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Araújo R, Ramalhete L, Paz H, Ladeira C, Calado CRC. A new method to predict genotoxic effects based on serum molecular profile. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 255:119680. [PMID: 33744838 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.119680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
It is critical to develop new methods to assess genotoxic effects in human biomonitoring since the conventional methods are usually laborious, time-consuming, and expensive. It is aimed to evaluate if the analysis of a drop of serum by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, allow to assess genotoxic effects in occupational exposure to cytostatic drugs in hospital professionals, as obtained by the lymphocyte cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. It was considered peripheral blood from hospital professionals exposed to cytostatic drugs (n = 22) and from a non-exposed group (n = 36). It was observed that workers occupationally exposed presented a higher number of micronuclei (p < 0.05) in lymphocytes, in relation to the non-exposed group. The serum Fourier Transform Infrared spectra from exposed workers presented diverse different peaks (p < 0.01) in relation to the non-exposed group. The hierarchical cluster analysis of serum spectra separated serum samples of the exposed group from the non-exposed group with 61% sensitivity and 88% specificity. A support vector machine model of serum spectra enables to predict exposure with high accuracy (0.91), precision (0.89), sensitivity (0.86), F1 score (0.87) and AUC (0.96). Therefore, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic analysis of a drop of serum enabled to predict in a rapid and simple mode the genotoxic effects of cytostatic drugs. The method presents therefore potential for high-dimension screening of exposure of genotoxic substances, due to its simplicity and rapid setup mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rúben Araújo
- ISEL - Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luís Ramalhete
- ISEL - Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal; CSTL-T - Centro de Sangue e da Transplantação de Lisboa - Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação, IP, Alameda das Linhas de Torres, n°117, 1769-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hélder Paz
- ISEL - Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carina Ladeira
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde (ESTeSL), Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Avenida D. João II, lote 4.69.01, Parque das Nações, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cecília R C Calado
- ISEL - Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal; CIMOSM, ISEL - Centro de Investigação em Modelação e Optimização de Sistemas Multifuncionais, ISEL, Portugal
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Orru H, Viitak A, Herodes K, Veber T, Lukk M. Human Biomonitoring in the Oil Shale Industry Area in Estonia-Overview of Earlier Programmes and Future Perspectives. Front Public Health 2020; 8:582114. [PMID: 33282816 PMCID: PMC7689261 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.582114] [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: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ida-Viru County, in Eastern Estonia, features industrially contaminated sites–where oil shale has been mined and used for electricity generation, and shale oil extraction. Higher prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular disease has been found in the region due to high quantities of air pollution. Within the framework of “Studies of the health impact of the oil shale sector—SOHOS,” this analysis aimed to map earlier human biomonitoring (HBM) studies and identify the suitable biomarkers for upcoming HBM in Estonia. Altogether, three studies have been conducted among residents: first, among adults in the 1980's; second, among children in the 1990's; and third, among employees, with a focus on workers and miners in the oil shale chemistry industry in the late 1990's and 2000's. In some of those studies, increased levels of biomarkers in blood and urine (heavy metals, 1-OHP) have appeared; nevertheless, in last 20 years, there has been no population-wide HBM in Estonia. According to air pollution monitoring and emission analysis, the pollutants of concern are benzene, PM10, PM2.5, and PAHs. In general, there is a decreasing trend in air pollutant levels, with the exception of a slight increase in 2018. One of the aims of HBM is to be analyzed if this trend can be identified in HBM, using similar biomarkers as applied earlier. The future perspective HBM could be divided into two Tiers. Tier 1 should focus on exposure biomarkers as heavy metals, PAH, and BTEX metabolites and Tier 2, in later stage, on effect biomarkers as Ox LDL, TBARS, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Orru
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anu Viitak
- Department of Chemistry, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Koit Herodes
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Triin Veber
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Ladeira C, Smajdova L. The use of genotoxicity biomarkers in molecular epidemiology: applications in environmental, occupational and dietary studies. AIMS GENETICS 2017; 4:166-191. [PMID: 31435507 PMCID: PMC6690241 DOI: 10.3934/genet.2017.3.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Molecular epidemiology is an approach increasingly used in the establishment of associations between exposure to hazardous substances and development of disease, including the possible modulation by genetic susceptibility factors. Environmental chemicals and contaminants from anthropogenic pollution of air, water and soil, but also originating specifically in occupational contexts, are potential sources of risk of development of disease. Also, diet presents an important role in this process, with some well characterized associations existing between nutrition and some types of cancer. Genotoxicity biomarkers allow the detection of early effects that result from the interaction between the individual and the environment; they are therefore important tools in cancer epidemiology and are extensively used in human biomonitoring studies. This work intends to give an overview of the potential for genotoxic effects assessment, specifically with the cytokinesis blocked micronucleus assay and comet assay in environmental and occupational scenarios, including diet. The plasticity of these techniques allows their inclusion in human biomonitoring studies, adding important information with the ultimate aim of disease prevention, in particular cancer, and so it is important that they be included as genotoxicity assays in molecular epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Ladeira
