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Eaton DL, Simon TW, Kaminski NE, Perdew GH, Nebert DW. Species differences in specific ligand-binding affinity and activation of AHR: The biological basis for calculation of relative effective potencies and toxic equivalence factors. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 149:105598. [PMID: 38548044 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In 2022 the World Health Organization (WHO) published updated 'Toxic Equivalence Factors' (TEFs) for a wide variety of chlorinated dioxins, dibenzofurans and PCBs [collectively referred to as 'dioxin-like chemicals'; DLCs) that interact with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)]. Their update used sophisticated statistical analysis of hundreds of published studies that reported estimation of 'Relative Effective Potency' (REP) values for individual DLC congeners. The weighting scheme used in their assessment of each study favored in vivo over in vitro studies and was based largely on rodent studies. In this Commentary, we highlight the large body of published studies that demonstrate large species differences in AHR-ligand activation and provide supporting evidence for our position that the WHO 2022 TEF values intended for use in human risk assessment of DLC mixtures will provide highly misleading overestimates of 'Toxic Equivalent Quotients' (TEQs), because of well-recognized striking differences in AHR ligand affinities between rodent (rat, mouse) and human. The data reviewed in our Commentary support the position that human tissue-derived estimates of REP/TEF values for individual DLC congeners, although uncertain, will provide much better, more realistic estimates of potential activation of the human AHR, when exposure to complex DLC mixtures occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Eaton
- Department of Environmental Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gary H Perdew
- The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Daniel W Nebert
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA; Department of Pediatrics & Molecular Developmental Biology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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2
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Zheng W, Zhao H, Liu Q, Crabbe MJC, Qu W. Spatial-temporal distribution, cancer risk, and disease burden attributed to the dietary dioxins exposure of Chinese residents. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154851. [PMID: 35351502 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154851] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzed the characteristics of dioxins represented by polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) as well as dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in food from China. The spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of dioxins dietary intake, cancer risk, and disease burden were evaluated among the Chinese population. In the temporal dimension, descending trends in animal-origin-food were found both in dietary intake PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, with the reverse for plant-origin-food. The probability assessments of dietary intakes showed that after 2007, the exposure level of PCDD/Fs through diets of urban and rural residents in China was significantly lower than that before 2007 (p < 0.05). The spatial distribution results showed that the southern coastal regions were high exposure regions of dietary intakes of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. Cancer risk and disease burden of dietary dioxins showed downward trends after 2007 both under an average exposure scenario and an extreme exposure scenario. After 2007, the disease burden resulting from exposure to dl-PCBs became higher and approached the median of values reported by the WHO, while the disease burden resulting from exposure to PCDD/Fs approached the lower level of 95% CI reported by the WHO. The results indicate that accompanying the National Implementation Plan and a series of subsequent scientific guidance documents launched for reducing dioxins pollution in 2007, the health benefits and the health risks caused by dl-PCBs should be given further attention and evaluation in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China; Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Water and Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Huijuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China; Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Water and Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Qinxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China; Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Water and Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - M James C Crabbe
- Wolfson College, Oxford University, Oxford OX2 6UD, United Kingdom; Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Science & Technology, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom
| | - Weidong Qu
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China; Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Water and Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
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Abolhasani R, Araghi F, Tabary M, Aryannejad A, Mashinchi B, Robati RM. The impact of air pollution on skin and related disorders: A comprehensive review. Dermatol Ther 2021; 34:e14840. [PMID: 33527709 DOI: 10.1111/dth.14840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As the largest organ in the body, human skin is constantly exposed to harmful compounds existing in the surrounding environment as the first-line barrier. Studies have indicated that exposure to high concentrations of many environmental factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, outdoor air pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), heavy metals, gaseous pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxides (NOx ), sulfur oxide (SO2 ), ozone (O3 ), and indoor air pollutants (solid fuels consumption), might interrupt the skin's normal barrier function. Besides, the intensity of the pollutants and the length of exposure might be a contributing factor. Air pollutants are believed to induce or exacerbate a range of skin conditions, such as aging, inflammatory diseases (atopic dermatitis, cellulitis, and psoriasis), acne, hair loss, and even skin cancers (mainly melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma) through various mechanisms. The interaction between pollutants and the skin might differ based on each agent's particular characteristics. Also, damaging the skin barrier seems to be closely related to the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of oxidative stress, activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and inflammatory cytokines. This article reviews recent studies on the correlation between air pollutants and skin diseases, along with related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farnaz Araghi
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Armin Aryannejad
