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Sadighara P, Abedini A, Zirak MR, Salehi A, Darbandi Azar S, Mirzaei G, Vakili Saatloo N. Relationship between styrene exposure and prolactin secretion in human and animal studies: A systematic review. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221133538. [PMID: 36321261 DOI: 10.1177/09603271221133538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Styrene is widely used in industrial applications. Inhalation exposure occurs in the industry. Some studies indicated that serum prolactin concentrations increased after exposure to styrene, while other studies found no change. In this systematic review, the search was done with the keywords styrene and prolactin in the PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus databases, regardless of the publication period. 118 studies were obtained and only seven articles were finally selected according to exclusion and inclusion criteria. The effect of styrene on prolactin secretion was selected in both human and animal studies. The increased response was seen in inhalation exposures. Subcutaneous exposure has no significant effect on prolactin levels. The observed responses were both dose-dependent and gender-dependent. Changes in serum prolactin were more frequent in women compared to exposed men. Dopamine depletion was not observed in all studies, so more tests on laboratory animals are necessary to clarify the possible mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sadighara
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Food Safety Division, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Abedini
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Food Safety Division, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M-R Zirak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A Salehi
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Food Safety Division, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Darbandi Azar
- Department of Nutrition Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, 556492Shaheed Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - G Mirzaei
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Food Safety Division, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - N Vakili Saatloo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, 117045Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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Bell IR. White Paper: Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Sensitivity to Low-Level Chemicals: A Neural Sensitization Model. Toxicol Ind Health 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/074823379401000502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The present paper summarizes the proposed time-dependent sensitization (TDS) and partial limbic kindling model for illness from low-level chemicals; reviews and critiques prior studies on CNS aspects of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS); and outlines possible experimental approaches to future studies. TDS is the progressive and persistent amplification of behavioral, neurochemical, endocrine, and/or immunological responses to repeated intermittent stimuli over time. Partial limbic kindling is a progressive and persistent lowering of the threshold for eliciting electrical afterdischarges, but not motor seizures, in certain brain structures such as amygdala and hippocampus; behavioral consequences include increased avoidant behaviors. The focus of the paper is the controversial claim of altered sense of smell and illness from low levels of environmental chemicals (i. e., cacosmia), levels that should not have any biologically harmful effects by the rules of classical neurotoxicology. A major perspective of this paper is that the phenomenology of MCS is similar to that of time-dependent sensitization (reverse tolerance) and tolerance as studied in the substance abuse literature. The TDS model for MCS proposes that neurobiological amplification underlies the symptoms and phenomenology of these patients, including their behavioral features of heightened affective and somatic distress. It is hypothesized that MCS patients, who are mostly women, may be individuals who sensitize to substances rapidly and to the extreme, to the point of aversive symptomatology with less complete capacity for development of tolerance. Possible parallels between MCS and TDS include: (a) initiation by single or multiple intermittent
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris R. Bell
- Department of Psychiatry University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and Tucson
Veterans Affairs Medical Center Tucson, Arizona
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Fetoni AR, Paciello F, Rolesi R, Pisani A, Moleti A, Sisto R, Troiani D, Paludetti G, Grassi C. Styrene targets sensory and neural cochlear function through the crossroad between oxidative stress and inflammation. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 163:31-42. [PMID: 33307165 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although styrene is an established ototoxic agent at occupational exposure levels, the mechanisms of styrene toxicity in the auditory system are still unclear. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify the consequences of styrene chronic exposure in cochlear structures, looking for the mechanisms of ototoxicity of this organic compound and focusing on cell targets and oxidative stress/inflammatory processes. METHODS Male adult Wistar rats were exposed to styrene (400 mg/kg by gavage for 5 days/week, 3 consecutive weeks). Hearing loss was evaluated by measuring auditory brainstem responses (ABR), morphological analysis were performed to evaluate hair cell and spiral ganglion neuron survival, as well as synaptic damage. Analysis of apoptotic (p53) and inflammatory (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10) mediators were performed by immunofluorescence analysis and western blot. RESULTS Styrene ototoxic effects induced a hearing loss of about 35-40 dB. Immunofluorescence and western blotting analyses demonstrated that styrene administration induced redox imbalance and activated inflammatory processes, targeting sensory hair cell and neural dysfunction by a cross-talk between oxidative and inflammatory mediators. DISCUSSION Major findings connect styrene ototoxicity to an interplay between redox imbalance and inflammation, leading to the intriguing assumption of a mixed sensory and neural styrene-induced ototoxicity. Thus, in a clinical perspective, data reported here have important implications for styrene risk assessment in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita Fetoni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
| | - Fabiola Paciello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Rolando Rolesi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Anna Pisani
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Arturo Moleti
- Department of Physics, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Renata Sisto
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
| | - Diana Troiani
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Gaetano Paludetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Sliwinska-Kowalska M, Fuente A, Zamyslowska-Szmytke E. Cochlear dysfunction is associated with styrene exposure in humans. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227978. [PMID: 31961907 PMCID: PMC6974250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Occupational exposure to styrene has been shown to be associated with an increased probability of developing hearing loss. However, the sites of lesions in the auditory system in humans remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of styrene exposure on the cochlea of human subjects. DESIGN The hearing function of 98 styrene-exposed male workers from the glass fibre-reinforced plastics industry (mean concentration of 55 mg/m3) was evaluated bilaterally using pure-tone audiometry (1000-16000 Hz), distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), and auditory brainstem response (ABR). The results were compared to a group of 111 male workers exposed to noise (above 85 dBA) and 70 male white-collar workers exposed to neither noise nor solvents. Age and noise exposure levels were accounted for as confounding variables in all statistical models. RESULTS Styrene exposure was significantly associated with poorer pure-tone thresholds (1-8 kHz), lower DPOAE amplitudes (5-6 kHz), and shorter wave V latencies in both ears compared to control-group subjects. Similar results were found among noise-exposed subjects. A further analysis with wave V latency showed that styrene-exposed subjects showed significantly shorter latencies than expected according to normative data. These results suggest that occupational exposure to styrene at moderate concentrations is associated with cochlear dysfunction, at least at high frequencies. DPOAEs may be considered a valuable diagnostic tool in hearing conservation programs in workers exposed to styrene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian Fuente
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- École d’orthophonie et d’audiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ewa Zamyslowska-Szmytke
- Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
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Banton MI, Bus JS, Collins JJ, Delzell E, Gelbke HP, Kester JE, Moore MM, Waites R, Sarang SS. Evaluation of potential health effects associated with occupational and environmental exposure to styrene - an update. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2019; 22:1-130. [PMID: 31284836 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2019.1633718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The potential chronic health risks of occupational and environmental exposure to styrene were evaluated to update health hazard and exposure information developed since the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis risk assessment for styrene was performed in 2002. The updated hazard assessment of styrene's health effects indicates human cancers and ototoxicity remain potential concerns. However, mechanistic research on mouse lung tumors demonstrates these tumors are mouse-specific and of low relevance to human cancer risk. The updated toxicity database supports toxicity reference levels of 20 ppm (equates to 400 mg urinary metabolites mandelic acid + phenylglyoxylic acid/g creatinine) for worker inhalation exposure and 3.7 ppm and 2.5 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, for general population inhalation and oral exposure. No cancer risk value estimates are proposed given the established lack of relevance of mouse lung tumors and inconsistent epidemiology evidence. The updated exposure assessment supports inhalation and ingestion routes as important. The updated risk assessment found estimated risks within acceptable ranges for all age groups of the general population and workers with occupational exposures in non-fiber-reinforced polymer composites industries and fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRP) workers using closed-mold operations or open-mold operations with respiratory protection. Only FRP workers using open-mold operations not using respiratory protection have risk exceedances for styrene and should be considered for risk management measures. In addition, given the reported interaction of styrene exposure with noise, noise reduction to sustain levels below 85 dB(A) needs be in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Banton
