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Toprani SM, Scheibler C, Mordukhovich I, McNeely E, Nagel ZD. Cosmic Ionizing Radiation: A DNA Damaging Agent That May Underly Excess Cancer in Flight Crews. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7670. [PMID: 39062911 PMCID: PMC11277465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147670] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration has officially classified flight crews (FC) consisting of commercial pilots, cabin crew, or flight attendants as "radiation workers" since 1994 due to the potential for cosmic ionizing radiation (CIR) exposure at cruising altitudes originating from solar activity and galactic sources. Several epidemiological studies have documented elevated incidence and mortality for several cancers in FC, but it has not yet been possible to establish whether this is attributable to CIR. CIR and its constituents are known to cause a myriad of DNA lesions, which can lead to carcinogenesis unless DNA repair mechanisms remove them. But critical knowledge gaps exist with regard to the dosimetry of CIR, the role of other genotoxic exposures among FC, and whether possible biological mechanisms underlying higher cancer rates observed in FC exist. This review summarizes our understanding of the role of DNA damage and repair responses relevant to exposure to CIR in FC. We aimed to stimulate new research directions and provide information that will be useful for guiding regulatory, public health, and medical decision-making to protect and mitigate the risks for those who travel by air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneh M. Toprani
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Christopher Scheibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Irina Mordukhovich
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
- Sustainability and Health Initiative (SHINE), Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eileen McNeely
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
- Sustainability and Health Initiative (SHINE), Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zachary D. Nagel
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
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Minoretti P, Gómez Serrano M, Liaño Riera M, Santiago Sáez A, García Martín Á. Occupational Health Challenges for Aviation Workers Amid the Changing Climate: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e55935. [PMID: 38601381 PMCID: PMC11004853 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although there are many forecasts regarding the impact of climate change on the aviation sector, a critical but frequently neglected dimension is the occupational safety risks faced by aviation professionals. This narrative review explores the potential impacts of the changing climate on the health and safety of aviation personnel. Furthermore, we examine the significance of resilience in helping these workers adapt and effectively manage climate-related challenges in their professional lives. Climate change poses increasing threats to the well-being of flight personnel through elevated temperatures, heightened ultraviolet radiation exposure, increased mental workload from extreme weather events, and other psychological stressors. Building resilience through workforce training, planning, and adaptation can reduce vulnerability. In future research, the iterative process of selecting measurement components to gauge the impact of climate change should balance feasibility, relevance for stakeholders, and accurately capturing exposure effects. For instance, while salivary cortisol measures stress biologically, assessments of depression or burnout may provide more nuanced insights on pilot health for industry decision-makers managing climate impacts. In conclusion, a strategic emphasis on enhancing the physical and psychological well-being of the aviation workforce is imperative for facilitating a more efficient adaptation within the sector. This is of paramount importance, considering the critical function that aviation serves in fostering human connectivity. Consequently, it is essential for regulatory bodies and policymakers to prioritize the safeguarding of employee health in the face of climate change challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Gómez Serrano
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Miryam Liaño Riera
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Andrés Santiago Sáez
- Legal Medicine, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, ESP
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Ángel García Martín
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
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Minoretti P, Liaño Riera M, Santiago Sáez A, Gómez Serrano M, García Martín Á. Increased Peripheral Blood DNA Damage and Elevated Serum Levels of Melanoma Inhibitory Activity Protein: Clues to Excess Skin Cancer Risk in Airline Pilots? Cureus 2023; 15:e51077. [PMID: 38269211 PMCID: PMC10807821 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objective The risk of malignant melanoma (MM) and other forms of skin cancer appears to be higher in airline pilots (APs), potentially due to their exposure to ionizing and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. We explored the possibility of increased peripheral blood DNA damage and elevated serum levels of the melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) protein - a serological marker for MM known to be stimulated by UV radiation - in this professional group. Methods This was a case-control study involving 40 male APs, each of whom was age- and tenure-matched (≥5 years of service) with 40 male office workers (OWs). We assessed DNA damage in the two professional groups by performing comet and micronucleus (MN) assays on peripheral blood. Serum levels of MIA protein were quantified using an immunoassay. Results The comet tail lengths and the frequency of MN were significantly higher in APs (4.57 ± 0.79 µm and 2.05 ± 0.26 per 1000 cells, respectively) than in OWs (3.81 ± 0.60 µm and 1.76 ± 0.31 per 1000 cells, respectively, both p<0.001). Furthermore, serum MIA levels were also significantly higher in APs (7.45 ± 0.95 ng/mL) than in OWs (5.78 ± 0.54 ng/mL, p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between comet tail lengths in APs and their serum MIA concentrations (r=0.68, p<0.01). Conclusions The increased burden of DNA damage and elevated serum MIA levels in APs may offer an explanation for their higher susceptibility to MM and other types of skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miryam Liaño Riera