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Reza M Robati
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Dermatology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Yu D, Liu X, Liu X, Cao W, Zhang X, Tian H, Wang J, Xiong N, Wen S, Wu Y, Sun X, Zhou Y. Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins, Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans, and Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Umbilical Cord Serum from Pregnant Women Living Near a Chemical Plant in Tianjin, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16122178. [PMID: 31248229 PMCID: PMC6616537 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are bioaccumulative compounds that may affect fetal growth and infant development. The aim of this study was to determine whether the pregnant women living near a chemical plant in Tianjin had a risk of exposure to dioxins. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in 24 umbilical cord serum samples collected from pregnant women were measured using a high-resolution gas chromatograph with a high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRGC-HRMS) and an isotopic dilution method. The levels of ∑(PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs) were in the range 476-8307 pg·g-1 lipid, with a mean of 3037 pg·g-1. The mean World Health Organization toxicity equivalent (WHO-TEQ) for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs was 14.0 and 2.14 pg·g-1 lipid, respectively. The PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs contributed 86.7% and 13.3%, respectively, to the total TEQ. The octa-CDFs and penta-CBs were predominant for the PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, accounting for 57.6% and 74.3%, respectively. Several PCDD/F and dl-PCB congeners were highly correlated, such as PCB 105 and PCB 118 (r = 0.982, p < 0.001). Although the results hint at decreasing trends for PCDD/F and dl-PCBs by comparison with a similar study in Tianjin, a total TEQ of 41.7% of study participants had a body burden that exceeded the biomonitoring equivalents for dioxins. It was shown that pregnant women and infants had a health risk of exposure to dioxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhong Yu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, No.206, Guanggu 1st road, Wuhan 430205, China.
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, No.206, Guanggu 1st road, Wuhan 430205, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Xiao Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Wencheng Cao
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Haoyuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #27 Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #27 Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Nan Xiong
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, South Central University for Nationalities, #182 Minzu Avenue, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Sheng Wen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Yongning Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health (CFSA) and China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, #7 Panjiayuan Nanli, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Xin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #27 Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yan Zhou
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, China.
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5
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Leijs MM, Esser A, Amann PM, Schettgen T, Gube M, Merk HF, Kraus T, Baron JM. Hyperpigmentation and higher incidence of cutaneous malignancies in moderate-high PCB- and dioxin exposed individuals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 164:221-228. [PMID: 29501832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are well known persistent and toxic environmental pollutants. Our aim was to identify effects of moderate-high exposure to dioxin-like (dl) and non-dioxin-like (ndl)-PCBs on the skin in order to provide more insight in the pathophysiological effects of these compounds. We performed a dermatological examination on 92 former workers from a transformer recycling company with known elevated serum PCB and/or dioxin (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furan (PCDD/F)) levels. In addition, we performed a skin cancer screening over a period of seven years (2010-2016) on resp. 268, 271, 210, 149, 92, 129 and 79 participants. We found a higher incidence of acne and malignancies of the skin (malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and mycosis fungoides) in the workers compared to normal population. The probability of having hyperpigmentation on the skin was statistically significantly higher in workers with higher sumPCBs- (OR:1.09(1.12-2.17)), dioxin-like (dl)-PCBs- (OR:1.56(1.12-2.17)) and dioxin (PCDD/Fs) (OR:1.09(1.02-1.16)) levels. Age was a confounding factor in this model. Formation of hyperpigmentation could be an indicator for (moderate-high) exposure to toxic compounds like PCBs. The higher incidence of cutaneous malignancies found in the workers might be associated with PCB- and dioxin exposure, warranting further investigation on larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike M Leijs
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - André Esser
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Philipp M Amann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Department of Dermatology, SLK Hospital Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Monika Gube
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans F Merk
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jens M Baron
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Malisch R, Denison MS, Fiedler H, Fürst P, Hoogenboom RLAP, Schaechtele A, Schrenk D, van den Berg M. Do PCDD/PCDF standard solutions used in dioxin analysis pose a risk as potentially acutely toxic to lab personnel? CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 185:489-498. [PMID: 28715759 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory safety requires protecting personnel from chemical exposures. Working with stock solutions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) in routine analysis of feed and food with bioanalytical or physicochemical methods raises some concerns. Since PCDD/PCDFs are considered as possibly acutely toxic, the potential risks were evaluated to determine whether supervision of their use is necessary. Based on LD50-data for oral or dermal intake, hazard classification of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as a substance (category 1) and in commercially available TCDD standard solutions (category 4) is different. As worst case exposure scenario during routine laboratory work it was assumed that a dose of 100 ng TCDD gets onto the skin and is absorbed. This would result in the total body burden of a 70 kg person with 15 kg fat increasing from 10 (upper range of current background levels) to ∼17 pg of toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PCDD/PCDFs per g lipid, a level commonly observed over past decades. Chloracne, the main acute effect occurring weeks after exposure, is observed at much higher blood concentrations than estimated from accidental laboratory exposure. Immunotoxicity, developmental effects and other toxic effects may occur at lower blood levels, but require longer periods to develop. Since acute toxic symptoms don't occur within an "8 h acute time window", no supervision is necessary when working with standard solutions in routine analysis. Nevertheless, precautionary measures are needed regarding long-term adverse health effects and appropriate workplace conditions must exist to ensure that additional occupational exposure to PCDD/PCDFs by laboratory personnel is negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Malisch
