Physical exercise counteracts genetic susceptibility to depression.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Depression is a highly prevalent disorder in elderly individuals. A genetic variant (rs6265) of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) impacting on emotion processing is known to increase the risk for depression. We aim to investigate whether intensive endurance sports might attenuate this genetic susceptibility in a cohort of elderly marathon athletes. METHODS: Fifty-five athletes and 58 controls were included. rs6265 of the BDNF gene was genotyped by the TaqMan method. Depressive symptoms were assessed by standardized self-rating tests (BDI = Beck Depression Inventory, GDS = Geriatric Depression Scale). RESULTS: In multivariable analysis of BDI and GDS scores, the interaction between group (athletes vs. controls) and genotypes ([C];[C] vs. [C];[T] + [T];[T]) was found to be statistically significant (BDI: p = 0.027, GDS: p = 0.013). Among [C];[C] carriers, merely controls had an increased relative risk of 3.537 (95% CI = 1.276-9.802) of achieving a subclinical depression score ≥10 on the BDI. There was no such effect in carriers of the [T] allele. In a multivariable binary logistic regression, genetic information, group (athletes/controls), but no information on rs6265 allele carrier status presented as a significant predictor of BDI scores ≥10. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise positively affects BDNF effects on mood. Since 66Met BDNF secretion is impaired, this effect seems to be much stronger in [C];[C] homozygous individuals expressing the 66Val variant. This confirms that genetic susceptibility to depressive symptoms can indeed be influenced by endurance sports in elderly people.

rs6295 [C]-Allele Protects Against Depressive Mood in Elderly Endurance Athletes.

A single nucleotide variant within the promoter of the 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5HT1A) receptor, rs6295, is part of a binding site for the transcription factor. We aimed to ascertain whether the rs6295 mediates the effect of exercise on depressive mood in elderly endurance athletes. We prospectively enrolled 55 elderly athletes (marathon runners/bicyclists) and 58 controls. In a controlled, univariate model, an interaction between the [C]-allele and physical activity indicated that only among athletes, the variant resulting in an imperfect NUDR binding site was associated with a lower depression score. Hence, athletes presented with a significantly lower relative risk of achieving a suspicious depression score among carriers of at least one [C]-allele. Our results suggest that the positive effect of physical exercise on depressive mood might be mediated by the 5HT1A receptor and the extent of this protective effect seems to be enhanced by the [C]-allele of the rs6295 variant.

Affective and inflammatory responses among orchestra musicians in performance situation.

A number of studies have shown that mental challenge under controlled experimental conditions is associated with elevations in inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). However, relatively little work has been done on the effects of 'naturalistic' stressors on acute changes in inflammatory markers. The present study examined whether perceived arousal, valence and dominance in musicians are associated with pro-inflammatory and oxidative responses to a concert situation. Blood and salivary samples obtained from 48 members of a symphony orchestra on the day of rehearsal (i.e., control situation) and on the following day of premiere concert (i.e., test situation) were used to determine changes in salivary cortisol, pro-inflammatory markers (plasma myeloperoxidase, serum CRP, plasma IL-6), oxidative stress markers (paraoxonase1 activity and malondialdehyde), and homocysteine, a risk factor for vascular disease. Results of regression analyses showed a significant trend to increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) response in individuals with low valence score. Both affective states, valence and arousal, were identified as significant predictors of cortisol response during concert. In addition, control levels of plasma malondialdehyde were positively correlated with differences in IL-6 levels between premiere and rehearsal (r=.38, p=.012), pointing to higher oxidative stress in individuals with pronounced IL-6 response. Our results indicate that stress of public performance leads to increased concentrations of plasma MPO (20%), IL-6 (27%) and salivary cortisol (44%) in musicians. The decreasing effect of pleasantness on the MPO response was highly pronounced in non-smokers (r=-.60, p<.001), suggesting a significant role of emotional valence in stress-induced secretion of MPO. Additional studies are needed to assess the generalizability of these findings to other 'naturalistic' stress situations.