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Andrés Santiago Sáez
- Legal Medicine, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, ESP
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Manuel Gómez Serrano
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Ángel García Martín
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
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Shetty V, Shetty NJ, Ananthanarayana SR, Jha SK, Chaubey RC. Evaluation of gamma radiation-induced DNA damage in Aedes aegypti using the comet assay. Toxicol Ind Health 2017; 33:930-937. [PMID: 28992792 DOI: 10.1177/0748233717733599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The study was undertaken to evaluate gamma radiation-induced DNA damage in Aedes aegypti. The comet assay was employed to demonstrate the extent of DNA damage produced in adult male A. aegypti exposed to seven different doses of gamma radiation, ranging from 1 Gy to 50 Gy. DNA damage was measured as the percentage of comet tail DNA. A significant linear increase in DNA damage was observed in all samples; the extent of damage being proportional to the dose of gamma radiation the organism received, except in those treated with 1 Gy. The highest amount of DNA damage was noticed at 1 h postirradiation, which decreased gradually with time, that is, at 3, 6 and 12 h postirradiation. This may indicate repair of the damaged DNA and/or loss of heavily damaged cells as the postirradiation time increased. The comet assay serves as a sensitive and rapid technique to detect gamma radiation-induced DNA damage in A. aegypti. This could be used as a potential biomarker for environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinaya Shetty
- 1 Centre for Applied Genetics, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, India
| | - N J Shetty
- 1 Centre for Applied Genetics, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - S K Jha
- 3 Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - R C Chaubey
- 4 Radiation Biology and Health Science Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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Giaconia C, Orioli A, Di Gangi A. A correlation linking the predicted mean vote and the mean thermal vote based on an investigation on the human thermal comfort in short-haul domestic flights. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2015; 48:202-213. [PMID: 25683547 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The results of an experimental investigation on the human thermal comfort inside the cabin of some Airbus A319 aircrafts during 14 short-haul domestic flights, linking various Italian cities, are presented and used to define a correlation among the predicted mean vote (PMV), a procedure which is commonly used to assess the thermal comfort in inhabited environments, and the equivalent temperature and mean thermal vote (MTV), which are the parameters suggested by the European Standard EN ISO 14505-2 for the evaluation of the thermal environment in vehicles. The measurements of the radiant temperature, air temperature and relative humidity during flights were performed. The air temperature varied between 22.2 °C and 26.0 °C; the relative humidity ranged from 8.7% to 59.2%. The calculated values of the PMV varied from -0.16 to 0.90 and were confirmed by the answers of the passengers. The equivalent temperature was evaluated using the equations of Fanger or on the basis of the values of the skin temperature measured on some volunteers. The correlation linking the thermal sensation scales and zones used by the PMV and the MTV resulted quite accurate because the minimum value of the absolute difference between such environmental indexes equalled 0.0073 and the maximum difference did not exceed the value of 0.0589. Even though the equivalent temperature and the MTV were specifically proposed to evaluate the thermal sensation in vehicles, their use may be effectively extended to the assessment of the thermal comfort in airplanes or other occupied places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giaconia
- D.E.I.M. Dipartimento di Energia, Ingegneria dell'Informazione e Modelli Matematici, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 9, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Orioli
- D.E.I.M. Dipartimento di Energia, Ingegneria dell'Informazione e Modelli Matematici, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 9, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Di Gangi