- EU Reference Laboratory for Dioxins and PCBs in Feed and Food, Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt, Bissierstr. 5, D-79114 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Michael S Denison
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Heidelore Fiedler
- Örebro University, School of Science and Technology, MTM Research Centre, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Peter Fürst
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe (CVUA-MEL), Joseph-König-Straße 40, D-48147 Münster, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Schaechtele
- EU Reference Laboratory for Dioxins and PCBs in Feed and Food, Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt, Bissierstr. 5, D-79114 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Schrenk
- Food Chemistry and Toxicology, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 52, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Martin van den Berg
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Patterson AT, Kaffenberger BH, Keller RA, Elston DM. Skin diseases associated with Agent Orange and other organochlorine exposures. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015. [PMID: 26210237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Organochlorine exposure is an important cause of cutaneous and systemic toxicity. Exposure has been associated with industrial accidents, intentional poisoning, and the use of defoliants, such as Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. Although long-term health effects are systematically reviewed by the Institute of Medicine, skin diseases are not comprehensively assessed. This represents an important practice gap as patients can present with cutaneous findings. This article provides a systematic review of the cutaneous manifestations of known mass organochlorine exposures in military and industrial settings with the goal of providing clinically useful recommendations for dermatologists seeing patients inquiring about organochlorine effects. Patients with a new diagnosis of chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, cutaneous lymphomas (non-Hodgkin lymphoma), and soft-tissue sarcomas including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and leiomyosarcomas should be screened for a history of Vietnam service or industrial exposure. Inconclusive evidence exists for an increased risk of other skin diseases in Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange including benign fatty tumors, melanomas, nonmelanoma skin cancers, milia, eczema, dyschromias, disturbance of skin sensation, and rashes not otherwise specified. Affected veterans should be informed of the uncertain data in those cases. Referral to Department of Veterans Affairs for disability assessment is indicated for conditions with established associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Patterson
- Division of Dermatology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio; US Air Force, San Antonio Military Medical Center
| | | | - Richard A Keller
- Dermatology, Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, US Air Force, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Dirk M Elston
- Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology; US Army (Retired)
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Becker RA, Patlewicz G, Simon TW, Rowlands JC, Budinsky RA. The adverse outcome pathway for rodent liver tumor promotion by sustained activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 73:172-90. [PMID: 26145830 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2015.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
An Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) represents the existing knowledge of a biological pathway leading from initial molecular interactions of a toxicant and progressing through a series of key events (KEs), culminating with an apical adverse outcome (AO) that has to be of regulatory relevance. An AOP based on the mode of action (MOA) of rodent liver tumor promotion by dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) has been developed and the weight of evidence (WoE) of key event relationships (KERs) evaluated using evolved Bradford Hill considerations. Dioxins and DLCs are potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands that cause a range of species-specific adverse outcomes. The occurrence of KEs is necessary for inducing downstream biological responses and KEs may occur at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. The common convention is that an AOP begins with the toxicant interaction with a biological response element; for this AOP, this initial event is binding of a DLC ligand to the AHR. Data from mechanistic studies, lifetime bioassays and approximately thirty initiation-promotion studies have established dioxin and DLCs as rat liver tumor promoters. Such studies clearly show that sustained AHR activation, weeks or months in duration, is necessary to induce rodent liver tumor promotion--hence, sustained AHR activation is deemed the molecular initiating event (MIE). After this MIE, subsequent KEs are 1) changes in cellular growth homeostasis likely associated with expression changes in a number of genes and observed as development of hepatic foci and decreases in apoptosis within foci; 2) extensive liver toxicity observed as the constellation of effects called toxic hepatopathy; 3) cellular proliferation and hyperplasia in several hepatic cell types. This progression of KEs culminates in the AO, the development of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas and cholangiolar carcinomas. A rich data set provides both qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the progression of this AOP through KEs and the KERs. Thus, the WoE for this AOP is judged to be strong. Species-specific effects of dioxins and DLCs are well known--humans are less responsive than rodents and rodent species differ in sensitivity between strains. Consequently, application of this AOP to evaluate potential human health risks must take these differences into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Becker
- Regulatory and Technical Affairs Department, American Chemistry Council (ACC), Washington, DC 20002, USA.
