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Zha H, Han S, Tang R, Cao D, Chang K, Li L. Polylactic acid micro/nanoplastic-induced hepatotoxicity: Investigating food and air sources via multi-omics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 21:100428. [PMID: 38800715 PMCID: PMC11127520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are detected in human liver, and pose significant risks to human health. Oral exposure to MNPs derived from non-biodegradable plastics can induce toxicity in mouse liver. Similarly, nasal exposure to non-biodegradable plastics can cause airway dysbiosis in mice. However, the hepatotoxicity induced by foodborne and airborne biodegradable MNPs remains poorly understood. Here we show the hepatotoxic effects of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MNPs through multi-omics analysis of various biological samples from mice, including gut, fecal, nasal, lung, liver, and blood samples. Our results show that both foodborne and airborne PLA MNPs compromise liver function, disrupt serum antioxidant activity, and cause liver pathology. Specifically, foodborne MNPs lead to gut microbial dysbiosis, metabolic alterations in the gut and serum, and liver transcriptomic changes. Airborne MNPs affect nasal and lung microbiota, alter lung and serum metabolites, and disrupt liver transcriptomics. The gut Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group is a potential biomarker for foodborne PLA MNP exposure, while nasal unclassified_Muribaculaceae and lung Klebsiella are potential biomarkers for airborne PLA MNP exposure. The relevant results suggest that foodborne PLA MNPs could affect the "gut microbiota-gut-liver" axis and induce hepatoxicity, while airborne PLA MNPs could disrupt the "airway microbiota-lung-liver" axis and cause hepatoxicity. These findings have implications for diagnosing PLA MNPs-induced hepatotoxicity and managing biodegradable materials in the environment. Our current study could be a starting point for biodegradable MNPs-induced hepatotoxicity. More research is needed to verify and inhibit the pathways that are crucial to MNPs-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zha
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengyi Han
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruiqi Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kevin Chang
- Department of Statistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Winiarska E, Jutel M, Zemelka-Wiacek M. The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on human health: Understanding human health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118535. [PMID: 38460665 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are used all over the world. Unfortunately, due to limited biodegradation, plastics cause a significant level of environmental pollution. The smallest recognized to date are termed nanoplastics (1 nm [nm] up to 1 μm [μm]) and microplastics (1 μm-5 mm). These nano- and microplastics can enter the human body through the respiratory system via inhalation, the digestive tract via consumption of contaminated food and water, or penetration through the skin via cosmetics and clothes contact. Bioaccumulation of plastics in the human body can potentially lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like lung cancer, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, inflammatory bowel disease and even disturbances in gut microbiota. Most studies to date have confirmed that nano- and microplastics can induce apoptosis in cells and have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plastics' actions may help extrapolate the risks to humans. The article provides a comprehensive review of articles in databases regarding the impact of nano- and microplastics on human health. The review included retrospective studies and case reports of people exposed to nanoplastics and microplastics. This research highlights the need for further research to fully understand the extent of the impact of plastics on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Winiarska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
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Kowalczyk A, Zarychta J, Lejman M, Zawitkowska J. Electrochemical and Optical Sensors for the Detection of Chemical Carcinogens Causing Leukemia. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3369. [PMID: 37050429 PMCID: PMC10098728 DOI: 10.3390/s23073369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and mortality due to neoplastic diseases have shown an increasing tendency over the years. Based on GLOBOCAN 2020 published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), leukemias are the thirteenth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, with 78.6% of leukemia cases diagnosed in countries with a very high or high Human Development Index (HDI). Carcinogenesis is a complex process initiated by a mutation in DNA that may be caused by chemical carcinogens present in polluted environments and human diet. The IARC has identified 122 human carcinogens, e.g., benzene, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, and 93 probable human carcinogens, e.g., styrene, diazinone. The aim of the following review is to present the chemical carcinogens involved or likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of leukemia and to summarize the latest reports on the possibility of detecting these compounds in the environment or food with the use of electrochemical sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Kowalczyk
