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Villarini M, Guerrera E, Vannini S, Dominici L, Gianfredi V, Fatigoni C, Acito M, Moretti M. Cytogenetic biomonitoring of road tunnel construction workers: buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Ann Ig 2020; 33:307-321. [PMID: 33270078 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2020.2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Results Road tunnel construction workers revealed higher frequencies of cells with genotoxic damage (i.e., MN and NBUD). MN and NBUD resulted to be Poisson distributed and counts of these genotoxicity biomarkers were then analysed by Poisson regression. The frequency ratio (FR) for MN was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.84-2.04), with an increase in the exposed subjects; this finding, though indicating a higher genotoxic risk in the exposed subjects, did not reach statistical significance. On the other hand, the FR for NBUD was 3.49 (95% CI: 1.86-6.56), with a statistically significant increased risk of chromosomal damage. Even the frequencies of binucleated cells (a marker of cell proliferation) and pyknotic cells (a cell death biomarker) were significantly higher in tunnel workers. Introduction Tunnel construction workers are exposed to complex mixtures of toxic agents, some of which are known to be genotoxic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic risk in this occupational setting by comparing tunnel workers with a control group for frequencies of nuclear aberrations in oral exfoliated cells. Methods To evaluate the genotoxic effects of tunnel air pollutants, we conducted a cross-sectional, molecular epidemiological study (35 tunnel workers and 35 healthy controls) using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information about demographic variables, lifestyle, dietary habits, anthropometric data, and occupational history. Buccal mucosa cells were collected by scraping the buccal mucosa with a small-headed toothbrush. Coded slides were examined blind by trained scorers for micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NBUD), and other nuclear abnormalities. Conclusions Our observations provide further knowledge and understanding of the occupational hazards of tunnel workers and confirm the complexity of effects (cytotoxic and genotoxic) probably induced by fumes and dust produced in underground operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Villarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Italy
| | - E Guerrera
- Technical Advisory Department for Risk Assessment and Prevention (CONTARP), Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Perugia, Italy
| | - S Vannini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Italy
| | - L Dominici
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Italy
| | - V Gianfredi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Italy.,School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - C Fatigoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Italy
| | - M Acito
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Italy
| | - M Moretti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Italy
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Gianfredi V, Rabica F, Dallagiacoma G, Fatigoni C, Moretti M, Nucci D. Television marketing of food and beverage targeted to children, Italy. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 40 million children aged < 5 and 131 million of children aged 5-9 are overweight or obese. Growing evidence is focusing on the association between number of hours spent watching television (TV) and children's food behaviour. Our aim was to assess the amount of TV food marketing targeted to Italian children, and to qualitatively analyse the ads.
Methods
The 5 most viewed TV channels were selected and recorded for 20 days (non-consecutive, both week and week-end days) and analysed through the WHO's tool to asses food -beverage multimedia marketing targeted to children. The analysed exposure variables were: type of product, viewing time, channel's target and broadcasting company (for all types of ads), duration of each food ad, type of programme, and target of the advertised product (only for food and beverage). Power of persuasion variables were assessed only for food marketing. Lastly, for each food product showed, the food category and if it was a core vs non-core product was assessed. Differences between groups were assessed using the chi-square test and t-test.
Results
During 320 hours of broadcasting TV, a total of 9,069 ads were identified, (51.7 hours). Food products were the second most frequently advertised (19.4%). On average, 5.4 food ads were displayed during non-peak viewing time/hour (6 during peak). The time slot of 3 pm had the highest rate of food ads (23.8%). Channels targeted to the general public had a higher rate of food ads compared to channels targeted to children (p = 0.000). Private channels transmitted a higher number of food ads compared to public channels (p = 0.000). Humour was the most frequently persuasive technique used in food ads and in ads targeted to whole population (14.3%).
Conclusions
Children usually watch TV programs that have a high rate of food ads, mainly promoting unhealthy products with captivating techniques. Legislators should advocate for a healthier food marketing.