| | - Grace Patlewicz
- DuPont Haskell Global Centers for Health and Environmental Sciences, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Ted W Simon
- Ted Simon LLC, 4184 Johnston Road, Winston, GA 30187, USA
| | - J Craig Rowlands
- The Dow Chemical Company, Toxicology & Environmental Research & Consulting, 1803 Building Washington Street, Midland, MI 48674, USA
| | - Robert A Budinsky
- The Dow Chemical Company, Toxicology & Environmental Research & Consulting, 1803 Building Washington Street, Midland, MI 48674, USA
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9
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Chen X, Chen JS, Zhang L, Li JG, Yao L, Self SG, Sun X, Tang NJ. Levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and dl-PCBs in the blood of childbearing-aged women living in the vicinity of a chemical plant in Tianjin: a primary study. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 118:1-4. [PMID: 25433396 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested that maternal exposure to Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), poly-chlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may affect foetal growth and infant development. The aim of our study was to determine whether the childbearing-aged residents living near a chemical plant have a greater exposure risk. Concentrations of 17 PCDD/Fs congeners and 12 non-ortho and mono-ortho dioxin-like PCBs were measured using HRGC-HRMS in the blood of 30 non-occupational childbearing-aged women living near a chemical plant (Dagu) that had been producing chlorinated pesticides from 1958 to 2004. The factors that influenced the body burden were investigated based on responses to a questionnaire. Levels of PCDD/Fs+PCBs were in the range of 16.43-155.29pg WHO 2005-TEQg(-1) lipid. PCDDs and PCDFs contributed 56.72% and 34.44%, respectively, to the total TEQ value. Total WHO-TEQ was approximately tenfold higher in the participants living in the vicinity of the plant (distance: 1.52±0.148km) than in the groups living farther away (distance: 4.93±1.124km). A negative correlation between total WHO-TEQ and distance to Dagu was observed by multiple linear regression models. The data provide basic information for monitoring dioxin-like chemicals in the district and for the future study of the relationship between POPs and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qi Xiang Tai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jing-shan Chen
- Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qi Xiang Tai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Lab for Food Safety and Risk Assessment, Ministry of Public Health & China Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 7 Panjiayuan Nan Li, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jing-guang Li
- Key Lab for Food Safety and Risk Assessment, Ministry of Public Health & China Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 7 Panjiayuan Nan Li, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Lena Yao
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Steven G Self
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- Key Lab of Chemical Safety and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention & National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nan Wei Road, West City District, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Nai-jun Tang
- Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qi Xiang Tai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China.