- a Gorge View Consulting LLC , Hood River , OR , USA
| | - J S Bus
- b Health Sciences , Exponent , Midland , MI , USA
| | - J J Collins
- c Health Sciences , Saginaw Valley State University , Saginaw , MI , USA
| | - E Delzell
- d Private consultant , Birmingham , AL , USA
| | | | - J E Kester
- f Kester Consulting LLC , Wentzville , MO , USA
| | | | - R Waites
- h Sabic , Innovative Plastics US LLC , Mount Vernon , IN , USA
| | - S S Sarang
- i Shell Health , Shell International , Houston , TX , USA
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Werder EJ, Sandler DP, Richardson DB, Emch ME, Kwok RK, Gerr FE, Engel LS. Environmental Styrene Exposure and Sensory and Motor Function in Gulf Coast Residents. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:47006. [PMID: 31009265 PMCID: PMC6785236 DOI: 10.1289/ehp3954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although styrene is an established neurotoxicant at occupational exposure levels, its neurotoxicity has not been characterized in relation to general population exposures. Further, occupational research to date has focused on central nervous system impairment. OBJECTIVE We assessed styrene-associated differences in sensory and motor function among Gulf coast residents. METHODS We used 2011 National Air Toxics Assessment estimates of ambient styrene to determine exposure levels for 2,956 nondiabetic Gulf state residents enrolled in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study, and additionally measured blood styrene concentration in a subset of participants 1 to 2 y after enrollment ([Formula: see text]). Participants completed an enrollment telephone interview and a comprehensive test battery to assess sensory and motor function during a clinical follow-up exam 2 to 4 y later. Detailed covariate information was ascertained at enrollment via telephone interview. We used multivariate linear regression to estimate continuous differences in sensory and motor function, and log-binomial regression to estimate prevalence ratios for dichotomous outcomes. We estimated associations of both ambient and blood styrene exposures with sensory and motor function, independently for five unique tests. RESULTS Those participants in the highest 25% vs. lowest 75% of ambient exposure and those in the highest 10% vs. lowest 90% of blood styrene had slightly diminished visual contrast sensitivity. Mean vibrotactile thresholds were lower among those in the highest vs. lowest quartile of ambient styrene and the highest 10% vs. lowest 90% of blood styrene ([Formula: see text] log microns; 95% CI: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] log microns; 95% CI: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively). The highest vs. lowest quartile of ambient styrene was associated with significantly poorer postural stability, and (unexpectedly) with significantly greater grip strength. DISCUSSION We observed associations between higher styrene exposure and poorer visual, sensory, and vestibular function, though we did not detect associations with reduced voluntary motor system performance. Associations were more consistent for ambient exposures, but we also found notable associations with measured blood styrene. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP3954.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Werder
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - David B. Richardson
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael E. Emch
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Richard K. Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Fredric E. Gerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Werder EJ, Engel LS, Richardson DB, Emch ME, Gerr FE, Kwok RK, Sandler DP. Environmental styrene exposure and neurologic symptoms in U.S. Gulf coast residents. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:480-490. [PMID: 30278311 PMCID: PMC6712572 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Styrene is an established neurotoxicant at occupational levels, but effects at levels relevant to the general population have not been studied. We examined the neurologic effects of environmental styrene exposure among U.S. Gulf coast residents. METHODS We used National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) 2011 estimates of ambient styrene concentrations to assign exposure levels for 21,962 non-diabetic Gulf state residents, and additionally measured blood styrene concentration in a subset of participants (n = 874). Neurologic symptoms, as well as detailed covariate information, were ascertained via telephone interview. We used log-binomial regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for cross-sectional associations between both ambient and blood styrene levels and self-reported neurologic symptoms. We estimated associations independently for ten unique symptoms, as well as for the presence of any neurologic, central nervous system (CNS), or peripheral nervous system (PNS) symptoms. We also examined heterogeneity of associations with estimated ambient styrene levels by race and sex. RESULTS One-third of participants reported at least one neurologic symptom. The highest quartile of estimated ambient styrene was associated with one or more neurologic (PR, 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07,1.18), CNS (PR, 1.17; 95% CI: 1.11,1.25), and PNS (PR, 1.16; 95% CI: 1.09,1.25) symptom. Results were less consistent for biomarker analyses, but blood styrene level was suggestively associated with nausea (PR, 1.78; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.03). In stratified analyses, we observed the strongest effects among non-White participants. CONCLUSIONS Increasing estimated ambient styrene concentration was consistently associated with increased prevalence of neurologic symptoms. Associations between blood styrene levels and some neurologic symptoms were suggestive. Environmental styrene exposure levels may be sufficient to elicit symptomatic neurotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Werder
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - David B Richardson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Michael E Emch
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Fredric E Gerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Richard K Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America.
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Bolden AL, Schultz K, Pelch KE, Kwiatkowski CF. Exploring the endocrine activity of air pollutants associated with unconventional oil and gas extraction. Environ Health 2018; 17:26. [PMID: 29558955 PMCID: PMC5861625 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction has rapidly proliferated throughout the United States (US) and the world. This occurred largely because of the development of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing which allows access to fossil fuels from geologic formations that were previously not cost effective to pursue. This process is known to use greater than 1,000 chemicals such as solvents, surfactants, detergents, and biocides. In addition, a complex mixture of chemicals, including heavy metals, naturally-occurring radioactive chemicals, and organic compounds are released from the formations and can enter air and water. Compounds associated with UOG activity have been linked to adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes in humans and laboratory animal models, which is possibly due to the presence of endocrine active chemicals. METHODS Using systematic methods, electronic searches of PubMed and Web of Science were conducted to identify studies that measured chemicals in air near sites of UOG activity. Records were screened by title and abstract, relevant articles then underwent full text review, and data were extracted from the studies. A list of chemicals detected near UOG sites was generated. Then, the potential endocrine activity of the most frequently detected chemicals was explored via searches of literature from PubMed. RESULTS Evaluation of 48 studies that sampled air near sites of UOG activity identified 106 chemicals detected in two or more studies. Ethane, benzene and n-pentane were the top three most frequently detected. Twenty-one chemicals have been shown to have endocrine activity including estrogenic and androgenic activity and the ability to alter steroidogenesis. Literature also suggested that some of the air pollutants may affect reproduction, development, and neurophysiological function, all endpoints which can be modulated by hormones. These chemicals included aromatics (i.e., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and mercury. CONCLUSION These results provide a basis for prioritizing future primary studies regarding the endocrine disrupting properties of UOG air pollutants, including exposure research in wildlife and humans. Further, we recommend systematic reviews of the health impacts of exposure to specific chemicals, and comprehensive environmental sampling of a broader array of chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Bolden
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), www.TEDX.org, Eckert, Colorado USA
| | - Kim Schultz
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), www.TEDX.org, Eckert, Colorado USA
| | - Katherine E. Pelch
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), www.TEDX.org, Eckert, Colorado USA
| | - Carol F. Kwiatkowski
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), www.TEDX.org, Eckert, Colorado USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado USA
- Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina USA
