Search results

1

A novel method of immunomodulation of endothelial cells using Streptococcus pyogenes and its lysate

100%

Arokiaraj M. C., Wilson J.

European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine

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2021

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issue 2

116-128

EN

Introduction. Coronary artery diseases and autoimmune disorders are common in clinical practice. Aim. In this study, Streptococcus pyogenes and its lysate were studied to modify the endothelial function. Material and methods. HUVEC cells were seeded in the cell culture, and Streptococcus pyogenes were added to the cell culture, and the supernatant was studied for the secreted proteins. In the second phase, the bacterial lysate was synthesized, and the lysate was added to cell culture and studied. Results. When S. pyogenes alone was added to culture, E Cadherin, Angiostatin, EpCAM and PDGF-AB were some of the biomarkers elevated significantly. HCC1, IGFBP2 and TIMP were some of the biomarkers which showed a reduction. When the lysate was added, the cell-culture was maintained for a longer time, and it showed the synthesis of immune regulatory cytokines. Heatmap analysis showed a significant number of proteins/cytokines concerning the immune/pathways, and toll-like receptors superfamily were modified. BLC, IL 17, BMP 7, PARC, Contactin2, IL 10 Rb, NAP 2 (CXCL 7), Eotaxin 2 were maximally increased. By principal component analysis, the results observed were significant. Conclusion. There is potential for a novel method of immunomodulation of the endothelial cells, which have pleiotropic functions, using S. pyogenes and its lysates.

2

Medicine students and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

88%

Szumska M., Tyrpień K., Kowalska M., Wielkoszyński T., Dobosz C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2013

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vol. 26

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issue 2

313-320

EN

Objective: Although medicine students express positive attitudes toward providing lifestyle counseling, they require more instruction in many areas of health behavior in order to be helpful to their patients. The presented study included the students' questionnaires analysis regarding their lifestyle and exposure to tobacco smoke. The aim of this study was to examine students' exposure to chosen xenobiotics by determination of selected biomarkers in urine samples, which underlay the basis for exposure assessment towards tobacco smoke. Materials and Methods: The investigated group consisted of first- and second-year medicine students from the Silesian Medical University (N = 133). Data obtained from a questionnaire survey was compared with the results of chosen biomarkers determined in urine samples. The analyses of the main nicotine metabolites were carried out firstly with use of ELISA, followed by the TLC technique with densitometry. Results: According to questionnaires, every third student examined was exposed to passive smoking. The mean concentration of the main nicotine metabolites determined by ELISA in urine samples of smoking students was 1293.52±396.70 μg/g creatinine. The results of the TLC analysis in the group of smoking students were as follows: for cotinine - 523.10±68.10 μg/g creatinine and for trans-3'-hydroxycotinine - 653.81±62.30 μg/g creatinine. Conclusions: Medicine students, regardless of their area of study, are a highly-exposed part of the population to tobacco smoke, not only actively but also passively. Tobacco smoke exposure can be assessed by ELISA as a screening method as well as by more specific TLC technique with densitometry.

3

Variation in biological status among Polish males and underlying socio-economic factors

88%

Kaczmarek M., Skrzypczak M.

Anthropological Review

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2008

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vol. 71

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issue 1

17-32

EN

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the socio-economic and lifestyle factors associated with biological status of Polish men. Data were collected during a cross-sectional survey carried out in Poznań and several localities in Western Poland, between 2000 and 2002. The sample consisted of 2509 men ranging from 30 to 90 years of age. Biological status was expressed in terms of functional-biological age (BA) computed as a composite z-score of 11 biomarkers according to the method proposed by Borkan and Norris [1980a], and physiological reserve index (PR) developed by Goffauxet al.[2005]. The average biological age profiles (BAP) were compared in several subgroups of participants. The subgroups were categorized based on demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics. It was found that values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI, physical and emotional aging indicators and perceived satisfaction with life were significantly associated with most of the study factors, except for smoking habit and education level. The multivariate logistic regression models revealed that two factors, financial situation and physical activity, were significantly associated with the physiological reserve index estimation. The study confirmed the role of the socio-economic and lifestyle factors likely to play in men's biological status and aging rates.