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Tsukimori K, Uchi H, Tokunaga S, Yasukawa F, Chiba T, Kajiwara J, Hirata T, Furue M. Blood levels of PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs in Yusho mothers and their descendants: association with fetal Yusho disease. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:1581-1588. [PMID: 22960060 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may result in adverse health effects in their children. In Japan in 1968, an accidental human exposure to rice oil contaminated with PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs, led to the development of Yusho disease. Yusho mothers delivered descendants with low birth weights and hyperpigmented skin and mucosa, which are characteristic of fetal Yusho disease (FYD). The Yusho cohort was used to evaluate the effect of maternal exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs on the development of FYD. Blood samples, obtained from 64 Yusho mothers (117 descendants: 10 with FYD and 107 without FYD), were analyzed for congeners of seven PCDDs, 10 PCDFs, and four coplanar PCBs. We investigated the association between the maternal estimated blood levels of dioxins at delivery and the risk of fetal Yusho disease. We also studied the differences in dioxin blood levels in 24 mother-descendant pairs (5 with FYD and 19 without FYD). The estimated levels of total PCDD TEQ, total PCDF TEQ, total coplanar PCB TEQ, and total TEQ in the maternal blood at delivery were associated with significantly increased risk of FYD. The odds ratios, which present the risk of FYD for a 10-fold increase in blood dioxin, were largest for 1,2,3,6,7,8-HexaCDD (odds ratio=28.6, 95% confidence interval=1.67-489.9, p=0.02). The levels of 1,2,3,6,7,8-HexaCDD in both the Yusho mothers and their descendants with FYD were higher than the levels in those without FYD. These findings suggest that 1,2,3,6,7,8-HexaCDD is the most important causative congener for the development of FYD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyomi Tsukimori
- Department of Obstetrics, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Tojinmachi 2-5-1, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0063, Japan.
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Accidental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in waste cargo after heavy seas. Global waste transport as a source of PCB exposure. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2013; 87:125-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-012-0841-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Consonni D, Sindaco R, Bertazzi PA. Blood levels of dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, and TEQs in general populations: a review, 1989-2010. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 44:151-62. [PMID: 22364893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive worldwide literature review of blood levels of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in non-exposed adult general populations was performed. The studies published in 1989-2010 reporting information on polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), non-ortho-PCBs (nPCBs), mono-ortho-PCBs (mPCBs) levels and Toxic Equivalencies (TEQs, a summary weighted measure of their combined toxicity) were reviewed. TEQs were calculated using as standard the most recent WHO 2005 reevaluation of Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs). Weighted multiple regression analyses adjusted for year, subject's age, type of sample analyzed, method used for values below detection limit, and central tendency measure used were performed for each congener and standardized TEQs (log-transformed). We identified 187 studies regarding 29,687 subjects of 26 countries. Year of blood collection ranged from 1985 to 2008. The studies reporting congener levels 161. In adjusted analyses, European countries showed higher levels of most dioxin-like congeners and TEQs. A strong positive association of subjects' age with most congeners and with TEQ values was found, confirming previous findings. Significant decreases over time (1985-2008) were documented for PCCDs, PCDFs, and TEQs including their contributions. No significant decrease was found for non-ortho-PCBs, notably PCB 126. Only some mono-ortho-PCBs showed clear significant declines. Accordingly, TEQs including only PCB contribution did not decrease over time. In interpreting these findings, it should be considered that for dioxin-like PCBs the analysis period was shorter (17 years), since these compounds were first measured in 1992.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Consonni
- Unit of Epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Chang JW, Chen HL, Su HJ, Liao PC, Lee CC. Biochemical study of retired pentachlorophenol workers with and without following dietary exposure to PCDD/Fs. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 88:813-819. [PMID: 22579452 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PCDD/Fs are found as impurities in commercial pesticide sodium pentachlorophenol (Na-PCP) salt. We compared, using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors, serum PCDD/F levels and biochemical examinations of retired Na-PCP workers and other inhabitants living near a closed Na-PCP plant that discharged PCP-contaminated wastewater into a nearby pond in Tainan, Taiwan. In this cross-sectional study from October 2006 through May 2009, 1167 participants were divided into groups according to their occupational (retired Na-PCP plant workers versus other residents) and dietary exposure (eating polluted fish versus not eating polluted fish) to PCDD/Fs, and a general population from a large-scale survey. Serum PCDD/F levels were significantly different between these groups (range: from 22.9±10.0pg WHO(98)-TEQ(DF) g(-1) lipid in the general population to 109.6±94.5pg WHO(98)-TEQ(DF) g(-1) lipid in retired Na-PCP workers eating polluted seafood; P(trend)<0.001). Distinct patterns of PCDD/Fs congener profiles, showing a significantly higher proportion of 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxDD, and less 2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, OCDF, were also found among workers and residents with different serum PCDD/F levels versus the general population. After adjusting for confounding factors, glucose (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.22 [95% CI: 4.04-12.90]), triglycerides (AOR 4.31 [95% CI: 2.57-7.22]), blood urea nitrogen (AOR 2.90 [95% CI: 1.58-5.33]), creatine (AOR 5.83 [95% CI: 1.12-30.30]) and total protein (AOR 3.74 [95% CI: 1.91-7.31]) levels in retired workers were significantly higher than in the reference group. Occupational exposure to PCDD/Fs is associated with biochemical abnormalities that may persist for years after serum PCDD/F levels have declined.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Liu J, Zhang CM, Coenraads PJ, Ji ZY, Chen X, Dong L, Ma XM, Han W, Tang NJ. Abnormal expression of MAPK, EGFR, CK17 and TGk in the skin lesions of chloracne patients exposed to dioxins. Toxicol Lett 2011; 201:230-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2010] [Revised: 12/28/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Collins JJ, Wilken M, McBride D, Humphry NF, Herbison P, Burns CJ, Bodner K. Serum concentrations of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans among former New Zealand trichlorophenol workers. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 76:1550-1556. [PMID: 19559461 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study examined serum levels of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated dioxins and furans, and 15 PCBs for 346 New Zealand employees who worked at a site that manufactured 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (TCP) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4,5-T). Participants with potential TCP or 2,4,5-T exposures had mean lipid-adjusted 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) levels of 9.9 ng kg(-1) lipid compared to 4.9 ng kg(-1) for workers with no exposure at the site. Among exposed workers, we found evidence of differences in 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels by department and duties. Workers involved in an accidental release had the highest mean 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels, 37.9 ng kg(-1), followed by workers in the trichlorophenol plant, 23.4 ng kg(-1). Workers with potential intermittent exposures to 2,3,7,8-TCDD in construction, maintenance, mechanics, and transport had 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels above New Zealand background levels of 3.9 ng kg(-1), indicating workplace exposures. Among participants with work history indicating no 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposures, we observed some individuals with 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels above background levels. However, in most cases, these workers reported workplace exposures not recorded on their work histories or held other jobs with the potential for 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposures outside the plant. All other dioxin, furan, and PCB levels were similar among the exposed and unexposed workers.
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Bradshaw TD, Bell DR. Relevance of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) for clinical toxicology. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 47:632-42. [PMID: 19640236 DOI: 10.1080/15563650903140423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cellular signaling molecule infamous for mediating the toxicity of dioxins and related compounds. AIM The aim of this review is to provide a background of AhR and to examine critically its role in chemical toxicity, in physiological systems, and its interaction with drugs and other compounds. TOXICITY The AhR is essential for the toxicity of dioxins and related chemicals. The AhR mediates the exquisite sensitivity of animals to dioxins, where as little as 2 ng/kg/day can yield striking adverse effects. PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF AHR: The wide variety of adverse effects of dioxin argues for an important role of the AhR in a variety of physiological systems. Recent investigations have highlighted the role of AhR in the development of the brain and vasculature. DRUGS AND OTHER CHEMICAL ACTIVATORS OF AHR: The development of AhR agonists during drug development programs is sometimes inadvertent, but sometimes the target of development, and is yet further confirmation of the likely importance of AhR signaling in constitutive physiology. The presence of AhR agonists in the diet such as indolo-(3,2-b)-carbazole and 3,3'-diindolylmethane (metabolized from indole 3-carbinol), flavonoids, and sulforaphane and of endogenous activators of this signaling system such as eicosanoids, indirubin, bilirubin, cAMP, and tryptophan are suggestive that AhR activation is a normal physiological process and that it is the persistent and high-level stimulation of AhR by dioxins that is responsible for toxicity. CONCLUSIONS AhR-mediated toxicity and physiology are highly relevant to clinical toxicology and drug development.
