RESUMEN
Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is an elusive, inflammatory syndrome of the small intestine thought to be associated with enterocyte loss and gut leakiness and lead to stunted child growth. To date, the gold standard for diagnosis is small intestine biopsy followed by histology. Several putative biomarkers for EED have been proposed and are widely used in the field. Here, we assessed in a cross-sectional study of children aged 2-5 years for a large set of biomarkers including markers of protein exudation (duodenal and fecal alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT)), inflammation (duodenal and fecal calprotectin, duodenal, fecal and blood immunoglobulins, blood cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP)), gut permeability (endocab, lactulose-mannitol ratio), enterocyte mass (citrulline) and general nutritional status (branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), insulin-like growth factor) in a group of 804 children in two Sub-Saharan countries. We correlated these markers with each other and with anemia in stunted and non-stunted children. AAT and calprotectin, CRP and citrulline and citrulline and BCAA correlated with each other. Furthermore, BCAA, citrulline, ferritin, fecal calprotectin and CRP levels were correlated with hemoglobin levels. Our results show that while several of the biomarkers are associated with anemia, there is little correlation between the different biomarkers. Better biomarkers and a better definition of EED are thus urgently needed.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores , Enfermedades Ambientales , Enfermedades Intestinales , Intestino Delgado , África del Sur del Sahara , Biomarcadores/análisis , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Proteína C-Reactiva/metabolismo , Preescolar , Citrulina/análisis , Estudios Transversales , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/metabolismo , Trastornos del Crecimiento , Humanos , Enfermedades Intestinales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Intestinales/etiología , Enfermedades Intestinales/metabolismo , Intestino Delgado/metabolismo , Intestino Delgado/patología , Complejo de Antígeno L1 de LeucocitoRESUMEN
Nociplastic pain is the semantic term suggested by the international community of pain researchers to describe a third category of pain that is mechanistically distinct from nociceptive pain, which is caused by ongoing inflammation and damage of tissues, and neuropathic pain, which is caused by nerve damage. The mechanisms that underlie this type of pain are not entirely understood, but it is thought that augmented CNS pain and sensory processing and altered pain modulation play prominent roles. The symptoms observed in nociplastic pain include multifocal pain that is more widespread or intense, or both, than would be expected given the amount of identifiable tissue or nerve damage, as well as other CNS-derived symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood problems. This type of pain can occur in isolation, as often occurs in conditions such as fibromyalgia or tension-type headache, or as part of a mixed-pain state in combination with ongoing nociceptive or neuropathic pain, as might occur in chronic low back pain. It is important to recognise this type of pain, since it will respond to different therapies than nociceptive pain, with a decreased responsiveness to peripherally directed therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, surgery, or injections.
Asunto(s)
Dolor Crónico/epidemiología , Inflamación/complicaciones , Trastornos Somatosensoriales/fisiopatología , Ansiedad/diagnóstico , Ansiedad/etiología , Dolor Crónico/terapia , Disfunción Cognitiva/diagnóstico , Disfunción Cognitiva/etiología , Depresión/diagnóstico , Depresión/etiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/etiología , Fatiga/diagnóstico , Fatiga/etiología , Femenino , Fibromialgia/diagnóstico , Fibromialgia/etiología , Humanos , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/diagnóstico , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/etiología , Masculino , Neuralgia/diagnóstico , Neuralgia/terapia , Dolor Nociceptivo/diagnóstico , Dolor Nociceptivo/terapia , Trastornos del Sueño-Vigilia/diagnóstico , Trastornos del Sueño-Vigilia/etiología , Trastornos Somatosensoriales/diagnóstico , Trastornos Somatosensoriales/etiología , Cefalea de Tipo Tensional/diagnóstico , Cefalea de Tipo Tensional/etiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Nickel (Ni) is mostly applied in a number of industrial areas such as printing inks, welding, alloys, electronics and electrical professions. Occupational or environmental exposure to nickel may lead to cancer, allergy reaction, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, as well as cell damage, apoptosis and oxidative stress. METHODS: In here, we focused on published studies about cell death, carcinogenicity, allergy reactions and neurotoxicity, and promising agents for the prevention and treatment of the toxicity by Ni. RESULTS: Our review showed that in the last few years, more researches have focused on reactive oxygen species formation, oxidative stress, DNA damages, apoptosis, interaction with involving receptors in allergy and mitochondrial damages in neuron induced by Ni. CONCLUSION: The collected data in this paper provide useful information about the main toxicities induced by Ni, also, their fundamental mechanisms, and how to discover new ameliorative agents for prevention and treatment by reviewing agents with protective and therapeutic consequences on Ni induced toxicity.
