1
|
C IP, R S. Characterization of a new natural cellulosic fiber extracted from Derris scandens stem. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 165:2303-2313. [PMID: 33091474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.10.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to identify a potential substitute for the harmful synthetic fibers in the field of polymer composites. With this objective, a comprehensive characterization of Derris scandens stem fibers (DSSFs) was carried out. The presence of high strength gelatinous fibers with a traditional hierarchical cell structure was found in the anatomical study. The chemical compositional analysis estimated the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of 63.3 wt%, 11.6 wt%, and 15.3 wt%, respectively. Further analysis with XRD confirmed the presence of crystalline cellulose having a size of 11.92 nm with a crystallinity index of 58.15%. SEM and AFM studies show that these fibers are porous, and the average roughness is 105.95 nm. Single fiber tensile tests revealed that the DSSFs exhibited the mean Young's modulus and tensile strength of 13.54 GPa and 633.87 MPa respectively. Furthermore, the extracted fibers were found to be thermally stable up to 230 °C, as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The fibers extracted from the stem of medicinal plant Derris scandens have the properties comparable to that of existing natural fibers, thus, suggesting it to use as a highly promising reinforcing agent alternative to synthetic fibers in polymer matrix composites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaiya Perumal C
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi 630004, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sarala R
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi 630004, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Niazi Y, Thomsen H, Smolkova B, Vodickova L, Vodenkova S, Kroupa M, Vymetalkova V, Kazimirova A, Barancokova M, Volkovova K, Staruchova M, Hoffmann P, Nöthen MM, Dusinska M, Musak L, Vodicka P, Hemminki K, Försti A. Distinct pathways associated with chromosomal aberration frequency in a cohort exposed to genotoxic compounds compared to general population. Mutagenesis 2019; 34:323-330. [PMID: 31586183 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gez024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-specific structural chromosomal aberrations (CAs) observed in peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy individuals can be either chromosome-type aberrations (CSAs) or chromatid-type aberrations (CTAs) depending on the stage of cell division they are induced in and mechanism of formation. It is important to study the genetic basis of chromosomal instability as it is a marker of genotoxic exposure and a predictor of cancer risk. For that purpose, we conducted two genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on healthy individuals in the presence and absence of apparent genotoxic exposure from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The pre-GWAS cytogenetic analysis reported the frequencies of CSA, CTA and total CA (CAtot). We performed both linear and binary logistic regression analysis with an arbitrary cut-off point of 2% for CAtot and 1% for CSA and CTA. Using the statistical threshold of 1.0 × 10-5, we identified five loci with in silico predicted functionality in the reference group and four loci in the exposed group, with no overlap between the associated regions. A meta-analysis on the two GWASs identified further four loci with moderate associations in each of the studies. From the reference group mainly loci within genes related to DNA damage response/repair were identified. Other loci identified from both the reference and exposed groups were found to be involved in the segregation of chromosomes and chromatin modification. Some of the discovered regions in each group were implicated in tumourigenesis and autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Niazi
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hauke Thomsen
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ludmila Vodickova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Vodenkova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kroupa
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Vymetalkova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Kazimirova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Magdalena Barancokova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Volkovova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marta Staruchova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Genomics, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Ludovit Musak
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Pavel Vodicka
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Asta Försti
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ospina D, Villegas VE, Rodríguez-Leguizamón G, Rondón-Lagos M. Analyzing biological and molecular characteristics and genomic damage induced by exposure to asbestos. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:4997-5012. [PMID: 31239765 PMCID: PMC6556979 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s205723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Asbestos is one of the most important occupational carcinogens. Currently, about 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos in the workplace. According to global estimates, at least 107,000 people die each year from lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis as a result of occupational exposure to asbestos. The high pathogenicity of this material is currently known, being associated with the development of pulmonary diseases, of which lung cancer is the main cause of death due to exposure to this mineral. Pulmonary diseases related to asbestos are a common clinical problem and a major health concern worldwide. Extensive research has identified many important pathogenic mechanisms; however, the precise molecular mechanisms involved, and the generated genomic damage that lead to the development of these diseases, are not completely understood. The modes of action that underlie this type of disease seem to differ depending on the type of fiber, lung clearance, and genetics. This evidences the need to increase our knowledge about these effects on human health. This review focuses on the characteristics of asbestos and the cellular and genomic damage generated in humans via exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Ospina