PL

Celem pracy była ocena wybranych czynników społeczno-ekonomicznych oraz elementów stylu życia wywierających wpływ na stan biologiczny mężczyzn. Badaną grupę stanowiło 2509 mężczyzn w wieku od 30 do 90 lat, pochodzących z różnych warstw społeczno-ekonomicznych. Badania, przeprowadzone w latach 2000-2002 na terenie Poznania oraz zachodniej Polski, miały charakter przekrojowy. Stan biologiczny określano posługując się koncepcją wieku biologicznego zaproponowaną przez Borkana i Norrisa [1980a] oraz metodą wyznaczania wskaźnika rezerwy fizjologicznej (PR) opracowaną przez Goffauxet al. [2005] (ryc. 1). Wiek biologiczny określano na podstawie 11 biomarkerów obejmujących pomiary antropometryczne, charakterystyki układu krążenia i biochemiczne, jakość życia oraz emocjonalne i fizyczne objawy towarzyszące starzeniu się mężczyzn (ryc. 2). Posługując się formułą [(wartość obserwowana - mediana)/odległość kwartylowa], uzyskiwano wartości z, które przypisywano do kategorii wieku biologicznego: młodszy (ujemne wartości) i starszy (dodatnie wartości) od przeciętnego. Następnie wykreślano profile wieku biologicznego, odrębnie w grupie mężczyzn młodszych (mniej niż 50 lat) oraz starszych (50 lat i więcej), kategoryzowanych w zależności od czynników społeczno-ekonomicznych oraz określających styl życia. Wartość wskaźnika PR uzyskano sumując wszystkie wartości z dla każdego osobnika.Charakterystykę próby przedstawiono w tabeli 1. Wykazano, że mężczyźni chronologicznie młodsi byli również biologicznie młodsi w porównaniu z mężczyznami chronologicznie starszymi (ryc. 3). Stwierdzono, że w obu grupach wieku parametrami najczęściej istotnie różniącymi się pomiędzy grupami o odmiennym statusie społecznym oraz stylu życia były parametry określające ciśnienie krwi, BMI, fizyczne i emocjonalne objawy towarzyszące starzeniu się oraz jakość życia. Poziom wykształcenia oraz palenie papierosów najsłabiej różnicowały wiek biologiczny mężczyzn w obu grupach wieku (tab. 2). Na ryc. 4 przedstawiono profile wieku biologicznego wyznaczone dla mężczyzn kategoryzowanych w zależności od stanu cywilnego, poziomu wykształcenia, miejsca zamieszkania, sytuacji finansowej, aktywności fizycznej oraz palenia papierosów. Analiza regresji logistycznej wykazała, że sytuacja finansowa oraz aktywność fizyczna, były istotnie powiązane z wskaźnikiem rezerwy fizjologicznej PR, kompleksowo oceniającym wiek biologiczny badanych mężczyzn (tab. 3). Wyniki uzyskane w pracy potwierdzają wpływ czynników społeczno-ekonomicznych oraz stylu życia na zróżnicowanie stanu biologicznego oraz wskaźników starzenia się mężczyzn.

4

Occupational exposure to diisocyanates in polyurethane foam factory workers

75%

Świerczyńska-Machura D., Brzeźnicki S., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Wittczak T., Dudek W., Bonczarowska M., Wesolowski W., Czerczak S., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 6