Key messages
Children are exposed to a high amount of TV food commercials daily. Food marketing should be strictly regulated in accordance with the WHO Nutrient Profile model.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Gianfredi
- Post-graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - F Rabica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - G Dallagiacoma
- Post-Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Fatigoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Moretti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - D Nucci
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Padua, Italy
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Vannini S, Pagiotti R, Acito M, Levorato S, Dominici L, Fatigoni C, Gianfredi V, Moretti M, Villarini M. In vitro testing of estragole in HepG2 cells: Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay and cell-cycle analysis. Acta Alimentaria 2018. [DOI: 10.1556/066.2018.47.2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Vannini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
| | - R. Pagiotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
| | - M. Acito
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
| | - S. Levorato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
| | - L. Dominici
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
| | - C. Fatigoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
| | - V. Gianfredi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06129 Perugia Italy
| | - M. Moretti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
| | - M. Villarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia Italy
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Levorato S, Vannini S, Ceretti E, Salvatori T, Carraro E, Fatigoni C, Verani M, Moretti M, De Donno MA, Monarca S, Bonizzoni S, Bonetti A, Gelatti U. Evaluation of air pollution genotoxic effects in children by the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv176.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Levorato S, Vannini S, Ceretti E, Villarini M, Bonetta S, Fatigoni C, Carducci A, Moretti M, De Donno M, Monarca S, Bonizzoni S, Bonetti A, Gelatti U. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay as a tool for the evaluation of air pollution early biological effects in children: Current status of the MAPEC (Monitoring Air Pollution Effects on Children for supporting public health policy) study. Toxicol Lett 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Villarini M, Fatigoni C, Dominici L, Maestri S, Ederli L, Pasqualini S, Monarca S, Moretti M. Assessing the genotoxicity of urban air pollutants using two in situ plant bioassays. Environ Pollut 2009; 157:3354-6. [PMID: 19836119 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Genotoxicity of urban air has been analysed almost exclusively in airborne particulates. We monitored the genotoxic effects of airborne pollutants in the urban air of Perugia (Central Italy). Two plant bioindicators with different genetic endpoints were used: micronuclei in meiotic pollen mother cells using Tradescantia-micronucleus bioassay (Trad-MCN) and DNA damage in nuclei of Nicotiana tabacum leaves using comet assay (Nicotiana-comet). Buds of Tradescantia clone # 4430 and young N. tabacum cv. Xanthi plants were exposed for 24 h at three sites with different pollution levels. One control site (indoor control) was also used. The two bioassays showed different sensitivities toward urban pollutants: Trad-MCN assay was the most sensitive, but DNA damage in N. tabacum showed a better correlation with the pollutant concentrations. In situ biomonitoring of airborne genotoxins using higher plants combined with chemical analysis is thus recommended for characterizing genotoxicity of urban air.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Villarini
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties and Public Health, University of Perugia, Italy
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Feretti D, Zerbini I, Ceretti E, Villarini M, Zani C, Moretti M, Fatigoni C, Orizio G, Donato F, Monarca S. Evaluation of chlorite and chlorate genotoxicity using plant bioassays and in vitro DNA damage tests. Water Res 2008; 42:4075-4082. [PMID: 18718628 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2008.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2008] [Revised: 06/11/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In the last few years chlorine dioxide has been increasingly used for disinfecting drinking water in many countries. Although it does not react with humic substances, chlorine dioxide added to water is reduced primarily to chlorite and chlorate ions, compounds that are under investigation for their potential adverse effects on human health. The aim of this research was to study the genotoxicity of chlorite and chlorate and their mixtures. The end-points included two plant tests (chromosomal aberration test in Allium cepa and micronucleus assay in Tradescantia, carried out at different times of exposure) and two genotoxicity tests in human HepG2 cells (comet assay and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus test). Preliminary toxicity tests were carried out for both plant and HepG2 assays. The results showed that chlorite and chlorate are able to induce chromosomal damage to plant systems, particularly chromosomal aberrations in A. cepa root tip cells, even at concentrations lower than the limit established by Italian normative law and WHO guidelines. In HepG2 cells increased DNA damage was only observed for chlorate at the lowest concentration. No increase in micronuclei frequency was detected in any of the samples tested in human HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Feretti
