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Galatro D, Di Nardo A, Pai V, Trigo-Ferre R, Jeffrey M, Jacome M, Costanzo-Alvarez V, Bazylak J, Amon CH. Considerations for using tree-based machine learning to assess causation between demographic and environmental risk factors and health outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-35304-4. [PMID: 39394473 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-35304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
Evaluation of the heterogeneous treatment effect (HTE) allows for the assessment of the causal effect of a therapy or intervention while considering heterogeneity in individual factors within a population. Machine learning (ML) methods have previously been employed for HTE evaluation, addressing the limitations associated with modelling complex systems. In this work, three tree-based ML algorithms, causal random forest (CRF), causal Bayesian additive regression trees (CBART), and causal rule ensemble (CRE), are used to analyze the potential causation of benzene exposure to cause childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Data for this analysis is generated by drawing samples from a previously developed model that estimates AML probability given as input demographic information and benzene exposure. Comparison is drawn between the three tree-based algorithms in terms of the predicted average treatment effect (ATE), the regression coefficient of determination, and the computational time of each algorithm. Minimal difference is reported between the three tree-based algorithms in terms of the ATE, as well as the regression coefficient of determination. However, CRF outperforms CBART in terms of algorithm computational time. Moreover, CRF allows for both continuous and binary treatment variables, as opposed to CBART and CRE, making it better suited to environmental health studies, where exposure levels of pollutants shall be considered continuous. Following the comparison of all three algorithms, the influence of adding Gaussian noise to the treatment and outcome variables, as well as outliers, is investigated using CRF. A set of considerations is drawn to guide researchers in using these algorithms. These considerations detail the simulation settings, applications, and results interpretation and aim to provide prompt information in decision-making surrounding the establishment of pollutant exposure thresholds in environmental risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Galatro
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Alessia Di Nardo
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Varun Pai
- Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rosario Trigo-Ferre
- Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Melanie Jeffrey
- Centre for Indigenous Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maria Jacome
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Jason Bazylak
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cristina H Amon
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Tambasco D, Franklin M, Harris SA, Tibout P, Doria AS. A geospatial assessment of industrial releases and pediatric neuroblastic tumours at diagnosis: A retrospective case series. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2024; 78:455-470. [PMID: 38190263 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2023.2291734] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Environmental risk factors associated with malignancy of pediatric neuroblastic tumours are not well-known and few studies have examined the relationship between industrial emissions and neuroblastic tumour diagnosis. A retrospective case series of 310 patients was evaluated at a tertiary hospital in Toronto, Canada between January 2008, and December 2018. Data from the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) were used to estimate exposure for a dozen chemicals with known or suspected carcinogenicity or embryotoxicity. Comparative analysis and predictive logistic regression models for malignant versus benign neuroblastic tumours included variables for residential proximity, number, and type of industries, mean total emissions within 2 km, and inverse distance weighted (IDW) quantity of chemical-specific industrial emissions estimated within 10 and 50 km of cases. No significant difference was seen between malignant and benign cases with respect to the mean nearest residential distance to industry, the number or type of industry, or the mean total quantity of industrial emissions within a 2 km radius of residential location of cases. However, there were statistically significant differences in the interpolated IDW emissions of dioxins and furans released between 1993 and 2019 within 10 km. Concentrations were significantly higher in malignant neuroblastic tumours at 1.65 grams (g) toxic equivalent (TEQ) (SD 2.01 g TEQ) compared to benign neuroblastic tumours at 1.13 g TEQ (SD 0.84 g TEQ) (p = 0.05). Within 50 km 3 years prior to diagnosis, malignant cases were exposed to higher levels of aluminum, benzene, and nitrogen dioxide (p = 0.02, p = 0.04, and p = 0.02 respectively). Regression analysis of the IDW emissions within a 50 km radius revealed higher odds of exposure to benzene for malignant neuroblastic tumours (OR = 1.03, CI: 1.01-1.05, p = 0.01). These preliminary findings suggest a potential role of industrial emissions in the development of malignant pediatric neuroblastic tumours and underscore the need for further research to investigate these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Tambasco
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Environmental Health Clinic and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meredith Franklin
- Department of Statistical Sciences and School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley A Harris
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pauline Tibout
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea S Doria
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hymel E, Degarege A, Fritch J, Farazi E, Napit K, Coulter D, Schmidt C, Watanabe-Galloway S. Agricultural exposures and risk of childhood neuroblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:113193-113204. [PMID: 37858025 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30315-z] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
While neuroblastoma accounts for an estimated 8% of childhood cancers, it causes about 15% of childhood cancer deaths in the United States. The role of agricultural exposures in the development of neuroblastoma is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the relationship between agricultural exposures and neuroblastoma. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched in February 2022, identifying 742 publications. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria; all were published between 1985 and 2020 and included 14 case-control, one cross-sectional, and two cohort studies. Random and fixed effects models were used to calculate summary odds ratios (sORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). An increased odds of developing neuroblastoma with parental exposure to any pesticides (sOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03-1.48; 4 studies), insecticides (sOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.19-1.91; 3 studies), and residential exposure to crops/vegetables (sOR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06; 2 studies) was seen. Heterogeneity was low in all analyses, and no publication bias was evident. No significant associations were found with agricultural occupations, herbicides, and agricultural dusts. The studies were limited by exposure measurements and small sample sizes. Further studies are needed to explore mechanisms in the development of neuroblastoma in children with parental agricultural exposures, especially pesticides, and to improve methods of measuring agricultural-related exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hymel
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Abraham Degarege
