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Wang F, Ye L, Jiang X, Zhang R, Chen S, Chen L, Yu H, Zeng X, Li D, Xing X, Xiao Y, Chen W. Specific CpG sites methylation is associated with hematotoxicity in low-dose benzene-exposed workers. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108645. [PMID: 38615541 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Benzene is a broadly used industrial chemicals which causes various hematologic abnormalities in human. Altered DNA methylation has been proposed as epigenetic biomarkers in health risk evaluation of benzene exposure, yet the role of methylation at specific CpG sites in predicting hematological effects remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 120 low-level benzene-exposed and 101 control male workers from a petrochemical factory in Maoming City, Guangdong Province, China. Urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) in benzene-exposed workers was 3.40-fold higher than that in control workers (P < 0.001). Benzene-induced hematotoxicity was characterized by reduced white blood cells counts and nuclear division index (NDI), along with an increased DNA damage and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (all P < 0.05). Methylation levels of TRIM36, MGMT and RASSF1a genes in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLCs) were quantified by pyrosequencing. CpG site 6 of TRIM36, CpG site 2, 4, 6 of RASSF1a and CpG site 1, 3 of MGMT methylation were recognized as hot CpG sites due to a strong correlation with both internal exposure and hematological effects. Notably, integrating hot CpG sites methylation of multiple genes reveal a higher efficiency in prediction of integrative damage compared to individual genes at hot CpG sites. The negative dose-response relationship between the combined methylation of hot CpG sites in three genes and integrative damage enabled the classification of benzene-exposed individuals into high-risk or low-risk groups using the median cut-off value of the integrative index. Subsequently, a prediction model for integrative damage in benzene-exposed populations was built based on the methylation status of the identified hot CpG sites in the three genes. Taken together, these findings provide a novel insight into application prospect of specific CpG site methylation as epi-biomarkers for health risk assessment of environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feier Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizhu Ye
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Boji Drug Evaluation Center, Boji Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhang Jiang
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shen Chen
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyao Yu
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Zeng
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daochuan Li
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiumei Xing
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongmei Xiao
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Vermeulen R, Lan Q, Qu Q, Linet MS, Zhang L, Li G, Portengen L, Vlaanderen J, Sungkyoon K, Hayes RB, Yin S, Smith MT, Rappaport SM, Rothman N. Nonlinear low dose hematotoxicity of benzene; a pooled analyses of two studies among Chinese exposed workers. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:108007. [PMID: 37290291 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment of the hematopoietic system is one of the primary adverse health effects from exposure to benzene. We previously have shown that exposure to benzene at low levels (<1 ppm) affects the blood forming system and that these effects were proportionally stronger at lower versus higher levels of benzene exposure. This observation is potentially explained by saturation of enzymatic systems. METHODS Here we extend these analyses by detailed modeling of the exposure response association of benzene and its major metabolites (i.e. catechol, muconic acid, phenol, and hydroquinone) on peripheral white blood cell (WBC) counts and its major cell-subtypes (i.e. granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes) using two previously published cross-sectional studies among occupationally exposed Chinese workers. RESULTS Supra-linear exposure response associations were observed between air benzene concentrations (range ∼ 0.1 - 100 ppm) and WBC counts and its cell-subtypes, with a larger than proportional decrease in cell counts at lower than at higher levels of benzene exposure. The hematotoxicity associations were largely similar in shape when the analyses were repeated with benzene urinary metabolites suggesting that enzymatic saturation is not a full explanation of the observed non-linearity with WBC endpoints. DISCUSSION We hypothesize that the flattening of the exposure response curve especially at higher benzene exposure levels may reflect a response by the bone marrow to maintain hematopoietic homeostasis. Toxicity to the bone marrow and an induced hyper-proliferative response could both contribute to risk of subsequently developing a hematopoietic malignancy. Additional work is needed to explore this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Qing Lan
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Qingshan Qu
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY, United States
| | - Martha S Linet
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Luoping Zhang
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Guilan Li
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lutzen Portengen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jelle Vlaanderen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kim Sungkyoon
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Songnian Yin
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Martyn T Smith
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Stephen M Rappaport
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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Santos MVC, Feltrin AS, Costa-Amaral IC, Teixeira LR, Perini JA, Martins DC, Larentis AL. Network Analysis of Biomarkers Associated with Occupational Exposure to Benzene and Malathion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119415. [PMID: 37298367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119415] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex diseases are associated with the effects of multiple genes, proteins, and biological pathways. In this context, the tools of Network Medicine are compatible as a platform to systematically explore not only the molecular complexity of a specific disease but may also lead to the identification of disease modules and pathways. Such an approach enables us to gain a better understanding of how environmental chemical exposures affect the function of human cells, providing better perceptions about the mechanisms involved and helping to monitor/prevent exposure and disease to chemicals such as benzene and malathion. We selected differentially expressed genes for exposure to benzene and malathion. The construction of interaction networks was carried out using GeneMANIA and STRING. Topological properties were calculated using MCODE, BiNGO, and CentiScaPe, and a Benzene network composed of 114 genes and 2415 interactions was obtained. After topological analysis, five networks were identified. In these subnets, the most interconnected nodes were identified as: IL-8, KLF6, KLF4, JUN, SERTAD1, and MT1H. In the Malathion network, composed of 67 proteins and 134 interactions, HRAS and STAT3 were the most interconnected nodes. Path analysis, combined with various types of high-throughput data, reflects biological processes more clearly and comprehensively than analyses involving the evaluation of individual genes. We emphasize the central roles played by several important hub genes obtained by exposure to benzene and malathion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Vinicius C Santos
- Studies Center of Worker's Health and Human Ecology (CESTEH), Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
| | - Arthur S Feltrin
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabele C Costa-Amaral
- Studies Center of Worker's Health and Human Ecology (CESTEH), Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
| | - Liliane R Teixeira
- Studies Center of Worker's Health and Human Ecology (CESTEH), Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jamila A Perini
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
| | - David C Martins
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
| | - Ariane L Larentis
- Studies Center of Worker's Health and Human Ecology (CESTEH), Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