- Department of Experimental and Applied Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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Villarini M, Moretti M, Fatigoni C, Agea E, Dominici L, Mattioli A, Volpi R, Pasquini R. Evaluation of primary DNA damage, cytogenetic biomarkers and genetic polymorphisms for CYP1A1 and GSTM1 in road tunnel construction workers. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2008; 71:1430-1439. [PMID: 18800292 DOI: 10.1080/15287390802328580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In tunnel construction workers, occupational exposure to dust (alpha-quartz and other particles from blasting), gases (nitrogen dioxide, NO(2)), diesel exhausts, and oil mist has been associated with lung function decline, induction of inflammatory reactions in the lungs with release of mediators that may influence blood coagulation, and increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The present molecular epidemiology study was designed to evaluate whether occupational exposure to indoor pollutants during road tunnel construction might result in genotoxic effects. A study group of 39 underground workers and a reference group of 34 unexposed subjects were examined. Primary and oxidative DNA damage, sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE), and micronuclei (MN) were measured in peripheral blood cells. The possible influences of polymorphisms in gene encoding for CYP1A1 and GSTM1 xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes were also investigated. Exposure assessment was performed with detailed interviews and questionnaires. There were no significant differences in the level of primary and oxidative DNA damage and frequency of SCE between the tunnel workers and controls, whereas the frequency of MN showed a significant increase in exposed subjects compared to controls. No effects of CYP1A1 or GSTM1 variants were observed for the analyzed biomarkers. Since MN in peripheral blood lymphocytes are recognized as a predictive biomarker of cancer risk within a population of healthy subjects, the genotoxic risk of occupational exposure to various indoor environmental pollutants during road tunnel construction cannot be excluded by this biomonitoring study.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Villarini
- Dipartimento di Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia
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Scassellati Sforzolini G, Moretti M, Villarini M, Fatigoni C, Pasquini R. [Evaluation of genotoxic and/or co-genotoxic effects in cells exposed in vitro to extremely-low frequency electromagnetic fields]. Ann Ig 2004; 16:321-40. [PMID: 15554538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
During the last two decades, concerns have arisen regarding a possible association between extremely-low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure and cancer incidence (e.g. childhood acute leukaemia, cancer of the nervous system, and lymphomas). In 1979, Wertheimer and Leeper firstly reported an excess of cancer mortality among children living in homes located near power lines and presumably exposed to elevated magnetic fields. Subsequently, a large number of epidemiological studies investigated the possible association between residential or occupational exposure to ELF-EMF and cancer. Several in vivo and in vitro models have been investigated with the effort to determine a link, if any, between such fields and mutagenesis and to determine the possible mechanism of cancer risk. However, a causal relationship between exposure to ELF-EMF and cancer has been suggested but has not been unequivocally demonstrated. In 1998, following an analysis of the results retrieved in the literature, the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences proposed to apply a "possible human carcinogen" category (Group 2B) to ELF-EMF. More recently, in 2002, the same classification for ELF-MF was proposed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In this in vitro approach, to test the genotoxic and/or co-genotoxic potency of ELF-MF, we used the alkaline single-cell microgel-electrophoresis (comet) assay and the cytokinesis block micronucleus test. Co-exposure assays were performed in the presence of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO), benzene, 1,4-benzenediol (1,4-BD), or 1,2,4-benzenetriol (1,2,4-BT). An ELF-MF (50 Hz, 5 mT) was obtained by a system composed of capsulated induction coils. ELF-MF alone was unable to cause direct primary DNA damage. Whereas, an increased extent of DNA damage was observed in cells co-exposed to ELF-MF and MNNG, 1,4-BD, or 1,2,4-BT. An opposite trend was observed in cells treated with 4NQO and co-exposed to ELF-MF. Moreover, the frequency of micronucleated cells in ELF-MF-exposed cells was higher than in control cultures. Our findings suggest that the tested ELF-MF (50 Hz, 5 mT) possess genotoxic (micronucleus test) and co-genotoxic (comet assay) capabilities. The possibility that ELF-MF might interfere with the genotoxic activity of xenobiotics has important implications, since human populations are likely to be exposed to a variety of genotoxic agents concomitantly with exposure to this type of physical agent.
