C-reactive protein, chemerin, fetuin-A and osteopontin as predictors of cardiovascular risks in persons with psoriasis vulgaris.

The study aimed to contribute to understanding the role of CRP, chemerin, fetuin-A and osteopontin and to assess their suitability as biomarkers of early stages of cardiovascular diseases in psoriasis vulgaris. Serum levels measured in 28 patients and 22 controls. Patients: increased levels of CRP (p<0.001), chemerin (p<0.05), osteopontin (p<0.05) and decreased levels of fetuin-A (p<0.05), significant relationships between CRP and fetuin-A (rho=0.530, p<0.01), CRP and chemerin (rho=0.543, p<0.01), CRP and age (rho=0.590, p<0.001), osteopontin and fetuin-A (r=-0.415, p<0.05), chemerin and PASI score (rho=-0.424, p<0.05). We confirmed specific roles of the biomarkers in psoriasis. CRP, fetuin-A and osteopontin could be considered appropriate markers for the detection of early stages of cardiovascular diseases.

Variation of selected genotoxic and epigenetic markers due to therapeutic exposure to PAHs and ultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND: Goeckerman therapy (GT) of psoriasis involves dermal application of crude coal tar containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Little is known about GT influence on DNA epigenetics. OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to discover epigenetic mechanisms altered by the exposure related to the GT of psoriasis. METHODS: Observed group of patients with plaque psoriasis (n = 23) was treated by GT with 3 % CCT. Before and after GT, we analyzed the levels of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-DNA adducts (BPDE-DNA), p53 protein in serum, 5-methylcytosine (5-mC, global DNA methylation), and methylation in selected CpG sites of p53 gene. RESULTS: We found a significant increase in the levels of BPDE-DNA (p < 0.01) and serum levels of p53 protein (p < 0.01) after GT, and an insignificant decrease in the percentage of 5-mC in peripheral blood DNA. Methylation of p53 CpG sites was affected neither by psoriasis nor by GT. The study confirmed good effectiveness of GT (significantly reduced psoriasis area and severity index; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that there is a significantly increased genotoxic hazard related to the exposure of PAHs and UV radiation after GT of psoriasis. However, global DNA methylation and p53 gene methylation evade the effect of GT, as they remained unchanged (Tab. 4, Fig. 3, Ref. 50).

Serum Levels of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Cytochromes P450 1A1 and 1B1 in Patients with Exacerbated Psoriasis Vulgaris.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is highly expressed in psoriasis skin lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate serum concentrations of AhR, cytochromes P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1B1 in patients with exacerbated psoriasis vulgaris treated with combined therapy of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and crude coal tar. The analyses were performed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Before the treatment, the patients had significantly higher serum levels of AhR and CYP1A1 than healthy controls. AhR median noticeably decreased after the therapy; nevertheless, it remained significantly higher compared to the controls. CYP1A1 levels measured before and after the therapy did not differ significantly. Serum CYP1A1 positively correlated with AhR values before and after the treatment. The serum values of CYP1B1 were very low and we did not see any differences between the study group and the control group. The study demonstrated that serum levels of AhR and CYP1A1 could indicate their immunopathological and metabolic roles in exacerbated psoriasis.

Roles of miR-31 and endothelin-1 in psoriasis vulgaris: pathophysiological functions and potential biomarkers.

Psoriatic lesions are characterized by hyperproliferation, aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes resistant to apoptosis and inflammation. miR-31 plays pro-proliferative, pro-differentiative and pro-inflammatory roles and modulates apoptosis in psoriatic keratinocytes. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is produced by psoriatic keratinocytes and suppresses apoptosis. Inflammation increases the production of ET-1, which in turn leads to the chronic stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation. The aim of this study was to identify the putative link between two potential biomarkers (miR-31 and ET-1) in patients with psoriasis. The study design included experimental group (29 patients with psoriasis), and the control group (22 blood donors). The PASI score evaluated the state of the disease (median: 18.6; interquartile range 14.5-20.9). Both, the serum level of ET-1 and the whole blood level of miR-31 were significantly increased (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively) in patients compared to the controls. However, a significant negative relationship between ET-1 and miR-31 was observed (Spearman's rho=-037, p=0.05). It is possible that a negative feedback loop will be present between miR-31 and ET-1. Our results indicate that miR-31 and ET-1, potential biomarkers of the disease, play significant roles in the pathophysiology of psoriasis.