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Collins JJ, Bodner K, Haidar S, Wilken M, Burns CJ, Lamparski LL, Budinsky RA, Martin GD, Carson ML. Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyl profiles of workers with trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol exposures. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 73:S284-S289. [PMID: 18442847 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We examined the serum lipid adjusted levels of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated dioxins and furans, and four coplanar PCBs for 98 workers. We found workers who worked only in the trichlorophenol units had mean lipid adjusted 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels of 36.8 ppt significantly higher (p<0.05) than 6.0 ppt in the reference group. Workers who worked only in the pentachlorophenol units had mean lipid adjusted levels for 123478-HxCDD of 14.8 ppt, 123678-HxCDD of 156.4 ppt,123789-HxCDD of 23.7 ppt, 1234678-HpCDD of 234.6 ppt, and OCDD of 2,778.2 ppt significantly higher (p<0.05) than the reference group levels for the same congeners of 7.5, 71.8, 8.0, 67.5, and 483.2 ppt, respectively. While we did find 12378-PeCDD levels higher than the reference group in trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol workers, the differences are small, and could be attributed to normal variation. All furan levels among the trichlorophenol or pentachlorophenol only workers were not significantly different than the reference group. Workers with both trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol exposures had mean dioxin levels consistent with complex chlorophenol exposures. Tradesmen who worked throughout the plant had congener profiles consistent with both trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol exposures. PCB 169, 23478-PeCDF, 123478-HxCDF, and 123678-HxCDF levels were also significantly greater (p<0.05) in these tradesmen than in the reference group. We found distinct patterns of dioxin congeners many years after exposure among workers with different chlorophenol exposures. We were effectively able to distinguish past trichlorophenol exposures from pentachlorophenol exposures based on differing serum dioxin profiles among workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Collins
- The Dow Chemical Company, 1803 Building, Midland, MI 48674, United States.
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Expression of AhR, CYP1A1, GSTA1, c-fos and TGF-α in skin lesions from dioxin-exposed humans with chloracne. Toxicol Lett 2008; 177:182-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2008.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Revised: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Collins JJ, Bodner KM, Wilken M, Haidar S, Burns CJ, Budinsky RA, Martin GD, Carson ML, Rowlands JC. Serum concentrations of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans among former Michigan trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol workers. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2007; 17:541-8. [PMID: 17426737 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jes.7500558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examines serum levels of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated dioxins and furans, and PCBs for 375 Michigan workers with potential chlorophenol exposure, 37 Worker Referents, and 71 Community Referents. The chlorophenol workers were last exposed to trichlorophenol and/or pentachlorophenol 26-62 years ago. Employees working only in the trichlorophenol units had mean lipid-adjusted 2378-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) levels of 15.9 ppt compared with 6.5 ppt in the Worker Referents. Employees working only in the pentachlorophenol units had mean lipid-adjusted levels for 123478-H6CDD of 16.1 ppt, 123678-H6CDD of 150.6 ppt, 123789-H6CDD of 20.2 ppt, 1234678-H7CDD of 192.6 ppt, and OCDD of 2,594.0 ppt compared with the Worker Referent levels for the same congeners of 7.5, 74.7, 8.6, 68.7, and 509.1 ppt, respectively. All furan and PCB levels among workers in the trichlorophenol and/or pentachlorophenol departments were similar to the Worker Referents. The Tradesmen who worked throughout the plant had dioxin congener profiles consistent with both trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol exposures. PCB levels and levels of 23478-P5CDF, 123478-H6CDF, and 123678-H6CDF were also greater in these Tradesmen than in the Worker Referents. The Worker Referent group had higher levels of dioxins and furans than the Community Referents indicating the potential for exposure outside the chlorophenol departments at the site. Distinct patterns of dioxin congeners were found many years after exposure among workers with different chlorophenol exposures. Furthermore, past trichlorophenol exposures were readily distinguishable from past pentachlorophenol exposures based on serum dioxin evaluations among workers. These data can be used to better assess dioxin exposures in future health studies.