985-998

EN

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate health effects of occupational exposure to diisocyanates (DIC) among polyurethane foam products factory workers. Material and Methods Thirty workers had a physical examination, skin prick tests with common allergens, allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to diisocyanates and pulmonary function tests. Concentrations of selected isocyanates in the workplace air samples as well as concentration of their metabolites in the urine samples collected from the workers of the plant were determined. Results The most frequent work-related symptoms reported by the examined subjects were rhinitis and skin symptoms. Sensitization to at least 1 common allergen was noted in 26.7% of the subjects. Spirometry changes of bronchial obstruction of a mild degree was observed in 5 workers. The specific IgE antibodies to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) were not detected in any of the patients’ serum. Cellular profiles of the collected induced sputum (ISP) did not reveal any abnormalities. Air concentrations of TDI isomers ranged 0.2–58.9 μg/m³ and in 7 cases they exceeded the Combined Exposure Index (CEI) value for those compounds. Concentrations of TDI metabolites in post-shift urine samples were significantly higher than in the case of pre-shift urine samples and in 6 cases they exceeded the British Biological Monitoring Guidance Value (BMGV – 1 μmol amine/mol creatinine). We didn’t find a correlation between urinary concentrations of TDI, concentrations in the air and concentrations of toluenediamine (TDA) in the post shift urine samples. Lack of such a correlation may be an effect of the respiratory protective equipment use. Conclusions Determination of specific IgE in serum is not sensitive enough to serve as a biomarker. Estimation of concentrations of diisocyanate metabolites in urine samples and the presence of work-related allergic symptoms seem to be an adequate method for occupational exposure monitoring of DIC, which may help to determine workers at risk as well as to recognize hazardous workplaces.

5

Molecular bio-dosimetry for carcinogenic risk assessment in survivors of Bhopal gas tragedy

75%

Mishra P. K., Raghuram G. V., Bunkar N., Bhargava A., Khare N. K.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 6

921-939

EN

December 2014 marked the 30th year anniversary of Bhopal gas tragedy. This sudden and accidental leakage of deadly poisonous methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas instigated research efforts to understand the nature, severity of health damage and sufferings of 570 000 ailing survivors of this tragedy. In a decade-long period, our systematic laboratory investigations coupled with long-term molecular surveillance studies have comprehensively demonstrated that the risk of developing an environmental associated aberrant disease phenotype, including cancer, involves complex interplay of genomic and epigenetic reprogramming. These findings poised us to translate this knowledge into an investigative framework of “molecular biodosimetry” in a strictly selected cohort of MIC exposed individuals. A pragmatic cancer risk-assessment strategy pursued in concert with a large-scale epidemiological study might unfold molecular underpinnings of host-susceptibility and exposureresponse relationship. The challenges are enormous, but we postulate that the study will be necessary to establish a direct initiation-promotion paradigm of environmental carcinogenesis. Given that mitochondrial retrograde signaling-induced epigenetic reprogramming is apparently linked to neoplasticity, a cutting-edge tailored approach by an expert pool of biomedical researchers will be fundamental to drive these strategies from planning to execution. Validating the epigenomic signatures will hopefully result in the development of biomarkers to better protect human lives in an overburdened ecosystem, such as India, which is continuously challenged to meet population demands. Besides, delineating the mechanistic links between MIC exposure and cancer morbidity, our investigative strategy might help to formulate suitable regulatory policies and measures to reduce the overall burden of occupational and environmental carcinogenesis.

6

Usefulness of biomarkers as intermediate endpoints in health risks posed by occupational lead exposure

75%

Borghini A., Gianicolo E. A., Andreassi M. G.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 29

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issue 2

167-178

EN

The article concerns potential harmful effects of exposure to lead. Although the occurrence of severe lead poisoning has receded in several countries, occupational exposure resulting in moderate and clinically symptomatic toxicity is still common. An earlier and precise characterization of an individual response is obligatory in order to assess the possible risks for human health. Biomarkers may fill important gaps in the path from exposure to a disease. Specifically speaking, emerging (DNA double strand breaks and telomeric DNA erosion) and validated (micronuclei induction and chromosomal aberrations) biomarkers of genotoxicity seem to provide evidence for the assessment of molecular and cellular damage. Moreover, identiﬁcation of genetic variability with a key role in modulating genotoxic damage may help minimize risks for susceptible subjects. Further investigations are naturally needed to properly define their diagnostic and/or prognostic value as “early warning” signs of a long-term risk for a subsequent clinically overt disease.

