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Shobeiri P, Seyedmirzaei H, Kalantari A, Mohammadi E, Rezaei N, Hanaei S. The Epidemiology of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1394:19-39. [PMID: 36587379 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-14732-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
CNS tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms that emerge from a variety of different CNS cell types. These tumors may be benign, malignant, or borderline in nature. The majority of high grade glial tumors are fatal, with the exception of pilocytic astrocytoma. Primary malignant CNS tumors occur at a global annual rate of 2.1 to 5.8 per 100,000 persons. Males are more likely to develop malignant brain tumors than females, whereas benign meningiomas are more common in adult females. Additionally, gender inequalities in non-malignant tumors peak between the ages of 25 and 29 years. Only a small number of genetic variants have been associated with survival and prognosis. Notably, central nervous system (CNS) tumors exhibit significant age, gender, and race variation. Race is another factor that affects the incidence of brain and spinal cord tumors. Different races exhibit variation in terms of the prevalence of brain and CNS malignancies. This chapter discusses ongoing research on brain and spinal cord tumor epidemiology, as well as the associated risks and accompanied disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parnian Shobeiri
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Seyedmirzaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirali Kalantari
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mohammadi
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hanaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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Risk Factors for Brain Health in Agricultural Work: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063373. [PMID: 35329061 PMCID: PMC8954905 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Certain exposures related to agricultural work have been associated with neurological disorders. To date, few studies have included brain health measurements to link specific risk factors with possible neural mechanisms. Moreover, a synthesis of agricultural risk factors associated with poorer brain health outcomes is missing. In this systematic review, we identified 106 articles using keywords related to agriculture, occupational exposure, and the brain. We identified seven major risk factors: non-specific factors that are associated with agricultural work itself, toluene, pesticides, heavy metal or dust exposure, work with farm animals, and nicotine exposure from plants. Of these, pesticides are the most highly studied. The majority of qualifying studies were epidemiological studies. Nigral striatal regions were the most well studied brain area impacted. Of the three human neuroimaging studies we found, two focused on functional networks and the third focused on gray matter. We identified two major directions for future studies that will help inform preventative strategies for brain health in vulnerable agricultural workers: (1) the effects of moderators such as type of work, sex, migrant status, race, and age; and (2) more comprehensive brain imaging studies, both observational and experimental, involving several imaging techniques.
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Farming, Pesticides, and Brain Cancer: A 20-Year Updated Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174477. [PMID: 34503287 PMCID: PMC8431399 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty additional years of epidemiologic literature have become available since the publication of two meta-analyses on farming and brain cancer in 1998. The current systematic literature review and meta-analysis extends previous research and harmonizes findings. A random effects model was used to calculate meta-effect estimates from 52 studies (51 articles or reports), including 11 additional studies since 1998. Forty of the 52 studies reported positive associations between farming and brain cancer with effect estimates ranging from 1.03 to 6.53. The overall meta-risk estimate was 1.13 (95% CI = 1.06, 1.21), suggesting that farming is associated with a 13% increase in risk of brain cancer morbidity or mortality. Farming among white populations was associated with a higher risk of brain cancer than among non-white populations. Livestock farming (meta-RR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.18, 1.53) was associated with a greater risk compared with crop farming (meta-RR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.97, 1.30). Farmers with documented exposure to pesticides had greater than a 20% elevated risk of brain cancer. Despite heterogeneity among studies, we conclude that the synthesis of evidence from 40 years of epidemiologic literature supports an association between brain cancer and farming with its potential for exposure to chemical pesticides.
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Murillo J, Artz J, Brahmaroutu A, Gunnell S, Benge J, Lyon K, Fonkem E. An Exploratory Study of the Frequency of Central Nervous System Tumors by Type in the Central Texas Military and Civilian Populations. Cureus 2021; 13:e13885. [PMID: 33868849 PMCID: PMC8043054 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The types of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in a patient population with a history of military service were compared to the types of CNS tumors in a similar patient population without a military service history to determine if a relationship exists between military service and CNS tumor type. METHODS This study analyzed data for adult patients diagnosed with an intra- or extra-axial CNS tumor from January 2016 to July 2019. One cohort was constructed of patients who had a history of military service (MIL), and the other cohort was made of patients who did not have a history of military service (NMIL). Appropriate parametric and non-parametric analyses were used to compare frequencies of tumor types between cohorts adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS We identified 2001 patients (MIL, n = 190; NMIL, n = 1811). In the MIL cohort, most patients were males, younger, and more racially diverse. In the primary analysis, the MIL cohort showed higher diagnoses of metastatic tumors compared with the NMIL cohort (X2(1)= 3.71, p=.05). The MIL cohort also showed lower diagnoses of meningioma compared to the NMIL cohort. There was no statically significant difference between cohorts or tumors after adjusting for primary source by gender. CONCLUSIONS MIL experience was associated with lower diagnoses of meningioma but higher diagnoses of metastatic cancer, providing support that there may be potential differences in tumor types between patients with a history of military service and those without military history regarding primary CNS tumor frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Murillo
- Neurology, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, Temple, USA
| | - Jonathan Artz
- Psychiatry, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, Temple, USA
| | - Ankita Brahmaroutu
- Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Spencer Gunnell
- Neurology, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, Temple, USA
| | - Jared Benge
- Neuropsychology, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Kristopher Lyon
- Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, Temple, USA
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An Occupational Legacy: Malignant Mesothelioma Incidence and Mortality in Wisconsin. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 60:1143-1149. [PMID: 30256306 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to describe mesothelioma occurrence in Wisconsin from 1997 to 2013 by usual industry and occupation (I&O), including occupations generally considered low risk. METHODS Population-based rates and standardized incidence and mortality ratios were calculated. Two case-control analyses were designed to compare mesothelioma incidence and mortality in specific I&O groups with occurrence of (1) brain and central nervous system cancers and (2) other causes of death, using logistic regression. RESULTS Mesothelioma incidence and mortality were elevated in Wisconsin (SIRadj = 1.20 [1.13 to 1.28]; SMRadj = 1.30 [1.22 to 1.38]). Certain industry (construction, manufacturing) and occupation (construction and extraction) groups were associated with increased odds of mesothelioma, with some evidence of increased risk among teachers. CONCLUSIONS Forty years after the Occupational and Safety Health Act, mesothelioma incidence and mortality remain elevated in Wisconsin, with increased risk continuing for certain I&O groups.
