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OBJECTIVES: Isocyanates are known to induce occupational diseases. The aim of this work was to assess the health effects of exposure to isocyanates and to test the sensitivity of selected parameters for early detection of isocyanate-related allergic diseases. METHODS: In total, 35 employees from one factory were tested: 26 workers exposed to isocyanates (exposed group) and nine office workers (control group). All subjects filled in a questionnaire regarding possible health problems. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and spirometry were measured for each subject at the same time during two consecutive working days. A urine sample was taken for a biological exposure test (BET). RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the exposed and control groups for spirometry parameters and FeNO. However, in the exposed group, FeNO was highly elevated (> 50 ppb) in five subjects (all reporting health problems at the workplace, all with normal spirometry and non-smokers). The BET revealed a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the exposed and control groups for 4,4´-methylenediphenyl diamine (MDA) in the urine. CONCLUSIONS: Our examination showed the usefulness of the BET in monitoring of workplace exposure to isocyanates and the importance of FeNO in monitoring of allergic inflammation of airways in non-smoking employees with normal spirometry.
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Enfermedades Profesionales , Exposición Profesional , Automóviles , Humanos , Isocianatos/análisis , Isocianatos/orina , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Lugar de TrabajoRESUMEN
The extensive development of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials poses a number of questions to toxicologists about the potential health risks of exposure to nanoparticles (NP). In this study, we analysed DNA damage in the leukocytes of 20 workers who were long-term exposed (18 ± 10 years) to NP in their working environment. Blood samples were collected in September 2016, before and after a shift, to assess (i) the chronic effects of NP on DNA (pre-shift samples) and (ii) the acute effects of exposure during the shift (the difference between pre- and post-shift samples). The samples from matched controls were taken in parallel with workers before the shift. Leukocytes were isolated from heparinised blood on a Ficoll gradient. The enzyme-modified comet assay (DNA formamido-pyrimidine-glycosylase and endonuclease III) demonstrated a considerable increase of both single- and double-strand breaks in DNA (DNA-SB) and oxidised bases when compared with the controls (2.4× and 2×, respectively). Acute exposure induced a further increase of DNA-SB. The welding and smelting of nanocomposites represented a higher genotoxic risk than milling and grinding of nanocomposite surfaces. Obesity appeared to be a factor contributing to an increased risk of oxidative damage to DNA. The data also indicated a higher susceptibility of males vs. females to NP exposure. The study was repeated in September 2017. The results exhibited similar trend, but the levels of DNA damage in the exposed subjects were lower compared to previous year. This was probably associated with lower exposure to NP in consequence of changes in nanomaterial composition and working operations. The further study involving also monitoring of personal exposures to NP is necessary to identify (i) the main aerosol components responsible for genotoxic effects in workers handling nanocomposites and (ii) the primary cause of gender differences in response to NP action.
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Daño del ADN , Leucocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Nanocompuestos/toxicidad , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Adulto , Ensayo Cometa , ADN/efectos de los fármacos , ADN/metabolismo , ADN-Formamidopirimidina Glicosilasa , Desoxirribonucleasa (Dímero de Pirimidina) , Proteínas de Escherichia coli , Femenino , Humanos , Leucocitos/metabolismo , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mutágenos , Estrés Oxidativo , Factores Sexuales , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The risk of exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) has rapidly increased during the last decade due to the vast use of nanomaterials (NMs) in many areas of human life. Despite this fact, human biomonitoring studies focused on the effect of NP exposure on DNA alterations are still rare. Furthermore, there are virtually no epigenetic data available. In this study, we investigated global and gene-specific DNA methylation profiles in a group of 20 long-term (mean 14.5 years) exposed, nanocomposite, research workers and in 20 controls. Both groups were sampled twice/day (pre-shift and post-shift) in September 2018. We applied Infinium Methylation Assay, using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChips with more than 850,000 CpG loci, for identification of the DNA methylation pattern in the studied groups. Aerosol exposure monitoring, including two nanosized fractions, was also performed as proof of acute NP exposure. The obtained array data showed significant differences in methylation between the exposed and control groups related to long-term exposure, specifically 341 CpG loci were hypomethylated and 364 hypermethylated. The most significant CpG differences were mainly detected in genes involved in lipid metabolism, the immune system, lung functions, signaling pathways, cancer development and xenobiotic detoxification. In contrast, short-term acute NP exposure was not accompanied by DNA methylation changes. In summary, long-term (years) exposure to NP is associated with DNA epigenetic alterations.
