Vasopressin deficiency decreases the frequency of gastroduodenal ulceration in humans.

Vasopressin is a stress hormone released from the posterior pituitary. In humans suffering from central diabetes insipidus, this release of vasopressin is diminished. It was shown previously that the congenitally vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro homozygous rat is less sensitive to various ulcerogenic stimuli. In this study, we investigated the incidence of gastroduodenal ulceration in vasopressin deficient patients. Data on patients aged 20-70, hospitalized in Hungary between 1992 and 1995 were compared with those on the total population in this age group (6,681,020 in 1994). Subjects with central diabetes insipidus were selected separately (815 cases). Gastroduodenal ulceration was compared in subjects with an intact vasopressin release and vasopressin-deficient patients. The frequencies of gastroduodenal ulceration were also examined separately in male and female subjects. In the total population, the frequency of gastroduodenal ulceration was lower in vasopressin-deficient cases (2.22% versus 0.61%; P < 0.005). Among normal-vasopressin subjects, males have a higher risk of gastroduodenal ulceration than females (3.04% versus 1.46%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among vasopressin-deficient subjects, a similar male:female ratio was observed, but it was not significant (P = 0.36). In comparison to the normal-vasopressin population, the incidence of gastroduodenal ulceration was reduced among vasopressin-deficient males and females by 77% (P < 0.01) and by 82% (P < 0.05), respectively. In conclusion, endogenous vasopressin has a significant harmful action towards the human gastroduodenal mucosa. Peptide and non-peptide vasopressin receptor antagonists might have a potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment (as an adjuvant) and prevention of gastroduodenal ulceration.

Experience of health status surveillance of pesticide workers in Hungary.

The authors studied potential dermal exposure in 26 men and also conducted epidemiological studies in three southeastern agricultural counties in Hungary covering 189 men working with pesticides in plant protection indoors and in the fields, and in 16 women in contact with these compounds. There were no acute intoxications, nor were there any alterations in routine clinical and laboratory tests. For early detection of hidden damage the authors used examination of the chromosomes: the rate of numerical chromosome aberrations was increased due to increase of hypodiploid cells in the exposed. The probability of chromosome damage was also demonstrated by the tests conducted in the few women tested. In previous studies on the immune functions in some of the men tested the immunological tests proved to be positive. Though changes might be induced also by other factors, the authors believe it is important to frequently screen the exposed population in the manner described.

Cytogenetic examination of people working with agrochemicals in the southern region of Hungary.

The team performed medical examinations, including cytogenetic examinations, on 55 people working professionally with agrochemicals in eight farmers' cooperatives of County Csongrád in the southern region of Hungary. The people exposed to spraying in a closed space showed no increase in chromosome aberrations. There was an increase in chromosome aberrations in workers exposed to these agrochemicals in open fields. No conclusions regarding workers' health can be drawn from these data. Regulations designed to prevent accidents with agrochemicals are more effective for closed spaces than for the open fields.

Biological monitoring and health surveillance of a group of greenhouse pesticide sprayers.

Repeated extensive medical examinations were carried out in 11 workers spraying organophosphate (OP), carbamate and pyrethroid pesticides in greenhouses during the whole year and in 10 control persons. On a questionnaire their social, health and family status and their working conditions were recorded. Before and after a regular spraying period with pyrethroids for 3 months the following tests were carried out: urinalysis, haematology, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA and IgM levels, whole blood cholinesterase (ChE) activity, serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity, chromosome analysis and electrocardiography (ECG). Atmospheric concentrations of pyrethroids as well as their concentration in the blood and urine of pesticide workers were determined by means of gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). No abnormalities related to the work were found in the tests.