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Gualtieri AF. Journey to the centre of the lung. The perspective of a mineralogist on the carcinogenic effects of mineral fibres in the lungs. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130077. [PMID: 36209608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This work reviews the bio-chemical mechanisms leading to adverse effects produced when mineral fibres are inhaled and transported in the lungs from the perspective of a mineralogist. The behaviour of three known carcinogenic mineral fibres (crocidolite, chrysotile, and fibrous-asbestiform erionite) during their journey through the upper respiratory tract, the deep respiratory tract and the pleural cavity is discussed. These three fibres have been selected as they are the most socially and economically relevant mineral fibres representative of the classes of chain silicates (amphiboles), layer silicates (serpentine), and framework silicates (zeolites), respectively. Comparison of the behaviour of these fibres is made according to their specific crystal-chemical assemblages and properties. Known biological and subsequent pathologic effects which lead and contribute to carcinogenesis are critically reviewed under the mineralogical perspective and in relation to recent progress in this multidisciplinary field of research. Special attention is given to the understanding of the cause-effect relationships for lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. Comparison with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, or "asbestosis", will also be made here. This overview highlights open issues, data gaps, and conflicts in the literature for these topics, especially as regards relative potencies of the three mineral fibres under consideration for lung cancer and mesothelioma. Finally, an attempt is made to identify future research lines suitable for a general comprehensive model of the carcinogenicity of mineral fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro F Gualtieri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena I-41125, Italy.
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2
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The silent malignant mesothelioma epidemic: a call to action. Lancet Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(22)00269-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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3
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Ma R, Li S, Wang Y, Yang S, Bao N, Ye Q. High-resolution computed tomography features of asbestosis versus fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: an observational study. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:207. [PMID: 35614422 PMCID: PMC9131664 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-01967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asbestosis and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (FHP) share the pathogenetic mechanisms induced bronchiolocentric fibrotic process secondary to inhalation exposure. Under the occupational and environmental mixed exposures, asbestosis and FHP are needed to make the differential diagnoses on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), especially in the countries still using asbestos. The study aimed to analyze the HRCT features of asbestosis versus FHP. Methods The patients with asbestosis or with HP were sequentially recruited in this comparative study at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital between January 2006 and December 2016. Patients’ clinical data were obtained from a predesigned charts. The international classification of HRCT for occupational and environmental respiratory diseases was used to categorize chest imaging findings in patients. The calculation of test statistics was used to compare the imaging features of asbestosis and FHP. Results 341 patients with asbestosis and 158 patients with HP were sequentially recruited, among which 204 patients with asbestosis and 74 patients with FHP were eligible for data analysis. Patients with asbestosis were older and had a longer latent period until disease manifestation than those with FHP. Asbestosis was characterized by irregular and/or linear opacities, with lower lung preponderance, accompanied by ground-glass opacities and mosaic attenuation. Notably, 98.5% of patients with asbestosis showed benign pleural abnormalities, and 39.7% of these patients had diffuse pleural thickening with parenchymal bands and/or rounded atelectasis. Abnormalities of the mediastinal and diaphragmatic pleura were observed only in cases of asbestosis, and this finding showed high specificity for the diagnosis for asbestosis compared with that for FHP. Subpleural dots or diaphragmatic pleural abnormalities showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity for diagnosis of asbestosis compared with that for FHP. Interobserver reliability was good for evaluation of imaging findings including honeycombing, pleural calcification, lymphadenectasis, and lymph node calcification. Conclusions HRCT-based imaging findings can distinguish between asbestosis and FHP to a certain extent, particularly with regard to subpleural dots and diaphragmatic pleural abnormalities that characterize the former. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-022-01967-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruimin Ma
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Shunyi Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanying Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqiao Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Bao
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiao Ye
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China.