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Metilación de ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Nanopartículas/efectos adversos , Exposición Profesional , Adulto , Anciano , Epigénesis Genética , Femenino , Genoma Humano , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Nanocompuestos/efectos adversos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: High-molecular-weight (HMW) proteins and low-molecular-weight (LMW) chemicals can cause occupational asthma (OA) although few studies have thoroughly compared the clinical, physiological, and inflammatory patterns associated with these different types of agents. The aim of this study was to determine whether OA induced by HMW and LMW agents shows distinct phenotypic profiles. METHODS: Clinical and functional characteristics, and markers of airway inflammation were analyzed in an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort of subjects with OA ascertained by a positive inhalation challenge response to HMW (n = 544) and LMW (n = 635) agents. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between OA caused by HMW agents and work-related rhinitis (OR [95% CI]: 4.79 [3.28-7.12]), conjunctivitis (2.13 [1.52-2.98]), atopy (1.49 [1.09-2.05]), and early asthmatic reactions (2.86 [1.98-4.16]). By contrast, OA due to LMW agents was associated with chest tightness at work (2.22 [1.59-3.03]), daily sputum (1.69 [1.19-2.38]), and late asthmatic reactions (1.52 [1.09-2.08]). Furthermore, OA caused by HMW agents showed a higher risk of airflow limitation (1.76 [1.07-2.91]), whereas OA due to LMW agents exhibited a higher risk of severe exacerbations (1.32 [1.01-1.69]). There were no differences between the two types of agents in the baseline sputum inflammatory profiles, but OA caused by HMW agents showed higher baseline blood eosinophilia and a greater postchallenge increase in fractional nitric oxide. CONCLUSION: This large cohort study describes distinct phenotypic profiles in OA caused by HMW and LMW agents. There is a need to further explore differences in underlying pathophysiological pathways and outcome after environmental interventions.
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Alérgenos/química , Alérgenos/inmunología , Asma Ocupacional/diagnóstico , Asma Ocupacional/etiología , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Adulto , Asma Ocupacional/sangre , Biomarcadores , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunización , Recuento de Leucocitos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Peso Molecular , Oportunidad Relativa , Pruebas de Función Respiratoria , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Occupational asthma and allergic diseases of the upper airway play an important role in occupational diseases. The most frequent allergens, which causes occupational respiratory diseases in the Czech Republic, are isocyanates and wheat and rye flour. Isocyanates are the substances used in car industry during production of polyurethanes, they are in colours and glues. Occupational allergic asthma and rhinitis are diagnosed using specific challenge tests with substances from the workplace. These tests can be done in a special exposure box in a lab with substances taken by hygiene specialists from the patient´s workplace or using direct exposure at the workplace. Spirometry and anterior active rhinomanometry are used as objective methods during these tests. For prognosis the early diagnosis and withdrawal from the occupational allergen exposure are essential. Keywords: allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, irritant-induced asthma, irritant-induced rhinitis, isocyanate, occupational disease, specific inhalation challenge.
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Asma Ocupacional , Exposición Profesional , Rinitis , Asma Ocupacional/diagnóstico , Asma Ocupacional/terapia , República Checa , Humanos , Rinitis/diagnóstico , Rinitis/etiología , Rinitis/terapiaRESUMEN
Nanoparticles (NPs) have become an important part of everyday life, including their application in dentistry. Aside from their undoubted benefits, questions regarding their risk to human health, and/or genome have arisen. However, studies concerning cytogenetic effects are completely absent. A group of women acutely exposed to an aerosol released during dental nanocomposite grinding was sampled before and after the work. Exposure monitoring including nano (PM0.1) and respirable (PM4) fractions was performed. Whole-chromosome painting for autosomes #1, #4, and gonosome X was applied to estimate the pattern of cytogenetic damage including structural and numerical alterations. The results show stable genomic frequency of translocations (FG/100), in contrast to a significant 37.8% (p<0.05) increase of numerical aberrations caused by monosomies (p<0.05), but not trisomies. Monosomies were mostly observed for chromosome X. In conclusion, exposure to nanocomposites in stomatology may lead to an increase in numerical aberrations which can be dangerous for dividing cells.
