Associations of polymorphisms in the cytokine genes IL1ß (rs16944), IL6 (rs1800795), IL12b (rs3212227) and growth factor VEGFA (rs2010963) with anthracosilicosis in coal miners in Russia and related genotoxic effects.

Anthracosilicosis (AS), a prevalent form of pneumoconiosis among coal miners, results from the accumulation of carbon and silica in the lungs from inhaled coal dust. This study investigated genotoxic effects and certain cytokine genes polymorphic variants in Russian coal miners with АS. Peripheral leukocytes were sampled from 129 patients with AS confirmed by X-ray and tissue biopsy and from 164 asymptomatic coal miners. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in the extracted DNA samples: IL1ß T-511C (rs16944), IL6 C-174G (rs1800795), IL12b A1188C (rs3212227) and VEGFA C634G (rs2010963). Genotoxic effects were assessed by the analysis of chromosome aberrations in cultured peripheral lymphocytes. The mean frequency of chromatid-type aberrations and chromosome-type aberrations, namely, chromatid-type breaks and dicentric chromosomes, was found to be higher in AS patients [3.70 (95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.29-4.10) and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.17-0.38)] compared to the control group [2.41 (95% CI, 2.00-2.82) and 0.09 (95% CI, 0.03-0.15)], respectively. IL1ß gene T/T genotype (rs16944) was associated with AS [17.83% in AS patients against 4.35% in healthy donors, odds ratio = 4.77 (1.88-12.15), P < 0.01]. A significant increase in the level of certain chromosome interchanges among AS donors is of interest because such effects are typical for radiation damage and caused by acute oxidative stress. IL1ß T allele probably may be considered as an AS susceptibility factor among coal miners.

[Contemporary features of pneumoconiosis formation and course in miners of East Donbass].

The author analyzed dynamics and structure of occupational morbidity including pneumoconiosis in Rostov region of Russian Federation, since 1990 until now. They were compared with analogous parameters of previous historical period. Findings are that contemporary dynamics of anthracosilicosis clinical features is characterized by severily reduced terms of the disease development from medical registration of the diseased miner, earlier addition of malignancy, respiratory failure and other complications--that in aggregate causes earlier disablement and drastically reduced survival rate in occupational patients with anthracosilicosis.

[Clinical and experimental studies of metabolic response to chronic exposure to coal dust].

In miners anthracosilicosis is caused by chronic exposure to coal dust and is characterized by progressive development of the inflammatory process, the expressed disorders of lipid metabolism, and immunodeficiency. In the experiment we revealed the stages of anthracosilicosis development according to which adequate measures of prevention and correction of the disorders caused by long exposure of an organism to coal dust are recommended.

Anthracofibrosis attributed to mixed mineral dust exposure: report of three cases.

Anthracofibrosis, defined as bronchial luminal narrowing with black pigmentation of the overlying mucosa, has been attributed to tuberculosis. Three patients with anthracofibrosis without mycobacterial infection are described who had previous occupational exposure to mixed dusts. CT scans showed calcified hilar lymph nodes in two patients. Surgical biopsy in one patient and autopsy in another revealed fibrotic lymph nodes with black pigmentation. Mineralogical analysis by transmission electron microscopy of pulmonary, hilar and/or bronchial samples found high levels of particle retention, raised percentages of free crystalline silica and mica in two patients, and free crystalline silica, kaolin and other silicates in the third. No evidence of any other contributory factor was found, suggesting that mixed mineral dust was the most probable cause. These observations suggest that exposure to mixed mineral dust should be added to the aetiology of anthracofibrosis.

[Charcoal smoke causes bronchial anthracosis and COPD]. / Holzkohlefeuer als Ursache von bronchialer Anthrakose und COPD.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary disease due to inhalation of smoke from open woodfires represents a major health problem in developing countries. Due to increasing migration such patients also present to medical services in Europe. CASE REPORT AND DISCUSSION: An 84-year-old Afghan housewife who never smoked nor has a history of exposure to inorganic dusts, presents with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in association with bronchial anthracosis and stenosis of a bronchus. The complaints are found to be caused by chronic inhalation of smoke from an open woodfire which was used for cooking. The main complaints of "woodsmoke-associated lung disease" are cough und dyspnea with bronchial obstruction. Radiology and bronchoscopy usually reveal changes which are similar to pneumoconiosis of miners but without patients' relevant exposure. There is a frequent association of anthracotic bronchial stenosis and infection with tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Since patients rarely recognize the risks of woodsmoke inhalation, they hardly report their exposure. Thus, the anamnesis is crucial to establish the right diagnosis and guide the patient to the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Occupational safety and health implications of increased coal utilization.