Elevated levels of circulating biomarkers of cell death (nucleosomes) in the patients with plaque psoriasis treated with the Goeckerman regimen.

BACKGROUND: Nucleosomes are complexes that are formed during apoptosis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and anti-apoptotic features. Presented study was focused to expression of circulating biomarkers of cell death (circulating nucleosomes, CN) during Goeckerman therapy of psoriasis (UV, PAHs). METHODS: In a group of patients with psoriasis (19), treated with Goeckerman regimen (GR), we evaluated their level of CN, level of chromosomal aberration in peripheral lymphocytes (CA), level of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and their value of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). RESULTS: Following the treatment, the serum level of CN and urinary level of 1-OHP (p<0.05) were significantly increased (p<0.01). We found significant correlation between CN and urinary level of 1-OHP after GR (r=0.57; p<0.05). Immediately after the treatment we found significantly increased total numbers of abnormal chromosomes (ABB; p<0.01) and structurally abnormal chromosomes (SAB; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found slightly (but statistically significant) elevated level of circulating biomarkers of cell death (nucleosomes) in patients with plaque psoriasis treated with GR (PAHs, UV radiation). We suppose that elevated level of CN is a result of combination of the positive effects of GR and its weak genotoxic effect (mainly PAHs). Conclusions are supported by significant correlation between CN and urinary level of 1-OHP after GR and significantly elevated level of CA after GR (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 28).

Expression of soluble sCD163 in serum of psoriatic patients is modulated by Goeckerman therapy

Background: CD163 is the monocyte/macrophage receptor for haptoglobin-haemoglobin complexes. The aim of this study was to assess the kinetics in the expression of CD163 on monocytes and the concentration of soluble sCD163 in serum of psoriatic patients in order to examine the effect of Goeckerman therapy. Methods: sCD163 was measured in 71 patients before and after therapy, and in 57 healthy donors. A subgroup of 40 patients and 25 controls was used to assess the expression of membrane CD163. sCD163 was evaluated by ELISA. Flow cytometry method was used to determine the expression of membrane CD163 on monocytes, expressed as mean fluorescence index (MFI). Results: Before therapy, the serum level of sCD163 was significantly higher in our patients than in controls (P = 0.0154). However, we observed a profound decrease in sCD163 in our patients after therapy (P = 0.0037). Similar to sCD163, pre-treatment expression of CD163 on monocytes was significantly more enhanced in patients than that in controls (P = 0.0078). There was a trend towards down-regulation of the expression after therapy, nonetheless, the change was not statistically significant compared to the values before therapy (P = 0.8666). This was also confirmed by comparison with controls which displayed lower expression of CD163 than patients after therapy (P = 0.0019). The disease activity, expressed as PASI score, was significantly decreased in our patients by GT (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: While sCD163 level in psoriatic patients was diminished after GT therapy, CD163expression on monocytes was altered only to a minor extent (AU)

Expression of soluble sCD163 in serum of psoriatic patients is modulated by Goeckerman therapy.