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Nanocompuestos , Exposición Profesional , Humanos , Femenino , Nanocompuestos/toxicidad , Nanocompuestos/química , Persona de Mediana Edad , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Aberraciones Cromosómicas , Adulto , Materiales Dentales/toxicidad , Pintura CromosómicaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of short-term inhalational exposure to nanoparticles released during dental composite grinding on oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four healthy volunteers were examined before and after exposure in dental workshop. They spent 76.8 ± 0.7 min in the testing room during grinding of dental nanocomposites. The individual exposure to aerosol particles in each participant´s breathing zones was monitored using a personal nanoparticle sampler (PENS). Exhaled breath condensate (EBC), blood, and urine samples were collected pre- and post-exposure to measure one oxidative stress marker, i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and two biomarkers of antioxidant capacity, i.e., ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reduced glutathione (GSH) by spectrophotometry. Spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were used to evaluate the effect of acute inhalational exposure. RESULTS: Mean mass of dental nanocomposite ground away was 0.88 ± 0.32 g. Average individual doses of respirable particles and nanoparticles measured by PENS were 380 ± 150 and 3.3 ± 1.3 µg, respectively. No significant increase of the post-exposure oxidative stress marker TBARS in EBC and plasma was seen. No decrease in antioxidant capacity biomarkers FRAP and GSH in EBC post-exposure was seen, either. Post-exposure, conjunctival hyperemia was seen in 62.5% volunteers; however, no impairment in spirometry or FeNO results was observed. No correlation of any biomarker measured with individual exposure was found, however, several correlations with interfering factors (age, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and environmental pollution parameters) were seen. CONCLUSIONS: This study, using oxidative stress biomarker and antioxidant capacity biomarkers in biological fluids of volunteers during the grinding of dental nanocomposites did not prove a negative effect of this intense short-term exposure. However, further studies are needed to evaluate oxidative stress in long-term exposure of both stomatologists and patients and diverse populations with varying health statuses.
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Aim: Today, there is a lack of research studies concerning human acute exposure to nanoparticles (NPs). Our investigation aimed to simulate real-world acute inhalation exposure to NPs released during work with dental nanocomposites in a dental office or technician laboratory. Methods: Blood samples from female volunteers were processed before and after inhalation exposure. Transcriptomic mRNA and miRNA expression changes were analyzed. Results: We detected large interindividual variability, 90 significantly deregulated mRNAs, and 4 miRNAs when samples of participants before and after dental nanocomposite grinding were compared. Conclusion: The results suggest that inhaled dental NPs may present an occupational hazard to human health, as indicated by the changes in the processes related to oxidative stress, synthesis of eicosanoids, and cell division.
What is this article about? We searched for a possible impact of acute inhalation exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) released during the grinding of dental nanocomposites used for teeth reconstruction. The exposure design utilized in our study simulated the acute exposure of the dental staff to the NPs. Our research fills the gaps in knowledge in the field of acute human inhalation exposure to dental nanocomposites.What were the results? Results indicate that the impact of exposure to NPs is dependent on the style of working as well as on the interindividual biological variability among study subjects. Changes in expression levels of genes associated with an increase of oxidative stress, synthesis of eicosanoids (signaling molecules related to e.g., immune responses), and cell division were detected.What do the results of the study mean? All the observed changes may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, carcinogenesis, or problems during pregnancy. Occupational exposure to inhaled NPs, including those generated in dental practice can pose a significant health risk, and protective measures when working with these materials should be considered. More research is needed to compare our results with chronic (long-term) exposure to similar materials to show the hazards related to their inhalation.