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Colborn T, Short P. Pesticide use in the U.S. and policy implications: A focus on herbicides. Toxicol Ind Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/074823379901500121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This article examines herbicide use in the United States, providing estimates of poundage, land surface covered, distribution, and recent trends based on federal and state figures. Herbicides are by far the most widely used class of pesticide in the US, where 556 million lbs of herbicide active ingredients (AIs) were applied in 1995. Agriculture accounts for the majority of herbicide use, totaling 461 million lbs of AIs in 1995. Over 60% of the poundage of all agricultural herbicides consist of those that are capable of disrupting the endocrine and/or reproductive systems of animals. In addition, at least 17 types of `inert ingredients,' which can equal 90% or more of a pesticide product, have been identified as having potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Atrazine is the predominant herbicide used according to poundage, with 68-73 million lbs of AIs applied in 1995. However, 2,4-D is the most widespread herbicide, covering 78 million acres for agricultural uses alone. Both of these herbicides are reported endocrine disruptors. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, namely the sulfonylureas and imidazolinones, are one of the fastest growing classes of herbicides. Many of these herbicides are 100 times more toxic to select plant species than their predecessors, so they can be applied at rates approximately 100 times lower. Consequently, they can affect plant species at concentration levels so low that no standard chemical protocol can detect them. Due in part to these more potent herbicides, the poundage of herbicides used in the US has decreased since the mid-1980s; however, the available data suggest that the number of treated acres has not significantly declined. A thorough assessment of potential exposure to herbicides by wildlife and humans is limited due to the inaccessibility of production and usage data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Colborn
- Wildlife and Contaminants Program, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Polly Short
- Wildlife and Contaminants Program, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, District of Columbia,
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Gelbke HP, Banton M, Leibold E, Pemberton M, Samson SL. A critical review finds styrene lacks direct endocrine disruptor activity. Crit Rev Toxicol 2015; 45:727-64. [PMID: 26406562 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2015.1064091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The European Commission lists styrene (S) as an endocrine disruptor based primarily on reports of increased prolactin (PRL) levels in S-exposed workers. The US Environmental Protection Agency included S in its list of chemicals to be tested for endocrine activity. Therefore, the database of S for potential endocrine activity is assessed. In vitro and in vivo screening studies, as well as non-guideline and guideline investigations in experimental animals indicate that S is not associated with (anti)estrogenic, (anti)androgenic, or thyroid-modulating activity or with an endocrine activity that may be relevant for the environment. Studies in exposed workers have suggested elevated PRL levels that have been further examined in a series of human and animal investigations. While there is only one definitively known physiological function of PRL, namely stimulation of milk production, many normal stress situations may lead to elevations without any chemical exposure. Animal studies on various aspects of dopamine (DA), the PRL-regulating neurotransmitter, in the central nervous system did not give mechanistic explanations on how S may affect PRL levels. Overall, a neuroendocrine disruption of PRL regulation cannot be deduced from a large experimental database. The effects in workers could not consistently be reproduced in experimental animals and the findings in humans represented acute reversible effects clearly below clinical and pathological levels. Therefore, unspecific acute workplace-related stress is proposed as an alternative mode of action for elevated PRL levels in workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcy Banton
- b Lyondell Chemical Company , Houston, Texas , USA
| | | | | | - Susan Leanne Samson
- e Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas , USA
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Abstract
Worldwide, several hundred million tons of organic solvents are used annually in household, industry, and other occupational settings. Millions of workers are regularly exposed to organic solvents considered neurotoxic. Acute neurotoxicity due to high exposure of solvent is usually evident, but the nature of long-term effects, such as chronic solvent encephalopathy (CSE), has raised uncertainty even among experts. Earlier studies were criticized for their methodology, mainly epidemiologic studies or investigations of exposed groups with many possible confounders and inadequate exposure assessment. However, an increasing number of studies have been performed since, also on workers with defined CSE based on differential diagnostics. During the last decade, evidence has emerged to enable identification of CSE, a necessity for the early recognition and prevention of progression of dysfunction and disability. Selected chemicals are presented here due to their widespread use, neurotoxic potential, and ability to cause solvent encephalopathy. Constant introduction of new chemicals may introduce new hazardous chemicals or known chemicals may reveal new health effects. It is important to keep an open mind for new findings of solvent-related neurobehavioral effects.
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Catalani S, De Palma G, Tomasi C, Alinovi R, Mutti A, Apostoli P. Lack of correlation between blood lead and serum prolactin levels among lead exposed workers. Biomarkers 2012; 17:513-9. [DOI: 10.3109/1354750x.2012.692391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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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Santini F, Mantovani A, Cristaudo A, Rago T, Marsili A, Buselli R, Mignani A, Ceccarini G, Bastillo R, Taddei D, Ricco I, Vitti P, Pinchera A. Thyroid function and exposure to styrene. Thyroid 2008; 18:1065-9. [PMID: 18816178 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2008.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many natural substances and drugs have long been known to cause goiter or thyroid dysfunction. More recently, several environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial compounds, have been investigated for their thyroid-disrupting activity and related adverse effects on human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of styrene on the thyroid axis in occupationally exposed workers. METHODS Thirty-eight exposed (E) and 123 nonexposed (NE) male workers (controls) were assessed. Serum concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH; basal and after thyrotropin-releasing hormone [TRH] administration.), free thyroxine (FT(4)), free triiodothyronine (FT(3)), anti-thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase antibody, and calcitonin were measured. Thyroid ultrasound examination was also performed. In E workers, urinary creatinine, mandelic acid (MA), and phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA) were also measured. RESULTS No significant differences between E and NE workers were demonstrated, as far as thyroid volume, nodularity, serum thyroid antibodies, and calcitonin were analyzed. However, in the E group a positive correlation between duration of exposure and thyroid volume was detected. After exclusion of subjects with nodular or autoimmune thyroid diseases, serum concentrations of FT(4), FT(3), and TSH did not differ between the two groups. In E workers there was a positive correlation between the urinary concentrations of styrene metabolites (MA plus PGA) and FT(4) or FT(4)/FT(3) ratio (p < 0.05; r = 0.45 and p < 0.005; r = 0.61, respectively), while no correlation was observed between urinary concentrations of MA plus PGA and serum TSH (either basal and stimulated). CONCLUSIONS Chronic exposure to styrene is not associated with an increase in nodular or autoimmune thyroid diseases. However, styrene could interfere with peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones by inhibiting T(4) to T(3) conversion. Whether this is a direct effect on iodothyronine deiodinases or a consequence of a general distress, such as in nonthyroidal illnesses, remains to be established. Further studies in a larger population of exposed workers are needed to confirm these preliminary observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferruccio Santini
- Department of Endocrinology and Kidney, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Van Rooij JGM, Kasper A, Triebig G, Werner P, Jongeneelen FJ, Kromhout H. Trends in occupational exposure to styrene in the European glass fibre-reinforced plastics industry. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2008; 52:337-49. [PMID: 18550625 PMCID: PMC2488378 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/men020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim: This study presents temporal trends of styrene exposure for workers in the European glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GRP) industry during the period 1966–2002. Methods: Data of personal styrene exposure measurements were retrieved from reports, databases and peer-reviewed papers. Only sources with descriptive statistics of personal measurements were accepted. The styrene exposure data cover personal air samples and biological monitoring data, that is, urinary styrene metabolites (mandelic acid and/or phenylglyoxylic acid) and styrene in blood. Means of series of measurements were categorized by year, country, production process, job and sampling strategy. Linear mixed models were used to identify temporal trends and factors affecting exposure levels. Results: Personal exposure measurements were available from 60 reports providing data on 24145 1–8-h time-weighted average shift personal air samples. Available data of biological exposure indicators included measurements of mandelic acid in post-shift urine (6361 urine samples being analysed). Trend analyses of the available styrene exposure data showed that the average styrene concentration in the breathing zone of open-mould workers in the European GRP industry has decreased on average by 5.3% per year during the period 1966–1990 and by only 0.4% annually in the period after 1990. The highest exposures were measured in Southern Europe and the lowest exposures in Northern Europe with Central Europe in between. Biological indicators of styrene (mandelic acid in post-shift urine) showed a somewhat steeper decline (8.9%), most likely because urine samples were collected in companies that showed a stronger decrease of styrene exposure in air than GRP companies where no biological measurements were carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G M Van Rooij
- IndusTox Consult, P.O. Box 31070, Nijmegen 6503 CB, the Netherlands.
