DNA damage in workers exposed to pigment grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) and association with biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

The present study was aimed at investigating DNA damage, micronuclei frequency and meta-nuclear alterations in buccal cells of workers involved in pigment-grade TiO2 production (15 exposed and 20 not-exposed). We also assessed associations of genotoxicity biomarkers with oxidative stress/inflammatory biomarkers in urine and exhaled breath condensate (EBC), as well as possible associations between biomarkers and reported respiratory symptoms. In spite of compliance with TiO2 Occupational Exposure Limits, results showed increased direct/oxidative DNA damage and micronuclei frequency in exposed workers. Genotoxicity parameters were associated with oxidative stress/inflammation biomarkers in urine and EBC, thus confirming that TiO2 exposure can affect the oxidative balance. Workers with higher genotoxic/oxidative stress biomarkers levels reported early respiratory symptoms suggesting that molecular alterations can be predictive of early health dysfunctions. These findings suggest the need to assess early health impairment in health surveillance programs and to address properly safety issues in workplaces where TiO2 is handled.

Cytogenetic biomonitoring of road tunnel construction workers: buccal micronucleus cytome assay.

Results: Road tunnel construction workers revealed higher frequencies of cells with genotoxic damage (i.e., MN and NBUD). MN and NBUD resulted to be Poisson distributed and counts of these genotoxicity biomarkers were then analysed by Poisson regression. The frequency ratio (FR) for MN was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.84-2.04), with an increase in the exposed subjects; this finding, though indicating a higher genotoxic risk in the exposed subjects, did not reach statistical significance. On the other hand, the FR for NBUD was 3.49 (95% CI: 1.86-6.56), with a statistically significant increased risk of chromosomal damage. Even the frequencies of binucleated cells (a marker of cell proliferation) and pyknotic cells (a cell death biomarker) were significantly higher in tunnel workers. Introduction: Tunnel construction workers are exposed to complex mixtures of toxic agents, some of which are known to be genotoxic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic risk in this occupational setting by comparing tunnel workers with a control group for frequencies of nuclear aberrations in oral exfoliated cells. Methods: To evaluate the genotoxic effects of tunnel air pollutants, we conducted a cross-sectional, molecular epidemiological study (35 tunnel workers and 35 healthy controls) using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information about demographic variables, lifestyle, dietary habits, anthropometric data, and occupational history. Buccal mucosa cells were collected by scraping the buccal mucosa with a small-headed toothbrush. Coded slides were examined blind by trained scorers for micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NBUD), and other nuclear abnormalities. Conclusions: Our observations provide further knowledge and understanding of the occupational hazards of tunnel workers and confirm the complexity of effects (cytotoxic and genotoxic) probably induced by fumes and dust produced in underground operations.

E-Coaching: the DianaWeb study to prevent breast cancer recurrences.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, for which the survival rate is increasing over time. Growing evidence are showing that the effect of lifestyle could have the same weight of the effect of the usual clinical-pathological risk factors on survival rate. The DianaWeb study responds to the pressing request of patients diagnosed with breast cancer to know the most advanced point of scientific research on the prevention of recurrences, to have a virtual space to meet, where to receive advice and practical information for the daily management the lifestyle change. DianaWeb is a community-based participatory research, dedicated to breast cancer patients, aimed to monitor lifestyle, provide them tips to encourage sustainable lifestyle changes, and to analyze clinical outcomes. In order to achieve these aims, DianaWeb uses a specific interactive website (http://www.dianaweb.org/). METHODS: The web architecture has been designed essential and light, with a rigorous implantation that brings the figure of the woman to the center. In order to humanized the project the acronym used to identify the study was Diana (Diet and Androgens), a classical female name, who was illustrated as a female avatar, aimed to symbolize all women. The graphical interface was developed using seven pastel tones colors, which become a fundamental elements of the layout, such as frame, navigation menu, and separation interspaces. RESULTS: The project started in 2015, and in 4 days the web site was visited by more than 1000 people. A total of 2823 persons enrolled in the study, but 2182 did not send the full documentations, 61 persons abandoned the study, 641 timely answered to the questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: The high number of participants' interaction within the web page, confirmed the high usability of the web page and the great interest of patients. Prevention of breast cancer recurrences with low cost technologies, easily available to everybody, is a priority for both public health and public finances.