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Pasquini R, Villarini M, Scassellati Sforzolini G, Fatigoni C, Moretti M. Micronucleus induction in cells co-exposed in vitro to 50 Hz magnetic field and benzene, 1,4-benzenediol (hydroquinone) or 1,2,4-benzenetriol☆. Toxicol In Vitro 2003; 17:581-6. [PMID: 14599448 DOI: 10.1016/s0887-2333(03)00137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The generation, transmission (e.g. power lines, transformers, service wires, and electrical panels), and use (e.g. home appliances, such as electric blankets, shavers, and televisions) of electrical energy is associated with the production of weak electric and magnetic fields (EMF) which oscillate 50 (Europe) or 60 (USA) times per second (power-line frequency), falling in the extremely-low frequency (ELF) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Epidemiological reports suggest a possible association between exposure to ELF-EMF and an increased risk of cancer (e.g. childhood acute leukaemia). Benzene is an established human leukomogen. This xenobiotic, which is unlikely to be the ultimate carcinogen, is metabolized in the liver to its primary metabolite phenol, which is hydroxylated to hydroquinone (1,4-benzenediol) and 1,2,4-benzenetriol. In this in vitro approach, to test the genotoxic and / or co-genotoxic potency of ELF-EMF, the cytokinesis block micronucleus (MN) method with Jurkat cells has been used. A 50 Hz magnetic field (MF) of 5 mT field strength was applied for different length of time (from 1 to 24 h), either alone or with benzene, 1,4-benzenediol, or 1,2,4-benzenetriol. Our preliminary results show that, after 24 h exposure, the frequency of micronucleated cells in MF-exposed cultures is 1.9 fold higher than in sham-exposed (control) cultures. Benzene exposure does not show any cytogenetic activity, whereas 1,4-benzenediol or 1,2,4-benzenetriol alone significantly affect the number of MN in Jurkat cells, as compared to untreated cultures. Moreover, co-exposure to ELF-MF does not seem to affect the frequency of micronuclei induced by benzene, 1,4-benzenediol, or 1,2,4-benzenetriol.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pasquini
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, I-06126 Perugia, Italy
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Moretti M, Marcarelli M, Villarini M, Fatigoni C, Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Pasquini R. In vitro testing for genotoxicity of the herbicide terbutryn: cytogenetic and primary DNA damage. Toxicol In Vitro 2002; 16:81-8. [PMID: 11812643 DOI: 10.1016/s0887-2333(01)00092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Terbutryn is a widely used preemergence and postemergence s-triazine herbicide. This pesticide is used in agriculture as a control agent for most grasses and many annual broadleaf weeds in cereal and legume fields, and under fruit trees. Unexpectedly, this compound was found to persist in the environment (240 and 180 days in pond and river sediment, respectively) and to have the tendency to move from treated soils to water compartments through water runoff and leaching. However, only scant information is available about the genotoxic properties of terbutryn. In the present in vitro study, we investigated the relationship between cytogenetic damage, as evaluated in the sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) assay and the micronucleus (MN) test, and primary DNA damage (as evaluated by the "comet" assay). Cytogenetic and primary DNA damage were recorded in vitro in freshly isolated human peripheral blood leukocytes. Our results showed that the tested compound failed to produce any significant increases in SCE or MN, neither in the absence nor in the presence of S9-mix. However, terbutryn was found to induce primary DNA damage, more pronounced without S9 mix, even though in the absence of a clear trend for dose-dependence and in the presence of a concomitant mild cytotoxic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moretti
- Department of Hygiene, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, I-06126 Perugia, Italy
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Pasquini R, Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Fatigoni C, Marcarelli M, Monarca S, Donato F, Cencetti S, Cerami FM. Sister chromatid exchanges and micronuclei in lymphocytes of operating room personnel occupationally exposed to enfluorane and nitrous oxide. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2001; 20:119-26. [PMID: 11394710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this article is to assess whether occupational exposure to anesthetics increases genotoxic risk. We investigated two cytogenetic biomarkers, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and micronuclei (MN), in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 46 anesthesiologists (24 men), working in operating rooms and mostly exposed to enfluorane and nitrous oxide, and 66 controls (35 men), not exposed to chemicals and living in the same area. Contrary to what was expected, a lower frequency of SCE was found in male anesthesiologists than in controls. Smoking status was found to be positively associated with SCE frequency in each group, while no relation to age was evident. On the contrary, MN frequency was significantly higher in female, but not male, anesthesiologists than in controls. Age and smoking status did not modify the association. No relationship between MN frequency and duration of employment was found in anesthesiologists. Smoking status and mean number of cigarettes smoked per day in smokers were not associated with MN frequency in either anesthesiologists or in controls. MN analysis seems to be a sensitive index of possible genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to anesthesiologists, and women appear to be more susceptible to these effects than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pasquini
- Department of Hygiene, University of Perugia, Italy.