- D.E.I.M. Dipartimento di Energia, Ingegneria dell'Informazione e Modelli Matematici, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 9, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Cavallo D, Casadio V, Bravaccini S, Iavicoli S, Pira E, Romano C, Fresegna AM, Maiello R, Ciervo A, Buresti G, Zoli W, Calistri D. Assessment of DNA damage and telomerase activity in exfoliated urinary cells as sensitive and noninvasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of bladder cancer in ex-workers of a rubber tyres industry. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:370907. [PMID: 24877087 PMCID: PMC4022006 DOI: 10.1155/2014/370907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to identify sensitive and noninvasive biomarkers of early carcinogenic effect at target organ to use in biomonitoring studies of workers at risk for previous occupational exposure to potential carcinogens. Standard urine cytology (Papanicolaou staining test), comet assay, and quantitative telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay were performed in 159 ex-rubber workers employed in tyres production and 97 unexposed subjects. In TRAP positive cases, a second level analysis using FISH (Urovysion) was done. Cystoscopy results were available for 11 individuals whose 6 FISH/TRAP/comet positive showed in 3 cases a dysplastic condition confirmed by biopsy, 1 comet positive resulted in infiltrating UBC to the biopsy and with hyperplasia and slight dysplasia to the urinary cytology, 1 comet positive resulted in papillary superficial UBC to the biopsy, 1 FISH/TRAP positive showed a normal condition, and 2 TRAP positive showed in one case a phlogosis condition. The results evidenced good concordance of TRAP, comet, and FISH assays as early biomarkers of procarcinogenic effect confirmed by the dysplastic condition and UBC found by cystoscopy-biopsy analysis. The analysis of these markers in urine cells could be potentially more accurate than conventional cytology in monitoring workers exposed to mixture of bladder potential carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Cavallo
- Department of Occupational Medicine, INAIL-Italian Workers' Compensation Authority, Research Area, Monteporzio Catone, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Casadio
- Bioscience Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Meldola, 47014 Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Bioscience Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Meldola, 47014 Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Department of Occupational Medicine, INAIL-Italian Workers' Compensation Authority, Research Area, Monteporzio Catone, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Pira
- Department of Traumatology, Orthopaedics and Occupational Medicine, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Canzio Romano
- Department of Traumatology, Orthopaedics and Occupational Medicine, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fresegna
- Department of Occupational Medicine, INAIL-Italian Workers' Compensation Authority, Research Area, Monteporzio Catone, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Maiello
- Department of Occupational Medicine, INAIL-Italian Workers' Compensation Authority, Research Area, Monteporzio Catone, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Aureliano Ciervo
- Department of Occupational Medicine, INAIL-Italian Workers' Compensation Authority, Research Area, Monteporzio Catone, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Buresti
- Department of Occupational Medicine, INAIL-Italian Workers' Compensation Authority, Research Area, Monteporzio Catone, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Wainer Zoli
- Bioscience Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Meldola, 47014 Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Daniele Calistri
- Bioscience Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Meldola, 47014 Forlì-Cesena, Italy
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Silva R, Folgosa F, Soares P, Pereira AS, Garcia R, Gestal-Otero JJ, Tavares P, Gomes da Silva MDR. Occupational cosmic radiation exposure in Portuguese airline pilots: study of a possible correlation with oxidative biological markers. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2013; 52:211-220. [PMID: 23412012 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-013-0460-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have sought to understand the health effects of occupational exposure to cosmic radiation. However, only few biologic markers or associations with disease outcomes have so far been identified. In the present study, 22 long- and 26 medium-haul male Portuguese airline pilots and 36 factory workers who did not fly regularly were investigated. The two groups were comparable in age and diet, were non-smokers, never treated with ionizing radiation and other factors. Cosmic radiation exposure in pilots was quantified based on direct monitoring of 51 flights within Europe, and from Europe to North and South America, and to Africa. Indirect dose estimates in pilots were performed based on the SIEVERT (Système informatisé d'évaluation par vol de l'exposition au rayonnement cosmique dans les transports aériens) software for 6,039 medium- and 1,366 long-haul flights. Medium-haul pilots had a higher cosmic radiation dose rate than long-haul pilots, that is, 3.3 ± 0.2 μSv/h and 2.7 ± 0.3 μSv/h, respectively. Biological tests for oxidative stress on blood and urine, as appropriate, at two time periods separated by 1 year, included measurements of antioxidant capacity, total protein, ferritin, hemoglobin, creatinine and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG). Principal components analysis was used to discriminate between the exposed and unexposed groups based on all the biological tests. According to this analysis, creatinine and 8OHdG levels were different for the pilots and the unexposed group, but no distinctions could be made among the medium- and the long-haul pilots. While hemoglobin levels seem to be comparable between the studied groups, they were directly correlated with ferritin values, which were lower for the airline pilots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Silva
- REQUIMTE/CQFB, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
