Possible relationship between respiratory diseases and urinary concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites - a pilot study.

This study investigates the potential relationship between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), specifically monohydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs), in urine, and the prevalence of respiratory diseases in 2-year-old children residing in two locations within the Czech Republic - Ceské Budejovice (control location) and the historically contaminated mining district of Most. Despite current air quality and lifestyle similarities between the two cities, our research aims to uncover potential long-term health effects, building upon previous data indicating distinctive patterns in the Most population. A total of 248 urine samples were analysed for the presence of 11 OH-PAHs. Employing liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and clean-up through dispersive solid-phase extraction, instrumental analysis was conducted using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The incidence of respiratory diseases was assessed through questionnaires administered by paediatricians. The concentrations of OH-PAHs were elevated in urine samples from 2-year-olds in Most compared to those from Ceské Budejovice. The incidence of respiratory diseases showed statistically significant higher levels of OH-PAHs in children from Most, together with a higher incidence of influenza. This association underlines the impact of environmental PAH exposure on children's respiratory health. It suggests that elevated urinary OH-PAH levels indicate an increased risk of developing respiratory diseases in the affected population. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible long-term health effects and to contribute to sound public health strategies.

Development of a multiplex mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of urinary proteins related to respiratory health.

Respiratory health of children is a health priority. Club cell protein (CC16) is an interesting biomarker of lung diseases and adverse effects towards the airway epithelium integrity. Osteopontin (OPN) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) also play a role in respiratory health. The use of urine as biomarker source is useful in studies involving children but necessitates proper adjustment for physiological confounders influencing the urinary excretion, potentially characterized with beta-2-microglobulin (ß2M), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) or myoglobin (MYO), as well as adjustment for possible renal dysfunction, characterized by human serum albumin (HSA). The simultaneous quantification of all these proteins in urine could facilitate children's health monitoring. A multiple reaction monitoring method (MRM) was developed and validated for the relative quantification of the seven mentioned urinary proteins. A total of nine proteotypic peptides were selected and used for the relative quantification of the seven proteins. The MRM method was completely validated for all proteins and partially for OPN. LOQ's ranged from 0.3 to 42.8 ng/ml, a good reproducibility and a good linearity were obtained across the analytical measurement range (r2 > 0.98). The method yielded varying correlations (r2 of 0.78, 0.71, 0.34 and 0.15 for CC16, ß2M, RBP4 and HSA respectively) with available immunoassay data. It also allowed the identification and successful quantification of ß2M and RBP4 as a protein candidate for adjustment of renal handling and dysfunction. All proteins were detected in the urine samples except for MYO and NF-κB. Our validated MRM-method is able to simultaneously quantify in urine biomarkers of airway epithelium integrity and biomarkers of variation in renal function and urinary dilution. This will allow to investigate further in future studies if urine can be used as a good surrogate source for biomarkers of airway epithelium integrity, and to understand the complex relationship between cause and effect in children's respiratory health monitoring.

Urine gastrin-releasing peptide in the first week correlates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and post-prematurity respiratory disease.

RATIONALE: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is associated with post-prematurity respiratory disease (PRD) in survivors of extreme preterm birth. Identifying early biomarkers that correlate with later development of BPD and PRD may provide insights for intervention. In a preterm baboon model, elevated gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is associated with BPD, and GRP inhibition mitigates BPD occurrence. OBJECTIVE: We performed a prospective cohort study to investigate whether urine GRP levels obtained in the first postnatal week were associated with BPD, PRD, and other urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress. METHODS: Extremely low gestational age infants (23-28 completed weeks) were enrolled in a US multicenter observational study, The Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01435187). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between urine GRP in the first postnatal week and multiple respiratory outcomes: BPD, defined as supplemental oxygen use at 36 + 0 weeks postmenstrual age, and post-PRD, defined by positive quarterly surveys for increased medical utilization over the first year (PRD score). RESULTS: A total of 109 of 257 (42%) infants had BPD, and 120 of 217 (55%) had PRD. On adjusted analysis, GRP level more than 80 was associated with BPD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-3.25) and positive PRD score (aOR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.35-4.48). Urine GRP levels correlated with duration of NICU ventilatory and oxygen support and with biomarkers of oxidative stress: allantoin and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. CONCLUSIONS: Urine GRP in the first postnatal week was associated with concurrent urine biomarkers of oxidative stress and with later diagnoses of BPD and PRD.