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jordan Fritch
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Sanford Children's Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Evi Farazi
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Krishtee Napit
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Don Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Cynthia Schmidt
- McGoogan Health Sciences Library, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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Hüls A, Van Cor S, Christensen GM, Li Z, Liu Y, Shi L, Pearce JL, Bayakly R, Lash TL, Ward K, Switchenko JM. Environmental, social and behavioral risk factors in association with spatial clustering of childhood cancer incidence. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2023; 45:100582. [PMID: 37301597 PMCID: PMC10258443 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2023.100582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Childhood cancer incidence is known to vary by age, sex, and race/ethnicity, but evidence is limited regarding external risk factors. We aim to identify harmful combinations of air pollutants and other environmental and social risk factors in association with the incidence of childhood cancer based on 2003-2017 data from the Georgia Cancer Registry. We calculated the standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors, leukemia and lymphomas based on age, gender and ethnic composition in each of the 159 counties in Georgia, USA. County-level information on air pollution, socioeconomic status (SES), tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and obesity were derived from US EPA and other public data sources. We applied two unsupervised learning tools (self-organizing map [SOM] and exposure-continuum mapping [ECM]) to identify pertinent types of multi-exposure combinations. Spatial Bayesian Poisson models (Leroux-CAR) were fit with indicators for each multi-exposure category as exposure and SIR of childhood cancers as outcomes. We identified consistent associations of environmental (pesticide exposure) and social/behavioral stressors (low socioeconomic status, alcohol) with spatial clustering of pediatric cancer class II (lymphomas and reticuloendothelial neoplasms), but not for other cancer classes. More research is needed to identify the causal risk factors for these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hüls
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Sara Van Cor
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Grace M Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhenjiang Li
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuxi Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Liuhua Shi
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John L Pearce
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rana Bayakly
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Timothy L Lash
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kevin Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Switchenko
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Inhibitory Effects of 3-Methylcholanthrene Exposure on Porcine Oocyte Maturation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065567. [PMID: 36982641 PMCID: PMC10058619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) is a highly toxic environmental pollutant that impairs animal health. 3-MC exposure can cause abnormal spermatogenesis and ovarian dysfunction. However, the effects of 3-MC exposure on oocyte maturation and embryo development remain unclear. This study revealed the toxic effects of 3-MC exposure on oocyte maturation and embryo development. 3-MC with different concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 μM was applied for in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. The results showed that 100 μM 3-MC significantly inhibited cumulus expansion and the first polar body extrusion. The rates of cleavage and blastocyst of embryos derived from 3-MC-exposed oocytes were significantly lower than those in the control group. Additionally, the rates of spindle abnormalities and chromosomal misalignments were higher than those in the control group. Furthermore, 3-MC exposure not only decreased the levels of mitochondria, cortical granules (CGs), and acetylated α-Tubulin, but also increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, and apoptosis. The expression of cumulus expansion and apoptosis-related genes was abnormal in 3-MC-exposed oocytes. In conclusion, 3-MC exposure disrupted the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes through oxidative stress.
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Nutraceutical Preventative and Therapeutic Potential in Neuroblastoma: From Pregnancy to Early Childhood. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111762. [DOI: 10.3390/life12111762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a highly malignant embryonic extracranial solid tumor that arises from sympathoadrenal neuroblasts of neural crest origin. In addition to genetic factors, NB has been linked to maternal exposure to a variety of substances during pregnancy. Recent interest in the potential of nutrients to prevent cancer and reduce malignancy has resulted in the identification of several nutraceuticals including resveratrol, curcumin, and molecular components of garlic, which together with certain vitamins may help to prevent NB development. As NBs arise during fetal development and progress during early childhood, specific NB inhibiting nutraceuticals and vitamins could enhance the preventative influence of maternal nutrition and breast feeding on the development and early progression of NB. In this article, we review NB inhibitory nutraceuticals and vitamins, their mechanisms of action and expound their potential as maternal nutritional supplements to reduce NB development and progression during fetal growth and early childhood, whilst at the same time enhancing maternal, fetal, and infant health.
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Tian T, Yin S, Chen Y, Wang C, Liu M, Jin L, Li Z, Liu J, Zhang Y, Wang L, Ren A. Elevated concentrations of chromium in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum, and cord tissue are associated with an increased risk for orofacial clefts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113799. [PMID: 35780851 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113799] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chromium (Cr) exposure during gestation causes malformations in animal experiments. In this multicenter case-control study, we initially involved 130 orofacial clefts (OFCs) and 260 controls to assess the association between Cr concentration and risk for OFCs. Then, umbilical cord serum (49 vs. 119) and cord tissue (84 vs. 142) were used to validate the association between Cr and OFCs. We found that maternal serum Cr concentrations in OFC cases were significantly higher than those in controls. Compared with the lowest tertile of maternal serum Cr concentration, the highest tertile of Cr increased the risk for OFCs [OR = 2.14 (1.14-4.05)]. In the validation cohort of umbilical cord serum and tissue, higher concentrations of Cr were associated with increased risks for OFCs in a dose-dependent manner (all Ps for trends <0.05). Cr concentrations in maternal serum and cord serum showed a positive correlation. The Cr concentration in cord serum was inversely correlated with egg and milk consumption frequencies, and the Cr concentration in cord tissue was positively associated with indoor coal burning. In conclusion, prenatal Cr exposure is a risk factor for OFCs, and indoor coal burning during pregnancy may be one of the sources of Cr exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shengju Yin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environment Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yongyan Chen
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chengrong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jufen Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100026, China.
