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Pfau JC, McLaurin B, Buck BJ, Miller FW. Amphibole asbestos as an environmental trigger for systemic autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103603. [PMID: 39154740 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103603] [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: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence supports an association between systemic autoimmune disease and exposure to amphibole asbestos, a form of asbestos typically with straight, stiff, needle-like fibers that are easily inhaled. While the bulk of this evidence comes from the population exposed occupationally and environmentally to Libby Amphibole (LA) due to the mining of contaminated vermiculite in Montana, studies from Italy and Australia are broadening the evidence to other sites of amphibole exposures. What these investigations have done, that most historical studies have not, is to evaluate amphibole asbestos separately from chrysotile, the most common commercial asbestos in the United States. Here we review the current and historical evidence summarizing amphibole asbestos exposure as a risk factor for autoimmune disease. In both mice and humans, amphibole asbestos, but not chrysotile, drives production of both antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) associated with lupus-like pathologies and pathogenic autoantibodies against mesothelial cells that appear to contribute to a severe and progressive pleural fibrosis. A growing public health concern has emerged with revelations that a) unregulated asbestos minerals can be just as pathogenic as commercial (regulated) asbestos, and b) bedrock and soil occurrences of asbestos are far more widespread than previously thought. While occupational exposures may be decreasing, environmental exposures are on the rise for many reasons, including those due to the creation of windborne asbestos-containing dusts from urban development and climate change, making this topic an urgent challenge for public and heath provider education, health screening and environmental regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett McLaurin
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Bloomsburg, Bloomsburg, PA, USA
| | | | - Frederick W Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Graziosi F, Caffaro P, Bonetti M, Roccuzzo F, Rota S, Boffetta P, Caraballo-Arias YA, Zunarelli C, Danilevskaia N, Violante FS. Quantitative assessment of asbestos fibers in some normal and pathological extra-abdominal tissues-a scoping review. J Occup Med Toxicol 2023; 18:24. [PMID: 37946239 PMCID: PMC10634162 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-023-00392-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asbestos is a mineral present in nature and it has been used for years in numerous settings. Asbestos enters the bloodstream and lymphatic system mainly through breathing. OBJECTIVES Studies with asbestos fiber's quantification in human tissues are scarce except for the lung. This article summarizes asbestos studies in some extra-abdominal tissues. METHODS A scoping review of articles that quantified asbestos fibers in extra-abdominal tissues (lymph nodes, pharynx, larynx, trachea, heart) by electron microscopy (Scanning-SEM or Transmission-TEM) was performed. RESULTS The 10 studies selected comprised 52 cases, out of whom 108 samples were analyzed. Mostly samples were lymph node tissues (102), followed by larynx (3) and myocardium (3). No studies were found that determined the presence of asbestos in the pharynx or trachea. The concentration of asbestos fibers detected in the lymph nodes was from 0.003 million fibers per gram of dry tissue (mfgdt) up to 7400 mfgdt, in the larynx the range was from 0.5 mfgdt up to 3.6 mfgdt, in myocardium no asbestos fibers were detected. DISCUSSION The studies included were heterogeneous in terms of case and sample characteristics and analytical techniques. As subjects exposed to asbestos are often positive for fibers in thoracic lymph nodes, we suggest that whenever a human tissue sample is analyzed for asbestos presence, the relevant draining lymph node should be concomitantly studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Graziosi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Caffaro
- School of Occupational Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Bonetti
- School of Occupational Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Roccuzzo
- School of Occupational Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Samantha Rota
- School of Occupational Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, New York, NY, 11794, USA
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Carlotta Zunarelli
- School of Occupational Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nataliia Danilevskaia
- School of Occupational Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Saverio Violante
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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DeStefano A, Martin C, Huang A, Wallace D. Predicting Long-Term Asbestos Prevalence in Human Lungs, Lymph Nodes, and Remote Organs from Short-Term Murine Experiments. Bull Math Biol 2021; 83:54. [PMID: 33797617 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-021-00882-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Inhalation of asbestos fibers leads to a suite of fatal diseases that can manifest years, if not decades, after cessation of exposure. The first phase of disease progression occurs as fibers are transported from point of entry in the lungs throughout the entire body. A mathematical model is developed for the disposition of non-chrysotile asbestos in the body and, except for exposure levels, is parameterized by published data on short-term rat experiments. Asbestos exposure in individual humans is determined by matching published long-term lung data for nine patients. The resulting model predicts transport of fibers within the lymphatic system and prevalence of fibers in lymph nodes for these patients with reasonable accuracy. Model predictions for remote organs are compared against published observations. The model consists of a system of globally stable differential equations, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted. The model indicates that fiber density in lymph nodes is correlated with total exposure, level times duration, no matter whether there is a long-term, low-level exposure or short-term, high-level exposure. The model predicts that levels of sequestered asbestos reach steady state within five years of cessation of exposure, a timeline previously not known. The model suggests that the time to steady state is short compared to onset of disease, and that delayed onset of related disease may be a function of chemical and biological processes not in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa DeStefano
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, 01610, USA.