Prevalence and prognostic value of zinc and selenium deficiency in advanced chronic liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Zinc and selenium are essential trace elements involved in important (patho)physiological processes. The prevalence and prognostic implications of zinc and selenium deficiency in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) remain unknown. METHODS: We determined serum zinc and selenium concentrations in 309 patients with ACLD undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement between 2019 and 2022. We evaluated the prevalence of zinc/selenium deficiency and assessed its association with severity of ACLD and liver-related events (LRE, i.e. first/further hepatic decompensation/liver-related death). RESULTS: Among 309 ACLD patients (median: age: 57 [IQR: 50-64], MELD: 11 [IQR: 9-16], HVPG: 17 [IQR: 11-20]), 73% (227) and 63% (195) were deficient in zinc and selenium, respectively. Decompensated (dACLD) patients showed significantly lower serum zinc (median: 48 [IQR: 38-59] vs. compensated, cACLD: 65 [IQR: 54-78], p < 0.001) and selenium levels (median: 4.9 [IQR 4.0-6.2] vs. cACLD: 6.1 [IQR 5.1-7.3], p < 0.001). Significant correlations of zinc/selenium levels were found with MELD (zinc: ρ = -0.498, p < 0.001; selenium: ρ = -0.295, p < 0.001), HVPG (zinc: ρ = -0.400, p < 0.001; selenium: ρ = -0.157, p = 0.006) and liver disease-driving mechanisms (IL6, bile-acid homeostasis). On multivariable analysis, low zinc/selenium levels, age and MELD remained independently associated with LRE. CONCLUSION: Zinc and selenium deficiencies are common in ACLD patients especially with higher MELD and HVPG. Low zinc and selenium levels independently predicted hepatic decompensation and liver-related death. The effect of zinc/selenium supplementation in ACLD should be investigated in future trials.

Workability, quality of life and cardiovascular risk markers in aging nightshift workers: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: In aging healthcare professionals, multiple stressors such as night work may affect life and work satisfaction and risk for chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease [CVD]). In this pilot study we compared workability, quality of life (QoL), and CVD risk markers between night shift and day workers. METHODS: We included 70 hospital employees (mean age 52 ±â€¯4 years, 91.4% female): 32 rotating night shift workers (> 3 nights/month) and 38 permanent day workers. In addition to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sleep characteristics, we assessed i) workability index (WAI), ii) QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL-Bref]) and iii) CVD risk markers, i.e. carotid ultrasound measurements, and biomarkers (NTproBNP, CRP, IL­6, LDL, ferritin, copper, zinc, and selenium). WAI, QoL, and CVD risk markers were compared between night and day workers. In a subgroup of participants (N = 38) with complete data, we used quantile regression analysis to estimate age and multivariate adjusted differences in biomarker levels. RESULTS: We found no differences in the domains of QoL (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and WAI scores between night and day workers. Night shift workers were less likely to report excellent workability than day workers, although differences were not statistically significant. Night shift workers reported more sleep problems (73.1% vs. 55.6%) and tended to have lower zinc levels and higher inflammatory markers (CRP, IL­6, ferritin), but differences were not significant after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Workability, QoL and CVD markers did not significantly differ between rotating night shift and day workers in this small pilot study. Sleep problems and inflammatory marker levels carry implications for occupational health.

Longitudinal biomonitoring of nurses handling antineoplastic drugs.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess a possible trend in the genotoxic risk of oncologic nurses during the working year, cytogenetic biomonitoring was performed. BACKGROUND: Exposure to cytostatic agents is a major occupational concern in oncologic personnel. In contrast to the controlled environment in oncology pharmacies, nurses may be subject to unexpected events of exposure due to the intensive contact with patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: The entire nursing staff of an oncology inpatient ward (n = 15) participated in a biomonitoring study over a period of nine months using the sister chromatid exchange test and the comet assay to detect DNA strand breaks. Blood samples were taken after a three-week summer break (base level), one, three, six and nine months thereafter. Airborne contaminations of cytotoxics were addressed by chromatographic methods. RESULTS: With regard to the single monitoring points, the comet assay revealed no significant alteration of the genotoxic burden within nine months. By contrast, the sister chromatid exchange levels were significantly increased after six and nine months when compared with base levels. A trend analysis covering the whole observation period revealed an increase in genotoxicity as shown by the sister chromatid exchange test and the alkaline but not the neutral comet assay. This increase, however, was small and reversible as shown by the trend analysis of sister chromatid exchange rates during the years of service. Air samples were negative for cytotoxic contaminants. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The small, but statistically significant genotoxic burden observed in oncologic nurses of an inpatient ward emphasises the need for a continuing effort to eliminate residual occupational risks. In comparison with historical controls, the current situation is characterised by beneficial safety improvements over the last years. Nevertheless, periodic training and awareness of the problems should be an integral part of advanced education.