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Exposición por Inhalación , MicroARNs , Nanocompuestos , Transcriptoma , Humanos , Femenino , Nanocompuestos/química , Transcriptoma/efectos de los fármacos , Adulto , MicroARNs/genética , Exposición por Inhalación/efectos adversos , ARN Mensajero/genética , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Nanopartículas/química , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Aim: To find a practical biomonitoring method for researchers exposed to nanoparticles causing oxidative stress. Methods: In a continuation of a study in 2016-2018, biological samples (plasma, urine and exhaled breath condensate [EBC]) were collected in 2019-2020 from 43 researchers (13.8 ± 3.0 years of exposure) and 45 controls. Antioxidant status was assessed using glutathione (GSH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power, while oxidative stress was measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, all using spectrophotometric methods. Researchers' personal nanoparticle exposure was monitored. Results: Plasma GSH was elevated in researchers both before and after exposure (p < 0.01); postexposure plasma GSH correlated with nanoparticle exposure, and GSH in EBC increased. Conclusion: The results suggest adaptation to chronic exposure to nanoparticles, as monitored by plasma and EBC GSH.
What is this study about? Identifying markers of oxidative stress and/or adaptation to oxidation stress could offer tools for monitoring exposure to nanoparticles in exposed researchers. In this study, we question whether these markers correlate with their personal exposure during the shift. What were the results? We found that exposure to nanoparticles correlated with the antioxidant marker glutathione, which is higher in workers who are already pre-exposed. What do the results mean? This study suggests that the researchers have adapted to nanoparticle exposure and are ready to combat oxidative stress. However, the similarity with increased markers of oxidative stress from asbestos and silica exposure, including nucleic acid oxidation, previously found in these researchers highlights the need for further research in this area to better understand and prevent potential future effects.
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Antioxidantes , Nanopartículas , Estrés Oxidativo , Glutatión , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico , Pruebas Respiratorias/métodos , Biomarcadores/metabolismoRESUMEN
Human data concerning exposure to nanoparticles are very limited, and biomarkers for monitoring exposure are urgently needed. In a follow-up of a 2016 study in a nanocomposites plant, in which only exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was examined, eight markers of oxidative stress were analyzed in three bodily fluids, i.e., EBC, plasma and urine, in both pre-shift and post-shift samples in 2017 and 2018. Aerosol exposures were monitored. Mass concentration in 2017 was 0.351 mg/m3 during machining, and 0.179 and 0.217 mg/m3 during machining and welding, respectively, in 2018. In number concentrations, nanoparticles formed 96%, 90% and 59%, respectively. In both years, pre-shift elevations of 50.0% in EBC, 37.5% in plasma and 6.25% in urine biomarkers were observed. Post-shift elevation reached 62.5% in EBC, 68.8% in plasma and 18.8% in urine samples. The same trend was observed in all biological fluids. Individual factors were responsible for the elevation of control subjects' afternoon vs. morning markers in 2018; all were significantly lower compared to those of workers. Malondialdehyde levels were always acutely shifted, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels best showed chronic exposure effect. EBC and plasma analysis appear to be the ideal fluids for bio-monitoring of oxidative stress arising from engineered nanomaterials. Potential late effects need to be targeted and prevented, as there is a similarity of EBC findings in patients with silicosis and asbestosis.
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BACKGROUND: While acrylates are well-known skin sensitizers, they are not classified as respiratory sensitizers although several cases of acrylate-induced occupational asthma (OA) have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of acrylate-induced OA in a large series of cases and compare those with OA induced by other low-molecular-weight (LMW) agents. METHODS: Jobs and exposures, clinical and functional characteristics, and markers of airway inflammation were analyzed in an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort of subjects with OA ascertained by a positive inhalation challenge to acrylates (n = 55) or other LMW agents (n = 418) including isocyanates (n = 125). RESULTS: Acrylate-containing glues were the most prevalent products, and industrial manufacturing, dental work, and beauty care were typical occupations causing OA. Work-related rhinitis was more common in acrylate-than in isocyanate-induced asthma (P < .001). The increase in postchallenge fractional exhaled nitric oxide was significantly greater in acrylate-induced OA (26.0; 8.2 to 38.0 parts per billion [ppb]) than in OA induced by other LMW agents (3.0; -1.0 to 10.0 ppb; P < .001) or isocyanates (5.0; 2.0 to 16.0 ppb; P = .010). Multivariable models confirmed that OA induced by acrylates was significantly and independently associated with a postchallenge increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (≥17.5 ppb). CONCLUSIONS: Acrylate-induced OA shows specific characteristics, concomitant work-related rhinitis, and exposure-related increases in fractional exhaled nitric oxide, suggesting that acrylates may induce asthma through different immunologic mechanisms compared with mechanisms through which other LMW agents may induce asthma. Our findings reinforce the need for a reevaluation of the hazard classification of acrylates, and further investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying their respiratory sensitizing potential.