| | - Clyde Martin
- Mathematics and Statistics Department, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | | | - Dorothy Wallace
- Department of Mathematics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Hendrix DA, Port ST, Hurowitz JA, Schoonen MA. Measurement of OH* Generation by Pulverized Minerals Using Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy and Implications for the Reactivity of Planetary Regolith. GEOHEALTH 2019; 3:28-42. [PMID: 32159020 PMCID: PMC7007094 DOI: 10.1029/2018gh000175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mineral analogs to silicate phases common to planetary regolith, including olivine; the pyroxenes augite and diopside; the plagioclase feldspars labradorite, bytownite, and albite; the Johnson Space Center-1A lunar regolith simulant; as well as quartz (used as a reference), were subjected to mechanical pulverization by laboratory milling for times ranging from 5 to 45 min. Pulverized minerals were then incubated in an aqueous solution containing the free radical spin trapping compound 5,5-Dimethyl-1-Pyrroline-N-Oxide for times ranging from 5 to 30 min. These slurries were then analyzed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy to quantify the amount of hydroxyl radical (the neutral charge form of the hydroxide ion, denoted as OH*) formed in solution. We find that all tested materials generate an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectrum indicating the formation of OH* with concentrations ranging between 0.1 and 1.5 μM. We also find that, in general, mineral pulverization time is inversely correlated to OH* generation, while OH* generation is positively correlated to mineral fluid incubation time for phases that have iron in their nominal chemical formulae, suggesting the possible action of Fenton reaction as a cofactor in increasing the reactivity of these phases. Our results add to a body of literature that indicates that the finely comminuted minerals and rocks present in planetary regolith are capable of generating highly reactive and highly oxidizing radical species in solution. The results provide the foundation for further in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies to evaluate the possible health risks that future explorers visiting the surfaces of planetary bodies may face from these reactive regolith materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A. Hendrix
- Department of GeosciencesState University of New York at Stony BrookStony BrookNYUSA
| | - Sara T. Port
- Department of GeosciencesState University of New York at Stony BrookStony BrookNYUSA
- Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary SciencesUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleARUSA
| | - Joel A. Hurowitz
- Department of GeosciencesState University of New York at Stony BrookStony BrookNYUSA
| | - Martin A. Schoonen
- Department of GeosciencesState University of New York at Stony BrookStony BrookNYUSA
- Environment, Biology, Nuclear Science & NonproliferationBrookhaven National LaboratoryUptonNYUSA
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Evaluation of the dose-response and fate in the lung and pleura of chrysotile-containing brake dust compared to chrysotile or crocidolite asbestos in a 28-day quantitative inhalation toxicology study. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 351:74-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Koga Y, Satoh T, Kaira K, Koka M, Hisada T, Hirato J, Altan B, Yatomi M, Ono A, Kamide Y, Shimizu Y, Aoki-Saito H, Tsurumaki H, Shimizu K, Mogi A, Ishizuka T, Yamada M, Dobashi K. Elemental and immunohistochemical analysis of the lungs and hilar lymph node in a patient with asbestos exposure, a pilot study. Environ Health Prev Med 2016; 21:492-500. [PMID: 27699693 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-016-0576-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies have shown that inhaled mine dust, such as asbestos, can be translocated to various organs including the lymph nodes. Recently, we have established a protocol that enables us to identify inhaled elements using paraffin embedded lung specimens by in-air microparticle-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE). However, little research has examined the concentration of these inhaled fibers in various organs or the mechanisms of their translocation. In this study, we compared the concentration of inhaled fibers in the lung parenchyma to the concentration in the hilar lymph node as well as to determine the elemental spatial distribution of the inhaled fibers in a patient with occupational asbestos exposure. METHODS Lung tissues and hilar lymph node in a patient with asbestos exposure were used in this study. Elemental analysis was performed by in-air micro-PIXE. