1
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Rizzo M, Bordignon M, Bertoli P, Biasiol G, Crosera M, Magnano GC, Marussi G, Negro C, Larese Filon F. Exposure to gallium arsenide nanoparticles in a research facility: a case study using molecular beam epitaxy. Nanotoxicology 2024; 18:259-271. [PMID: 38647006 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2024.2341893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
We evaluated GaAs nanoparticle-concentrations in the air and on skin and surfaces in a research facility that produces thin films, and to monitored As in the urine of exposed worker. The survey was over a working week using a multi-level approach. Airborne personal monitoring was implemented using a miniature diffusion size classifier (DiSCMini) and IOM sampler. Environmental monitoring was conducted using the SKC Sioutas Cascade Impactor to evaluate dimensions and nature of particles collected. Surfaces contamination were assessed analyzing As and Ga in ghost wipes. Skin contamination was monitored using tape strips. As and Ga were analyzed in urines collected every day at the beginning and end of the shift. The greatest airborne exposure occurred during the cutting operations of the GaAs Sample (88883 np/cm3). The highest levels of contamination were found inside the hood (As max = 1418 ng/cm2) and on the laboratory floor (As max = 251 ng/cm2). The average concentration on the worker's skin at the end of the work shift (3.36 ng/cm2) was more than 14 times higher than before the start of the shift. In weekly urinary biomonitoring an average As concentration of 19.5 µg/L, which was above the Società Italiana Valori di Riferimento (SIVR) reference limit for the non-occupational population (2.0 - 15 µg/L), but below the ACGIH limit (30 µg/L). Overall, airborne monitoring, surface sampling, skin sampling, and biomonitoring of worker confirmed the exposure to As of workers. Systematic cleaning operations, hood implementation and correct PPE management are needed to improve worker protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rizzo
- Inter-University Degree Course in Prevention Techniques in the Environment and Workplaces, University of Udine and Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Bordignon
- Inter-University Degree Course in Prevention Techniques in the Environment and Workplaces, University of Udine and Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Bertoli
- Clinical Operational Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Crosera
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Greta Camilla Magnano
- Clinical Operational Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanna Marussi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Corrado Negro
- Clinical Operational Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Larese Filon
- Clinical Operational Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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2
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Yang Y, Zheng X, Tao T, Rao F, Gao W, Huang Z, Leng G, Min X, Chen B, Sun Z. A sustainable process for selective recovery of metals from gallium-bearing waste generated from LED industry. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 167:55-63. [PMID: 37245396 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of the LED industry, gallium (Ga)-bearing waste generated is regarded as one of the most hazardous as it typically contains heavy metals and combustible organics. Traditional technologies are characterized by long processing routes, complex metal separation processes and significant secondary pollution emission. In this study, we proposed an innovative and green strategy to selectively recovery Ga from Ga-bearing waste by using a quantitative phase-controlling transition process. In the phase-controlling transition process, the gallium nitride (GaN) and indium (In) are converted to alkali-soluble gallium (III) oxide (Ga2O3) and alkali-insoluble indium oxides (In2O3) by oxidation calcination, while nitrogen is converted into diatomic nitrogen gas instead of ammonia/ammonium (NH3/NH4+). By selective leaching with NaOH solution, nearly 92.65% of Ga can be recycled with a leaching selectivity of 99.3%, while little emissions of NH3/NH4+. Ga2O3 with a purity of 99.97% was obtained from the leachate which is also economy promising by economic assessment. Therefore, the proposed methodology compared to the conventional acid and alkali leaching methods is potentially greener and more efficient process for extracting valuable metals from nitrogen-bearing solid waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Process Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Process Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Tianyi Tao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Process Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fu Rao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Process Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wenfang Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollutant Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Guoqin Leng
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xin Min
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Boli Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhi Sun
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Process Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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3
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Rasin P, Haribabu J, Malappuram KM, Manakkadan V, Palakkeezhillam VNV, Echeverria C, Sreekanth A. A “turn-on” fluorescent chemosensor for the meticulous detection of gallium (III) ion and its use in live cell imaging, logic gates and keypad locks. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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4
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Lane MKM, Garedew M, Deary EC, Coleman CN, Ahrens-Víquez MM, Erythropel HC, Zimmerman JB, Anastas PT. What to Expect When Expecting in Lab: A Review of Unique Risks and Resources for Pregnant Researchers in the Chemical Laboratory. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:163-198. [PMID: 35130693 PMCID: PMC8864617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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Pregnancy presents a unique risk