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8
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Mazzei A, Konstantinoudis G, Kreis C, Diezi M, Ammann RA, Zwahlen M, Kühni C, Spycher BD. Childhood cancer and residential proximity to petrol stations: a nationwide registry-based case-control study in Switzerland and an updated meta-analysis. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:927-938. [PMID: 34652533 PMCID: PMC9203398 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Benzene is a known carcinogen for adult leukemia. Exposure to benzene through parental occupation and the use of household products has been associated with childhood leukemia (CL). Ambient benzene has also been associated with CL and central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We aimed to investigate whether the higher ambient levels of benzene in proximity of petrol stations are associated with a greater risk of childhood cancers, leukemia, and CNS tumors. METHODS We identified children diagnosed with cancer at age 0-15 years during 1985-2015 from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry and selected 10 age and sex-matched controls per case from national censuses. We calculated the distance from children's home to the nearest petrol station using precise geocodes. We estimated odds ratios using conditional logistic regression adjusting for ambient levels of NO2, distance to highways, level of urbanization, and presence of a cantonal cancer registry. In addition, we ran a meta-analysis pooling current results for CL with those of previous studies. RESULTS We identified 6129 cases, of which 1880 were leukemias and 1290 CNS tumors. 24 cases lived within 50 m from a petrol station. The adjusted odds ratio of a cancer diagnosis for children thus exposed compared to unexposed children (> 500 m) was 1.29 (0.84-1.98) for all cancers combined, 1.08 (0.46-2.51) for leukemia, and 1.30 (0.51-3.35) for CNS tumors. During 2000-2015, when exposure assessment was more precise, the adjusted odds ratio for any cancer diagnosis was 1.77 (1.05-2.98). The summary relative risk estimate for CL in the meta-analysis including four studies was 2.01 (1.25-3.22). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides weak support for an increased risk of childhood cancers among children living close to petrol stations. A meta-analysis including our study suggests an increased risk for CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mazzei
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Garyfallos Konstantinoudis
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christian Kreis
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Diezi
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Roland A Ammann
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Kinderaerzte, KurWerk, Burgdorf, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Zwahlen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Kühni
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ben D Spycher
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Shakeel O, Lupo PJ, Strong S, Arora M, Scheurer ME. A brief review of the current knowledge on environmental toxicants and risk of pediatric cancers. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 39:193-202. [PMID: 34665984 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2021.1979147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of pediatric cancers has steadily increased since 1975, which could suggest that other exogenous factors are accounting for an increasing proportion of cases. There has been growing concern over environmental exposures (i.e., toxicants) the on development of pediatric cancers. However, identifying environmental exposures on childhood cancer risk has been challenging because these outcomes are infrequent compared to cancer in adults, and it is difficult to estimate exposure during specific critical periods of development (e.g., pre-conception, in utero, early childhood) that are likely more important for childhood cancer development. Here, we summarize the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Group 1 agents (toxicants known to be carcinogenic to humans), their routes of exposure, current methods for risk mitigation, and what is known of their associations with pediatric cancer risk. Our review suggests that environmental toxicants are important and potentially modifiable risk factors that need to be more fully explored in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Shakeel
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael E Scheurer
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Wang Y, Guo Y, Gao J, Yuan X. Tumor-suppressive function of SIRT4 in neuroblastoma through mitochondrial damage. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:5591-5603. [PMID: 30519106 PMCID: PMC6234993 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s172509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SIRT4 is a member of the sirtuin family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent enzymes located in the mitochondria, and is involved in regulating energy metabolism, stress response, and cellular lifespan in mammalian cells. However, its function in human neuroblastoma (NB) remains unexplored. Methods Expression of SIRT4 in 158 pairs of human NB tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues collected from March 2009 to October 2012 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. For in vitro study, SIRT4 was overexpressed in SH-SY5Y, SK-N-BE, and IMR-32 cells to study the effects of SIRT4 expression on proliferation, invasion, and migration of human NB cells and on mitochondrial function. Results SIRT4 gene expression in human NB tumor tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001). SIRT4 expression was lower in NB patients with higher International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage (P=0.018), with lymph node metastasis, than patients without lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). Survival times of NB patients with low expression of SIRT4 were significantly shorter than those of patients with high expression of SIRT4 (P=0.0036). Overexpression of SIRT4 significantly reduced the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of NB cells as well as mitochondrial energy production, and caused SIRT1 upregulation and mitochondrial damage in NB cells. Conclusion SIRT4 exhibits a tumor suppressor function in human NB and inhibits mitochondrial metabolism and SIRT1 expression in tumor cells, thereby reducing the energy metabolism of tumor cells. These results suggest that SIRT4 may be a new therapeutic target for human NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Wang
- Department of Children's Rehabilitation, Shangqiu First People's Hospital of Henan, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - Yinmou Guo
- First Department of Oncology, Shangqiu First People's Hospital of Henan, Shangqiu, Henan, China,
| | - Jianzhi Gao
- Department of Oncology, Zhuozhou Hospital of Beijing 301 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Yuan
- Department of Children's Rehabilitation, Shangqiu First People's Hospital of Henan, Shangqiu, Henan, China
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11
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Raaschou-Nielsen O, Hvidtfeldt UA, Roswall N, Hertel O, Poulsen AH, Sørensen M. Ambient benzene at the residence and risk for subtypes of childhood leukemia, lymphoma and CNS tumor. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:1367-1373. [PMID: 29633247 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to benzene increases the risk for acute myeloid leukemia and possibly other types of cancer in adults. For children, only limited evidence about benzene and cancer exists. A few studies have indicated that benzene may increase risk for some subtypes of childhood cancer but not for others. We aimed to investigate if outdoor levels of benzene at the residence increase the risk for subtypes of leukemia, lymphoma and CNS tumor in children. We identified 1,989 children diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or CNS tumor during 1968-1991 in the Danish Cancer Registry and randomly selected 5,506 control children from the Danish population, matched on sex, age and calendar time. We traced residential history of all children from 9 months before birth to time of diagnosis, calculated outdoor benzene concentration at all addresses and summarized cumulative exposure over fetal and childhood periods separately. We used conditional logistic regression for the statistical analyses. Benzene exposure during childhood above the 90th percentile was associated with relative risks for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of 1.0 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.6-1.7) and 1.9 (95% CI: 0.3-11.1), respectively, when compared with exposure levels below the median. For CNS tumors, there was a tendency of lower risk for ependymoma and higher risk for medulloblastoma in association with higher exposure. In conclusion, benzene was associated with higher risk for childhood AML, but not ALL, which is consistent with the few previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Raaschou-Nielsen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ulla A Hvidtfeldt
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Nina Roswall
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Ole Hertel
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Aslak H Poulsen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Mette Sørensen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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12
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Maternal Residential Proximity to Major Roadways and Pediatric Embryonal Tumors in Offspring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018. [PMID: 29533992 PMCID: PMC5877050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The environmental determinants of pediatric embryonal tumors remain unclear. Because of the growing concern over the impact of exposures to traffic-related air pollution on pediatric cancer, we conducted a population-based study evaluating the impact of maternal residential proximity to major roadways on the risk of pediatric embryonal tumors in offspring. We identified children diagnosed with neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, retinoblastoma, or hepatoblastoma at <5 years of age from the Texas Cancer Registry and selected unaffected controls from birth certificates. Two residential proximity measures were used: (1) distance to the nearest major roadway, and (2) within 500 m of a major roadway. Logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each proximity measure on pediatric embryonal tumors. The odds of an embryonal tumor were increased in children born to mothers living within 500 m of a major roadway (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.54). This was consistent for most tumor subtypes, with the strongest associations observed for unilateral retinoblastoma (aOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.28, 5.15, for every kilometer closer the mother lived to the nearest major roadway). These findings contribute to the growing evidence that traffic-related air pollution may increase risk for certain pediatric tumors.