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using anti CD163, smooth muscle actin, vimentin and β-catenin antibody. RESULTS The analysis revealed that the amount of inhaled silicon was approximately 6 times higher in the lymph node than in the lungs. The spatial analysis showed that silicon, iron and aluminium were co-localized in the hilar lymph node. The immunohistochemical analysis showed localized agreement of the inhaled fibers with macrophages, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin in the hilar lymph node. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that in-air micro-PIXE could be useful for analyzing the elemental distribution and quantification of inhaled fibers in the human body. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry in combination with in-air micro-PIXE analyses may help to determine the mechanism of mine dust distribution in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Koga
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Takahiro Satoh
- Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1233 Watanuki-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-1292, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Kaira
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Masashi Koka
- Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1233 Watanuki-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-1292, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hisada
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Junko Hirato
- Department of Pathology, Gunma University Hospital, 3-39-22 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Bolag Altan
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Masakiyo Yatomi
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ono
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kamide
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.,Department of Allergy, Sagamihara National Hospital, 18-1 Sakuradai minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0392, Japan
| | - Yasuo Shimizu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Haruka Aoki-Saito
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tsurumaki
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Shimizu
- Department of Thoracic Visceral Organ Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akira Mogi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Ishizuka
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Masanobu Yamada
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kunio Dobashi
- Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 sho-wa machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan.
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Abstract
PURPOSE This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the presence of asbestos fibers in the biliary tract of patients living in an asbestos-polluted area using scanning electron microscopy. METHODS Thin gallbladder sections were obtained from five patients who were operated on for gallbladder stones and the bile fluid of one of the patients was analyzed using variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. All patients were from Casale Monferrato, Italy, a well-known asbestos-polluted city, where the Eternit factory had operated since the beginning of the century until 1985. RESULTS All the inorganic phases found in the gallbladder were analyzed for morphology and chemistry. Fibers and particles consistent with minerals defined by law as 'asbestos' were detected in three out of five patients. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that asbestos fibers can be found in the gallbladder of patients exposed to asbestos, although how they reach the biliary tract remains unknown. Further studies to confirm these results are under way.