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Julia Zarychta
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Thébault A, Papadopoulos A. Les splines en épidémiologie des risques professionnels : pourquoi, quand, comment ? ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Sathiakumar N, Bolaji BE, Brill I, Chen L, Tipre M, Leader M, Arora T, Delzell E. 1,3-Butadiene, styrene and lymphohaematopoietic cancers among North American synthetic rubber polymer workers: exposure-response analyses. Occup Environ Med 2021; 78:859-868. [PMID: 34108254 PMCID: PMC8606437 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2020-107197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate exposure-response between 1,3-butadiene, styrene and lymphohaematopoietic cancers in an updated cohort of workers at six North American plants that made synthetic rubber polymers. METHODS Employees were followed from 1943 through 2009 to determine mortality outcomes. Cox regression analyses estimated rate ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs by quartile of cumulative exposure to butadiene or styrene, measured in parts per million-years (ppm-years), and exposure-response trends for all leukaemia, lymphoid leukaemia, myeloid leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma and all B-cell malignancies. RESULTS Among 21 087 workers, adjusted RRs for butadiene and all leukaemia (132 deaths) rose with increasing exposure, with an RR of 2.53 (95% CI 1.37 to 4.67) in the highest exposure quartile (≥363.64 ppm-years), and the exposure-response trend was statistically significant for all leukaemia (p=0.014) and for lymphoid leukaemia (52 deaths, p=0.007). Styrene exposure-response trends for all leukaemia and lymphoid leukaemia were less consistent than those for butadiene. Cumulative exposures to butadiene and styrene were not associated consistently with myeloid leukaemias or the B-cell malignancies, NHL and multiple myeloma. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed a positive exposure-response relationship between butadiene and all leukaemia among workers, most of whom had coexposure to styrene. Results supported an association between butadiene and lymphoid leukaemia, but not myeloid leukaemia, and provided little evidence of any association of butadiene or styrene exposures with major subtypes of B-cell malignancies other than lymphoid leukaemia, including NHL and multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Sathiakumar
- Epidemiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Bolanle E Bolaji
- Epidemiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ilene Brill
- Epidemiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ligong Chen
- Biostatistician, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Meghan Tipre
- Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mark Leader
- Epidemiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Tarun Arora
- Epidemiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Elizabeth Delzell
- Epidemiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Bertke SJ, Keil AP, Daniels RD. Lung Cancer Mortality and Styrene Exposure in the Reinforced-Plastics Boatbuilding Industry: Evaluation of Healthy Worker Survivor Bias. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:1784-1792. [PMID: 33847736 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The evidence for styrene's being a human lung carcinogen has been inconclusive. Occupational cohorts within the reinforced-plastics industry are an ideal population in which to study this association because of their relatively high levels of exposure to styrene and lack of concomitant exposures to other known carcinogens. However, healthy worker survivor bias (HWSB), where healthier workers stay employed longer and thus have higher exposure potential, is a likely source of confounding bias for exposure-response associations, in part due to styrene's acute effects. Through December 31, 2016, we studied a cohort of 5,163 boatbuilders exposed to styrene in Washington State who were employed between 1959 and 1978; prior regression analyses had demonstrated little evidence for an exposure-response relationship between styrene exposure and lung cancer mortality. Based on estimates of necessary components of HWSB, we found evidence for a potentially large HWSB. Using g-estimation of a structural nested model to account for HWSB, we estimated that 1 year of styrene exposure at more than 30 parts per million accelerated time to lung cancer death by 2.29 years (95% confidence interval: 1.53, 2.94). Our results suggest possibly strong HWSB in our small cohort and indicate that large, influential studies of styrene-exposed workers may suffer from similar biases, warranting a reassessment of the evidence of long-term health effects of styrene exposure.