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Rolland-Harris E, Simkus K, Weeks M. Burden of Cancer Mortality in the Canadian Armed Forces, 1976-2012: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2019; 28:1364-1369. [PMID: 31160349 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-19-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military personnel may have potential exposures to carcinogens during their military careers. However, the generalizability of causal evidence between occupational exposures and cancer outcomes in military personnel is limited. This study aims to describe the epidemiology cause-specific cancer mortality in still serving and released Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel recruited between 1976 and 2012. METHODS Data came from the Canadian Forces Cancer and Mortality Study II (CF CAMS II), a record-linkage study of approximately 228,685 CAF Regular Force personnel and Reservists. Sex-stratified standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated for each neoplasm subcategory, with the Canadian general population (CGP) as the reference. RESULTS Approximately 1,450 deaths were attributable to neoplasms. Cancer mortality was lower in both men and women with military service (SMR = 0.77 and 0.78, respectively) versus CGP. Females had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer. Males in the cohort had a significantly lower risk of lip, oral cavity and pharynx, digestive organs, respiratory and intrathoracic organs, bone and articular cartilage, and mesothelial and soft-tissue cancers. However, males also had a significantly increased risk for neoplasms of the central nervous system and lymphoid cells, as well as for certain specific cancer diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Current and former CAF personnel were at comparable, or lower risk than, the CGP for cancer-related deaths. However, there was an increased risk for certain neoplasm subcategories and specific cancers. IMPACT These findings contribute to the limited body of evidence investigating the link between military service and cancer mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Rolland-Harris
- Directorate of Force Health Protection, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Kristen Simkus
- Directorate of Force Health Protection, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Research Directorate, Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Murray Weeks
- Directorate of Force Health Protection, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Howell AE, Zheng J, Haycock PC, McAleenan A, Relton C, Martin RM, Kurian KM. Use of Mendelian Randomization for Identifying Risk Factors for Brain Tumors. Front Genet 2018; 9:525. [PMID: 30483309 PMCID: PMC6240585 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are a group of primary brain tumors, the most common and aggressive subtype of which is glioblastoma. Glioblastoma has a median survival of just 15 months after diagnosis. Only previous exposure to ionizing radiation and particular inherited genetic syndromes are accepted risk factors for glioma; the vast majority of cases are thought to occur spontaneously. Previous observational studies have described associations between several risk factors and glioma, but studies are often conflicting and whether these associations reflect true casual relationships is unclear because observational studies may be susceptible to confounding, measurement error and reverse causation. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a form of instrumental variable analysis that can be used to provide supporting evidence for causal relationships between exposures (e.g., risk factors) and outcomes (e.g., disease onset). MR utilizes genetic variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), that are robustly associated with an exposure to determine whether there is a causal effect of the exposure on the outcome. MR is less susceptible to confounding, reverse causation and measurement errors as it is based on the random inheritance during conception of genetic variants that can be relatively accurately measured. In previous studies, MR has implicated a genetically predicted increase in telomere length with an increased risk of glioma, and found little evidence that obesity related factors, vitamin D or atopy are causal in glioma risk. In this review, we describe MR and its potential use to discover and validate novel risk factors, mechanistic factors, and therapeutic targets in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Elizabeth Howell
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jie Zheng
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Philip C. Haycock
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra McAleenan
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M. Martin
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kathreena M. Kurian
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Louis LM, Lerro CC, Friesen MC, Andreotti G, Koutros S, Sandler DP, Blair A, Robson MG, Beane Freeman LE. A prospective study of cancer risk among Agricultural Health Study farm spouses associated with personal use of organochlorine insecticides. Environ Health 2017; 16:95. [PMID: 28874165 PMCID: PMC5585902 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organochlorine insecticides (OCs) have historically been used worldwide to control insects, although most have now been banned in developed countries. Evidence for an association between OC exposures and cancer predominantly comes from occupational and population based-studies among men. We evaluated the association between the use of specific OCs and cancer among the female spouses of pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study. METHODS At enrollment (1993-1997), spouses of private applicators in the cohort provided information about their own use of pesticides, including seven OCs (aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin, DDT, heptachlor, lindane, and toxaphene), and information on potential confounders. We used Poisson regression to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancers (n ≥ 3 exposed cases) reported to state cancer registries from enrollment through 2012 (North Carolina) and 2013 (Iowa), and use of the individual OCs, as well as use of any of the specific OCs. RESULTS Among 28,909 female spouses, 2191 (7.58%) reported ever use of at least one OC, of whom 287 were diagnosed with cancer. Most cancers were not associated with OC use. Risk of glioma was increased among users of at least one OC (Nexposed = 11, RR = 3.52, 95% CI 1.72-7.21) and specifically among lindane users (Nexposed = 3, RR = 4.45, 95% CI 1.36-14.55). Multiple myeloma was associated with chlordane (Nexposed = 6, RR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.12-6.55). Based on 3 exposed cases each, there were also positive associations between pancreatic cancer and lindane, and ER-PR- breast cancer and dieldrin. No other associations with breast cancer were found. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there were some associations with OC use and cancer incidence, however we were limited by the small number of exposed cancer cases. Future research should attempt to expand on these findings by assessing environmental sources of OC exposures, to fully evaluate the role of OC exposures on cancer risk in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M. Louis
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ USA
| | - Catherine C. Lerro
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Melissa C. Friesen
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Gabriella Andreotti
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Stella Koutros
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC USA
| | - Aaron Blair
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Mark G. Robson
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ USA
| | - Laura E. Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
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The etiopathogenesis of diffuse low-grade gliomas. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 109:51-62. [PMID: 28010898 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The origins of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG) are unknown. Beyond some limited data on their temporal and cellular origins, the mechanisms and risk factors involved are poorly known. First, based on strong relationships between DLGG development and the eloquence of brain regions frequently invaded by these tumors, we propose a "functional theory" to explain the origin of DLGG. Second, the biological pathways involved in DLGG genesis may differ according to tumor location (anatomo-molecular correlations). The cellular and molecular mechanisms of such "molecular theory" will be reviewed. Third, the geographical distribution of diffuse WHO grade II-III gliomas within populations is heterogeneous, suggesting possible environmental risk factors. We will discuss this "environmental theory". Finally, we will summarize the current knowledge on genetic susceptibility in gliomas ("genetic predisposition theory"). These crucial issues illustrate the close relationships between the pathophysiology of gliomagenesis, the anatomo-functional organization of the brain, and personalized management of DLGG patients.