Asunto(s)
Muerte Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Enfermedades Ambientales , Níquel/toxicidad , Animales , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/fisiología , Daño del ADN/fisiología , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/prevención & control , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/etiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/terapia , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Humanos , Hipersensibilidad/diagnóstico , Hipersensibilidad/terapia , Neoplasias/inducido químicamente , Neoplasias/diagnóstico , Neoplasias/terapia , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/diagnóstico , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/etiología , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/terapia , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Functional disorders within dermatology present as various constellations of skin symptoms, but without evidence of organic pathology. Examples can include mucocutaneous pain syndromes, functional pruritus, somatoform pain disorder and rarer entities, such as undifferentiated somatoform idiopathic anaphylaxis and multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. These conditions can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, and can present challenges in communication, investigation and management. The aetiology of functional disorders is not fully understood, but with an effective collaborative approach, a psychological explanation for these symptoms is often found. A structured approach to assessment can lead to a confident diagnosis, and understanding a patient's belief system and the impact of symptoms on their functioning can give better grounding for successful management. Treatment is dependent on the level of the patient's engagement with healthcare professionals, and often takes a measured and rehabilitative approach. Psychological therapies have been shown to be effective, often alongside both psychopharmacological and topical medications.
Asunto(s)
Anafilaxia , Dolor Crónico , Enfermedades Ambientales , Prurito , Trastornos Somatomorfos , Anafilaxia/diagnóstico , Anafilaxia/terapia , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/terapia , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/terapia , Humanos , Prurito/diagnóstico , Prurito/terapia , Trastornos Somatomorfos/diagnóstico , Trastornos Somatomorfos/terapiaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Heavy metals [arsenic, aluminium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, nickel (Ni), palladium and titanium] are environmental contaminants able to impact with host human cells, thus, leading to severe damage. OBJECTIVE: In this review, the detrimental effects of several heavy metals on human organs will be discussed and special emphasis will be placed on Ni. In particular, Ni is able to interact with Toll-like receptor-4 on immune and non-immune cells, thus, triggering the cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Then, inflammatory and allergic reactions mediated by Ni will be illustrated within different organs, even including the central nervous system, airways and the gastrointestinal system. DISCUSSION: Different therapeutic strategies have been adopted to mitigate Ni-induced inflammatoryallergic reactions. In this context, the ability of polyphenols to counteract the inflammatory pathway induced by Ni on peripheral blood leukocytes from Ni-sensitized patients will be outlined. In particular, polyphenols are able to decrease serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17, while increasing levels of IL- 10. These data suggest that the equilibrium between T regulatory cells and T helper 17 cells is recovered with IL-10 acting as an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In the same context, polyphenols reduced elevated serum levels of nitric oxide, thus, expressing their anti-oxidant potential. Finally, the carcinogenic potential of heavy metals, even including Ni, will be highlighted. CONCLUSION: Heavy metals, particularly Ni, are spread in the environment. Nutritional approaches seem to represent a novel option in the treatment of Ni-induced damage and, among them, polyphenols should be taken into consideration for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Asunto(s)
Fenómenos Fisiológicos Celulares/efectos de los fármacos , Enfermedades Ambientales , Metales Pesados/toxicidad , Níquel/toxicidad , Terapias en Investigación , Animales , Dermatitis Alérgica por Contacto/diagnóstico , Dermatitis Alérgica por Contacto/inmunología , Dermatitis Alérgica por Contacto/terapia , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/etiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/terapia , Humanos , Terapias en Investigación/métodos , Terapias en Investigación/tendenciasRESUMEN
Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is associated with chronic undernutrition. Efforts to identify minimally invasive biomarkers of EED reveal an expanding number of candidate analytes. An analytic strategy is reported to select among candidate biomarkers and systematically express the strength of each marker's association with linear growth in infancy and early childhood. 180 analytes were quantified in fecal, urine and plasma samples taken at 7, 15 and 24 months of age from 258 subjects in a birth cohort in Peru. Treating the subjects' length-for-age Z-score (LAZ-score) over a 2-month lag as the outcome, penalized linear regression models with different shrinkage methods were fitted to determine the best-fitting subset. These were then included with covariates in linear regression models to obtain estimates of each biomarker's adjusted effect on growth. Transferrin had the largest and most statistically significant adjusted effect on short-term linear growth as measured by LAZ-score-a coefficient value of 0.50 (0.24, 0.75) for each log2 increase in plasma transferrin concentration. Other biomarkers with large effect size estimates included adiponectin, arginine, growth hormone, proline and serum amyloid P-component. The selected subset explained up to 23.0% of the variability in LAZ-score. Penalized regression modeling approaches can be used to select subsets from large panels of candidate biomarkers of EED. There is a need to systematically express the strength of association of biomarkers with linear growth or other outcomes to compare results across studies.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores/sangre , Discapacidades del Desarrollo/diagnóstico , Discapacidades del Desarrollo/patología , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/patología , Desnutrición/diagnóstico , Desnutrición/patología , Bioestadística , Preescolar , Estudios de Cohortes , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , PerúAsunto(s)
Encefalopatías/etiología , Ambiente , Enfermedades Ambientales , Neurología/tendencias , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad , Encefalopatías/diagnóstico , Encefalopatías/epidemiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/epidemiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/etiología , Contaminación Ambiental/efectos adversos , Contaminación Ambiental/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Esclerosis Múltiple/diagnóstico , Esclerosis Múltiple/epidemiología , Esclerosis Múltiple/etiología , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/diagnóstico , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/epidemiología , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/etiologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Functional somatic syndromes, grouping somatic symptoms without an organic explanation, are defined either by their predominant symptoms or by an attribution to an, often hypothetical, cause. Due to many similarities, some authors consider that there is only one FSS due to a general phenomenon of "somatization". The objective of this work was to compare two functional somatic syndromes, one defined by its symptoms, fibromyalgia, and the other by a specific contested attribution, electro-hypersensitivity. METHOD: Fibromyalgia or electro-hypersensitive participants (EHS) were recruited from September 2016 to April 2017 through associations of patients in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Home interviews included the collection of medical, psychopathological, and symptom histories. The assessment of psychological distress, quality of life and the search for other functional somatic syndromes was performed through structured questionnaires, self-administrated scales, and clinical examination. RESULTS: Sixteen fibromyalgia subjects and sixteen EHS subjects were included. There are differences in symptomatology, although many symptoms are common to both conditions. Lifetime history of psychiatric disorders and current psychological distress and psychopathology are frequent in both groups but more prevalent in fibromyalgia subjects. The experience of the symptoms, their interpretation, the diagnostic itineraries and the therapeutic behaviours differ radically according to the group, even if for all socio-professional impact is high and quality of life are altered. CONCLUSION: The health status of fibromyalgia persons is overall worse than the health status of electro-hypersensitive individuals in this small sample. Despite the overlap in symptoms and a similar impact on daily functioning, this exploratory study suggests that heterogeneous mechanisms of "somatization" may be at stake in functional somatic syndromes.
Asunto(s)
Radiación Electromagnética , Enfermedades Ambientales/psicología , Fibromialgia/psicología , Trastornos Somatomorfos/psicología , Estrés Psicológico/diagnóstico , Adulto , Anciano , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/terapia , Femenino , Fibromialgia/diagnóstico , Fibromialgia/terapia , Estado de Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Anamnesis , Persona de Mediana Edad , Calidad de Vida , Trastornos Somatomorfos/diagnóstico , Trastornos Somatomorfos/terapia , Evaluación de Síntomas , SíndromeRESUMEN
Epigenetic mechanisms integrate both genetic variability and environmental exposures. However, comprehensive epigenome-wide analysis has not been performed across major childhood allergic phenotypes. We examined the association of epigenome-wide DNA methylation in mid-childhood peripheral blood (Illumina HumanMethyl450K) with mid-childhood atopic sensitization, environmental/inhalant and food allergen sensitization in 739 children in two birth cohorts (Project Viva-Boston, and the Generation R Study-Rotterdam). We performed covariate-adjusted epigenome-wide association meta-analysis and employed pathway and regional analyses of results. Seven-hundred and five methylation sites (505 genes) were significantly cross-sectionally associated with mid-childhood atopic sensitization, 1411 (905 genes) for environmental and 45 (36 genes) for food allergen sensitization (FDR<0.05). We observed differential methylation across multiple genes for all three phenotypes, including genes implicated previously in innate immunity (DICER1), eosinophilic esophagitis and sinusitis (SIGLEC8), the atopic march (AP5B1) and asthma (EPX, IL4, IL5RA, PRG2, SIGLEC8, CLU). In addition, most of the associated methylation marks for all three phenotypes occur in putative transcription factor binding motifs. Pathway analysis identified multiple methylation sites associated with atopic sensitization and environmental allergen sensitization located in/near genes involved in asthma, mTOR signaling, and inositol phosphate metabolism. We identified multiple differentially methylated regions associated with atopic sensitization (8 regions) and environmental allergen sensitization (26 regions). A number of nominally significant methylation sites in the cord blood analysis were epigenome-wide significant in the mid-childhood analysis, and we observed significant methylation - time interactions among a subset of sites examined. Our findings provide insights into epigenetic regulatory pathways as markers of childhood allergic sensitization.