- Environment and Health Research Group, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa (ESTeSL-IPL), Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.,Grupo de Investigação em Genética e Metabolismo, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa (ESTeSL-IPL), Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública-Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, (CISP-ENSP), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lenka Smajdova
- Faculty of Social Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
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Bijlsma N, Cohen MM. Environmental Chemical Assessment in Clinical Practice: Unveiling the Elephant in the Room. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:181. [PMID: 26848668 PMCID: PMC4772201 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13020181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests chemicals present in air, water, soil, food, building materials and household products are toxicants that contribute to the many chronic diseases typically seen in routine medical practice. Yet, despite calls from numerous organisations to provide clinicians with more training and awareness in environmental health, there are multiple barriers to the clinical assessment of toxic environmental exposures. Recent developments in the fields of systems biology, innovative breakthroughs in biomedical research encompassing the "-omics" fields, and advances in mobile sensing, peer-to-peer networks and big data, provide tools that future clinicians can use to assess environmental chemical exposures in their patients. There is also a need for concerted action at all levels, including actions by individual patients, clinicians, medical educators, regulators, government and non-government organisations, corporations and the wider civil society, to understand the "exposome" and minimise the extent of toxic exposures on current and future generations. Clinical environmental chemical risk assessment may provide a bridge between multiple disciplines that uses new technologies to herald in a new era in personalised medicine that unites clinicians, patients and civil society in the quest to understand and master the links between the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bijlsma
- School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia.
| | - Marc M Cohen
- School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia.
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Al Bakheet SA, Attafi IM, Maayah ZH, Abd-Allah AR, Asiri YA, Korashy HM. Effect of long-term human exposure to environmental heavy metals on the expression of detoxification and DNA repair genes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2013; 181:226-232. [PMID: 23872045 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of long-term environmental human exposure to three heavy metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), on the expression of detoxifying, xenobiotic metabolizing, and DNA repair genes in Mahd Ad-Dahab city. The study groups consisted of 40 healthy male residents (heavy metal-exposed) and 20 healthy male from Riyadh city, 700 km away, and served as control group. The heavy metal-exposed group with high exposure to Pb, Cd, or Hg was divided into three subgroups Pb-, Cd-, and Hg-exposed groups, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of detoxifying, NQO1, HO-1, GSTA1, MT-1, and HSP70, were significantly decreased in all heavy metal-exposed group as compared to control group. This was accompanied with a proportional decrease in the expression of xenobiotic metabolizing gene, cytochrome P4501A1. On the other hand, the DNA repair gene OGG1 and the 8-OHdG level were dramatically inhibited in Cd-exposed group only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A Al Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Surface display of recombinant Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase for detection of organic phosphorus and carbamate pesticides. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72986. [PMID: 24039837 PMCID: PMC3767663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is commonly used for the detection of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) insecticides. However, the cost of this commercially available enzyme is high, making high-throughput insecticide detection improbable. In this study we constructed a new AChE yeast expression system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the expression of a highly reactive recombinant AChE originating from Drosophila melanogaster (DmAChE). Specifically, the coding sequence of DmAChE was fused with the 3′-terminal half of an α-agglutinin anchor region, along with an antigen tag for the detection of the recombinant protein. The target sequence was cloned into the yeast expression vector pYes-DEST52, and the signal peptide sequence was replaced with a glucoamylase secretion region for induced expression. The resultant engineered vector was transformed into S. cerevisiae. DmAChE was expressed and displayed on the cell surface after galactose induction. Our results showed that the recombinant protein displayed activity comparable to the commercial enzyme. We also detected different types of OP and CB insecticides through enzyme inhibition assays, with the expressed DmAChE showing high sensitivity. These results show the construction of a new yeast expression system for DmAChE, which can subsequently be used for detecting OP and CB insecticides with reduced economic costs.