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Mutations of the human interferon alpha-2b gene in brain tumor patients exposed to different environmental conditions. Cancer Gene Ther 2015; 22:246-61. [DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2015.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Ostrom QT, Bauchet L, Davis FG, Deltour I, Fisher JL, Langer CE, Pekmezci M, Schwartzbaum JA, Turner MC, Walsh KM, Wrensch MR, Barnholtz-Sloan JS. The epidemiology of glioma in adults: a "state of the science" review. Neuro Oncol 2014; 16:896-913. [PMID: 24842956 PMCID: PMC4057143 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nou087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1412] [Impact Index Per Article: 141.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor, representing 81% of malignant brain tumors. Although relatively rare, they cause significant mortality and morbidity. Glioblastoma, the most common glioma histology (∼45% of all gliomas), has a 5-year relative survival of ∼5%. A small portion of these tumors are caused by Mendelian disorders, including neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Genomic analyses of glioma have also produced new evidence about risk and prognosis. Recently discovered biomarkers that indicate improved survival include O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase methylation, isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation, and a glioma cytosine-phosphate-guanine island methylator phenotype. Genome-wide association studies have identified heritable risk alleles within 7 genes that are associated with increased risk of glioma. Many risk factors have been examined as potential contributors to glioma risk. Most significantly, these include an increase in risk by exposure to ionizing radiation and a decrease in risk by history of allergies or atopic disease(s). The potential influence of occupational exposures and cellular phones has also been examined, with inconclusive results. We provide a “state of the science” review of current research into causes and risk factors for gliomas in adults.
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INTEROCC case-control study: lack of association between glioma tumors and occupational exposure to selected combustion products, dusts and other chemical agents. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:340. [PMID: 23587105 PMCID: PMC3637633 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim was to investigate possible associations between glioma (an aggressive type of brain cancer) and occupational exposure to selected agents: combustion products (diesel and gasoline exhaust emissions, benzo(a)pyrene), dusts (animal dust, asbestos, crystalline silica, wood dust) and some other chemical agents (formaldehyde, oil mist, sulphur dioxide). Methods The INTEROCC study included cases diagnosed with glioma during 2000–2004 in sub-regions of seven countries. Population controls, selected from various sampling frames in different centers, were frequency or individually matched to cases by sex, age and center. Face-to-face interviews with the subject or a proxy respondent were conducted by trained interviewers. Detailed information was collected on socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics, medical history and work history. Occupational exposure to the 10 selected agents was assessed by a job exposure matrix (JEM) which provides estimates of the probability and level of exposure for different occupations. Using a 25% probability of exposure in a given occupation in the JEM as the threshold for considering a worker exposed, the lifetime prevalence of exposure varied from about 1% to about 15% for the different agents. Associations between glioma and each of the 10 agents were estimated by conditional logistic regression, and using three separate exposure indices: i) ever vs. never; ii) lifetime cumulative exposure; iii) total duration of exposure. Results The study sample consisted of 1,800 glioma cases and 5,160 controls. Most odds ratio estimates were close to the null value. None of the ten agents displayed a significantly increased odds ratio nor any indication of dose–response relationships with cumulative exposure or with duration of exposure. Conclusion Thus, there was no evidence that these exposures influence risk of glioma.
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Mostafalou S, Abdollahi M. Pesticides and human chronic diseases: evidences, mechanisms, and perspectives. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 268:157-77. [PMID: 23402800 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 601] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Along with the wide use of pesticides in the world, the concerns over their health impacts are rapidly growing. There is a huge body of evidence on the relation between exposure to pesticides and elevated rate of chronic diseases such as different types of cancers, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson, Alzheimer, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), birth defects, and reproductive disorders. There is also circumstantial evidence on the association of exposure to pesticides with some other chronic diseases like respiratory problems, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, chronic nephropathies, autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematous and rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and aging. The common feature of chronic disorders is a disturbance in cellular homeostasis, which can be induced via pesticides' primary action like perturbation of ion channels, enzymes, receptors, etc., or can as well be mediated via pathways other than the main mechanism. In this review, we present the highlighted evidence on the association of pesticide's exposure with the incidence of chronic diseases and introduce genetic damages, epigenetic modifications, endocrine disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response (UPR), impairment of ubiquitin proteasome system, and defective autophagy as the effective mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mostafalou
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Fan Z, Wu Y, Shen J, Zhan R. Glutathione S-transferase M1, T1, and P1 polymorphisms and risk of glioma: a meta-analysis. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 40:1641-50. [PMID: 23079710 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2213-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the development of glioma has been investigated in several epidemiologic studies. However these studies report inconsistent results. In order to quantitatively summarise the evidence for such a relationship, a meta-analysis is conducted. The PubMed database was searched from inception to January 2012 to identify relevant studies that met pre-stated inclusion criteria. We also reviewed reference lists from retrieved articles. Two researchers evaluated study eligibility and extracted the data independently, and disagreements were resolved by discussion. The principal outcome measure was the odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) for the risk of glioma associated with GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 I105V or GSTP1 A114V. This meta-analysis included 11 case-control studies, which included 2,404 glioma cases and 6,379 controls. The combined results based on all studies showed that there was no association between any of the GST variants and the risk of glioma (for GSTM1: pooled OR = 1.03; 95 % CI, 0.92-1.15; for GSTT1: pooled OR = 1.12; 95 % CI, 0.90-1.40; for GSTP1 I105V: pooled OR = 0.92; 95 % CI, 0.64-1.31 and for GSTP1 A114V: pooled OR = 1.14; 95 % CI, 0.97-1.34). Subgroup analyses showed that GSTP1 A114V genotype was associated with an increased risk of other histopathologic glioma except glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (pooled OR = 1.30; 95 % CI = 1.06-1.60); no relationship was found between other GST variants and histopathologic groups. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests no association between GST variants and the risk of glioma. However, the significant risk elevation is present between GSTP1 A114V genotype and other histopathologic glioma except GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoxu Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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Ruder AM, Waters MA, Carreón T, Butler MA, Calvert GM, Davis-King KE, Waters KM, Schulte PA, Mandel JS, Morton RF, Reding DJ, Rosenman KD. The Upper Midwest Health Study: industry and occupation of glioma cases and controls. Am J Ind Med 2012; 55:747-55. [PMID: 22715102 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding glioma etiology requires determining which environmental factors are associated with glioma. Upper Midwest Health Study case-control participant work histories collected 1995-1998 were evaluated for occupational associations with glioma. "Exposures of interest" from our study protocol comprise our a priori hypotheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Year-long or longer jobs for 1,973 participants were assigned Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) and Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC). The analysis file includes 8,078 SIC- and SOC-coded jobs. For each individual, SAS 9.2 programs collated employment with identical SIC-SOC coding. Distributions of longest "total employment duration" (total years worked in jobs with identical industry and occupation codes, including multiple jobs, and non-consecutive jobs) were compared between cases and controls, using an industrial hygiene algorithm to group occupations. RESULTS Longest employment duration was calculated for 780 cases and 1,156 controls. More case than control longest total employment duration was in the "engineer, architect" occupational group [16 cases, 10 controls, odds ratio (OR) 2.50, adjusted for age group, sex, age and education, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-5.60]. Employment as a food processing worker [mostly butchers and meat cutters] was of borderline significance (27 cases, 21 controls, adjusted OR: 1.78, CI: 0.99-3.18). CONCLUSIONS Among our exposures of interest work as engineers or as butchers and meat cutters was associated with increased glioma risk. Significant associations could be due to chance, because of multiple comparisons, but similar findings have been reported for other glioma studies. Our results suggest some possible associations but by themselves could not provide conclusive evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avima M Ruder
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA.
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Yiin JH, Ruder AM, Stewart PA, Waters MA, Carreón T, Butler MA, Calvert GM, Davis-King KE, Schulte PA, Mandel JS, Morton RF, Reding DJ, Rosenman KD. The Upper Midwest Health Study: a case-control study of pesticide applicators and risk of glioma. Environ Health 2012; 11:39. [PMID: 22691464 PMCID: PMC3406961 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-11-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An excess incidence of brain cancer in farmers has been noted in several studies. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health developed the Upper Midwest Health Study (UMHS) as a case-control study of intracranial gliomas and pesticide uses among rural residents. Previous studies of UMHS participants, using "ever-never" exposure to farm pesticides and analyzing men and women separately, found no positive association of farm pesticide exposure and glioma risks. The primary objective was to determine if quantitatively estimated exposure of pesticide applicators was associated with an increased risk of glioma in male and female participants. METHODS The study included 798 histologically confirmed primary intracranial glioma cases (45 % with proxy respondents) and 1,175 population-based controls, all adult (age 18-80) non-metropolitan residents of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The analyses used quantitatively estimated exposure from questionnaire responses evaluated by an experienced industrial hygienist with 25 years of work on farm pesticide analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression modeling were calculated adjusting for frequency-matching variables (10-year age group and sex), and for age and education (a surrogate for socioeconomic status). Analyses were separately conducted with or without proxy respondents. RESULTS No significant positive associations with glioma were observed with cumulative years or estimated lifetime cumulative exposure of farm pesticide use. There was, a significant inverse association for phenoxy pesticide used on the farm (OR 0.96 per 10 g-years of cumulative exposure, CI 0.93-0.99). No significant findings were observed when proxy respondents were excluded. Non-farm occupational applicators of any pesticide had decreased glioma risk: OR 0.72, CI 0.52-0.99. Similarly, house and garden pesticide applicators had a decreased risk of glioma: OR 0.79, CI 0.66-0.93, with statistically significant inverse associations for use of 2,4-D, arsenates, organophosphates, and phenoxys. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with our previous findings for UMHS of reported farm pesticide exposure and support a lack of positive association between pesticides and glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Yiin
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Avima M Ruder
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Martha A Waters
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tania Carreón
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary Ann Butler
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Calvert
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Karen E Davis-King
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Paul A Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Prandota J. The importance of toxoplasma gondii infection in diseases presenting with headaches. Headaches and aseptic meningitis may be manifestations of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Int J Neurosci 2010; 119:2144-82. [PMID: 19916846 DOI: 10.3109/00207450903149217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, approximately 2 billion people are chronically infected with T. gondii with largely unknown consequences. This review presents clinical symptoms, differential diagnosis, triggering factors, treatment, and pathomechanisms responsible for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, and aseptic meningitis. Literature cited in this work illustrates that immune state and other biologic mediator imbalances due to various endogenous and exogenous triggering factors may markedly affect latent central nervous system T. gondii infection/inflammation intensity, and cause reactivation of cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT). Irregularities in pro- and anti-inflammatory processes may markedly disturb the host and/or T. gondii defense mechanisms important for immune control of the parasite thereby manifesting as a wide range of neurologic symptoms and signs observed in some patients with migraine, epilepsy, celiac disease, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, and other brain disorders. This is consistent with reactivation of CT in mice after treatment with dexamethasone associated with depression of type T(H)1 immune response, and development of CT after administration of etanercept or other bioproducts. It seems that various types of headaches, epilepsy, aseptic meningitis, systemic adverse reactions to drugs or other substances represent the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction due to apoptosis of T. gondii tachyzoites. Also development of some brain tumors, such as ependymoma and glioma may be associated with a chronic course of CT. Thus, all these patients should be tested for T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Prandota
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Public Health, University Medical School, Wroclaw, Poland.