Behavioral predictors of subsequent respiratory illness signs in dogs admitted to an animal shelter.

Individual variability is evident in behavior and physiology of animals. Determining whether behavior at intake may predict subsequent illness in the animal shelter may influence the management of dogs housed at animal shelters and reduce overall disease. While normally associated with mild disease and low mortality rates, respiratory disease nevertheless poses significant challenges to the management of dogs in the stressful environment of animal shelters due to its highly infectious nature. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore whether behavior at intake can predict subsequent occurrence and progression of upper respiratory disease in dogs at animal shelters. In a correlational study, 84 dogs were assessed throughout their stay at a city animal shelter. The dogs were subjected to a behavioral assessment, 1 min in-kennel behavioral observations across two observation periods, and the collection of urinary cortisol:creatinine (C:C) ratio. The occurrence and progression of upper respiratory disease was monitored through repeated clinical exams (rectal temperature and the occurrence of nasal and ocular discharge, and presence of coughing and sneezing). A basic PLS Path regression model revealed that time in the shelter (estimate = .53, p < .001), and sociability (estimate = .24, p < .001) and curiosity scores (estimate = .09, p = .026) were associated with increased illness. Activity and anxiety scores, however, were not associated with illness. Urinary C:C, taken on the first full day, did not predict subsequent illness when accounting for time. Limitations included attrition of dogs, a small percentage receiving vaccinations, and continuous and non-systematic rotation of dogs in the kennels. Understanding if behavior can predict subsequent illness may improve shelter management practices, and in turn, result in improved live-release outcomes.

Tobacco Smoke Exposure, Urban and Environmental Factors as Respiratory Disease Predictors in Italian Adolescents.

Risk monitoring in childhood is useful to estimate harmful health effects at later stages of life. Thus, here we have assessed the effects of tobacco smoke exposure and environmental pollution on the respiratory health of Italian children and adolescents using spirometry and the forced oscillation technique (FOT). For this purpose, we recruited 188 students aged 6-19 years living in Chivasso, Italy, and collected from them the following data: (1) one filled out questionnaire; (2) two respiratory measurements (i.e., spirometry and FOT); and (3) two urine tests for Cotinine (Cot) and 15-F2t-Isoprostane (15-F2t-IsoP) levels. We found a V-shape distribution for both Cotinine and 15-F2t-IsoP values, according to age groups, as well as a direct correlation (p = 0.000) between Cotinine and tobacco smoke exposure. These models demonstrate that tobacco smoke exposure, traffic, and the living environment play a fundamental role in the modulation of asthma-like symptoms (p = 0.020) and respiratory function (p = 0.007). Furthermore, the results from the 11-15-year group indicate that the growth process is a protective factor against the risk of respiratory disease later in life. Lastly, the FOT findings highlight the detrimental effects of tobacco smoke exposure and urbanization and traffic on respiratory health and asthma-like symptoms, respectively. Overall, monitoring environmental and behavioral factors in childhood can provide valuable information for preventing respiratory diseases in adulthood.

Urinary neopterin levels increase and predict survival during a respiratory outbreak in wild chimpanzees (Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire).

Monitoring immune system activation of wild animals has garnered increasing interest within the field of ecological immunology, leading to an urgent need for non-invasive biomarkers measuring these changes. Urinary neopterin, a marker of the cell-mediated immune response, is validated as an immune-related biomarker in captive and laboratory animals. However, wild animals naturally host higher and chronic pathogen loads. Therefore, detection and quantification of additional infections via neopterin might not be possible against the background of a chronically challenged immune system. To assess the suitability of urinary neopterin in wild animals, we measured neopterin corrected for specific gravity with an enzyme immunoassay in 185 samples collected before, during and after a respiratory disease outbreak in 28 individuals from a group of wild chimpanzees (Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire). Urinary neopterin levels were significantly higher during periods when individuals showed respiratory symptoms versus before and after the outbreak. Furthermore, urinary neopterin levels were significantly higher in individuals that died, with higher levels already apparent before the outbreak, suggesting individuals may have an already activated immune system. Measuring urinary neopterin levels, with other biomarkers of energetic condition, stress challenges, and reproduction will contribute towards a deeper understanding of life-history trade-offs in wild animals.