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores/análisis , Metilación de ADN , Enfermedades Ambientales/epidemiología , Epigenoma , Hipersensibilidad a los Alimentos/epidemiología , Hipersensibilidad Inmediata/epidemiología , Adulto , Niño , Islas de CpG , Estudios Transversales , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/genética , Enfermedades Ambientales/inmunología , Femenino , Sangre Fetal/química , Estudios de Seguimiento , Hipersensibilidad a los Alimentos/diagnóstico , Hipersensibilidad a los Alimentos/genética , Hipersensibilidad a los Alimentos/inmunología , Estudio de Asociación del Genoma Completo , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Hipersensibilidad Inmediata/diagnóstico , Hipersensibilidad Inmediata/genética , Hipersensibilidad Inmediata/inmunología , Incidencia , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Fenotipo , Pronóstico , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Rates of allergy-test positivity vary by country and by regions within countries. Several studies have looked at allergy test results to determine the most common allergens. Many of these studies have been based on surveys or on studies of small numbers of tests. Positivity rates for allergy tests are poorly defined in the northern midwestern region of the United States. We conducted a study to identify the rates of positive allergy tests for both inhalant/respiratory allergens and food allergens in the upper Midwest. We extracted from our laboratory database the results of all test samples sent for one of eight allergen panels that had been analyzed between Sept. 1, 2014, and Sept. 1, 2015. All testing was performed at The Cleveland Clinic with the Phadia ImmunoCAP system. The percentage of positive tests, the distribution of the most frequently positive tests, and the class of in vitro responses were identified. A total of 148,628 test results for 63 different allergens were identified. Of the 125,190 tests for inhalant/respiratory allergens, the most frequently positive were dog dander (24% of tests), cat dander (23%), dust mites (23% for both Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae), and June grass (21%). Of the 23,438 food tests, the most frequently positive test results were for milk (18%), peanut (17%), wheat (16%), and egg white (15%). Most of the results fell into classes 1 through 3, although there was still a notable number of very high responses (class 5 and 6). These findings suggest that there is wide variability in the positivity of in vitro allergy tests and that the likelihood of a positive result in screening panels can be estimated. Evaluating such rates will help identify the most and least common allergens and will help to cost-effectively refine allergy screening panels.
Asunto(s)
Alérgenos/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Ambientales/epidemiología , Hipersensibilidad a los Alimentos/epidemiología , Tamizaje Masivo/estadística & datos numéricos , Animales , Gatos , Dermatophagoides farinae , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , Perros , Hipersensibilidad al Huevo/diagnóstico , Hipersensibilidad al Huevo/epidemiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Femenino , Hipersensibilidad a los Alimentos/diagnóstico , Humanos , Masculino , Medio Oeste de Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Hipersensibilidad a la Leche/diagnóstico , Hipersensibilidad a la Leche/epidemiología , Hipersensibilidad al Cacahuete/diagnóstico , Hipersensibilidad al Cacahuete/epidemiología , Poaceae/efectos adversos , Prevalencia , Pyroglyphidae , Pruebas Cutáneas , Hipersensibilidad al Trigo/diagnóstico , Hipersensibilidad al Trigo/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Humans accumulate large numbers of inorganic particles in their lungs over a lifetime. Whether this causes or contributes to debilitating disease over a normal lifespan depends on the type and concentration of the particles. We developed and tested a protocol for in situ characterization of the types and distribution of inorganic particles in biopsied lung tissue from three human groups using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Many distinct particle types were recognized among the 13 000 particles analyzed. Silica, feldspars, clays, titanium dioxides, iron oxides and phosphates were the most common constituents in all samples. Particles were classified into three general groups: endogenous, which form naturally in the body; exogenic particles, natural earth materials; and anthropogenic particles, attributed to industrial sources. These in situ results were compared with those using conventional sodium hypochlorite tissue digestion and particle filtration. With the exception of clays and phosphates, the relative abundances of most common particle types were similar in both approaches. Nonetheless, the digestion/filtration method was determined to alter the texture and relative abundances of some particle types. SEM/EDS analysis of digestion filters could be automated in contrast to the more time intensive in situ analyses.