure to welding fumes at low-to-moderate levels is associated with increased blood pressure, suggesting that reducing the occupational exposure limit (2.5 mg/m 3for inorganic respirable dust in Sweden) is needed to protect cardiovascular health of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Taj
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Gliga AR, Taj T, Wahlberg K, Lundh T, Assarsson E, Hedmer M, Albin M, Broberg K. Exposure to Mild Steel Welding and Changes in Serum Proteins With Putative Neurological Function-A Longitudinal Study. Front Public Health 2020; 8:422. [PMID: 32984236 PMCID: PMC7485227 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Welders are exposed to high levels of metal particles, consisting mainly of iron and manganese (Mn) oxide. Metal particles, especially those containing Mn can be neurotoxic. In this exploratory study, we evaluated associations between welding and expression of 87 putative neurology-related proteins in serum in a longitudinal approach. The study cohort from southern Sweden included welders working with mild steel (n = 56) and controls (n = 67), all male and non-smoking, which were sampled at two timepoints (T1, T2) 6-year apart. Observed associations in the longitudinal analysis (linear mixed models) were further evaluated (linear regression models) in another cross-sectional sample which included welders (n = 102) and controls (n = 89) who were sampled only once (T1 or T2). The median respirable dust levels for welders after adjusting for respiratory protection was at T1 0.6 (5–95 percentile: 0.2–4.2) and at T2 0.5 (0.1–1.8) mg/m3. The adjusted median respirable Mn concentration was at T2 0.049 mg/m3 (0.003–0.314) with a Spearman correlation between adjusted respirable dust and respirable Mn of rS = 0.88. We identified five neurology-related proteins that were differentially expressed in welders vs. controls in the longitudinal sample, of which one (nicotinamide/nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1; NMNAT1) was also differentially expressed in the cross-sectional sample. NMNAT1, an axon-protective protein linked to Alzheimers disease, was upregulated in welders compared with controls but no associations were discerned with degree of exposure (welders only: years welding, respirable dust, cumulative exposure). However, we identified five additional proteins that were associated with years welding (GCSF, EFNA4, CTSS, CLM6, VWC2; welders only) both in the longitudinal and in the cross-sectional samples. We also observed several neurology-related proteins that were associated with age and BMI. Our study indicates that low-to-moderate exposure to welding fumes is associated with changes in circulating levels of neurology-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anda R Gliga
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tahir Taj
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Wahlberg
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eva Assarsson
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Hedmer
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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