to chemical researchers due to
their occupational exposures to chemical, equipment, and physical
hazards in chemical research laboratories across science, engineering,
and technology disciplines. Understanding “risk” as
a function of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, this review aims
to critically examine the state of the science for the risks and associated
recommendations (or lack thereof) for pregnant researchers in chemical
laboratories (labs). Commonly encountered hazards for pregnant lab
workers include chemical hazards (organic solvents, heavy metals,
engineered nanomaterials, and endocrine disruptors), radiation hazards
(ionizing radiation producing equipment and materials and nonionizing
radiation producing equipment), and other hazards related to the lab
environment (excessive noise, excessive heat, psychosocial stress,
strenuous physical work, and/or abnormal working hours). Lab relevant
doses and routes of exposure in the chemical lab environment along
with literature and governmental recommendations or resources for
exposure mitigation are critically assessed. The specific windows
of vulnerability based on stage of pregnancy are described for each
hazard, if available. Finally, policy gaps for further scientific
research are detailed to enhance future guidance to protect pregnant
lab workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kate M Lane
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Mahlet Garedew
- Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Emma C Deary
- Department of Anthropology, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Cherish N Coleman
- Department of Biology, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan 48221, United States
| | - Melissa M Ahrens-Víquez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Hanno C Erythropel
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Julie B Zimmerman
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Paul T Anastas
- Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
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5
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Mirzaei H, Sharafati Chaleshtori R. Role of fermented goat milk as a nutritional product to improve anemia. J Food Biochem 2021; 46:e13969. [PMID: 34658048 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Goat milk, like cow milk, needs some modifications to be used as the sole source of nutrition during early infancy. For goat milk to be more like human milk and more nutritionally complete, sugar, vitamins and minerals need to be added to it and for reduction of renal solute load, it needs to be diluted. To prevent megaloblastic anemia in infants fed exclusively on goat milk, folic acid should be supplied either by adding it to goat milk or by an oral folic acid supplement. In fortification of milk products, thermal processing, fermentation, and species differences in milk folate bioavailability are three additional factors that should be considered besides absolute difference in folate concentration between goat and human milk. Whether different feeding regimes (e.g., iron and folate content of diets) influence milk folate content needs to be elucidated by more research. Our findings showed that fermented goat milk during anemia recovery can be improve antioxidant status, protection from oxidative damage to biomolecules, protective effects on testis, improve Fe and skeletal muscle homeostasis as well as improve cardiovascular health. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: To be used as part of a postweaning nutritionally well-balanced diet, fermented goat milk is most likely an excellent source of nutrition for the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Reza Sharafati Chaleshtori
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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6
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Bomhard EM. The toxicology of gallium oxide in comparison with gallium arsenide and indium oxide. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103437. [PMID: 32565349 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gallium arsenide (GaAs) and indium oxide (In2O3) are used in electronic industries at high and increasing tonnages since decades. Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is an emerging wide-bandgap transparent conductive oxide with as yet little industrial use. Since GaAs has received critical attention due to the arsenic ion, it seemed reasonable to compare its toxicology with the respective endpoints of Ga2O3 and In2O3 toxicology in order to find out if and to what extent arsenic contributes. In addition, the toxicology of Ga2O3 has not yet been adequately reviewed, Therefore, this review provides the first evaluation of all available toxicity data on Ga2O3. The acute toxicity of all three compounds is rather low. Subchronic inhalation studies in rats and mice revealed persistent pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and/or alveolar histiocytic infiltrates down to the lowest tested concentration in rats and mice, i.e. 0.16 mg Ga2O3/m3. These are also the predominant effects after GaAs and In2O3 exposure at similarly low levels, i.e. 0.1 mg/m3 each. Subchronic Ga2O3 exposure caused a minimal microcytic anemia with erythrocytosis in rats (at 6.4 mg/m3 and greater) and mice (at 32 and 64 mg/m3), a decrease in epididymal sperm motility and concentration as well as testicular degeneration at 64 mg/m3. At comparable concentrations the hematological effects and male fertility of GaAs were much stronger. The stronger effects of GaAs are due to its better solubility and presumed higher bioavailability. The database for In2O3 is too small and subchronic testing was at very low levels to allow conclusive judgements if blood/blood forming or degrading and male fertility organs/tissues would also be targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst M Bomhard
- REACh ChemConsult GmbH, Strehlener Str. 14, D-01069 Dresden, Germany.