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Ortega-García JA, López-Hernández FA, Cárceles-Álvarez A, Fuster-Soler JL, Sotomayor DI, Ramis R. Childhood cancer in small geographical areas and proximity to air-polluting industries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:63-73. [PMID: 28319819 PMCID: PMC5685507 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM Pediatric cancer has been associated with exposure to certain environmental carcinogens. The purpose of this work is to analyse the relationship between environmental pollution and pediatric cancer risk. METHOD We analysed all incidences of pediatric cancer (<15) diagnosed in a Spanish region during the period 1998-2015. The place of residence of each patient and the exact geographical coordinates of main industrial facilities was codified in order to analyse the spatial distribution of cases of cancer in relation to industrial areas. Focal tests and focused Scan methodology were used for the identification of high-incidence-rate spatial clusters around the main industrial pollution foci. RESULTS The crude rate for the period was 148.0 cases per 1,000,0000 children. The incidence of pediatric cancer increased significantly along the period of study. With respect to spatial distribution, results showed significant high incidence around some industrial pollution foci group and the Scan methodology identify spatial clustering. We observe a global major incidence of non Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) considering all foci, and high incidence of Sympathetic Nervous System Tumour (SNST) around Energy and Electric and organic and inorganic chemical industries foci group. In the analysis foci to foci, the focused Scan test identifies several significant spatial clusters. Particularly, three significant clusters were identified: the first of SNST was around energy-generating chemical industries (2 cases versus the expected 0.26), another of NHL was around residue-valorisation plants (5 cases versus the expected 0.91) and finally one cluster of Hodgkin lymphoma around building materials (3 cases versus the expected 2.2) CONCLUSION: Results suggest a possible association between proximity to certain industries and pediatric cancer risk. More evidences are necessary before establishing the relationship between industrial pollution and pediatric cancer incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Ortega-García
- Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Laboratory of Environmental and Human Health (A5), Institute of Biomedical Research, IMIB-Arrixaca, Clinical University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | | | - Alberto Cárceles-Álvarez
- Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Laboratory of Environmental and Human Health (A5), Institute of Biomedical Research, IMIB-Arrixaca, Clinical University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José L Fuster-Soler
- Oncology & Hematology Section, Pediatrics Department, Clinical University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Diana I Sotomayor
- Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Laboratory of Environmental and Human Health (A5), Institute of Biomedical Research, IMIB-Arrixaca, Clinical University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Ramis
- Environmental Epidemiology and Cancer Unit, National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III - ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Lavigne É, Bélair MA, Do MT, Stieb DM, Hystad P, van Donkelaar A, Martin RV, Crouse DL, Crighton E, Chen H, Brook JR, Burnett RT, Weichenthal S, Villeneuve PJ, To T, Cakmak S, Johnson M, Yasseen AS, Johnson KC, Ofner M, Xie L, Walker M. Maternal exposure to ambient air pollution and risk of early childhood cancers: A population-based study in Ontario, Canada. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 100:139-147. [PMID: 28108116 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are increasing concerns regarding the role of exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy in the development of early childhood cancers. OBJECTIVE This population based study examined whether prenatal and early life (<1year of age) exposures to ambient air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5μm (PM2.5), were associated with selected common early childhood cancers in Canada. METHODS 2,350,898 singleton live births occurring between 1988 and 2012 were identified in the province of Ontario, Canada. We assigned temporally varying satellite-derived estimates of PM2.5 and land-use regression model estimates of NO2 to maternal residences during pregnancy. Incident cases of 13 subtypes of pediatric cancers among children up to age 6 until 2013 were ascertained through administrative health data linkages. Associations of trimester-specific, overall pregnancy and first year of life exposures were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 2044 childhood cancers were identified. Exposure to PM2.5, per interquartile range increase, over the entire pregnancy, and during the first trimester was associated with an increased risk of astrocytoma (hazard ratio (HR) per 3.9μg/m3=1.38 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.88) and, HR per 4.0μg/m3=1.40 (95% CI: 1.05-1.86), respectively). We also found a positive association between first trimester NO2 and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (HR=1.20 (95% CI: 1.02-1.41) per IQR (13.3ppb)). CONCLUSIONS In this population-based study in the largest province of Canada, results suggest an association between exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and an increased risk of astrocytoma and ALL. Further studies are required to replicate the findings of this study with adjustment for important individual-level confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éric Lavigne
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Minh T Do
- Surveillance and Epidemiology Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David M Stieb
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Population Studies Division, Health Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Perry Hystad
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Aaron van Donkelaar
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Randall V Martin
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Daniel L Crouse
- Department of Sociology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Eric Crighton
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Chen
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey R Brook
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Air Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, Downsview, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Scott Weichenthal
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul J Villeneuve
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teresa To
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabit Cakmak
- Population Studies Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Markey Johnson
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abdool S Yasseen
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Better Outcomes Registry and Network Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth C Johnson
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marianna Ofner
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Global Health and Guideline Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lin Xie
- Surveillance and Epidemiology Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Better Outcomes Registry and Network Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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15