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Asma Ocupacional , Acrilatos/efectos adversos , Asma Ocupacional/epidemiología , Estudios de Cohortes , Espiración , Humanos , Óxido Nítrico , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Although sensitizer-induced occupational asthma (OA) accounts for an appreciable fraction of adult asthma, the severity of OA has received little attention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the burden and determinants of severe OA in a large multicenter cohort of subjects with OA. METHODS: This retrospective study included 997 subjects with OA ascertained by a positive specific inhalation challenge completed in 20 tertiary centers in 11 European countries during the period 2006 to 2015. Severe asthma was defined by a high level of treatment and any 1 of the following criteria: (1) daily need for a reliever medication, (2) 2 or more severe exacerbations in the previous year, or (3) airflow obstruction. RESULTS: Overall, 162 (16.2%; 95% CI, 14.0%-18.7%) subjects were classified as having severe OA. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that severe OA was associated with persistent (vs reduced) exposure to the causal agent at work (odds ratio [OR], 2.78; 95% CI, 1.50-5.60); a longer duration of the disease (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07); a low level of education (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.73-4.18); childhood asthma (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.13-7.36); and sputum production (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.87-4.38). In subjects removed from exposure, severe OA was associated only with sputum production (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.87-7.40); a low education level (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.72-6.80); and obesity (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 0.97-3.97). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a substantial proportion of subjects with OA experience severe asthma and identifies potentially modifiable risk factors for severe OA that should be targeted to reduce the adverse impacts of the disease.
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Asma Ocupacional/epidemiología , Agonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Asma Ocupacional/tratamiento farmacológico , Asma Ocupacional/fisiopatología , Europa (Continente) , Femenino , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Oportunidad Relativa , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Índice de Severidad de la EnfermedadRESUMEN
Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) contains many substances, which could help in diagnosis of occupational asthma. The aim of the study is to monitor leukotrienes (LT) and 8-isoprostane from EBC in bronchoprovocation tests with allergens in 47 patients with suspected occupational asthma. Forty-one patients were tested negative. In negative bronchoprovocation tests, no significant differences (P<0.05) were seen between the five measurements during and after the test. In control measurements (without provocation), significant differences were found among four measurements done within 24h for 8-isoprostane (P=0.0138). The relationship between the log transformed ratios of the EBC parameters and FEV(1) was never significant at the 5% level in control measurements, while in negative tests, statistical significance was recorded for LTB(4) (P=0.0299) before and 5h after the test. Six of 47 patients were tested positive. Such a small number of patients did not allow proper statistical analysis and therefore, the results are described separately for each patient.
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Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire/inmunología , Alérgenos/inmunología , Dinoprost/análogos & derivados , Espiración/fisiología , Leucotrienos/análisis , Adulto , Pruebas Respiratorias , Dinoprost/análisis , Dinoprost/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Leucotrienos/metabolismo , MasculinoRESUMEN
Rapid and precise method for the determination of 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha), an essential marker of the oxidative stress, in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was developed. The protocol consisted of stable isotope dilution, immunoseparation combined with selective and sensitive LC-ESI-MS/MS operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The imprecision of the developed method was below 8.8%, the parameter of mean inaccuracy was determined as <9.6% (0-250pg of 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha)/ml EBC). The limit of detection (LOD) was 1 pg/ml EBC and limit of quantification (LOQ) 5 pg/ml EBC. A significant difference in 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) content between the group of asbestosis patients and healthy volunteers was found.