Next-Generation Magnetic Nanocomposites: Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Coated and Uncoated Ferric Cobalt Boron (FeCoB) Nanoparticles In Vitro.

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have unique physicochemical properties and a widespread application scope depending on their composition and surface characteristics. Potential biomedical applications and the growing diversity of novel nanocomposites highlight the need for toxicological hazard assessment of next-generation magnetic nanomaterials. Our study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of coated and uncoated ferric cobalt boron (FeCoB) NPs (5-15 nm particle size) in cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts. Cell proliferation was assessed via ATP bioluminescence kit, and DNA breakage and chromosomal damage were measured by alkaline comet assay and micronucleus test. Polyacryl acid-coated FeCoB NPs [polyacrylic acid (PAA)-FeCoB NPs) and uncoated FeCoB NPs inhibited cell proliferation at 10 µg/ml. DNA strand breaks were significantly increased by PAA-coated FeCoB NPs, uncoated FeCoB NPs and l-cysteine-coated FeCoB NPs (Cys-FeCoB NPs), although high concentrations (10 µg/ml) of coated NPs (Cys- and PAA-FeCoB NPs) showed significantly more DNA breakage when compared to uncoated ones. Uncoated FeCoB NPs and coated NPs (PAA-FeCoB NPs) also induced the formation of micronuclei. Additionally, PAA-coated NPs and uncoated FeCoB NPs showed a negative correlation between cell proliferation and DNA strand breaks, suggesting a common pathomechanism, possibly by oxidation-induced DNA damage. We conclude that uncoated FeCoB NPs are cytotoxic and genotoxic at in vitro conditions. Surface coating of FeCoB NPs with Cys and PAA does not prevent but rather aggravates DNA damage. Further safety assessment and a well-considered choice of surface coating are needed prior to application of FeCoB nanocomposites in biomedicine.

Midday and nadir salivary cortisol appear superior to cortisol awakening response in burnout assessment and monitoring.

Burnout and work-related stress symptoms of anxiety disorder and depression cause prolonged work absenteeism and early retirement. Hence, reliable identification of patients under risk and monitoring of treatment success is highly warranted. We aimed to evaluate stress-specific biomarkers in a population-based, "real-world" cohort (burnouts: n = 40, healthy controls: n = 26), recruited at a preventive care ward, at baseline and after a four-month follow up, during which patients received medical and psychological treatment. At baseline, significantly higher levels of salivary cortisol were observed in the burnout group compared to the control group. This was even more pronounced in midday- (p < 0.001) and nadir samples (p < 0.001) than for total morning cortisol secretion (p < 0.01). The treatment program resulted in a significant reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression scores (all p < 0.001), with 60% of patients showing a clinically relevant improvement. This was accompanied by a ~30% drop in midday cortisol levels (p < 0.001), as well as a ~25% decrease in cortisol nadir (p < 0.05), although not directly correlating with score declines. Our data emphasize the potential usefulness of midday and nadir salivary cortisol as markers in the assessment and biomonitoring of burnout.

A combination of routine blood analytes predicts fitness decrement in elderly endurance athletes.

Endurance sports are enjoying greater popularity, particularly among new target groups such as the elderly. Predictors of future physical capacities providing a basis for training adaptations are in high demand. We therefore aimed to estimate the future physical performance of elderly marathoners (runners/bicyclists) using a set of easily accessible standard laboratory parameters. To this end, 47 elderly marathon athletes underwent physical examinations including bicycle ergometry and a blood draw at baseline and after a three-year follow-up period. In order to compile a statistical model containing baseline laboratory results allowing prediction of follow-up ergometry performance, the cohort was subgrouped into a model training (n = 25) and a test sample (n = 22). The model containing significant predictors in univariate analysis (alanine aminotransferase, urea, folic acid, myeloperoxidase and total cholesterol) presented with high statistical significance and excellent goodness of fit (R2 = 0.789, ROC-AUC = 0.951±0.050) in the model training sample and was validated in the test sample (ROC-AUC = 0.786±0.098). Our results suggest that standard laboratory parameters could be particularly useful for predicting future physical capacity in elderly marathoners. It hence merits further research whether these conclusions can be translated to other disciplines or age groups.