7

Toxic effect in the lungs of rats after inhalation exposure to benzalkonium chloride

75%

Świercz R., Hałatek T., Stetkiewicz J., Wąsowicz W., Kur B., Grzelińska Z., Majcherek W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2013

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vol. 26

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issue 4

647-656

EN

Background: Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) toxic to microorganisms. Inhalation is one of the major possible routes of human exposure to BAC. Materials and Methods: Experiments were performed on female Wistar rats. The rats were exposed to aerosol of BAC water solution at the target concentration of 0 (control group) and 35 mg/m³ for 5 days (6 h/day) and, after a 2-week interval, the animals were challenged (day 21) with BAC aerosol at the target concentration of 0 (control group) and 35 mg/m³ for 6 h. Results: Compared to the controls, the animals exposed to BAC aerosol were characterized by lower food intake and their body weight was significantly smaller. As regards BAC-exposed group, a significant increase was noted in relative lung mass, total protein concentration, and MIP-2 in BALF both directly after the termination of the exposure and 18 h afterwards. Significantly higher IL-6 and IgE concentrations in BALF and a decrease in the CC16 concentration in BALF were found in the exposed group immediately after the exposure. The leukocyte count in BALF was significantly higher in the animals exposed to BAC aerosol compared to the controls. In the lungs of rats exposed to BAC the following effects were observed: minimal perivascular, interstitial edema, focal aggregates of alveolar macrophages, interstitial mononuclear cell infiltrations, thickened alveolar septa and marginal lipoproteinosis. Conclusion: Inhalation of BAC induced a strong inflammatory response and a damage to the blood-air barrier. Reduced concentrations of CC16, which is an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory protein, in combination with increased IgE concentrations in BALF may be indicative of the immuno-inflammatory response in the animals exposed to BAC aerosol by inhalation. Histopathological examinations of tissue samples from the BAC-exposed rats revealed a number of pathological changes found only in the lungs.

8

Immunoaging – the effect of age on serum levels of NET biomarkers in men: a pilot study

75%

Garley M., Omeljaniuk W. J., Motkowski R., Ratajczak-Wrona W., Jabłońska E., Filipkowski D., Charkiewicz A. E.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2023

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vol. 36

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issue 3

333-348

EN

Objectives The study aimed to evaluate the impact of aging on the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The impaired formation of NETs is the cause of an abnormal innate immune response. Material and Methods The study included a total of 45 healthy male subjects of different age groups. Whole blood was collected from the subjects, and the concentration of myeloperoxidase (MPO), the main biocidal protein in NETs, was determined in serum using ELISA. The serum levels of circulating free DNA (cfDNA), which are the structural basis of NETs, were also measured by fluorescence. In addition, the white blood cell count was determined, whole blood smear was evaluated, and the neutrophillymphocyte ratio was calculated. The variations in the levels of NET biomarkers were analyzed in different age groups. Results The low levels of MPO (243.70 ng/ml) and cfDNA (6.24 ng/100 μl) in boys indicated neutrophil insufficiency for NETosis in children. A progressive increase in the levels of MPO and cfDNA with age was observed among adolescents (420.91, p = 0.04; 13.55, p = 0.03, respectively), with the highest level noted in the healthy adult group (466.58, p = 0.01; 14.07, p = 0.01, respectively). The levels of the studied parameters were comparable in adolescents and young adults, which proved that the NETosis process was appropriate and suggested the attainment of neutrophil maturity for the release of NETs in adolescence. The levels of MPO and cfDNA were low in older men (225.46, p < 0.01; 5.19, p < 0.01, respectively) indicating impaired NET formation. Conclusions Data on the generation of NETs in different age groups obtained in this study can allow a better understanding of the ontogenesis of the immune system in terms of the course of NETosis, and also indicate the need to support nonspecific responses in children and adults. Further research should be performed to determine the possibility of regulating the NETosis process.