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Ambientales/patología , Compuestos Inorgánicos/análisis , Pulmón/química , Material Particulado/análisis , Intoxicación/patología , Adulto , Biopsia , Enfermedades Ambientales/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Humanos , Indicadores y Reactivos/química , Exposición por Inhalación/efectos adversos , Compuestos Inorgánicos/química , Compuestos Inorgánicos/toxicidad , Pulmón/patología , Pulmón/ultraestructura , Metales/análisis , Metales/química , Metales/toxicidad , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Medicina Militar/métodos , Personal Militar , Tamaño de la Partícula , Material Particulado/química , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Intoxicación/diagnóstico , Hipoclorito de Sodio/química , Suelo/química , Espectrometría por Rayos X , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Besides effect and environmental monitoring, human biomonitoring (HBM) offers an attractive method for analyzing the distribution and intensity of anthropogenic environmental pollutants in individuals or in particular groups of the population. However, no assessment values of comparable reliability are available to enable an interpretation of the results of environmental studies from the viewpoint of environmental health. This must be taken into account when reporting findings of such studies as well as in medical consultation, in order to avoid overdiagnosis and unnecessary anxiety for the participant. In medical practice, care should be taken when dealing with monitoring results outside the normal range! Environmental or biomonitoring results provide only a part of the available information alongside medical history and clinical examinations. In the case of tests performed for private interests as well as tests carried out within the framework of an epidemiological environmental survey, communication of results and findings can be problematic. In epidemiological studies, a close co-operation between the participant's consultant physician and physicians conducting the study is beneficial in order to ensure professional advisory counselling for subjects with results outside the normal range.
Asunto(s)
Bioensayo/métodos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Enfermedades Ambientales/epidemiología , Medicina Ambiental/métodos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminación Ambiental/análisis , Estudios Epidemiológicos , Vigilancia de la Población/métodos , Consejo/métodos , Ambiente , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Alemania/epidemiología , Humanos , Medición de RiesgoRESUMEN
The increase in allergies is a phenomenon that is being observed in all fast-developing countries. For a long time, science has taken as a starting point that solely a genetic predisposition is a precondition for the development of an allergy. Today, knowledge of environmental factors that can alter genes or the transcription of genes in the cells, has improved. Epidemiological studies have meanwhile identified several environmental factors that have a protective or supporting effect on allergy development. The environmental microbiome has recently gained central interest. A common theme in most of the studies is diversity: reduced diversity is correlated with enhanced risk for chronic inflammatory diseases and allergy.It is now of great interest for research to further analyze such environment-gene and/or environment-human interactions on all levels - from organs to cells to small and microstructures such as genes. For immunologists, it is specifically about understanding the influencing factors and effector pathways of allergens, and to apply thereby obtained insights in the follow-up for the ultimate goal of allergy research - prevention.
Asunto(s)
Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Enfermedades Ambientales/epidemiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/microbiología , Contaminación Ambiental/análisis , Hipersensibilidad/epidemiología , Hipersensibilidad/microbiología , Vigilancia de la Población/métodos , Bioensayo/métodos , Consejo/métodos , Ambiente , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Medicina Ambiental/métodos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Estudios Epidemiológicos , Medicina Basada en la Evidencia , Alemania/epidemiología , Humanos , Hipersensibilidad/diagnóstico , Prevalencia , Medición de RiesgoRESUMEN
Environmental medical syndromes comprise sick building syndrome (SBS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)/idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI), electromagnetic hypersensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), burnout, fibromyalgia, and the candida syndrome. There is also some overlap described in the literature. There is still no established knowledge of etiology, pathology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, therapy, prevention and prognosis. These syndromes are thought to result from a complex interaction of physical, chemical and/or (micro)biological environmental stresses, individual dispositions, psychological influencing factors, perceptual and processing processes, variants of somatization disorders, culturally or socially caused distress, or simply iatrogenic causation. Examination and treatment methods must be developed or existing ones scientifically validated. However, all uncertainties in the assessment of these syndromes do not absolve the physician from taking patients seriously and helping them as best as possible.