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Cao Y, Wang T, Xi J, Tian W, Liu W, Sun Y, Liu W, You X, Li A, Zhang G, Zhang X, Xia ZL, Luan Y. Benchmark dose estimation among benzene-exposed workers in China: Based on quantitative multi-endpoint genotoxicity assessments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121765. [PMID: 37142205 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Based on previous exposure studies, benzene (BZ) has been classified as a human carcinogen and occupational exposure limit (OELs) to BZ has been set to be about 1 ppm around the world. However, health hazards have still been reported with exposure below the OEL. Thus, the OEL needs to be updated to reduce health risk. The overall aim of our study was therefore to generate new OEL for BZ via a benchmark dose (BMD) approach and based on quantitative and multi-endpoint genotoxicity assessments. Genotoxicities were determined using the novel human PIG-A gene mutation assay, the micronucleus (MN) test and the COMET assay in benzene-exposed workers. Among the 104 workers with below current OELs, they exhibited significantly higher PIG-A mutant frequencies (MFs) (15.96 ± 14.41 × 10-6) and MN frequencies (11.55 ± 6.83‰) than among the general subjects (PIG-A MFs: 5.45 ± 4.56 × 10-6, MN frequencies: 4.51 ± 1.58‰), but no difference in the COMET assay. A significant association was also observed between BZ exposures and PIG-A MFs and MN frequencies (P < 0.001). Our results indicate that health hazards were induced among workers with below OEL exposures. Based on results from the PIG-A and MN assays, the lower confidence limit of the BMD (BMDL) were calculated to be 8.71 mg/m3-year and 0.44 mg/m3-year, respectively. Based on these calculations, the OEL for BZ was determined to be lower than 0.07 ppm. This value can be considered by regulatory agencies to set new exposure limits and to better protect workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Cao
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Tongshuai Wang
- Department of Occupational Health & Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jing Xi
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wei Tian
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Weiying Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Occupational Disease for Chemical Industry (Shanghai Institute of Occupational Safety & Health), Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Wuzhong Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Occupational Disease for Chemical Industry (Shanghai Institute of Occupational Safety & Health), Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Xinyue You
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Occupational Health & Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- School of Public Health, 3rd Army University of Medical Science, China
| | - XinYu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhao-Lin Xia
- Department of Occupational Health & Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China; School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Yang Luan
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Xin Y, Wang B, Zhang H, Han L, Zhou P, Ding X, Zhu B. Machine learning assessment of white blood cell counts in workers exposed to benzene: a historical cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:38202-38211. [PMID: 36577823 PMCID: PMC9797385 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24453-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
To explore the fitting effect of the ARIMA, GM(1,1), and RANSAC model in the changes of white blood cells (WBC) in benzene-exposed workers, and select the optimal model to predict the WBC count of workers. Among 350 employees in an aerospace process manufacturing enterprise in Nanjing, workers with 10 years of benzene exposure were selected, and used Excel software to organize the WBC data, and the ARIMA model and RANSAC model were established by R software, and the GM(1, 1) model was established by DPS software, and the magnitude of the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of fitting three models to WBC counts was compared. The MAPE based on the ARIMA(2,1,2) model is 6.78%, the MAPE based on the GM(1,1) model is 5.19%, and the MAPE based on the RANSAC model is 6.37%, so the GM( 1,1) model was more suitable for fitting the trend of WBC counts in benzene exposed workers in this study. The GM(1,1) model is suitable for fitting WBC counts in a small sample size and can provide a short-term prediction of WBC counts in benzene-exposed workers and provide basic information for occupational health risk assessment of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiliang Xin
- Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211112, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Province, No.172 Jiangsu Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Boshen Wang
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Province, No.172 Jiangsu Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hengdong Zhang
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Province, No.172 Jiangsu Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lei Han
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Province, No.172 Jiangsu Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Province, No.172 Jiangsu Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xuexue Ding
- Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211112, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211112, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Province, No.172 Jiangsu Road, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China.
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Ridderseth H, Daltveit DS, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Kromhout H, Krüger K, Aasbø K, Bråtveit M. Benzene Exposure From Selected Work Tasks on Offshore Petroleum Installations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, 2002-2018. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 67:228-240. [PMID: 36269106 PMCID: PMC9923039 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Work on offshore petroleum installations may cause exposure to benzene. Benzene is a carcinogenic agent, and exposure among workers should be as low as reasonably practicable. We aimed to assess short-term (less than 60 min) benzene exposure from the most frequent work tasks on offshore installations on the Norwegian continental shelf and identify determinants of exposure. In addition, we aimed to assess the time trend in task-based benzene measurements from 2002 to 2018. METHODS The study included 763 task-based measurements with a sampling duration of less than 60 min, collected on 28 offshore installations from 2002 to 2018. The measurements were categorized into 10 different tasks. Multilevel mixed-effect Tobit regression models were developed for two tasks: sampling and disassembling/assembling equipment. Benzene source, season, indoors or outdoors, design of process area, year of production start, sampling method, and work operation were considered as potential determinants for benzene exposure in the models. RESULTS The overall geometric mean (GM) benzene exposure was 0.02 ppm (95% confidence intervals 95%(CI: 0.01-0.04). The pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) operation task was associated with the highest exposure, with a GM of 0.33 ppm, followed by work on flotation cells, disassembling/assembling, and sampling, with GMs of 0.16, 0.04, and 0.01 ppm, respectively. Significant determinants for the disassembling/assembling task were work operation (changing or recertifying valves, changing or cleaning filters, and breaking pipes) and benzene source. For sampling, the benzene source was a significant determinant. Overall, the task-based benzene exposure declined annually by 10.2% (CI 95%: -17.4 to -2.4%) from 2002 to 2018. CONCLUSIONS The PIG operation task was associated with the highest exposure out of the ten tasks, followed by work on flotation cells and when performing disassembling/assembling of equipment. The exposure was associated with the type of benzene source that was worked on. Despite the decline in task-based exposure in 2002-2018, technical measures should still be considered in order to reduce the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Ridderseth
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +47 90779086; e-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Evaluating Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Responses Induced by Low-Level VOCs in Zebrafish: Benzene as an Example. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10070351. [PMID: 35878256 PMCID: PMC9324908 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Urban environments are plagued by complex mixtures of anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as mixtures of benzene, toluene, ethylene, and xylene (BTEX). Sources of BTEX that drive human exposure include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, off-gassing of building material, as well as oil spillage and leakage. Among the BTEX mixture, benzene is the most volatile compound and has been linked to numerous adverse health outcomes. However, few studies have focused on the effects of low-level benzene on exposure during early development, which is a susceptible window when hematological, immune, metabolic, and detoxification systems are immature. In this study, we used zebrafish to conduct a VOC exposure model and evaluated phenotypic and transcriptomic responses following 0.1 and 1 ppm benzene exposure during the first five days of embryogenesis (n = 740 per treatment). The benzene body burden was 2 mg/kg in 1 ppm-exposed larval zebrafish pools and under the detection limit in 0.1 ppm-exposed fish. No observable phenotypic changes were found in both larvae except for significant skeletal deformities in 0.1 ppm-exposed fish (p = 0.01) compared with unexposed fish. Based on transcriptomic responses, 1 ppm benzene dysregulated genes that were implicated with the development of hematological system, and the regulation of oxidative stress response, fatty acid metabolism, immune system, and inflammatory response, including apob, nfkbiaa, serpinf1, foxa1, cyp2k6, and cyp2n13 from the cytochrome P450 gene family. Key genes including pik3c2b, pltp, and chia.2 were differentially expressed in both 1 and 0.1 ppm exposures. However, fewer transcriptomic changes were induced by 0.1 ppm compared with 1 ppm. Future studies are needed to determine if these transcriptomic responses during embryogenesis have long-term consequences at levels equal to or lower than 1 ppm.