BACKGROUND: CD163 is the monocyte/macrophage receptor for haptoglobin-haemoglobin complexes. The aim of this study was to assess the kinetics in the expression of CD163 on monocytes and the concentration of soluble sCD163 in serum of psoriatic patients in order to examine the effect of Goeckerman therapy. METHODS: sCD163 was measured in 71 patients before and after therapy, and in 57 healthy donors. A subgroup of 40 patients and 25 controls was used to assess the expression of membrane CD163. sCD163 was evaluated by ELISA. Flow cytometry method was used to determine the expression of membrane CD163 on monocytes, expressed as mean fluorescence index (MFI). RESULTS: Before therapy, the serum level of sCD163 was significantly higher in our patients than in controls (P=0.0154). However, we observed a profound decrease in sCD163 in our patients after therapy (P=0.0037). Similar to sCD163, pre-treatment expression of CD163 on monocytes was significantly more enhanced in patients than that in controls (P=0.0078). There was a trend towards down-regulation of the expression after therapy, nonetheless, the change was not statistically significant compared to the values before therapy (P=0.8666). This was also confirmed by comparison with controls which displayed lower expression of CD163 than patients after therapy (P=0.0019). The disease activity, expressed as PASI score, was significantly decreased in our patients by GT (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: While sCD163 level in psoriatic patients was diminished after GT therapy, CD163 expression on monocytes was altered only to a minor extent.

Plasma levels of p53 protein and chromosomal aberrations in patients with psoriasis treated with the Goeckerman regimen.

The Goeckerman regimen (GR) is one of the oldest effective treatments for psoriasis. It involves daily dermal application of crude coal tar with dermal exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A study was carried out to evaluate the genotoxic risk of GR by comparing p53 protein plasma level and chromosomal aberrations (CA) in peripheral lymphocytes in 33 patients with psoriasis, before and after GR. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was used to evaluate the efficacy of GR. PASI significantly decreased after GR (P < 0.001), confirming the excellent efficacy of the treatment, However, significant increases in level of p53 protein (P < 0.05) and CA (P < 0.001) after treatment indicates that this method carries an increased genotoxic risk in patients with psoriasis.

Angiogenic activity in patients with psoriasis is significantly decreased by Goeckerman's therapy.

Goeckerman's therapy (GT) of psoriasis is based on daily application of pharmacy grade coal tar on affected skin with subsequent exposure to UV light. Goeckerman's therapy is still the first line therapy of psoriasis in the Czech Republic because of its low cost and long-term efficacy. Disturbances in angiogenic activity are characteristic for the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. An abnormal spectrum of cytokines, growth factors and proangiogenic mediators is produced by keratinocytes and inflammatory cells in patients suffering from the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of GT of psoriasis on angiogenic activities by comparing serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in 44 patients with psoriasis in peripheral blood samples collected before and after therapy. Forty otherwise healthy blood donors serve as a control group. The efficacy of GT was delineated by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The disease activity was significantly diminished by GT (P < 0.001). The serum levels of both VEGF and bFGF were statistically significantly correlated to PASI value in patients before the treatment by GT. The serum levels of VEGF (329.4 +/- 125.5 microg/ml) and bFGF (10.2 +/- 5.04 pg/ml) in patients before GT were significantly higher than those measured in healthy blood donors (VEGF 236.4 +/- 55.9 pg/ml, bFGF 7.3 +/- 3.7 pg/ ml). The serum levels of both VEGF and bFGF were significantly diminished by GT. The level of VEGF dropped from 329.4 +/- 125.5 pg/ml before GT to 278.5 +/- 109.9 pg/ml after GT (P = 0.0042) and the level of bFGF fell from 10.2 +/- 5.04 to 7.78 +/- 4.5 pg/ml (P = 0.019). Comparing to healthy controls, the serum level of bFGF in psoriasis patients was normalised (P = 0.5723) after GT. In contrast, the serum level of VEGF remained significantly increased in psoriasis patients after GT in comparison with healthy blood donors (P = 0.0319). In conclusion, we found that the angiogenic potential which is abnormally increased in patients with psoriasis is significantly alleviated by GT.

Selected immunological changes in patients with Goeckerman's therapy TNF-alpha, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sICAM-1 and IL-8.

