RESUMEN
An expanded follow-up assessment of the autoantibody response to neuronal and astroglial autoantigens (NF68; NF160; NF200; MBP; GFAP) as early markers of neurotoxicity was performed in male workers exposed to lead (Pb) of a battery factory (n=50) and a matched reference group (R) of workers at a food packing plant (n=39). Mean age, years of exposure and blood lead (PbB ug/dl) (+/-SD) for lead and R, respectively, were: Age:39 +/- 6; 41 +/- 7; Yrs. Exposed: 14 +/- 6:0; PbB: 32 +/- 11: 16 +/- 5 percent with detectable titers to nervous system proteins in the Pb and R populations, respectively, were: Anti-NF68: 59; 17; Anti-NF160: 28; 15; Anti-NF200: 25; 0; Anti-GFAP: 90; 20; Anti-MBP: 16; 4. Autoantibodies to nervous system proteins predominated in workers occupationally exposed to Pb compared to R. Anti-NF68 and GFAP titers were the most frequently encountered. Anti-NF68 titers were significantly correlated with years of exposure (r = 0.538, p < 0.0001) and with PbB (r=0.325, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of detectable autoantibody types correlated with clinical scores of sensorimotor deficits (r = 0.459, p < 0.0001). This study suggests that autoantibodies provide a promising biomarker of neurotoxicity while providing information on subcellular targets. It also raises concerns of toxicant-induced autoimmune neuropathy.
Asunto(s)
Autoanticuerpos/sangre , Proteína Ácida Fibrilar de la Glía/inmunología , Intoxicación por Plomo/inmunología , Proteína Básica de Mielina/inmunología , Enfermedades Profesionales/inmunología , Adulto , Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire/efectos adversos , Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire/análisis , Biomarcadores/sangre , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Egipto/epidemiología , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Monitoreo Epidemiológico , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Exposición por Inhalación/efectos adversos , Exposición por Inhalación/análisis , Intoxicación por Plomo/sangre , Intoxicación por Plomo/diagnóstico , Intoxicación por Plomo/epidemiología , Intoxicación por Plomo/etiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/sangre , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/etiología , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/inducido químicamente , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Valores Limites del Umbral , Salud Urbana/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
The present study was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact of lead [Pb] exposure on the activities of some metaloenzymes as TIBC, SOD, ALP and MAO and their related trace metals among workers. Ninety workers occupationally exposed to Pb in a battery manufacturing plant in Alexandria city were included in this study, 50 of them were the exposed group and 40 control subjects. The present study showed a statistically significant higher level of biological indices of exposure (p < 0.01) of lead in blood among the exposed group than the control subjects. Exposure to Pb led to decreased levels of Zn and Fe which was accompanied by increase in the level of TIBC and decrease in activity of ALP. However, no significant variation could be detected in the level of Cu and its metalloenzyme as SOD and MAO between exposed and control subjects.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Intoxicación por Plomo/enzimología , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Oligoelementos/sangre , Adulto , Fosfatasa Alcalina/biosíntesis , Cobre/sangre , Inducción Enzimática , Humanos , Industrias , Hierro/sangre , Plomo/sangre , Intoxicación por Plomo/sangre , Monoaminooxidasa/sangre , Superóxido Dismutasa/biosíntesis , Zinc/sangreRESUMEN
This study was carried out to evaluate the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to benzene and toluene in a total number of 31 male exposed workers and 30 control subjects. The present study showed a statistically significant higher level of biological indices of exposure (p < 0.01) of phenol and hippuric acid in urine of workers exposed to benzene and toluene than control subjects. Significant changes (p < 0.05, 0.01) in the levels of hematological and biochemical findings have been observed among exposed workers and control group. In addition, statistically significant higher levels of Mg, Mn and Ca were found among workers exposed to benzene and toluene while statistically significant lower levels of serum iron (p < 0.05) have been observed. No significant variations could be detected in the level of Zn and Cu between exposed and control subjects.
Asunto(s)
Benceno/toxicidad , Exposición Profesional , Tolueno/toxicidad , Análisis de Varianza , Calcio/sangre , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Egipto , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Pruebas Hematológicas , Humanos , Hierro/sangre , Magnesio/sangre , Masculino , Manganeso/sangre , UrinálisisRESUMEN
The present study was carried out for screening some biochemical changes due to occupational exposure to contraceptive drugs. It included 18 male workers and 22 female workers involved in the manufacture of contraceptive pills and 34 female workers manufacturing contraceptive ampoules. The levels of some sex hormones and gonadotropins were evaluated. Some parameters of blood picture, blood coagulation, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile and trace elements metabolism were assessed. Results were compared with those of a control group composed of 19 males and 27 females. Increased levels of estrogen among exposed workers was the main finding. It has been attributed to liver rather than pituitary dysfunction. A less atherogenic lipid profile has also been found. Referral to preventive measures has been recommended.
Asunto(s)
Anticonceptivos Orales , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales/sangre , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Adulto , Femenino , Pruebas Hematológicas , Humanos , Lípidos/sangre , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/fisiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Oligoelementos/sangreRESUMEN
The study was carried out to investigate the effect of ammonia inhalation on a total number of 60 male subjects from an urea production plant located in Alexandria. Laboratory investigations were carried out for 30 exposed and 30 controlled subjects. The results showed statistically significant inhibition (p<0.01) in the activity of catalase enzyme among the exposed than the control subjects. The inhibition could lead to deleterious effects on electrical stability, permeability and fluidity of membranes, which could affect the liver and brain to be more susceptible to hepatotoxic and neurotoxic alterations. The present work showed a significant inhibition (p<0.01) of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities and significant increase (p<0.05, 0.01) in liver function activities among exposed subjects than the control subjects.