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4
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Baur X, Frank AL. Ongoing downplaying of the carcinogenicity of chrysotile asbestos by vested interests. J Occup Med Toxicol 2021; 16:6. [PMID: 33622366 PMCID: PMC7901213 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-021-00295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Industries that mine, manufacture and sell asbestos or asbestos-containing products have a long tradition of promoting the use of asbestos, while placing the burden of economic and health costs on workers and society. This has been successfully done in recent years and decades in spite of the overwhelming evidence that all asbestos types are carcinogenic and cause asbestosis. In doing so, the asbestos industry has undermined the WHO campaign to reach a worldwide ban of asbestos and to eliminate asbestos-related diseases. Even worse, in recent years they succeeded in continuing asbestos mining and consuming in the range of about 1.3 million tons annually. Nowadays, production takes place predominantly in Russia, Kazakhstan and China. Chrysotile is the only asbestos type still sold and represents 95% of asbestos traded over the last century.The asbestos industry, especially its PR agency, the International Chrysotile Association, ICA, financed by asbestos mining companies in Russia, Kazakhstan and Zimbabwe and asbestos industrialists in India and Mexico, continues to be extremely active by using slogans such as chrysotile can be used safely.Another approach of the asbestos industry and of some of its insurance agencies is to broadly defeat liability claims of asbestos victims.In doing so they systematically use inappropriate science produced by their own and/or by industry-affiliated researchers. Some of the latter were also engaged in producing defense material for other industries including the tobacco industry. Frequent examples of distributing such disinformation include questioning or denying established scientific knowledge about adverse health effects of asbestos. False evidence continues to be published in scientific journals and books.The persisting strong influence of vested asbestos-related interests in workers and public health issues including regulations and compensation necessitate ongoing alertness, corrections and appropriate reactions in scientific as well as public media and policy advisory bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xaver Baur
- Chair Em. of Occupational Medicine, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
- European Society for Environmental and Occupational Medicine, P.O. Box 370514, D-14135, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Arthur L Frank
- Chair Em. of Environmental & Occupational Health, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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5
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Characterization of Demolition Construction Waste Containing Asbestos, and the Release of Fibrous Dust Particles. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10114048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on the characterization of demolition construction waste containing asbestos fibers and the monitoring of fibrous dust released from asbestos–cement products (ACPs) during their removal from a three-story industrial building. Asbestos-containing products removal was carried out according to a demolition management system in terms of protection of workers. The results of a chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared analysis and scanning electron microscopy of demolition waste samples confirmed the same material quality of asbestos–cement (AC) elements used throughout the building. In addition, a MgO/SiO2 ratio corresponding to a serpentine silicate mineral of chrysotile was detected by means of X-ray fluorescence analysis. Also, crystalline phase calcium silicates and calcium carbonates from the cement matrix were identified in the AC waste. The relatively large differences in the elemental analysis between the sample area and the individual points found by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic mapping are related to the composition heterogeneity. The highest content of magnesium occurs where asbestos fibers predominate in the cement matrix. The measured number concentrations of asbestos fibers before, during, and after asbestos–cement products removal were compared to outdoor concentrations. Indoor concentrations of asbestos fibers during the removal of AC materials did not exceed the permissible limit for a working environment (1000 fibers per one m3), except in three spots out of all the working sites inside the building. A relationship between the number and mass concentrations of asbestos dust is shown.
