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Guo C, Liu Y, Liu Y, Zhang X, Lv L, Li M. Research on knowledge construction and analysis of pesticide exposure to children based on bibliometrics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:100325-100339. [PMID: 37648921 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide exposure is a major health problem that cannot be ignored, and children are particularly vulnerable and sensitive. As a result, the study of health damage in children caused by pesticide exposure has gradually developed into an important cross-disciplinary research topic. In this study, we reviewed the current state, characteristics, and trends of existing research findings and summarized them comprehensively and systematically through bibliometrics. We collected and examined a large number of studies using Citespace and Vosviewer, employing a clustering method to analyze the effects of pesticide exposure on children and to highlight the hot keywords in the research field. Through an analysis of the active time of high-frequency keywords, we found that the research field is in a hot spot, and the occurrence value of keywords was used to judge the innovation of the research results, thereby highlighting the frontier and key directions of future research in this field. We conclude that in addition to core pesticides, children, exposure, and other malaria and polychlorinated biphenyls also appear as high-frequency keywords in the research field of pesticide exposure effects on children. The core issues of concern in this field include occupational pesticide exposure and childhood leukemia, history of pesticide exposure during pregnancy and childhood leukemia, environmental factors and dietary intake and organophosphorus pesticide exposure in children, and pyrethroid pesticide exposure and neurobehavioral development in children. Future research may focus on how to control the safe use of pesticides, quantitative research on pesticide hazards, and potential effects on children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161000, China
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010110, China
| | - Yibo Liu
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010110, China
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yuchao Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161000, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lijuan Lv
- Department of Basic Science, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Minhui Li
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161000, China.
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China.
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010110, China.
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China.
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Potter C, Moorman AV, Relton CL, Ford D, Mathers JC, Strathdee G, McKay JA. Maternal Red Blood Cell Folate and Infant Vitamin B 12 Status Influence Methylation of Genes Associated with Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Mol Nutr Food Res 2018; 62:e1800411. [PMID: 30192066 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201800411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Inadequate maternal folate intake is associated with increased childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) risk. Folate provides methyl groups for DNA methylation, which is dramatically disrupted in ALL. Whether or not maternal folate (and related B-vitamin) intake during pregnancy may affect ALL risk via influencing DNA methylation is investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Genes in which methylation changes are reported both in response to folate status and in ALL are investigated. Folate-responsive genes (n = 526) are identified from mouse models of maternal folate depletion during pregnancy. Using published data, 2621 genes with persistently altered methylation in ALL are identified. Overall 25 overlapping genes are found, with the same directional methylation change in response to folate depletion and in ALL. Hypermethylation of a subset of genes (ASCL2, KCNA1, SH3GL3, SRD5A2) in ALL is confirmed by measuring 20 patient samples using pyrosequencing. In a nested cohort of cord blood samples (n = 148), SH3GL3 methylation is inversely related to maternal RBC folate concentrations (p = 0.008). Furthermore, ASCL2 methylation is inversely related to infant vitamin B12 levels. (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate proof of concept for a plausible mechanism, i.e., variation in DNA methylation, by which low intake of folate, and related B-vitamins during pregnancy may influence ALL risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Potter
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Anthony Vincent Moorman
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | | | - Dianne Ford
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8SG, UK
| | - John Cummings Mathers
- Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gordon Strathdee
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Jill Ann McKay
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8SG, UK.,Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute for Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
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Perlroth NH, Castelo Branco CW. Current knowledge of environmental exposure in children during the sensitive developmental periods. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2017; 93:17-27. [PMID: 27821252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the scientific evidence on the risks and effects of exposure to environmental contaminants in children during sensitive developmental periods. DATA SOURCE The search was performed in the Bireme database, using the terms: children's health, environmental exposure, health vulnerability, toxicity pathways and developmental disabilities in the LILACS, MEDLINE and SciELO systems. DATA SYNTHESIS Children differ from adults in their unique physiological and behavioral characteristics and the potential exposure to risks caused by several threats in the environment. Exposure to toxic agents is analyzed through toxicokinetic processes in the several systems and organs during the sensitive phases of child development. The caused effects are reflected in the increased prevalence of congenital malformations, diarrhea, asthma, cancer, endocrine and neurological disorders, among others, with negative impacts throughout adult life. CONCLUSION To identify the causes and understand the mechanisms involved in the genesis of these diseases is a challenge for science, as there is still a lack of knowledge on children's susceptibility to many environmental contaminants. Prevention policies and more research on child environmental health, improving the recording and surveillance of environmental risks to children's health, should be an ongoing priority in the public health field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Helena Perlroth
- Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem e Biociências, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Departamento de Medicina Geral/Pediatria, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Christina Wyss Castelo Branco
- Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem e Biociências, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Perlroth NH, Branco CWC. Current knowledge of environmental exposure in children during the sensitive developmental periods. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Ghantous A, Hernandez-Vargas H, Byrnes G, Dwyer T, Herceg Z. Characterising the epigenome as a key component of the fetal exposome in evaluating in utero exposures and childhood cancer risk. Mutagenesis 2015; 30:733-42. [PMID: 25724893 PMCID: PMC4757935 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gev010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in laboratory sciences hold a promise for a 'leap forward' in understanding the aetiology of complex human diseases, notably cancer, potentially providing an evidence base for prevention. For example, remarkable advances in epigenomics have an important impact on our understanding of biological phenomena and importance of environmental stressors in complex diseases. Environmental and lifestyle factors are thought to be implicated in the development of a wide range of human cancers by eliciting changes in the epigenome. These changes, thus, represent attractive targets for biomarker discovery intended for the improvement of exposure and risk assessment, diagnosis and prognosis and provision of short-term outcomes in intervention studies. The epigenome can be viewed as an interface between the genome and the environment; therefore, aberrant epigenetic events associated with environmental exposures are likely to play an important role in the onset and progression of different human diseases. The advent of powerful technologies for analysing epigenetic patterns in both cancer tissues and normal cells holds promise that the next few years will be fundamental for the identification of critical cancer- and exposure-associated epigenetic changes and for their evaluation as new generation of biomarkers. Here, we discuss new opportunities in the current age of 'omics' technologies for studies with prospective design and associated biospecimens that represent exciting potential for characterising the epigenome as a key component of the fetal exposome and for understanding causal pathways and robust predictors of cancer risk and associated environmental determinants during in utero life. Such studies should improve our knowledge concerning the aetiology of childhood cancer and identify both novel biomarkers and clues to causation, thus, providing an evidence base for cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Ghantous
- Epigenetics and
- Biostatistics Groups, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 rue Albert-Thomas, F-69008 Lyon, France
- The George Institute for Global Health and Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford Martin School | University of Oxford, 34 Broad Street Oxford OX1 3BD, UK
| | - Hector Hernandez-Vargas
- Epigenetics and
- Biostatistics Groups, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 rue Albert-Thomas, F-69008 Lyon, France
- The George Institute for Global Health and Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford Martin School | University of Oxford, 34 Broad Street Oxford OX1 3BD, UK
| | - Graham Byrnes
- Biostatistics Groups, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 rue Albert-Thomas, F-69008 Lyon, France
| | - Terence Dwyer
- The George Institute for Global Health and Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford Martin School | University of Oxford, 34 Broad Street Oxford OX1 3BD, UK
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +33-4-72 73 83 98; Fax: +33-4-72 73 83 29; E-mail:
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Jin J, Yu M, Hu C, Ye L, Xie L, Jin J, Chen F, Tong H. Pesticide exposure as a risk factor for myelodysplastic syndromes: a meta-analysis based on 1,942 cases and 5,359 controls. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110850. [PMID: 25335083 PMCID: PMC4204937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pesticide exposure has been linked to increased risk of cancer at several sites, but its association with risk of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is still unclear. A meta-analysis of studies published through April, 2014 was performed to investigate the association of pesticide exposure with the risk of MDS. METHODS Studies were identified by searching the Web of Science, Cochrane Library and PubMed databases. Summary odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random- or fixed-effect models. RESULTS This meta-analysis included 11 case-control studies, all of which demonstrated a correlation between pesticide exposure and a statistically significant increased risk of MDS (OR=1.95, 95% CI 1.23-3.09). In subgroup analyses, patients with pesticide exposure had increased risk of developing MDS if they were living in the Europe or Asia and had refractory anemia (RA) or RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS). Moreover, in the analysis by specific pesticides, increased risk was associated with exposure to insecticides (OR=1.71, 95% CI 1.22-2.40) but not exposure to herbicides or fungicides. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that exposure to pesticides increases the risk of developing MDS. Further prospective cohort studies are warranted to verify the association and guide clinical practice in MDS prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxia Yu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Xie
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Jin
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feifei Chen