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Zhang H, Li H, Peng Z, Cao J, Bao J, Li L, Wang X, Ji Y, Chen Z. Meta-analysis of the effect of low-level occupational benzene exposure on human peripheral blood leukocyte counts in China. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 114:204-210. [PMID: 35459485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of low-level occupational benzene exposure on human peripheral blood leukocyte counts of the workers, domestic and foreign published research data on the change of human peripheral blood leukocyte counts under low-level occupational benzene exposure from January 1990 to December 2020 were collected and analyzed. According to the literature inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 independent studies from 12 publications were selected for meta-analysis to explore the effect of low-level occupational benzene exposure on human peripheral blood leukocyte counts. The results showed that the peripheral blood leukocyte counts abnormal rates of low-level occupational benzene exposure group were higher than those of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. Low-level occupational benzene exposure could result in a relatively higher abnormal rate of peripheral blood leukocyte counts in the exposed population, indicating that low-level occupational benzene exposure at workplaces specified by the current benzene occupational exposure limit in China would affect the peripheral blood leukocyte counts of the workers, thus benzene with concentrations under the limit in the ambient air of workplace could be still harmful to the health of the exposed workers. The results of this study could provide a scientific basis for future revision of the benzene occupational exposure limit in China, and could also be a reference for the formulation of environmental standard concerning benzene in China in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Science, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Zhijian Peng
- School of Science, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Juan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jiemeng Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Academy of Environmental Planning and Design, Co., Ltd., Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xuezhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Earth Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Zhuojiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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9
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Ridderseth H, Daltveit DS, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Kromhout H, Krüger K, Austgulen LT, Bråtveit M. OUP accepted manuscript. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:895-906. [PMID: 35522183 PMCID: PMC9357345 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Workers on offshore petroleum installations are at risk of being exposed to benzene which is carcinogenic to humans. The present study aimed to assess the time trend of full-shift benzene exposure from 2002 to 2018 in order to characterize benzene exposure among laboratory technicians, mechanics, process operators, and industrial cleaners, and to examine the possible determinants of benzene exposure. Methods A total of 924 measurements of benzene exposure from the Norwegian petroleum offshore industry were included. The median sampling duration was 680 min, ranging from 60 to 940 min. The overall geometric mean (GM) and 95% confidence interval, time trends, and determinants of exposure were estimated using multilevel mixed-effects tobit regression analyses. Time trends were estimated for sampling duration below and above 8 h, both overall and for job groups. The variability of exposure between installation and workers was investigated in a subset of data containing worker identification. Results The overall GM of benzene exposure was 0.004 ppm. When adjusting for job group, design of process area, season, wind speed, and sampling duration, industrial cleaners had the highest exposure (GM = 0.012). Laboratory technicians, mechanics, and process operators had a GM exposure of 0.004, 0.003, and 0.004 ppm, respectively. Overall, the measured benzene exposure increased by 7.6% per year from 2002 to 2018. Mechanics had an annual increase of 8.6% and laboratory technicians had an annual decrease of 12.6% when including all measurements. When including only measurements above 8 h, mechanics had an increase of 16.8%. No statistically significant time trend was found for process operators. Open process area, high wind speed, and wintertime were associated with reduced exposure level. Conclusions An overall increase in measured exposure was observed from 2002 to 2018. The increase may reflect changes in measurement strategy from mainly measuring on random days to days with expected exposure. However, the time trend varied between job groups and was different for sampling duration above or below 8 h. Industrial cleaners had the highest exposure of the four job groups while no differences in exposure were observed between laboratory technicians, mechanics, and process operators. The design of the process area, job group, wind speed, and season were all significant determinants of benzene exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Ridderseth
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +47 90779086; e-mail:
| | | | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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10
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Liu C, Wu M, Fu M, Wang H, Nie J. Dose-response relationships between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and blood cell counts among coke oven workers: a sex-stratified analysis. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046843. [PMID: 35099406 PMCID: PMC8719181 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore sex differences and dose-response relationships between nine urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and complete blood counts among coke oven workers. DESIGN AND SETTING A cross-sectional study with stratified sex was conducted in Shanxi, China. PARTICIPANTS A total of 458 male workers and 226 female workers were selected. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES General linear models, p values for trend tests and natural cubic spline models were used to explore the dose-response relationships between nine urinary PAH metabolites and NLR, PLR and complete blood counts. RESULT Compared with male workers, female workers had lower exposure level of PAH (0.95 ng/mL vs 1.38 ng/mL). Only among female workers did we observe that a 1-unit increase in lg(1-OHPyr) was related to a 0.149 (95% CI: 0.055 to 0.242; p for trend=0.041) and 0.103 (95% CI: 0.025 to 0.181; p for trend=0.007) increase in lg(NLR) and lg(PLR), and a 0.116 (95% CI: -0.179 to -0.054; p for trend=0.007) decrease in lg(lymphocyte counts (LYMs)). A 1-unit increase in lg(2-OHNap) was related to a 0.045 (95% CI: 0.003 to 0.086; p for trend=0.037) increase in lg(PLR) and a 0.029 (95% CI: -0.056 to -0.002; p for trend=0.030) and 0.016 (95% CI: -0.029 to -0.003; p for trend=0.010) decrease in lg(white blood cell counts (WBCs)) and lg(haemoglobin (HGB)). CONCLUSION Female workers' NLR, PLR, WBCs, HGB and LYMs may be more susceptible than those of male workers when affected by PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjuan Liu
- Occupational Health, Shanxi Medical University School of Public Health, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Min Wu
- Occupational Health, Shanxi Medical University School of Public Health, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Mengmeng Fu
- Occupational Health, Shanxi Medical University School of Public Health, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Occupational Health, Shanxi Medical University School of Public Health, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jisheng Nie
- Occupational Health, Shanxi Medical University School of Public Health, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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11
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Genetic polymorphisms of base excision repair gene XRCC1 and susceptibility to benzene among employees of chemical industries. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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12
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Wang TS, Tian W, Fang Y, Guo KR, Li AQ, Sun Y, Wu HT, Zheng GQ, Feng NN, Xing CH, Au WW, Sun DY, Xia ZL. Changes in miR-222 expression, DNA repair capacity, and MDM2-p53 axis in association with low-dose benzene genotoxicity and hematotoxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142740. [PMID: 33071125 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms for hematotoxicity and health effects from exposure to low doses of benzene (BZ) remain to be identified. To address the information gap, our investigation was focused onto using appropriate populations and cell cultures to investigate novel BZ-induced effects such as disruption of DNA repair capacity (DRC). From our study, abnormal miRNAs were identified and validated using lymphocytes from 56 BZ-poisoned workers and 53 controls. In addition, 173 current BZ-exposed workers and 58 controls were investigated for key miRNA expression using RT-PCR and for cellular DRC using a challenge assay. Subsequently, the observed activities in lymphocytes were verified using human HL-60 (p53 null) and TK6 (p53 wild-type) cells via 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ) treatment and miR-222 interferences. The targeting of MDM2 by miR-222 was validated using a luciferase reporter. Our results indicate induction of genotoxicity in lymphocytes from workers with low exposure doses to BZ. In addition, miR-222 expression was up-regulated among both BZ-poisoned and BZ-exposed workers together with inverse association with DRC. Our in vitro validation studies using both cell lines indicate that 1,4-BQ exposure increased expression of miR-222 and Comet tail length but decreased DRC. Loss of miR-222 reduced DNA damage, but induced S-phase arrest and apoptosis. However, silencing of MDM2 failed to activate p53 in TK6 cells. In conclusion, our in vivo observations were confirmed by in vitro studies showing that BZ/1,4-BQ exposures caused genotoxicity and high expression of miR-222 which obstructed expression of the MDM2-p53 axis that led to failed activation of p53, abnormal DRC and serious biological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Shuai Wang
- Department of Occupation Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Occupation Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Fang
- Department of Occupation Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kong-Rong Guo
- Department of Occupational Disease, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital/Shanghai Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - An-Qi Li
- Department of Occupation Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Occupational Disease for Chemical Industry (Shanghai Institute of Occupational Safety & Health), Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Han-Tian Wu
- Department of Occupation Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guo-Qiao Zheng
- Department of Occupation Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Nan-Nan Feng
- School of Public Health, School of Medicine of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Cai-Hong Xing
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100032, China
| | - William W Au
- University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu Mures, Romania; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, China
| | - Dao-Yuan Sun
- Department of Occupational Disease, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital/Shanghai Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Shanghai 200082, China.