Psoriasis is one of the most frequent inflammatory skin diseases in which abnormal individual immune reactivity plays an important role. The aim of the present study was to describe selected immunological changes, concerning pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-8) and adhesion molecules (sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sICAM-1), in 56 patients cured by Goeckerman's therapy (GT). GT includes dermal application of crude coal tar (containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and exposure to UV radiation. When compared with the control group (healthy blood donors), the patients before GT had significantly increased serum levels of sE-selectin (p<0.001), sP-selectin (p<0.001), sICAM-1 (p<0.001) and IL-8 (p<0.001). Significantly decreased serum levels of sE-selectin (p<0.05) and significantly increased serum levels of IL-8 (p<0.05) were found after GT therapy. Serum levels of sICAM significantly correlated with the disease activity and with serum levels of sE-selectin. The level of PASI score (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) significantly decreased after GT (p<0.001) and confirms the high efficiency GT. These findings confirmed that pro-inflammatory chemokine (IL-8) and adhesion molecules (sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sICAM-1) play an important role in the development and regulation of inflammation in psoriasis. Determination of sE-selectin and sICAM seems to be a promising marker of psoriasis's activity. Chemokine pathway (IL-8) and TNF-alpha activity seem to be modulated by Goeckerman's therapy (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).

Cytogenetic and immunological changes after dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and UV radiation.

Goeckerman's therapy (GT), which combines exposure to coal tar (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - PAHs) and UV radiation (UV) is often used as the first option for treatment of psoriasis. However, PAHs and UV represent mutagenic, carcinogenic and immunotoxic agents. Therefore GT can represent a health risk for the patients. The group under observation consisted of thirty patients undergoing GT. Before and after the treatment, blood samples were collected and chromosomal aberrations and selected immunological markers were determined. The relationships between chromosomal aberrations and immunological markers and the extent (duration) of exposure to GT were evaluated. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score confirmed the high efficacy of GT. However, significantly elevated levels of chromosomal aberrations of peripheral lymphocytes were also found after the therapy (p<0.001). The levels of chromosomal abnormalities correlated to the extent and the total duration of exposure to PAHs (r = 0.682, p<0.01 and r = 0.605, p<0.05). After the therapy, significantly decreased levels of IgE, IgM isotypes of immunoglobulin, alpha(2)-macroglobulin and transferrin together with beta(2)-microglobulin were found. From the immunological markers listed above only the decreased level of alpha(2)-macroglobulin correlated to the extent of exposure to PAHs (r = -0.568, p<0.05). No correlation was found between chromosomal aberrations, significantly changed immunological markers and the duration of UV exposure. Our study revealed that GT has a significant impact on both genetic and immunological parameters of psoriatic patients. The results indicate that GT could increase genotoxic risk and modulates immunity of treated patients.

Possible genotoxic risk of combined exposure to pharmaceutical coal tar and UV-B radiation.

Goeckerman's therapy of psoriasis combines exposure to pharmaceutical coal tar and UV-B radiation. In the pilot study (15 patients had been diagnosed with psoriasis, the average time period in hospital therapy was 24 days, the average age of the patients was 29 years, 47% of them were smokers) a level of genotoxic risk from therapy was evaluated by using chromosomal aberration of peripheral lymphocytes. The study suggested the presence of an increased genotoxic risk from the therapy. The PASI scores (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) were monitored.