Low Vitamin D Levels Do Not Predict Hyperglycemia in Elderly Endurance Athletes (but in Controls).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recent studies revealed a link between hypovitaminosis D3 and the risk for hyperglycemia. Further mechanistic and interventional investigations suggested a common reason for both conditions rather than a causal relationship. Exposure to sunlight is the most relevant source of vitamin D3 (25(OH)D), whereas adipose tissue is able to store relevant amounts of the lipophilic vitamin. Since running/bicycling leads to increased out-door time and alters physiological response mechanisms, it can be hypothesized that the correlation between hypovitaminosis D3 and hyperglycemia might be disturbed in outdoor athletes. METHODS: 47 elderly marathoners/bicyclists and 47 age/sex matched controls were studied in a longitudinal setting at baseline and after three years. HbA1c as a surrogate for (pre-)diabetic states was quantified via HPLC, 25(OH)D levels were measured by means of chemiluminescent assays. Physical performance was assessed by ergometry. RESULTS: When adjusted for seasonal variations, 25(OH)D was significantly higher in athletes than in controls. 25(OH)D levels inversely correlated with triglycerides in both groups, whereas only in controls an association between high BMI or low physical performance with hypovitaminosis D3 had been found. Likewise, the presence of hypovitaminosis D3 at baseline successfully predicted hyperglycemia at the follow up examinations within the control group (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI [0.74, 0.96], p < .001, statistically independent from BMI), but not in athletes. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that mechanisms of HbA1c elevation might differ between athletes and controls. Thus, intense physical activity must be taken into account as a potential pre-analytic confounder when it is aimed to predict metabolic risk by vitamin D3 levels.

Cell type-specific genotoxic effects of intermittent extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields.

The issue of adverse health effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) is highly controversial. Contradictory results regarding the genotoxic potential of ELF-EMF have been reported in the literature. To test whether this controversy might reflect differences between the cellular targets examined we exposed cultured cells derived from different tissues to an intermittent ELF-EMF (50 Hz sinusoidal, 1 mT) for 1-24h. The alkaline and neutral comet assays were used to assess ELF-EMF-induced DNA strand breaks. We could identify three responder (human fibroblasts, human melanocytes, rat granulosa cells) and three non-responder cell types (human lymphocytes, human monocytes, human skeletal muscle cells), which points to the significance of the cell system used when investigating genotoxic effects of ELF-EMF.

Chromosomal damage in human diploid fibroblasts by intermittent exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields.

Environmental exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) has been implicated in the development of cancer in humans. An important basis for assessing a potential cancer risk due to ELF-EMF exposure is knowledge of biological effects on human cells at the chromosomal level. Therefore, we investigated in the present study the effect of intermittent ELF electromagnetic fields (50 Hz, sinusoidal, 5'field-on/10'field-off, 2-24 h, 1 mT) on the induction of micronuclei (MN) and chromosomal aberrations in cultured human fibroblasts. ELF-EMF radiation resulted in a time-dependent increase of micronuclei, which became significant after 10 h of intermittent exposure at a flux density of 1 mT. After approximately 15 h a constant level of micronuclei of about three times the basal level was reached. In addition, chromosomal aberrations were increased up to 10-fold above basal levels. Our data strongly indicate a clastogenic potential of intermittent low-frequency electromagnetic fields, which may lead to considerable chromosomal damage in dividing cells.

No cognitive deficits in men formerly exposed to lead.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to investigate long-term cognitive effects resulting from low to moderate lead exposure below current threshold values. Executive functions, attention, visuospatial and visuomotor functioning in workers formerly exposed to lead were investigated. METHODS: 48 men formerly exposed to lead and with a mean current blood level (PbB) of 5.4 microg Pb/100 ml were investigated, together with 48 matched controls (PbB, 4.7 microg Pb/100 ml) out of a pool of 61 males. The two groups were matched for age, years spent in education, verbal intelligence and gram alcohol consumption per week. The following neuropsychological tests were used: modified Wisconsin card sorting test, block design test, visual recognition test, simple reaction time, choice reaction and digit-symbol substitution. Lead exposure was assessed using both current and cumulative measurements. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in cognitive parameters between the two groups. When analyzing dose-response relationships, negative correlations were found between PbB and performance in the block design test, and between PbB and scores in the visual recognition and digit-symbol substitution tests. High cumulative exposure (IBL, >5000; duration of exposure, >5 years) correlated only with wrong reactions in the choice reaction test. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that cognitive deficits resulting from low-level exposure to lead are reversible. The study was limited to low-level long-term exposure (all PbB values were always below 55 microg Pb/100 ml), and extrapolation of these results to persons heavily exposed to lead is not possible.

Induction of DNA strand breaks by intermittent exposure to extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields in human diploid fibroblasts.