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16
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Dreyfus E, Tramoni E, Lehucher-Michel MP. Persistent cognitive functioning deficits in operating rooms: two cases. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2008; 82:125-30. [PMID: 18259771 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-008-0302-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2007] [Accepted: 01/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) has never been described in operating room personnel. CASE REPORT We report two cases of anaesthetists who developed this pathology. They have both used anaesthetic gases for many years in paediatric surgery. Air conditioning was deficient during three years in operating rooms and atmospheric anaesthetics concentration was high (N(2)O mean concentration: 311 ppm, peak levels 1,600 ppm; halogenated: 16 ppm, peak levels: 1,600 ppm). CLINICAL SYMPTOMS Mood troubles and non-specific neuropsychic deficits gradually evolved until they had to stop working. Neuropsychological assessment showed important deficits in attention, executive functioning, short-term memory and visuo-spatial organization. Blood tests, VEPs, MRI, neuroSPECT and cardiovascular exams were normal. Troubles had slowly improved after cessation of exposure and sequels still remain. CONCLUSION These CTE cases seem to be the consequence of a long-term exposure to important levels of anaesthetic gases, and particularly nitrous oxide. It points out the importance of preventive measures in operating rooms, where occupational hazards are varied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Dreyfus
- Consultation de Pathologie Professionnelle, AP-HM Timone, Marseille, France
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17
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Tomei F, Ciarrocca M, Cherubini E, Rosati MV, Monti C, Capozzella A, Tomei G. Prolactin Levels in Workers Exposed to Chemical, Physical and Psycho‐Social Urban Stressors. J Occup Health 2006; 48:253-60. [PMID: 16902269 DOI: 10.1539/joh.48.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether traffic police officers exposed to chemical, physical and psycho-social stressors, are at risk for alterations in plasma levels of prolactin (PRL) compared to a control group. Plasma PRL levels were evaluated in 92 male and 51 female, non-smoker, traffic police officers exposed to urban stressors and in 92 male and 51 female controls, matched by sex, age and working life (mean, SD and distribution), after excluding workers with the principal extra-occupational confounding factors. Mean PRL levels were significantly higher than controls in non-smoker, male and female traffic police officers (respectively, p=0.000 and p=0.013). The number of non-smoker, male and female traffic police officers with PRL values outside the upper normal limit for our laboratory was higher than, but not significantly different from controls. Mean PRL levels were not significantly higher than controls in smoker, male and female traffic police officers. The number of smoker, male and female traffic police officers with PRL values outside the normal limit for our laboratory was not significantly different from controls. The results suggest that exposure to urban chemical and physical stressors, interacting with psychosocial factors, may have an influence on PRL levels in traffic police officers. The level of plasma PRL might be a useful early biological marker for workers exposed to urban stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tomei
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza".
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18
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Scarth JP. Modulation of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor (GH-IGF) axis by pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and environmental xenobiotics: an emerging role for xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and the transcription factors regulating their expression. A review. Xenobiotica 2006; 36:119-218. [PMID: 16702112 DOI: 10.1080/00498250600621627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor (GH-IGF) axis has gained considerable focus over recent years. One cause of this increased interest is due to a correlation of age-related decline in plasma GH/IGF levels with age-related degenerative processes, and it has led to the prescribing of GH replacement therapy by some practitioners. On the other hand, however, research has also focused on the pro-carcinogenic effects of high GH-IGF levels, providing strong impetus for finding regimes that reduce its activity. Whereas the effects of GH/IGF activity on the action of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme systems is reasonably well appreciated, the effects of xenobiotic exposure on the GH-IGF axis has not received substantial review. Relevant xenobiotics are derived from pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and environmental exposure, and many of the mechanisms involved are highly complex in nature, not easily predictable from existing in vitro tests and do not always predict well from in vivo animal models. After a review of the human and animal in vivo and in vitro literature, a framework for considering the different levels of direct and indirect modulation by xenobiotics is developed herein, and areas that still require further investigation are highlighted, i.e. the actions of common endocrine disruptors such as pesticides and phytoestrogens, as well as the role of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and the transcription factors regulating their expression. It is anticipated that a fuller appreciation of the existing human paradigms for GH-IGF axis modulation gained through this review may help explain some of the variation in levels of plasma IGF-1 and its binding proteins in the population, aid in the prescription of particular dietary regimens to certain individuals such as those with particular medical conditions, guide the direction of long-term drug/nutraceutical safety trials, and stimulate ideas for future research. It also serves to warn athletes that using compounds touted as performance enhancing because they promote short-term GH release could in fact be detrimental to performance in the long-run.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Scarth
- The Horseracing Forensic Laboratories (HFL), Fordham, UK.
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Luderer U, Collins TFX, Daston GP, Fischer LJ, Gray RH, Mirer FE, Olshan AF, Setzer RW, Treinen KA, Vermeulen R. NTP-CERHR Expert Panel Report on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of styrene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 77:110-93. [PMID: 16345075 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Umemura T, Kurahashi N, Kondo T, Katakura Y, Sata F, Kawai T, Kishi R. Acute effects of styrene inhalation on the neuroendocrinological system of rats and the different effects in male and female rats. Arch Toxicol 2005; 79:653-9. [PMID: 16021418 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-005-0684-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2005] [Accepted: 04/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
There have been several epidemiological and experimental studies about styrene from the neuroendocrinological viewpoint. Some reported that styrene exposure affected the neuroendocrinological system and enhanced prolactin (PRL) secretion, but others have denied those effects. It was assumed that styrene exposure caused depletion of dopamine (DA), which is a PRL inhibitor, and that, in consequence, the PRL level increased. However, not only DA but also many other factors control PRL secretion. Therefore, the mechanism of hypersecretion of PRL has not yet been clearly elucidated. In addition, effects of styrene on the female reproductive system have been reported, but the susceptibility needs to be further studied. Therefore, to investigate what causes hypersecretion of PRL and how different the susceptibility is in males and females, we studied acute effects of styrene exposure on the neuroendocrinological system in male and female rats. Immediately after exposure to 150 ppm styrene vapor for 10 days (8 h/day), male and female rats were killed, and blood and brain samples were collected. The styrene concentration in blood, hormones such as PRL, growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in plasma and neurotransmitters in various brain regions were measured. The styrene concentration in the blood of female rats was higher than that in male rats, and the PRL level was significantly increased in female exposed rats compared with controls. No significant change was observed in male rats. We did not observe any significant changes in DA, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or their metabolites. Because neurotransmitters were not affected in either male or female rats, the mechanism enhancing PRL secretion remains unclear. These results suggest that styrene exposure may cause hypersecretion of PRL and that the sensitivity to styrene exposure of the female may be higher than that of the male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Umemura
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, 060-8638 Sapporo, Japan.
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21
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Luderer U, Tornero-Velez R, Shay T, Rappaport S, Heyer N, Echeverria D. Temporal association between serum prolactin concentration and exposure to styrene. Occup Environ Med 2004; 61:325-33. [PMID: 15031390 PMCID: PMC1740755 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2002.005561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that occupational exposure to styrene is associated with increased serum levels of the anterior pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL). AIMS To test the hypotheses that: (1) the effect of styrene exposure on PRL secretion is an acute effect, not a subchronic or chronic effect; (2) blood styrene, as a measure of absorbed dose, is a stronger predictor of serum PRL level than personal breathing zone air styrene concentration. METHODS Subjects were recruited from 17 workplaces in the reinforced plastics industry. Personal breathing zone air styrene, whole blood styrene, and serum PRL were measured during one to three sessions, approximately one year apart. Linear multiple regression was used to model the relations between acute (air styrene or blood styrene obtained at same time as PRL), subchronic (average air or blood styrene over two or three sessions), and chronic (years of work in industry or facility times average air styrene over all sessions) indices of styrene exposure and serum PRL. RESULTS Acute blood styrene concentration was the strongest predictor of serum PRL concentration, with the model predicting a 2.06-fold increase in PRL (95% CI 1.11 to 3.84) for every 10-fold increase in blood styrene. Serum PRL tended to increase with increasing styrene exposure in both men and women; however, women tended to have higher PRL levels. For women, the change in blood styrene between sessions 1 and 2 was a significant predictor of the change in serum PRL between sessions. CONCLUSIONS Results confirm that styrene exposure enhances serum PRL concentrations and support an acute effect of styrene on PRL secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Luderer
