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Fernández-Martos S, Calvo-Sánchez MI, Lobo-Aldezabal A, Sánchez-Adrada AI, Moreno C, Vitale M, Espada J. The deleterious effects induced by an acute exposure of human skin to common air pollutants are prevented by extracts of Deschampsia antarctica. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23751. [PMID: 34887500 PMCID: PMC8660883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03190-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeostatic and regenerative potential of the skin is critically impaired by an increasing accumulation of air pollutants in human ecosystems. These toxic compounds are frequently implicated in pathological processes such as premature cutaneous ageing, altered pigmentation and cancer. In this scenario, innovative strategies are required to tackle the effects of severe air pollution on skin function. Here we have used a Human Skin Organotypic Culture (HSOC) model to characterize the deleterious effects of an acute topic exposure of human skin to moderately high concentrations of common ambient pollutants, including As, Cd, Cr, dioxins and tobacco smoke. All these toxic compunds inflict severe damage in the tissue, activating the AHR-mediated response to xenobiotics. We have further evaluated the potential of an aqueous leaf extract of the polyextremophile plant Deschampsia antarctica (Edafence) to protect human skin against the acute exposure to toxic pollutants. Our results indicate that pre-treatment of HSOC samples with this aqueous extract conuterbalances the deleterious effects of the exposure to toxic comunds and triggers the activation of key genes invoved in the redox system and in the pro-inflammatory/wound healing response in the skin, suggesting that this natural compound might be effectively used in vivo to protect human skin routinely in different daily conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Fernández-Martos
- Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology Group, Ramon y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - María I Calvo-Sánchez
- Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology Group, Ramon y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Biosciences Research Institute, School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, Building E, Ctra. M-515 Pozuelo-Majadahonda Km 1,800, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Lobo-Aldezabal
- Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology Group, Ramon y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Biosciences Research Institute, School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, Building E, Ctra. M-515 Pozuelo-Majadahonda Km 1,800, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Moreno
- Anatomic Pathology Service, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Vitale
- Medical Affairs Department, Cantabria Labs, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Espada
- Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology Group, Ramon y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile.
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Assessment of Air Pollution with Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuranes (PCDFs) in Lithuania. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11070759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) are highly bioavailable in humans, either through direct inhalation or indirectly by trophic transfer from contaminated food or water. The main sources of pollution with PCDD/F include industrial and non-industrial combustion sources, like domestic contaminated wood burning, house fires, burning of leaves from trees, etc. When looking for alternative energy sources and reduced energy costs, solid waste incineration plants are intended to be built in the vicinity of urbanized areas, and thus, the need emerges for examination and prediction of to what extent the solid waste incineration plants might affect the surrounding ecosystem, air pollution, and human health. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) (or simply PCDD/F congeners) belong to the group of semi-volatile organic compounds with environmental stability and long-range transfer in the ambient air. Dioxin isomers are highly toxic and may have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in humans. PCDD/F is detected in air, water, sediment, plants and animals. PCDD/F is generally distributed in the particulate phase in ambient air. For solid waste incineration plant emissions, the distribution of PCDD/F particles into particles with a diameter of <10 μm is more than 81% of the total particulate matter, and more than 54% of the PCDD/F is distributed into particles with a diameter of <2.5 μm. The aim of this study is to investigate the sources of PCDD/F, emissions and potential hazards, i.e., a toxic equivalent in Lithuania. The measurements were performed in two largest cities of Lithuania Vilnius and Kaunas, where the level of PCDD/F discovered was from 0.015 to 0.52 pg/m3 and from 0.02 to 0.05 pg/m3, respectively. The sites for the monitoring were selected based on their proximity to the locations of the planned cogeneration power plants in these cities.