Associations of prenatal environmental phenol and phthalate biomarkers with respiratory and allergic diseases among children aged 6 and 7 years.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal environmental phenol and phthalate exposures may alter immune or inflammatory responses leading to respiratory and allergic disease. OBJECTIVES: We estimated associations of prenatal environmental phenol and phthalate biomarkers with respiratory and allergic outcomes among children in the Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Study. METHODS: We quantified urinary biomarkers of benzophenone-3, bisphenol A, paradichlorobenzene (as 2,5-dichlorophenol), triclosan, and 10 phthalate metabolites in third trimester maternal samples and assessed asthma, wheeze, and atopic skin conditions via parent questionnaires at ages 6 and 7 years (n = 164 children with 240 observations). We used logistic regression to estimate covariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) per standard deviation difference in natural log biomarker concentrations and examined effect measure modification by child's sex. RESULTS: Associations of prenatal 2,5-dichlorophenol (all outcomes) and bisphenol A (asthma outcomes) were modified by child's sex, with increased odds of outcomes among boys but not girls. Among boys, ORs for asthma diagnosis per standard deviation difference in biomarker concentration were 3.00 (95% CI: 1.36, 6.59) for 2,5-dichlorophenol and 3.04 (95% CI: 1.38, 6.68) for bisphenol A. Wheeze in the past 12 months was inversely associated with low molecular weight phthalate metabolites among girls only (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.59) and with benzophenone-3 among all children (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal bisphenol A and paradichlorobenzene exposures were associated with pediatric respiratory outcomes among boys. Future studies may shed light on biological mechanisms and potential sexually-dimorphic effects of select phenols and phthalates on respiratory disease development.

Clinical benefits of aspirin desensitization in patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease are not related to urinary eicosanoid release and are accompanied with decreased urine creatinine.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) after desensitization may be a therapeutic option in patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD). The mechanisms that lead to improvement in rhinosinusitis and asthma symptoms remain unknown. AIM: To attribute the documented clinical effects of ASA treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and/or asthma to the release of eicosanoid metabolites in urine. METHODS: Fourteen patients with NERD were successfully desensitized, and, eventually, eight patients were treated with 650 mg of ASA daily for 3 months. In addition to clinical assessments, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and smell test were performed before and after treatment with ASA. Venous blood and urine were collected before desensitization and after 1 and 3 months of treatment. The levels of urinary leukotrienes (LT) (cysteinyl LT and LTE4) and tetranor PGDM (metabolite of prostaglandin D2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Treatment with ASA after desensitization alleviated symptoms of rhinosinusitis, improved nasal patency (mean, 50% decrease in peak nasal inspiratory flow) and sense of smell (fourfold increase in smell test score) in as early as 4 weeks. Clinical improvements were not accompanied by any change in sinonasal mucosa thickness as assessed with nuclear magnetic resonance. Urinary cysteinyl LTs, LTE4, and prostaglandin D2 metabolite remained relatively stable during ASA treatment and did not correlate with clinical improvements. Desensitization was associated with a progressive decrease of urinary creatinine. CONCLUSION: Clinical improvement in rhinosinusitis and/or asthma after ASA desensitization was not related to concentrations of urinary eicosanoid metabolites. A decrease of urinary creatinine requires further study to determine the renal safety of long-term treatment with ASA after desensitization.

Prostaglandin D2: a dominant mediator of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin desensitization followed by high-dose aspirin therapy is routinely performed for patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Little is known about the contributions of mediators other than cysteinyl leukotrienes to aspirin reactions and to the therapeutic benefit of high-dose aspirin therapy. OBJECTIVE: We investigated differences in urinary eicosanoid metabolite levels and blood eosinophil counts in patients with AERD who tolerate and those who fail aspirin desensitization and also in patients with AERD who were successfully treated with high-dose aspirin therapy. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with AERD were stratified into those who tolerated aspirin desensitization (group I) and those who did not (group II). Urine was analyzed for eicosanoid metabolites at baseline, during aspirin reactions, and during high-dose aspirin therapy. Blood was analyzed for cell differentials at baseline and during aspirin therapy. RESULTS: Basal prostaglandin D2 metabolite (PGD-M; 13.6 ± 2.7 vs 7.0 ± 0.8 pmol/mg creatinine [Cr], P < .05) and thromboxane metabolite (TX-M; 1.4 ± 0.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.1 pmol/mg Cr, P < .01) levels were higher in group II than in group I. During aspirin reactions, PGD-M levels remained unchanged, whereas TX-M levels (0.7 ± 0.1 pmol/mg Cr, P = .07) tended to decrease in group I. In contrast, PGD-M levels increased dramatically in group II (61.3 ± 19.9 pmol/mg Cr, P < .05), whereas TX-M levels did not change. The decrease in FEV1 inversely correlated with basal urinary levels of both leukotriene E4 and PGD-M. Blood eosinophil and basophil levels increased and urinary PGD-M levels (2.2 ± 0.8 pmol/mg Cr, P < .001) decreased on 2 months of high-dose aspirin therapy in group I. CONCLUSION: Failure to tolerate aspirin desensitization in a subset of patients with AERD is associated with prostaglandin D2 overproduction. The increase in blood eosinophil and basophil counts during high-dose aspirin therapy might reflect the functional consequences of decreased prostaglandin D2 release and the therapeutic benefit of aspirin.