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Microplastics: A Review of Methodology for Sampling and Characterizing Environmental and Biological Samples. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2326:339-359. [PMID: 34097281 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1514-0_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
In response to apparent damaging effects of plastics, especially microplastics, exposure to life, scientists have begun the arduous task of standardizing methods for the sample collection, separation, detection, and identification of microplastic particles. The ability to detect plastics depends upon the type of sample, procedure, instrument, expertise of the examiner, and the exact research question. The wide variability of sample processing and analyses does not lend itself well for cross-comparison of studies. However, with a multitude of procedures, techniques may be used in combination to successfully identify microplastic particles. Our goal in this chapter is not to provide a complete guide on plastic analyses, but to present an overview of the different sample collection, pretreatment, detection, and identification methodologies used for microplastic samples located in environmental and biological samples and to review advantages and limitations of each strategy.
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Odutola MK, Benke G, Fritschi L, Giles GG, van Leeuwen MT, Vajdic CM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of occupational exposures and risk of follicular lymphoma. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:110887. [PMID: 33607095 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiology of follicular lymphoma (FL), a common non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies examining the relationship between occupational exposures and FL risk. METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Web of Science for eligible observational studies examining job titles or occupational exposures prior to January 1, 2020. We performed a narrative synthesis and used random-effects models to generate meta-estimates of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for exposures reported by three or more studies. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies were eligible. Ten cohort and 37 case-control studies quantified FL risk in relation to any exposure to one or more occupational groups or agents. Eight cohort and 19 case-control studies examined dose-response relationships. We found evidence of a positive association with increasing plasma concentration of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE; meta-RR = 1.51, 95%CI = 0.99, 2.31; I2 = 0.0%) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs; meta-RR = 1.47, 95%CI = 0.97, 2.24; I2 = 8.6%). We observed a positive association with exposure to any solvent (meta-RR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.00, 1.34; I2 = 0.0%) and chlorinated solvents (meta-RR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.09, 1.68; I2 = 0.0%). Single studies reported a significant positive dose-response association for exposure to any pesticide, hexachlorobenzene, any organophosphate, diazinon, metolachlor, carbaryl, lindane, trichloroethylene, oils/greases, and extremely low-frequency magnetic fields. Job title-only analyses suggested increased risk for medical doctors and spray painters, and decreased risk for bakers and teachers. Overall, studies demonstrated low risk of bias, but most studies examined small numbers of exposed cases. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence indicates a positive association between FL and occupational exposure to DDE, PCBs, any solvent and chlorinated solvents. Our findings may help guide policies and practices on the safe use of solvents and inform models of lymphomagenesis. Future studies with larger sample sizes and comprehensive quantitative exposure measures may elucidate other avoidable carcinogenic exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Odutola
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geza Benke
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lin Fritschi
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Graham G Giles
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; Precision Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marina T van Leeuwen
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire M Vajdic
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Hu X, Biswas A, Sharma A, Sarkodie H, Tran I, Pal I, De S. Mutational signatures associated with exposure to carcinogenic microplastic compounds bisphenol A and styrene oxide. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcab004. [PMID: 33718875 PMCID: PMC7936647 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollutants in oceans and food chains are concerning to public health. Common plasticizing compounds Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Styrene-7,8-Oxide (SO) are now labeled as carcinogens. We show that BPA and SO cause deoxyribonucleic acid damage and mutagenesis in human cells, and analyze the genome-wide point mutation and genomic rearrangement patterns associated with BPA and SO exposure. A subset of the single- and doublet base substitutions shows mutagenesis near or at guanine, consistent with these compounds' preferences to form guanosine adducts. Presence of other mutational signatures suggest additional mutagenesis probably due to complex effects of BPA and SO on diverse cellular processes. Analyzing data for 19 cancer cohorts, we find that tumors of digestive and urinary organs show relatively high similarity in mutational profiles, and the burden of such mutations increases with age. Even within the same cancer type, proportions of corresponding mutational patterns vary among the cohorts from different countries, as does the amount of microplastic waste in ocean waters. BPA and SO are relatively mild mutagens, and other environmental agents can also potentially generate similar, complex mutational patterns in cancer genomes. Nonetheless, our findings call for systematic evaluation of public health consequences of microplastic exposure worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoju Hu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Antara Biswas
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Anchal Sharma
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Halle Sarkodie
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Ivy Tran
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Indrani Pal
- The Earth Institute, Columbia University, NY 10025, USA
| | - Subhajyoti De
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Iversen IB, Mohr MS, Vestergaard JM, Stokholm ZA, Kolstad HA. Associations of Occupational Styrene Exposure With Risk of Encephalopathy and Unspecified Dementia: A Long-Term Follow-up Study of Workers in the Reinforced Plastics Industry. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:288-294. [PMID: 32803258 PMCID: PMC7850053 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to industrial solvents has been associated with encephalopathy. Styrene is a neurotoxic industrial solvent, and we investigated the long-term risk of encephalopathy and unspecified dementia following styrene exposure. We followed 72,465 workers in the reinforced plastics industry in Denmark (1977–2011) and identified incident cases of encephalopathy (n = 228) and unspecified dementia (n = 565) in national registers. Individual styrene exposure levels were modeled from information on occupation, measurements of work place styrene levels, product, process, and years of employment. Adjusted analyses were performed using a discrete survival function. A positive trend for encephalopathy (P < 0.01) and a negative trend for unspecified dementia (P = 0.03) were seen with cumulative styrene exposure accrued during the recent period of up to 15 years. For unspecified dementia and the combination of unspecified dementia and encephalopathy, a positive trend was indicated when applying a 30-year exposure lag (P = 0.13 and P = 0.07). The risk patterns seen following recent exposure probably reflect diagnostic criteria for encephalopathy requiring recent industrial solvent exposure and referral bias rather than association with styrene exposure, while the increasing risk observed for unspecified dementia and the combination of encephalopathy and unspecified dementia following distant exposure indicates an increased risk of dementia following styrene exposure with a long latency period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Brosbøl Iversen
- Correspondence to Dr. Inge Brosbøl Iversen, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark (e-mail: )
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Fetoni AR, Paciello F, Rolesi R, Pisani A, Moleti A, Sisto R, Troiani D, Paludetti G, Grassi C. Styrene targets sensory and neural cochlear function through the crossroad between oxidative stress and inflammation. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 163:31-42. [PMID: 33307165 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although styrene is an established ototoxic agent at occupational exposure levels, the mechanisms of styrene toxicity in the auditory system are still unclear. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify the consequences of styrene chronic exposure in cochlear structures, looking for the mechanisms of ototoxicity of this organic compound and focusing on cell targets and oxidative stress/inflammatory processes. METHODS Male adult Wistar rats were exposed to styrene (400 mg/kg by gavage for 5 days/week, 3 consecutive weeks). Hearing loss was evaluated by measuring auditory brainstem responses (ABR), morphological analysis were performed to evaluate hair cell and spiral ganglion neuron survival, as well as synaptic damage. Analysis of apoptotic (p53) and inflammatory (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10) mediators were performed by immunofluorescence analysis and western blot. RESULTS Styrene ototoxic effects induced a hearing loss of about 35-40 dB. Immunofluorescence and western blotting analyses demonstrated that styrene administration induced redox imbalance and activated inflammatory processes, targeting sensory hair cell and neural dysfunction by a cross-talk between oxidative and inflammatory mediators. DISCUSSION Major findings connect styrene ototoxicity to an interplay between redox imbalance and inflammation, leading to the intriguing assumption of a mixed sensory and neural styrene-induced ototoxicity. Thus, in a clinical perspective, data reported here have important implications for styrene risk assessment in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita Fetoni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
