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Rota M, Viscardi A, Maghin F, Placidi D, Conti A. Mesothelioma among seamen: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer Prev 2024:00008469-990000000-00131. [PMID: 38502527 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Navy personnel and seafarers live and work 24 h per day in the shipboard environment and they are exposed to asbestos fibers released into the confined spaces aboard ships. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the mesothelioma risk of seamen working aboard ships, either commercial or naval vessels, as compared to that of the general population. METHODS We carried out a literature search in MEDLINE through PubMed and EMBASE, from inception to 31 December 2021, of all studies on seamen working aboard ships, either commercial or naval vessels, characterized by exposure to asbestos and providing mesothelioma risk estimates. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies included. The pooled standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was computed across eligible studies. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO and reporting followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. RESULTS A total of 10 studies published from 1990 to 2020 were considered eligible and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. All the included studies were of good quality, with a median score of seven out of nine. Overall, there were 235 mesothelioma cases/deaths in the included studies versus 115.6 expected, with a pooled SMR of 2.11 (95% confidence intervals, 1.70-2.62), in the absence of a significant between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 39%, P = 0.11). CONCLUSION A more than double excess risk for mesothelioma among seamen working aboard ships emerged from our meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rota
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia
| | - Angelo Viscardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia
| | - Francesca Maghin
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1
- National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Brescia, Italy
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia
| | - Adelaide Conti
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1
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Valenzuela M, Giraldo M, Gallo-Murcia S, Pineda J, Santos L, Ramos-Bonilla JP. Recent Scientific Evidence Regarding Asbestos Use and Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 3:335-347. [PMID: 27696225 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To justify the continuous use of two million tons of asbestos every year, it has been argued that a safe/controlled use can be achieved. The aim of this review was to identify recent scientific studies that present empirical evidence of: 1) health consequences resulting from past asbestos exposures and 2) current asbestos exposures resulting from asbestos use. Articles with evidence that could support or reject the safe/controlled use argument were also identified. A total of 155 articles were included in the review, and 87 % showed adverse asbestos health consequences or high asbestos exposures. Regarding the safe/controlled use, 44 articles were identified, and 82 % had evidence suggesting that the safe/controlled use is not being achieved. A large percentage of articles with evidence that support the safe/controlled use argument have a conflict of interest declared. Most of the evidence was developed in high-income countries and in countries that have already banned asbestos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Valenzuela
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Margarita Giraldo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sonia Gallo-Murcia
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana Pineda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Santos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Pablo Ramos-Bonilla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Barbiero F, Zanin T, Pisa FE, Casetta A, Rosolen V, Giangreco M, Negro C, Bovenzi M, Barbone F. Mortality in a cohort of asbestos-exposed workers undergoing health surveillance. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2018; 109:83-86. [PMID: 29701625 PMCID: PMC7682175 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v109i2.5865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: The coastal area of Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region, north-eastern Italy, was characterized by work activities in which asbestos was used until the early 1990s, particularly in shipbuilding. A public health surveillance program (PHSP) for asbestos-exposed workers was established, although limited evidence exists about the efficacy of such programs in reducing disease occurrence and mortality. Objectives: To compare mortality in a cohort of 2,488 men occupationally exposed to asbestos, enrolled in a PHSP in FVG between the early 1990s and 2008, with that of the general population of FVG and Italy. Methods: Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR), with 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI), for all causes, all cancers, lung (LC) and pleural cancer (PC) were estimated in the cohort and in subgroups of workers with the first hire in shipbuilding that caused asbestos exposure (<1974, 1974-1984, 1985-1994). Results: A strong excess in mortality for PC with reference to FVG (SMR=6.87, 95% CI 4.45-10.17) and Italian population (SMR=13.95, 95% CI 9.02-20.64) was observed. For LC, the FVG-based SMR was 1.49 (95% CI 1.17-1.89) and the Italy-based 1.43 (95% CI 1.12-1.81). Mortality among workers with the first hire in shipbuilding before 1974 was high for PC (FVG-based SMR=8.98, 95% CI 5.56-13.75; Italy-based SMR=18.41, 95% CI 11.40-28.17) and for LC (FVG-based SMR =1.60, 95% CI 1.18-2.11; Italy-based SMR=1.54, 95% CI 1.14-2.03). Further, for LC between 1974 and 1984, the FVG-based SMR was 2.45 (95% CI 1.06-4.82), and the Italy-based SMR was 2.33 (95% CI 1.01-4.60). Conclusions: This cohort experienced an excess mortality for pleural and lung cancer, compared with regional and national populations. For lung cancer, the excess was stronger in workers with the first hire in shipbuilding before 1985, suggesting a key role of asbestos exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano Barbiero
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy Health and Health and Safety at Work Department (SPISAL), Local Health Authority N. 12, Region of Veneto, Mestre, Italy.
| | - Tina Zanin
- Health and Safety at Work Department. Local Health Authority No 2 (ASS2), Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Gorizia, Italy.