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá111221,Colombia
| | - Victoria Eugenia Villegas
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá111221,Colombia
| | - Giovanni Rodríguez-Leguizamón
- Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi – Universidad del Rosario. School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111221, Colombia
| | - Milena Rondón-Lagos
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja150003, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Niazi Y, Thomsen H, Smolkova B, Vodickova L, Vodenkova S, Kroupa M, Vymetalkova V, Kazimirova A, Barancokova M, Volkovova K, Staruchova M, Hoffmann P, Nöthen MM, Dušinská M, Musak L, Vodicka P, Hemminki K, Försti A. Genetic variation associated with chromosomal aberration frequency: A genome-wide association study. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2019; 60:17-28. [PMID: 30368896 DOI: 10.1002/em.22236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) measured with the conventional cytogenetic assay have been used for human biomonitoring of genotoxic exposure for decades. CA frequency in peripheral blood is a marker of cancer susceptibility. Previous studies have shown associations between genetic variants in metabolic pathway, DNA repair and major mitotic checkpoint genes and CAs. We conducted a genome-wide association study on 576 individuals from the Czech Republic and Slovakia followed by a replication in two different sample sets of 482 (replication 1) and 1288 (replication 2) samples. To have a broad look at the genetic susceptibility associated with CA frequency, the sample sets composed of individuals either differentially exposed to smoking, occupational/environmental hazards, or they were untreated cancer patients. Phenotypes were divided into chromosome- and chromatid-type aberrations (CSAs and CTAs, respectively) and total chromosomal aberrations (CAtot). The arbitrary cutoff point between individuals with high and low CA frequency was 2% for CAtot and 1% for CSA and CTA. The data were analyzed using age, sex, occupation/cancer and smoking history as covariates. Altogether 11 loci reached the P-value of 10-5 in the GWAS. Replication 1 supported the association of rs1383997 (8q13.3) and rs2824215 (21q21.1) in CAtot and rs983889 (5p15.1) in CTA analysis. These loci were found to be associated with genes involved in mitosis, response to environmental and chemical factors and genes involved in syndromes linked to chromosomal abnormalities. Identification of new genetic variants for the frequency of CAs offers prediction tools for cancer risk in future. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:17-28, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Niazi
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 672, 69120, Heidelberg
| | - Hauke Thomsen
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84505, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ludmila Vodickova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Sona Vodenkova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kroupa
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Vymetalkova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Kazimirova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Limbova 12, 833 03, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Magdalena Barancokova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Limbova 12, 833 03, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Volkovova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Limbova 12, 833 03, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marta Staruchova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Limbova 12, 833 03, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, D-53127, Bonn, Germany
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, D-53127, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, D-53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maria Dušinská
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2007, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Ludovit Musak
- Clinic of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital Martin, Kollarova 2, 03601, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Pavel Vodicka
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center of Primary Health Care Research, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, 20502, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Asta Försti