Results of epidemiological research show low association of electromagnetic field (EMF) with increased risk of cancerous diseases and missing dose-effect relations. An important component in assessing potential cancer risk is knowledge concerning any genotoxic effects of extremely-low-frequency-EMF (ELF-EMF). Human diploid fibroblasts were exposed to continuous or intermittent ELF-EMF (50Hz, sinusoidal, 24h, 1000microT). For evaluation of genotoxic effects in form of DNA single- (SSB) and double-strand breaks (DSB), the alkaline and the neutral comet assay were used. In contrast to continuous ELF-EMF exposure, the application of intermittent fields reproducibly resulted in a significant increase of DNA strand break levels, mainly DSBs, as compared to non-exposed controls. The conditions of intermittence showed an impact on the induction of DNA strand breaks, producing the highest levels at 5min field-on/10min field-off. We also found individual differences in response to ELF-EMF as well as an evident exposure-response relationship between magnetic flux density and DNA migration in the comet assay. Our data strongly indicate a genotoxic potential of intermittent EMF. This points to the need of further studies in vivo and consideration about environmental threshold values for ELF exposure.

Vanadate induces DNA strand breaks in cultured human fibroblasts at doses relevant to occupational exposure.

To study possible genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to vanadium pentoxide, we determined DNA strand breaks (with alkaline comet assay), 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and the frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in whole blood leukocytes or lymphocytes of 49 male workers employed in a vanadium factory in comparison to 12 non-exposed controls. In addition, vanadate has been tested in vitro to induce DNA strand breaks in whole blood cells, isolated lymphocytes and cultured human fibroblasts of healthy donors at concentrations comparable to the observed levels of vanadium in vivo. To investigate the impact of vanadate on the repair of damaged DNA, co-exposure to UV or bleomycin was used in fibroblasts, and DNA migration in the alkaline and neutral comet assay was determined. Although, exposed workers showed a significant vanadium uptake (serum: median 5.38microg/l, range 2.18-46.35microg/l) no increase in cytogenetic effects or oxidative DNA damage in leukocytes could be demonstrated. This was consistent with the observation that in vitro exposure of whole blood leukocytes and lymphocytes to vanadate caused no significant changes in DNA strand breaks below concentrations of 1microM (50microg/l). In contrast, vanadate clearly induced DNA fragmentation in cultured fibroblasts at relevant concentrations. Combined exposure of fibroblasts to vanadate/UV or vanadate/bleomycin resulted in non-repairable DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) as seen in the neutral comet assay. We conclude that exposure of human fibroblasts to vanadate effectively causes DNA strand breaks, and co-exposure of cells to other genotoxic agents may result in persistent DNA damage.

Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and sister chromatid exchanges in patients with total hip replacements.

Ion release from metal implants has been suspected to increase the risk of genotoxic effects in patients wearing orthopedic metal devices. In this study we used urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as marker of oxidative DNA damage and the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes to test a possible relationship between the concentrations of chromium or cobalt and the induction of cytogenetic modifications in 46 patients with total hip replacements. A broad range of individual levels of metals has been observed in these patients: chromium in blood, 1.59-14.11 microg/L; chromium in urine, 0.79-93.80 microg/24 h; cobalt in blood, 0.77-37.80 microg/L; cobalt in urine, 2.59-166.94 microg/24 h. By linear regression analysis, no significant correlation between urinary 8OHdG or sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and the concentrations of metals was found. However, cobalt in blood as well as 8-OHdG in urine were higher in patients with implants 3-4 yr old as compared to patients with implants 1-2 yr old. Smoking significantly increased the frequency of SCE. Our data do not indicate a dependence of 8-OHdG in urine or SCE on the levels of chromium or cobalt in patients with total hip replacements.

Induction of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine by cobalt(II) and hydrogen peroxide in vitro.

In order to test the effects of cobalt on oxidative DNA damage, we measured the formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the presence of cobalt in calf thymus DNA and in DNA of human diploid fibroblasts. Treatment of calf thymus DNA with Co(II) at 500 microM hydrogen peroxide resulted in a dose-dependent increase in 8-OHdG, which culminated at 25 microM Co(II) (62.6 modified/10(5) dG) and declined at higher Co(II) concentrations [9.6 modified/10(5) dG at 250 microM Co(II)]. Incubation of calf thymus DNA with Co(II) alone did not cause an increase in 8-OHdG. Treatment of calf thymus DNA with H2O2, (0.25-2 mM) caused only a slight generation of 8-OHdG (2.7/10(5) dG, at 2 mM H2O2). Exposure of human diploid fibroblasts to Co(II) at 5-250 microM did not result in an increase in 8-OHdG in a dose-dependent manner, although treated cells showed significantly higher 8-OHdG levels than untreated controls (2.026 +/- 0.695 vs. 1.395 +/- 0.433 8-OHdG/10(5) dG) at all concentrations. Our data indicate that in the presence of H2O2, Co(II) stimulates the in vitro formation of 8-OHdG.

