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Tiu A, McKinnell Z, Liu S, Gill P, Antonio M, Shancer Z, Srinivasa N, Diao G, Subrahmanyam R, Kessler CM, Jain M. Risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms among U.S. Veterans from Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf War eras. Am J Hematol 2024. [PMID: 39023278 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act expanded U.S. Veterans' health care and benefits for conditions linked to service-connected exposures (e.g., Burn Pits, Agent Orange). However, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are not recognized as presumptive conditions for Veterans exposed to these toxic substances. This study evaluated the development of MPN among U.S. Veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf War eras. This retrospective cohort study included 65 425 Korean War era Veterans; 211 927 Vietnam War era Veterans; and 214 007 Persian Gulf War era Veterans from January 1, 2006, to January 26, 2023. Veterans with MPN, thrombosis, bleeding, and cardiovascular risk factors were identified through ICD-9 and -10 codes. Veterans from the Persian Gulf War era had the highest risk of developing MPN compared with Veterans from the Korean and Vietnam War eras, hazard ratio (HR) 4.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.20-5.75 and HR 2.49, 95% CI 2.20-2.82, both p < .0001, respectively. Vietnam War era Veterans also had a higher risk of MPN development compared with Korean War era Veterans, HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.77-2.21, p < .0001. Persian Gulf War era Veterans were diagnosed with MPN at an earlier age, had higher risks of thrombosis and bleeding, and had lower survival rates compared with Korean War and Vietnam War era Veterans. This study reinforces evidence that environmental and occupational hazards increase the risk of clonal myeloid disorders and related complications, impacting overall survival with MPN. Limitations include the inability to confirm clonality and fully verify deployment and exposure status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tiu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zoe McKinnell
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Puneet Gill
- Institute for Clinical Research, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Zoe Shancer
- The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nandan Srinivasa
- The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Guoqing Diao
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Craig M Kessler
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Rogers K, WaMaina E, Barber A, Masood S, Love C, Kim YH, Gilmour MI, Jaspers I. Emissions from plastic incineration induce inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired bioenergetics in primary human respiratory epithelial cells. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:301-315. [PMID: 38539046 PMCID: PMC11131019 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhalation exposure to plastic incineration emissions (PIEs) is a problem of increasing human relevance, as plastic production and waste creation have drastically increased since mainstream integration during the 20th century. We investigated the effects of PIEs on human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) to understand if such exposures cause damage and dysfunction to respiratory epithelia. Primary HNECs from male and female donors were cultured at air-liquid interface (ALI), and 16HBE cells were cultured on coverslips. Smoke condensates were generated from incineration of plastic at flaming (640°C) and smoldering (500°C) temperatures, and cells were subsequently exposed to these materials at 5-50 μg/cm2 concentrations. HNECs were assessed for mitochondrial dysfunction and 16HBE cells for glutathione oxidation in real-time analyses. HNEC culture supernatants and total RNA were collected at 4-h postexposure for cytokine and gene expression analysis, and results show that PIEs can acutely induce inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in HNECs, and that incineration temperature modifies biological responses. Specifically, condensates from flaming and smoldering PIEs significantly increased HNEC secretion of cytokines IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-13, as well as expression of xenobiotic metabolism pathways and genes such as CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 at 5 and 20 μg/cm2 concentrations. Only 50 μg/cm2 flaming PIEs significantly increased glutathione oxidation in 16HBEs, and decreased respiration and ATP production in HNEC mitochondria. Impact Statement: Our data reveal the impact of incineration temperatures on biological outcomes associated with PIE exposures, emphasizing the importance of temperature as a factor when evaluating respiratory disease associated with PIEs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Rogers
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7310, USA
| | | | - Andrew Barber
- North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Syed Masood
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7310, USA
| | - Charlotte Love
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7310, USA
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - M Ian Gilmour