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18
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Samkange-Zeeb F, Schlehofer B, Schüz J, Schlaefer K, Berg-Beckhoff G, Wahrendorf J, Blettner M. Occupation and risk of glioma, meningioma and acoustic neuroma: results from a German case-control study (interphone study group, Germany). Cancer Epidemiol 2010; 34:55-61. [PMID: 20061201 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Revised: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several epidemiological studies have investigated the association between occupation and brain tumour risk, but results have been inconclusive. We investigated the association between six occupational categories defined a priori: chemical, metal, agricultural, construction, electrical/electronic and transport, and the risk of glioma, meningioma and acoustic neuroma. METHODS In a population-based case-control study involving a total of 844 cases and 1688 controls conducted from 2000 to 2003, detailed information on life-long job histories was collected during personal interviews and used to create job calendars for each participant. Job title, job activity, job number, and the starting and ending dates of the activity were recorded for all activities with duration of at least 1 year. Reported occupational activities were coded according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 (ISCO 88). For the analyses we focused on six a priori defined occupational sectors, namely chemical, metal, agricultural, construction, electrical/electronic and transport. Multiple conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Most of the observed odds ratios were close to 1.0 for ever having worked in the six occupational sectors and risk of glioma, meningioma and acoustic neuroma. Sub-group analyses according to duration of employment resulted in two elevated odds ratios with confidence intervals excluding unity. CONCLUSIONS We did not observe an increased risk of glioma or meningioma for occupations in the agricultural, construction, transport, chemical, electrical/electronic and metal sectors. The number of 'significant' odds ratios is consistent with an overall 'null-effect'.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Samkange-Zeeb
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Strasse 69, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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19
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Sherman PW, Holland E, Sherman JS. Allergies: their role in cancer prevention. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2009; 83:339-62. [PMID: 19143335 DOI: 10.1086/592850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The nature of the biological relationships between cancers and allergies has intrigued researchers and health care providers for five decades. Three hypotheses have been proposed: antigenic stimulation predicts positive associations between cancers and allergies (i.e., allergy sufferers are more likely to get cancer), whereas immunosurveillance and prophylaxis predict inverse associations (i.e., allergy sufferers are less likely to get cancer). Immunosurveillance predicts inverse associations for cancers of all tissues and organ systems, and prophylaxis predicts inverse associations specifically for cancers of tissues and organ systems that interface with the external environment. To comparatively evaluate these hypotheses, we comprehensively reviewed the literature on cancer and allergies. We located 148 papers published from 1955 through 2006 that reported results of 463 studies of relationships between patients' histories of 11 specific allergies and cancers of 19 tissues and organ systems, and 183 studies of patients' histories of multiple allergies in relation to various types/sites of cancers. Analyses of these studies revealed that (1) frequencies of positive, inverse, and null allergy-cancer associations differed considerably among cancers of different tissues and organ systems; (2) more than twice as many studies reported inverse allergy-cancer associations as reported positive associations; (3) inverse associations were particularly common for cancers of the mouth and throat, brain glia, colon and rectum, pancreas, skin, and cervix but (4) particularly rare for cancers of the breast, prostate, and brain meninges, and for myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and myelocytic leukemia; (5) lung cancer was positively associated with asthma but inversely associated with other allergies; (6) inverse associations with allergies were more than twice as common for cancers of nine tissues and organ systems that interface with the external environment compared to cancers of nine tissues and organ systems that do not interface with the external environment; and (7) eczema, hives, and allergies to animal dander and food were most frequently inversely associated with cancers of tissues that interface with the external environment. Taken together, these results are more consistent with the prophylaxis hypothesis than the two alternatives. IgE is a widespread and ancient immunoglobulin isotype in mammals, occurring among all known marsupials, monotremes, and eutherians. The IgE system and its associated allergy symptoms may serve a common protective function: the rapid expulsion of pathogens, dangerous natural toxins, and other carcinogenic antigens before they can trigger malignant neoplasia in exposed tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Sherman
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14853-2702, USA.