| | - Zhao-Lin Xia
- Department of Occupation Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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13
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Bruno E, De Berardinis R, di Folco F, Russo C, Tatangelo P. Benzene-Exposed Army Soldiers: Nasal Cytology as a Screening Tool. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:e92-e97. [PMID: 33298756 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessment of the nasal cytology in revealing early nasal mucosa alteration of workers exposed to benzene. METHODS Nasal cytology was compared among non-exposed and exposed workers to benzene. A comparison of the two groups was performed considering rhino-cytological features. RESULTS In the exposed group neutrophils count range was 14 to 70, compared to 2 to 5 in control group. Ciliated cells ratio range was respectively 0.28 to 2.8 and 0.25 to 0.31. In subjects exposed to benzene >10 years, nasal mucosa showed an inflammatory status and an ongoing mucipar metaplasia, defined by an alteration of mucipar/ciliated cells ratio. CONCLUSIONS Nasal cytology may be a useful research tool for the health surveillance of workers exposed to benzene and may be applied to study the effects of other upper airways chemicals irritants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Bruno
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier, Rome, Italy (Prof Bruno, Dr De Berardinis, Dr Tatangelo); Catholic University 'Our Lady of Good Counsel', Tirana, Albany (Prof Bruno); Department of Occupational Medicine, Policlinico Militare Celio, Rome, Italy (Dr di Folco); Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier, Rome, Italy (Dr Russo)
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14
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Rashnuodi P, Dehaghi BF, Rangkooy HA, Amiri A, Mohi Poor S. Evaluation of airborne exposure to volatile organic compounds of benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene and its relationship to biological contact index in the workers of a petrochemical plant in the west of Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:94. [PMID: 33507416 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-08878-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, workers in petrochemical industry might be exposed to organic volatile compounds, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration of BTEX contaminations and the biological index in employees of petrochemical sites in the west of Iran. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study on 30 stations and 60 inhalation and biological samples collected in winter and summer. The NIOSH 2549 and 1501 methods were used for sampling and analyzing the inhaled samples. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) equipped with flame ionization detector and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the volatile contaminations. The results showed that the mean concentrations of benzene, toluene, and xylene were significantly different in summer and winter. Significant and strong correlations were observed between the concentrations of benzene, toluene, and xylene and the biological values (r > 0.7). Moreover, the concentration of benzene (β = 0.836), toluene (β = 0.718), and xylene (β = 0.786) predicted the changes in their biological values. Given the hazardous concentrations of benzene and toluene in industrial plants and the correlation of the concentration levels and biological values, management and control strategies should be implemented to eliminate and reduce the pollutants and the effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Rashnuodi
- Occupational Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Ali Rangkooy
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Arman Amiri
- Occupational Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Sanaz Mohi Poor
- Occupational Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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15
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Schnatter AR, Rooseboom M, Kocabas NA, North CM, Dalzell A, Twisk J, Faulhammer F, Rushton E, Boogaard PJ, Ostapenkaite V, Williams SD. Derivation of an occupational exposure limit for benzene using epidemiological study quality assessment tools. Toxicol Lett 2020; 334:117-144. [PMID: 32497562 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper derives an occupational exposure limit for benzene using quality assessed data. Seventy-seven genotoxicity and 36 haematotoxicity studies in workers were scored for study quality with an adapted tool based on that of Vlaanderen et al., 2008 (Environ Health. Perspect. 116 1700-5). These endpoints were selected as they are the most sensitive and relevant to the proposed mode of action (MOA) and protecting against these will protect against benzene carcinogenicity. Lowest and No- Adverse Effect Concentrations (LOAECs and NOAECs) were derived from the highest quality studies (i.e. those ranked in the top tertile or top half) and further assessed as being "more certain" or "less certain". Several sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess whether alternative "high quality" constructs affected conclusions. The lowest haematotoxicity LOAECs showed effects near 2 ppm (8 h TWA), and no effects at 0.59 ppm. For genotoxicity, studies also showed effects near 2 ppm and showed no effects at about 0.69 ppm. Several sensitivity analyses supported these observations. These data define a benzene LOAEC of 2 ppm (8 h TWA) and a NOAEC of 0.5 ppm (8 h TWA). Allowing for possible subclinical effects in bone marrow not apparent in studies of peripheral blood endpoints, an OEL of 0.25 ppm (8 h TWA) is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Colin M North
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc, Annandale, NJ, USA
| | | | - Johannes Twisk
- Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd, Terneuzen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Rushton
- Basell Service Company B.V., Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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16
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Ma X, Zhang X, Luo J, Liang B, Peng J, Chen C, Guo H, Wang Q, Xing X, Deng Q, Huang H, Liao Q, Chen W, Hu Q, Yu D, Xiao Y. MiR-486-5p-directed MAGI1/Rap1/RASSF5 signaling pathway contributes to hydroquinone-induced inhibition of erythroid differentiation in K562 cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 66:104830. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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17
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Samadi MT, Shakerkhatibi M, Poorolajal J, Rahmani A, Rafieemehr H, Hesam M. Association of long term exposure to outdoor volatile organic compounds (BTXS) with pro-inflammatory biomarkers and hematologic parameters in urban adults: A cross-sectional study in Tabriz, Iran. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 180:152-159. [PMID: 31082579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the hematologic variables and pro-inflammatory biomarkers in urban adults living in Tabriz, Iran, facing various levels of outdoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Of all 219 people (212 male and 7 female), 71 were from the low traffic area and 148 were from high traffic and industrial areas. To validate the exposure levels, 93 air samples were taken to determine the target VOCs (benzene, toluene, xylenes, and styrene collectively called BTXS) concentrations in the studied areas. ANOVA and Tukey's tests were used for statistical analysis. Based on the results, significant differences were observed between the mean concentrations of BTXS with the following order of abundance: industrial > high traffic > low traffic. The Considerable decrease was observed in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and eosinophils of 0.324 ( × 106/μL), 0.57 g/dL, 1.87%, and 0.17 ( × 103/μL), respectively in industrial area participants as compared to the low traffic area. However, a significant increase was observed in white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophils number, neutrophils percent, TNF-α and INF-γ of 0.88 ( × 103/μL), 0.80 ( × 103/μL), 3.53%, 34.2 ng/mL, and 40.06 ng/mL, respectively in the same groups. The comparison of low and high traffic areas showed significant differences in RBC (p = 0.034), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (p < 0.001), and interferon gamma (INF-γ) (p < 0.001). On the contrary, no significant difference was observed in TNF-α and INF-γ among the high traffic and industrial areas. In conclusion, the results showed that the samples from high traffic and industrial areas were regularly exposed to higher values of BTXS due to traffic and industrial pollutants as compared to the samples residing in low traffic regions. Based on the results living in both high traffic and industrial regions can increase adverse effects on hematologic parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Taghi Samadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Shakerkhatibi
- Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Jalal Poorolajal
- Research Center for Health Sciences and Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Alireza Rahmani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Hassan Rafieemehr
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Mousa Hesam
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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18
