Search results

1

Health risk in road transport workers. Part I. Occupational exposure to chemicals, biomarkers of effect

100%

Gromadzińska J., Wąsowicz W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2019

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vol. 32

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issue 3

267-280

EN

Motor vehicle emissions constitute a mixture of different chemicals: volatile organic solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, isocyanates, etc. Drivers working in car cabins are exposed to chemicals deriving from incomplete combustion of fuels, exhaust emissions from working engines and fuel evaporation. Concentrations of these substances are rather low and do not exceed the applicable hygiene standards, but some of them pose, or are suspected to pose, carcinogenic risk. The interaction of chemical substances with human cells and tissues can lead to a number of modifications of metabolic pathways at a cellular level. The first biological mechanism of metabolic modulation is an inflammatory state and oxidative stress generation. The aim of this review is to analyze biomarkers of effect and to assess the hazard of occupational exposure of drivers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(3):267–80

2

Isoprostanes – A novel major group of oxidative stress markers

81%

Czerska M., Zieliński M., Gromadzińska J.

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

179-190

EN

Isoprostanes are a recently discovered group of prostaglandin isomers. Results of previous studies suggest that they can be used as oxidative stress markers, because in a number of cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurological diseases their levels in biological samples considerably increase. It has been found that people suffering from diabetes, obesity, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, moderate hypercholesterolemia, and smokers have higher levels of isoprostanes in urine. The same refers to patients with asthma, Alzheimer disease and Down syndrome. This paper reviews the results of relevant studies.

3

Bisphenol A – Application, sources of exposure and potential risks in infants, children and pregnant women

81%

Mikołajewska K., Stragierowicz J., Gromadzińska J.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 2

209-241

EN

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the chemical industry as a monomer in the production of plastics. It belongs to a group of compounds that disturb some of the functions of human body, the endocrine system in particular. Extensive use of BPA in manufacturing products that come in contact with food increases the risk of exposure to this compound, mainly through the digestive tract. Literature data indicate that exposure to bisphenol A even at low doses may result in adverse health effects. The greatest exposure to BPA is estimated among infants, children and pregnant women. The aim of this review is to show potential sources of exposure to bisphenol A and the adverse health effects caused by exposure to this compound in the group of particular risk.

4

Faster health deterioration among nail technicians occupationally exposed to low levels of volatile organic compounds

81%

Grešner P., Świercz R., Wąsowicz W., Gromadzińska J.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2016

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vol. 30

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issue 3

469-483

EN

Objectives The study has aimed at investigating the subjective assessment of an individual’s health status and comparing the prevalence of selected work-related symptoms among nail technicians occupationally exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the one among control subjects. Associations between occupational exposure to VOCs and the incidence of adverse health effects were also analyzed. Material and Methods The study involved 145 female nail technicians and 152 control subjects. Data on the prevalence of adverse health effects was collected using the researcher- made questionnaire and then analyzed by means of survival analysis methods. Results Only 22% of nail technicians as compared to 45% of control subjects described their current health status as “excellent” or “very good” (odds ratio (OR) = 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2–0.6, p < 0.00005). In general, 61% of nail technicians confirmed to have experienced any out of all symptoms considered in the study since the commencement of the job, which was significantly higher as compared to 17% of control subjects (adjusted OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 2.1–3.7, p < 0.0001). Estimated median length of the employment period free of investigated symptoms was significantly shorter among nail technicians as compared to controls (12 years vs. 33 years, p < 0.0001), consistent with almost 4-times increased hazard of the occurrence of such symptoms among the technicians (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.7–5.7, p < 0.0001). Cox proportional hazard regression modeling revealed almost 5-times increased hazard of the occurrence of any symptoms among nail technicians exposed to higher levels of the mixture of VOCs as compared to those exposed to lower levels (HR = 4.9, 95% CI: 1–24.1, p = 0.05). Conclusions All outcomes combined together indicate that nail technicians are subject to faster health deterioration, which may be assumed to be caused by occupational exposure to low levels of VOCs. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(3):469–483

5

Lipidomic profiles as a tool to search for new biomarkers

81%

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.