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Tong
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Myelodysplastic syndromes diagnosis and therapy center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Saletta F, Wadham C, Ziegler DS, Marshall GM, Haber M, McCowage G, Norris MD, Byrne JA. Molecular profiling of childhood cancer: Biomarkers and novel therapies. BBA CLINICAL 2014; 1:59-77. [PMID: 26675306 PMCID: PMC4633945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological advances including high-throughput sequencing have identified numerous tumor-specific genetic changes in pediatric and adolescent cancers that can be exploited as targets for novel therapies. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review provides a detailed overview of recent advances in the application of target-specific therapies for childhood cancers, either as single agents or in combination with other therapies. The review summarizes preclinical evidence on which clinical trials are based, early phase clinical trial results, and the incorporation of predictive biomarkers into clinical practice, according to cancer type. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS There is growing evidence that molecularly targeted therapies can valuably add to the arsenal available for treating childhood cancers, particularly when used in combination with other therapies. Nonetheless the introduction of molecularly targeted agents into practice remains challenging, due to the use of unselected populations in some clinical trials, inadequate methods to evaluate efficacy, and the need for improved preclinical models to both evaluate dosing and safety of combination therapies. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The increasing recognition of the heterogeneity of molecular causes of cancer favors the continued development of molecularly targeted agents, and their transfer to pediatric and adolescent populations.
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Key Words
- ALK, anaplastic lymphoma kinase
- ALL, acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- AML, acute myeloid leukemia
- ARMS, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma
- AT/RT, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor
- AURKA, aurora kinase A
- AURKB, aurora kinase B
- BET, bromodomain and extra terminal
- Biomarkers
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CML, chronic myeloid leukemia
- Childhood cancer
- DFMO, difluoromethylornithine
- DIPG, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- ERMS, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
- HDAC, histone deacetylases
- Hsp90, heat shock protein 90
- IGF-1R, insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor
- IGF/IGFR, insulin-like growth factor/receptor
- Molecular diagnostics
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer
- ODC1, ornithine decarboxylase 1
- PARP, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase
- PDGFRA/B, platelet derived growth factor alpha/beta
- PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase
- PLK1, polo-like kinase 1
- Ph +, Philadelphia chromosome-positive
- RMS, rhabdomyosarcoma
- SHH, sonic hedgehog
- SMO, smoothened
- SYK, spleen tyrosine kinase
- TOP1/TOP2, DNA topoisomerase 1/2
- TRAIL, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand
- Targeted therapy
- VEGF/VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor
- mAb, monoclonal antibody
- mAbs, monoclonal antibodies
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Saletta
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, Westmead 2145, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carol Wadham
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenn M. Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffrey McCowage
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead 2145, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray D. Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Byrne
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, Westmead 2145, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead 2145, New South Wales, Australia
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Lymphohematopoietic cancers induced by chemicals and other agents and their implications for risk evaluation: An overview. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2014; 761:40-64. [PMID: 24731989 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lymphohematopoietic neoplasia are one of the most common types of cancer induced by therapeutic and environmental agents. Of the more than 100 human carcinogens identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, approximately 25% induce leukemias or lymphomas. The objective of this review is to provide an introduction into the origins and mechanisms underlying lymphohematopoietic cancers induced by xenobiotics in humans with an emphasis on acute myeloid leukemia, and discuss the implications of this information for risk assessment. Among the agents causing lymphohematopoietic cancers, a number of patterns were observed. Most physical and chemical leukemia-inducing agents such as the therapeutic alkylating agents, topoisomerase II inhibitors, and ionizing radiation induce mainly acute myeloid leukemia through DNA-damaging mechanisms that result in either gene or chromosomal mutations. In contrast, biological agents and a few immunosuppressive chemicals induce primarily lymphoid neoplasms through mechanisms that involve alterations in immune response. Among the environmental agents examined, benzene was clearly associated with acute myeloid leukemia in humans, with increasing but still limited evidence for an association with lymphoid neoplasms. Ethylene oxide and 1,3-butadiene were linked primarily to lymphoid cancers. Although the association between formaldehyde and leukemia remains controversial, several recent evaluations have indicated a potential link between formaldehyde and acute myeloid leukemia. The four environmental agents examined in detail were all genotoxic, inducing gene mutations, chromosomal alterations, and/or micronuclei in vivo. Although it is clear that rapid progress has been made in recent years in our understanding of leukemogenesis, many questions remain for future research regarding chemically induced leukemias and lymphomas, including the mechanisms by which the environmental agents reviewed here induce these diseases and the risks associated with exposures to such agents.