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Dodson RF, Mark EJ, Poye LW. Biodurability/Retention of Libby Amphiboles in a Case of Mesothelioma. Ultrastruct Pathol 2013; 38:45-51. [DOI: 10.3109/01913123.2013.821194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Carbone M, Ly BH, Dodson RF, Pagano I, Morris PT, Dogan UA, Gazdar AF, Pass HI, Yang H. Malignant mesothelioma: facts, myths, and hypotheses. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:44-58. [PMID: 21412769 PMCID: PMC3143206 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a neoplasm arising from mesothelial cells lining the pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial cavities. Over 20 million people in the US are at risk of developing MM due to asbestos exposure. MM mortality rates are estimated to increase by 5-10% per year in most industrialized countries until about 2020. The incidence of MM in men has continued to rise during the past 50 years, while the incidence in women appears largely unchanged. It is estimated that about 50-80% of pleural MM in men and 20-30% in women developed in individuals whose history indicates asbestos exposure(s) above that expected from most background settings. While rare for women, about 30% of peritoneal mesothelioma in men has been associated with exposure to asbestos. Erionite is a potent carcinogenic mineral fiber capable of causing both pleural and peritoneal MM. Since erionite is considerably less widespread than asbestos, the number of MM cases associated with erionite exposure is smaller. Asbestos induces DNA alterations mostly by inducing mesothelial cells and reactive macrophages to secrete mutagenic oxygen and nitrogen species. In addition, asbestos carcinogenesis is linked to the chronic inflammatory process caused by the deposition of a sufficient number of asbestos fibers and the consequent release of pro-inflammatory molecules, especially HMGB-1, the master switch that starts the inflammatory process, and TNF-alpha by macrophages and mesothelial cells. Genetic predisposition, radiation exposure and viral infection are co-factors that can alone or together with asbestos and erionite cause MM. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 44-58, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Carbone
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA.
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Tomatis M, Turci F, Ceschino R, Riganti C, Gazzano E, Martra G, Ghigo D, Fubini B. High aspect ratio materials: role of surface chemistry vs. length in the historical "long and short amosite asbestos fibers". Inhal Toxicol 2011; 22:984-98. [PMID: 20718637 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2010.504243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In nanotoxicology the question arises whether high aspect ratio materials should be regarded as potentially pathogenic like asbestos, merely on the base of their biopersistence and length to diameter ratio. A higher pathogenicity of long asbestos fibers is associated to their slower clearance and frustrated phagocytosis. In the past decades, two amosite fibers were prepared and studied to confirm the role of fiber length in asbestos toxicity. Long fiber amosite (LFA) and short fiber amosite (SFA) have here been revisited, to check differences in their surface properties, known to modulate the biological responses elicited. We report: (i) micromorphology (abundance of exposed cylindrical vs. truncated surfaces; (ii) surface reactivity (oxidation and coordination state of surface iron, free radical generation and oxidizing potential); (iii) activation of nitric oxide (NO) synthase in lung epithelial cells, as representative of an inflammatory cell response. LFA shows a higher free radical yield, stimulates, more than SFA, NO production by cells and reacts with ascorbic acid, thus depriving the lung lining layer of its antioxidant defenses. The higher activity of LFA than SFA is ascribed to the presence of Fe2+ ions poorly coordinated to the surface. SFA shows only a large number of loosely bound Fe3+ ions, pristine Fe2+ ions having been oxidized during the grinding process converting LFA into SFA. Several factors determine a higher toxicity of LFA than SFA, beside length. The lesson from asbestos indicates that other features besides aspect ratio contribute to the pathogenic potential of a fiber type. All these aspects should be considered when predicting the possible hazard associated to any new fibrous material proposed to the market, let alone nanofibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Tomatis
- “G. Scansetti” Interdepartmental Center for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Broaddus VC, Everitt JI, Black B, Kane AB. Non-neoplastic and neoplastic pleural endpoints following fiber exposure. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2011; 14:153-78. [PMID: 21534088 PMCID: PMC3118521 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2011.556049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to asbestos fibers is associated with non-neoplastic pleural diseases including plaques, fibrosis, and benign effusions, as well as with diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma. Translocation and retention of fibers are fundamental processes in understanding the interactions between the dose and dimensions of fibers retained at this anatomic site and the subsequent pathological reactions. The initial interaction of fibers with target cells in the pleura has been studied in cellular models in vitro and in experimental studies in vivo. The proposed biological mechanisms responsible for non-neoplastic and neoplastic pleural diseases and the physical and chemical properties of asbestos fibers relevant to these mechanisms are critically reviewed. Understanding mechanisms of asbestos fiber toxicity may help us anticipate the problems from future exposures both to asbestos and to novel fibrous materials such as nanotubes. Gaps in our understanding have been outlined as guides for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brad Black