| | - Fabiola Paciello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Rolando Rolesi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Anna Pisani
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Arturo Moleti
- Department of Physics, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Renata Sisto
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
| | - Diana Troiani
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Gaetano Paludetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Daniels RD, Bertke SJ. Exposure-response assessment of cancer mortality in styrene-exposed boatbuilders. Occup Environ Med 2020; 77:706-712. [PMID: 32471836 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2020-106445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To improve exposure estimates and reexamine exposure-response relationships between cumulative styrene exposure and cancer mortality in a previously studied cohort of US boatbuilders exposed between 1959 and 1978 and followed through 2016. METHODS Cumulative styrene exposure was estimated from work assignments and air-sampling data. Exposure-response relationships between styrene and select cancers were examined in Cox proportional hazards models matched on attained age, sex, race, birth cohort and employment duration. Models adjusted for socioeconomic status (SES). Exposures were lagged 10 years or by a period maximising the likelihood. HRs included 95% profile-likelihood CIs. Actuarial methods were used to estimate the styrene exposure corresponding to 10-4 extra lifetime risk. RESULTS The cohort (n= 5163) contributed 201 951 person-years. Exposures were right-skewed, with mean and median of 31 and 5.7 ppm-years, respectively. Positive, monotonic exposure-response associations were evident for leukaemia (HR at 50 ppm-years styrene = 1.46; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.97) and bladder cancer (HR at 50 ppm-years styrene =1.64; 95% CI 1.14 to 2.33). There was no evidence of confounding by SES. A working lifetime exposure to 0.05 ppm styrene corresponded to one extra leukaemia death per 10 000 workers. CONCLUSIONS The study contributes evidence of exposure-response associations between cumulative styrene exposure and cancer. Simple risk projections at current exposure levels indicate a need for formal risk assessment. Future recommendations on worker protection would benefit from additional research clarifying cancer risks from styrene exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Douglas Daniels
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen J Bertke
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Sliwinska-Kowalska M, Fuente A, Zamyslowska-Szmytke E. Cochlear dysfunction is associated with styrene exposure in humans. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227978. [PMID: 31961907 PMCID: PMC6974250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Occupational exposure to styrene has been shown to be associated with an increased probability of developing hearing loss. However, the sites of lesions in the auditory system in humans remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of styrene exposure on the cochlea of human subjects. DESIGN The hearing function of 98 styrene-exposed male workers from the glass fibre-reinforced plastics industry (mean concentration of 55 mg/m3) was evaluated bilaterally using pure-tone audiometry (1000-16000 Hz), distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), and auditory brainstem response (ABR). The results were compared to a group of 111 male workers exposed to noise (above 85 dBA) and 70 male white-collar workers exposed to neither noise nor solvents. Age and noise exposure levels were accounted for as confounding variables in all statistical models. RESULTS Styrene exposure was significantly associated with poorer pure-tone thresholds (1-8 kHz), lower DPOAE amplitudes (5-6 kHz), and shorter wave V latencies in both ears compared to control-group subjects. Similar results were found among noise-exposed subjects. A further analysis with wave V latency showed that styrene-exposed subjects showed significantly shorter latencies than expected according to normative data. These results suggest that occupational exposure to styrene at moderate concentrations is associated with cochlear dysfunction, at least at high frequencies. DPOAEs may be considered a valuable diagnostic tool in hearing conservation programs in workers exposed to styrene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian Fuente
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- École d’orthophonie et d’audiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ewa Zamyslowska-Szmytke
- Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
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14