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Abstract
Gliomas account for more than 70% of all brain tumors, and of these, glioblastoma is the most frequent and malignant histologic type (World Health Organization [WHO] grade IV). There is a tendency toward a higher incidence of gliomas in highly developed, industrialized countries. Some reports indicate that Caucasians have a higher incidence than African or Asian populations. With the exception of pilocytic astrocytomas (WHO grade I), the prognosis of glioma patients is still poor. Fewer than 3% of glioblastoma patients are still alive at 5 years after diagnosis, older age being the most significant and consistent prognostic factor of poorer outcome. Gliomas are components of several inherited tumor syndromes, but the prevalence of these syndromes is very low. Many environmental and lifestyle factors including several occupations, environmental carcinogens, and diet have been reported to be associated with an elevated glioma risk, but the only factor unequivocally associated with an increased risk is therapeutic X-irradiation. In particular, children treated with X-irradiation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia show a significantly elevated risk of developing gliomas and primitive neuroectodermal tumors, often within 10 years after therapy. Significant correlation between G:C --> A:T transitions in the TP53 gene and promoter methylation of the O6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene in glio-mas have been reported in several studies, suggesting the possible involvement of O6-methylguanine DNA adducts, which may be produced by exogenous or endogenous alkylating agents in the development of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Ohgaki
- Pathology Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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Chatti S, Debbabi F, Guesmi H, El Maalel O, Baccouche N, Krifa H, Mrizak N. Étude de l’exposition professionnelle chez les patients atteints de tumeurs cérébrales primitives malignes. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1775-8785(07)78229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Wingren G, Axelson O. Cancer incidence and mortality in a Swedish rubber tire manufacturing plant. Am J Ind Med 2007; 50:901-9. [PMID: 17972254 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A classification of 12 work categories was used to evaluate the cancer incidence and mortality among a cohort of Swedish rubber tire workers. METHODS Cancer incidence and mortality in the cohort was compared with expected values from national rates. Standardized incidence and mortality ratios were calculated for the total cohort, for sub-cohorts and with the inclusion of a latency requirement. RESULTS Among men, increased incidence and mortality risks were found for cancer in the larynx; SIR=2.10; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.05-3.76, SMR=2.08; 95% CI: 0.42-6.09. Increased risks were also seen for cancer in the trachea, bronchus, and lung; SIR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.28-2.02, SMR=1.54; 95% CI: 1.21-1.94, the incidence risk was highest among those with the longest exposure duration and among workers in compounding/mixing, milling, and maintenance. Decreased incidence risks were seen for cancer of the prostate (SIR=0.74; 95% CI: 059-0.92) and skin (SIR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.36-0.84). CONCLUSIONS The finding of an excess of tumors in the respiratory system is in agreement with earlier findings in other studies on rubber tire workers. The results on other cancer types are compared to earlier findings and related to work processes and chemical exposures of possible causal importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gun Wingren
- Divison of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Schwartzbaum JA, Fisher JL, Aldape KD, Wrensch M. Epidemiology and molecular pathology of glioma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 2:494-503; quiz 1 p following 516. [PMID: 16932614 DOI: 10.1038/ncpneuro0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 597] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2006] [Accepted: 07/07/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas account for almost 80% of primary malignant brain tumors, and they result in more years of life lost than do any other tumors. Glioblastoma, the most common type of glioma, is associated with very poor survival, so glioma epidemiology has focused on identifying factors that can be modified to prevent this disease. Only two relatively rare factors have so far been conclusively shown to affect glioma risk--exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, and inherited mutations of highly penetrant genes associated with rare syndromes. In addition, preliminary evidence points to a lower glioma risk among people with allergic conditions and high levels of serum IgE. Recent research has focused on identifying germline polymorphisms associated with risk of glioma, and using molecular markers to classify glial tumors into more-homogenous groups. Because gene products probably interact with environmental factors or developmental signals to produce gliomas, large studies are needed to analyze associations between polymorphisms and glioma. Cohort studies of immune factors and glioma risk are being undertaken to validate the results of case-control studies. Studies of polymorphisms of genetic pathways with strong prior hypotheses are being planned, and whole-genome scans are being proposed to study high-risk families and case-control series. The Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium has been formed to co-ordinate these studies.
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van Wijngaarden E, Dosemeci M. Brain cancer mortality and potential occupational exposure to lead: findings from the National Longitudinal Mortality Study, 1979-1989. Int J Cancer 2006; 119:1136-44. [PMID: 16570286 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.21947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the association between potential occupational lead exposure and the risk of brain cancer mortality in the National Longitudinal Mortality Study (NLMS), which is a prospective census-based cohort study of mortality among the noninstitutionalized United States population (1979-1989). The present study was limited to individuals for whom occupation and industry were available (n = 317,968). Estimates of probability and intensity of lead exposure were assigned using a job-exposure matrix (JEM). Risk estimates for the impact of lead on brain cancer mortality were computed using standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and proportional hazards and Poisson regression techniques, adjusting for the effects of age, gender and several other covariates. Brain cancer mortality rates were greater among individuals in jobs potentially involving lead exposure as compared to those unexposed (age- and gender-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.9-2.3) with indications of an exposure-response trend (probability: low HR = 0.7 (95% CI = 0.2-2.2), medium HR = 1.4 (95% CI = 0.8-2.5), high HR = 2.2 (95% CI = 1.2-4.0); intensity: low HR = 1.2 (95% CI = 0.7-2.1), medium/high HR = 1.9 (95% CI = 1.0-3.4)). Brain cancer risk was greatest among individuals with the highest levels of probability and intensity (HR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.3-4.2). These findings provide further support for an association between occupational lead exposure and brain cancer mortality, but need to be interpreted cautiously due to the consideration of brain cancer as one disease entity and the absence of biological measures of lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin van Wijngaarden
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642, USA.