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Ellesat KS, Holth TF, Wojewodzic MW, Hylland K. Atorvastatin up-regulate toxicologically relevant genes in rainbow trout gills. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2012; 21:1841-1856. [PMID: 22555812 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-012-0918-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There are large and increasing discharges of statins into the aquatic environment. Statins are cholesterol-lowering pharmaceuticals, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, an enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Earlier studies have shown that statins will affect the expression of a range of genes in mammalian tissues and this group of pharmaceuticals has also been shown to affect membrane transporters. Changes in gene expression and ion transport in aquatic organisms may have dramatic consequences for the individual. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether waterborne exposure to a selected statin, atorvastatin, would affect gene expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gill or liver or ion regulation in gills. Juvenile rainbow trout were exposed to two atorvastatin acid and atorvastatin lactone concentrations for 7 days (nominal concentrations 200 ng L(-1) and 10 μg L(-1)). The exposures caused up-regulated gene expression in gill, not liver, and only at the lowest concentration. Genes involved in membrane transport (pgp, mrp1), oxidative stress response (sod, mt), apoptosis (bax) and biotransformation (sult2b) were differentially expressed whereas the expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis (hmgr, fdps) or peroxisomal proliferation (ppar) were not affected. There were no significant changes in gill Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity following exposure to atorvastatin. The pattern of differentially expressed genes in rainbow trout gills differ from responses previously observed in mammalian tissues following statin exposure.
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Piacentini S, Polimanti R, Porreca F, Martínez-Labarga C, De Stefano GF, Fuciarelli M. GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms in European and African populations. Mol Biol Rep 2010; 38:1225-30. [PMID: 20563854 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0221-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a superfamily of detoxificant enzymes. Pharmacogenomic studies have revealed interethnic differences in GST allelic frequencies. This study is focused on GSTT1 (gene deletion, rs17850155, rs2234953, and rs11550605) and GSTM1 (gene deletion) gene frequency distributions in two population samples of Europe origin (Italy, n = 120; Spain, n = 94) and two population samples of Africa origin (Cameroon, n = 126; Ethiopia, n = 153). Detection of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes was performed by multiplex PCR analysis, while the other GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were detected using allele specific PCR and sequencing. GSTT1 and GSTM1 null frequencies in the samples analyzed fit with the variability range observed in European and African populations, respectively. The SNP analysis in GSTT1 gene did not highlight any nucleotide substitution in 493 individuals analyzed. The comparisons among GSTM1 and GSTT1 null phenotype frequencies in worldwide populations show different patterns between Asians, Africans, and Europeans. Important insights into the effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions on the pathogenesis of human diseases have been hypothesized. Detailed studies on the geography of GST variants could therefore increase knowledge about the relationship between ethnicity and the prevalence of certain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Polimanti R, Piacentini S, Barone M, Porreca F, Fuciarelli M. Serum proteins and work habits in a group of farm-workers exposed to EBDCs. Ann Hum Biol 2010; 37:440-50. [DOI: 10.3109/03014461003702195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Arellano-Aguilar O, Montoya RM, Garcia CM. Endogenous Functions and Expression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes in Teleost Fish: A Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/10641260903243487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Bernanke J, Köhler HR. The impact of environmental chemicals on wildlife vertebrates. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2009; 198:1-47. [PMID: 19253040 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09647-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A plethora of papers have been published that address the affects of chemicals on wildlife vertebrates. Collectively, they support a connection between environmental pollution and effects on wildlife vertebrate populations; however, causal relationships between exposure, and reproduction or population structure effects have been established for only a few species. In a vast number of fish species, particularly in teleosts, it is accepted that EDCs affect the endocrine system of individuals and may alter sexual development and fertility. However, only few studies have demonstrated population-level consequences as a result of exposure to EDCs. The same applies to fish populations exposed to contaminants or contaminant mixtures with non-endocrine modes of action; few studies link EDCs directly to population affects. Amphibian populations are declining in many parts