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7
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Moreno-Fernandez J, Alférez MJM, López-Aliaga I, Diaz-Castro J. Protective effects of fermented goat milk on genomic stability, oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling in testis during anaemia recovery. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2232. [PMID: 30783147 PMCID: PMC6381118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37649-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a harmful factor for male reproductive function, and a major cause of infertility. On the other hand, fermented goat milk has positive effects on anemia recovery and mineral metabolism. This study evaluated the effect of feeding rats with fermented milks during anaemia recovery on molecular mechanisms linked to oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling in rats reproductive system. Forty male Wistar rats were placed on a pre-experimental period of 40 days (control group, receiving normal-Fe diet and Fe-deficient group, receiving low-Fe diet). Lately, rats were fed with fermented goat or cow milk-based diets during 30 days. After feeding the fermented milks, Total antioxidant status (TAS) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) increased and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 15-F2t-isoprostanes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) decreased in testis. DNA oxidative damage in testis germ cells was lower with fermented goat milk. Fermented goat milk reduced IL-6 and TNF-α in control animals, increasing INF-γ in control and anaemic rats. NRF2 and PGC-1α protein levels increased in testis after fermented goat milk consumption in control and anaemic rats. Fermented goat milk also increased TAS and decreased oxidative damage, protecting the main testis cell bioconstituents (lipids, proteins, DNA, prostaglandins) from oxidative damage and reduced inflammatory activity, preventing injuries to testis germinal epithelium. Fermented goat milk enhanced lipolysis, fatty acids degradation and immune response, attenuating inflammatory signalling, representing a positive growth advantage for testicular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Moreno-Fernandez
- Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María J M Alférez
- Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Inmaculada López-Aliaga
- Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. .,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Javier Diaz-Castro
- Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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8
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Bomhard EM. The toxicology of indium tin oxide. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 45:282-294. [PMID: 27343753 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a technologically important semiconductor. An increasing number of cases of severe lung effects (characterized by pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and/or interstitial fibrosis) in ITO-exposed workers warrants a review of the toxicological hazards. Short- and long-term inhalation studies in rats and mice revealed persistent alveolar proteinosis, inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs down to concentrations as low as 0.01mg/m(3). In rats, the incidences of bronchiolo-alveolar adenomas and carcinomas were significantly increased at all concentrations. In mice, ITO was not carcinogenic. A few bronchiolo-alveolar adenomas occurring after repeated intratracheal instillation of ITO to hamsters have to be interpreted as treatment-related. In vitro and in vivo studies on the formation of reactive oxygen species suggest epigenetic effects as cause of the lung tumor development. Repeated intratracheal instillation of ITO to hamsters slightly affected the male sexual organs, which might be interpreted as a secondary effect of the lung damage. Epidemiological and medical surveillance studies, serum/blood indium levels in workers as well as data on the exposure to airborne indium concentrations indicate a need for measures to reduce exposure at ITO workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst M Bomhard
- REACh ChemConsult GmbH, Strehlener Str. 14, D-01069 Dresden, Germany.