| | - Federica Edith Pisa
- Department Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology BIPS, Bremen, Germany and Institute of Hygiene and Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Anica Casetta
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Valentina Rosolen
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Manuela Giangreco
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Corrado Negro
- Clinical Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Massimo Bovenzi
- Clinical Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
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Crovella S, Moura RR, Cappellani S, Celsi F, Trevisan E, Schneider M, Brollo A, Nicastro EM, Vita F, Finotto L, Zabucchi G, Borelli V. A genetic variant of NLRP1 gene is associated with asbestos body burden in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 81:98-105. [PMID: 29265930 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1416911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The presence of asbestos bodies (ABs) in lung parenchyma is considered a histopathologic hallmark of past exposure to asbestos fibers, of which there was a population of longer fibers. The mechanisms underlying AB formation are complex, involving inflammatory responses and iron (Fe) metabolism. Thus, the responsiveness to AB formation is variable, with some individuals appearing to be poor AB formers. The aim of this study was to disclose the possible role of genetic variants of genes encoding inflammasome and iron metabolism proteins in the ability to form ABs in a population of 81 individuals from North East Italy, who died after having developed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This study included 86 genetic variants distributed in 10 genes involved in Fe metabolism and 7 genetic variants in two genes encoding for inflammasome molecules. Genotypes/haplotypes were compared according to the number of lung ABs. Data showed that the NLRP1 rs12150220 missense variant (H155L) was significantly correlated with numbers of ABs in MPM patients. Specifically, a low number of ABs was detected in individuals carrying the NLRP1 rs12150220 A/T genotype. Our findings suggest that the NLRP1 inflammasome might contribute in the development of lung ABs. It is postulated that the NLRP1 missense variant may be considered as one of the possible host genetic factors contributing to individual variability in coating efficiency, which needs to be taken when assessing occupational exposure to asbestos.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Crovella
- a Institute for Maternal and Child Health , IRCCS Burlo Garofolo , Trieste , Italy
- b Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences , University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara , Trieste , Italy
| | - R R Moura
- c Department of Genetics , Federal University of Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
| | - S Cappellani
- a Institute for Maternal and Child Health , IRCCS Burlo Garofolo , Trieste , Italy
| | - F Celsi
- a Institute for Maternal and Child Health , IRCCS Burlo Garofolo , Trieste , Italy
| | - E Trevisan
- d Department of Life Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - M Schneider
- e Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy , AAS2 "Bassa Friulana-Isontina" - S. Polo General Hospital , Monfalcone , Italy
| | - A Brollo
- e Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy , AAS2 "Bassa Friulana-Isontina" - S. Polo General Hospital , Monfalcone , Italy
| | - E M Nicastro
- e Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy , AAS2 "Bassa Friulana-Isontina" - S. Polo General Hospital , Monfalcone , Italy
| | - F Vita
- d Department of Life Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - L Finotto
- f Workplace Safety and Prevention , AAS2 "Bassa Friulana-Isontina" - S. Polo General Hospital , Monfalcone , Italy
| | - G Zabucchi
- d Department of Life Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - V Borelli
- d Department of Life Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
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Greim H, Utell MJ, Maxim LD, Niebo R. Perspectives on refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) carcinogenicity: comparisons with other fibers. Inhal Toxicol 2014; 26:789-810. [PMID: 25264933 PMCID: PMC4245174 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2014.953276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In 2011, SCOEL classified RCF as a secondary genotoxic carcinogen and supported a practical threshold. Inflammation was considered the predominant manifestation of RCF toxicity. Intrapleural and intraperitoneal implantation induced mesotheliomas and sarcomas in laboratory animals. Chronic nose-only inhalation bioassays indicated that RCF exposure in rats increased the incidence of lung cancer and similar exposures resulted in mesothelioma in hamsters, but these studies may have been compromised by overload. Epidemiological studies in the US and Europe showed an association between exposure and prevalence of respiratory symptoms and pleural plaques, but no interstitial fibrosis, mesotheliomas, or increased numbers of lung tumors were observed. As the latency of asbestos induced mesotheliomas can be up to 50 years, the relationship between RCF exposure and respiratory malignances has not been fully determined. Nonetheless, it is possible to offer useful perspectives. RCF and rock wool have similar airborne fiber dimensions and biopersistence. Therefore, it is likely that these fibers have similar toxicology. Traditional rock wool has been the subject of numerous cohort and case control studies. For rock wool, IARC (2002) concluded that the epidemiological studies did not provide evidence of carcinogenicity. Based on analogies with rock wool (read across), it is reasonable to believe that increases in lung cancer or any mesotheliomas are unlikely to be found in the RCF-exposed cohort. RCF producers have developed a product stewardship program to measure and control fiber concentrations and to further understand the health status of their workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Greim
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University , Munich , Germany
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Bianchi C, Bianchi T. Pleural mesothelioma in a couple of brothers. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2013; 17:122-3. [PMID: 24872671 PMCID: PMC4035608 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5278.130865] [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: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesotheliomas of the pleura, epithelial type, were observed in two brothers. Both the patients had histories of severe exposure to asbestos, having worked as insulators. The latency periods in the two cases were 26 and 38 years, respectively. Available literature data suggest that mesothelioma occurrence among blood-related people is favored by a genetic predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bianchi
- Center for the Study of Environmental Cancer, Italian League against Cancer, Monfalcone, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bianchi
- Center for the Study of Environmental Cancer, Italian League against Cancer, Monfalcone, Italy
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