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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22
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Tomei F, Rosati MV, Baccolo TP, Morelli A, Anzelmo V, Ciarrocca M, Tomao E. Occupational exposure to urban pollutants and plasma growth hormone (GH). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2003; 38:1017-1024. [PMID: 12774905 DOI: 10.1081/ese-120019860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of present study was to evaluate whether traffic policemen exposed to urban pollutants and possible psycho-social stressors are at risk of alterations on plasma growth hormone (GH) levels compared with a control group. Out of a population of 395 Municipal Police employees, the subjects with principal confounding factors were excluded from the study. The remaining traffic policemen were matched with those not exposed by sex, age, working life, and habitual consumption of alcohol; 71 traffic policemen (40 men and 31 women) with outdoor activity exposed to urban pollutants and 71 not exposed subjects (40 men and 31 women) with indoor activity were included in the study. The plasma levels of GH were significantly lower in the exposed traffic policemen compared with those not exposed (P = 0.000); similarly in male (P = 0.011) and female subjects (P = 0.000). The authors hypothesize the possibility of an effect of the specific working activity in traffic policemen on the plasma GH concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tomei
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Daré E, Tofighi R, Vettori MV, Momoi T, Poli D, Saido TC, Mutti A, Ceccatelli S. Styrene 7,8-oxide induces caspase activation and regular DNA fragmentation in neuronal cells. Brain Res 2002; 933:12-22. [PMID: 11929631 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)02274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurobehavioral changes have been described in workers occupationally exposed to styrene vapors. Alterations of neurotransmitters and loss of neurons have been observed in brains of styrene-exposed rats. However, the mechanisms of neuronal damage are not yet clearly understood. We have characterized the cellular alterations induced by the main reactive intermediate of styrene metabolism, styrene 7,8-oxide (SO) in the human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cell line and primary culture of rat cerebellar granule cells (CGC). SK-N-MC cells exposed to SO (0.3-1 mM) displayed apoptotic morphology, together with chromatin condensation and DNA cleavage into high molecular weight fragments of regular size. These features were accompanied by the activation of class II caspases, as detected with the DEVD assay, by following the cleavage of the caspase-substrate poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and by detection of the active fragment of caspase-3. Pre-incubation of the cells with the caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk reduced the cellular damage induced by SO, suggesting that caspases play an important role in SO toxicity. Increased proteolysis by class II caspases was detected also in primary culture of CGC exposed to SO. In addition, the presence of the 150-kDa cleavage product of alpha-fodrin suggests a possible activation of calpains in SK-N-MC cells. Moreover, SO did not affect the level of expression of the p53 protein, even though it is known to cause DNA damage. The identified intracellular pathways affected by SO exposure provides end-points that can be used in future studies for the evaluation of the neurotoxic effect of styrene in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Daré
- The National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Division of Toxicology and Neurotoxicology, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, S-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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Leite EMA, Leroyer A, Nisse C, Haguenoer JM, de Burbure CY, Buchet JP, Bernard A. Urinary homovanillic acid and serum prolactin levels in children with low environmental exposure to lead. Biomarkers 2002; 7:49-57. [PMID: 12101784 DOI: 10.1080/135475001100744192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that the neurotoxic effects of lead may partially be mediated through interference with the dopaminergic system. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of two peripheral dopaminergic markers--serum prolactin (Pro-S) and urinary homovanillic acid (HVA-U)--in children living around two lead smelters, who are presumed to be exposed to high environmental lead pollution (n = 200), and compare their results with 200 age- and sex-matched controls living in an area unpolluted by heavy metals, giving a total of 400 children (200 boys and 200 girls). The influence of lead exposure on HVA-U and Pro-S was assessed by stepwise multiple regression, testing lead concentrations in blood (Pb-B), age, sex and area of residence as predictors. Though lead levels were significantly higher in boys and in the lead-polluted environment, mean Pb-B values were relatively low, indicating a low uptake of lead in the contaminated environment (39.5 micrograms l-1, range 4.6-165 micrograms l-1, n = 200), and no significant correlation could be found with either Pro-S or HVA-U. However, when the subgroup of 121 children with Pb-B levels above 50 micrograms l-1 were considered, a weak positive correlation was found between Pb-B and HVA-U (r2 = 0.04, p = 0.03), whilst in the even smaller subgroup of 15 children with Pb-B levels above 100 micrograms l-1, Pro-S appeared to be positively correlated with Pb-B, though the numbers of children were too small for the correlation to reach statistical significance (p = 0.095). These weak associations, probably not important in biological terms, indicate that Pro-S and HVA-U are not useful biomarkers at present exposure levels to lead in the environment. Nevertheless, the finding of subtle biochemical alterations in the dopaminergic system at Pb-B levels of around 100 micrograms l-1 supports the recommended setting of the action level at this value.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Alvarez Leite
- Faculdade de Farmacia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-Bolsista do CNPq, Brazil
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25
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Date K, Ohno K, Azuma Y, Hirano S, Kobayashi K, Sakurai T, Nobuhara Y, Yamada T. Endocrine-disrupting effects of styrene oligomers that migrated from polystyrene containers into food. Food Chem Toxicol 2002; 40:65-75. [PMID: 11731037 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-6915(01)00096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The endocrine-disrupting effects of styrene dimers (SD: NSD-01, -08 and -09) and styrene trimers (ST: NST -01, -03 and -12), which migrated from polystyrene (PS) containers into instant food, were investigated together with styrene monomer (SM) using in vitro and in vivo assays. In the estrogen (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) binding assay, SM, SD and ST showed no binding activity at concentration of 10(-10)-10(-5) mol/l. In order to evaluate the estrogenic activity in vivo, the uterotrophic assay was conducted. When prepubertal and ovariectomized adult rats were dosed with SM, SD and ST for 3 days by subcutaneous injection, these compounds did not induce significant increase in uterine weight. Additionally, to evaluate anti-androgen activity in vivo, the Hershberger assay for anti-androgenic activity in the presence of testosterone treatment was conducted. When castrated, testosterone-treated immature male rats were dosed SM, SD and ST for 7 days by oral gavage, these compounds did not induce a decrease in the seminal vesicle, ventral prostate and levator ani plus bulbocavernosus muscle weights. To evaluate the effects on hormones other than sex hormones, the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) binding assay and rat serum prolactin (PRL) was conducted. In the TR binding assay, SM, SD and ST showed no binding activity at a concentration of 10(-5) mol/l. When ovariectomized rats were dosed with SM, SD and ST for 3 days by sc injection, the results showed there was no change in rat serum PRL. From the above these results, we concluded that SM, SD and ST exhibit no apparent estrogenic, androgenic, anti-androgenic and thyroid activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Date
- Central Research Institute, Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd, 2247, Noji-Cho, Shiga 525-0055, Kusatsu, Japan.
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Oberheitmann B, Frentzel-Beyme R, Hoffmann W. An application of the challenge assay in boat builders exposed to low levels of styrene--a feasibility study of a possible biomarker for acquired susceptibility. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2001; 204:23-9. [PMID: 11725341 DOI: 10.1078/1438-4639-00968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sensitivity to carcinogens and susceptibility for malignant diseases may be related to genetic predisposition, e.g. polymorphisms in toxicant-metabolizing enzymes or DNA repair deficiencies. The latter may also be acquired by exposure to substances that interfere with DNA repair processes. Application of the challenge assay to an exposed population may allow scientists to study the interference of DNA repair as an acquired susceptibility phenomenon. The assay was therefore used in a feasibility study to evaluate its application. A group of 14 workers exposed to low levels of styrene (mean < 100 mg/m3 styrene in air; 35 micrograms/l styrene in blood) and a reference of seven controls were investigated for structural chromosomal aberrations using FISH. The rate of exchange-type aberrations per 100 metaphases was 0.14 (95% CI, 0.05-0.31) in controls and 0.22 (95% CI, 0.13-0.36) in exposed workers. The difference is not statistically significant. Interaction with DNA repair was measured in the 14 workers and 2 historical controls using the challenge assay. Exchange-type aberrations per 100 metaphases after X-ray challenge of 1.66 Gy were 13.26 (10.53-16.50) and 16.19 (15.00-17.40) for the controls and exposed, respectively. The difference is statistically significant (p < 0.038). Among the exposed group, the challenge response was also significantly correlated with the cumulative lifetime exposure to styrene (R2 = 0.3996; p < 0.015) but not with the current exposure as measured in blood (R2 = 0.0226; p = 0.700). The challenge responses in the short-term and long-term exposed subgroups were 15.55 (14.23-16.96) and 17.90 (15.64-20.39), respectively, based on sample sizes of 5 and 9, respectively. The difference was not significant. Hence, data from our study are consistent with the hypothesis that long-term exposure to styrene can interfere with DNA repair activities. The lack of statistically significant differences in some of the data may be due to the small sample size and a possible confounding by age in our investigation. Additional data from our ongoing study should clarify this uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Oberheitmann
- UFT-Centre for Environmental Research and Environmental Technology, Division of Epidemiology, University of Bremen, D-28334 Bremen, Germany.