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Sun R, Xu K, Zhang Q, Jiang X, Man Z, Yin L, Zhang J, Pu Y. Plasma metabonomics investigation reveals involvement of fatty acid oxidation in hematotoxicity in Chinese benzene-exposed workers with low white blood cell count. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32506-32514. [PMID: 30238259 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3160-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Benzene is an environmental and occupational contaminant. Health hazards associated with occupational benzene exposure is a major public health problem in China. In this study, we analyzed metabolite profiles among plasma samples collected from benzene-exposed workers with low white blood cell count (BLWs) and healthy controls using high-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. To screen potential benzene hematotoxicity biomarkers and metabolic pathways, principal component analysis was used to examine metabolite profile changes in plasma samples. The alterations in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) pathway were consistent with our previous findings in a mouse model; hence, two key genes were selected and verified in WBC samples. A total of nine identified metabolites were significantly changed in BLWs, which were involved in glutathione metabolism, porphyrin metabolism, lipid metabolism pathway, and FAO metabolism. Furthermore, compared with healthy controls, the mRNA expressions of carnitine acyltransferase (CRAT) and ACADVL were significantly increased in BLWs. Particularly, WBC counts was negatively correlated with the expression of AVADVL in BLWs. These aberrant metabolites could act as potential biomarkers for benzene hematotoxicity. In addition, fatty acid oxidation pathway may play a critical role in the development of hematotoxicity caused by benzene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaodi Man
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Nourozi MA, Neghab M, Bazzaz JT, Nejat S, Mansoori Y, Shahtaheri SJ. Association between polymorphism of GSTP1, GSTT1, GSTM1 and CYP2E1 genes and susceptibility to benzene-induced hematotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:1983-1990. [PMID: 29204680 PMCID: PMC6002464 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2104-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to benzene has been associated with leukemia, anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Genetic susceptibility to benzene toxicity in humans may be related to variations in benzene metabolizing genes. The main objective of this study was to ascertain whether polymorphism of GSTP1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and CYP2E1 genes might influence susceptibility to the adverse effects of benzene among employees of a petrochemical plant. In this cross-sectional study, 124 employees of a petrochemical plant who had been occupationally exposed to benzene and had one or more abnormal hematological parameter (cases) and 184 subjects with a similar exposure scenario, free from any abnormal hematological parameters (referent) were studied. Atmospheric concentrations of benzene were measured and GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were evaluated using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Additionally, GSTP1 and CYP2E1 genotypes were determined by PCR- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). The frequency of null GSTT1 genotype in cases was significantly higher than that of referent group (32.3 vs. 18.5%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.23–3.56, p = 0.004). The mean value of platelets in subjects with null GSTT1 genotype was significantly lower than that of individuals with positive GSTT1 genotype (p = 0.015). Conversely, the mean value of leukocytes was significantly higher in subjects with null GSTM1 genotype as compared to those with positive GSTM1 genotype (p = 0.026). Logistic regression analysis showed that, subjects with null GSTT1 genotype had a significantly higher risk for hematological disorders, as compared to those with positive GSTT1 genotype (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.23–3.56). Moreover, subjects with both null GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes had a significantly higher risk for hematological disorders as compared to subjects with positive GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.14–4.8). The results of this study showed that, individuals carrying null GSTT1 or both null STT1 and GSTM1 genotypes had a higher risk and were more susceptible to benzene-induced hematological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Amin Nourozi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Neghab
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Javad Tavakkoly Bazzaz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saharnaz Nejat
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Knowledge Utilization Research Center (KURC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaser Mansoori
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamaleddin Shahtaheri
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Doherty BT, Kwok RK, Curry MD, Ekenga C, Chambers D, Sandler DP, Engel LS. Associations between blood BTEXS concentrations and hematologic parameters among adult residents of the U.S. Gulf States. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:579-587. [PMID: 28448810 PMCID: PMC5687063 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of workers exposed to benzene at average air concentrations below one part per million suggest that benzene, a known hematotoxin, causes hematopoietic damage even at low exposure levels. However, evidence of such effects outside of occupational settings and for other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is limited. OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between ambient exposures to five VOCs, including benzene, and hematologic parameters among adult residents of the U.S. Gulf Coast. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood concentrations of selected VOCs were measured in a sample of adult participants in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study (GuLF STUDY) during 2012 and 2013. Complete blood counts with differentials were also performed on a subset of participants (n=406). We used these data together with detailed questionnaire data to estimate adjusted associations between blood BTEXS (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m/p-xylene, and styrene) concentrations and hematologic parameters using generalized linear models. RESULTS We observed inverse associations between blood benzene concentrations and hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and a positive association with red cell distribution width among tobacco smoke-unexposed participants (n=146). Among tobacco smoke-exposed participants (n=247), we observed positive associations between blood VOC concentrations and several hematologic parameters, including increased white blood cell and platelet counts, suggestive of hematopoietic stimulation typically associated with tobacco smoke exposure. Most associations were stronger for benzene than for the other VOCs. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that ambient exposure to BTEXS, particularly benzene, may be associated with hematologic effects, including decreased hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and increased red cell distribution width.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett T Doherty
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Richard K Kwok
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Matthew D Curry
- Social and Scientific Systems, Inc., 1009 Slater Road, Suite #120, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Christine Ekenga
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - David Chambers
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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21
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Moro AM, Brucker N, Charão MF, Baierle M, Sauer E, Goethel G, Barth A, Nascimento SN, Gauer B, Durgante J, Amaral BS, Neto FR, Gioda A, Garcia SC. Biomonitoring of gasoline station attendants exposed to benzene: Effect of gender. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2017; 813:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Sun R, Cao M, Zhang J, Yang W, Wei H, Meng X, Yin L, Pu Y. Benzene Exposure Alters Expression of Enzymes Involved in Fatty Acid β-Oxidation in Male C3H/He Mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13111068. [PMID: 27809262 PMCID: PMC5129278 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13111068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Benzene is a well-known hematotoxic carcinogen that can cause leukemia and a variety of blood disorders. Our previous study indicated that benzene disturbs levels of metabolites in the fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) pathway, which is crucial for the maintenance and function of hematopoietic and leukemic cells. The present research aims to investigate the effects of benzene on changes in the expression of key enzymes in the FAO pathway in male C3H/He mice. Results showed that benzene exposure caused reduced peripheral white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (Pit) counts, and hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration. Investigation of the effects of benzene on the expression of FA transport- and β-oxidation-related enzymes showed that expression of proteins Cpt1a, Crat, Acaa2, Aldh1l2, Acadvl, Crot, Echs1, and Hadha was significantly increased. The ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased in mice exposed to benzene. Meanwhile, reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the benzene group. Our results indicate that benzene induces increased expression of FA transport and β-oxidation enzymes, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, which may play a role in benzene-induced hematotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Meng Cao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenwen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Haiyan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xing Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Bassig BA, Zhang L, Vermeulen R, Tang X, Li G, Hu W, Guo W, Purdue MP, Yin S, Rappaport SM, Shen M, Ji Z, Qiu C, Ge Y, Hosgood HD, Reiss B, Wu B, Xie Y, Li L, Yue F, Freeman LEB, Blair A, Hayes RB, Huang H, Smith MT, Rothman N, Lan Q. Comparison of hematological alterations and markers of B-cell activation in workers exposed to benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Carcinogenesis 2016; 37:692-700. [PMID: 27207665 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzene, formaldehyde (FA) and trichloroethylene (TCE) are ubiquitous chemicals in workplaces and the general environment. Benzene is an established myeloid leukemogen and probable lymphomagen. FA is classified as a myeloid leukemogen but has not been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), whereas TCE has been associated with NHL but not myeloid leukemia. Epidemiologic associations between FA and myeloid leukemia, and between benzene, TCE and NHL are, however, still debated. Previously, we showed that these chemicals are associated with hematotoxicity in cross-sectional studies of factory workers in China, which included extensive personal monitoring and biological sample collection. Here, we compare and contrast patterns of hematotoxicity, monosomy 7 in myeloid progenitor cells (MPCs), and B-cell activation biomarkers across these studies to further evaluate possible mechanisms of action and consistency of effects with observed hematologic cancer risks. Workers exposed to benzene or FA, but not TCE, showed declines in cell types derived from MPCs, including granulocytes and platelets. Alterations in lymphoid cell types, including B cells and CD4+ T cells, and B-cell activation markers were apparent in workers exposed to benzene or TCE. Given that alterations in myeloid and lymphoid cell types are associated with hematological malignancies, our data provide biologic insight into the epidemiological evidence linking benzene and FA exposure with myeloid leukemia risk, and TCE and benzene exposure with NHL risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luoping Zhang