Susceptibility to particle health effects, miRNA and exosomes: rationale and study protocol of the SPHERE study.

BACKGROUND: Despite epidemiological findings showing increased air pollution related cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the knowledge of the involved molecular mechanisms remains moderate or weak. Particulate matter (PM) produces a local strong inflammatory reaction in the pulmonary environment but there is no final evidence that PM physically enters and deposits in blood vessels. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their miRNA cargo might be the ideal candidate to mediate the effects of PM, since they could be potentially produced by the respiratory system, reach the systemic circulation and lead to the development of cardiovascular effects.The SPHERE ("Susceptibility to Particle Health Effects, miRNAs and Exosomes") project was granted by ERC-2011-StG 282413, to examine possible molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PM exposure in relation to health outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN: The study population will include 2000 overweight (25 < BMI < 30 kg/cm2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/cm2) subjects presenting at the Center for Obesity and Work (Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy).Each subject donates blood, urine and hair samples. Extensive epidemiological and clinical data are collected. Exposure to PM is assigned to each subject using both daily PM10 concentration series from air quality monitors and pollutant levels estimated by the FARM (Flexible air Quality Regional Model) modelling system and elaborated by the Regional Environmental Protection Agency.The recruitment period started in September 2010 and will continue until 2015. At December 31, 2013 we recruited 1250 subjects, of whom 87% lived in the province of Milan.Primary study outcomes include cardiometabolic and respiratory health effects. The main molecular mechanism we are investigating focuses on EV-associated microRNAs. DISCUSSION: SPHERE is the first large study aimed to explore EVs as a novel potential mechanism of how air pollution exposure acts in a highly susceptible population. The rigorous study design, the availability of banked biological samples and the potential to integrate epidemiological, clinical and molecular data will also furnish a powerful base for investigating different complementary molecular mechanisms. Our findings, if confirmed, could lead to the identification of potentially reversible alterations that might be considered as possible targets for new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Nanoparticles from photocopiers induce oxidative stress and upper respiratory tract inflammation in healthy volunteers.

Photocopiers emit large quantities of nanoparticles (NPs); however, their toxicological properties have not been studied. Here we investigate for the first time early human responses following a day's exposure to NPs from photocopiers. Nine healthy subjects spent 6 h at a busy photocopy centre on 2-3 randomly selected days. Matched nasal lavage and urine samples were collected before and at different time points post-exposure. Nasal lavage samples were analysed for 14 cytokines, inflammatory cells and total protein. Urine samples were analysed for 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG). Exposure assessment was conducted using a suite of instruments. The mean total particle number on exposure days was >5 times higher than background, with size distributions in nanoscale range (peak 30-40 nm). Following exposure, 8-OH-dG and several pro-inflammatory cytokines were elevated 2-10 folds compared with pre-exposure levels and remained elevated for up to 36 h. We conclude that NPs from photocopiers induce upper airway inflammation and oxidative stress.

Association between occupational exposure to arsenic and neurological, respiratory and renal effects.