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Dua VK, Kumar A, Pandey AC, Kumar S. Insecticidal and genotoxic activity of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (Fabaceae) against Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:30. [PMID: 23379981 PMCID: PMC3573908 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides to eradicate mosquitoes has caused physiological resistance. Plants provide a reservoir of biochemical compounds; among these compounds some have inhibitory effect on mosquitoes. In the present study the larvicidal, adulticidal and genotoxic activity of essential oil of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. against Culex quinquefasciatus Say was explored. METHODS Essential oil was isolated from the seeds of P. corylifolia Linn. Larvicidal and adulticidal bioassay of Cx. quinquefasciatus was carried out by WHO method. Genotoxic activity of samples was determined by comet assay. Identification of different compounds was carried out by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry analysis. RESULTS LC50 and LC90 values of essential oil were 63.38±6.30 and 99.02±16.63 ppm, respectively against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. The LD50 and LD90 values were 0.057±0.007 and 0.109±0.014 mg/cm2 respectively against adult Cx. quinquefasciatus,. Genotoxicity of adults was determined at 0.034 and 0.069 mg/cm2. The mean comet tail length was 6.2548±0.754 μm and 8.47±0.931 μm and the respective DNA damage was significant i.e. 6.713% and 8.864% in comparison to controls. GCMS analysis of essential oil revealed 20 compounds. The major eight compounds were caryophyllene oxide (40.79%), phenol,4-(3,7-dimethyl-3-ethenylocta-1,6-dienyl) (20.78%), caryophyllene (17.84%), α-humulene (2.15%), (+)- aromadendrene (1.57%), naphthalene, 1,2,3,4-tetra hydro-1,6-dimethyle-4-(1-methyl)-, (1S-cis) (1.53%), trans- caryophyllene (0.75%), and methyl hexadecanoate (0.67%). CONCLUSION Essential oil obtained from the seeds of P. corylifolia showed potent toxicity against larvae and adult Cx. quinquefasciatus. The present work revealed that the essential oil of P. corylifolia could be used as environmentally sound larvicidal and adulticidal agent for mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virendra K Dua
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector-3, Health Centre, Field Unit BHEL, Ranipur, Hardwar, Uttrakhand, 249403, India.
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Genetic damage in human cells exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields: A meta-analysis of the data from 88 publications (1990–2011). MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2012; 749:1-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Yilmaz S, Ünal F, Yüzbaşıoğlu D, Çelik M. DNA damage in human lymphocytes exposed to four food additives in vitro. Toxicol Ind Health 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233712466132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In vitro genotoxic effects of antioxidant additives, such as citric acid (CA) and phosphoric acid (PA) and their combination, as well as antimicrobial additives, such as benzoic acid (BA) and calcium propionate (CP), on human lymphocytes were determined using alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis. There was a significant increase in the DNA damage in human lymphocytes after 1 h of in vitro exposure to CA, PA, BA and CP (200, 25–200, 50–500, 50–1000 μg/mL, respectively). The combination of CA and PA significantly increased the mean tail intensity at all the concentrations used (25–200 μg/mL) and significantly increased the mean tail length mainly after higher concentrations (100 and 200 μg/mL). Data in this study showed that the concentrations of food additives used induce DNA damage and PA was the most genotoxic and CA was less genotoxic additives among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Yilmaz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatma Ünal
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Yüzbaşıoğlu
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Çelik
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
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Verschaeve L, Juutilainen J, Lagroye I, Miyakoshi J, Saunders R, de Seze R, Tenforde T, van Rongen E, Veyret B, Xu Z. In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity of radiofrequency fields. Mutat Res 2010; 705:252-68. [PMID: 20955816 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There has been growing concern about the possibility of adverse health effects resulting from exposure to radiofrequency radiations (RFR), such as those emitted by wireless communication devices. Since the introduction of mobile phones many studies have been conducted regarding alleged health effects but there is still some uncertainty and no definitive conclusions have been reached so far. Although thermal effects are well understood they are not of great concern as they are unlikely to result from the typical low-level RFR exposures. Concern rests essentially with the possibility that RFR-exposure may induce non-thermal and/or long-term health effects such as an increased cancer risk. Consequently, possible genetic effects have often been studied but with mixed results. In this paper we review the data on alleged RFR-induced genetic effects from in vitro and in vivo investigations as well as from human cytogenetic biomonitoring surveys. Attention is also paid to combined exposures of RFR with chemical or physical agents. Again, however, no entirely consistent picture emerges. Many of the positive studies may well be due to thermal exposures, but a few studies suggest that biological effects can be seen at low levels of exposure. Overall, however, the evidence for low-level genotoxic effects is very weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Verschaeve