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9
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Keum DH, Jung HS, Wang T, Shin MH, Kim YE, Kim KH, Ahn GO, Hahn SK. Microneedle biosensor for real-time electrical detection of nitric oxide for in situ cancer diagnosis during endomicroscopy. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:1153-8. [PMID: 25728402 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A dual-diagnostic system of endom-icroscope and microneedle sensor is developed to demonstrate high-resolution imaging combined with electrical real-time detection of NO released from cancer tissues. The dual-diagnostic system can be a new platform for facile, precise, rapid, and accurate detection of cancers in various biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Hee Keum
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH); San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu Pohang Kyungbuk 790-784 Korea
| | - Ho Sang Jung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH); San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu Pohang Kyungbuk 790-784 Korea
| | - Taejun Wang
- Department of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology; POSTECH; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang Kyungbuk 790-784 Korea
| | - Myeong Hwan Shin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH); San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu Pohang Kyungbuk 790-784 Korea
| | - Young-Eun Kim
- Department of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology; POSTECH; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang Kyungbuk 790-784 Korea
| | - Ki Hean Kim
- Department of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology; POSTECH; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang Kyungbuk 790-784 Korea
| | - G-One Ahn
- Department of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology; POSTECH; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang Kyungbuk 790-784 Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH); San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu Pohang Kyungbuk 790-784 Korea
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10
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Rana SVS. Perspectives in endocrine toxicity of heavy metals--a review. Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 160:1-14. [PMID: 24898714 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0023-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An attempt has been made to review the endocrine/hormonal implications of a few environmentally significant metals, viz, lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, arsenic and nickel, in man and animals. Special emphasis has been given to the adrenals, thyroid, testis, ovary and pancreas. Toxic metals can cause structural and functional changes in the adrenal glands. Their effects on steroidogenesis have been reviewed. It has been reported that thyroid hormone kinetics are affected by a number of metallic compounds. Occupational exposure to a few of these metals can cause testicular injury and sex hormone disturbances. Protective effects of a few antioxidants on their reproductive toxicity have also been discussed. Information gathered on female reproductive toxicity of heavy metals shows that exposure to these metals can lead to disturbances in reproductive performance in exposed subjects. Certain metals can cause injury to the endocrine pancreas. Exposure to them can cause diabetes mellitus and disturb insulin homeostasis. The need to develop molecular markers of endocrine toxicity of heavy metals has been suggested. Overall information described in this review is expected to be helpful in planning future studies on endocrine toxicity of heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V S Rana
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, C. C. S. University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, 250 004, India,
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11
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Bomhard EM, Gelbke HP, Schenk H, Williams GM, Cohen SM. Evaluation of the carcinogenicity of gallium arsenide. Crit Rev Toxicol 2013; 43:436-66. [DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.792329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Bomhard EM, Gelbke HP. Hypoxaemia affects male reproduction: a case study of how to differentiate between primary and secondary hypoxic testicular toxicity due to chemical exposure. Arch Toxicol 2013; 87:1201-18. [PMID: 23430139 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Classification for fertility is based on two conditions, namely on evidence of an adverse effect on sexual function and fertility and that the effect is not secondary to other toxic effects. To decide on an adverse effect is a relatively simple day-to-day decision in toxicology but whether this effect is secondary often leads to serious controversy. As the seminiferous epithelium operates on the verge of hypoxia, oxygen deficit can lead to secondary impairment of testicular function. This is well known from healthy mountaineers exposing themselves to high altitude. They have reduced blood oxygen content that goes in parallel with impairment of testicular function and this effect remains for some time in spite of a compensatory polycythaemia. Similar findings are described for experimental animals exposed to hypobaric oxygen/high altitude. In addition, testicular function is affected in severe diseases in humans associated with systemic oxygen deficit like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sickle cell disease or beta-thalassaemia as well as in transgenic animals simulating haemolytic anaemia or sickle cell disease. The problem of insufficient oxygen supply as the underlying cause for testicular impairment has received relatively little attention in toxicology, mainly because blood oxygen content is generally not measured in these animal experiments. The difficulties associated with the decision whether testicular toxicity is primary or secondary to hypoxia are exemplified by the results of inhalation studies with nickel subsulphide and gallium arsenide (GaAs). Both of these particulate substances lead to severe lung toxicity that might impair oxygen uptake, but testicular toxicity is only observed with GaAs. This may first be explained by different effects on the blood: nickel subsulphide inhalation leads to a compensatory erythropoiesis that may mitigate pulmonary lack of oxygen uptake. In contrast, GaAs exposure is associated with microcytic haemolytic anaemia thereby aggravating any possible oxygen undersupply. Furthermore, the predominant pulmonary effect caused by GaAs (but not by nickel subsulphide) is alveolar proteinosis. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is also known as a severe disease in humans associated with hypoxaemia. Therefore, we conclude that the testicular effects observed after GaAs are secondary to hypoxaemia caused by the combination of pulmonary proteinosis and haemolytic anaemia. This publication tries to raise awareness to the severe consequences of hypoxaemia on testicular function that may already be caused by reduced oxygen pressure at high altitude without any chemical exposure.
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