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van Zandwijk N, Reid G, Frank AL. Asbestos-related cancers: the 'Hidden Killer' remains a global threat. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:271-278. [PMID: 32223452 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1745067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Asbestos, the most frequent cause of occupational cancer, continues to be consumed on a massive scale, with millions of people exposed on a daily basis. This review explains why we have failed in curtailing the silent epidemic of asbestos-related disease and why the numbers of asbestos victims are likely to remain high. Emerging and developed countries have to be reminded that asbestos exposure has yet to become a problem of the past. The worldwide spread of asbestos, followed by the surge of asbestos-related cancers, resembles the lung cancer epidemic caused by smoking and stimulated by manufacturers.Areas covered: Underreporting of malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-induced lung cancer, frequently-used arguments in the amphibole/chrysotile debate and the conclusion from bona-fide research organizations, that all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic, are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the consequences of ubiquitous environmental asbestos and the 'changing face' of malignant mesothelioma in countries with heavy asbestos use in the past.Expert opinion: Experts in oncology, respiratory medicine, occupational and public health, and basic researchers must take responsibility and acknowledge the ongoing silent epidemic of asbestos-related diseases. The call for a world-wide asbestos ban is more urgent than ever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico van Zandwijk
- Concord (Sydney) Medical School, University of Sydney, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, Australia
| | - Glen Reid
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Arthur L Frank
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Baur X, Soskolne CL, Bero LA. How can the integrity of occupational and environmental health research be maintained in the presence of conflicting interests? Environ Health 2019; 18:93. [PMID: 31684947 PMCID: PMC6829996 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0527-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sciences, and especially the research subspecialties of occupational and environmental health, are being misused. The misuse serves to interfere with the advancement of policies that depend on rational evidence needed for policies to protect public health. METHODS We selectively surveyed the independent scientific literature. In addition, the efforts of respected international professional organizations of scientists whose focus is on maintaining and improving public health have been considered. This commentary is unique in assembling not only the factual basis for sounding alarms about significant bias in occupational and environmental health research, but also about the manipulative mechanisms used, and, in turn, the methods needed to keep science honest. RESULTS Scientific integrity is based on the principle that research is conducted as objectively as possible; it cannot be compromised by special interests whose primary goals are neither to seek truth nor to protect human health. Evidence demonstrates a significant risk of bias in research reports sponsored by financial interests. Practices of corporate malfeasance include the orchestrated contamination of editorial boards of peer-reviewed scientific journals with industry apologists; interference with activities of national regulatory bodies and international review panels engaged in safeguarding occupational and public health; constructing roadblocks by capitalizing on uncertainty to undermine scientific consensus for much-needed government regulation of carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting and/or immunotoxic agents; promoting "causation" criteria that lack foundation and effectively block workers' access to legal remedies for harms from occupational exposures resulting in morbidity and premature mortality; and, violating standards of professional conduct by seducing reputable scientists with financial incentives that make them beholden to corporate agendas. CONCLUSIONS Well-orchestrated assaults on science continue unabated and must now be met head-on. Success could be achieved by promoting and protecting the integrity of research. Furthermore, avoiding influence by conflicted corporate affiliates in occupational and public health regulations is needed. Identifying, managing and, ideally, eliminating corporate influence on science and science policy are needed to protect research integrity. Protecting the public's health, preventing disease, and promoting well-being must be the unambiguous goals of research in occupational and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xaver Baur
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; European Society for Environmental and Occupational Medicine, P.O. Box 370514, D-14135 Berlin, Germany
| | - Colin L. Soskolne
- University of Alberta, School of Public Health, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 - 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada
- Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Lisa A. Bero
- Medicines Use and Health Outcomes, The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, D17, The Hub, 6th floor, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
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8
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Reagan M. CAUSES OF CANCER. Cancer 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119645214.ch3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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9