of the world. Although environmental chemicals have been shown to affect reproduction and development in single organism tests, the degree to which chemicals contribute to the decline of amphibians, either alone, or in concert with other factors (habitat loss, climate change, introduction of neozoa, UV-B irradiation, and direct exploitation) is still uncertain. Because reptilian endocrinology is so variable among species, EDC effects reported for individual species cannot easily be extrapolated to others. Nevertheless, for some species and locations (e.g., the Lake Popka alligators), there is considerable evidence that population declines are caused or triggered by chemical pollution. In birds, there is ample evidence for EDC effects on the reproductive system. In some bird species, effects can be linked to population declines (e.g., based on egg-shell thinning induced by DDT/DDE). In contrast, other bird species were shown to be rather insensitive to endocrine disruption. Oil spills, which also may exert endocrine effects, are usually regarded to cause only transient bird population effects, although long-term data are largely missing. Mammal population declines have been correlated with organochlorine pollution. Moreover, numerous studies have attributed reproductive and non-reproductive dysfunctions in mammals to EDC exposure. However, in the majority of cases, it is uncertain if effects at the population level can be attributed to chemical-induced reproductive effects. Evidence shows that selected species from all vertebrate classes were negatively affected by certain anthropogenic chemicals. Affects on some species are well characterized at the organismal level. However, the proof of a direct link between chemical exposure and population decline was not given for the vast majority of studied species. This review clearly shows the gaps in knowledge that must be filled for the topic area addressed. We, herewith, make a plea for long-term studies to monitor effects of various environmental chemicals on wildlife vertebrate populations. Such studies may be augmented or combined with mechanistically-oriented histological, cytological and biochemical parallel investigations, to fill knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bernanke
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany
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Mayer AS, Newman LS. Genetic and environmental modulation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. RESPIRATION PHYSIOLOGY 2001; 128:3-11. [PMID: 11535256 DOI: 10.1016/s0034-5687(01)00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout a large part of the western world. Although personal tobacco use has been implicated in a large number of these cases, it is also true that only a fraction of smokers ever develop respiratory problems. Therefore, the question of host susceptibility and other environmental factors should be considered. This paper will briefly review evidence for host susceptibility to COPD, review evidence for additional environmental risk factors for the development of COPD, and give an example of environmental interactions with a known genetic risk factor that further increase the risk of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Mayer
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA
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Stern AH, Korn LR. How useful is linear regression analysis in detecting the existence of dose-response relationships in large-scale epidemiologic studies when only a fraction of the population is sensitive? The case of methylmercury. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2001; 33:29-36. [PMID: 11259177 DOI: 10.1006/rtph.2000.1437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The existence of a dose response in epidemiologic studies is generally determined from the linear regression slope after controlling for covariates. This approach assumes the entire population is equally sensitive to the toxicant and that response is a function only of dose and a random error function. However, sensitive subpopulations have been identified for a variety of toxicants possibly including methylmercury (MeHg). The study of MeHg exposure in the Seychelles Islands has failed to find significant effects (dose-response slope not significantly different from zero) while other studies have found such effects. Using data on the error function in developmental test scores and MeHg exposure distributions from that study, and assuming plausible dose-response relationships for sensitive subpopulations, we conducted Monte-Carlo simulations of the power of linear regression analysis to detect a dose-response relationship from the total sample (n=700), and to compare dose-response slopes in the total and sensitive populations. Linear regression did not reliably detect a dose-response relationship for most scenarios when sensitives were 5% of the total and for some scenarios when sensitives were 10% of the total. We also found that the dose-response slope for the total population underestimated the sensitive dose-response slope in all cases by about an order of magnitude. These findings may have important implications for detection and quantification of dose-response relationships from epidemiologic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Stern
- Division of Science, Research and Technology, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, 401 East State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0409, USA.