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center of Primary Health Care Research, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, 20502, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bononi I, Comar M, Puozzo A, Stendardo M, Boschetto P, Orecchia S, Libener R, Guaschino R, Pietrobon S, Ferracin M, Negrini M, Martini F, Bovenzi M, Tognon M. Circulating microRNAs found dysregulated in ex-exposed asbestos workers and pleural mesothelioma patients as potential new biomarkers. Oncotarget 2018; 7:82700-82711. [PMID: 27716620 PMCID: PMC5347725 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a fatal cancer, is an occupational disease mostly affecting workers ex-exposed to asbestos fibers. The asbestos, a cancerogenic mineral of different chemical composition, was widely employed in western Countries in industrial manufactures of different types. MPM may arise after a long latency period, up to five decades. MPM is resistant to conventional chemo- and radio-therapies. Altogether, these data indicate that the identification of new and specific markers are of a paramount importance for an early diagnosis and treatment of MPM. In recent years, microRNAs expression was found dysregulated in patients, both in cancer cells and sera, affected by tumors of different histotypes, including MPM. Cell and circulanting microRNAs, found to be dysregulated in this neoplasia, were proposed as new biomarkers. It has been reported that circulating microRNAs are stable in biological fluids and could be employed as potential MPM biomarkers. In this investigation, circulating microRNAs (miR) from serum samples of MPM patients and workers ex-exposed to asbestos fibers (WEA) and healthy subjects (HS) were comparatively analyzed by microarray and RT-qPCR technologies. Our results allowed (i) to select MiR-3665, an endogenous stable microRNA, as the internal control to quantify in our analyses circulating miRNAs; to detect (ii) miR-197-3p, miR-1281 and miR 32-3p up-regulated in MPM compared to HS; (iii) miR-197-3p and miR-32-3p up-regulated in MPM compared to WEA; (iv) miR-1281 up-regulated in both MPM and WEA compared to HS. In conclusion, three circulating up-regulated microRNAs, i.e. miR-197-3p, miR-1281 and miR-32-3p are proposed as potential new MPM biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manola Comar
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo-Garofolo"- Trieste, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Puozzo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariarita Stendardo
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Piera Boschetto
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Orecchia
- Mesothelioma BioBank, Pathology Unit and City Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Roberta Libener
- Mesothelioma BioBank, Pathology Unit and City Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Pietrobon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine - DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Negrini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advances Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Bovenzi
- Clinical Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bioanalytical techniques for detecting biomarkers of response to human asbestos exposure. Bioanalysis 2016; 7:1157-73. [PMID: 26039812 DOI: 10.4155/bio.15.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Asbestos exposure is known to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma and its health and economic impacts have been well documented. The exceptionally long latency periods of most asbestos-related diseases have hampered preventative and precautionary steps thus far. We aimed to summarize the state of knowledge on biomarkers of response to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is not present in human biological fluids; rather it is inhaled and trapped in lung tissue. Biomarkers of response, which reflect a change in biologic function in response to asbestos exposure, are analyzed. Several classes of molecules have been studied and evaluated for their potential utility as biomarkers of asbestos exposure. These studies range from small molecule oxidative stress biomarkers to proteins involved in immune responses.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether cumulative dust exposure in foundry work is associated with airway inflammation measured by the analysis of fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (NO) concentration, or by inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate or serum. METHODS We examined 476 dust-exposed and nonexposed foundry workers, and assessed the individual cumulative exposure to dusts and respirable quartz. Bronchial and alveolar NO production and inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate and in serum samples were also analyzed. RESULTS After adjusting for pack-years of smoking, increased levels of alveolar NO, serum C-reactive protein, and interleukin-8 were associated with a higher level of cumulative exposure to dust. The referents had higher serum myeloperoxidase levels, bronchial NO output, and 8-isoprostane levels in exhaled breath condensate than in the dust-exposed groups. CONCLUSIONS Dust exposure in foundry work may induce both systemic and alveolar inflammation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Characterization of new natural cellulosic fiber from Cissus quadrangularis stem. Carbohydr Polym 2015; 117:392-399. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
9
|
Coelho P, García-Lestón J, Costa S, Costa C, Silva S, Fuchs D, Geisler S, Dall'Armi V, Zoffoli R, Bonassi S, Pásaro E, Laffon B, Teixeira JP. Immunological alterations in individuals exposed to metal(loid)s in the Panasqueira mining area, Central Portugal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 475:1-7. [PMID: 24419281 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.12.