Comparison of synovial fluid, urine, and serum ion levels in metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty at a minimum follow-up of 18 years.

Diagnosis of adverse reactions to metal debris in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty is a multifactorial process. Systemic ion levels are just one factor in the evaluation and should not be relied upon solely to determine the need for revision surgery. Furthermore, the correlation between cobalt or chromium serum, urine, or synovial fluid levels and adverse local tissue reactions is still incompletely understood. The hypothesis was that elevated serum and urine metal-ion concentrations are associated with elevated local metal-ion concentrations in primary total hip arthroplasties (THA) and with failure of metal-on-metal articulations in the long-term. In our present study, we evaluated these concentrations in 105 cementless THA with metal-on-metal articulating surfaces with small head diameter at a minimum of 18 years postoperatively. Spearman correlation showed a high correlation between the joint fluid aspirate concentration of cobalt and chromium with the serum cobalt (r = 0.81) and chromium level (r = 0.77) in patients with the THA as the only source of metal-ions. In these patients serum metal-ion analysis is a valuable method for screening. In patients with more than one source of metal or renal insufficiency additional investigations, like joint aspirations are an important tool for evaluation of wear and adverse tissue reactions in metal-on-metal THA.

Effect of occupational safety measures on micronucleus frequency in semiconductor workers.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether semiconductor workers exposed to complex mixtures of chemical waste show an increase in genotoxic effects, and, if so, whether occupational safety measures protect these workers. METHODS: To assess chemical exposure in the workplace, air monitoring of boron trifluoride and boron trichloride was performed and urinary concentrations of fluoride were measured. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus test on isolated lymphocytes was used for the detection of genotoxic effects. Two series of monitoring have been performed in order to assess the effect of implemented protection measures. RESULTS: We found a significantly higher mean frequency of micronuclei in exposed workers than in controls, whereas air monitoring and measurement of urinary fluoride failed to detect chemical exposure of these workers. Twelve years after implementation of protective measures, the mean level of micronuclei in exposed individuals was found to be as low as those from controls. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that exposed workers in the semiconductor industry may have an increased risk of genotoxic effects from complex mixtures of chemical waste products. The decline of the mean level of micronuclei in exposed workers down to the base level of controls after implementation of protective measures points to the significance of adequate safety standards to protect against chromosomal damage in semiconductor personnel.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (UMTS, 1,950 MHz) induce genotoxic effects in vitro in human fibroblasts but not in lymphocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) was recently introduced as the third generation mobile communication standard in Europe. This was done without any information on biological effects and genotoxic properties of these particular high-frequency electromagnetic fields. This is discomforting, because genotoxic effects of the second generation standard Global System for Mobile Communication have been reported after exposure of human cells in vitro. METHODS: Human cultured fibroblasts of three different donors and three different short-term human lymphocyte cultures were exposed to 1,950 MHz UMTS below the specific absorption rate (SAR) safety limit of 2 W/kg. The alkaline comet assay and the micronucleus assay were used to ascertain dose and time-dependent genotoxic effects. Five hundred cells per slide were visually evaluated in the comet assay and comet tail factor (CTF) was calculated. In the micronucleus assay 1,000 binucleated cells were evaluated per assay. The origin of the micronuclei was determined by fluorescence labeled anticentromere antibodies. All evaluations were performed under blinded conditions. RESULTS: UMTS exposure increased the CTF and induced centromere-negative micronuclei (MN) in human cultured fibroblasts in a dose and time-dependent way. Incubation for 24 h at a SAR of 0.05 W/kg generated a statistically significant rise in both CTF and MN (P = 0.02). At a SAR of 0.1 W/kg the CTF was significantly increased after 8 h of incubation (P = 0.02), the number of MN after 12 h (P = 0.02). No UMTS effect was obtained with lymphocytes, either unstimulated or stimulated with Phytohemagglutinin. CONCLUSION: UMTS exposure may cause genetic alterations in some but not in all human cells in vitro.