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Rabinowicz R, Barchana M, Liphshiz I, Linn S, Futerman B, Ben-Arush MW. Cancer incidence and survival among infants in Israel, 1998-2007. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2013; 30:646-54. [PMID: 23988008 DOI: 10.3109/08880018.2013.813099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer during the first year of life is relatively rare and often has clinical and biological properties different from those of the same histologic type of cancer occurring in older children. The aim of this study was to find differences in epidemiology and survival between infants and older children and to compare the percentage of distribution of infant cancer types in Israel with that reported in the United States. We collected infant <1 year of age cases diagnosed between 1998 and 2007 as having cancer from the database of the Israel National Cancer Registry, a total of 309 cases with an incidence rate of 228.5 cases per million. The largest group was diagnosed with neuroblastoma (35%) with an incident rate of 80 per million, followed by leukemia (15.9%), with acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia accounting for most of this group and central nervous system malignancies comprised 10.7% of infant cancer. One hundred and fifty four new cases of infant girls was diagnosed compared to 155 infant boys with an incidence rates of 234 cases per million for girls and 224.7 for boys, not statistically significant (F:M rate ratio of 1.04). The 5-year survival rates seen in the different groups were leukemia: 55.3%, lymphoma: 71%, CNS tumors: 53.3%, neuroblastoma: 93.4%, retinoblastoma: 94.7% renal tumors: 90.9%, hepatic tumors: 63.3%, soft tissue sarcoma: 76.2%, germ cell neoplasms: 83.3%, and other epithelial neoplasms: 100%. Our study did not find survival differences with statistical significance upon comparing survival rates between different genders and ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Rabinowicz
- 1Department of Pediatrics B, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
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Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms association with the risk of follicular lymphoma: a meta-analysis. Tumour Biol 2013; 34:1467-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-0670-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Abstract
Retention and use, without explicit parental permission, of residual dried blood samples from newborn screening has generated public controversy over concerns about violations of family privacy rights and loss of parental autonomy. The public debate about this issue has included little discussion about the destruction of a potentially valuable public resource that can be used for research that may yield improvements in public health. The research community must advocate for policies and infrastructure that promote retention of residual dried blood samples and their use in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Huckaby Lewis
- Genetics and Public Policy Center, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Abstract
Molecular Epidemiology was originally conceived as a preventive approach, providing a valuable tool for investigating risk factors for cancer in vulnerable populations. Biomarkers can be used as early indicators of risk for preventative purposes and risk assessment. The present contribution mainly refers to in utero exposures to carcinogens, since humans are especially vulnerable during fetal development. Environmental exposures in utero can increase risks for both childhood and adult cancers; their interactions with genetic and nutritional susceptibility factors may further increase risk. Thus, the early developmental period represents an important window for cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederica Perera
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 100 Haven Avenue, Tower 3, #25F, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Wang J, Zhan P, Chen B, Zhou R, Yang Y, Ouyang J. MTHFR C677T polymorphisms and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A meta-analysis. Leuk Res 2010; 34:1596-600. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Proteomic analysis of childhood de novo acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome/AML: correlation to molecular and cytogenetic analyses. Amino Acids 2010; 40:943-51. [PMID: 20711619 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0718-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the progression of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to provide additional data regarding the proteomic analysis of AML. The protein profiles obtained were correlated to cytogenetic and molecular analyses. Bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) samples were obtained during MDS diagnosis, at MDS transformation to AML, at de novo AML diagnosis and 3 months following treatment. As controls, non-leukemic pediatric patients were studied. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses were carried out by G banding and polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing, respectively. Differential proteomic analysis was performed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and protein identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. No significant correlations were noted between protein patterns and cytogenetic or molecular analyses. Certain suppressor genes, metabolic enzymes, immunoglobulins and actin-binding proteins were differentially expressed by BM or PB plasma and cell lysates compared to controls. The obtained data showed that vitamin D and gelsolin played contradicting roles in contributing and restraining leukemogenesis, while MOES, EZRI and AIFM1 could be considered as biomarkers for AML.