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental studies performed in Panasqueira mine area (central Portugal) identified high concentrations of several metal(loid)s in environmental media, and individuals environmentally and occupationally exposed showed higher levels of As, Cr, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb and Zn in blood, urine, hair and nails when compared to unexposed controls. To evaluate the presence of immunological alterations attributable to environmental contamination, we quantified neopterin, kynurenine, tryptophan, and nitrite concentrations in plasma, and analysed the percentage of several lymphocytes subsets, namely CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells, CD19(+) B-cells, and CD16(+)56(+) natural killer (NK) cells in a group of individuals previously tested for metal(loid) levels in different biological matrices. The environmentally exposed group had significantly lower levels of %CD8(+) and higher CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios, whereas the occupationally exposed individuals showed significant decreases in %CD3(+) and %CD4(+), and significant increases in %CD16(+)56(+), when compared to controls. Analysed biomarkers were found to be influenced by age, particularly neopterin, kynurenine and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp) with significantly higher levels in older individuals, and %CD3(+), %CD8(+) and %CD19(+) with significantly lower values in older individuals. Males environmentally exposed showed significantly lower values of %CD19(+) when compared to control females. The concentration of Pb in toenails was associated to the level of neopterin, kynurenine and Kyn/Trp ratio (all direct), and the concentration of Mn in blood to the level of %CD8(+), %CD19(+) (both inverse) and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio (direct). Overall our results show that the metal(loid) contamination in Panasqueira mine area induced immunotoxic effects in exposed populations, possibly increasing susceptibility to diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Coelho
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano n321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Julia García-Lestón
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Psychobiology, University of A Coruña, Campus Elviña s/n, 15071 A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Solange Costa
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano n321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carla Costa
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano n321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Rua das Taipas n135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Susana Silva
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano n321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innrain 80, 4th Floor, Room M04-313, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Simon Geisler
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innrain 80, 4th Floor, Room M04-313, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Valentina Dall'Armi
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Roma, Italy.
| | - Roberto Zoffoli
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Roma, Italy.
| | - Stefano Bonassi
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Roma, Italy.
| | - Eduardo Pásaro
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Psychobiology, University of A Coruña, Campus Elviña s/n, 15071 A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Blanca Laffon
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Psychobiology, University of A Coruña, Campus Elviña s/n, 15071 A Coruña, Spain.
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano n321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Rua das Taipas n135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Laffon B, Aguilera F, Ríos-Vázquez J, García-Lestón J, Fuchs D, Valdiglesias V, Pásaro E. Endocrine and immunological parameters in individuals involved in Prestige spill cleanup tasks seven years after the exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 59:103-111. [PMID: 23792419 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In November 2002 the oil tanker Prestige spilled 63,000tonnes of heavy oil off the northwest coast of Spain, impacting more than 1000km of coastline. A general concern led to a huge mobilization of human and technical resources, and more than 300,000 people participated in cleanup activities, which lasted up to 10months. Some endocrine and immunological alterations were reported in Prestige oil exposed subjects for several months. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate if these alterations are still present seven years after the exposure. Fifty-four individuals exposed for at least 2months were compared to 50 matched referents. Prolactin and cortisol plasma concentrations, percentages of lymphocyte subsets (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+), and CD56(+)16(+)), plasma levels of circulating cytokines (interleukin (IL) 2, IL4, IL6, IL10, tumour necrosis factor α, and interferon γ), and serum concentrations of neopterin, tryptophan and kynurenine were determined in peripheral blood samples. Results showed significant differences in exposed individuals vs. referents only in cortisol (increase), kynurenine and %CD16(+)56(+) lymphocytes (both decrease). Time of exposure to the oil or using protective clothes did not influence the results, but effect of using protective mask was observed on neopterin, %CD8(+), CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio and IL4. Surveillance of the exposed individuals for early detection of possible health problems related to the endocrine or immunological systems is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Laffon
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Psychobiology, University of A Coruña, Edificio de Servicios Centrales de Investigación, Campus Elviña s/n, 15071-A Coruña, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rosenthal J, Jessup C, Felknor S, Humble M, Bader F, Bridbord K. International environmental and occupational health: From individual scientists to networked science Hubs. Am J Ind Med 2012; 55:1069-77. [PMID: 23109132 PMCID: PMC3690551 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