- O.D. Public Health & Surveillance, Laboratory of Toxicology, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Demir E, Kocaoğlu S, Kaya B. Assessment of genotoxic effects of benzyl derivatives by the comet assay. Food Chem Toxicol 2010; 48:1239-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Revised: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cavallo D, Ursini CL, Rondinone B, Iavicoli S. Evaluation of a suitable DNA damage biomarker for human biomonitoring of exposed workers. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2009; 50:781-90. [PMID: 19449396 DOI: 10.1002/em.20501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify a sensitive and noninvasive biomarker of early genotoxic effects, for health risk assessment of workers exposed to mixtures of low doses of xenobiotics. We studied 30 workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs, 57 workers exposed to different mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (41 airport workers and 16 paving workers) and 76 controls. Comet and micronucleus (MN) tests were performed on lymphocytes and exfoliated buccal cells. The MN assay on lymphocytes did not show significant differences between exposed and controls, while the MN assay on exfoliated buccal cells showed higher values in workers exposed to antineoplastics as compared with controls (0.85 vs. 0.48, P = 0.042). The comet assay on lymphocytes showed a higher comet percentage value (18.11 vs. 11.24 in controls, P = 0.001) and mean tail moment (TM) value (21.84 vs. 16.72 in controls, P = 0.003) in individuals exposed to PAHs as compared with controls; no significant differences were found in exposed to antineoplastics. The comet assay on exfoliated buccal cells did not show significant differences between exposed and control groups for comet percentages, whereas the TM value was higher in workers exposed to PAHs (55.1 vs. 32.31 for controls, P < 0.001). These results show that exfoliated buccal cells, obtained by a noninvasive procedure, represent robust target cells to assess the occupational exposure to inhalable mixture of chemicals at low doses. The comet assay seems to be suitable to promptly evaluate the genotoxic effects of PAHs mixtures that also contain volatile substances. The MN test is suitable to evaluate the effects of antineoplastics. Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Cavallo
- Department of Occupational Medicine, ISPESL-National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention, 00040 Monteporzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
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Genetic damage in subjects exposed to radiofrequency radiation. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2009; 681:259-270. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Revised: 10/23/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ursini CL, Cavallo D, Colombi A, Giglio M, Marinaccio A, Iavicoli S. Evaluation of early DNA damage in healthcare workers handling antineoplastic drugs. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2006; 80:134-40. [PMID: 16761155 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-006-0111-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluates by comet assay the induction of early DNA damage in healthcare workers of an oncology hospital regularly handling antineoplastic drug mixtures. The aim was to identify a suitable biomarker of DNA damage by exposure to low levels of such drugs. METHODS We studied 12 day hospital nurses and 13 oncology ward nurses who performed up to 300 and up to 35 drug administrations per week, respectively, and five pharmacy employees who regularly prepared mixtures of antineoplastic agents. Thirty healthy subjects were selected as controls. For exposure evaluation, we performed environmental monitoring of 5-fluorouracil, cytarabine, gemcitabine, cyclophosphamide, and ifosfamide in selected work areas of pharmacy and day hospital units and biological monitoring of urine for the 5-fluorouracile metabolite, alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine. We evaluated early DNA damage in lymphocytes and exfoliated buccal cells by comet assay measuring tail moment (TM) parameter that indirectly indicates the presence of DNA damage. RESULTS Environmental monitoring detected cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil and ifosfamide, with higher levels of contamination in day hospital unit. The biological monitoring measured detectable levels of alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine only in three nurses. Comet assay showed an increase on exfoliated buccal cells, even if not statistically significant, of mean TM with respect to controls in day hospital nurses (43.2 vs. 28.6, respectively) while ward nurses and pharmacy technicians did not show differences. Comet assay performed on lymphocytes did not show appreciable differences between exposed and controls. CONCLUSIONS The employment of the sensitive comet assay, which is able to detect early the effects of a recent exposure to genotoxic substances, allowed us to find a slight DNA damage, only on exfoliated buccal cells of day hospital nurses, the group handling the highest amount of drugs during the administration process. This finding suggests that comet assay on exfoliated buccal cells could represent a useful tool to evaluate early and still repairable genotoxic effects of exposure to antineoplastic drug mixtures and then contribute to the improvement of the hospital safety practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Lucia Ursini
- Dipartimento Medicina del Lavoro ISPESL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00040, Monteporzio Catone (Roma), Italy.