9

Association between occupational lead exposure and plasma levels of selected oxidative stress related parameters in Jordanian automobile workers

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Shraideh Z., Badran D., Hunaiti A., Battah A.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2018

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vol. 31

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issue 4

517-525

EN

Objectives: To study any possible correlation between blood lead levels and some oxidative stress parameters of selected groups of lead-exposed automobile occupational Jordanian workers. Material and Methods: Blood lead levels were determined for a total of 90 male automobile workers aged within the range of 25–45 years old along with the group of 20 agematched healthy males control. To get an idea about the antioxidant status of controls and lead-exposed workers, and to estimate the oxidative stress caused by exposure to lead, we measured the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, lipid peroxidation as malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity of controls and workers. Results: The study showed that lead levels in the case of workers were approximately 4–5 times as high as in controls 14.5–21 μg×dl–1 vs. 4.3 μg×dl–1, respectively. There was a significant decrease (16–25%) in the level of plasma reduced glutathione and 21–33% decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in all worker groups, as compared to controls. The results showed that the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma was higher (120–333%) in the case of workers than controls being the highest in automobile electronics and the lowest – in mechanics. Furthermore, there was 149–221% increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and 26–38% increase in SOD activity in the case of workers compared to the control group. Conclusions: There is a strong evidence for the associations between occupational lead exposure and various markers of oxidative stress in Jordanian automobile occupational workers. Thus, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and to initiate suitable protection guidelines for workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(4):517–525

10

Evaluation of circulating microparticles in healthy medical workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation: A preliminary study

75%

Al-Massarani G., Najjar F., Aljapawe A., Ikhtiar A.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2018

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vol. 31

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issue 6

783-793

EN

Objectives Ionizing radiation was known to cause disruption of cytoskeleton. However, the disorganization of the cytoskeleton leads to form microparticles (MP) that carry membrane and cytoplasmic constituents from their parent cells they are released from. Therefore, authors investigated the effect of the occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation on MP levels. Material and Methods The current study was conducted on 38 healthy medical workers occupationally exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation and 29 controls matched by gender, age, and smoking habits. The MP levels measured by flow cytometry were classified as positive or negative phosphatidylserine (PS⁺ or PS⁻), and phenotyped according to their cellular origin. Results Total MP (PS–/PS+) levels, regardless of phenotype, were significantly higher in workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation than in healthy individuals (p = 0.0004). Negative phosphatidylserine microparticles were predominant in medical exposed workers and, to a lesser extent, in controls (68% and 57%, respectively). With regard to phenotypic characterization of cellular origin, MP derived from platelets (CD41a+), endothelial (CD146+), leucocytes (CD45+) and erythrocytes (CD235a+) MP were significantly enhanced in exposed workers compared with controls (p < 0.0001). However, no significant difference was found in the proportion of the other blood elements in the peripheral circulation between the 2 groups. Serum levels of C-reactive protein were normal for all individuals. In addition, no association was observed between MP levels and the studied confounding factors. Conclusions The results suggest that elevated circulating MP levels represent an indicator of cellular damage caused by medical exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. By consequence, the quantification of MP seems to be a useful biomarker for assessing the negative effects of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(6):783–793

11

Lipidomic profiles as a tool to search for new biomarkers

75%

Pisarska A., Wąsowicz W., Gromadzińska J.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2022

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vol. 35

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issue 2

111-126

EN

Lipidomics belongs to the family of the so-called omics domains, which, based on modern chemical technologies, strive to explain the biological principles of the organism’s functioning. Main biological functions of lipids include energy storage, the formation of cell membranes, and participation in the transmission of biological signals, and their dysregulation is responsible for the development of pathological states. Thanks to lipid profiling, potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis can be identified. This paper discusses selected examples of the use of lipidomic tests in the diagnosis of the kidney, metabolic and neoplastic diseases based on research papers published over the last few years (since 2016). Only works based on the study of human biological material by mass spectrometry methods were taken into account. The examples of lipidomics application presented in this publication are only a few of the possibilities of this technique. As potential possibilities have already been discovered, the next step for the research community is to work on standardization of the approach to lipidomic research and to develop bioinformatics methods that allow efficient processing and analysis of large amounts of data generated in this technique.