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Hall C, Ritz B, Cockburn M, Davidson TB, Heck JE. Risk of malignant childhood germ cell tumors in relation to demographic, gestational, and perinatal characteristics. Cancer Epidemiol 2017; 46:42-49. [PMID: 28013088 PMCID: PMC5272784 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a rare assortment of neoplasms, with mostly unknown etiology, that are believed to originate very early in life. Few studies have examined risk factors by histologic subtype, despite evidence of different risk profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this population-based case-control study, 451 childhood malignant GCT cases ages 0-5 years were identified from the California Cancer Registry. Differentiating between common histologic subtypes, we identified 181 yolk sac tumors, 216 teratomas, and 54 rarer subtypes. Cases were linked to their birth certificates and 271,381 controls, frequency matched by birth year, were randomly selected from California birthrolls to investigate the contributions of demographic, gestational, and pregnancy factors using unconditional logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Asian/Pacific Islander children were at an increased risk for developing GCTs (odds ratio [OR]=1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.47, 2.56). Among pregnancy complications and procedures, yolk sac tumors were positively associated with the presence of fetopelvic disproportion (OR=2.97; 95% CI=1.55, 5.68), while teratomas were strongly associated with polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios (OR=14.76; 95% CI=7.21, 30.19) and the presence of an ear, face, or neck anomaly at birth (OR=93.70; 95% CI=42.14, 208.82). CONCLUSIONS Malignant yolk sac tumors and malignant teratomas exhibited distinct demographic and gestational characteristics; additionally, complications in pregnancy and labor may be brought on by specific histologic subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, CA, USA
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, CA, USA
| | - Myles Cockburn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tom B Davidson
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia E Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, CA, USA.
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16
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Danysh HE, Mitchell LE, Zhang K, Scheurer ME, Lupo PJ. Differences in environmental exposure assignment due to residential mobility among children with a central nervous system tumor: Texas, 1995-2009. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:41-46. [PMID: 26443468 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2015.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In epidemiologic studies of childhood cancer, environmental exposures are often assigned based on either residence at birth or diagnosis without considering the impact of residential mobility. Therefore, we evaluated residential mobility and exposure assignment differences to hazardous air pollutants between birth and diagnosis in children with a central nervous system (CNS) tumor. Children diagnosed with CNS tumors during 1995-2009 (N=1,196) were identified from the Texas Cancer Registry. Census tract-level estimates of 1,3-butadiene and benzene were used to assign quartiles of exposure based on the maternal residence at birth and the child's residence at diagnosis. Overall, 64% of younger (0-4 years) children and 79% of older (5-14 years) children moved between birth and diagnosis. Using mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression, residence at diagnosis compared to birth did not result in a significant change in exposure assignment for younger children; however, older children were more likely to be placed in a lower 1,3-butadiene or benzene exposure quartile based on residence at diagnosis compared to birth (odds ratio (OR)=0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.45-0.76; OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.44-0.75, respectively). In conclusion, while the majority of children moved between birth and CNS tumor diagnosis, mobility did not significantly impact 1,3-butadiene and benzene exposure assessment in younger children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Danysh
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology Section, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura E Mitchell
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael E Scheurer
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology Section, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology Section, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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17
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Holman DM, Buchanan ND. Opportunities During Early Life for Cancer Prevention: Highlights From a Series of Virtual Meetings With Experts. Pediatrics 2016; 138:S3-S14. [PMID: 27940972 PMCID: PMC5890502 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-4268c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence suggests that early life exposures can affect lifetime cancer risk. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Cancer Prevention Across the Lifespan Workgroup hosted a series of virtual meetings with select experts to discuss the state of the evidence linking factors during the prenatal period and early childhood to subsequent risk of both pediatric and adult cancers. In this article, we present the results from a qualitative analysis of the meeting transcripts and summarize themes that emerged from our discussions with meeting participants. Themes included the state of the evidence linking early life factors to cancer risk, research gaps and challenges, the level of evidence needed to support taking public health action, and the challenges of communicating complex, and sometimes conflicting, scientific findings to the public. Opportunities for collaboration among public health agencies and other stakeholders were identified during these discussions. Potential next steps for the CDC and its partners included advancing and building upon epidemiology and surveillance work, developing and using evidence from multiple sources to inform decision-making, disseminating and communicating research findings in a clear and effective way, and expanding collaborations with grantees and other partners. As the science on early life factors and cancer risk continues to evolve, there are opportunities for collaboration to translate science into actionable public health practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M. Holman
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Natasha D. Buchanan
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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18