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Cavallo D, Ursini CL, Setini A, Chianese C, Cristaudo A, Iavicoli S. DNA damage and TNFalpha cytokine production in hairdressers with contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 2006; 53:125-9. [PMID: 16128749 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2005.00672.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The present work was undertaken to study in hairdressers exposed to several irritants and allergens (prevalently hair-dyeing) and affected by hand contact dermatitis the possible correlation between exposure and direct-oxidative DNA damage, production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and allergic inflammatory disease. We evaluated in 19 hairdressers with hand contact dermatitis, 14 allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and 5 irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and in a selected control group TNFalpha serum levels by ELISA and direct-oxidative DNA damage by Fpg (formamido-pyrimidine-glycosylase)-modified Comet test on blood. Hairdressers were divided on the basis of number of hair-dyeing carried out weekly into 2 groups: low-exposure (<60 hair-dyeing/week) and high-exposure hairdressers (>or=60 hair-dyeing/week) that reflect also the exposure to other allergens and irritants and 2 different tasks (hairdressers and apprentice hairdressers, respectively). Serum levels of TNFalpha in hairdressers with ACD were significantly higher than controls with a correlation to exposure level. Significant DNA damage in ICD hairdressers with higher exposure as compared to controls was found. These findings suggest that occupational exposure can induce in hairdressers, particularly ICD, DNA damage, increase the TNFa levels particularly in ACD and induce allergic sensitization, suggesting a relationship between direct-oxidative DNA damage, TNFalpha production and allergic inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Cavallo
- Department of Occupational Medicine, ISPESL-National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention, Rome, Italy.
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Hoffmann H, Högel J, Speit G. The effect of smoking on DNA effects in the comet assay: a meta-analysis. Mutagenesis 2005; 20:455-66. [PMID: 16280345 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gei064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The comet assay (alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis, SCG or SCGE) is frequently used in biomonitoring to detect genotoxic effects in humans exposed at the workplace or in their environment. Because of its ready accessibility, blood is most frequently used in such studies. Many studies investigated cigarette smoking either as a genotoxic exposure itself or as a potential confounding factor in occupational studies. However, although smoking is considered to be a relevant exposure towards various genotoxins, conflicting results have been reported in the comet assay studies. The actual reasons for this discrepancy are not known. To further evaluate evidence for smoking-related DNA effects in the comet assay, we now used a meta-analysis approach based on a literature search. We identified 38 studies from 37 publications which were suited for a formal meta-analysis based on the standardized mean difference (SMD) between the study groups. The evaluation of these 38 studies indicated higher levels of DNA damage in smokers than in non-smokers [under a random effects model, SMD = 0.55, 95% confidence interval = (0.16-0.93)]. Subdividing these studies into studies investigating the effect of smoking as a genotoxic exposure (Type A studies, n = 12) and studies investigating smoking as a potential confounder in occupational studies (Type B, n = 26) indicated a significant difference only in Type A studies but not in Type B studies. Furthermore, studies using image analysis or image length measurements (n = 23) only indicated a tendency for a genotoxic effect of smoking, whereas studies using an arbitrary score (n = 15) found a significantly higher level of DNA damage in smokers.