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Guilan Li
- Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | | | - Weihong Guo
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Songnian Yin
- Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Stephen M Rappaport
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Zhiying Ji
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Chuangyi Qiu
- Guangdong Poison Control Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yichen Ge
- Guangdong Poison Control Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - H Dean Hosgood
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Boris Reiss
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA and
| | - Banghua Wu
- Guangdong Poison Control Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Xie
- Guangdong Poison Control Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Laiyu Li
- Guangdong Poison Control Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Yue
- Guangdong Poison Control Center, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Richard B Hayes
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hanlin Huang
- Guangdong Poison Control Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Martyn T Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Ye LL, Zhang GH, Huang JW, Li Y, Zheng GQ, Zhang DT, Zhou LF, Tao XD, Zhang J, Ye YJ, Sun P, Frank A, Xia ZL. Are polymorphisms in metabolism protective or a risk for reduced white blood cell counts in a Chinese population with low occupational benzene exposures? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2015; 21:232-40. [PMID: 26179485 DOI: 10.1179/2049396714y.0000000091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variations in metabolic enzyme genes may enhance hematotoxicity in benzene-exposed populations. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between polymorphisms of metabolism genes and white blood cells (WBCs). METHODS Three hundred and eighty-five benzene-exposed workers and 220 unexposed indoor workers were recruited in China. We explored the relationship between metabolic enzymes polymorphisms [glutathione S-transferase T1/M1 (GSTT1/M1) null, glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1)rs1695, Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) rs3813867, rs2031920, rs6413432, microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) rs1051740, rs2234922] by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and WBC. RESULTS The exposed group had lower WBC counts (P<0·001) than the unexposed group. Increased susceptibility to hematotoxicity, as evidenced by lower WBC counts, was found in workers with null-GSTT1 (P = 0·045), null-GSTM1 (P = 0·030), rs2031920 (P = 0·020), and rs3813867 (P = 0·014) genotypes. White blood cell counts were also lower in workers with null-GSTT1 and null-GSTM after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION Null-GSTT1 and null-GSTM1 genotypes and Cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1: rs2031920, rs3813867) may support the hematotoxicity of benzene-exposed workers in China, and we can make use of it to select susceptible population.
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25
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Moro AM, Brucker N, Charão MF, Sauer E, Freitas F, Durgante J, Bubols G, Campanharo S, Linden R, Souza AP, Bonorino C, Moresco R, Pilger D, Gioda A, Farsky S, Duschl A, Garcia SC. Early hematological and immunological alterations in gasoline station attendants exposed to benzene. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 137:349-356. [PMID: 25601738 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Elucidation of effective biomarkers may provide tools for the early detection of biological alterations caused by benzene exposure and may contribute to the reduction of occupational diseases. This study aimed to assess early alterations on hematological and immunological systems of workers exposed to benzene. METHODS Sixty gasoline station attendants (GSA group) and 28 control subjects were evaluated. Environmental and biological monitoring of benzene exposure was performed in blood and urine. The potential effect biomarkers evaluated were δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity, CD80 and CD86 expression in lymphocytes and monocytes, and serum interleukin-8 (IL-8). The influence of confounding factors and toluene co-exposure were considered. RESULTS Although exposures were below ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) limits, reduced ALA-D activity, decreased CD80 and CD86 expression in monocytes and increased IL-8 levels were found in the GSA group compared to the control subjects. Furthermore, according to multiple linear regression analysis, benzene exposure was associated to a decrease in CD80 and CD86 expression in monocytes. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest, for the first time, a potential effect of benzene exposure on ALA-D activity, CD80 and CD86 expression, IL-8 levels, which could be suggested as potential markers for the early detection of benzene-induced alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Moro
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-Graduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Natália Brucker
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-Graduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariele F Charão
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-Graduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Elisa Sauer
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-Graduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernando Freitas
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliano Durgante
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Bubols
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Sarah Campanharo
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Health Sciences Institute, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana P Souza
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristina Bonorino
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moresco
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Diogo Pilger
- Post-Graduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Gioda
- Department of Chemistry of Pontifical Catholic University Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra Farsky
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Albert Duschl
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Solange C Garcia
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-Graduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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26
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Koh DH, Jeon HK, Lee SG, Ryu HW. The relationship between low-level benzene exposure and blood cell counts in Korean workers. Occup Environ Med 2015; 72:421-7. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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De Palma G, Manno M. Metabolic polymorphisms and biomarkers of effect in the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to low-levels of benzene: state of the art. Toxicol Lett 2014; 231:194-204. [PMID: 25447454 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Current levels of occupational exposure to benzene, a genotoxic human carcinogen, in Western countries are reduced by two-three orders of magnitude (from ppm to ppb) as compared to the past. However, as benzene toxicity is strongly dependent on biotransformation and recent evidence underlines a higher efficiency of bio-activation pathways at lower levels of exposure, toxic effects at low doses could be higher than expected, particularly in susceptible individuals. Currently, biological monitoring can allow accurate exposure assessment, relying on sensitive and specific enough biomarkers of internal dose. The availability of similarly reliable biomarkers of early effect or susceptibility could greatly improve the risk assessment process to such an extent that risk could even be assessed at the individual level. As to susceptibility biomarkers, functional genetic polymorphisms of relevant biotransformation enzymes may modulate the risk of adverse effects (NQO1) and the levels of biomarkers of internal dose, in particular S-phenylmercapturic acid (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTA1). Among biomarkers of early effect, genotoxicity indicators, although sensitive in some cases, are too aspecific for routine use in occupational health surveillance programmes. Currently only the periodical blood cell count seems suitable enough to be applied in the longitudinal monitoring of effects from benzene exposure. Novel biomarkers of early effect are expected from higher collaboration among toxicologists and clinicians, also using advanced "omics" techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- G De Palma
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - M Manno
- Department of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, University of Napoli Federico II, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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28