Occupational exposure by inhalation in copper smelter is associated with several subclinical health phenomena. The respiratory tract is usually involved in the process of detoxication of inhaled noxious agents which, as arsenic, can act as inductors of oxidative stress (Lantz, R.C., Hays, A.M., 2006. Role of oxidative stress in arsenic-induced toxicity. Drug Metab. Rev. 38, 791-804). It is also known that irritating fumes affect distal bronchioles of non-ciliated, epithelial Clara cells, which secrete anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive Clara cell protein (CC16) into the respiratory tract. The study group comprised 39 smelters employed at different workplaces in a copper foundry, matched for age and smoking habits with the control group (n=16). Subjective neurological symptoms (SNS), visual evoked potentials (VEP), electroneurographic (EneG) and electroencephalographic (EEG) results were examined in the workers and the relationships between As concentration in the air (As-Air) and urine (As-U) were assessed. Effects of exposure were expressed in terms of biomarkers: CC16 as early pulmonary biomarker and beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)M) in urine and serum and retinol binding protein (RBP) as renal markers, measured by sensitive latex immunoassay. The concentrations of arsenic exceeded about two times the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) (0.01 mg/m(3)). The contents of lead did not exceed the TLV (0.05 mg/m(3)). Low CC16 levels in serum (12.1 microg/l) of workers with SNS and VEP symptoms and highest level As-U (x(a) 39.0 microg/l) were noted earliest in relation to occupational time. Moreover, those effects were associated with increased levels of urinary and serum beta(2)M and urinary RBP. Results of our study suggested the initiative key role of oxidative stress in triggering the processes that eventually lead to the subclinical effects of arsenic on the nervous system.

Association of urinary bisphenol A concentration with medical disorders and laboratory abnormalities in adults.

CONTEXT: Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in epoxy resins lining food and beverage containers. Evidence of effects in animals has generated concern over low-level chronic exposures in humans. OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between urinary BPA concentrations and adult health status. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional analysis of BPA concentrations and health status in the general adult population of the United States, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004. Participants were 1455 adults aged 18 through 74 years with measured urinary BPA and urine creatinine concentrations. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, smoking, body mass index, waist circumference, and urinary creatinine concentration. The sample provided 80% power to detect unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.4 for diagnoses of 5% prevalence per 1-SD change in BPA concentration, or standardized regression coefficients of 0.075 for liver enzyme concentrations, at a significance level of P < .05. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Chronic disease diagnoses plus blood markers of liver function, glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and lipid changes. RESULTS: Higher urinary BPA concentrations were associated with cardiovascular diagnoses in age-, sex-, and fully adjusted models (OR per 1-SD increase in BPA concentration, 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.63; P = .001 with full adjustment). Higher BPA concentrations were also associated with diabetes (OR per 1-SD increase in BPA concentration, 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.60; P < .001) but not with other studied common diseases. In addition, higher BPA concentrations were associated with clinically abnormal concentrations of the liver enzymes gamma-glutamyltransferase (OR per 1-SD increase in BPA concentration, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.14-1.46; P < .001) and alkaline phosphatase (OR per 1-SD increase in BPA concentration, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18-1.85; P = .002). CONCLUSION: Higher BPA exposure, reflected in higher urinary concentrations of BPA, may be associated with avoidable morbidity in the community-dwelling adult population.

Influence of genetic factors on toluene diisocyanate-related symptoms: evidence from a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a highly reactive compound used in the production of, e.g., polyurethane foams and paints. TDI is known to cause respiratory symptoms and diseases. Because TDI causes symptoms in only a fraction of exposed workers, genetic factors may play a key role in disease susceptibility. METHODS: Workers (N = 132) exposed to TDI and a non-exposed group (N = 114) were analyzed for genotype (metabolising genes: CYP1A1*2A, CYP1A1*2B, GSTM1*O, GSTM3*B, GSTP1 I105V, GSTP1 A114V, GSTT1*O, MPO -463, NAT1*3, *4, *10, *11, *14, *15, NAT2*5, *6, *7, SULT1A1 R213H; immune-related genes: CCL5 -403, HLA-DQB1*05, TNF -308, TNF -863) and symptoms of the eyes, upper and lower airways (based on structured interviews). RESULTS: For three polymorphisms: CYP1A1*2A, CYP1A1*2B, and TNF -308 there was a pattern consistent with interaction between genotype and TDI exposure status for the majority of symptoms investigated, although it did reach statistical significance only for some symptoms: among TDI-exposed workers, the CYP1A1 variant carriers had increased risk (CYP1A1*2A and eye symptoms: variant carriers OR 2.0 95% CI 0.68-6.1, p-value for interaction 0.048; CYP1A1*2B and wheeze: IV carriers OR = 12, 1.4-110, p-value for interaction 0.057). TDI-exposed individuals with TNF-308 A were protected against the majority of symptoms, but it did not reach statistical significance. In the non-exposed group, however, TNF -308 A carriers showed higher risk of the majority of symptoms (eye symptoms: variant carriers OR = 2.8, 1.1-7.1, p-value for interaction 0.12; dry cough OR = 2.2, 0.69-7.2, p-value for interaction 0.036). Individuals with SULT1A1 213H had reduced risk both in the exposed and non-exposed groups. Other polymorphisms, showed associations to certain symptoms: among TDI-exposed,NAT1*10 carriers had a higher risk of eye symptoms and CCL5 -403 AG+AA as well as HLA-DQB1 *05 carriers displayed increased risk of symptoms of the lower airways. GSTM1, GSTM3 and GSTP1 only displayed effects on symptoms of the lower airways in the non-exposed group. CONCLUSION: Specific gene-TDI interactions for symptoms of the eyes and lower airways appear to exist. The results suggest different mechanisms for TDI- and non-TDI-related symptoms of the eyes and lower airways.