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Moretti M, Villarini M, Pasquini R, Fatigoni C, Marcarelli M, Scassellati Sforzolini G. [A molecular epidemiology approach to assessing the genotoxic risk in the production of graphite electrodes: the cytogenetic markers and DNA damage]. Ann Ig 1999; 11:473-8. [PMID: 10596437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Moretti
- Dipartimento di Igiene, Università degli Studi di Perugia
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Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Villarini LM, Moretti LM, Marcarelli LM, Pasquini R, Fatigoni C, Kaur LS, Kumar S, Grover IS. Antigenotoxic properties of Terminalia arjuna bark extracts. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 1999; 18:119-25. [PMID: 15281223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Compounds possessing antimutagenic properties (polyphenols, tannins, vitamins, etc.) have been identified in fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. Terminalia arjuna (Combretaceae), a tropical woody tree occurring throughout India and known locally as Kumbuk, is a medicinal plant rich in tannins and triterpenes that is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine as a cardiac tonic. The aim of the present collaborative work was to test six solvent extracts from the bark of Terminalia arjuna for antigenotoxic activity using in vitro short-term tests. Terminalia arjuna extracts were obtained by sequential extraction using acetone, methanol, methanol + HCl, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethyl ether. The antigenotoxic properties of these extracts were investigated by assessing the inhibition of genotoxicity of the directacting mutagen 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4NQO) using the "comet" assay and the micronucleus (MN) test. Human peripheral blood leukocytes were incubated with different concentrations of the six extracts (from 5 to 100 microg/ mL) and with 4NQO (1 and 2 microg/mL, for the "comet" assay and MN test, respectively). Each extract/4NQO combination was tested twice; in each experiment, positive control (4NQO alone) and negative control (1% DMSO) were set. "Comet" assay results showed that acetone and methanol extracts were highly effective in reducing the DNA damage caused by 4NQO, whereas the acidic methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethyl ether extracts showed less marked or no antigenotoxic activity. In the MN test, a decrease in 4NQO genotoxicity was observed by testing this mutagen in the presence of acetone, methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extracts, even though the extent of inhibition was not always statistically significant.
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Villarini M, Moretti M, Pasquini R, Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Fatigoni C, Marcarelli M, Monarca S, Rodríguez AV. In vitro genotoxic effects of the insecticide deltamethrin in human peripheral blood leukocytes: DNA damage ('comet' assay) in relation to the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges and micronuclei. Toxicology 1998; 130:129-39. [PMID: 9865480 DOI: 10.1016/s0300-483x(98)00097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Deltamethrin, a synthetic dibromo-pyrethroid insecticide, is extensively used in agriculture, forestry and in household products because of its high activity against a broad spectrum of insect pests (both adults and larvae), its low animal toxicity and its lack of persistence in the environment. Data on the genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of deltamethrin are rather controversial, depending on the genetic system or the assay used. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the potential genotoxic activity of deltamethrin. The in vitro genotoxicity of deltamethrin has been evaluated by assessing the ability of the insecticide to damage DNA (as evaluated using the single-cell microgel-electrophoresis or 'comet' assay) or induce sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) and micronuclei (MN) in human peripheral blood leukocytes. All treatments were conducted with and without the presence of an external bioactivation source (+/- S9mix). The results indicate that deltamethrin, in the presence of metabolic activation (+ S9mix), is able to induce DNA damage (double- and single-strand breaks, alkali-labile sites and open excision repair sites) as revealed by the increasing tail moment values observed with increasing doses. The frequency of SCE and MN were not statistically increased in deltamethrin-treated cells as compared to controls, both with and without S9mix. However, lower deltamethrin doses were tested, as compared to 'comet' assay, because of cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Villarini
- Department of Hygiene, University of Perugia, Italy