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Lee WJ, Colt JS, Heineman EF, McComb R, Weisenburger DD, Lijinsky W, Ward MH. Agricultural pesticide use and risk of glioma in Nebraska, United States. Occup Environ Med 2005; 62:786-92. [PMID: 16234405 PMCID: PMC1740883 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2005.020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the risk of the adult glioma associated with farming and agricultural pesticide use, the authors conducted a population based case control study in eastern Nebraska. METHODS Telephone interviews were conducted with men and women diagnosed with gliomas (n = 251) between 1988 and 1993 and controls (n = 498) randomly selected from the same geographical area. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for farming and for use of individual and chemical classes of insecticides and herbicides, including pesticides classified as nitrosatable (able to form N-nitroso compounds upon reaction with nitrite). Non-farmers were used as the reference category for all analyses. RESULTS Among men, ever living or working on a farm and duration of farming were associated with significantly increased risks of glioma (> or =55 years on a farm OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.8 to 8.6); however, positive findings were limited to proxy respondents. Among women, there were no positive associations with farming activities among self or proxy respondents. Specific pesticide families and individual pesticides were associated with significantly increased risks among male farmers; however, most of the positive associations were limited to proxy respondents. For two herbicides and three insecticides, use was positively associated with risk among both self and proxy respondents. Based on a small number of exposed cases, ORs were significantly increased for the herbicides metribuzin (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 9.7) and paraquat (OR = 11.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 101), and for the insecticides bufencarb (OR = 18.9, 95% CI 1.9 to 187), chlorpyrifos (OR = 22.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 191), and coumaphos (OR = 5.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 32). CONCLUSION The authors found significant associations between some specific agricultural pesticide exposures and the risk of glioma among male farmers but not among female farmers in Nebraska; however, most of the positive associations were limited to proxy respondents. These findings warrant further evaluation in prospective cohort studies where issues of recall bias are not a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Lee
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
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Wrensch M, Fisher JL, Schwartzbaum JA, Bondy M, Berger M, Aldape KD. The molecular epidemiology of gliomas in adults. Neurosurg Focus 2005; 19:E5. [PMID: 16398469 DOI: 10.3171/foc.2005.19.5.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this paper the authors highlight recent findings from molecular epidemiology studies of glioma origin and prognosis and suggest promising paths for future research. The reasons for variation in glioma incidence according to time period of diagnosis, sex, age, ancestry and ethnicity, and geography are poorly understood, as are factors that affect prognosis. High-dose therapeutic ionizing irradiation and rare mutations in highly penetrant genes associated with certain rare syndromes—the only two established causes of glioma—can be called upon to explain few cases. Both familial aggregation of gliomas and the inverse association of allergies and immune-related conditions with gliomas have been shown consistently, but the explanations for these associations are inadequately developed or unknown. Several bio-markers do predict prognosis, but only evaluation of loss of 1p and 19q in oligodendroglial tumors are incorporated in clinical practice. Ongoing research focuses on classifying homogeneous groups of tumors on the basis of molecular markers and identifying inherited polymorphisms that may influence survival or risk. Because most cases of glioma have yet to furnish either an environmental or a genetic explanation, the greatest potential for discovery may lie in genomic studies in conjunction with continued evaluation of environmental and developmental factors. Large sample sizes and multidisciplinary teams with expertise in neuropathology, genetics, epidemiology, functional genomics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, immunology, and neurooncology are required for these studies to permit exploration of potentially relevant pathways and modifying effects of other genes or exposures, and to avoid false-positive findings. Improving survival rates for patients harboring astrocytic tumors will probably require many randomized clinical trials of novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Wrensch
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California 94102, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the impact of occupational exposure on brain cancer risk. METHODS Mailed questionnaires were used to collect information on lifetime employment history, occupational exposure to 18 chemicals, and other risk factors for 1009 incident cases of brain cancer and 5039 control subjects in Canada in 1994 to 1997. RESULTS People exposed to asphalt and welding had respective odds ratio (and 95% confidence interval) of 1.29 (1.02-1.62) and 1.26 (0.98-1.45). An increased risk of brain cancer might be associated with exposure to asbestos, benzene, mineral or lubricating oil, isopropyl oil, and wood dust and with following occupations: teaching; protective service; metal processing and related jobs, and metal shaping and forming; knitting in textile processing; construction trades; and transport equipment operating. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a possible role for occupational exposure in the etiology of brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Yi Pan
- Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Carreón T, Butler MA, Ruder AM, Waters MA, Davis-King KE, Calvert GM, Schulte PA, Connally B, Ward EM, Sanderson WT, Heineman EF, Mandel JS, Morton RF, Reding DJ, Rosenman KD, Talaska G. Gliomas and farm pesticide exposure in women: the Upper Midwest Health Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2005; 113:546-51. [PMID: 15866761 PMCID: PMC1257545 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
An excess incidence of brain cancer in male farmers has been noted in several studies, but few studies have focused on women. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Upper Midwest Health Study evaluated effects of rural exposures for 341 female glioma cases and 528 controls, all adult (18-80 years of age) nonmetropolitan residents of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. On average, controls lived longer on farms than did cases. After adjusting for age, age group, education, and farm residence, no association with glioma was observed for exposure to arsenicals, benzoic acids, carbamates, chloroacetanilides, dinitroanilines, inorganics, organochlorines, organophosphates, phenoxys, triazines, or urea-based or estrogenic pesticides. An increased risk of glioma was observed for carbamate herbicides but was not statistically significant (odds ratio = 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-9.5). No association was observed between glioma and exposure to 12 widely used specific pesticides, after adjustment for age, age group, education, and any other pesticide exposure. These results were not affected after exclusion of proxy respondents (43% of cases, 2% of controls). Women were less likely than men to have applied pesticides, but more likely to have laundered pesticide-contaminated clothes. Storing pesticides in the house was associated with a statistically non-significant increased risk. Results show that exposure to pesticides was not associated with an increased risk of intracranial gliomas in women. Other farm-related factors could be etiologic factors and will be discussed in future reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Carreón
- Divion of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