Environmental exposure of small children to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the intake (by various routes of exposure) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) by children living in a Czech city, and its effect on excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in summer and winter periods. METHODS: Four groups of children (3-6 years old) were chosen: (1) two groups from a kindergarten situated in the city center with a higher traffic density ("polluted" area); (2) two groups from a kindergarten situated in a green zone of the same city ("non-polluted" area). Food consumption was recorded in all children and PAH intake from foodstuffs was estimated. Ambient air samples were collected from the playground and inside the kindergartens. Soil samples were collected too. Morning and evening urine samples were collected during sampling days. RESULTS: In both seasons, the mean outdoor total PAH concentration (sum of 12 individual PAH) in the -polluted" area was approximately three-times higher than that in the "non-polluted" area. Indoor concentration in the "polluted" area was more than six-times higher than that in the "non-polluted" area in summer, and almost three-times higher in winter. The same trend was observed for pyrene and for the sum of carcinogenic PAH. The contribution to the total pyrene absorbed dose from food consumption was much more important than that from inhalation and from ingestion of soil dust. Significantly higher urinary concentrations of 1-OHP (evening samples) were found in children from the "polluted" kindergarten in both seasons. The number of significant relationships between 1-OHP and pyrene absorbed dose was weak. CONCLUSIONS: Food seems to be the main source of total pyrene and total PAH intake in small children, even under relatively higher air PAH exposure in the city. Estimated pyrene ingestion from soil had a negligible contribution to the total pyrene absorbed dose. Urinary 1-OHP seems to be an uncertain (non-sensitive) marker of the environmental inhalation exposure to pyrene (PAH) if the pollution of air by pyrene (PAH) is not excessive and the pyrene (PAH) dose by this route is much less than by ingestion. Usefulness of the urinary 1-OHP as an indicator of overall environmental exposure to PAH needs further investigation.

[New findings in monitoring health status of welders and grinders of stainless steel]. / Novejsí zkusenosti se sledováním zdravotního stavu svárecu a brusicu nerezových ocelí.

During the occupational preventive care check up we investigated a group of 20 stainless steel welders and grinders in the factory producing technology for chemical industry. Results have been compared with 21 healthy persons--blood donors. In the group exposed there have not been discovered any marked deviations in either their health status, or in the CBC and biochemical screening results, though there had been found substantially increased chromium and nickel concentrations, mainly in grinders. Also the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were in some cases even higher than on the busy city crossing. The chromosome aberrations investigations proved to be very sensitive and confirmed that employees of the followed up factory are exposed to an increased genotoxic risk.

Assessment of multipathway exposure of small children to PAH.

The aim of study was to assess the uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) by children living in a city and its effect on 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) excretion. Two groups of children (n=11 and 13; 3-6 years old) were chosen: (1) a group from a kindergarten situated near a road with a high traffic density ('polluted' area); (2) a group from a kindergarten situated in a green zone ('non polluted' area). Food consumption was recorded in all children and PAH uptake from foodstuffs was estimated. Ambient air samples were collected on the playground and indoor of kindergartens during 3 days in summer 1997. Soil samples were collected on the playground. Urine samples were collected in the morning and in the evening. Mean outdoor total PAH concentration (sum of 12 individual PAH) in 'polluted' area was 12 times higher than that in 'non polluted' area (22.9 vs. 1.9 ng/m(3)). However, indoor concentrations were similar (3.0 vs. 2.1 ng/m(3)). The same trend was observed for pyrene concentrations. The contribution to the total pyrene absorbed dose from food consumption (estimated daily absorbed dose of 167 and 186 ng, respectively, in 'polluted' and 'non polluted' area) was much more important than that from inhalation (8.4 and 5.4 ng, respectively) in both areas. The estimated daily absorbed doses of pyrene from the soil were 0.061 and 0.104 ng in 'polluted' and 'non polluted' kindergarten, respectively, which correspond to 0.032 and 0.059% of the total absorbed dose. Higher urinary concentrations of 1-OHP were found in children from 'polluted' kindergarten. In conclusion, the food seems to be a main source of the total pyrene and total PAH uptake in small children, even under a relative high PAH air exposure in the city. Pyrene concentration in soil had a negligible contribution to the total pyrene absorbed dose. Usefulness of the urinary 1-OHP as an indicator of the environmental exposure to PAH needs further research.

[Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. II. Toxic effects]. / Polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky. II. Toxické úcinky.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) represent dangerous environmental pollutants. Many of them have toxic and carcinogenic potential. Presented work summarizes most of available data on the absorption, metabolism and elimination of PAH. The second part of article contains descriptions and evaluations of toxicological studies and epidemiological investigations and provides conclusions, where possible, on the relevance of toxicity and toxicokinetic data to public health. In the third part of article, the populations with higher susceptibility to exposure to PAH are described and the influences of chemical interaction of PAH to biological effects are mentioned.

[Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Biological indicators of exposure and possibilities of prevention]. / Polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky. III. Biologické ukazatele expozice a moznosti prevence.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) represent an extensive group of ubiquitous environmental pollutants disposing of a considerable toxic and carcinogenic potential. According to the IARC data (International Agency for Research on Cancer), PAH represent the largest group of chemical carcinogens produced during combustion, pyrolysis and pyrosynthesis of organic matter. PAH can be identified in atmosphere, water, soil, food and other materials which are in daily contact which the general population. Presented work summarizes most of available data on the biological markers used to identify or quantify the exposure to PAH and on the biological markers used to characterize the effects caused by PAH. The digest of possibilities of reduction toxic effects of PAH concludes the work.

[Effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the immune system]. / Vliv polycyklických aromatických uhlovodíku na imunitní systém.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous compounds in our environment. They are formed during incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage or other organic substances such as tobacco and charbroiled meat. PAHs enter the environment mostly as releases to air from volcanoes, forest fires, residential wood and coal burning and exhaust from automobiles and trucks. There are more than 100 different PAHs. Some of them have danger toxic properties including mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. Since 1993 PAHs are classified as the compounds which can cause immunosuppression. They reduce the body resistance against infection and cancer diseases. Immunosuppressive, carcinogenic and hypersensitivity effects of some PAHs representatives were described well in experimental studies. On the other hand, only sporadic information about immunological changes after long-term occupational exposure to PAHs were found from existing human epidemiological database. In addition, these studies usually did not cover the complex immunological profile represented by cellular and humoral activity.

[Phenotyping of cytochrome P-450 1A2 and N-acetyltransferase (NAT2) using the in vivo caffeine test as a tool for determining individual susceptibility to selected xenobiotics]. / Fenotypizace cytochromu P-450 1A2 a N-acetyltransferasy (NAT2) in vivo metodou kofeinového testu jako nástroj pro zjistování individuální vnímavosti k vybraným xenobiotikum.

An in vivo phenotyping method of CYP1A2 (cytochrome P-450 1A2) and NAT2 (N-acetyltransferase, isoform 2) based on caffeine test (Butler et al. Pharmacogenetics 1992;2:116-127) with modifications has been established. Molar concentrations of caffeine and its metabolites in urine were determined by HPLC with gradient elution and spectral detection (200-350 nm). The results obtained with this method were sufficiently accurate and precise and allowed to calculate the respective parameters which were subsequently used to evaluate the CYP1A2 and NAT2 activities.

[Health status of persons occupationally exposed to chromium, nickel, manganese and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons]. / Zdravotní stav osob profesionálne exponovaných chromu, niklu, manganu a polycyklickým aromatickým uhlovodíkum.

Occupational environment monitoring and biological-medical monitoring of persons professionally exposed to welding fumes have been performed. Chromium, manganese and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in welding fumes represents an important health risk. Pollutant concentrations found in metal welding fumes represented only fractions of those acceptable ones. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been reached the concentration found in a busy road crossing in Hradec Králové (compared with these as in Czech Republic no maximum acceptable levels for PAHs having been declared). Family, personal and occupational history have been taken. Health state including total haematological count, biochemical and cytogenetical changes of 19 stainless steel welders were checked-up. The level of mercapturates in urine were examined as well. The data were statistically compared with those of non exposed (control group). No changes witnessing the above mentioned risk factors influence on the haematological, biochemical and cytogenetical findings were ever proved. In conclusion, our results did not confirm an increased professional risk in this group of welders.