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Zhang GH, Ye LL, Wang JW, Ren JC, Xu XW, Feng NN, Zhou LF, Ru JG, Hao YH, Tian W, Sun P, Au WW, Christiani DC, Xia ZL. Effect of polymorphic metabolizing genes on micronucleus frequencies among benzene-exposed shoe workers in China. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2014; 217:726-32. [PMID: 24698387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
It is well-known that metabolism of benzene is required for the induction of toxicity and consequent health problems. Therefore, genetic variation in benzene (BZ) metabolism genes can influence health outcomes. However, large population studies are needed to provide more evidence for such relationship. We have conducted a large population investigation (385 BZ-exposed shoe workers and 197 matched healthy controls) on the association between inheritance of certain BZ metabolizing genes and the expression of micronuclei (MN). The latter was based on the cytokinesis-blocked MN assay. We analyzed the polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 (rs1695), CYP2E1 (rs3813867), CYP2E1 (rs2031920), CYP2E1 (rs6413432), mEH exon 3 (rs1051740), mEH exon 4 (rs2234922). Univariate Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that the BZ-exposed workers had significantly increased MN frequency compared with the controls (FR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.56-2.18; P<0.001), and showed a cumulative exposure dose-response relationship. The CYP2E1 rs3813867 mutant allele (CC+GC) (FR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.29; P=0.020) and rs2031920 variant allele (CT+TT) (FR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.09-1.37, P<0.01) was associated with higher MN frequency significantly compared with the wild genotype separately. Furthermore, the MN frequency in rs2031920 variant allele (CT+TT) (FR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.31, P<0.01) was also higher than the wild genotype when the age, gender and cumulative exposure dose was adjusted in Poisson regression. In addition, the CYP2E1, however, GSTM1null, GSTT1null, GSTP1 rs1695, rs6413432, rs1051740 and rs2234922 polymorphisms showed no association with MN frequency. Our results indicate that two promoter polymorphisms in the CYP2E1 gene, especially the rs2031920 variant allele, were involved with the BZ-induction of MN and may contribute to risk of cancer among exposed workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-hui Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ling-li Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wenzhou People's Hospital, 57 Canghou Road, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jin-wei Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing-chao Ren
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xiao-wen Xu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Nan-nan Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-fang Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian-guo Ru
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-hui Hao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pin Sun
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - William W Au
- MPH Education Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - David C Christiani
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine & Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zhao-lin Xia
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Santiago F, Alves G, Otero UB, Tabalipa MM, Scherrer LR, Kosyakova N, Ornellas MH, Liehr T. Monitoring of gas station attendants exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) using three-color chromosome painting. Mol Cytogenet 2014; 7:15. [PMID: 24576355 PMCID: PMC3974043 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8166-7-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exposure of BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) may lead to progressive degeneration of bone marrow, aplastic anemia and/or leukemia. In Brazil there is no self-service fuel in gas stations and attendants fill the fuel themselves. Due to this they are chronically exposed to high concentration of BTX. Occupational exposure to benzene has been associated with increased chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using whole chromosome painting (wcp) probes allows the rapid detection of chromosomal aberration. In the present study three-color wcp probes for chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 were used for monitoring 60 gas station attendants. RESULTS Blood tests were done and interviews were conducted for each worker. For searching for possible associations between the clinical characteristics and the frequency of chromosomal aberrations the workers were divided into two groups (≤ 10 chromosomal abnormalities per 1,000 metaphases and > 10 chromosomal abnormalities per 1,000 metaphases).The studied workers had a low median age (36 year), albeit long period of BTX exposure (median was 16 years). Low prevalence of smoking and moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages were found in this population. The cytogenetic analysis showed 16.6% (10/60) of workers with a high frequency of chromosomal abnormalities (>10 chromosomal abnormalities per 1,000 metaphases). Translocations were the most frequently observed chromosome aberration. The statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences in skin color (p = 0.002) and a weak significant differences in gender (p = 0.052) distribution between the two groups. CONCLUSION 16.6% of the studied population showed elevated frequencies of chromosomal abnormalities, which is highly likely to be correlated with their exposure to BTX during their work. Therefore, further studies are needed for better characterize the work associated damage of the genome in gas station workers. It is necessary to better understand the risks that these workers are exposed, so that we can be effective in preventing diseases and maintaining the health of these workers and possibly the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gilda Alves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
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30
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Gao A, Yang J, Yang G, Niu P, Tian L. Differential gene expression profiling analysis in workers occupationally exposed to benzene. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 472:872-879. [PMID: 24342094 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Benzene is an important industrial chemical and an environmental contaminant, but the pathogenesis of hematotoxicity induced by chronic occupational benzene exposure remains to be elucidated. To gain an insight into the molecular mechanisms and new biomarkers, microarray analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed mRNA critical for benzene hematotoxicity. RNA was extracted from four chronic benzene poisoning patients occupationally exposed to benzene, three benzene-exposed workers without clinical symptoms and three health controls without benzene exposure and mRNA expression profiling was performed using Gene Chip Human Gene 2.0ST Arrays. Analysis of mRNA expression profiles were conducted to identify key genes, biological processes and pathways by the series test of cluster (STC), STC-Gene Ontology analysis (STC-GO), pathway analysis and Signal-net. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS 1) 1661 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified and assigned to sixteen model profiles. 2) Profiles 14, 10, 11, 1 and 15 are the predominant expression profiles which were involved in immune response, inflammatory response, chemotaxis, defense response, anti-apoptosis and signal transduction. 3) The importance of immune response at benzene hematotoxicity is highlighted by several immune-related signaling pathways such as B/T cell receptor signaling pathway, acute myeloid leukemia, hematopoietic cell lineage and natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity. 4) Signet analysis showed that PIK3R1, PIK3CG, PIK3R2, GNAI3, KRAS, NRAS, NFKB1, HLA-DMA, and HLA-DMB were key genes involved in benzene hematotoxicity. These genes might be new biomarkers for the prevention and early diagnosis of benzene poisoning. This is a preliminary study that paves the way to further functional study to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Gao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Gengxia Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Piye Niu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Electronic noses for monitoring benzene occupational exposure in biological samples of Egyptian workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2013; 26:165-72. [PMID: 23532823 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-013-0086-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Benzene is commonly emitted in several industries, leading to widespread environmental and occupational exposure hazards. While less toxic solvents have been substituted for benzene, it is still a component of petroleum products and is a trace impurity in industrial products resulting in continued higher occupational exposures in industrial settings in developing countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the potential use of an electronic nose (e-nose) to monitor the headspace volatiles in biological samples from benzene-exposed Egyptian workers and non-exposed controls. The study population comprised 150 non-smoking male workers exposed to benzene and an equal number of matching non-exposed controls. We determined biomarkers of benzene used to estimate exposure and risk including: benzene in exhaled air and blood; and its urinary metabolites such as phenol and muconic acid using gas chromatography technique and a portable e-nose. RESULTS The average benzene concentration measured in the ambient air of the workplace of all studied industrial settings in Alexandria, Egypt; was 97.56 ± 88.12 μg/m(3) (range: 4.69-260.86 μg/m(3)). Levels of phenol and muconic acid were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in both blood and urine of benzene-exposed workers as compared to non-exposed controls. CONCLUSIONS The e-nose technology has successfully classified and distinguished benzene-exposed workers from non-exposed controls for all measured samples of blood, urine and the exhaled air with a very high degree of precision. Thus, it will be a very useful tool for the low-cost mass screening and early detection of health hazards associated with the exposure to benzene in the industry.