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Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Pasquini R, Moretti M, Villarini M, Fatigoni C, Dolara P, Monarca S, Caderni G, Kuchenmeister F, Schmezer P, Pool-Zobel BL. In vivo studies on genotoxicity of pure and commercial linuron. Mutat Res 1997; 390:207-21. [PMID: 9186570 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(97)00012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ureic herbicide linuron [3-(3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea] (CAS 330-55-2) was investigated for genotoxicity in a series of in vivo experiments. Since human exposure to herbicides is not only to the active principles, but also to all the chemicals present in the commercial formulation, we tested both pure and commercial linuron. Groups of rats were treated with gavage containing different doses of the herbicide (pure compound or commercial formulation) for 14 days. The doses were 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg b.wt. for the pure compound and 315.8, 631.6 and 947.4 mg/kg b.wt. for the commercial formulation (47.5% of linuron). Faeces and urine were collected at regular intervals. Urine specimens were analysed for their mutagenic metabolites, thioethers and D-glucaric acid content. Faeces extracts were tested for mutagenicity. Linuron's ability to cause DNA damage and cytogenetic effects was also investigated after treating groups of rats once with different doses of pure or commercial linuron. DNA single-strand breaks were assessed in rat liver using the alkaline elution technique and the single-cell microgel electrophoresis assay (SCGE: 'comet' assay), and in rat testes cells with the SCGE assay. Micronuclei induction was analysed in rat bone marrow erythrocytes. Results obtained were mainly negative when the excretion of mutagenic metabolites in urine and faeces of animals treated with the pure compound or with the linuron-based commercial formulation were monitored, whereas an increase in the urinary excretion of thioethers and D-glucaric acid was observed in rats treated with the commercial formulation. No increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was observed in the treated animals. However, linuron affected the viability of hepatocytes isolated from animals treated with higher doses. This cytotoxicity was accompanied by the induction of DNA single-strand breaks in the liver, as seen by the alkaline elution assay. The potential of pure linuron to induce in vivo DNA damage was confirmed with the microgel-electrophoresis technique ('comet' assay). Cytotoxicity was also seen in rat testes cells. However, no indication of DNA damage was visible.
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Moretti M, Villarini M, Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Monarca S, Libraro M, Fatigoni C, Donato F, Leonardis C, Perego L. Biological monitoring of genotoxic hazard in workers of the rubber industry. Environ Health Perspect 1996; 104 Suppl 3:543-545. [PMID: 8781380 PMCID: PMC1469638 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.96104s3543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Biological monitoring of genotoxic hazard in the rubber industry was performed in 19 male workers and 20 age-matched controls in a local health unit in northern Italy. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were analyzed for the presence of DNA damage (single-cell microgel-electrophoresis, or comet assay) and for cytogenetic parameters (sister chromatid exchanges and micronuclei frequency, and proliferative rate index). The following bioassays were performed in urine samples: a) mutagenicity test and concentration of thioethers as markers of exposure, and b) excretion of D-glucaric acid and 6-beta-hydroxycortisol (related to 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion) as indicators of the inductive status of the microsomal enzyme system (phase-I). The exposed subjects showed statistically higher mean values of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and micronuclei and lower values of 6-beta-hydroxycortisol than controls, when taking cigarette smoking into account. The comet assay showed higher values for migration distance in exposed subjects than controls, although the differences were not significant at a p-value of 0.05. These findings suggest that industrial exposure in the rubber processing industry may cause genetic damage and may modify the activity level of some enzymes; these results should be considered with caution due to the small number of subjects enrolled.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moretti
- Department of Hygiene, University of Perugia, Italy
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Monarca S, Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Donato F, Angeli G, Spiegelhalder B, Fatigoni C, Pasquini R. Biological monitoring of workers exposed to N-nitrosodiethanolamine in the metal industry. Environ Health Perspect 1996; 104:78-82. [PMID: 8834865 PMCID: PMC1469258 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9610478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Biological monitoring of occupational hazards was performed in workers using cutting fluids containing N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA). The study involved a group of 25 male subjects from some metal factories in central Italy who used cutting fluids with an NDELA content of > or = 5 mg/l (high-exposure group) and a group of 37 males exposed to cutting fluids with an NDELA content < 5 mg/l (low-exposure group). For comparison, we recruited a control group consisting of 37 subjects living in the same area. For all subjects, internal dose (urinary excretion of NDELA, mutagens, and thioethers), early biological