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von Ehrenstein OS, Heck JE, Park AS, Cockburn M, Escobedo L, Ritz B. In Utero and Early-Life Exposure to Ambient Air Toxics and Childhood Brain Tumors: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in California, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:1093-9. [PMID: 26505805 PMCID: PMC4937846 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1408582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the influence of environmental factors on the etiology of childhood brain tumors. OBJECTIVES We examined risks for brain tumors in children after prenatal and infant exposure to monitored ambient air toxics. METHODS We ascertained all cases of medulloblastoma, central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), and astrocytoma before 6 years of age diagnosed in 1990-2007 from the California Cancer Registry and selected controls randomly from birth rolls matched by birth year. Exposures to air toxics during pregnancy/infancy for 43 PNET, 34 medulloblastoma, and 106 astrocytoma cases and 30,569 controls living within 5 mi of a monitor were determined. With factor analysis we assessed the correlational structures of 26 probable carcinogenic toxics, and estimated odds ratios by brain tumor type in logistic regression models. RESULTS PNETs (≤ 38 cases) were positively associated with interquartile range (IQR) increases in prenatal exposure to acetaldehyde [odds ratio (OR) = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.44, 3.67], 1,3-butadiene (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.28, 3.88), benzene, and toluene; and with IQR increases in exposure during the first year of life to ortho-dichlorobenzene (OR = 3.27; 95% CI: 1.17, 9.14), 1,3-butadiene (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.57, 6.32), and benzene. All exposures except ortho-dichlorobenzene loaded on the same factor. Medulloblastoma (≤ 30 cases) was associated with prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs combined: OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.80). Exposures to lead and some PAHs during the first year of life were positively associated with astrocytoma, but the confidence intervals included the null value (e.g., for lead, OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 0.97, 2.03). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that in utero and infancy exposures to air toxics generated by industrial and road traffic sources may increase the risk of PNET and medulloblastoma, with limited support for increased risks for astrocytoma in children up to age 6. CITATION von Ehrenstein OS, Heck JE, Park AS, Cockburn M, Escobedo L, Ritz B. 2016. In Utero and early-life exposure to ambient air toxics and childhood brain tumors: a population-based case-control study in California, USA. Environ Health Perspect 124:1093-1099; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408582.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia E. Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew S. Park
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Myles Cockburn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Loraine Escobedo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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García-Pérez J, Morales-Piga A, Gómez-Barroso D, Tamayo-Uria I, Pardo Romaguera E, Fernández-Navarro P, López-Abente G, Ramis R. Risk of neuroblastoma and residential proximity to industrial and urban sites: A case-control study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 92-93:269-75. [PMID: 27123770 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children but its etiology is not clearly understood. While a small fraction of cases might be attributable to genetic factors, the role of environmental pollution factors needs to be assessed. OBJECTIVES To ascertain the effect of residential proximity to both industrial and urban areas on neuroblastoma risk, taking into account industrial groups and toxic substances released. METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control study of neuroblastoma in Spain, including 398 incident cases gathered from the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumors (period 1996-2011), and 2388 controls individually matched by year of birth, sex, and region of residence. Distances were computed from the respective subject's residences to the 1271 industries and the 30 urban areas with ≥75,000 inhabitants located in the study area. Using logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for categories of distance (from 1km to 5km) to industrial and urban pollution sources were calculated, with adjustment for matching variables and socioeconomic confounders. RESULTS Excess risk (OR; 95%CI) of neuroblastoma was detected for the intersection between industrial and urban areas: (2.52; 1.20-5.30) for industrial distance of 1km, and (1.99; 1.17-3.37) for industrial distance of 2km. By industrial groups, excess risks were observed near 'Production of metals' (OR=2.05; 95%CI=1.16-3.64 at 1.5km), 'Surface treatment of metals' (OR=1.89; 95%CI=1.10-3.28 at 1km), 'Mines' (OR=5.82; 95%CI=1.04-32.43 at 1.5km), 'Explosives/pyrotechnics' (OR=4.04; 95%CI=1.31-12.42 at 4km), and 'Urban waste-water treatment plants' (OR=2.14; 95%CI=1.08-4.27 at 1.5km). CONCLUSIONS These findings support the need for more detailed exposure assessment of certain substances released by these industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Pérez
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Antonio Morales-Piga
- Rare Disease Research Institute (IIER), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Diana Gómez-Barroso
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain; National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ibon Tamayo-Uria
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elena Pardo Romaguera
- Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumors (RETI-SEHOP), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pablo Fernández-Navarro
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Gonzalo López-Abente
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Rebeca Ramis
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
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20
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García-Pérez J, Morales-Piga A, Gómez J, Gómez-Barroso D, Tamayo-Uria I, Pardo Romaguera E, Fernández-Navarro P, López-Abente G, Ramis R. Association between residential proximity to environmental pollution sources and childhood renal tumors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 147:405-14. [PMID: 26950029 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few risk factors for childhood renal tumors are well established. While a small fraction of cases might be attributable to susceptibility genes and congenital anomalies, the role of environmental factors needs to be assessed. OBJECTIVES To explore the possible association between residential proximity to environmental pollution sources (industrial and urban areas, and agricultural crops) and childhood renal cancer, taking into account industrial groups and toxic substances released. METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control study of childhood renal cancer in Spain, including 213 incident cases gathered from the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumors (period 1996-2011), and 1278 controls individually matched by year of birth, sex, and region of residence. Distances were computed from the respective subject's residences to the 1271 industries, the 30 urban areas with ≥75,000 inhabitants, and the agricultural crops located in the study area. Using logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for categories of distance to pollution sources were calculated, with adjustment for matching variables and socioeconomic confounders. RESULTS Excess risk (OR; 95%CI) of childhood renal tumors was observed for children living near (≤2.5km) industrial installations as a whole (1.97; 1.13-3.42) - particularly glass and mineral fibers (2.69; 1.19-6.08), galvanization (2.66; 1.14-6.22), hazardous waste (2.59; 1.25-5.37), ceramic (2.35; 1.06-5.21), surface treatment of metals (2.25; 1.24-4.08), organic chemical industry (2.22; 1.15-4.26), food and beverage sector (2.19; 1.18-4.07), urban and waste-water treatment plants (2.14; 1.07-4.30), and production and processing of metals (1.98; 1.03-3.82) -, and in the proximity of agricultural crops (3.16; 1.54-8.89 for children with percentage of crop surface ≥24.35% in a 1-km buffer around their residences). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides some epidemiological evidence that living near certain industrial areas and agricultural crops may be a risk factor for childhood renal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Pérez
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Antonio Morales-Piga
- Rare Disease Research Institute (IIER), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.