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Ohgaki H, Kleihues P. Epidemiology and etiology of gliomas. Acta Neuropathol 2005; 109:93-108. [PMID: 15685439 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-005-0991-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 854] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2004] [Accepted: 11/01/2004] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas of astrocytic, oligodendroglial and ependymal origin account for more than 70% of all brain tumors. The most frequent (65%) and most malignant histological type is the glioblastoma. Since the introduction of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the incidence rates of brain tumors have been rather stable, with a tendency of higher rates in highly developed, industrialized countries. Some reports indicate that Caucasians have higher incidence than black or Asian populations, but to some extent, this may reflect socio-economic differences and under-ascertainment in some regions, rather than a significant difference in genetic susceptibility. With the exception of pilocytic astrocytomas, the prognosis of glioma patients is still poor. Less than 3% of glioblastoma patients are still alive at 5 years after diagnosis, higher age being the most significant predictor of poor outcome. Brain tumors are a component of several inherited tumor syndromes, but the prevalence of these syndromes is very low. Several occupations, environmental carcinogens, and diet (N-nitroso compounds) have been reported to be associated with an elevated glioma risk, but the only environmental factor unequivocally associated with an increased risk of brain tumors, including gliomas, is therapeutic X-irradiation. In particular, children treated with X-irradiation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia show a significantly elevated risk of developing gliomas and primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), often within 10 years after therapy. TP53 mutations are frequent in low-grade gliomas and secondary glioblastomas derived therefrom. Approximately 60% of mutations are located in the hot spot codons 248 and 273, and the majority of these are G:C-->A:T transitions at CpG sites. TP53 mutations are significantly more frequent in low-grade astrocytomas with promoter methylation of the O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase repair gene, suggesting that, in addition to deamination of 5-methylcytosine, exogenous or endogenous alkylation in the O(6) position of guanine may contribute to the formation of these mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Ohgaki
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
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Schlehofer B, Hettinger I, Ryan P, Blettner M, Preston-Martin S, Little J, Arslan A, Ahlbom A, Giles GG, Howe GR, Ménégoz F, Rodvall Y, Choi WN, Wahrendorf J. Occupational risk factors for low grade and high grade glioma: results from an international case control study of adult brain tumours. Int J Cancer 2004; 113:116-25. [PMID: 15386358 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.20504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of suspected occupational risk factors for adult brain tumours have yet to be confirmed as etiologically relevant. Within an international case-control study on brain tumours, lifelong occupational histories and information on exposures to specific substances were obtained by direct interviews to further investigate occupational risk factors for glioma. This is one of the largest studies of brain tumours in adults, including 1,178 cases and 1987 population controls from 8 collaborating study centres matched for age, gender and centre. All occupational information, was aggregated into 16 occupational categories. In a pooled analysis, odds ratios (OR), adjusted for education, were estimated separately for men and women and for high-grade glioma (HGG) and low-grade glioma (LGG), focusing especially on 6 categories defined a priori: agricultural, chemical, construction, metal, electrical/electronic and transport. For men, an elevated OR of glioma associated with the category "metal" (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 0.96-1.62) was seen, which appeared to be largely accounted for by LGG (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.00-2.52). For the other 5 occupational categories, no elevated risks for glioma were observed. For women the only noteworthy observation for the 6 a priori categories was an inverse association with the "agriculture" category (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.36-0.99). Apart from the 6 major categories, women working in food production or food processing (category "food") showed an increased OR of 1.95 (95% CI 1.04-3.68). None of the 20 substance groups was positively associated with glioma risk. Although some other point estimates were elevated, they lacked statistical significance. The results do not provide evidence of a strong association between occupational exposures and glioma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Schlehofer
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Nelson LM, Tanner CM, Van Den Eeden SK, McGuire VM. Intracranial Neoplasms. Neuroepidemiology 2004. [DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195133790.003.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This chapter begins with a discussion of the taxonomy of primary brain tumors, with a focus on gliomas, meningiomas, and grading systems for these tumors. It discusses methodological challenges for studies of brain tumor incidence including variations in diagnostic practices. It summarizes descriptive epidemiology studies of brain tumor incidence and mortality by age, sex, histologic type, and ethnicity. Factors associated with survival are discussed including histologic grade, tumor location, and extent of surgical resection. Much work remains to discover the causes of the majority of human brain tumors, as established risk factors account for only a small proportion of these tumors. The chapter critiques evidence regarding possible risk factors for brain tumors, including genetic predisposition, ionizing radiation, chemical carcinogen exposure, electromagnetic fields, infections, head trauma, smoking, and diet.
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Krishnan G, Felini M, Carozza SE, Miike R, Chew T, Wrensch M. Occupation and adult gliomas in the San Francisco Bay Area. J Occup Environ Med 2003; 45:639-47. [PMID: 12802217 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000069245.06498.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of gliomas is not well understood. Some jobs might involve sustained and elevated exposures to carcinogens. This study compares lifetime job histories of 879 glioma cases diagnosed between August 1991 to April 1994 and May 1997 to August 1999 in the San Francisco Bay Area and 864 controls. Logistic analyses compared longest and ever held occupations of 1 year or more for all astrocytic and nonastrocytic cases and controls overall with adjustment for age, gender, and ethnicity and separately for men and women. Two-fold or higher or statistically significant elevated odds ratios were found overall and in men among those with longest held occupations, as firefighters, physicians, material moving equipment operators, and janitors; such elevated odds ratios were also observed for longest-held occupations among male motor vehicle operators and personal service workers and female messengers, legal/social service workers, electronic equipment operators, painters, and food processors. Odds ratios of 0.50 or less, but not statistically significant, were found for those with longest held jobs as writers/journalists, biological scientists, paper workers, mechanics, chemists, and photographers/photoprocessors. This study supports previously observed occupational associations and is one of the few studies with sufficient numbers to separately analyze occupations by gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Krishnan
- Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, California 94102, USA
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Wrensch M, Minn Y, Chew T, Bondy M, Berger MS. Epidemiology of primary brain tumors: current concepts and review of the literature. Neuro Oncol 2002; 4:278-99. [PMID: 12356358 PMCID: PMC1920665 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/4.4.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 507] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2002] [Accepted: 06/28/2002] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to provide a sufficiently detailed perspective on epidemiologic studies of primary brain tumors to encourage multidisciplinary etiologic and prognostic studies among surgeons, neuro-oncologists, epidemiologists, and molecular scientists. Molecular tumor markers that predict survival and treatment response are being identified with hope of even greater gains in this area from emerging array technologies. Regarding risk factors, studies of inherited susceptibility and constitutive polymorphisms in genes pertinent to carcinogenesis (for example, DNA repair and detoxification genes and mutagen sensitivity) have revealed provocative findings. Inverse associations of the history of allergies with glioma risk observed in 3 large studies and reports of inverse associations of glioma with common infections suggest a possible role of immune factors in glioma genesis or progression. Studies continue to suggest that brain tumors might result from workplace, dietary, and other personal and residential exposures, but studies of cell phone use and power frequency electromagnetic fields have found little to support a causal connection with brain tumors; caveats remain. The only proven causes of brain tumors (that is, rare hereditary syndromes, therapeutic radiation, and immune suppression giving rise to brain lymphomas) account for a small proportion of cases. Progress in understanding primary brain tumors might result from studies of well-defined histologic and molecular tumor types incorporating assessment of potentially relevant information on subject susceptibility and environmental and noninherited endogenous factors (viruses, radiation, and carcinogenic or protective chemical exposures through diet, workplace, oxidative metabolism, or other sources). Such studies will require the cooperation of researchers from many disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Wrensch
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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