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Hjuler Boudigaard S, Stokholm ZA, Vestergaard JM, Mohr MS, Søndergaard K, Torén K, Schlünssen V, Kolstad HA. A follow-up study of occupational styrene exposure and risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Occup Environ Med 2019; 77:64-69. [PMID: 31848232 PMCID: PMC7029229 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-106018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Increased risk has been suggested for autoimmune rheumatic diseases following solvent exposure. The evidence for specific solvents is limited, and little is known about exposure–response relations. Styrene is an aromatic, organic solvent and the objective of this study was to analyse the association between occupational styrene exposure and autoimmune rheumatic diseases in men and women. Methods We followed 72 212 styrene-exposed workers of the Danish reinforced plastics industry from 1979 to 2012. We modelled full work history of styrene exposure from employment history, survey data and historical styrene exposure measurements. We identified cases in the national patient registry and investigated gender-specific exposure–response relations by cumulative styrene exposure for different exposure time windows adjusting for age, calendar year and educational level. Results During 1 515 126 person-years of follow-up, we identified 718 cases of an autoimmune rheumatic disease, of which 73% were rheumatoid arthritis. When adjusting for potential confounders and comparing the highest with the lowest styrene exposure tertile, we observed a statistically non-significantly increased risk of systemic sclerosis among women (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=2.50; 95% CI 0.50 to 12.50) and men (IRR=1.86; 95 % CI 0.50 to 7.00), based on 9 and 22 cases, respectively. Results were inconsistent for the other autoimmune rheumatic diseases examined. Conclusion This study suggests an association between occupational styrene exposure and systemic sclerosis in men as well as in women but based on few cases. This is a new finding and has to be replicated before conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Hjuler Boudigaard
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zara Ann Stokholm
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jesper Medom Vestergaard
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Skovgaard Mohr
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Centre for Integrated Register-Based Research, CIRRAU, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Klaus Søndergaard
- Department of Rheumathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kjell Torén
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik A Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Centre for Integrated Register-Based Research, CIRRAU, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Mortality Among Men and Women in the North American Synthetic Rubber Industry, 1943 to 2009. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 61:887-897. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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16
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Banton MI, Bus JS, Collins JJ, Delzell E, Gelbke HP, Kester JE, Moore MM, Waites R, Sarang SS. Evaluation of potential health effects associated with occupational and environmental exposure to styrene - an update. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2019; 22:1-130. [PMID: 31284836 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2019.1633718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The potential chronic health risks of occupational and environmental exposure to styrene were evaluated to update health hazard and exposure information developed since the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis risk assessment for styrene was performed in 2002. The updated hazard assessment of styrene's health effects indicates human cancers and ototoxicity remain potential concerns. However, mechanistic research on mouse lung tumors demonstrates these tumors are mouse-specific and of low relevance to human cancer risk. The updated toxicity database supports toxicity reference levels of 20 ppm (equates to 400 mg urinary metabolites mandelic acid + phenylglyoxylic acid/g creatinine) for worker inhalation exposure and 3.7 ppm and 2.5 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, for general population inhalation and oral exposure. No cancer risk value estimates are proposed given the established lack of relevance of mouse lung tumors and inconsistent epidemiology evidence. The updated exposure assessment supports inhalation and ingestion routes as important. The updated risk assessment found estimated risks within acceptable ranges for all age groups of the general population and workers with occupational exposures in non-fiber-reinforced polymer composites industries and fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRP) workers using closed-mold operations or open-mold operations with respiratory protection. Only FRP workers using open-mold operations not using respiratory protection have risk exceedances for styrene and should be considered for risk management measures. In addition, given the reported interaction of styrene exposure with noise, noise reduction to sustain levels below 85 dB(A) needs be in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Banton
- a Gorge View Consulting LLC , Hood River , OR , USA
| | - J S Bus
- b Health Sciences , Exponent , Midland , MI , USA
| | - J J Collins
- c Health Sciences , Saginaw Valley State University , Saginaw , MI , USA
| | - E Delzell
- d Private consultant , Birmingham , AL , USA
| | | | - J E Kester