Asunto(s)
Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/psicología , Contaminantes Ambientales/efectos adversos , Trastornos Somatomorfos/diagnóstico , Trastornos Somatomorfos/psicología , Enfermedades Ambientales/etiología , Medicina Basada en la Evidencia , Humanos , Trastornos Somatomorfos/etiología , SíndromeRESUMEN
Exhaled breath has joined blood and urine as a valuable resource for sampling and analyzing biomarkers in human media for assessing exposure, uptake metabolism, and elimination of toxic chemicals. This article focuses current use of exhaled gas, aerosols, and vapor in human breath, the methods for collection, and ultimately the use of the resulting data. Some advantages of breath are the noninvasive and self-administered nature of collection, the essentially inexhaustible supply, and that breath sampling does not produce potentially infectious waste such as needles, wipes, bandages, and glassware. In contrast to blood and urine, breath samples can be collected on demand in rapid succession and so allow toxicokinetic observations of uptake and elimination in any time frame. Furthermore, new technologies now allow capturing condensed breath vapor directly, or just the aerosol fraction alone, to gain access to inorganic species, lung pH, proteins and protein fragments, cellular DNA, and whole microorganisms from the pulmonary microbiome. Future applications are discussed, especially the use of isotopically labeled probes, non-targeted (discovery) analysis, cellular level toxicity testing, and ultimately assessing "crowd breath" of groups of people and the relation to dose of airborne and other environmental chemicals at the population level.
Asunto(s)
Pruebas Respiratorias , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Toxicología/métodos , Aerosoles/química , Animales , Biomarcadores/análisis , Investigación Biomédica/instrumentación , Investigación Biomédica/métodos , Investigación Biomédica/tendencias , Pruebas Respiratorias/instrumentación , Pruebas Respiratorias/métodos , Enfermedades Ambientales/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/metabolismo , Enfermedades Ambientales/fisiopatología , Contaminantes Ambientales/metabolismo , Prioridades en Salud/tendencias , Humanos , Pulmón/efectos de los fármacos , Pulmón/metabolismo , Pulmón/fisiopatología , Miniaturización/instrumentación , Miniaturización/métodos , Tamaño de la Partícula , Toxicocinética , Toxicología/instrumentación , Toxicología/tendencias , VolatilizaciónRESUMEN
Histories of mold, pollen, dust, food, chemicals, and electromagnetic field (EMF) sensitivities are the major categories of triggers for chemical sensitivity. They are tied together by the coherence phenomenon, where each has its own frequencies and identifiable EMF; therefore, they can be correlated. The diagnosis of chemical sensitivity can be done accurately in a less-polluted, controlled environment, as was done in these studies. The principles of diagnosis and treatment depend on total environmental and total body pollutant loads, masking or adaptation, bipolarity of response, and biochemical individuality, among others. These principles make less-polluted, controlled conditions necessary. The clinician has to use less-polluted water and organic food with individual challenges for testing, including dust, mold, pesticide, natural gas, formaldehyde, particulates, and EMF testing, which needs to be performed in less-polluted copper-screened rooms. The challenge tests for proof of chemical sensitivity include inhaled toxics within a clean booth that is chemical- and particulate-free at ambient doses in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb). Individual foods, both organic and commercial (that are contaminated with herbicides and pesticides), are used orally. Water testing and intradermal testing are performed in a less-polluted, controlled environment. These include specific dose injections of molds, dust, and pollen that are preservative-free, individual organic foods, and individual chemicals, i.e. methane, ethane, propane, butane, hexane, formaldehyde, ethanol, car exhaust, jet fuel exhaust, and prosthetic implants (metal plates, pacemakers, mesh, etc.). Normal saline is used as a placebo. EMF testing is performed in a copper-screened room using a frequency generator. In our experience, 80% of the EMF-sensitive patients had chemical sensitivity when studied under less-polluted conditions for particulates, controlled natural gas, pesticides, and chemicals like formaldehyde.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/etiología , Técnicas y Procedimientos Diagnósticos , Polvo , Campos Electromagnéticos/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Ambientales/inmunología , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminación Ambiental/efectos adversos , Formaldehído/efectos adversos , Hongos , Humanos , Gas Natural/efectos adversos , Material Particulado/efectos adversos , Plaguicidas/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Chronic diseases and illnesses associated with non-specific symptoms are on the rise. In addition to chronic stress in social and work environments, physical and chemical exposures at home, at work, and during leisure activities are causal or contributing environmental stressors that deserve attention by the general practitioner as well as by all other members of the health care community. It seems necessary now to take "new exposures" like electromagnetic fields (EMF) into account. Physicians are increasingly confronted with health problems from unidentified causes. Studies, empirical observations, and patient reports clearly indicate interactions between EMF exposure and health problems. Individual susceptibility and environmental factors are frequently neglected. New wireless technologies and applications have been introduced without any certainty about their health effects, raising new challenges for medicine and society. For instance, the issue of so-called non-thermal effects and potential long-term effects of low-dose exposure were scarcely investigated prior to the introduction of these technologies. Common electromagnetic field or EMF sources: Radio-frequency radiation (RF) (3 MHz to 300 GHz) is emitted from radio and TV broadcast antennas, Wi-Fi access points, routers, and clients (e.g. smartphones, tablets), cordless and mobile phones including their base stations, and Bluetooth devices. Extremely low frequency electric (ELF EF) and magnetic fields (ELF MF) (3 Hz to 3 kHz) are emitted from electrical wiring, lamps, and appliances. Very low frequency electric (VLF EF) and magnetic fields (VLF MF) (3 kHz to 3 MHz) are emitted, due to harmonic voltage and current distortions, from electrical wiring, lamps (e.g. compact fluorescent lamps), and electronic devices. On the one hand, there is strong evidence that long-term exposure to certain EMFs is a risk factor for diseases such as certain cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and male infertility. On the other hand, the emerging electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is more and more recognized by health authorities, disability administrators and case workers, politicians, as well as courts of law. We recommend treating EHS clinically as part of the group of chronic multisystem illnesses (CMI), but still recognizing that the underlying cause remains the environment. In the beginning, EHS symptoms occur only occasionally, but over time they may increase in frequency and severity. Common EHS symptoms include headaches, concentration difficulties, sleep problems, depression, a lack of energy, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. A comprehensive medical history, which should include all symptoms and their occurrences in spatial and temporal terms and in the context of EMF exposures, is the key to making the diagnosis. The EMF exposure is usually assessed by EMF measurements at home and at work. Certain types of EMF exposure can be assessed by asking about common EMF sources. It is very important to take the individual susceptibility into account. The primary method of treatment should mainly focus on the prevention or reduction of EMF exposure, that is, reducing or eliminating all sources of high EMF exposure at home and at the workplace. The reduction of EMF exposure should also be extended to public spaces such as schools, hospitals, public transport, and libraries to enable persons with EHS an unhindered use (accessibility measure). If a detrimental EMF exposure is reduced sufficiently, the body has a chance to recover and EHS symptoms will be reduced or even disappear. Many examples have shown that such measures can prove effective. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, the broad range of other environmental factors that contribute to the total body burden should also be addressed. Anything that supports homeostasis will increase a person's resilience against disease and thus against the adverse effects of EMF exposure. There is increasing evidence that EMF exposure has a major impact on the oxidative and nitrosative regulation capacity in affected individuals. This concept also may explain why the level of susceptibility to EMF can change and why the range of symptoms reported in the context of EMF exposures is so large. Based on our current understanding, a treatment approach that minimizes the adverse effects of peroxynitrite - as has been increasingly used in the treatment of multisystem illnesses - works best. This EMF Guideline gives an overview of the current knowledge regarding EMF-related health risks and provides recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and accessibility measures of EHS to improve and restore individual health outcomes as well as for the development of strategies for prevention.
Asunto(s)
Campos Electromagnéticos/efectos adversos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Ambientales/prevención & control , Enfermedades Ambientales/terapia , Síntomas Conductuales/etiología , Biomarcadores , Barrera Hematoencefálica/efectos de la radiación , Enfermedad Crónica , Daño del ADN/efectos de la radiación , Técnicas y Procedimientos Diagnósticos , Fenómenos Electromagnéticos , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/etiología , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Unión Europea , Ejercicio Físico , Guías como Asunto , Humanos , Infertilidad/etiología , Neoplasias/etiología , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso/etiología , Oxígeno/uso terapéutico , Fototerapia/métodos , Examen Físico , Sueño , Baño de Vapor/métodos , Organización Mundial de la SaludRESUMEN
The assessment of renal functions of the adult population of Atyrau (West Kazakhstan) exposed to Atyrau oil refinery and other industrial objects (enterprises in the city), as well as employees of this refinery has been performed by virtue of the identification ofpathological changes in the urine with the use ofphotometric screening, determination of serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and the calculation of glomerular filtration rate. There were obtained evident data testifying to the development of statistically significant exertion of renal function in residents of this city as compared with those of control area residents. There was revealed a statistically significant decrease in the relative density of urine in in 42% of the population, leucocyturia - in 20%, erythrocyturia - in 25%. Decreased glomerularfiltration rate was noted in these people. A statistically significant elevation of the level of uric acid in the blood in combination with an acidic reaction and sharply acidic urine reaction indicates to the possibility of the development of urate urolithiasis which is confirmed by cases of discharge of stones in the urine in 20% of the population according to data of previously executed questionnaire survey. The above mentioned changes in the functional renal reserve and hyperuricemia are equally often found among the residents of the city - Atyrau refinery workers, and the rest of the city people as well. The results of the study allow to recommend the screening ofurine with quantitative registration ofpathological changes as a mean of the most optimal objective methods for early detection of renal dysfunction in population exposed to nephrotoxic impact of environmental techno-genic pollutants.