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Pruebas Respiratorias , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión/métodos , Dinoprost/análogos & derivados , Espectrometría de Masa por Ionización de Electrospray/métodos , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem/métodos , Calibración , Dinoprost/análisis , Humanos , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
Thousands of researchers and workers worldwide are employed in nanocomposites manufacturing, yet little is known about their respiratory health. Aerosol exposures were characterized using real time and integrated instruments. Aerosol mass concentration ranged from 0.120 mg/m³ to 1.840 mg/m³ during nanocomposite machining processes; median particle number concentration ranged from 4.8 × 104 to 5.4 × 105 particles/cm³. The proportion of nanoparticles varied by process from 40 to 95%. Twenty employees, working in nanocomposite materials research were examined pre-shift and post-shift using spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in parallel with 21 controls. Pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LT) type B4, C4, D4, and E4; tumor necrosis factor (TNF); interleukins; and anti-inflammatory lipoxins (LXA4 and LXB4) were analyzed in their exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Chronic bronchitis was present in 20% of researchers, but not in controls. A significant decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) was found in researchers post-shift (p Ë 0.05). Post-shift EBC samples were higher for TNF (p Ë 0.001), LTB4 (p Ë 0.001), and LTE4 (p Ë 0.01) compared with controls. Nanocomposites production was associated with LTB4 (p Ë 0.001), LTE4 (p Ë 0.05), and TNF (p Ë 0.001), in addition to pre-shift LTD4 and LXB4 (both p Ë 0.05). Spirometry documented minor, but significant, post-shift lung impairment. TNF and LTB4 were the most robust markers of biological effects. Proper ventilation and respiratory protection are required during nanocomposites processing.
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OBJECTIVES: A wide range of low-molecular-weight agents can cause occupational asthma. The chemical industry is an environment in which numerous hazardous substances are used. Lasamide (2,4-dichloro-5-sulfamoylbenzoic acid) is one of them (along with its precursors). METHODS: Five patients from a lasamide production line with suspected occupational asthma and rhinitis were examined. During the first visit, skin prick tests, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), a nonspecific bronchoprovocation test, and specific bronchoprovocation tests using occupational agents were performed to confirm the diagnosis of allergic diseases. During the follow-up visit (1-3 years after removal from exposure), all of the tests (except the specific bronchoprovocation test) were performed again. RESULTS: At the first hospitalization, the total IgE levels were increased in three patients. In addition, skin prick tests and the nonspecific bronchoprovocation test were positive for three patients. After the specific bronchoprovocation test, serious bronchoconstriction occurred in three patients; symptoms of rhinitis were present in all five patients. Several years after removal from exposure to the occupational agents, normalization (with respect to the parameters followed) was not yet complete for all of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The process of lasamide production seems to be hazardous and is likely to cause allergic respiratory disease. The prognosis of allergic diseases caused by these products is not very favorable. Allergic symptoms (despite the removal from occupational allergen exposure) persisted even after several years.
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Asma/inducido químicamente , Benzoatos/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Profesionales/inducido químicamente , Rinitis Alérgica Perenne/inducido químicamente , Adulto , Pruebas de Provocación Bronquial , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina E/sangre , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pruebas CutáneasRESUMEN
Silicosis has progressive, but unpredictable development. There are no markers routinely available to measure the activity and prognosis of silicosis. 8-isoprostane, a marker of oxidative stress and leukotrienes B4, C4, D4, and E4 were measured in exhaled breath condensate in patients with silicosis. Sixty subjects were examined, with mean age 66.7+/-2.0 yr and mean exposure to silica 23.6+/-2.5 yr. The control group had 25 subjects, with mean age 64.7+/-4.8 yr. Exhaled breath was collected using the EcoScreen (Jaeger, Germany); 8-isoprostane and leukotrienes were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Several lung functions parameters were impaired in silicotics in comparisons with the controls; ESR, alpha1-antitrypsin and proteinuria were higher in the silicotics. Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies were more frequent in the silicotics (39%) than in the controls (4%), (p=0.0017). The mean level of 8-isoprostane in the patients with silicosis was 73.6+/-9.9 vs. 43+/-10 pg/ml (p=0.0001) in the controls. Silica exposure category (high, medium, none) was positively associated with the level of 8-isoprostane. In the patients with complicated silicosis, a high level of 8-isoprostane was found more frequently (p=0.0194). Leukotriene D4 was also increased in the silicotics (21.1+/-2.7 pg/ml) vs. the controls (14.7+/-2.7 pg/ml), (p=0.001). No significant effect of smoking or alcohol consumption on the markers examined was seen. This is the first study using exhaled breath condensate analysis in patients with silicosis.