Asunto(s)
Amoníaco/envenenamiento , Catalasa/sangre , Exposición por Inhalación/efectos adversos , Monoaminooxidasa/sangre , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Adulto , Alanina Transaminasa/sangre , Aspartato Aminotransferasas/sangre , Nitrógeno de la Urea Sanguínea , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Central/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Central/metabolismo , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas , Egipto , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Ayuno , Fertilizantes , Hemoglobinas/análisis , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Humanos , Exposición por Inhalación/análisis , Hepatopatías/metabolismo , Pruebas de Función Hepática , Masculino , Tasa de Depuración Metabólica , Enfermedades Profesionales/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades Profesionales/metabolismo , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Factores de Riesgo , Salud UrbanaRESUMEN
Somatic cell mutation in human peripheral lymphocytes is one of the tools used recently in the biological monitoring of the work environment. The scope of this review was to test whether biomonitoring methods are sensitive to the presence of mercury (Hg) in the body. We used the following techniques: micronucleus frequency (MN), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), and hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) assay in human lymphocytes. A total number of 30 male workers exposed to Hg vapors in chloralkali industry had been selected and compared with 30 control subjects. The concentration of mercury in urine (HgU) was used as a biological index of exposure. The exposed group showed higher levels of MN (32.0 +/- 1.7), SCE (7.3 +/- 0.2),and HGPRT mutations (0.94 +/- 0.01) then the nonexposed controls. We recommend the introduction of somatic cell mutation analysis in the periodic medical examination of workers exposed to Hg vapors.
Asunto(s)
Mercurio/efectos adversos , Mutación , Exposición Profesional , Adulto , Células Cultivadas , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fumar/efectos adversos , VolatilizaciónRESUMEN
The present study was aimed for the effects of exposure to multiple organic solvent vapors in comparison with single exposure to phenol. It included 20 workers exposed to phenol alone and 32 workers of combined exposure to phenol, benzene, toluene and methyl ethyl ketone. A control group of 30 subjects was also included. The levels of transaminases, total proteins, prothrombin time, bleeding time, clotting time, fasting blood sugar, serum creatinine and some trace elements (copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese and calcium) were determined in blood together with a complete blood picture. Urine samples were analyzed for phenol, hippuric acid and methyl ethyl ketone. The effects of combined exposure did not differ from that of exposure to phenol alone concerning the majority of the tested parameters. Only the levels of platelets count, prothrombin time, eosinophils, copper and iron have been affected by combined exposure in a probably additive manner.
Asunto(s)
Exposición Profesional , Fenoles/farmacología , Tiempo de Protrombina , Solventes/farmacología , Oligoelementos/sangre , Adulto , Recuento de Células Sanguíneas/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Masculino , Fenol , Transaminasas/sangre , Transaminasas/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Electrophilic compounds are widely used in industry. Plastic and dyeing industries are foremost examples of sites where workers are exposed to electrophilic compounds. Besides their immediate effect on different body systems, electrophilic compounds include most mutagenic and carcinogenic substances. The present study was carried out to elucidate the possibility of using nonselective assays in the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to electrophilic compounds. The study included a total number of 225 workers selected from the Plastic and Battery Company where workers are exposed to styrene (n = 70), and the Kafr El Dawar chemical and Dyeing Company where workers are exposed to aniline (n = 60) and benzidine (n = 25). Workers exposed to diesel engine exhaust were selected from a bus garage in Smoha (n = 70). A comparison group consisting of 141 subjects was selected from the administrative departments of the selected factories. The biochemical tests carried out on each subject included: (1) estimation of the biological indices of exposure: urinary mandelic acid and benzidine, blood methemoglobin, and carboxyhemoglobin, (2) liver and kidney function tests; and (3) nonselective biochemical parameters of early detection of carcinogenic and mutagenic risk: urinary thioether levels, urinary RNase and alpha esterase activities. The study revealed that two out of three nonselective assays have been affected by occupational exposure to electrophilic compounds. These were the urinary thioethers and RNase levels. Their determination is recommended in the biological monitoring of workers exposed to such agents especially in developing countries.
Asunto(s)
Carcinógenos Ambientales , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Exposición Profesional , Adulto , Compuestos de Anilina , Bencidinas/metabolismo , Carboxihemoglobina/metabolismo , Carboxilesterasa , Hidrolasas de Éster Carboxílico/orina , Femenino , Humanos , Pruebas de Función Renal , Pruebas de Función Hepática , Masculino , Ácidos Mandélicos/orina , Metahemoglobina/metabolismo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ribonucleasas/orina , Estireno , Estirenos , Sulfuros/orina , Emisiones de VehículosRESUMEN
Occupational exposure to lead fumes constitutes a serious problem in Egypt, since a considerable number of workers might be involved in its deleterious effect. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of lead exposure on the lipoprotein pattern of exposed workers. The study has been carried out in a plant manufacturing lead batteries. It consists of 89 workers exposed to lead and 25 control subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected for the determination of serum lipoprotein pattern and their cholesterol and phospholipid content. Levels of lead in blood and delta amino levulinic acid in urine have been determined as biological indices of lead exposure. Lead exposure caused mainly a cumulative effect on the cholesterol and phospholipid content of lipoproteins since only workers exposed for more than 10 years showed significant changes. These changes might be referred to the effect of lead exposure on liver and/or on trace metal metabolism.