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Brown NA, Lamb JC, Brown SM, Neal BH. A review of the developmental and reproductive toxicity of styrene. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2000; 32:228-47. [PMID: 11162717 DOI: 10.1006/rtph.2000.1406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive and developmental toxicity of styrene has been studied in animals and humans. The animal studies on styrene have diverse study designs and conclusions. Developmental or reproductive toxicity studies have been conducted in rats, mice, rabbits, and hamsters. In most cases, high doses are required to elicit effects, and the effects are not unique to reproduction or development. In a number of the reports, either the experimental designs are limited or the descriptions of the designs and the endpoints measured are insufficient to draw conclusions about the toxicity of styrene. The more complete and better-reported studies show that styrene does not cause developmental toxicity at dose levels that are not maternally toxic. Some neurochemical or neurobehavioral effects have been reported at high exposures. Styrene does not affect fertility or reproductive function. Considerable animal toxicity data on styrene support the conclusion that styrene is neither an endocrine-active substance nor an endocrine disrupter. Human studies often suffer from either inadequate exposure data or exposure to a wide variety of materials, so that attribution of effects to styrene exposure is impossible. Furthermore, investigators often have failed to account for other exposures in the workplace or for other potentially confounding factors in their studies. Menstrual cycle irregularities and congenital abnormalities were initially reported; however, the better and more recent reports do not show that styrene causes developmental or reproductive effects in humans. Human studies also support the conclusion that styrene is not an endocrine disrupter. Although some study authors have concluded that styrene is either a human or an animal reproductive or developmental toxicant, careful review demonstrates that such conclusions are not justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Brown
- MRC Experimental Embryology and Teratology Unit, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
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Marczynski B, Peel M, Baur X. New aspects in genotoxic risk assessment of styrene exposure--a working hypothesis. Med Hypotheses 2000; 54:619-23. [PMID: 10859650 DOI: 10.1054/mehy.1999.0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Styrene is one of the most important plastic monomers worldwide. Styrene-7,8-oxide (SO), the major in-vivo metabolite of styrene, is classified as probably carcinogenic to humans and carcinogenic in rodents. Biological monitoring of exposure to styrene is usually carried out by determination of mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid, the two main styrene metabolites in urine. SO binds covalently to human plasma protein and haemoglobin. The ability of SO to induce DNA adducts and DNA strand-breaks has been well documented. Recently in-vitro results showed that SO may disrupt the pre-existing oxidative status in white blood cells. This disruption would alter the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in cells. Styrene exposure can also result in oxidative DNA damage. A significant increase of 8-hydroxy-2;-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) has been found in white blood cells of styrene-exposed workers. According to these findings we propose a new hypothesis for the genotoxic risk assessment of styrene. Depletion of glutathione and increase in lipid peroxidation, similarity in the decrease of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA fragments after SO exposure compared to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) exposure, oxidative DNA damage (increased amounts of 8-OHdG and an increased level of DNA strand-breaks) following styrene or SO exposure are due to oxidative stress which can be a result of the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Formation of protein-, RNA- and DNA-adducts, changes in DNA repair capacity and styrene metabolism following styrene exposure could cause this imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Oxidative stress seems to be the basis for genotoxic risk assessment of styrene.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Marczynski
- Research Institute of Occupational Medicine, Ruhr University of Bochum, Germany.
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Mutti A, Smargiassi A. Selective vulnerability of dopaminergic systems to industrial chemicals: risk assessment of related neuroendocrine changes. Toxicol Ind Health 1998; 14:311-23. [PMID: 9460182 DOI: 10.1177/074823379801400119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increased serum prolactin (PRL) is a common finding among subjects exposed to styrene, perchloroethylene, lead (Pb), and manganese (Mn) at levels below the current threshold limit values. On a group basis, abnormally high basal PRL shows a dose-related distribution among workers exposed to styrene, Pb, and Mn. On the basis of dose-response relationships, the benchmark doses (BMD) for styrene metabolites in urine, lead in blood (Pb-B), and Mn in urine (Mn-U), are 4 mg/g creatinine, 112 micrograms/L, and 0.3 microgram/L, respectively. Noteworthy, the BMD for Mn-U and Pb-B is well below the upper reference limit. A shift in the distribution but not in the prevalence of abnormally high values of serum PRL was observed among perchloroethylene-exposed dry cleaners, which makes interpretation in terms of risk difficult. The measurement of PRL thus provides opportunities for early identification of excess exposure to neurotoxic chemicals affecting dopaminergic control of pituitary secretion. For styrene, Pb, and Mn the BMD provides an objective and statistically determined threshold, which seems to be in good agreement with the estimated no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). The NOAEL, however, is based on traditional approaches that require the application of uncertainty factors, e.g., a default factor of 10 when extrapolating the NOAEL from the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL). Due to its sensitivity to a number of potential confounders, caution must be exercised when using PRL as a screening test at the individual level. Also, age and sex dependent variations in susceptibility may hamper extrapolations from the occupational settings to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mutti
- Laboratory of Industrial Toxicology, University of Parma Medical School, Italy.
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31
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Maestri L, Ghittori S, Imbriani M. Determination of urinary mercapturic acids of styrene in man by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY. B, BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS 1996; 687:387-94. [PMID: 9017462 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(96)00250-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A method for the determination of urinary N-acetyl-S-(1-phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (M1) and N-acetyl-S-(2-phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (M2) in man was developed. Clean-up of urine samples was obtained by a chromatographic technique, using a short reversed-phase precolumn; purified samples were then deacetylated with porcine acylase I for 16 h at 37 degrees C and deproteinized by centrifugal ultrafiltration. Derivatization was performed with o-phthaldialdehyde and 2-mercaptoethanol and the fluorescent derivatives were separated on a reversed-phase analytical column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of 50 mM acetate buffer (pH 6.5) and methanol. The retention times of the diastereoisomers of M1 (M1-"S" and M1-"R") were 52.8 and 73.7 min, respectively: M2 diastereoisomers eluted as a single peak at 70.5 min. The fluorescence detector was set at 330 nm (excitation) and 440 nm (emission). The detection limit (at a signal-to-noise ratio of three) was about 7 micrograms/1. The method was applied to 25 urine samples from workers exposed to styrene. A relationship was found between urinary mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids and mercapturic acids specific for styrene. Urine samples from ten non-exposed subjects showed no detectable amounts of analytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Maestri
- Centro Ricerche di Fisiopatologia, Sicurezza del Lavora, University of Pavia, Clinica S. Mangeri, IRCCS, Medical Center of Pavia, Italy
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Bell IR. Clinically relevant EEG studies and psychophysiological findings: possible neural mechanisms for multiple chemical sensitivity. Toxicology 1996; 111:101-17. [PMID: 8711727 DOI: 10.1016/0300-483x(96)03395-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper addresses the evidence for the face, construct, and criterion-related validity of the olfactory-limbic/neural sensitization model for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). MCS is a poorly-understood, controversial condition in which low levels of environmental chemicals are reported to trigger disabling levels of illness in certain individuals. Neural sensitization processes could generate an endogenous amplification of responsivity to exogenous substances, thereby providing a plausible explanation for the apparent lack of a classical toxicological dose-response relationship in MCS. Convergent data from both survey and psychophysiological studies of MCS patients and of persons from the community without MCS, but who report elevated frequency of illness from chemical odors (cacosmics), support the involvement of the limbic system and the sensitizability of cacosmics, as predicted by the model. Recent studies show that cacosmics do sensitize their heart rate, blood pressure, and plasma beta-endorphin responses to repeated exposures to a novel laboratory procedure involving dietary manipulations over time. Cacosmia may represent a pathological form of neural plasticity. Taken together, the model and the available evidence suggest the need for more intensive investigation of MCS from the standpoint of possible neurobiological mechanisms affecting cognitive, emotional, and somatic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson Veterans Affairs Medical Center 85723, USA
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Abstract
Eighty-six workers in six fiberglass-reinforced plastics manufacturing plants in Taiwan were given a detailed evaluation including medical and occupational questionnaires, symptom questionnaires, blood sampling, and neurobehavioral tests, including cognitive performance, vibratory perception threshold, and thermal perception threshold. A Chinese version of cognitive tests modified from the Neurobehavioral Evaluation System 2 was applied. Forty-one workers directly exposed to styrene at the mean concentration of 22 ppm are compared with 45 workers not subject to styrene exposure. Multiple linear regression analysis controlling for age, sex, education, and alcohol intake revealed significant associations between styrene exposure and responses in some neuropsychologic measurements. No acute or chronic symptom had significant correlation with styrene exposure. Among the neurobehavioral tests, only the continuous performance test and vibration threshold were significantly and adversely affected in workers exposed to styrene. Significant changes in the central and peripheral nervous system were thus detected at a mean styrene exposure of 22 ppm.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Provincial Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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34