For the past 16 years, the International Training and Research in Environmental and Occupational Health program (ITREOH) has supported projects that link U.S. academic scientists with scientists from low- and middle-income countries in diverse research and research training activities. Twenty-two projects of varied duration have conducted training to enhance the research capabilities of scientists at 75 institutions in 43 countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, and have built productive research relationships between these scientists and their U.S. partners. ITREOH investigators and their trainees have produced publications that have advanced basic sciences, developed methods, informed policy outcomes, and built institutional capacity. Today, the changing nature of the health sciences calls for a more strategic approach. Data-rich team science requires greater capacity for information technology and knowledge synthesis at the local institution. More robust systems for ethical review and administrative support are necessary to advance population-based research. Sustainability of institutional research capability depends on linkages to multiple national and international partners. In this context, the Fogarty International Center, the National Institute of Environmental Sciences and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, have reengineered the ITREOH program to support and catalyze a multi-national network of regional hubs for Global Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (GEOHealth). We anticipate that these networked science hubs will build upon previous investments by the ITREOH program and will serve to advance locally and internationally important health science, train and attract first-class scientists, and provide critical evidence to guide policy discussions.
Collapse
|
12
|
High prevalence of serum antibodies reacting with simian virus 40 capsid protein mimotopes in patients affected by malignant pleural mesothelioma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:18066-71. [PMID: 23071320 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1213238109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is considered a rare tumor, but recent estimations indicate that one-quarter million people will die of this neoplasm in Europe in the next three decades. The mineral asbestos is considered the main causative agent of this neoplasm. MPM is largely unresponsive to conventional chemotherapy/radiotherapy. In addition to asbestos exposure, genetic predisposition to asbestos carcinogenesis and to simian virus (SV)40 infection has also been suggested. SV40 is a DNA tumor virus found in some studies to be associated at high prevalence with MPM. SV40 sequences have also been detected, although at a lower prevalence than in MPM, in blood specimens from healthy donors. However, some studies have failed to reveal SV40 footprints in MPM and its association with this neoplasm. These conflicting results indicate the need for further investigations with new approaches. We report on the presence of antibodies in serum samples from patients affected by MPM that specifically react with two different SV40 mimotopes. The two SV40 peptides used in indirect ELISAs correspond to viral capsid proteins. ELISA with the two SV40 mimotopes gave overlapping results. Our data indicate that in serum samples from MPM-affected patients (n = 97), the prevalence of antibodies against SV40 viral capsid protein antigens is significantly higher (26%, P = 0.043) than in the control group (15%) represented by healthy subjects (n = 168) with the same median age (66 y) and sex. Our results suggest that SV40 is associated with a subset of MPM and circulates in humans.
Collapse
|
13
|
Are glutathione S transferases involved in DNA damage signalling? Interactions with DNA damage and repair revealed from molecular epidemiology studies. Mutat Res 2012; 736:130-7. [PMID: 22450146 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are members of a multigene family of isoenzymes that are important in the control of oxidative stress and in phase II metabolism. Acting non-enzymically, GSTs can modulate signalling pathways of cell proliferation, cell differentiation and apoptosis. Using a molecular epidemiology approach, we have investigated a potential involvement of GSTs in DNA damage processing, specifically the modulation of DNA repair in a group of 388 healthy adult volunteers; 239 with at least 5 years of occupational exposure to asbestos, stone wool or glass fibre, and 149 reference subjects. We measured DNA damage in lymphocytes using the comet assay (alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis): strand breaks (SBs) and alkali-labile sites, oxidised pyrimidines with endonuclease III, and oxidised purines with formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase. We also measured GST activity in erythrocytes, and the capacity for base excision repair (BER) in a lymphocyte extract. Polymorphisms in genes encoding three GST isoenzymes were determined, namely deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and single nucleotide polymorphism Ile105Val in GSTP1. Consumption of vegetables and wine correlated negatively with DNA damage and modulated BER. GST activity correlated with oxidised bases and with BER capacity, and differed depending on polymorphisms in GSTP1, GSTT1 and GSTM1. A significantly lower BER rate was associated with the homozygous GSTT1 deletion in all asbestos site subjects and in the corresponding reference group. Multifactorial analysis revealed effects of sex and exposure in GSTP1 Ile/Val heterozygotes but not in Ile/Ile homozygotes. These variants affected also SBs levels, mainly by interactions of GSTP1 genotype with exposure, with sex, and with smoking habit; and by an interaction between sex and smoking. Our results show that GST polymorphisms and GST activity can apparently influence DNA stability and repair of oxidised bases, suggesting a potential new role for these proteins in DNA damage processing via DNA damage signalling.