An area of major concern in considering increased coal production and utilization is the health and safety of increased numbers of workers who mine, process, or utilize coal. Hazards related to mining activities in the past have been especially serious, resulting in many mine related accidental deaths, disabling injuries, and disability and death from chronic lung disease. Underground coal mines are clearly less safe than surface mines. Over one-third of currently employed underground miners experience chronic lung disease. Other stresses include noise and extremes of heat and cold. Newly emphasized technologies of the use of diesel powered mining equipment and the use of longwall mining techniques may be associated with serious health effects. Workers at coal-fired power plants are also potentially at risk of occupational diseases. Occupational safety and health aspects of coal mining are understood well enough today to justify implementing necessary and technically feasible and available control measures to minimize potential problems associated with increased coal production and use in the future. Increased emphasis on safety and health training for inexperienced coal miners expected to enter the work force is clearly needed. The recently enacted Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 will provide impetus for increased control over hazards in coal mining.

[Bronchial anthracosis and pulmonary mica overload]. / Anthracose bronchique et surcharge pulmonaire en micas.

INTRODUCTION: The discovery of anthracotic plaques generally suggests either a history of tuberculosis or occupational exposure to dust. Other etiologies should, however, be considered. CASE REPORTS: A 60-year-old Iranian woman presented with a history of dyspnoea and with chest radiography demonstrating calcified hilar lymph nodes and interstitial lung disease. Pulmonary function tests revealed airway obstruction. A diffuse bronchial inflammatory appearance accompanied by anthracotic plaques was found at bronchoscopy, which prompted transmission electron microscopy analysis of non-fibrous mineral particles in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). This demonstrated the presence of an alveolar particle count greater than 10(7) particles/ml (p/ml), significantly more than that found in 42 BALF samples taken from controls without a history of occupational dust exposure (4,4.10(5) p/ml). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed an abnormally elevated proportion of mica particles (64%). Two other individuals, a 68 year-old Moroccan woman and a 70-year-old Algerian woman, who had anthracotic plaques, but no radiological evidence of interstitial lung disease, also underwent mineral analysis of BALF. Neither were found to have a raised alveolar particle count, but the mineral profile showed an abnormally elevated proportion of micas (62%) for one patient, and silica crystalline (40%) as well as micas (32%) for the other patient. CONCLUSIONS: Even if mica is present in 30 to 90% of the BALF, the results observed in these three patients raises the possibility of non-occupational environmental exposure and that anthracotic plaques might be associated with domestic pollution.

[Analysis of the incidence of pneumoconiosis among coal miners]. / Analiza zachorowalnosci na pylice u górników jednej kopalni wegla kamiennego.

Basing on the prevention system for pneumoconiosis in ++coal mining, an analysis of the disease incidence in the workers of a selected ++coal mine was performed. The subjects were 2.495 miners with the work period longer than 8 years and a group of 822 retired miners. In the former group 16 cases (0.64%) of pneumoconiosis were diagnosed, whereas in the latter as many as 89 cases (10.8%) were found which would indicate a necessity for more detailed examinations in ex-miners of this ++coal mine. The pneumoconiosis changes were detected in the early period of their development. The highest risk was found to refer to longwall and blasting miners and cutter-loadermen. The correlation between radiological changes of the s, t, and u type and the duration of work as well as the high frequency of these changes at highly polluted workplaces seem to point to their relation to dust exposure.

[Biological testing of fibrogenic effect of dust from the "Gliwice" mine on the lung tissue]. / Biologiczny atest zwlókniajacego dzialania pylu z kopalni "Gliwice" na tkanke plucna.