- f Kester Consulting LLC , Wentzville , MO , USA
| | | | - R Waites
- h Sabic , Innovative Plastics US LLC , Mount Vernon , IN , USA
| | - S S Sarang
- i Shell Health , Shell International , Houston , TX , USA
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Checkoway H, Lees PSJ, Dell LD, Gentry PR, Mundt KA. Peak Exposures in Epidemiologic Studies and Cancer Risks: Considerations for Regulatory Risk Assessment. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2019; 39:1441-1464. [PMID: 30925210 PMCID: PMC6850123 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We review approaches for characterizing "peak" exposures in epidemiologic studies and methods for incorporating peak exposure metrics in dose-response assessments that contribute to risk assessment. The focus was on potential etiologic relations between environmental chemical exposures and cancer risks. We searched the epidemiologic literature on environmental chemicals classified as carcinogens in which cancer risks were described in relation to "peak" exposures. These articles were evaluated to identify some of the challenges associated with defining and describing cancer risks in relation to peak exposures. We found that definitions of peak exposure varied considerably across studies. Of nine chemical agents included in our review of peak exposure, six had epidemiologic data used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) in dose-response assessments to derive inhalation unit risk values. These were benzene, formaldehyde, styrene, trichloroethylene, acrylonitrile, and ethylene oxide. All derived unit risks relied on cumulative exposure for dose-response estimation and none, to our knowledge, considered peak exposure metrics. This is not surprising, given the historical linear no-threshold default model (generally based on cumulative exposure) used in regulatory risk assessments. With newly proposed US EPA rule language, fuller consideration of alternative exposure and dose-response metrics will be supported. "Peak" exposure has not been consistently defined and rarely has been evaluated in epidemiologic studies of cancer risks. We recommend developing uniform definitions of "peak" exposure to facilitate fuller evaluation of dose response for environmental chemicals and cancer risks, especially where mechanistic understanding indicates that the dose response is unlikely linear and that short-term high-intensity exposures increase risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey Checkoway
- Department of Family Medicine & Public HealthSan Diego School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCAUSA
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18
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Kogevinas M, Gwinn WM, Kriebel D, Phillips DH, Sim M, Bertke SJ, Calaf GM, Colosio C, Fritz JM, Fukushima S, Hemminki K, Jensen AA, Kolstad H, Mráz J, Nesnow S, Nylander-French LA, Parent ME, Sandy M, Smith-Roe SL, Stoner G, Suzuki T, Teixeira JP, Vodicka P, Tornero-Velez R, Guyton KZ, Grosse Y, El Ghissassi F, Bouvard V, Benbrahim-Tallaa L, Guha N, Vilahur N, Driscoll T, Hall A, Middleton D, Jaillet C, Mattock H, Straif K. Carcinogenicity of quinoline, styrene, and styrene-7,8-oxide. Lancet Oncol 2018; 19:S1470-2045(18)30316-4. [PMID: 29680246 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(18)30316-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Nissen MS, Stokholm ZA, Christensen MS, Schlünssen V, Vestergaard JM, Iversen IB, Kolstad HA. Sinonasal adenocarcinoma following styrene exposure in the reinforced plastics industry. Occup Environ Med 2018. [PMID: 29540567 PMCID: PMC5969366 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Sinonasal adenocarcinoma is a rare disease expected to have rare causes and potential for strong risk factors as reflected by the strong association with occupational wood dust exposure. High level styrene exposure is a rare and suspected carcinogen, and this study examines the exposure–response relation between occupational styrene exposure, sinonasal adenocarcinoma and other subtypes. Methods We followed 73 092 styrene-exposed workers from 1968 to 2011 and identified sinonasal cancers in the Danish Cancer Registry. We modelled cumulative styrene exposure and estimated incidence rates and age, sex and wood-industry adjusted ORs. Results During 1 585 772 person-years, we observed nine cases of adenocarcinoma, corresponding to a fivefold non-significantly increased OR for estimates of high versus low cumulative styrene exposure (OR 5.11, 95% CI 0.58 to 45.12). The increased risk was confined to exposure received during the recent 15 years. The other histological subtypes showed no increased risk. Conclusion This study suggests increased risk of sinonasal adenocarcinoma following styrene exposure. The observations are, however, few, confounding from wood dust exposure cannot be ruled out, and additional studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Schou Nissen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zara Ann Stokholm
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Medom Vestergaard
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Inge Brosbøl Iversen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Albert Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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