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Silveira VDS, Canalle R, Scrideli CA, Queiroz RGDP, Tone LG. Role of the CYP2D6, EPHX1, MPO, and NQO1 genes in the susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Brazilian children. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2010; 51:48-56. [PMID: 19593802 DOI: 10.1002/em.20510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphic variations of several genes associated with dietary effects and exposure to environmental carcinogens may influence susceptibility to leukemia development. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the polymorphisms of debrisoquine hydroxylase (CYP2D6), epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and quinone-oxoreductase (NQO1), which have been implicated in xenobiotic metabolism, on the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We evaluated the frequency of polymorphisms in the CYP2D6 (*3 and *4), EPHX1 (*2 and *3), MPO (*2), and NQO1 (*2) genes in 206 patients with childhood ALL and in 364 healthy individuals matched for age and gender from a Brazilian population separated by ethnicity (European ancestry and African ancestry), using the PCR-RFLP method. The CYP2D6 polymorphism variants were associated with an increased risk of ALL. The EPHX1, NQO1, and MPO variant genotypes were significantly associated with a reduced risk of childhood ALL. A significantly stronger protective effect is observed when the EPHX1, NQO1, and MPO variant genotypes are combined suggesting that, CYP2D6 polymorphisms may play a role in the susceptibility to pediatric ALL, whereas the EPHX1, NQO1, and MPO polymorphisms might have a protective function against leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa da Silva Silveira
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Harley NH, Robbins ES. Radon and leukemia in the Danish study: another source of dose. HEALTH PHYSICS 2009; 97:343-347. [PMID: 19741363 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0b013e3181ad8018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An epidemiologic study of childhood leukemia in Denmark (2,400 cases; 6,697 controls) from 1968 to 1994 suggested a weak, but statistically significant, association of residential radon exposure and acute childhood lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The Danish study estimated a relative risk (RR) = 1.56 (95% CI, 1.05-2.30) for a cumulative exposure of 1,000 Bq m-3 y. For an exposure duration of 10 y their RR corresponds to a radon concentration of 100 Bq m-3. There are two dose pathways of interest where alpha particles could damage potential stem cells for ALL. One is the alpha dose to bone marrow, and two is the dose to bronchial mucosa where an abundance of circulating lymphocytes is found. Compared with an exposure of about 1 mSv y-1 from natural external background, radon and decay products contribute an additional 10 to 60% to the bone marrow equivalent dose. The other pathway for exposure of T (or B) lymphocytes is within the tracheobronchial epithelium (BE). Inhaled radon decay products deposit on the relatively small area of airway surfaces and deliver a significant dose to the nearby basal or mucous cells implicated in human lung cancer. Lymphocytes are co-located with basal cells and are half as abundant. Using a 10-y exposure to 100 Bq m-3, our dose estimates suggest that the equivalent dose to these lymphocytes could approach 1 Sv. The relatively high dose estimate to lymphocytes circulating through the BE, potential precursor cells for ALL, provides a dose pathway for an association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi H Harley
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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18
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Semsei AF, Antal P, Szalai C. Strengths and weaknesses of gene association studies in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Res 2009; 34:269-71. [PMID: 19716175 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2009.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Genetic susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia shows protection in Malay boys: results from the Malaysia-Singapore ALL Study Group. Leuk Res 2009; 34:276-83. [PMID: 19651439 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Revised: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To study genetic epidemiology of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the Chinese and Malays, we investigated 10 polymorphisms encoding carcinogen- or folate-metabolism and transport. Sex-adjusted analysis showed NQO1 609CT significantly protects against ALL, whilst MTHFR 677CT confers marginal protection. Interestingly, we observed that NQO1 609CT and MTHFR 1298 C-allele have greater genetic impact in boys than in girls. The combination of SLC19A1 80GA heterozygosity and 3'-TYMS -6bp/-6bp homozygous deletion is associated with reduced ALL risk in Malay boys. Our study has suggested the importance of gender and race in modulating ALL susceptibility via the folate metabolic pathway.