effects (sister chromatid exchanges in blood peripheral lymphocytes), and urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid (DGA) as an endpoint product in the glucuronidation pathway were assessed. The results showed that only the workers using cutting fluids with NDELA concentrations of > or = 5 mg/l excreted trace amounts of NDELA in their urine. Urine excretion of mutagens was similar in the two exposure groups and in the controls. High-exposure subjects had a higher mean value of urinary thioethers than low-exposure and control subjects, but no differences were found in urinary DGA or lymphocyte sister chromatid exchange among the three groups. Smoking status increased the mean values of all the biomarkers, and coffee drinking was associated with urinary DGA excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Monarca
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Brescia, Italy
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Pasquini R, Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Angeli G, Fatigoni C, Monarca S, Beneventi L, DiGiulio AM, Bauleo FA. Cytogenetic biomonitoring of pesticide-exposed farmers in central Italy. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 1996; 15:29-39. [PMID: 9037262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes was evaluated in 48 agricultural workers and 50 control subjects living in central Italy. No difference in SCE frequency was found between the control and the exposed populations with respect to age, smoking habits, and duration of exposure, although smokers, both farmers and controls, had a higher SCE frequency than nonsmokers. However, the comparison of proliferative rate index values found in the two groups revealed a significant decrease in the activation capability of lymphocytes in the pesticide-exposed workers, probably related to the toxic properties of chemicals to which the farmers were exposed. On the contrary, the analysis of micronuclei frequency indicated that there were differences between the exposed and control subjects with respect to smoking habits, age, and duration of exposure. Our results indicate that, in the study population occupationally exposed to a complex mixture, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, there is clear, although slight, evidence of clastogenic activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes but no corresponding effects on SCE induction. Moreover, our data show clear evidence of cell proliferation delay relatable to chemical compounds used in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pasquini
- Department of Hygiene, University of Perugia, Italy
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Pasquini R, Scassellati-Sforzolini G, Dolara P, Pampanella L, Villarini M, Caderni G, Fazi M, Fatigoni C. Assay of linuron and a pesticide mixture commonly found in the Italian diet, for promoting activity in rat liver carcinogenesis. Pharmacol Toxicol 1994; 75:170-6. [PMID: 7800659 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0773.1994.tb00342.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The herbicide linuron and a mixture of 15 pesticides commonly found in the Italian diet have been assayed for promoting activity in rat liver carcinogenesis. Composition of the pesticide mixture was: benomyl (19.55%); dithiocarbamates (20.67%); thiabendazole (14.94%); diphenylamine (14.25%); chlorthalonil (13.13%); procymidone (7.96%); fenarimol (1.95%); chlorpropham (0.70%); vinchlozolin (0.28%); methidathion (2.37%); chlorpyriphos-ethyl (2.09%); parathionmethyl (1.00%); chlorfenvinphos (0.27%); parathion (0.70%); pyrimiphos-ethyl (0.14%). To determine promoting activity we evaluated induction of preneoplastic foci in diethylnitrosamine-initiated hepatocytes, by positive gammaglutamyl-transpeptidase (GGTase) staining in liver slides, and peroxisome proliferation by peroxisomal-dependent catalase and palmitoyl-CoA-oxidase dosage. For the assay, groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were initiated with 100 mg/kg diethylnitrosamine intraperitoneally and, one week later, given 150 mg/kg/day linuron or 10 mg/kg/day pesticide mixture, administered by gavage three days a week. All rats were 2/3 hepatectomized at the beginning of the 3rd week. All treatments were terminated at the end of the 8th week, and the rats were sacrificed one week later. No significant increases in number and area (mm2) per slide unit area (cm2) of GGTase-positive foci could be observed in linuron-treated rats (5.84 +/- 1.62/cm2; 0.139 +/- 0.041 mm2/cm2) with respect to controls only initiated with diethylnitrosamine (4.47 +/- 1.30/cm2; 0.182 +/- 0.078 mm2/cm2). After treatment with the pesticide mixture, the number of preneoplastic foci was instead significantly increased (6.91 +/- 2.05/cm2) although the area was not (0.188 +/- 0.128 mm2/cm2). Moreover, no increases in the peroxisome proliferation enzymatic markers were observed in either treated groups. The results imply a possible carcinogenic risk for the population stemming from promoting activities of pesticide mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pasquini
- Department of Hygiene, University of Perugia, Italy