Animal study was carried out to determine biological aggressiveness of mining dust by means of pulmonary tests. Dust samples, 50 mg settled dust, a mixture from 3 different mine layers (sample A) and 50 mg dust collected by the gravimetric method from different mine layers (sample B) were administered in two respective test groups by a single intratracheal injection. Silica content, determined according to Polezhayev, was found to range from 4.6% (sample A) to 12.7% (sample B). In months 3 and 6 of the experiment lung content of hydroxyproline was determined following Stegemann. Biochemical tests for hydroxyproline content revealed highest increase in the lungs of Group 2 animals 6 months after the onset of the experiment (10.312 mg). Very similar result was obtained in Group 1, with injected settled dust mixture: hydroxyproline level amounted to 10.214 mg. Both sample A and sample B induced elevated level of lung hydroxyproline although silica content in dust sample differed considerably. The study revealed that the biological aggressiveness of settled dust was not proportionate to the content of pure silica. It is thought that increased fibrogenic potentials of the settled dust may have resulted from defected crystalline structure of silica due to the grinding of the mineral in a hand-mill.

[Chronic bronchitis and respiratory capacity of the lungs in miners from a specific coal mine]. / Przewlekle zapalenie oskrzeli i sprawnosc wentylacyjna pluc u górników jednej kopalni wegla.

In the group of 3317 miners of one coal mine, who were employed for over 8 years, the prevalence of chronic bronchitis (ch.b.) and lung ventilation disorders was analysed. The frequency of ch.b. in the subjects under study was almost twice as high as in the general male population in Poland and significantly more frequent in miners with pneumoconiosis than in those without pneumoconiosis. Simple pneumoconiosis and ch.b. contributed to decreased ventilatory capacity of the lung.

[Biological testing of the fibrogenic effect of dust from the "Sosnowiec" mine on the lung tissue]. / Biologiczny atest zwlókniajacego dzialania pylów z kopalni "Sosnowiec" na tkanke plucna.

In order to determine biological aggressiveness of settled dusts (mechanical, crumbled) and dusts collected using the gravimetric method, experimental studies were carried out, including: 1) evaluation of the physicochemical parameters (size of dust particles, content of silica, metals and other chemical compounds), 2) evaluation of the haemolytic activity, 3) experimental evaluation of fibrogenic potentials by means of: a) intraperitoneal test--to identity morphological type of reactive changes in the peritoneum and b) intratracheal test--to determine the level of hydroxyproline (collagen) in lungs and the morphological type of reactive changes. Albino rats were used for the experiment. The animals were divided into ten groups which received a single intratracheal injection of 50 mg of mining dust in 0.9% NaCl suspension. Comparative evaluation of biological aggressiveness of mining dusts was conducted basing on the findings of collagen levels in lungs. After the end of the experimental period (3 and 6 months, respectively) histopathological a examination of the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes was made and the collagen levels in the pulmonary tissue (following Stegemann) were determined. As evidenced by the results of the pathomorphological examination and a statistical analysis: 1) after intratracheal injection the mining dusts induced changes within the respiratory system e.g. inflammatory process and emphysema. The exposure also brought about double increase of collagen level as compared to the control group, 2) histopathological study of the lungs and lymph nodes did not reveal progressive development of fibrogenic changes, 3) cytotoxic test showed differences in the haemolytic activity of settled dust and dusts collected by the gravimetric method.

The influence of dust originated in different coal mines on pneumoconiotic changes in white rats.

In experiments on white rats, three different types of dust of equal dispersion, coming from coal mines, were examined. The dusts exhibited different content of free silica and certain metals, such as: nickel, chromium and vanadium. The animals intratracheally administered with 50 mg of the mentioned dusts had hydroxyproline determined. After six months of experiment, histopathological examination of lungs was carried out. It was found that different SiO2 content (5 and 11%) with the same content of trace metals and different content of trace metals with the same SiO2 content (5%) does not affect hydroxyproline content in lungs. A significant increase in hydroxyproline level in rats' lungs was found in a group that obtained dust of the highest SiO2 content (11%) with more trace metals. Findings of histopathological examinations confirmed the data obtained from hydroxyproline levels measurements. It seems that compounds of certain metals, such as: nickel, chromium, vanadium, at a specific SiO2 level in the dust may increase its fibrogenic properties in lungs.

[Comparative evaluation of the effects of detergents Emulkop and Rokafenol N-8 on the aggressiveness of coal mine dust in the aspect of prevention of its biological effect]. / Porównawcza ocena wplywu detergentów Emulkop i Rokafenol N-8 na agresywnosc pylów kopalnianych wegla w aspekcie biologicznej profilaktyki przeciwpylowej.