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Algranti E, Ramos-Bonilla JP, Terracini B, Santana VS, Comba P, Pasetto R, Mazzeo A, Cavariani F, Trotta A, Marsili D. Prevention of Asbestos Exposure in Latin America within a Global Public Health Perspective. Ann Glob Health 2019; 85:49. [PMID: 30924615 PMCID: PMC6634328 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asbestos consumption in Latin America (LA) amounts to 10% of yearly global production. Little is known about the impact of asbestos exposure in the region. OBJECTIVE To discuss scientific and socio-economic issues and conflicts of interest and to summarize epidemiological data of asbestos health effects in LA. DISCUSSION Recent data on chrysotile strengthened the evidence of its carcinogenicity and showed an excessive risk of lung cancer at cumulative exposure levels as low as 1.5 fibre-years/ml. Technology for substitution is available for all asbestos-containing products and ceasing asbestos production and manufacturing will not result in unemployment and loss of income, except for the mining industry. The flawed arguments used by the industry to maintain its market, both to the public and in courtrooms, strongly relies on the lack of local evidence of the ill effects and on the invisibility of asbestos-related diseases in LA, due to the limited number of studies and the exposed workers' difficulty accessing health services. The few epidemiological studies available show clear evidence of clusters of mesothelioma in municipalities with a history of asbestos consumption and a forecasted rise in its incidence in Argentina and Brazil for the next decade. In Brazil, non-governmental organizations of asbestos workers were pivotal to counterbalance misinformation and inequities, ending recently in a Supreme Court decision backing an asbestos ban. In parallel, continuous efforts should be made to stimulate the growth of competent and ethical researchers to convey adequate information to the scientific community and to the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vilma S. Santana
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BR
| | - Pietro Comba
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, IT
| | - Roberto Pasetto
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, IT
| | - Agata Mazzeo
- School of Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Bologna, IT
| | - Fulvio Cavariani
- Centro Regionale Amianto Lazio Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Unità Sanitaria Locale, Viterbo, IT
| | - Andrés Trotta
- Instituto de Salud Colectiva (ISCo)/Institute of Collective Health, Universidad Nacional de Lanús (UNLa)/National University of Lanús, Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Daniela Marsili
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, IT
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10
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Cui Y, Wang Y, Deng J, Hu G, Dong F, Zhang Q. Chrysotile effects on the expression of anti-oncogene P53 and P16 and oncogene C-jun and C-fos in Wistar rats' lung tissues. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:22378-22388. [PMID: 28905283 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chrysotile is the most widely used form of asbestos worldwide. China is the world's largest consumer and second largest producer of chrysotile. The carcinogenicity of chrysotile has been extensively documented, and accumulative evidence has shown that chrysotile is capable of causing lung cancer and other forms of cancer. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the tumorigenic effects of chrysotile remained poorly understood. To explore the carcinogenicity of chrysotile, Wistar rats were administered by intratracheal instillation (by an artificial route of administration) for 0, 0.5, 2, or 8 mg/ml of natural chrysotile (from Mangnai, Qinghai, China) dissolved in saline, repeated once a month for 6 months (a repeated high-dose exposure which may have little bearing on the effects following human exposure). The lung tissues were analyzed for viscera coefficients and histopathological alterations. Expression of P53, P16, C-JUN, and C-FOS was measured by western blotting and qRT-PCR. Our results found that chrysotile exposure leads the body weight to grow slowly and lung viscera coefficients to increase in a dose-dependent manner. General sample showed white nodules, punctiform asbestos spots, and irregular atrophy; moreover, HE staining revealed inflammatory infiltration, damage of alveolar structures, agglomerations, and pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, chrysotile can induce inactivation of the anti-oncogene P53 and P16 and activation of the proto-oncogenes C-JUN and C-FOS both in the messenger RNA and protein level. In conclusion, chrysotile induced an imbalanced expression of cancer-related genes in rats' lung tissue. These results contribute to our understanding of the carcinogenic mechanism of chrysotile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cui
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchan Wang
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Gongli Hu
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Faqin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and the Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingbi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Huo T, Dong F, Deng J, Zhang Q, Ye W, Zhang W, Wang P, Sun D. In vitro genotoxicity of asbestos substitutes induced by coupled stimulation of dissolved high-valence ions and oxide radicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:22356-22367. [PMID: 28766145 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9796-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The wide use of asbestos and its substitutes has given rise to studies on their possible harmful effects on human health and environment. However, their toxic effects remain unclear. The present study was aimed to disclose the coupled effects of dissolved high-valence ions and oxide radicals using the in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of chrysotile (CA), nano-SiO2 (NS), ceramic fiber (CF), glass fiber (GF), and rock wool (RW) on Chinese hamster lung cells V79. All samples induced cell mortality correlated well with the chemical SiO2 content of asbestos substitutes and the amount of dissolved Si. Alkali or alkaline earth metal elements relieved mortality of V79 cells; Al2O3 reinforced toxicity of materials. Asbestos substitutes generated lasting, increasing amount of acellular ·OH which formed at the fiber surface at sites with loose/unsaturated bonds, as well as by catalytic reaction through dissolved iron. Accumulated mechanical and radical stimulation induced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation, morphology change, and deviating trans-membrane ion flux. The cellular ROS appeared as NS > GF > CF ≈ CA > RW, consistent with cell mortality rather than with acellular ·OH generation. Chromosomal and DNA lesions in V79 cells were not directly associated with the cellular ROS, while influenced by dissolved high-valence irons in the co-culture medium. In conclusion, ions from short-time dissolution of dust samples and the generation of extracellular ·OH presented combined effects in the elevation of intracellular ROS, which further synergistically induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Huo
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Faqin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China.
