Effects of Polymorphic Variations in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Occupational Exposure to Grain Dust on Longitudinal Decline in Pulmonary Function

Effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene polymorphisms on the association between smoking and lung function among workers in swine operations

Workers in swine operations may be at increased risk of developing respiratory problems. These respiratory conditions are more prevalent among workers who are smokers. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) genes play an important role in human immune responses to various respiratory hazards. This study aimed to investigate whether polymorphisms in TNF genes might alter the effects of smoking on lung function among workers in swine operations. Three hundred and seventy-four full-time workers from large swine operations and 411 non-farming rural dwellers in Saskatchewan were included in this study. Information on demographic and lifestyle characteristics, pulmonary function, and blood samples were obtained. Multiple linear regression analyses were used in the statistical analysis. Three promoter polymorphisms (rs1799724, rs361525, and rs1800629) in the TNF gene were investigated. Only the interaction term between smoking status and rs1799724 was significant in the multiple regression models. Among workers with the rs1799724 polymorphism (TT+TC), current smokers exhibited significantly lower lung function than nonsmokers. These associations were not observed among workers with the wild-type (CC). These findings were not observed among non-farming rural dwellers. Data demonstrated the possible involvement of TNF gene in (1) development of adverse respiratory conditions among workers who are smokers, (2) importance of smoking cessation among workers, especially those with polymorphisms in the TNF gene, and (3) potential implications in treatment, screening, and prevention.

Renewable energy and occupational health and safety research directions: a white paper from the Energy Summit, Denver Colorado, April 11-13, 2011

Renewable energy production may offer advantages to human health by way of less pollution and fewer climate-change associated ill-health effects. Limited data suggests that renewable energy will also offer benefits to workers in the form of reduced occupational injury, illness and deaths. However, studies of worker safety and health in the industry are limited. The Mountain and Plains Education and Research Center (MAP ERC) Energy Summit held in April 2011 explored issues concerning worker health and safety in the renewable energy industry. The limited information on hazards of working in the renewable energy industry emphasizes the need for further research. Two basic approaches to guiding both prevention and future research should include: (1) applying lessons learned from other fields of occupational safety and health, particularly the extractive energy industry; and (2) utilizing knowledge of occupational hazards of specific materials and processes used in the renewable energy industry.

Pulmonary function reductions among potentially susceptible subgroups of agricultural workers in Colorado and Nebraska

OBJECTIVE

Organic dust inhalation has been associated with adverse respiratory responses among agricultural workers. We evaluated factors that may confer increased susceptibility to these health effects.

METHODS

We quantified personal work shift exposures to inhalable dust, endotoxin, and its 3-hydroxy fatty acid constituents, and evaluated changes in pulmonary function among 137 grain elevator, cattle feedlot, dairy, and corn farm workers.

RESULTS

Increased dust exposure was associated with work shift reductions in lung function. Although interpretation is limited because of small samples, a suggestion of stronger exposure-response relationships was observed among smokers, as well as workers reporting pesticide/herbicide application, asthma, or allergies, and those with genetic polymorphisms (TLR4) (Pinteraction ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of factors leading to increased susceptibility of adverse respiratory outcomes is needed to optimize exposure reduction strategies and develop more comprehensive wellness programs.