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Koh D, Seow A, Ong CN. Applications of new technology in molecular epidemiology and their relevance to occupational medicine. Occup Environ Med 1999; 56:725-9. [PMID: 10658556 PMCID: PMC1757685 DOI: 10.1136/oem.56.11.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Technological advances in molecular biology over the past 2 decades have offered more complex techniques that can be used to study the role of specific exogenous agents and host variables that cause ill health. Increasingly, studies in human populations use this new technology, combined with epidemiological methods, to shed light on the understanding of the biological processes associated with development of disease. This approach has many potential applications in occupational and environmental medicine (OEM), and some aspects of the work in this growing field are reviewed. An understanding of biochemistry and genetics at the molecular level, specific knowledge on metabolism and mechanisms of action, and epidemiology have become increasingly important for the OEM practitioner. This is necessary to consider the major question of validation and relevance of these molecular biomarkers. As end users, OEM practitioners should also consider the impact of these advances on their practices. For example, the availability of genetic tests to identify susceptible workers raises issues of ethics, individual privacy, right to work, and the relevance of such tests. Several studies have presented data on the association of environmental measurements and various biomarkers for internal and biologically effective dose, genetic polymorphisms, and early response markers. Given the limitations of individual molecular biomarkers in assessing risk to health, and the multifactorial nature of environmental disease, it is likely that such an approach will increase our understanding of the complex issue of mechanisms of disease and further refine the process of risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Koh
- Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
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Schulte PA, Lomax GP, Ward EM, Colligan MJ. Ethical issues in the use of genetic markers in occupational epidemiologic research. J Occup Environ Med 1999; 41:639-46. [PMID: 10457506 DOI: 10.1097/00043764-199908000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This review was conducted to characterize the nature of contemporary occupational epidemiologic research involving genetic markers, consider how genetic information is unique with regard to its social applications, and examine some of the ethical dilemmas that may arise over the course of studies. We have reviewed the literature and the lessons from our experience in conducting occupational epidemiologic research involving genetic markers. This review describes how occupational epidemiologic studies differ from other epidemiologic studies on issues of participation, confidentiality, and the history of including genetic markers. Of primary concern in occupational studies are genes that have multiple alleles and are sometimes referred to as "metabolic polymorphisms." They generally do not confer risk on their own but rather only in combination with a specific exposure. There is a need for a clear policy and guidelines for the conduct of occupational epidemiologic studies using genetic material. This policy should address all of the steps in study design, implementation, interpretation, and communication of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati 45226-1998, USA
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Au WW, Cajas-Salazar N, Salama S. Factors contributing to discrepancies in population monitoring studies. Mutat Res 1998; 400:467-78. [PMID: 9685705 DOI: 10.1016/s0027-5107(98)00058-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A review of the scientific literature on population monitoring studies (on non-accidentally exposed populations) frequently show that many of these studies using similarly exposed populations and the same laboratory techniques do not produce consistent results. To illustrate the problem, a brief review of studies using well validated techniques (chromosome aberrations and hprt gene mutation) to elucidate genotoxic effects of cigarette smoking is presented. Although many factors can contribute to the generation of discrepant results, two obvious factors are small sample sizes and inadequate experimental data. In addition, a new factor on genetic susceptibility should be considered in population studies whenever appropriate. The new factor is based on recent data showing the influence of polymorphic metabolizing genes on response to environmental mutagens towards biological effects and disease outcome. The common ones include the cytochrome P450 and the glutathione S-transferase genes. The inclusion of susceptibility factors in population monitoring may revolutionize the approach for health risk assessment and for environmental regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W Au
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, Division of Environmental Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1110, USA.
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Srám RJ. Effect of glutathione S-transferase M1 polymorphisms on biomarkers of exposure and effects. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 1998; 106 Suppl 1:231-239. [PMID: 9539016 PMCID: PMC1533289 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.106-1533289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Genotypes responsible for interindividual differences in ability to activate or detoxify genotoxic agents are recognized as biomarkers of susceptibility. Among the most studied genotypes are human glutathione transferases. The relationship of genetic susceptibility to biomarkers of exposure and effects was studied especially in relation to the genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1). For this review papers reporting the effect of GSTM1 genotype on DNA adducts, protein adducts, urine mutagenicity, Comet assay parameters, chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), micronuclei, and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase mutations were assessed. Subjects in groups occupationally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzidine, pesticides, and 1,3-butadiene were included. As environmentally exposed populations, autopsy donors, coal tar-treated patients, smokers, nonsmokers, mothers, postal workers, and firefighters were followed. From all biomarkers the effect of GSTM1 and N-acetyl transferase 2 was seen in coke oven workers on mutagenicity of urine and of glutathione S-transferase T1 on the chromosomal aberrations in subjects from 1,3-butadiene monomer production units. Effects of genotypes on DNA adducts were found from lung tissue of autopsy donors and from placentas of mothers living in an air-polluted region. The GSTM1 genotype affected mutagenicity of urine in smokers and subjects from polluted regions, protein adducts in smokers, SCE in smokers and nonsmokers, and Comet assay parameters in postal workers. A review of all studies on GSTM1 polymorphisms suggests that research probably has not reached the stage where results can be interpreted to formulate preventive measures. The relationship between genotypes and biomarkers of exposure and effects may provide an important guide to the risk assessment of human exposure to mutagens and carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Srám
- Laboratory of Genetic Ecotoxicology, Institute of Experimental Medicine and Regional Institute of Hygiene of Central Bohemia, Prague, Czech Republic.
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