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20
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Corsini E, Liesivuori J, Vergieva T, Van Loveren H, Colosio C. Effects of pesticide exposure on the human immune system. Hum Exp Toxicol 2009; 27:671-80. [PMID: 19042949 DOI: 10.1177/0960327108094509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence from Western countries indicates that the prevalence of diseases associated with alterations in the immune response, such as asthma, certain autoimmune diseases and cancer, are increasing to such an extent that it cannot be attributed to improved diagnostics alone. There is some concern that this trend could be, at least, partially attributable to new or modified patterns of exposures to chemicals, including pesticides. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence on pesticide immunotoxicity in humans. Overall, the available data are inadequate to draw firm conclusions on the immunotoxic risk associated with pesticide exposure. The available studies on the effects of pesticides on the human immune system have several limitations, including limited data on exposure levels, heterogeneity of the applied methods, and difficulties in assessing the prognostic significance of observed slight changes and in the interpretation of the reported findings. Further studies are needed and preferably as prospective studies, comparing pre- and post-exposure data in the same group of subjects and including an appropriate non-exposed control group. More knowledge is required regarding the prognostic significance of the small changes observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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21
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Pullarkat ST, Danley K, Bernstein L, Brynes RK, Cozen W. High lifetime incidence of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia among Hispanics in California. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009; 18:611-5. [PMID: 19208664 PMCID: PMC3191882 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-07-2949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The higher incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) among Hispanic children relative to that in other racial/ethnic groups is well-known. We evaluated the incidence patterns of ALL in adults. METHODS We analyzed the incidence patterns of ALL (International Classification of Diseases for Oncology 3 codes 9835-9837) among all patients diagnosed from 1988 to 2004 in California using data from the California Cancer Registry to determine whether adult Hispanics also had higher incidence rates of ALL compared with non-Hispanic Whites (Whites). Age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR), incidence rate ratios (IRR), and 5-year survival rates were obtained using SEER*Stat. AAIRs of other leukemia subtypes and IRRs relative to non-Hispanic Whites were also examined as references for ALL. RESULTS AAIRs of ALL in Hispanic males and females ages 20 to 54 years were higher compared with those in White males and females (IRR, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-2.28 and IRR, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-2.25, respectively). A higher AAIR of ALL was also observed among older (55+ years) Hispanic females (IRR, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-2.21), but not in males (IRR, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.34). Among Hispanics, low socioeconomic status was associated with a higher AAIR compared with high/middle socioeconomic status (IRR, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.70). The respective 5-year survival rates among ALL patients were 38% and 30% for Whites and Hispanics ages 20 to 54 years, and 8% and 12% for patients 55 years of age or older. Compared with other racial/ethnic groups, Hispanics did not have an increased IRR of the other major leukemia subtypes. CONCLUSION Hispanics experience a higher incidence of ALL throughout life, but not other subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeja T Pullarkat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1732, USA.
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22
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Edwards TM, Myers JP. Environmental exposures and gene regulation in disease etiology. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2009; 13:269-81. [PMID: 18813540 DOI: 10.1590/s1413-81232008000100030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/21/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Health or disease is shaped for all individuals by interactions between their genes and environment. Exactly how the environment changes gene expression and how this can lead to disease are being explored in a fruitful new approach to environmental health research, representative studies of which are reviewed here. We searched Web of Science and references of relevant publications to understand the diversity of gene regulatory mechanisms affected by environmental exposures with disease implications. Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, air pollutants, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, hormones, nutrition, and behavior can change gene expression through a broad array of gene regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, chemically induced changes in gene regulation are associated with serious and complex human diseases, including cancer, diabetes and obesity, infertility, respiratory diseases, allergies, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. The reviewed studies indicate that genetic predisposition for disease is best predicted in the context of environmental exposures. And the genetic mechanisms investigated in these studies offer new avenues for risk assessment research. Finally, we are likely to witness dramatic improvements in human health, and reductions in medical costs, if environmental pollution is decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea M Edwards
- Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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23
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Environmental genotoxicants/carcinogens and childhood cancer: filling knowledge gaps. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2008; 38:50-63. [PMID: 18237856 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2007.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Vineis P, Perera F. Molecular Epidemiology and Biomarkers in Etiologic Cancer Research: The New in Light of the Old. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007; 16:1954-65. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-07-0457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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25