| | - Jianjun Deng
- Clinical Laboratory, Mianyang 404 Hospital, Mianyang, 621010, China
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Qingbi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Wei Ye
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | - Pingping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | - Dongping Sun
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
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12
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Zeng Y, Cui Y, Ma J, Huo T, Dong F, Zhang Q, Deng J, Zhang X, Yang J, Wang Y. Lung injury and expression of p53 and p16 in Wistar rats induced by respirable chrysotile fiber dust from four primary areas of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:22389-22399. [PMID: 28963651 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0279-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chrysotile products were widely used in daily life, and a large amount of respirable dust was produced in the process of production and application. At present, there was seldom research on the safety of chrysotile fiber dust, and whether its long-term inhalation can lead to lung cancer was unknown. In order to determine whether respirable chrysotile fiber dust of China caused lung cancer, four major chrysotile-producing mine areas in China were selected for this study. Chrysotile fibers were prepared into respirable dust. Particle size was measured by laser particle analysis, morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope, chrysotile fiber phase was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, trace chemical elements were identified by X-ray fluorescence, and the structure and the active groups of the dust were determined after grinding by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Male Wistar rats were exposed to non-exposed intratracheal instillation with different concentrations of chrysotile fiber dust. The rats were weighed after 1, 3, and 6 months, then the lung tissues were separated, the lung morphology was observed, and the pulmonary index was calculated. Pathological changes in lung tissues were observed by optical microscope after the HE staining of tissues, and the gene expression of p53 and p16 was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. First, the results showed that the particle sizes of the four fibers were less than 10 μm. Four primary areas of chrysotile had similar fibrous structure, arranged in fascicles, or mixed with thin chunks of material. Second, the elementary composition of the four fibers was mainly chrysotile, and the structure and the active groups of the grinding dust were not damaged. Third, the weights of the treated rats were obviously lower, and the lung weights and the pulmonary index increased significantly (P < 0.05). Fourth, the treated Wistar rat lung tissues revealed different degrees of congestion, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mild fibrosis. Fifth, the p53 and p16 genes decreased in the Mangnai group after 1 month of exposure, and the other groups increased. The expression of p53 and p16 in each group decreased significantly after 6 months (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the respirable chrysotile fiber dust from the four primary areas of China had the risk of causing lung injury, and these changes may be related to the physical and chemical characteristics of chrysotile from different production areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Cui
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Huo
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and the Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, 621010, People's Republic of China
| | - Faqin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and the Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, 621010, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingbi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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13
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Oliver LC, Belpoggi F, Budnik LT, Egilman D, Frank AL, Mandrioli D, Soskolne CL, Terracini B, Welch L, Baur X. Correspondence regarding the article "The asbestos fibre burden in human lungs: new insights into the chrysotile debate". Eur Respir J 2017; 50:50/6/1701644. [PMID: 29269580 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01644-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Christine Oliver
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Occupational Health Initiatives, Inc., Brookline, MA, USA
| | | | - Lygia T Budnik
- European Society for Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Egilman
- Alpert Medical School Dept of Medicine, Brown University, Attleboro, MA, USA
| | - Arthur L Frank
- Drexel University School of Public Health and College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Colin L Soskolne
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Benedetto Terracini
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, CPO Piemonte and University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Welch