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Calabrese G, Martini A, Sessa G, Cellini M, Bartolucci GB, Marcuzzo G, De Rosa E. Otoneurological study in workers exposed to styrene in the fiberglass industry. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1996; 68:219-23. [PMID: 8738350 DOI: 10.1007/bf00381431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Twenty workers exposed to styrene and acetone in small fiberglass factories were monitored for 8 h using passive dosimeters. Urine samples were collected at the end of the workshift and before the start of work on the next morning. The 8-h time-weighted average exposure values for styrene and acetone ranged from 14 to 416 mg/m3 and from 70 to 277 mg/m3, respectively. The sum of styrene metabolites, mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid (MA + PGA), in the next-morning urine samples ranged from 81 to 943 mg/g creatinine. Different test sensitivity was identified in the otoneurological battery: it was low for audiometric tests and ABR, and relatively high for vestibular tests. The vestibular system seems partially sensitive to the toxic effects of styrene in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms. The actual exposure levels for styrene cannot be considered devoid of functional subclinical consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Calabrese
- Clinica Otorinolaringoiatrica, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Italy
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35
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Sherman JD. Structure-activity relationships of chemicals causing endocrine, reproductive, neurotoxic, and oncogenic effects--a public health problem. Toxicol Ind Health 1994; 10:163-79. [PMID: 7855866 DOI: 10.1177/074823379401000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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36
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Rebert CS, Hall TA. The neuroepidemiology of styrene: a critical review of representative literature. Crit Rev Toxicol 1994; 24 Suppl:S57-106. [PMID: 7818773 DOI: 10.3109/10408449409020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Because exposure to styrene occurs commonly in some industries and styrene is highly lipid soluble, it is reasonable to be concerned about the possibility that styrene is neurotoxic. Styrene, like many other solvents, volatile anesthetics, and drugs, does, at certain concentrations, produce acute changes in consciousness with consequent alterations of feelings, cognition, and psychomotor functioning. Such acute actions do not imply that styrene also would produce reversible or irreversible damage to the nervous system; the evaluation of long-term exposures to styrene also is necessary to draw conclusions about the full range of neural effects that styrene might produce. To that end, several studies of workers exposed to styrene for up to 30 years have been undertaken in factories in many parts of the world. Epidemiologists have suggested that neuropsychological deficits such as slowing of reaction time, loss of color vision, and vestibulooculomotor dysfunction are reliably induced by styrene at levels near or below current exposure standards, which range from 20 to 50 ppm in most of the world. However, the workers so studied always were described as healthy, and the effects noted were considered to be subclinical. A detailed evaluation of much of the neuroepidemiological literature on styrene (38 papers and related literature), however, indicated that the findings were, almost universally, false positive outcomes due to (1) type I statistical error, (2) the action of some factor other than styrene, and (3) misinterpretation of data. Despite the study of workers exposed for many years, no indications of persisting damage to the nervous system were evident from this review. The conclusions of this review of the neuroepidemiology of styrene are consistent with those based on critical reviews of the solvent literature in general, with specific reference to the probable absence of such an entity as the "painter's syndrome" or "chronic toxic encephalopathy". Because the results on styrene neurotoxicity that provide an inclination to lower the current threshold limit values (TLVs) are false positive findings, there is no scientific basis for a reduction in the current TLV.
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37
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Groth-Marnat G. Neuropsychological effects of styrene exposure: a review of current literature. Percept Mot Skills 1993; 77:1139-49. [PMID: 8170761 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1993.77.3f.1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Research on the neuropsychological effects of exposure to styrene are reviewed, including subjective complaints, laboratory exposure, short- and long-term occupational exposure, possible long-term occupational illness, neuropsychiatric implications, and animals' behavior. The findings are discussed in relation to optimal levels of exposure, drivers' safety, a sensitive neuropsychological screening battery, current controversies, and future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Groth-Marnat
- School of Psychology, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia
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38
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Galassi C, Kogevinas M, Ferro G, Biocca M. Biological monitoring of styrene in the reinforced plastics industry in Emilia Romagna, Italy. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1993; 65:89-95. [PMID: 8253516 DOI: 10.1007/bf00405725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Biological monitoring of styrene exposure among workers in the reinforced plastics industry is widely implemented in the region of Emilia Romagna, Italy. More than 18,000 urine samples measurements of the main metabolites of styrene, mandelic (MA) and phenylglyoxylic acid, were retrieved for the period 1978-1990, and 4689 values of MA in postshift urine samples were analyzed for various variables thought to influence styrene exposure. The job performed was found to be the most important predictor of styrene exposure. Hand laminators had the highest exposure (mean MA 682 mg/g creatinine); spray laminators showed lower values (404 mg/g), while levels in semiautomatic process operators (243 mg/g) were only slightly higher than in nonprocess workers (186 mg/g). The use of ventilation resulted in lower exposure, but differences in average values were not particularly wide. Exposure decreased weakly during the study period in all work categories, but the percentage of measurements exceeding the current biological limit value (900 mg/g creatinine, 1300 mg/l corrected for density) is still very high (20% of measurements among hand laminators in 1990). These results indicate that the control measures implemented are only partially effective for the prevention of styrene exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Galassi
- Local Health Unit of Scandiano, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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39
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Checkoway H, Costa LG, Camp J, Coccini T, Daniell WE, Dills RL. Peripheral markers of neurochemical function among workers exposed to styrene. BRITISH JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE 1992; 49:560-565. [PMID: 1515348 PMCID: PMC1039289 DOI: 10.1136/oem.49.8.560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A cross sectional study of biological markers of neurochemical function in peripheral blood cells, and self reported nervous system symptoms, was conducted among 60 workers exposed to styrene in three reinforced plastics plants and 18 reference workers not exposed to styrene or other solvents. Concentrations of styrene in the air at the plants ranged from less than 1 to 160 ppm. Biomarkers of neurochemical function measured were: sigma receptor binding in lymphocytes, monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) activity in platelets, and serotonin uptake by platelets. Blood styrene concentration was used as the exposure index to take account of the use of protective equipment and dermal uptake. Four blood styrene exposure groups were defined as: non-exposed (reference) and exposed to less than 0.05, 0.05-0.19, and greater than or equal to 0.20 micrograms/ml. The prevalences of headache, dizziness, light headedness, fatigue, irritability, memory loss, and feeling "drunk" at work increased with increasing blood styrene concentration. No effect on sigma receptor binding was seen. A slight positive correlation was found for uptake of serotonin, which has been used as an exposure related effect indicator in previous studies of workers exposed to solvents. The MAO-B activity decreased with increasing blood styrene concentration; the mean (SE) MAO-B values for the four groups were 34.2 (3.0), 28.1 (5.3), 20.1 (4.8), and 16.9 (7.7) pmol/10(7) cells/min. The MAO-B activity also correlated negatively with the number of reported nervous system symptoms, whereas no associations were seen between prevalence of symptoms and either serotonin uptake or sigma receptor binding. The findings for MAO-B activity are consistent with previously reported experimental data, and suggest that MAO-B may be a useful marker of styrene neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Checkoway
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Washington, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
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40
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Svensson BG, Nise G, Erfurth EM, Olsson H. Neuroendocrine effects in printing workers exposed to toluene. BRITISH JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE 1992; 49:402-408. [PMID: 1606026 PMCID: PMC1012121 DOI: 10.1136/oem.49.6.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The effect of exposure to toluene on plasma concentrations of testosterone, prolactin, luteinising (LH) and follicle stimulating (FSH) hormones was investigated in 47 rotogravure printers (time weighted average air toluene below 80 ppm; blood toluene concentration post-shift 0.19-7.99 mumol/l) and compared with a reference group. Increasing exposure concentrations of toluene (concentrations less than 5 to greater than 45 ppm) were significantly associated with decreasing plasma concentrations of LH (tau = -0.21, p = 0.003) and testosterone (tau = -0.25, p = 0.02). No correlation was found between cumulative exposure (ppm x years) and plasma hormone concentrations. The associations with exposure were present even when nine printers with heavy alcohol consumption were excluded. The study indicates an effect of low toluene exposure on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, with a secondary decrease in testosterone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Svensson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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41