Collapse
|
14
|
ogunbileje JO, akinosun OM. Biochemical and Haematological Profile in Nigerian Cement Factory Workers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.3923/rjet.2011.133.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
15
|
Vitamin C levels in blood are influenced by polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases. Eur J Nutr 2010; 50:437-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s00394-010-0147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
16
|
Hillegass JM, Shukla A, MacPherson MB, Lathrop SA, Alexeeva V, Perkins TN, van der Vliet A, Vacek PM, Gunter ME, Mossman BT. Mechanisms of oxidative stress and alterations in gene expression by Libby six-mix in human mesothelial cells. Part Fibre Toxicol 2010; 7:26. [PMID: 20831825 PMCID: PMC2945990 DOI: 10.1186/1743-8977-7-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 09/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposures to an amphibole fiber in Libby, Montana cause increases in malignant mesothelioma (MM), a tumor of the pleural and peritoneal cavities with a poor prognosis. Affymetrix microarray/GeneSifter analysis was used to determine alterations in gene expression of a human mesothelial cell line (LP9/TERT-1) by a non-toxic concentration (15×10(6) μm2/cm2) of unprocessed Libby six-mix and negative (glass beads) and positive (crocidolite asbestos) controls. Because manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD; SOD2) was the only gene upregulated significantly (p < 0.05) at both 8 and 24 h, we measured SOD protein and activity, oxidative stress and glutathione (GSH) levels to better understand oxidative events after exposure to non-toxic (15×10(6) μm2/cm2) and toxic concentrations (75×10(6) μm2/cm2) of Libby six-mix. RESULTS Exposure to 15×10(6) μm2/cm2 Libby six-mix elicited significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of one gene (SOD2; 4-fold) at 8 h and 111 gene changes at 24 h, including a 5-fold increase in SOD2. Increased levels of SOD2 mRNA at 24 h were also confirmed in HKNM-2 normal human pleural mesothelial cells by qRT-PCR. SOD2 protein levels were increased at toxic concentrations (75×10(6) μm2/cm2) of Libby six-mix at 24 h. In addition, levels of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD; SOD1) protein were increased at 24 h in all mineral groups. A dose-related increase in SOD2 activity was observed, although total SOD activity remained unchanged. Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence staining and flow cytometry revealed a dose- and time-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by LP9/TERT-1 cells exposed to Libby six-mix. Both Libby six-mix and crocidolite asbestos at 75×10(6) μm2/cm2 caused transient decreases (p < 0.05) in GSH for up to 24 h and increases in gene expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in LP9/TERT-1 and HKNM-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Libby six-mix causes multiple gene expression changes in LP9/TERT-1 human mesothelial cells, as well as increases in SOD2, increased production of oxidants, and transient decreases in intracellular GSH. These events are not observed at equal surface area concentrations of nontoxic glass beads. Results support a mechanistic basis for the importance of SOD2 in proliferation and apoptosis of mesothelial cells and its potential use as a biomarker of early responses to mesotheliomagenic minerals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jedd M Hillegass
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pulmonary inflammation in asbestos-exposed subjects with borderline parenchymal changes on HRCT. Respir Med 2010; 104:1042-9. [PMID: 20163943 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2010.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Revised: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many asbestos-exposed subjects have minor parenchymal changes on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) that do not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for pulmonary fibrosis and asbestosis. We investigated if these borderline parenchymal changes in asbestos-exposed subjects are related to pulmonary inflammatory activity. Exhaled nitric oxide was measured, exhaled breath condensate collected and HRCT scanned in 104 subjects with moderate to high occupational asbestos exposure. Forty-one healthy unexposed subjects served as a comparison group. After excluding other pulmonary diseases, 35 asbestos-exposed subjects