Comparative studies on the impact of the detergents Emulkop and Rokafenol N-8 upon the development and course of experimental pneumoconiosis caused by mine dusts were carried out. Albino rats and rabbits were used for the experiment. Methodological assumptions were based on the analogy with the conditions observed at the workplaces where some means of dust control were used. The acute toxicity evaluation was based on determination of the medial lethal dose (DL50) after intragastric administration of the detergents. Irritating action of the detergents on the skin was also evaluated. The effect of the detergents on the aggressiveness of selected dusts was estimated by means of the intratracheal and intraperitoneal tests. At the end of the experimental period (3 and 6 months, respectively) histopathological investigations of the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes were carried out, and the hydroxyproline (collagen) levels in the pulmonary tissue were determined. According to Hodge and Sterner Chemical Substance Toxicity Classifications, Emulkop has been classified as non-toxic, and Rokafenol N-8 as a weakly toxic substance. On the basis of the investigation results obtained it has been established that: 1) Rokafenol N-8 does not qualify for use in coal mines as a formulation designed for dust control because it doesn't eliminate coniotic changes and causes a significant increase in the level of hydroxyproline (collagen) in pulmonary tissue, 2) in the case of Emulkop our studies have shown that this detergent can be used to prevent pneumoconiosis in coal mine workers.

[Interpretation of early radiological changes in the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis among coal miners]. / Interpretacja wczesnych zmian radiologicznych w diagnostyce pylicy górników kopaln wegla kamiennego.

Apart from certain changes which are typical for pneumoconiosis, the radiological picture of the lungs of sigma coal miners does frequently show some irregular small opacities of s, t and u types. The role and specificity of these changes in the early diagnosis of pneumoconiosis has not been too well defined by now. A 10-year study (conducted at 2 or 3 year intervals) was carried out among 150 miners from 2 mines characterized by different dust loading. Some irregular changes in the miners' lungs were observed. The control group derived from the same mines comprised 115 miners with no radiological changes found in their lungs. The evolution of radiological changes took place in 55.3% of the miners and was more intensive in the heavily dusted mine. Radiological changes were revealed in 38.3% of the controls. It was indicated that pneumoconiosis results much more frequently (38.6%) from the evolution of the irregular changes rather than directly from the proper radiological picture of the lungs (5.3%). In 44.7% of the subjects the changes of s, t and u type did not undergo any evolution, which may be due to their non-specific characteristics. The evolution of irregular opacities is dominating in the patients with bronchitis and emphysema. No significant correlation between smoking and the progress of irregular opacities was found. The observation of the further exposure to the dusts did not produce any clear results. The progress of the changes of s, t and u type was observed more frequently in those still working under ground, but more cases of pneumoconiosis were found in the miners who stopped working. This fact indicates that the further exposure affects the s, t and u type changes and confirms the observations by other authors concerning the manifestation of pneumoconiosis after the break of exposure. The results of the 10-year study prove that the miners with this sort of changes are exposed to a higher risk of pneumoconiosis, although the answer concerning specificity of irregular changes in the radiological picture has not yet been found.

[Fibrogenic effect of anthracite dust compared with the effects of hard and bituminous coal dust on the lungs of albino rats]. / Dzialanie zwlókniajace pylu antracytu w porównaniu z dzialaniem pylu wegla kamiennego i wewgla bitumicznego na pluca bialych szczurów.

In experiments on white rats the fibrogenic effects of the dust of anthracite and other types of coal, from the U.S.A. and Poland, were tested. What was found basing on hydroxyproline measurements in lungs was that the extent of fibrogenic effects of anthracite equals fibrogenic effects of bituminous coal dust containing 30% alpha-quartz. Non-anthracite coal dusts containing SiO2 crystalline phases (alpha-quartz) as an admixture--exhibit fibrogenic effects on white rats' lungs--proportional to free silica content. It is probable that fibrogenic effects of anthracite on the pulmonary tissue result from its structure and active free radicals.

[Evaluation of the effect of the detergent Rokafenol N-8 on the development and course of experimental pneumoconiosis caused by coal mine dust]. / Ocena wplywu detergentu rokafenol n-8 na rozwój i przebieg doswiadczalnej pylicy wywolanej pylami kopalnianymi.