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Edwards TM, Myers JP. Environmental exposures and gene regulation in disease etiology. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:1264-70. [PMID: 17805414 PMCID: PMC1964917 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/21/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health or disease is shaped for all individuals by interactions between their genes and environment. Exactly how the environment changes gene expression and how this can lead to disease are being explored in a fruitful new approach to environmental health research, representative studies of which are reviewed here. DATA SOURCES We searched Web of Science and references of relevant publications to understand the diversity of gene regulatory mechanisms affected by environmental exposures with disease implications. DATA SYNTHESIS Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, air pollutants, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, hormones, nutrition, and behavior can change gene expression through a broad array of gene regulatory mechanisms. Mechanisms include regulation of gene translocation, histone modifications, DNA methylation, DNA repair, transcription, RNA stability, alternative RNA splicing, protein degradation, gene copy number, and transposon activation. Furthermore, chemically induced changes in gene regulation are associated with serious and complex human diseases, including cancer, diabetes and obesity, infertility, respiratory diseases, allergies, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. One of the best-studied areas of gene regulation is epigenetics, especially DNA methylation. Our examples of environmentally induced changes in DNA methylation are presented in the context of early development, when methylation patterns are initially laid down. This approach highlights the potential role for altered DNA methylation in fetal origins of adult disease and inheritance of acquired genetic change. CONCLUSIONS The reviewed studies indicate that genetic predisposition for disease is best predicted in the context of environmental exposures. Second, the genetic mechanisms investigated in these studies offer new avenues for risk assessment research. Finally, we are likely to witness dramatic improvements in human health, and reductions in medical costs, if environmental pollution is decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea M Edwards
- Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
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26
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Johnson ES, Langård S, Lin YS. A critique of benzene exposure in the general population. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2007; 374:183-98. [PMID: 17261327 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2006.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2006] [Revised: 11/21/2006] [Accepted: 11/28/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Benzene risk assessment indicates that exposure to a time-weighted average (TWA) of 1-5 parts per million (ppm) benzene in ambient air for 40 years is associated with an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia. Decreased white blood cell count, platelet count and other hematological indices have also been observed in persons exposed to as low as 1 ppm airborne benzene. Evidence from studies worldwide consistently shows elevated levels of benzene biomarkers that are equivalent to 0.1-2 ppm benzene in ambient air, or even higher in the general population without occupational exposure to benzene (including children). The public health significance of these observations depends on to what extent these levels reflect actual benzene exposure, and whether such exposures are life-long or at least occur frequently enough to pose a possible health threat. We reviewed the evidence and discussed possible explanations for these observations. It was concluded that while there is reason to suspect that benzene contributes significantly to elevated levels of biomarkers in the general population, there is growing concern that this cannot be definitively ascertained without concomitant consideration of the role of other factors such as metabolic polymorphisms and sources of biomarkers other than benzene, which have been insufficiently studied to date. Such studies are urgently needed for valid assessment of this potential public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Johnson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
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Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a frequent hematological malignancy. Despite enormous therapeutic efforts that range from various cytotoxic agents to allogeneic stem cell transplantation, overall survival of patients with AML remains unsatisfying. The poor survival rates are mainly due to therapy-related mortality, failure of induction chemotherapy and early relapses. Therefore, novel therapeutic agents that are more efficient and better tolerated are eagerly sought after. For existing therapeutic strategies, there is a lack of markers that are capable of reliably predicting prognosis or the therapeutic response prior to treatment. There is hope that elucidation of the AML-specific proteome will prompt the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers in AML. Modern mass-spectrometry instrumentation has achieved excellent performance in terms of sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy; however, so far, the contribution of proteomics to the care of patients with AML is virtually zero. This might be partly because mass spectrometry instrumentation and protein fractionation still lack true high-throughput capabilities with highest levels of reproducibility, thus hampering large-scale translational studies with clinical samples. Since mass-spectrometry instruments are very intricate devices, their successful operation will hinge on the willingness and ability of mass-spectrometry experts and clinical researchers to adopt new views, learn from each other and cooperate in order to ultimately benefit the patient suffering from AML. This review highlights some clinical problems circumventing the treatment of patients with AML. Furthermore, it provides a brief overview of the technical background of standard proteomics approaches and describes opportunities, challenges and pitfalls of proteomic studies with regards to AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Czibere
- Heinrich Heine University, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunlogy, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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28
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Brown RC, Dwyer T, Kasten C, Krotoski D, Li Z, Linet MS, Olsen J, Scheidt P, Winn DM. Cohort profile: the International Childhood Cancer Cohort Consortium (I4C). Int J Epidemiol 2007; 36:724-30. [PMID: 17255350 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyl299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Brown
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA.