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Dzierlenga MW, Yoon M, Wania F, Ward PL, Armitage JM, Wood SA, Clewell HJ, Longnecker MP. Quantitative bias analysis of the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus with 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 125:291-299. [PMID: 30735960 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
An association between serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153), and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been reported. Conditional on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), a higher serum PCB-153 concentration may be a marker of T2DM risk because it reflects other aspects of obesity that are related to T2DM risk and to PCB-153 clearance. To estimate the amount of residual confounding by other aspects of obesity, we performed a quantitative bias analysis on the results of a specific study. A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to predict serum levels of PCB-153 for a simulated population. T2DM status was assigned to simulated subjects based on age, sex, BMI, WC, and visceral adipose tissue mass. The distributions of age, BMI, WC, and T2DM prevalence of the simulated population were tailored to closely match the target population. Analysis of the simulated data showed that a small part of the observed association appeared to be due to residual confounding. For example, the predicted odds ratio of T2DM that would have been obtained had the results been adjusted for visceral adipose tissue mass, for the ≥90th percentile of PCB-153 serum concentration, was 6.60 (95% CI 2.46-17.74), compared with an observed odds ratio of 7.13 (95% CI 2.65-19.13). Our results predict that the association between PCB-153 and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus would not be substantially changed by additional adjustment for visceral adipose tissue mass in epidemiologic analyses. Confirmation of these predictions with longitudinal data would be reassuring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Yoon
- ScitoVation, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - F Wania
- University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - P L Ward
- Ramboll, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - J M Armitage
- University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S A Wood
- University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - H J Clewell
- ScitoVation, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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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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Rosińczuk J, Całkosiński I. Effect of tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid on the biochemical indices of blood in dioxin-exposed rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2015; 40:1-11. [PMID: 26056971 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
New sources of dioxins and increased dioxin concentrations in the environment, coupled with their increased bioavailability along the food chain and accumulation in adipose tissues, contribute to various adverse long-term biological effects. The purpose of the study was to determine whether tocopherol protects the CNS by decreasing the pro-inflammatory influence of free radicals generated by TCDD; whether acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators; and whether the combined administration of tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid to TCDD-exposed rats has a potential CNS-protective effect. The study included 117 rats divided into 8 groups: 75 female and 12 male Buffalo rats aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 140-160 g; as well as 30 female rats aged 6 weeks and weighing 120 g, which were the offspring of females from each study group. In the experiment, the following substances were used: 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), dosed at 5 μg/kg BW and 12.5 μg/kg BW, diluted in a 1% DMSO solution at the concentration of 1 μg/ml; α-tocopherol acetate, dosed at 30 mg/kg BW, in 0.2 ml of oil solution; and acetylsalicylic acid, 50mg/kg BW, suspended in 0.5 ml of starch solution, administered orally using a feeding tube. Pleurisy was induced by an injection of 0.15 ml of 1% carrageenin solution. The use of tocopherol reduces the adverse effects of the inflammatory reaction induced by TCDD. Administering tocopherol improves protein metabolism by reducing protein catabolism, and raises γ-globulin fraction levels. Combined acetylsalicylic acid and tocopherol suppress catabolic processes accompanying inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Rosińczuk
- Department of Nervous System Diseases, The Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Bartla 5 Street, 51-618 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Ireneusz Całkosiński
- Department of Nervous System Diseases, The Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Bartla 5 Street, 51-618 Wrocław, Poland.
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Histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical assessment of hippocampus structures of rats exposed to TCDD and high doses of tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:645603. [PMID: 25879034 PMCID: PMC4388018 DOI: 10.1155/2015/645603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on central nervous system consists of changing expression of estrogen receptors, whereas the result of chronic inflammatory reaction caused by dioxin is occurrence of destructive changes in various organs connected with disturbed metabolism of connective tissue and damage of cells. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of dioxins on function, ultrastructure, and cytological and histological structure of hippocampus, particularly on expression of estrogen receptors in central nervous system as well as to define protective influence of tocopherol (TCP) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the decrease in activity of proinflammatory effects in central nervous system. It was shown that TCDD contributes to destructive and inflammatory changes along with demyelization of myelin sheaths and atrophy of estrogen receptors in hippocampus. Dioxin contributes to atrophy of estrogen receptors in hippocampus, in which also destructive and inflammatory changes were found along with demyelination of myelin sheaths. Histopathological and ultrastructural image of hippocampus areas in rats, in which both TCP and ASA were used, is characterized by poorly expressed degenerative changes and smaller inflammatory reactivity. Using both TCP and ASA has a protective effect on functions of central nervous system.
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Lorencini M, Brohem CA, Dieamant GC, Zanchin NI, Maibach HI. Active ingredients against human epidermal aging. Ageing Res Rev 2014; 15:100-15. [PMID: 24675046 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The decisive role of the epidermis in maintaining body homeostasis prompted studies to evaluate the changes in epidermal structure and functionality over the lifetime. This development, along with the identification of molecular mechanisms of epidermal signaling, maintenance, and differentiation, points to a need for new therapeutic alternatives to treat and prevent skin aging. In addition to recovering age- and sun-compromised functions, proper treatment of the epidermis has important esthetic implications. This study reviews active ingredients capable of counteracting symptoms of epidermal aging, organized according to the regulation of specific age-affected epidermal functions: (1) several compounds, other than retinoids and derivatives, act on the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, supporting the protective barrier against mechanical and chemical insults; (2) natural lipidic compounds, as well as glycerol and urea, are described as agents for maintaining water-ion balance; (3) regulation of immunological pathogen defense can be reinforced by natural extracts and compounds, such as resveratrol; and (4) antioxidant exogenous sources enriched with flavonoids and vitamin C, for example, improve solar radiation protection and epidermal antioxidant activity. The main objective is to provide a functional classification of active ingredients as regulatory elements of epidermal homeostasis, with potential cosmetic and/or dermatological applications.