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Monarca S, De Fusco R, Biscardi D, De Feo V, Pasquini R, Fatigoni C, Moretti M, Zanardini A. Studies of migration of potentially genotoxic compounds into water stored in pet bottles. Food Chem Toxicol 1994; 32:783-8. [PMID: 7927074 DOI: 10.1016/0278-6915(94)90153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Coloured polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for carbonated beverages were studied for potential migration of genotoxic compounds. A combined approach, using physicochemical methods and a bacterial short-term mutagenicity test (Ames test) was followed. Standard EEC and US FDA tests for total migration of non-volatile migrant compounds into distilled water were performed, together with modified tests, where freeze-drying instead of evaporation of water was used, in order to measure both volatile and non-volatile chemicals. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed on these residues. PET bottles filled with naturally carbonated mineral water were also used for long-term total organic carbon (TOC) and mutagenicity migration studies (up to 6 months' storage). Total migration results for PET bottles were within the EEC and US FDA limits. The use of freeze-drying for the elimination of water enabled much higher total migration data (higher than the limits) to be revealed. Some potentially genotoxic compounds (acetaldehyde, dimethyl terephthalate, terephthalic acid) were identified in these migrant compounds by GC-MS analysis. The tests for TOC migration gave a maximum value after 2 wk storage and the mutagenicity tests on non-volatile migrant compounds gave always negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Monarca
- School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
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Monarca S, Scassellati Sforzolini G, Spiegelhalder B, Pasquini R, Fatigoni C. Monitoring nitrite, N-nitrosodiethanolamine, and mutagenicity in cutting fluids used in the metal industry. Environ Health Perspect 1993; 101:126-128. [PMID: 8354197 PMCID: PMC1519723 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.93101126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We carried out an integrated environmental/biological monitoring program to evaluate cancer hazards among metal industry workers exposed to cutting fluids. Several cutting fluids were sampled according to response to a semiquantitative nitrite rapid test in metal factories in central Italy. The nitrite-positive samples were analyzed for nitrite and nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) content and mutagenic activity. The nitrite-negative samples were analyzed only for mutagenicity. Of the total samples, 20.6% were nitrite positive, and all contained NDELA. However, nitrite content was not quantitatively predictive of the NDELA content, which varied enormously among samples (0.3-1900 mg/kg). Nitrite-negative samples were always nonmutagenic. Mutagenicity was found in half the NDELA-containing samples but was not related to nitrite or NDELA content. Nitrite screening of cutting fluids in the field is an interesting method for identifying samples that potentially contain NDELA and other unknown mutagens and, when performed with short-term mutagenicity tests, nitrite screening seems to be a valid tool by which industrial managers and health officers could minimize the health hazards associated with occupational exposure to cutting fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Monarca
- Department of Environmental Health, Medicine Faculty, University of Brescia, Italy
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Scassellati Sforzolini G, Pasquini R, Fatigoni C. [Industrial treatments for the preservation of food: the potential genotoxic effects]. Ann Ig 1991; 3:325-32. [PMID: 1726303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Pasquini R, Sforzolini GS, Cavaliere A, Savino A, Monarca S, Puccetti P, Fatigoni C, Antonini G. Enzymatic activities of human lung tissue: relationship with smoking habits. Carcinogenesis 1988; 9:1411-6. [PMID: 3402037 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/9.8.1411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty-two S12 preparations of surgical lung specimens obtained from smoker and non-smoker cancer patients were assayed to detect aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), dimethylnitrosamine demethylase (DMND), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, in both normal and neoplastic lung tissue from the same patients. Pulmonary fractions were also tested for their ability to activate some precarcinogens into mutagenic metabolites in the Ames test. Statistically significant differences were found for AHH and DMND activities between normal and neoplastic tissue of smoker patients. In addition, higher AHH activity in the neoplastic tissue of the smoker group was observed compared with that found in the non-smoker group. No differences were found for GST activity. All the lung S12 preparations were able to metabolize water-soluble bases and water-insoluble bases, derived from main-stream cigarette smoke condensate, into mutagenic agents in the Salmonella test system. However, S12 preparations from smoker group neoplastic tissues were more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pasquini
- Dipartimento di Igiene, Università di Perugia, Italy
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