Asunto(s)
Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Enfermedades Ambientales , Contaminantes Ambientales/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Renales , Industria del Petróleo y Gas , Adulto , Niño , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/prevención & control , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/epidemiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/prevención & control , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , Kazajstán/epidemiología , Enfermedades Renales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Renales/epidemiología , Enfermedades Renales/etiología , Enfermedades Renales/prevención & control , Pruebas de Función Renal/métodos , Pruebas de Función Renal/estadística & datos numéricos , Masculino , Salud Poblacional/estadística & datos numéricos , Salud Pública/métodos , Salud Pública/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
There was executed the ecologic-hygienic assessment of the distribution of respiratory diseases prevalence in bioclimatic zones of the Primorsky Krai. The aim of the study was a systematic assessment of the impact of ecological-hygienic factors of environment on the distribution of respiratory diseases in adolescents and children of the Primorsky region. As an information database there were used indices of the prevalence of diseases of the respiratory system of the ICD-10 class of the official statistical report forms for the period of2000-2013 and the parameters of the environment offactor modules (6 - socio-sanitary, 5 - environmental). The numerical values of modules offactors were determined according to a specially developed scoring scale. The study of the prevalence was carried out with the use of a classical method of data analysis - descriptive statistics, Chi-square criteria. By means of the method of regression analysis from the SPSS package software there was established the relationship of environmental factors and the level of the prevalence of diseases, and were calculated values of the factor loadings influencing on the morbidity rate of children and adolescents. The study revealed that in the structure of morbidity diseases of the respiratory system account of 39% in adolescents, 61% - in children. Constructed predictive models describe the trend of the increasing in the prevalence in adolescents and children. Over the past 15 years, the level of respiratory diseases morbidity rate increased by 46.1%. It is established that the prevalence of respiratory diseases in children and adolescents from various districts of the Primorsky territory depends on the features of the bioclimatic zones and the degree of sanitary-hygienic situation, as well as combinations of parameters that form these zones; the highest cumulative level of the prevalence is observed in the bioclimatic zone of the coast, that is caused by the various degree of the impact of biotropic factors of environment; The prevalence of diseases of respiratory system is mainly affected by bioclimatic factors: residence in an area of high humidity, temperature swings, movements of air masses in combination with air pollution.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Enfermedades Ambientales , Enfermedades Respiratorias , Adolescente , Contaminación del Aire/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Niño , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Enfermedades Ambientales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Ambientales/epidemiología , Enfermedades Ambientales/prevención & control , Contaminación Ambiental/análisis , Contaminación Ambiental/prevención & control , Femenino , Sustancias Peligrosas/efectos adversos , Sustancias Peligrosas/análisis , Humanos , Exposición por Inhalación , Masculino , Enfermedades Respiratorias/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Respiratorias/epidemiología , Enfermedades Respiratorias/prevención & control , Medición de Riesgo/métodos , Federación de Rusia/epidemiología , Servicios de Salud Escolar/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
The high levels of the air pollution create prerequisites for the development of the pathology of target organs exposed to chemical agents. Big enterprises of oil refining and chemical industry of the Irkutsk region are located in the cities of Angarsk and Sayansk. The average level of the air pollution for several years in these cities is assessed as high and moderate, respectively. The use of the personalized approach may allow to more correctly evaluate the risk for the damage to health and the body's response to external impacts. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk offormation ofpathological processes in the body of adolescents in the conditions of inhalation exposure to chemicals, taking into account the individual load and study of the level of specific autoantibodies. The study included 373 adolescents from the city with high levels of air pollution and 188 schoolchildren from the city with a moderate level pollution. There was made an evaluation of the individual chemical hazard load on adolescents ' body due to the air pollution, physiologicalfeatures and the organization of educational process and leisure. There were studied the levels of specific autoantibodies, reflecting the state of the organs - targets for the impact ofpollutants. The calculation of the individual chemical load allows to calculate indices of the hazard for the health problems of each individual and to identify individuals at increased risk of developing diseases of organs and systems, which are targets for exposure to pollutants. The increase in the hazard index of developing respiratory diseases was found to be accompanied by an increase of the relative content of autoantibodies against membrane antigens of the lung tissue. There was revealed the elevation in autoantibodies levels to the proteins of vascular endothelial with increasing hazard index of disturbances in the cardiovascular system in adolescents living in city with high levels of air pollution.