Experimental investigation was conducted in order to evaluate the impact of the Rokafenol N-8 detergent upon the development and course of experimental pneumoconiosis caused by mine dusts. albino rats were used for the experiment. Methodological assumptions were elaborated based on the analogy with the conditions observed at the workplaces, where means of dustiness control are used. Following experiments constituted the basis for the evaluation of the influence of Rokafenol N-8 detergent upon the development of pneumoconiotic and reactive changes in the lungs of experimental animals: following the introduction of the dust suspended in Rokafenol N-8 solution into the lungs, and following the intratracheal dust introduction--the animals were exposed to Rokafenol N-8 aerosol. After the close of the experimental period (3 and 6 months respectively), histopathological investigation of the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes, and the hydroxyproline (collagen) levels in the pulmonary tissue were determined. On the basis of the investigation results obtained it has been established that Rokafenol N-8 does not eliminate coniotic changes caused by mine dusts, and additionally, it presents an impact detrimental for the organism. Rokafenol N-8 administered both intratracheally and through inhalation causes a significant increase in the hydroxyproline (collagen) level in the pulmonary tissue.

[Comparative analysis of biological aggressiveness of dusts from different coal mines for determining the risk of development of pneumoconiosis among miners]. / Porównawcza analiza agresywnosci biologicznej pylów kopalnianych pochodzacych z róznych kopalni wegla w celu okreslenia ryzyka powstawania pylic pluc u górników.

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the respiratory system of animals administered intratracheally settled dusts sampled from the following coal mines: "Debiensko" in Leszczyny, "Zabrze" in Zabrze, "Gliwice" in Gliwice, "Janina" in Libiaz and "Victoria" in Walbrzych. Total dustiness in those mines in 1985-1988 was found to be as follows: "Debiensko"--1.39 mg/m3-22.3 mg/m3, "Zabrze"--7.6 mg/m3-16.8 mg/m3, "Janina"--16.0 mg/m3-34.0 mg/m3, "Victoria"--3.7 mg/m3-15.6 mg/m3. In the examined dusts the content of crystalline silica determined using the Polezajev's method amounted to 3.5%-9.4% in "Debiensko", 2%-10% in "Zabrze", 3.8% in "Gliwice", 3.6%-8.4% in "Janina" and 3.7%-11% in "Victoria". The biological aggressiveness of the mine dusts was determined using intraperitoneal, lung and hemolitic tests. The biochemical determinations of hydroxyproline level were made using the Stegemann's method modified by Hurych and Chvapil. The obtained results of biochemical analyses were examined statistically using the t-Student's test. The lung sections for histopathological examination were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Collagen fibres were stained according to the Van Giesan's method. Certain discrepancies were found between epidemiological analysis concerning the incidence of pneumoconiosis and animal experiments focusing on the fibrogenic activity of the dusts from particular mines. The measurements of fibrogenic activity of dusts based on animal experiments and the determination of SiO2 content in dusts cannot be used for estimating the risk of pneumoconiosis. Therefore, biological exposure should be assessed on the basis of the monitoring of occupational environment.

[Biological attestation of the fibrogenic effect of dust from selected coal mines on the lung tissue]. / Biologiczny atest zwlókniajacego dzialania pylu na tkanke plucna wybranych kopaln wegla kamiennego.

The studies aimed at determining the changes in respiratory system of animals after intratracheal administration of settled dusts sampled from seams 116 and 188 in Janina colliery and seams 314 and 317 in Victoria colliery. For comparison, dusts sampled gravimetrically from a/m seams in Janina and Victoria collieries were intratracheally administered to animals. Crystalline silica concentrations determined by Polezajew method in dusts from Janina and Victoria collieries were 2.4% to 8.1% and 1.6% to 2.8%, respectively. Biological aggressiveness of mine dusts was examined using intraperitoneal, pulmonary and hemolytic tests. Hydroxyproline concentration was determined by Stegemann method using the modification of Hurych and Chvapil (2). The results of biochemical analysis were subjected to a statistical analysis by t-Student's test. Specimens from lungs for histopathological examination were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, while collagen fibres were stained by Van Gieson method. A single intratracheal administration of dust collected gravimetrically from 116 seam and settled dust from seam 118 in Janina colciery caused, after six months, a hypro-increase by more than three times comparing with the control group. No correlations were found between higher hypro-levels in lungs and histological changes. It seems probable that higher hypro-levels in lungs can be caused mainly by SiO2 whose concentration in dusts was 8%. Similar concentrations of aluminium and ferrous compounds may suggest that their influence on the biological activity of silica is mutually eliminated. After a six-month intratracheal administration of dusts from Victoria colliery in Walbrzych, a hypro-decrease was observed compared to a three-month period of administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)