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AhR signalling and dioxin toxicity. Toxicol Lett 2013; 230:225-33. [PMID: 24239782 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Dioxins are a family of molecules associated to several industrial accidents such as Ludwigshafen in 1953 or Seveso in 1976, to the Agent Orange used during the war of Vietnam, and more recently to the poisoning of the former president of Ukraine, Victor Yushchenko. These persistent organic pollutants are by-products of industrial activity and bind to an intracellular receptor, AhR, with a high potency. In humans, exposure to dioxins, in particular 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces a cutaneous syndrome known as chloracne, consisting in the development of many small skin lesions (hamartoma), lasting for 2-5 years. Although TCDD has been classified by the WHO as a human carcinogen, its carcinogenic potential to humans is not clearly demonstrated. It was first believed that AhR activation accounted for most, if not all, biological properties of dioxins. However, certain AhR agonists found in vegetables do not induce chloracne, and other chemicals, in particular certain therapeutic agents, may induce a chloracne-like syndrome without activating AhR. It is time to rethink the mechanism of dioxin toxicity and analyse in more details the biological events following exposure to these compounds and other AhR agonists, some of which have a very different chemical structure than TCDD. In particular various food-containing AhR agonists are non-toxic and may on the contrary have beneficial properties to human health.
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Wielgomas B, Czarnowski W, Jansen EHJM. Persistent organochlorine contaminants in hair samples of Northern Poland population, 1968-2009. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 89:975-981. [PMID: 22835869 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of persistent chlorinated organic pollutants were determined in hair samples (n=40) collected from inhabitants of Northern Poland in 1968, 1989 and 2009 using gas chromatography ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Among the analytes were β- and γ-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (β- and γ-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) and its metabolites (p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDD) and 6 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (IUPAC Nos. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180). The following: p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT and PCB congeners: 28, 52 and 101 could be quantified in all samples. Overall total organochlorines level was found to decrease in that order: 1968>1989>2009. The most significant time-dependent decrease was noticed for sum of mean values, ∑DDTs (1658, 143.9 and 36.5 ng g(-1)) and ∑PCBs (42.2, 29.4 and 14.9 ng g(-1)) while ∑HCHs (β-HCH and γ-HCH) were present at comparable levels (22.2, 9.8 and 12.6 ng g(-1)) in 1968, 1989 and 2009 respectively. The highest concentrations of DDTs were found in samples from 1968. Despite the long storage time of samples, metabolites either parent compound p,p'-DDT are still present in those samples at very high concentrations. p,p'-DDE as the predominant and stable metabolite of DDT was detected in every sample in the highest concentration. A significant, continuous decrease of total concentration of all studied PCB congeners was observed over the studied period of time. Current results confirm previous reports of other authors upon the utility of hair as an alternative matrix for evaluation of human exposure to persistent organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Wielgomas
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland.
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Milstone LM, Hu RH, Dziura JD, Zhou J. Impact of epidermal desquamation on tissue stores of iron. J Dermatol Sci 2012; 67:9-14. [PMID: 22575277 PMCID: PMC3374011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several billion corneocytes are shed from human skin daily, metabolic studies from 50 years ago led to the conclusion that corneocyte desquamation had no measurable impact on systemic protein or iron status in humans. OBJECTIVE To measure iron content of internal organs after introducing local genetic changes in epidermis that alter iron metabolism in skin. METHODS Iron was measured in tissues and blood from groups of animals 7 weeks after weaning in three different mouse models expressing a transgene in epidermis: a hyperproliferation model in which the HPV16 E7 gene causes a 3-fold increase in epidermal turnover; an epidermal iron sink model in which overexpression of the transferrin receptor causes a 3-4 fold increase of iron in epidermis; a systemic hemochromatosis knockout model that has been crossed with the epidermal iron sink model. RESULTS In the hemochromatosis model with the iron sink transgene in epidermis, there was a statistically significant reduction in non-heme iron in serum and in the liver and kidney. In all models there was a statistically significant reduction in non-heme iron in the kidney. CONCLUSION Local changes in iron metabolism in epidermis can have a measurable impact on systemic iron metabolism. By implication, disruptions in epidermal homeostasis might affect systemic levels of trace nutrients, and circulating toxins might be remediated by sequestering them in epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard M Milstone
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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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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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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