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Arnold SM, Angerer J, Boogaard PJ, Hughes MF, O'Lone RB, Robison SH, Schnatter AR. The use of biomonitoring data in exposure and human health risk assessment: benzene case study. Crit Rev Toxicol 2013; 43:119-53. [PMID: 23346981 PMCID: PMC3585443 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2012.756455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract A framework of "Common Criteria" (i.e. a series of questions) has been developed to inform the use and evaluation of biomonitoring data in the context of human exposure and risk assessment. The data-rich chemical benzene was selected for use in a case study to assess whether refinement of the Common Criteria framework was necessary, and to gain additional perspective on approaches for integrating biomonitoring data into a risk-based context. The available data for benzene satisfied most of the Common Criteria and allowed for a risk-based evaluation of the benzene biomonitoring data. In general, biomarker (blood benzene, urinary benzene and urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid) central tendency (i.e. mean, median and geometric mean) concentrations for non-smokers are at or below the predicted blood or urine concentrations that would correspond to exposure at the US Environmental Protection Agency reference concentration (30 µg/m(3)), but greater than blood or urine concentrations relating to the air concentration at the 1 × 10(-5) excess cancer risk (2.9 µg/m(3)). Smokers clearly have higher levels of benzene exposure, and biomarker levels of benzene for non-smokers are generally consistent with ambient air monitoring results. While some biomarkers of benzene are specific indicators of exposure, the interpretation of benzene biomonitoring levels in a health-risk context are complicated by issues associated with short half-lives and gaps in knowledge regarding the relationship between the biomarkers and subsequent toxic effects.
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Manuela C, Francesco T, Tiziana C, Assunta C, Lara S, Nadia N, Giorgia A, Barbara S, Maria F, Carlotta C, Valeria DG, Pia SM, Gianfranco T, Angela S. Environmental and biological monitoring of benzene in traffic policemen, police drivers and rural outdoor male workers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:1542-50. [PMID: 22555192 DOI: 10.1039/c2em30120b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate exposure to benzene in urban and rural areas, an investigation into personal exposure to benzene in traffic policemen, police drivers and rural (roadmen) male outdoor workers was carried out. Personal samples and data acquired using fixed monitoring stations located in different areas of the city were used to measure personal exposure to benzene in 62 non-smoker traffic policemen, 22 police drivers and 57 roadmen. Blood benzene, urinary trans-trans muconic acid (t,t-MA) and S-phenyl-mercapturic acid (S-PMA) were measured at the end of work shift in 62 non-smoker traffic policemen, 22 police drivers and 57 roadmen and 34 smoker traffic policemen, 21 police drivers and 53 roadmen. Exposure to benzene was similar among non-smoker traffic policemen and police drivers and higher among non-smoker urban workers compared to rural workers. Blood benzene, t,t-MA and S-PMA were similar among non-smoker traffic policemen and police drivers; blood benzene and t,t-MA were significantly higher in non-smoker urban workers compared to rural workers. Significant increases in t,t-MA were found in smokers vs. non-smokers. In non-smoker urban workers airborne benzene and blood benzene, and t,t-MA and S-PMA were significantly correlated. This study gives an evaluation of the exposure to benzene in an urban area, comparing people working in the street or in cars, to people working in a rural area. Benzene is a certain carcinogen for humans. The results we showed should lead to more in-depth studies about the effects on health of these categories of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciarrocca Manuela
- University of Rome Sapienza, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Medical-Legal and the Orthopedics, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Djurhuus R, Nossum V, Øvrebø S, Skaug V. Proposal on limits for chemical exposure in saturation divers' working atmosphere: the case of benzene. Crit Rev Toxicol 2012; 42:211-29. [PMID: 22304480 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2011.650791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Saturation diving is performed under extreme environmental conditions. The divers are confined to a limited space for several weeks under high environmental pressure and elevated oxygen partial pressure. At present, divers are protected against chemical exposure by standard exposure limits only adjusted for the increased exposure length, i.e. from 8 to 24 hours a day and from 5 to 7 days a week. The objective of the present study was to indicate a procedure for derivation of occupational exposure limits for saturation diving, termed hyperbaric exposure limits (HEL). Using benzene as an example, a procedure is described that includes identification of the latest key documents, extensive literature search with defined exclusion criteria for the literature retrieved. Hematotoxicity and leukemia were defined as the critical effects, and exposure limits based upon concentration and cumulative exposure data and corresponding risks of leukemia were calculated. Possible interactions of high pressure, elevated pO₂, and continuous exposure have been assessed, and incorporated in a final suggestion of a HEL for benzene. The procedure should be applicable for other relevant chemicals in the divers' breathing atmosphere. It is emphasized that the lack of interactions from pressure and oxygen indicated for benzene may be completely different for other chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Djurhuus
- Norwegian Underwater Intervention AS (NUI AS), Bergen, Norway.
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McHale CM, Zhang L, Smith MT. Current understanding of the mechanism of benzene-induced leukemia in humans: implications for risk assessment. Carcinogenesis 2012; 33:240-52. [PMID: 22166497 PMCID: PMC3271273 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgr297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzene causes acute myeloid leukemia and probably other hematological malignancies. As benzene also causes hematotoxicity even in workers exposed to levels below the US permissible occupational exposure limit of 1 part per million, further assessment of the health risks associated with its exposure, particularly at low levels, is needed. Here, we describe the probable mechanism by which benzene induces leukemia involving the targeting of critical genes and pathways through the induction of genetic, chromosomal or epigenetic abnormalities and genomic instability, in a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC); stromal cell dysregulation; apoptosis of HSCs and stromal cells and altered proliferation and differentiation of HSCs. These effects modulated by benzene-induced oxidative stress, aryl hydrocarbon receptor dysregulation and reduced immunosurveillance, lead to the generation of leukemic stem cells and subsequent clonal evolution to leukemia. A mode of action (MOA) approach to the risk assessment of benzene was recently proposed. This approach is limited, however, by the challenges of defining a simple stochastic MOA of benzene-induced leukemogenesis and of identifying relevant and quantifiable parameters associated with potential key events. An alternative risk assessment approach is the application of toxicogenomics and systems biology in human populations, animals and in vitro models of the HSC stem cell niche, exposed to a range of levels of benzene. These approaches will inform our understanding of the mechanisms of benzene toxicity and identify additional biomarkers of exposure, early effect and susceptibility useful for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martyn T. Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Genes and Environment Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-7356, USA
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