had normal parenchymal findings and 31 subjects had borderline parenchymal changes on HRCT. Lung function was poorer in the latter group, but there was no difference in the degree of asbestos exposure between these groups. As compared with the unexposed comparison group, asbestos-exposed subjects with borderline parenchymal changes had increased alveolar NO concentration (3.0 + or - 0.2 vs. 2.3 + or - 0.1 ppb, p = 0.008) and increased levels of leukotriene B(4) (12.2 + or - 1.1 vs. 3.3 + or - 0.8 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and 8-isoprostane (9.4 + or - 0.7 vs. 7.3 + or - 0.6 pg/ml, p = 0.021) in breath condensate. Asbestos-exposed subjects with normal parenchymal findings had only increased breath condensate levels of leukotriene B(4) (11.4 + or - 0.9, p < 0.001). Borderline parenchymal changes on HRCT in asbestos-exposed subjects are associated with increased markers of pulmonary inflammation. Such borderline parenchymal changes are likely a mild or early form of the same pathological process that leads to asbestosis.
Collapse
|
18
|
The immunology of fibrosis: innate and adaptive responses. Trends Immunol 2010; 31:110-9. [PMID: 20106721 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is an important health problem, and its pathogenetic principles are still largely unknown. It can develop either spontaneously, or, more frequently, as a consequence of various underlying diseases. Irrespective of the primary cause, however, fibrotic tissue is always infiltrated by mononuclear immune cells. In most instances the reason for the attraction of these cells to fibrotic tissue and their proliferation remains to be determined; however their cytokine profile shows clear-cut proinflammatory and profibrotic characteristics. In this review, we discuss the innate and adaptive immune reactions associated with the development of fibrosis and the molecular basis of the profibrotic mechanisms taking place in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), arteriosclerosis and peri-silicone mammary implant fibrosis.
Collapse
|
19
|
Pancaldi C, Balatti V, Guaschino R, Vaniglia F, Corallini A, Martini F, Mutti L, Tognon M. Simian virus 40 sequences in blood specimens from healthy individuals of Casale Monferrato, an industrial town with a history of asbestos pollution. J Infect 2009; 58:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2008.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 10/27/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
20
|
Schwenk M, Sack U, Esser C, Klein R. Diagnostic relevance of the determination of lymphocyte subpopulations in environmental medicine. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2006; 210:177-98. [PMID: 17188021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2006.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2006] [Accepted: 10/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Earlier hopes that determination of lymphocyte subpopulations might become a strong diagnostic tool in environmental medicine have not been fulfilled in recent years. Analysis of the scientific literature rather shows that there are only few examples for environmental exposures causing reproducible shifts of lymphocyte subpopulations. Moreover, current knowledge suggests that "environmental diseases" are not associated with characteristic changes of subpopulation patterns. If lymphocyte subpopulations are analyzed, each diagnostic step, including indication, sample handling, analytic procedure and data-interpretation, should adhere to good quality criteria. Taking all together, the determination of lymphocyte subpopulations in the context of environmental medicine comes under category IV of the criteria of the Commission for Methods and Quality Assurance in Environmental Medicine of the German federal health authority (Robert Koch-Institute; RKI): "A procedure cannot be recommended because there is not sufficient information to justify it" (here: no solid trends in epidemiological examinations), "and because theoretical considerations speak against an application" (here: high physiological variability and missing exposure or substance specificity).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Schwenk
- In den Kreuzäckern 16, 72072 Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bedeutung der Bestimmung von Lymphozyten-Subpopulationen in der Umweltmedizin. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00103-006-1248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|