12

Możliwości praktycznego zastosowania nowych wskaźników biochemicznych nadużywania alkoholu etylowego

51%

Paul P., Kanclerz K., Kubanek A., Renke J., Renke M.

Medycyna Pracy

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2021

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vol. 72

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issue 2

173-184

EN

Alcohol ranks as one of the leading behavioral threats to health and life in developed countries. Alcohol abuse triggers serious social and economic effects: it contributes to higher prevalence of work-related and road accidents, as well as absence from work. The diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism still remain very difficult. Hence, the use of objective biochemical markers of alcohol abuse may contribute to earlier detection, more effective therapy and reliable teetotalism control. The aim of this study is to present the sensitive and specific biomarkers of alcohol abuse available in Poland, with particular emphasis on the practical use possibilities. Such tests may be widely used, e.g., in driving license regranting cases involving drivers whose licenses were suspended for driving when intoxicated, for the early detection of persons abusing alcohol in employment-related health controls, for abstinence monitoring during withdrawal treatment, for detecting alcohol consumption in transplant settings, for assessing the prevalence of alcohol drinking in pregnancy, as well as in autopsical examinations. The standardization of biomarkers measurement methods is essential. Moreover, concomitant disorders may pose a significant problem in the proper outcome analysis. Despite these limitations, objective biochemical markers of ethyl alcohol abuse may become helpful tools in medical care. They can play a particular role in occupational medicine diagnostics, contributing to the higher level of safety on public roads and to worker safety.

PL

Alkohol jest w krajach rozwiniętych jednym z głównych czynników behawioralnych utraty zdrowia i życia. Jego nadużywanie ma poważne skutki społeczne i ekonomiczne: przyczynia się do większej liczby wypadków w pracy, kolizji drogowych oraz nieobecności w zakładach pracy. Rozpoznawanie i leczenie alkoholizmu jest bardzo trudne, dlatego wykorzystanie obiektywnych wskaźników biochemicznych nadużywania alkoholu etylowego może przyczynić się do wcześniejszego rozpoznawania, skuteczniejszego leczenia i wiarygodnego monitorowania okresu abstynencji. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie dostępnych w Polsce czułych i swoistych wskaźników szkodliwego spożywania alkoholu ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem możliwości ich praktycznego wykorzystania. Takie testy mogą znaleźć zastosowanie m.in. w programach odzyskiwania prawa jazdy przez kierowców zatrzymanych z powodu jazdy pod wpływem alkoholu, wczesnego wykrywania osób nadużywających alkoholu wśród pracowników podczas rutynowych badań w zakładach pracy, do monitorowania abstynencji w trakcie leczenia odwykowego, przed planowanymi zabiegami przeszczepiania narządów, do wykrywania szkodliwego spożywania alkoholu wśród kobiet ciężarnych i w sekcjach sądowo-lekarskich. Niezbędna jest standaryzacja metod oznaczania wskaźników w materiale biologicznym, a istotnym problemem we właściwej interpretacji wyników mogą być choroby współistniejące. Mimo tych ograniczeń obiektywne wskaźniki biochemiczne nadużywania alkoholu etylowego mogą być pomocne w opiece nad pacjentami. Szczególną rolę mogą pełnić w diagnostyce w medycynie pracy, przyczyniając się do wzrostu bezpieczeństwa na drogach publicznych oraz bezpieczeństwa pracowników w zakładach pracy.

13

Nanopestycydy – jasna czy ciemna strona mocy?

51%

Matysiak M., Kruszewski M., Kapka-Skrzypczak L.