- George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Sciences Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Xaver Baur
- European Society for Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Zhang T, Lv L, Huang Y, Ren X, Shi Q. Chromosome nondisjunction during bipolar mitoses of binucleated intermediates promote aneuploidy formation along with multipolar mitoses rather than chromosome loss in micronuclei induced by asbestos. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11030-11041. [PMID: 28038458 PMCID: PMC5355243 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Asbestos is a well-known occupational carcinogen that can cause aneuploidy during the early stages of neoplastic development. To explore the origins of asbestos-induced aneuploidy, we performed long-term live-cell imaging followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization of chromosomes 8 and 12 in human bronchial epithelial (HBEC) and mesothelial (MeT5A) cells. We demonstrate that asbestos induces aneuploidy via binucleated intermediates resulting from cytokinesis failure. On the one hand, asbestos increases chromosome nondisjunction during bipolar divisions of binucleated intermediates and produces near-tetraploidy. On the other hand, asbestos increases multipolar divisions of binucleated intermediates to produce aneuploidy. Surprisingly, chromosomes in asbestos-induced micronucleated cells are not truly lost by the cells, and do not contribute to aneuploid cell formation in either cell type. These results clarify the cellular source of asbestos-induced aneuploidy. In particular, they show the asbestos-induced disruption of bipolar chromosomal segregation in tetraploid cells, thereby demonstrating the causality between binucleated intermediates and aneuploidy evolution, rather than chromosome loss in micronuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwei Zhang
- Molecular and Cell Genetics Laboratory, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Lv
- Molecular and Cell Genetics Laboratory, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Molecular and Cell Genetics Laboratory, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohui Ren
- Molecular and Cell Genetics Laboratory, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Molecular and Cell Genetics Laboratory, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Shanghai 200438, China
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15
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Gaggero L, Sanguineti E, Yus González A, Militello GM, Scuderi A, Parisi G. Airborne asbestos fibres monitoring in tunnel excavation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 196:583-593. [PMID: 28384615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Tunnelling across ophiolitic formation with Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) can release fibres into the environment, exposing workers, and the population, if fibres spread outside the tunnel, leading to increased risk of developing asbestos-related disease. Therefore, a careful plan of environmental monitoring is carried out during Terzo Valico tunnel excavation. In the present study, data of 1571 samples of airborne dust, collected between 2014 and 2016 inside the tunnels, and analyzed by SEM-EDS for quantification of workers exposure, are discussed. In particular, the engineering and monitoring management of 100 m tunnelling excavation across a serpentinite lens (Cravasco adit), intercalated within calcschists, is reported. At this chrysotile occurrence, 84% of 128 analyzed samples (from the zone closer to the front rock) were above 2 ff/l. However, thanks to safety measures implemented and tunnel compartmentation in zones, the asbestos fibre concentration did not exceed the Italian standard of occupational exposure (100 ff/l) and 100% of samples collected in the outdoor square were below 1 ff/l. During excavation under normal working conditions, asbestos concentrations were below 2 ff/l in 97.4% of the 668 analyzed samples. Our results showed that air monitoring can objectively confirm the presence of asbestos minerals at a rock front in relative short time and provide information about the nature of the lithology at the front. The present dataset, the engineering measures described and the operative conclusions are liable to support the improvement of legislation on workers exposure to asbestos referred to the tunnelling sector, lacking at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gaggero
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Corso Europa 26, I-16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Elisa Sanguineti
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Corso Europa 26, I-16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Adrián Yus González
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Corso Europa 26, I-16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Gaia Maria Militello
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Corso Europa 26, I-16132 Genova, Italy.