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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Pereira S, Apodaca C, Slominski K, Lipsky RK, Coarfa C, Walker CL, McGuire AL, Steele L, Helmer DA. "Holy cow, where do I sign up?" Attitudes of Military Veterans toward Epigenomic Biomarker Toxic Exposure Testing. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.09.24305554. [PMID: 38699358 PMCID: PMC11065004 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.24305554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Background With the signing of the PACT Act in 2022, there is great interest and investment in studying toxic exposures encountered during military service. One way to address this is through the identification of epigenomic biomarkers associated with exposures. There is increasing evidence suggesting that exposure to toxic substances may result in alterations to DNA methylation and resultant gene expression. These epigenomic changes may lead to adverse health effects for exposed individuals and their offspring. While the development of epigenomic biomarkers for exposures could facilitate understanding of these exposure-related health effects, such testing could also provide unwanted information. Objectives Explore Veterans' attitudes toward epigenomic biomarker research and the potential to test for past exposures that could pose intergenerational risk. Methods Semi-structured interviews with Veterans (n=22) who experienced potentially harmful exposures during their military service. Results Twenty Veterans said they would hypothetically want to receive epigenomic information related to their toxic exposures and potential health impacts as part of a research study. Veterans identified nine potential benefits of this research, including promoting insights concerning intergenerational health, identification of early health interventions to mitigate the impact of exposures, and additional knowledge or explanation for their experiences. At the same time, 16 participants noted potential risks, including psychological distress in response to results, concerns about receiving non-actionable, uncertain, or inaccurate results, and issues related to privacy and discrimination. Ten participants also identified at least one condition in their children that they thought could be related to their exposure and most said they would be interested in receiving research results related to their children's and grandchildren's risk of developing a health condition associated with their exposure. Discussion Results suggest that Veterans might welcome benefits of epigenomic research related to military exposures yet have some concerns about potential negative impacts.
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Wang X, Doherty TA, James C. Military burn pit exposure and airway disease: Implications for our Veteran population. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 131:720-725. [PMID: 37343826 PMCID: PMC10728339 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Millions of veterans have been exposed to burn pit smoke during combat deployments throughout the last three decades. Toxic compounds present in burn pit fumes that may cause or exacerbate upper and lower airway diseases include dioxins, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and particulate matter, among others. There have been several observational studies evaluating the potential role of burn pit exposure in the development of a multitude chronic health conditions, and the veterans Administration has established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry in 2014. However, specific causality of airway disease from burn pits has been difficult to prove, and there are multiple barriers toward etiologic research. Preclinical models have demonstrated airway dysfunction and inflammation but modeling human exposures remains challenging. Here, we review the current literature on the potential impact of burn pit exposure on chronic airway disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Veterans Affairs San Diego Health Care System, La Jolla, California
| | - Taylor A Doherty
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Veterans Affairs San Diego Health Care System, La Jolla, California.
| | - Christine James
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Veterans Affairs San Diego Health Care System, La Jolla, California
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Gandhi S, Tonelli R, Murray M, Samarelli AV, Spagnolo P. Environmental Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16481. [PMID: 38003670 PMCID: PMC10671449 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common and severe of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, is a chronic and relentlessly progressive disease, which occurs mostly in middle-aged and elderly males. Although IPF is by definition "idiopathic", multiple factors have been reported to increase disease risk, aging being the most prominent one. Several occupational and environmental exposures, including metal dust, wood dust and air pollution, as well as various lifestyle variables, including smoking and diet, have also been associated with an increased risk of IPF, probably through interaction with genetic factors. Many of the predisposing factors appear to act also as trigger for acute exacerbations of the disease, which herald a poor prognosis. The more recent literature on inhalation injuries has focused on the first responders in the World Trade Center attacks and military exposure. In this review, we present an overview of the environmental and occupational causes of IPF and its pathogenesis. While our list is not comprehensive, we have selected specific exposures to highlight based on their overall disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheiphali Gandhi
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0924, USA; (S.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Respiratory Disease Unit, University Hospital of Modena, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42125 Modena, Italy; (R.T.); (A.V.S.)
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Margaret Murray
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0924, USA; (S.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Anna Valeria Samarelli
- Respiratory Disease Unit, University Hospital of Modena, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42125 Modena, Italy; (R.T.); (A.V.S.)