Dermal and bronchial symptoms in children: are they caused by PAH containing parquet glue or by passive smoking?

OBJECTIVE: In 1997 a new source of potential polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure was discovered: very high levels of (PAHs) and benzo-a-pyrene (BaP) were detected in household dust from former American Forces housing in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, built in 1955/1956. This contamination was caused by a parquet glue containing coal tar, the use of which was formerly a standard building practice in Germany. Children were considered to be at special risk for exposure to PAHs when playing on the floor via mouthing. Therefore, the children's symptoms and complaints were analysed for association with PAH contamination in parquet glue and household dust as well as with internal exposure to PAHs via determination of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine samples. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and eighty seven children <6 years of age living more than 12 months in the former US-housing estates are enrolled in this analysis, representing 22.3% of the children <6 years of age living there. Their spot urine samples were analysed for 1-hydroxypyrene. The level of BaP in parquet glue and in household dust was available in the homes of 215 and 212 children, respectively. There were no hints for differences in PAH contamination in parquet glue or in household dust of the participants' flats compared to the flats of the non responders. In 246 cases data on environmental tobacco smoke exposure at home was known as well. Data on symptoms and complaints observed by their parents during the preceding 12 months (1-year prevalence) were obtained using the ISAAC questionnaire (modified). RESULTS: The following 1-year prevalences were reported: 15% itching eczema in elbows, 10% itching and urticaria, 6% itching in the palate and throat, 20% sneezing and running nose or stuffed nose, 15% nosebleed; 25% wheezing, 42% dry cough, and 60% frequent infectious disease. No consistent associations between symptoms and BaP in parquet glue or in household dust or urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene in the children could be found. However, associations between symptoms and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home were to be seen, significant for dermal and bronchial symptoms. CONCLUSION: Informed about PAHs in parquet glue and household dust many parents demanded for total redevelopment of their flats. According to statistical evaluation of the children's symptoms, observed by their parents, no hints for an association with exposure via BaP in parquet glue or household dust were found. However, significant associations between symptoms and the exposure to environmental tobacco smoke were observed, especially bronchial and dermal symptoms. Therefore instead of redevelopment of flats with parquet glue containing coal tar, intensified information on the harmful effects of passive smoking in childhood seems to be mandatory.

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in infants and children under intravenous corticosteroid therapy.

The short-term effects of corticosteroids (CS) administered intravenously (IV) on biochemical parameters of bone metabolism were followed in infants and children. Forty-nine patients from 2 months to 10 years of age, admitted to Pediatrics Department for bronchiolitis, viral-associated wheezing and croup, were treated with IV hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone (10 or 2 mg/Kg/day, respectively) for 3 days. Blood and fasting urine were collected on admission (day 1), 2 days later (day 3) and 12 days after the end of therapy (day 15). Fifty-one children of similar age and gender without respiratory problems or bone diseases were used as controls. On day 3, suppression of the bone formation markers osteocalcin (OC) (P < 0.001) and total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P < 0.05) was observed, but not of the bone resorption markers of hydroxyproline, pyridinoline and calcium excretion (UHyp/UCr, UPYD/UCr and UDPD/UCr, UCa/UCr). Significant decreases were indicated in serum phosphate (Pi) and the maximum renal tubular Pi reabsorption (TmP/GFR) compared to basal (P < 0.001). No significant changes were noticed in the circulating levels of calcium (Ca), parathyroid hormone (iPTH), 25OHD, 24,25(OH)2D, 1,25(OH)2D, the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). Two weeks after therapy, the increase of OC to higher than basal (P < 0.01) indicated a probable activation of the osteoblasts. Serum Pi and the TmP/GFR index values that had significantly decreased by day 3 returned to pretreatment levels by day 15. When assessing the effects of the CS in relation to age, no changes were detected in the levels of OC and total ALP in the <12-month-old children, but a fall of OC was observed in the >1-year-old group (P < 0.001). In contrast to the OC, the effects on serum and renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate were similar for both groups. In conclusion, short-term IV administered CS led to significant but reversible inhibition of bone formation markers, especially detectable in the >1-year-old children, without affecting the bone resorption ones. The adverse effects on phosphate metabolism were also significant, but temporal and irrespective of age.