- Center for Asbestos Related Disease, Libby, Montana
| | - Agnes B. Kane
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Bunderson-Schelvan M, Pfau JC, Crouch R, Holian A. Nonpulmonary outcomes of asbestos exposure. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2011; 14:122-52. [PMID: 21534087 PMCID: PMC3118539 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2011.556048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The adverse pulmonary effects of asbestos are well accepted in scientific circles. However, the extrapulmonary consequences of asbestos exposure are not as clearly defined. In this review the potential for asbestos to produce diseases of the peritoneum, immune, gastrointestinal (GIT), and reproductive systems are explored as evidenced in published, peer-reviewed literature. Several hundred epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro publications analyzing the extrapulmonary effects of asbestos were used as sources to arrive at the conclusions and to establish areas needing further study. In order to be considered, each study had to monitor extrapulmonary outcomes following exposure to asbestos. The literature supports a strong association between asbestos exposure and peritoneal neoplasms. Correlations between asbestos exposure and immune-related disease are less conclusive; nevertheless, it was concluded from the combined autoimmune studies that there is a possibility for a higher-than-expected risk of systemic autoimmune disease among asbestos-exposed populations. In general, the GIT effects of asbestos exposure appear to be minimal, with the most likely outcome being development of stomach cancer. However, IARC recently concluded the evidence to support asbestos-induced stomach cancer to be "limited." The strongest evidence for reproductive disease due to asbestos is in regard to ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, effects on fertility and the developing fetus are under-studied. The possibility of other asbestos-induced health effects does exist. These include brain-related tumors, blood disorders due to the mutagenic and hemolytic properties of asbestos, and peritoneal fibrosis. It is clear from the literature that the adverse properties of asbestos are not confined to the pulmonary system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa Bunderson-Schelvan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59801, USA.
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Aust AE, Cook PM, Dodson RF. Morphological and chemical mechanisms of elongated mineral particle toxicities. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2011; 14:40-75. [PMID: 21534085 PMCID: PMC3118489 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2011.556046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Much of our understanding regarding the mechanisms for induction of disease following inhalation of respirable elongated mineral particles (REMP) is based on studies involving the biological effects of asbestos fibers. The factors governing the disease potential of an exposure include duration and frequency of exposures; tissue-specific dose over time; impacts on dose persistence from in vivo REMP dissolution, comminution, and clearance; individual susceptibility; and the mineral type and surface characteristics. The mechanisms associated with asbestos particle toxicity involve two facets for each particle's contribution: (1) the physical features of the inhaled REMP, which include width, length, aspect ratio, and effective surface area available for cell contact; and (2) the surface chemical composition and reactivity of the individual fiber/elongated particle. Studies in cell-free systems and with cultured cells suggest an important way in which REMP from asbestos damage cellular molecules or influence cellular processes. This may involve an unfortunate combination of the ability of REMP to chemically generate potentially damaging reactive oxygen species, through surface iron, and the interaction of the unique surfaces with cell membranes to trigger membrane receptor activation. Together these events appear to lead to a cascade of cellular events, including the production of damaging reactive nitrogen species, which may contribute to the disease process. Thus, there is a need to be more cognizant of the potential impact that the total surface area of REMP contributes to the generation of events resulting in pathological changes in biological systems. The information presented has applicability to inhaled dusts, in general, and specifically to respirable elongated mineral particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E. Aust
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department (Emeritus), Utah State University, Huachuca City, Arizona
| | - Philip M. Cook
- U.S. EPA NHEERL Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, Minnesota
| | - Ronald F. Dodson
- Dodson Environmental Consulting, Inc., and ERI Environmental Consulting, Inc., Tyler, Texas, USA
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Response to Letter to the Editor. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/08958370802320814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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