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16
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Wells EM. Evidence Regarding the Impact of Conflicts of Interest on Environmental and Occupational Health Research. Curr Environ Health Rep 2017; 4:109-118. [PMID: 28397095 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-017-0139-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review describes published literature providing evidence for financial conflicts of interest in environmental and occupational health research. Secondary goals were to describe evidence that (a) utilized quantitative methods to evaluate the association of conflicts with study outcomes, and (b) assessed undisclosed as well as disclosed conflicts of interest. RECENT FINDINGS Forty-three studies were identified which contained descriptions of the impact of financial conflicts of interest on research results; 11 of these conducted quantitative analyses to demonstrate these relationships. All 11 articles which quantified associations identified significant associations of the presence of financial conflicts of interest with study findings. In studies which measured undisclosed conflicts, these comprised a substantial proportion of all conflicts. Suggestions for improving understanding and interpretation of research results are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Wells
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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17
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Dove ES, Özdemir V. What Role for Law, Human Rights, and Bioethics in an Age of Big Data, Consortia Science, and Consortia Ethics? The Importance of Trustworthiness. LAWS 2015; 4:515-540. [PMID: 26345196 PMCID: PMC4558936 DOI: 10.3390/laws4030515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The global bioeconomy is generating new paradigm-shifting practices of knowledge co-production, such as collective innovation; large-scale, data-driven global consortia science (Big Science); and consortia ethics (Big Ethics). These bioeconomic and sociotechnical practices can be forces for progressive social change, but they can also raise predicaments at the interface of law, human rights, and bioethics. In this article, we examine one such double-edged practice: the growing, multivariate exploitation of Big Data in the health sector, particularly by the private sector. Commercial exploitation of health data for knowledge-based products is a key aspect of the bioeconomy and is also a topic of concern among publics around the world. It is exacerbated in the current age of globally interconnected consortia science and consortia ethics, which is characterized by accumulating epistemic proximity, diminished academic independence, "extreme centrism", and conflicted/competing interests among innovation actors. Extreme centrism is of particular importance as a new ideology emerging from consortia science and consortia ethics; this relates to invariably taking a middle-of-the-road populist stance, even in the event of human rights breaches, so as to sustain the populist support needed for consortia building and collective innovation. What role do law, human rights, and bioethics-separate and together-have to play in addressing these predicaments and opportunities in early 21st century science and society? One answer we propose is an intertwined ethico-legal normative construct, namely trustworthiness. By considering trustworthiness as a central pillar at the intersection of law, human rights, and bioethics, we enable others to trust us, which in turns allows different actors (both nonprofit and for-profit) to operate more justly in consortia science and ethics, as well as to access and responsibly use health data for public benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward S. Dove
- J. Kenyon Mason Institute for Medicine, Life Sciences and the Law, School of Law, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Vural Özdemir
- Faculty of Communications and Department of Industrial Engineering, Office of the President, International Technology and Innovation Policy, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep 27310, Turkey; or
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Amritapuri, Clappana P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 525, India
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18
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Baur X, Budnik LT, Ruff K, Egilman DS, Lemen RA, Soskolne CL. Ethics, morality, and conflicting interests: how questionable professional integrity in some scientists supports global corporate influence in public health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2015; 21:172-5. [PMID: 25730664 DOI: 10.1179/2049396714y.0000000103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and public health research, education, and medical practice are vulnerable to influence by corporate interests driven by the for-profit motive. Developments over the last 10 years have shown that transparency and self-reporting of corporate ties do not always mitigate bias. In this article, we provide examples of how sound scientific reasoning and evidence-gathering are undermined through compromised scientific enquiry resulting in misleading science, decision-making, and policy intervention. Various medical disciplines provide reference literature essential for informing public, environmental, and occupational health policy. Published literature impacts clinical and laboratory methods, the validity of respective clinical guidelines, and the development and implementation of public health regulations. Said literature is also used in expert testimony related to resolving tort actions on work-related illnesses and environmental risks. We call for increased sensitivity, full transparency, and the implementation of effective ethical and professional praxis rules at all relevant regulatory levels to rout out inappropriate corporate influence in science. This is needed because influencing the integrity of scientists who engage in such activities cannot be depended upon.
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