| | - José Gómez
- University Hospital "Infanta Leonor", Madrid, Spain.
| | - Diana Gómez-Barroso
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain; National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ibon Tamayo-Uria
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elena Pardo Romaguera
- Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumors (RETI-SEHOP), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pablo Fernández-Navarro
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Gonzalo López-Abente
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Rebeca Ramis
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
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McDermott S, Salzberg DC, Anderson AP, Shaw T, Lead J. Systematic Review of Chromium and Nickel Exposure During Pregnancy and Impact on Child Outcomes. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2015; 78:1348-1368. [PMID: 26571332 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2015.1090939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Some forms of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) are toxic, especially with chronic elevated exposure, and certain forms such as hexavalent chromium or nickel carbonyl were labeled as carcinogens. Since both metals are naturally occurring, and used in industrial processes, individuals may be exposed through ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation, or dermal contact. This study focused on the impact of toxic forms of Cr and Ni during pregnancy and outcomes in newborn and young children. A systematic literature review following "The Navigation Guide" was applied, and 16 reports that satisfied the inclusion criteria were scored. Six papers studied birth weight, prematurity, or gestational age: one found an association between Ni and small for gestational age, while another linked Ni with low birth weight; however, four reported no marked associations. Of six studies that examined birth defects, three found no significant associations; one noted an association between Ni and neural tube defects; one showed an association between Ni and structural birth defects; and one reported a weak effect for Cr exposure and musculoskeletal defects. In the remaining four studies, weak associations were found for hexavalent Cr and neuroblastoma, Ni and autism spectrum disorder, Cr and Ni and DNA damage, and Cr and lymphocyte damage. Among the studies that were rated as good for execution and reliability, there was weak evidence of an association between Ni and autism spectrum disorder and small for gestational age, but no significant association between Cr and a child outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deborah C Salzberg
- a Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics , University of South Carolina , Columbia , South Carolina , USA
| | - Anna Paige Anderson
- a Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics , University of South Carolina , Columbia , South Carolina , USA
| | - Timothy Shaw
- b Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry , University of South Carolina , Columbia , South Carolina , USA
| | - Jamie Lead
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , University of South Carolina , Columbia , South Carolina , USA
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De Mariano M, Gallesio R, Chierici M, Furlanello C, Conte M, Garaventa A, Croce M, Ferrini S, Tonini GP, Longo L. Identification of GALNT14 as a novel neuroblastoma predisposition gene. Oncotarget 2015; 6:26335-46. [PMID: 26309160 PMCID: PMC4694905 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several genes have been associated to neuroblastoma (NB) predisposition and aggressiveness, further genes are likely involved in the overall risk of developing this pediatric cancer. We thus carried out whole-exome sequencing on germline DNA from two affected second cousins and two unlinked healthy relatives from a large family with hereditary NB. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 6999 variations that were exclusively shared by the two familial NB cases. We then considered for further analysis all unknown or rare missense mutations, which involved 30 genes. Validation and analysis of these variants led to identify a GALNT14 mutation (c.802C > T) that properly segregated in the family and was predicted as functionally damaging by PolyPhen2 and SIFT. Screening of 8 additional NB families and 167 sporadic cases revealed this GALNT14 mutation in the tumors of two twins and in the germline of one sporadic NB patient. Moreover, a significant association between MYCN amplification and GALNT14 expression was observed in both NB patients and cell lines. Also, GALNT14 higher expression is associated with a worse OS in a public dataset of 88 NB samples (http://r2.amc.nl). GALNT14 is a member of the polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferase family and maps closely to ALK on 2p23.1, a region we previously discovered in linkage with NB in the family here considered. The aberrant function of GALNTs can result in altered glycoproteins that have been associated to the promotion of tumor aggressiveness in various cancers. Although rare, the recurrence of this mutation suggests GALNT14 as a novel gene potentially involved in NB predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena De Mariano
- U.O.C. Bioterapie, IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Gallesio
- U.O.C. Bioterapie, IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Michela Croce
- U.O.C. Bioterapie, IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvano Ferrini
- U.O.C. Bioterapie, IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Tonini
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Pediatric Research Institute, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Longo
- U.O.C. Bioterapie, IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
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Muirhead CR, Tweddle DA, Basta NO, McNally RJQ. Temporal clustering of neuroblastic tumours in children and young adults from Northern England. Environ Health 2015; 14:72. [PMID: 26338008 PMCID: PMC4558831 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-015-0058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aetiology of neuroblastic tumours is unclear with both genetic and environmental factors implicated. The possibility that an infectious agent may be involved has been suggested. 'Temporal clustering' occurs if cases display an irregular temporal distribution and may indicate the involvement of an agent that exhibits epidemicity. We tested for the presence and nature of temporal clustering using population-based data from northern England. METHODS We extracted all cases of neuroblastic tumours diagnosed in children and young adults aged 0-24 years during 1968-2011 from the Northern Region Young Persons' Malignant Disease Registry. This is a population-based registry, covering a population of approximately 900,000 young persons, and includes all cases resident in northern England at the time of diagnosis. Tests for temporal clustering were applied using a modified version of the Potthoff-Whittinghill method. Estimates of extra-Poisson variation (β) and standard errors (SEs) were obtained. RESULTS 227 cases of neuroblastic tumours were diagnosed during the study period. All the analyses between fortnights and between months found significant extra-Poisson variation, with β = 0.846 (SE = 0.310, P = 0.004) for the analysis between fortnights within months. Restricting the analyses to the 76 cases diagnosed at ages less than 18 months showed significant extra-Poisson variation between fortnights within months (β = 1.532, SE = 0.866, P = 0.038), but not between months. In contrast, analyses of cases aged 18 months to 24 years showed significant extra-Poisson variation between quarters within years, as well as over shorter timescales. CONCLUSIONS Transient environmental agents may be involved in the aetiology of neuroblastic tumours. The initiating factor might be a geographically-widespread agent that occurs in 'mini-epidemics'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin R Muirhead
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK.
| | - Deborah A Tweddle
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Nermine O Basta
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK.
| | - Richard J Q McNally
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK.