Therapeutic, toxic, and lethal concentrations of 73 drugs affecting respiratory system in human fluids.

BACKGROUND: Drugs affecting the respiratory system are an important group of pharmaceutical specialties in poisoning with relatively high frequency. METHODS: As a continuation of our published studies on the concentrations of drugs of abuse and drugs affecting cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems, we have reviewed the published data to select respiratory drugs on the basis of conservative criteria and our own experience. RESULTS: A compilation of the concentrations of 73 drugs affecting the respiratory system--in whole blood, serum/plasma, and urine, and corresponding to therapeutic, toxic, or lethal concentrations--is given. CONCLUSIONS: The table presented can be helpful in interpretation of the concentrations of this group of medicines encountered in clinical, toxicologic, and forensic cases.

[Elaboration and improvement of biochemical methods in early diagnosis and prognostication of the development of occupational diseases]. / Razrabotka i usovershenstvovanie biokhimicheskikh metodov rannei diagnostiki i prognozirovaniia razvitiia profzabolevanii.

The article summarizes and analyzes scientific and practical studies conducted by Laboratory Department of Moscow Erisman Hygienic Research Institute. The theoretic works described resorption of Metallic ions from digestive tract into the blood, revealed mathematic dependence of resorption coefficient on ion radius and potential, hydration heat, solubility and other physical and chemical parameters. The scientists developed basic requirements for hazards detection in human biologic material during hygienic and toxicologic clinical investigations. A suggested bunch of biochemical and immunologic methods helps in early and differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases caused by dust. Refinements in some biochemical and toxicologic chemical methods enable to improve metrological characteristics, reduce reagents amount, simplify the methods.

Effects of disease on the results of diagnostic tests for use in detecting hyperadrenocorticism in dogs.

The purpose of the study reported here was to assess 3 commonly used screening tests for hyperadrenocorticism (low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, ACTH stimulation test, and urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio) in dogs with various diseases other than those of the adrenal glands (nonadrenal diseases). A group of 100 dogs was studied: 59 dogs with nonadrenal disease, 21 clinically normal dogs, and 20 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Of 59 dogs with nonadrenal disease, 20 (34%) had high baseline cortisol concentration (greater than reference range limits), and 22 (38%) and 33 (56%) had inadequate serum cortisol suppression at 4 and 8 hours, respectively, after administration of a low dose of dexamethasone. Compared with clinically normal dogs, dogs with nonadrenal disease had significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean serum cortisol concentration at 4 and 8 hours after administration of a low dose of dexamethasone; however, significant differences were not detected between the mean cortisol concentration at 8 hours after administration for dogs with nonadrenal disease and for dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. After ACTH stimulation, only 8 of 59 (14%) dogs with nonadrenal disease had high serum cortisol concentrations. Significant differences did not exist after ACTH stimulation between mean cortisol concentration of clinically normal dogs and that of dogs with nonadrenal disease. Of 59 dogs with nonadrenal disease, 45 (76%) had a high urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio. When compared with clinically normal dogs, dogs with nonadrenal disease had a significantly higher mean urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio, but significant differences did not exist between the mean urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio of dogs with nonadrenal disease and that of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Objective passive-smoking indicators and respiratory morbidity in young children.

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is associated with increased respiratory morbidity in young children, but few studies have assessed such exposure objectively by urinary cotinine measurements. 501 children aged 1-5 years, a random 5% sample of children attending an outpatient clinic, were classified as exposed or non-exposed to environmental tobacco smoke with a cut-off of 10 ng cotinine per mg creatinine in urine. Exposed children were 3.5 times (95% CI 1.56-7.90, p < 0.0024) more likely to have increased respiratory morbidity (three or more episodes during the previous 12 months) than non-exposed children after adjustment for potential confounding factors.