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Spagnolo
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Kostorz-Nosal S, Jastrzębski D, Błach A, Skoczyński S. Window of opportunity for respiratory oscillometry: A review of recent research. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2023; 316:104135. [PMID: 37536553 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2023.104135] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Oscillometry has been around for almost 70 years, but there are still many unknowns. The test is performed during tidal breathing and is therefore free from patient-dependent factors that could influence the results. The Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT), which requires minimal patient cooperation, is gaining ground, particularly with elderly patients and children. In pulmonology, it is a valuable tool for assessing obstructive conditions (with a distinction between central and peripheral obstruction) and restrictive disorders (intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary). Its sensitivity allows the assessment of bronchodilator and bronchoconstrictor responses. Different lung diseases show different patterns of changes in FOT, especially studied in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Because of these differences, many studies have analysed the usefulness of this technique in different areas of medicine. In this paper, the authors would like to present the basics of oscillometry with the areas of its most recent clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Kostorz-Nosal
- Department of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-803 Zabrze, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Jastrzębski
- Department of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-803 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Anna Błach
- Department of Cardiology and Structural Heart Diseases, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Szymon Skoczyński
- Department of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-803 Zabrze, Poland
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Perveen MM, Mayo-Malasky HE, Lee-Wong MF, Tomaska JM, Forsyth E, Gravely A, Klein MA, Trembley JH, Butterick TA, Promisloff RA, Ginex PK, Barach P, Szema AM. Gross Hematuria and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Military Burn Pits Exposures in US Veterans Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:740-744. [PMID: 37367635 PMCID: PMC10487357 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to describe rates of hematuria and other lower urinary tract symptoms, including self-reported cancer rates, among veterans postburn pits emissions exposure during deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. METHODS US post-9/11 veterans with burn pits emissions exposure confirmed via DD214 forms in the Burn Pits360.org Registry were sent a modified survey. Data were deidentified and anonymously coded. RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of the 155 respondents exposed to burn pits self-reported seeing blood in their urine. The average index score of our modified American Urological Association Symptom Index Survey was 12.25 (SD, 7.48). High rates of urinary frequency (84%) and urgency (76%) were self-reported. Bladder, kidney, or lung cancers were self-reported in 3.87%. CONCLUSIONS US veterans exposed to burn pits are self-reporting hematuria and other lower urinary tract symptoms.
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Cervantes D, Schaunaman N, Downey GP, Chu HW, Day BJ. Desert particulate matter from Afghanistan increases airway obstruction in human distal lungs exposed to type 2 cytokine IL-13. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1177665. [PMID: 37448802 PMCID: PMC10336202 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1177665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Deployment related asthma-like symptoms including distal airway obstruction have been described in U.S. military personnel who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The mechanisms responsible for the development of distal airway obstruction in deployers exposed to desert particulate matter (PM) is not well understood. We sought to determine if respiratory exposure to PM from Afghanistan (PMa) increases human distal airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) with or without exposures to IL-13, a type 2 cytokine. We further tested whether mitochondrial dysfunction, such as ATP signaling and oxidative stress, may contribute to PMa- mediated AHR. Methods Precision-cut lung slices from donors without a history of lung disease, tobacco smoking, or vaping were pre-treated with IL-13 for 24 h. This was followed by exposure to PMa or PM from California (PMc, control for PMa) for up to 72 h. The role of hydrogen peroxide and ATP in AHR was assessed using the antioxidant enzyme catalase or an ATP receptor P2Y13 antagonist MRS2211. AHR in response to methacholine challenges as well as cytokine IL-8 production were measured. Results PMa alone, but not PMc alone, trended to increase AHR. Importantly, the combination of PMa and IL-13 significantly amplified AHR compared to control or PMc+IL-13. PMa alone and in combination with IL-13 increased IL-8 as compared to the control. PMa increased H2O2 and ATP. MRS211 and catalase reduced AHR in PCLS exposed to both PMa and IL-13. Discussion Our data suggests that PMa in a type 2 inflammation-high lung increased AHR in part through oxidative stress and ATP signaling.
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Birch M, van Bergen L. COP27 and the military-industrial complex: no more sidestepping the military emissions gap. Med Confl Surviv 2022; 38:261-265. [PMID: 36510472 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2022.2151076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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