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Svensson BG, Nise G, Erfurth EM, Nilsson A, Skerfving S. Hormone status in occupational toluene exposure. Am J Ind Med 1992; 22:99-107. [PMID: 1415282 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.4700220109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Twenty toluene-exposed rotogravure printers, without signs of solvent-induced toxic encephalopathy, had lower median plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (3.2 vs. 4.9 IU/L; p = .02) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (6.4 vs. 7.2 IU/L; p = .05) and also lower serum levels of free testosterone (7.8 vs. 86.8 pmol/L; p = .05), respectively, than 44 unexposed referents. The individual time-weighted toluene levels in air were 36 (median; range 8-111) ppm. The printers' median toluene levels in blood were 1.7 (1.0-6.6) mumol/l, and in subcutaneous adipose tissue 5.7 (2.5-21) mg/kg fat. There was a negative association between blood toluene and plasma levels of prolactin. In eight printers, the levels of FSH and LH increased during a 4 week vacation, while the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine decreased during the same period. The results indicate a slight, reversible effect of toluene on the cortical level or on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis at exposures well below the permissible levels, possibly mediated through an effect on catecholamine neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Svensson
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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42
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Brown
- MRC Experimental Embryology and Teratology Unit, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, U.K
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43
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White DM, Daniell WE, Maxwell JK, Townes BD. Psychosis following styrene exposure: a case report of neuropsychological sequelae. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 1990; 12:798-806. [PMID: 2258438 DOI: 10.1080/01688639008401020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A patient with a significant history of substance abuse was exposed to styrene and other solvents in the workplace. He became acutely psychotic, experiencing visual hallucinations. The psychosis was controlled with neuroleptic medications and avoidance of solvent exposure, but he continued to show significant deficits in visual-spatial and memory abilities. These deficits cleared with time away from the workplace. The case is of interest in terms of neuropsychological sequelae of solvent exposure and potential interaction of solvents with alcohol and recreational drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M White
- University of Washington Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seattle 98195
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44
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Lindbohm ML, Taskinen H, Sallmén M, Hemminki K. Spontaneous abortions among women exposed to organic solvents. Am J Ind Med 1990; 17:449-63. [PMID: 2327413 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.4700170404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the association between medically diagnosed spontaneous abortions and occupational exposure to organic solvents. The study population was composed of women biologically monitored for solvents. The workers were classified into exposure categories on the basis of work description and the use of solvents as reported in the questionnaires, and on biological exposure measurements. The odds ratio of spontaneous abortion for solvent exposure, adjusted for potentially confounding factors, was significantly increased (2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-4.1). The increase was most consistent among workers exposed to aliphatic hydrocarbons: the odds ratio for high exposure was 3.9 (95% CI = 1.1-14.2) and for exposed graphics workers 5.2 (95% CI = 1.3-20.8). The odds ratio was increased also among toluene-exposed shoe workers (9.3, 95% CI = 1.0-84.7). The results of the study support the hypothesis of a positive association between spontaneous abortion and exposure to organic solvents during pregnancy and suggest that exposure, especially to aliphatic hydrocarbons, increases the risk of abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Lindbohm
- Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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45
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Alessio L, Apostoli P, Ferioli A, Lombardi S. Interference of manganese on neuroendocrinal system in exposed workers. Preliminary report. Biol Trace Elem Res 1989; 21:249-53. [PMID: 2484595 DOI: 10.1007/bf02917260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The neurotoxic effects of Manganese (Mn) are well known, and are usually caused by high occupational exposure over long periods of time. The effects caused by low doses of this metal have been poorly evaluated. For this reason, we decided to evaluate neuroendocrinal tests in a group of 14 male workers employed in a ferrous-manganese foundry (exposed to Mn air concentrations within the TLV-TWA) and in 14 male control subjects, by analyzing FSH, LH, prolactin, and cortisol. The urinary Mn; prolactin, and cortisol levels were significantly higher in the worker's group. The preliminary results of this research seem to show that for exposure below the TLV, Mn can somehow interfere with the neuroendocrine system. In order to confirm the existence of these effects and to verify their possible correlation with the dopaminergic control system, further studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Alessio
- Institute Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Italy
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46
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Mutti A, Falzoi M, Romanelli A, Bocchi MC, Ferroni C, Franchini I. Brain dopamine as a target for solvent toxicity: effects of some monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Toxicology 1988; 49:77-82. [PMID: 3376126 DOI: 10.1016/0300-483x(88)90177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Adult male rabbits were exposed to toluene, xylene, styrene, ethylbenzene, vinyltoluene or were dosed with hippuric, methylhippuric, mandelic, phenylglyoxylic, and 7-methyl-mandelic acids. Styrene, vinyltoluene and ethylbenzene caused a marked depletion of striatal and tubero-infundibular dopamine. Such an effect was also caused by treatment with mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids. These results indicate that dopamine is a target for some solvents of their metabolites, the presence of a lateral vinyl- or ethyl-chain which may be biotransformed into alpha-keto acids being crucial for the effect. Experiments in vitro suggest that dopamine condenses non-enzymatically with reactive carbonylic groups of such and other alpha-keto acids, thus becoming ineffective as neurotransmitter. This mechanism might account for the neurobehavioral and neuroendocrine changes which have been reported in workers occupationally exposed to styrene and to some solvent mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mutti
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Nephrology, Chair of Occupational Medicine, University of Parma, Italy
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47
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Mutti A, Franchini I. Toxicity of metabolites to dopaminergic systems and the behavioural effects of organic solvents. BRITISH JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE 1987; 44:721-3. [PMID: 3318914 PMCID: PMC1007908 DOI: 10.1136/oem.44.11.721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Mutti
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Nephrology, University of Parma, Italy
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48
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Parma M. Neurobehavioral investigation as a tool for revealing preclinical disorders. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES 1987; 8:449-56. [PMID: 3323125 DOI: 10.1007/bf02334601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper calls attention to the methodologies designed to investigate the higher cortical functions in order to elicit signis of encephalopathy in apparently normal conditions. This can be done by testing the blobal hemispheric funcionts or the interhemispheric functional balance. This shows up the clinical sequels that may precede or be the outcome both of transient pathological disorders, such as transient global anemia, migraine, TIAs and subarachnoid hemorrhage without apparent clinical consequences and of nontransient pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, occupational diseases, arterial hypertension and cerebral revascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Parma
- Clinica Neurologica dell'Università di Parma
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49
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Pedersen LM. Biological studies in human exposure to and poisoning with organic solvents. With special reference to kinetics, haematology, and serum chemistry. PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY 1987; 61 Suppl 3:1-38. [PMID: 3325960 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0773.1987.tb01921.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L M Pedersen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Hellerup, Denmark
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Romanelli A, Falzoi M, Mutti A, Bergamaschi E, Franchini I. Effects of some monocyclic aromatic solvents and their metabolites on brain dopamine in rabbits. J Appl Toxicol 1986; 6:431-6. [PMID: 3805570 DOI: 10.1002/jat.2550060609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Adult male rabbits were exposed to high concentrations (750 ppm, 12 hours daily for 7 days) of toluene, xylenes, styrene, ethylbenzene, vinyltoluene (3-methylstyrene), and 7-methyl-styrene vapours or were dosed with 4 mM/kg/day i.p. of hippuric, methylhippuric, mandelic, phenylglyoxylic, and 7-methyl-mandelic acids. Styrene, vinyltoluene and ethylbenzene caused a marked depletion of striatal and tuberoinfundibular dopamine. Such an effect was also caused by treatment with phenylglyoxylic and mandelic acids. Dopamine depletion was associated with an increase in homovanillic acid concentration in the same regions. These results indicate that dopamine metabolism is a target for the neurotoxic effects of some monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their metabolites, a lateral vinyl- or ethyl-chain being crucial for the structure/activity relationship of such compounds.
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