Medycyna Pracy

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2017

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vol. 68

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issue 3

423-432

EN

Nanotechnology has been used in many branches of industry, including agriculture, where nanomaterials are used as carriers of chemical plant protection compounds, as well as active ingredients. Meanwhile, the effects of nanopesticides exposure on the human body are unknown. Due to their occupation, farmers should be particularly monitored. This paper summarizes the use of nanoparticles in agriculture, the route of potential exposure for agricultural workers and the current state of knowledge of nanopesticides toxicity to mammalian cells. The authors also discuss techniques for detecting nanoparticles in the workplace, as well as biomarkers and effects of exposure. The results of this review indicate that the use of nanotechnology in agriculture can bring measurable benefits by reducing the amount of chemicals used for plant protection. However, there is no research available to determine whether or not the use of pesticide nanoformulations increases the harmful effects of pesticides. Moreover, the results of research on cell lines and in animal models suggest that nanoparticles used as active substance are toxic to mammalian cells. Interestingly, there is also a complete lack of epidemiological studies on this subject. In the nearest future the effects of exposure to nanopesticides may require a particular attention paid by scientists and medical doctors who, treat agricultural workers and their families. Med Pr 2017;68(3):423–432

PL

Nanotechnologia znalazła zastosowanie w wielu gałęziach przemysłu, m.in. w rolnictwie, gdzie nanomateriały służą jako nośniki chemicznych środków ochrony roślin, a także jako substancje aktywne pestycydów. Nieznane są jednak skutki ekspozycji człowieka na działanie nanopestycydów. Grupą, której ze względu na wykonywany zawód powinno się poświęcić szczególną uwagę, są rolnicy. W niniejszej pracy podsumowano kierunki wykorzystania nanocząstek w rolnictwie, drogi narażenia pracowników rolnych na ich działanie oraz aktualny stan wiedzy na temat toksyczności nanomateriałów wobec komórek ssaków. Przedstawiono także techniki detekcji nanocząstek w środowisku pracy oraz biomarkery służące ocenie narażenia i skutków ekspozycji. Wyniki przeglądu wskazują, że użycie zdobyczy nanotechnologii w rolnictwie może przynieść wymierne korzyści w postaci zmniejszenia ilości stosowanych chemicznych środków ochrony. W literaturze nie ma jednak badań określających, czy stosowanie nanocząstek jako nośników nie zwiększa efektów szkodliwego działania pestycydów na ludzki organizm. Ponadto wyniki badań na liniach komórkowych oraz modelach zwierzęcych świadczą, że nanocząstki stosowane jako substancje aktywne mogą być toksyczne dla komórek ssaków. Zauważalny jest jednocześnie zupełny brak badań epidemiologicznych dotyczących tego zagadnienia. Wydaje się, że w najbliższym czasie skutki ekspozycji na nanopestycydy mogą wymagać szczególnej uwagi nie tylko środowiska naukowego, ale także lekarzy opiekujących się pracownikami rolnymi i ich rodzinami. Med. Pr. 2017;68(3):423–432

Refine search results

A novel method of immunomodulation of endothelial cells using Streptococcus pyogenes and its lysate

Medicine students and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

Variation in biological status among Polish males and underlying socio-economic factors

Occupational exposure to diisocyanates in polyurethane foam factory workers

Molecular bio-dosimetry for carcinogenic risk assessment in survivors of Bhopal gas tragedy

Usefulness of biomarkers as intermediate endpoints in health risks posed by occupational lead exposure

Toxic effect in the lungs of rats after inhalation exposure to benzalkonium chloride

Immunoaging – the effect of age on serum levels of NET biomarkers in men: a pilot study

Association between occupational lead exposure and plasma levels of selected oxidative stress related parameters in Jordanian automobile workers

Evaluation of circulating microparticles in healthy medical workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation: A preliminary study

Lipidomic profiles as a tool to search for new biomarkers

Możliwości praktycznego zastosowania nowych wskaźników biochemicznych nadużywania alkoholu etylowego

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