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Evidence for bystander signalling between human trophoblast cells and human embryonic stem cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11694. [PMID: 26170169 PMCID: PMC4501009 DOI: 10.1038/srep11694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure during pregnancy to toxins can occasionally lead to miscarriage and malformation. It is currently thought that toxins pass through the placental barrier, albeit bi-layered in the first trimester, and damage the fetus directly, albeit at low concentration. Here we examined the responses of human embryonic stem (hES) cells in tissue culture to two metals at low concentration. We compared direct exposures with indirect exposures across a bi-layered model of the placenta cell barrier. Direct exposure caused increased DNA damage without apoptosis or a loss of cell number but with some evidence of altered differentiation. Indirect exposure caused increased DNA damage and apoptosis but without loss of pluripotency. This was not caused by metal ions passing through the barrier. Instead the hES cells responded to signalling molecules (including TNF-α) secreted by the barrier cells. This mechanism was dependent on connexin 43 mediated intercellular ‘bystander signalling’ both within and between the trophoblast barrier and the hES colonies. These results highlight key differences between direct and indirect exposure of hES cells across a trophoblast barrier to metal toxins. It offers a theoretical possibility that an indirectly mediated toxicity of hES cells might have biological relevance to fetal development.
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Parodi S, Merlo DF, Ranucci A, Miligi L, Benvenuti A, Rondelli R, Magnani C, Haupt R. Risk of neuroblastoma, maternal characteristics and perinatal exposures: The SETIL study. Cancer Epidemiol 2014; 38:686-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Heck JE, Park AS, Qiu J, Cockburn M, Ritz B. Risk of leukemia in relation to exposure to ambient air toxics in pregnancy and early childhood. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2013; 217:662-8. [PMID: 24472648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There are few established causes of leukemia, the most common type of cancer in children. Studies in adults suggest a role for specific environmental agents, but little is known about any effect from exposures in pregnancy to toxics in ambient air. In our case-control study, we ascertained 69 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 46 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from California Cancer Registry records of children <age 6, and 19,209 controls from California birth records within 2 km (1.3 miles) (ALL) and 6 km (3.8 miles) (AML) of an air toxics monitoring station between 1990 and 2007. Information on air toxics exposures was taken from community air monitors. We used logistic regression to estimate the risk of leukemia associated with one interquartile range increase in air toxic exposure. Risk of ALL was elevated with 3(rd) trimester exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OR=1.16, 95% CI 1.04, 1.29), arsenic (OR=1.33, 95% CI 1.02, 1.73), benzene (OR=1.50, 95% CI 1.08, 2.09), and three other toxics related to fuel combustion. Risk of AML was increased with 3rd trimester exposure to chloroform (OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.00, 1.69), benzene (1.75, 95% CI 1.04, 2.93), and two other traffic-related toxics. During the child's first year, exposure to butadiene, ortho-xylene, and toluene increased risk for AML and exposure to selenium increased risk for ALL. Benzene is an established cause of leukemia in adults; this study supports that ambient exposures to this and other chemicals in pregnancy and early life may also increase leukemia risk in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Andrew S Park
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiaheng Qiu
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Myles Cockburn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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27
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Heck JE, Wu J, Lombardi C, Qiu J, Meyers TJ, Wilhelm M, Cockburn M, Ritz B. Childhood cancer and traffic-related air pollution exposure in pregnancy and early life. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:1385-91. [PMID: 24021746 PMCID: PMC3855517 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1306761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature on traffic-related air pollution and childhood cancers is inconclusive, and little is known on rarer cancer types. OBJECTIVES We sought to examine associations between childhood cancers and traffic-related pollution exposure. METHODS The present study included children < 6 years of age identified in the California Cancer Registry (born 1998-2007) who could be linked to a California birth certificate (n = 3,590). Controls were selected at random from California birthrolls (n = 80,224). CAlifornia LINE Source Dispersion Modeling, version 4 (CALINE4) was used to generate estimates of local traffic exposures for each trimester of pregnancy and in the first year of life at the address indicated on the birth certificate. We checked our findings by additionally examining associations with particulate matter (≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter; PM2.5) pollution measured by community-based air pollution monitors, and with a simple measure of traffic density. RESULTS With unconditional logistic regression, a per interquartile range increase in exposure to traffic-related pollution during the first trimester (0.0538 ppm carbon monoxide, estimated using CALINE4) was associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL; first trimester odds ratio (OR) = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10]; germ cell tumors (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.29), particularly teratomas (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.41); and retinoblastoma (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.21), particularly bilateral retinoblastoma (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.33). Retinoblastoma was also associated with average PM2.5 concentrations during pregnancy, and ALL and teratomas were associated with traffic density near the child's residence at birth. CONCLUSIONS We estimated weak associations between early exposure to traffic pollution and several childhood cancers. Because this is the first study to report on traffic pollution in relation to retinoblastoma or germ cell tumors, and both cancers are rare, these findings require replication in other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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