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29
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Steinberg KK, Relling MV, Gallagher ML, Greene CN, Rubin CS, French D, Holmes AK, Carroll WL, Koontz DA, Sampson EJ, Satten GA. Genetic studies of a cluster of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases in Churchill County, Nevada. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:158-64. [PMID: 17366837 PMCID: PMC1817665 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2006] [Accepted: 07/19/2006] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a study to identify exposures associated with 15 cases of childhood leukemia, we found levels of tungsten, arsenic, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene in participants to be higher than mean values reported in the National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. Because case and comparison families had similar levels of these contaminants, we conducted genetic studies to identify gene polymorphisms that might have made case children more susceptible than comparison children to effects of the exposures. DESIGN We compared case with comparison children to determine whether differences existed in the frequency of polymorphic genes, including genes that code for enzymes in the folate and purine pathways. We also included discovery of polymorphic forms of genes that code for enzymes that are inhibited by tungsten: xanthine dehydrogenase, sulfite oxidase (SUOXgene), and aldehyde oxidase. PARTICIPANTS Eleven case children were age- and sex-matched with 42 community comparison children for genetic analyses. Twenty parents of case children also contributed to the analyses. RESULTS One bilalleleic gene locus in SUOX was significantly associated with either case or comparison status, depending on which alleles the child carried (without adjusting for multiple comparisons). CONCLUSIONS Although genetic studies did not provide evidence that a common agent or genetic susceptibility factor caused the leukemias, the association between a SUOXgene locus and disease status in the presence of high tungsten and arsenic levels warrants further investigation. RELEVANCE Although analyses of community clusters of cancer have rarely identified causes, these findings have generated hypotheses to be tested in subsequent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K Steinberg
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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Anderson LM. Environmental genotoxicants/carcinogens and childhood cancer: Bridgeable gaps in scientific knowledge. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2006; 608:136-56. [PMID: 16829162 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2006.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2005] [Accepted: 02/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer in children is a major concern in many countries. An important question is whether these childhood cancers are caused by something, or are just tragic random events. Causation of at least some children's cancers is suggested by direct and indirect evidence, including epidemiological data, and animal studies that predict early life sensitivity of humans to carcinogenic effects. Candidate risk factors include genotoxic agents (chemicals and radiation), but also diet/nutrition, and infectious agents/immune responses. With regard to likelihood of risks posed by genotoxicants, there are pros and cons. The biological properties of fetuses and infants are consistent with sensitivity to preneoplastic genotoxic damage. Recent studies of genetic polymorphisms in carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes confirm a role for chemicals. On the other hand, in numerous epidemiological studies, associations between childhood cancers and exposure to genotoxicants, including tobacco smoke, have been weak and hard to reproduce. Possibly, sensitive genetic or ontogenetic subpopulations, and/or co-exposure situations need to be discovered to allow identification of susceptible individuals and their risk factors. Among the critical knowledge gaps needing to be bridged to aid in this effort include detailed tissue and cellular ontogeny of carcinogen metabolism and DNA repair enzymes, and associations of polymorphisms in DNA repair enzymes with childhood cancers. Perinatal bioassays in animals of specific environmental candidates, for example, benzene, could help guide epidemiology. Genetically engineered animal models could be useful for identification of chemical effects on specific genes. Investigations of interactions between factors may be key to understanding risk. Finally, fathers and newborn infants should receive more attention as especially sensitive targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M Anderson
- Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Verma M, Manne U. Genetic and epigenetic biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and identifying high risk populations. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2006; 60:9-18. [PMID: 16829121 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2006.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2006] [Revised: 04/20/2006] [Accepted: 04/20/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers present the normal and/or disease state in humans. Genetic and epigenetic biomarkers assessed in easily accessible biological materials are useful in diagnosis, early onset or risk of developing cancer or to predict the treatment efficacy or clinical outcome of different human malignancies. Moreover, some of these markers are expressed during early stages of the tumor development and hence provide an opportunity to develop intervention and treatment strategies. Attempts are being made to validate cancer biomarkers in non-invasively collected samples. Multiplexing of clinically validated markers is still a challenge. Once validated, these markers can be utilized in clinical settings and to identify high risk populations. In this review, the current status of the clinical genetic and epigenetic biomarkers and their implication in cancer diagnosis and risk assessment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Verma
- Analytic Epidemiology Research Branch, Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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