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Dinoprost/análogos & derivados , Leucotrienos/análisis , Silicosis/diagnóstico , Anciano , Biomarcadores/análisis , Pruebas Respiratorias , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , República Checa , Dinoprost/análisis , Femenino , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Espectrometría de Masas , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pruebas de Función Respiratoria , Silicosis/fisiopatología , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
The efficacy of treatment for intravenous elemental mercury intoxication has not been fully studied with regard to clinical outcome, and treatment recommendations vary. We treated a 41-year-old man with a history of drug abuse and depression who attempted suicide using 1 mL (13.53 g) metallic Hg i.v. He was admitted to the hospital 2 months later for dyspnoea and thoracic pain and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Hg deposits were seen in the lungs and extra-pulmonary organs. His blood level (372 µg/L) exceeded the population level of 5 µg/L by more than 70 times. Dimercaptopropane sulphonate sodium (DMPS; 600 mg/day orally) was administered for 14 days. One year later, the patient presented with dyspnoea on exertion, fatigue, depression and impaired sleep. His chest X-ray showed multiple opacities (size up to 2.8 cm), and psychological testing revealed a selective cognitive deficit in the area of visual attentiveness, flexibility, source memory and impairment of the motor speed of the dominant upper extremity. Mercury blood level was 158 µg/L and mercury urine output was 1380 µg/24 hr. DMPS (800 mg/day orally) was administered for 40 days; the patient eliminated up to 18 mg Hg/day. His Hg blood level and Hg urine output belong to the highest among reported cases. In spite of the therapy, the patient's blood Hg, complaints and psychological tests showed no improvement. This case report confirms that DMPS does not effectively remove intravenous deposits of metallic Hg.
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Terapia por Quelación , Intoxicación por Mercurio/tratamiento farmacológico , Unitiol/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Humanos , Inyecciones Intravenosas , Masculino , Intento de SuicidioRESUMEN
Occupational asthma is characterised by airway inflammation, variable airflow limitation and airway hyperresponsiveness related causally to work. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether in patients with occupational asthma findings persist after withdrawal from occupational allergen exposure. A group of 37 patients with occupational asthma and a control group of 19 persons were examined. Results in asthmatics obtained during the first visit when occupational asthma was acknowledged, were compared with recent results about 6.5 yr on average after elimination of occupational allergen exposure. Recent findings in occupational asthma patients were compared with the control group. In patients with occupational asthma, no significant differences were found between results obtained at the first and recent visit. Symptoms of asthma persisted in as much as 86.5% of patients. During recent examination there were more positive results in asthmatic patients comparing with the control group in histamine challenge (61.3 vs. 5.3%, p<0.01), eosinophile cationic protein (41.7 vs. 5.3%, p<0.05), prick tests (45.9 vs. 10.5%, p<0.05). Positive results of the present histamine challenge test and elevated eosinophils in sputum were more frequent (p<0.05) in patients with occupational asthma due to high molecular weight allergens than to low molecular weight allergens.
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Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/etiología , Alérgenos/toxicidad , Asma/epidemiología , Exposición por Inhalación/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Lugar de Trabajo , Adulto , Alérgenos/clasificación , Asma/etiología , Asma/prevención & control , Estudios de Casos y Controles , República Checa/epidemiología , Eosinofilia/inmunología , Femenino , Hospitalización/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Exposición por Inhalación/prevención & control , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/etiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/prevención & control , Exposición Profesional/prevención & control , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
The objective of this study is to describe a case-series of potassium aluminium tetrafluoride (KAlF(4))-induced occupational asthma (OA) and/or occupational rhinitis (OR). The study involves five patients from a heat-exchanger production line who were examined (including specific inhalation challenge tests) for suspected OA and/or OR caused by a flux containing almost 100% KAlF(4) - with fluorides' workplace air concentrations ranging between 1.7 and 2.8â mg/m(3). No subject had a previous history of asthma. All five patients had a positive specific challenge test (three patients were diagnosed with OA alone, one with OR and one with both OR and OA). At the follow-up visit, after three years on average, all patients needed permanent corticosteroid therapy (four topical, one oral). After elimination from the exposure, only one of the observed subjects gave an indication of an improvement, two subjects stabilized and two worsened. Our case series focuses on the correlation between patients' exposure to fluorides in air-conditioner production and the subsequent occurrence of OR/OA. Currently, it is uncertain whether these OR/OA were caused by hypersensitivity or irritation.