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Schecter A, Birnbaum L, Ryan JJ, Constable JD. Dioxins: an overview. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2006; 101:419-28. [PMID: 16445906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2005.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2005] [Revised: 11/22/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This review article summarizes what is known about human health following exposure to dioxins. It is meant primarily for health professionals but was also written with the general public in mind. The need for such an article became apparent to the authors following media inquiries at the time the then Ukraine presidential candidate Victor Yushchenko was deliberately poisoned with the most toxic dioxin, tetrachlorodibenzodioxin or TCDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Schecter
- University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Dallas Campus, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Collins JJ, Budinsky RA, Burns CJ, Lamparski LL, Carson ML, Martin GD, Wilken M. Serum dioxin levels in former chlorophenol workers. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2006; 16:76-84. [PMID: 16015278 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jea.7500439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we measured lipid-adjusted serum levels for all 2,3,7,8-substituted dioxins and furans, and four coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls in 62 workers with chlorophenol exposure and 36 workers without chlorophenol exposures working at the same plant during the same time. We oversampled among workers diagnosed with chloracne. Mean dioxin background levels from 36 nonchlorophenol workers were estimated as 6.0 parts-per-trillion (ppt) for 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) and 67.5 ppt for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8 heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (Hepta-CDD). We found different dioxin and furan profiles for trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol (PCP) workers. Among trichlorophenol workers with chloracne, we found 2,3,7,8-TCDD (mean=30.5 ppt) above background levels and among PCP workers with chloracne, we found high levels of Hepta-CDD (mean=312.5 ppt) and other higher chlorinated dioxins and furans. Cumulative exposure estimates for dioxins for both 2,3,7,8-TCDD and the higher chlorinated dioxins created in the early 1980s for our epidemiology studies were highly correlated with serum dioxin levels when age and body mass index were taken into account. While workers previously diagnosed with chloracne had high serum dioxin levels, some workers without diagnosed chloracne also had high levels. Among tradesworkers with plant-wide responsibilities, we observed serum dioxins and PCB levels higher than background indicating workplace exposures. We estimate that the mean level of 2,3,7,8-TCDD present in the serum of workers on the date workplace exposure terminated was 267 ppt (ranging from 8 to 1184 ppt) assuming a 9-year half-life, 582 ppt (ranging from 10 to 2,641 ppt) assuming a 7-year half-life, and 1928 ppt (ranging from 22 to 17,847) when a toxicokinetic model is used. We conclude that our findings are consistent with other studies reporting high serum dioxin levels among chlorophenol workers after occupational exposures.
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Coenraads PJ, Tang NJ. Chlorance. Contact Dermatitis 2005; 53:123. [PMID: 16033414 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2005.00637.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Baccarelli A, Pesatori AC, Consonni D, Mocarelli P, Patterson DG, Caporaso NE, Bertazzi PA, Landi MT. Health status and plasma dioxin levels in chloracne cases 20 years after the Seveso, Italy accident. Br J Dermatol 2005; 152:459-65. [PMID: 15787814 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06444.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Seveso, Italy accident of 1976 exposed a large population to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or simply dioxin). The accident resulted, mostly among children, in one of the largest ever-reported outbreaks of chloracne, the typical skin disorder due to halogenated-hydrocarbon compounds. OBJECTIVES Approximately 20 years after the accident, we conducted an epidemiological study in Seveso to investigate (a) the health status of chloracne cases; (b) TCDD-chloracne exposure-response relationship; and (c) factors modifying TCDD toxicity. METHODS From 1993 to 1998, we recruited 101 chloracne cases and 211 controls. Trained interviewers administered a structured questionnaire assessing, among other epidemiological variables, information on an extensive list of diseases. During the interview, individual pigmentary characteristics were determined. We measured plasma TCDD levels using high-resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS Plasma TCDD was still elevated (> 10 ppt) in 78 (26.6%) of the 293 subjects with adequate plasma samples, particularly in females, in subjects who had eaten home-grown animals, and in individuals with older age, higher body mass index and residence near the accident site. After 20 years, health conditions of chloracne cases were similar to those of controls from the Seveso area. Elevated plasma TCDD was associated with chloracne [odds ratio (OR) = 3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-8.8, adjusted for age, sex and residence]. Chloracne risk was higher in subjects younger than 8 years at the accident (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 1.8-30.3) and, contrary to previous hypotheses, did not increase at puberty onset or in teenage years. Subjects with elevated TCDD levels and light hair colour had higher relative odds of chloracne (OR = 9.2, 95% CI 2.6-32.5). CONCLUSIONS Dioxin toxicity in chloracne cases was confined to the acute dermatotoxic effects. Chloracne occurrence appeared related to younger age and light hair colour. Age-related dioxin elimination or dilution must be taken into account in interpreting these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Baccarelli
- Genetic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Behtesda, MD 20892-7236, USA
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Abstract
This article covers the major chemicals and gases that are considered to be of the most clinical relevance to the primary care provider. The reader is referred to other comprehensive textbooks of toxicology and occupational medicine for a complete discussion of the numerous additional products found in the workplace that may result in occupational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Harrison
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA.
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