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Abstract
Nearly 20 epidemiologic or related studies of cancer incidence and mortality have been published during or since 2000, with several reporting increased risks of female breast cancer among flight attendants and melanoma among both pilots and cabin crew. Occasionally, excesses of other cancers have been observed, but not consistently. Although the real causes of these excess cancer risks are not known, there is concern that they may be related to occupational exposures to ionizing radiation of cosmic origin. It is possible that confounding risk factors may partially or totally explain the observed relationships, but several investigations are beginning to address lack of past adjustment for reproductive factors and sun exposure with improved study designs. With progress in aviation technology, planes will fly longer and at higher altitudes, and presumably the number of flights and passengers will increase. To respond responsibly to the real and perceived risks associated with flying, more extensive data are needed, but special efforts should be considered to ensure new projects can genuinely add to our current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice J Sigurdson
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7238, USA.
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Faust F, Kassie F, Knasmüller S, Kevekordes S, Mersch-Sundermann V. Use of primary blood cells for the assessment of exposure to occupational genotoxicants in human biomonitoring studies. Toxicology 2004; 198:341-50. [PMID: 15138060 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2004.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The Comet assay is an often used approach for the assessment of genetic damage in primary cells of exposed populations. In the majority of these studies lymphocytes are used. Therefore, we reviewed human biomonitoring studies of occupational exposure using the Comet assay with lymphocytes. We also tried to elucidate the strengths of the studies, which were that (i) data could be obtained in a fast and cost-effective manner, (ii) the ease at which these cells can be collected and (iii) a remarkable concordance between Comet assay and cytogenetic assays. However, the analysis also revealed some shortcomings: (i) the low number of study participants, (ii) the bias in the distribution of gender, (iii) lack of qualitative and quantitative exposure data, (iv) omission to consider differences in physical activity and diet between control and exposed groups, (v) lack of uniformity in the Comet assay procedures, and (vi) controversy in the sensitivity of Comet assay since it picked up DNA damage caused by agents which were found to be weak genotoxicants or non-genotoxicants in other tests, but gave inconsistent results with known mutagens/carcinogens such as cigarette smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriane Faust
- Department of Indoor and Environmental Toxicology, University Hospital, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, D-35385 Giessen, Germany
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Faust F, Kassie F, Knasmüller S, Boedecker RH, Mann M, Mersch-Sundermann V. The use of the alkaline comet assay with lymphocytes in human biomonitoring studies. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2004; 566:209-29. [PMID: 15082238 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2003.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2003] [Revised: 09/09/2003] [Accepted: 09/09/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed the data of 45 alkaline comet assay studies with lymphocytes published during the last three years with the objective of monitoring human exposure to genotoxic agents as a result of occupation, drug treatment, diseases or environmental pollution. The strengths of the studies were that: (i) a lot of data could be obtained within a relatively short period of time in a cost-effective manner, (ii) lymphocytes could be easily collected in a non-invasive way and proved to be good surrogate cells in that they picked up effects caused by agents with different cancer target organs and (iii) a remarkable concordance between comet assay and cytogenetic assay data was proved. However, our analysis revealed some shortcomings of the studies such as: (i) the inclusion of low number of study participants and bias in the number and gender of subjects between control and exposed groups, (ii) lack of qualitative and quantitative exposure data, (iii) lack of consideration of differences in physical activity and diet between control and exposed groups, (iv) difficulty in comparison of the studies due to lack of uniformity in the comet assay procedures such as duration of alkali unwinding and electrophoresis, slide scoring method and the metrics used to assess the extent of DNA damage and (v) controversy in the sensitivity of comet assay since it picked up DNA damage caused by agents such as wood dust, pesticides and hormone preparations which were found to be weak genotoxins or non-genotoxins in other tests, but gave inconsistent results with known mutagens/carcinogens such as tobacco smoke. We feel that for the alkaline comet assay to be an important tool in human biomonitoring studies, serious consideration should be given to the flaws in the design and performance of the assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriane Faust
- Department of Indoor and Environmental Toxicology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, University Hospital, Aulweg 123, D-35385 Giessen, Germany
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