6

Health risk in transport workers. Part II. Dietary compounds as modulators of occupational exposure to chemicals

81%

Kozłowska L., Gromadzińska J., Wąsowicz W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2019

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vol. 32

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issue 4

441-464

EN

Professional drivers are exposed to a number of factors that have a negative influence on their health status. These include vibrations, noise, the lack of fresh air in the car cabin, shift work (frequently at night), monotony resulting from permanent repetition of certain actions, static loads due to immobilization in a sitting position, stress resulting from the need to ensure safety in heavy traffic, as well as air pollution (dust, volatile organic substances, nitrogen and sulfur oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, dioxins, furans and others). Factors associated with the specificity of the profession of a driver, including exposure to chemical substances, result in an increased risk of the development of many diseases, i.e., obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, extensive genitourinary pathology experienced by taxi drivers, lung cancer and other forms of cancer. In the case of drivers, especially those covering long distances, there are also actual difficulties related to ensuring a proper diet. Although attempts at interventional research that would change the principles of nutrition, as well as ensure physical activity and weight reduction, have been made, their results have not been satisfactory. The paper focuses on the discussion on the role of a diet and dietary phytochemicals in the prevention of adverse health effects of such chemicals as a mix of chemicals in the polluted air, benzo(a)pyrene, benzene and metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel), which are the main sources of exposure in the case of transport workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(4):441–64

7

Today’s oxidative stress markers

71%

Czerska M., Mikołajewska K., Zieliński M., Gromadzińska J., Wąsowicz W.

Medycyna Pracy

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2015

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vol. 66

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issue 3

393-405

PL

Stres oksydacyjny jest stanem braku równowagi między działaniem reaktywnych form tlenu (RFT) a działaniem antyoksydantów. Równowaga ta może być zakłócona w wyniku zwiększonego działania wolnych rodników lub spadku aktywności antyoksydacyjnej. Zaburzenia te mogą występować zarówno na poziomie komórkowym, jak i całego organizmu. Ponieważ stres oksydacyjny może być podłożem wielu zespołów chorobowych, niezwykle istotne jest znalezienie odpowiednich markerów, które mogą być wykorzystane do oceny jego poziomu in vivo. Stosowane od wielu lat markery – ocenę stężenia aldehyd dimalonowy (MDA) i substancji reagujących z kwasem tiobarbiturowym (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances – TBARS) – stopniowo uzupełnia się nowymi, takimi jak alantoina czy izoprostany (IzoP) wraz z ich metabolitami (IzoP-M). W niniejszej pracy skupiono się na zaprezentowaniu nowych, obiecujących markerów stresu oksydacyjnego (alantoina, IzoP, IzoP-M), ukazując korzyści wynikające z ich stosowania i prognozując dalsze kierunki badań nad ich zastosowaniem. Med. Pr. 2015;66(3):393–405

EN

Oxidative stress represents a situation where there is an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the availability and the activity of antioxidants. This balance is disturbed by increased generation of free radicals or decreased antioxidant activity. It is very important to develop methods and find appropriate biomarkers that may be used to assess oxidative stress in vivo. It is significant because appropriate measurement of such stress is necessary in identifying its role in lifestyle-related diseases. Previously used markers of oxidative stress, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) or malondialdehyde (MDA), are progressively being supplemented by new ones, such as isoprostanes (IsoPs) and their metabolites or allantoin. This paper is focusing on the presentation of new ones, promising markers of oxidative stress (IsoPs, their metabolites and allantoin), taking into account the advantage of those markers over markers used previously. Med Pr 2015;66(3):393–405

8

4-Week inhalation toxicity of 2-methylnaphthalene in experimental animals

71%

Świercz R., Wąsowicz W., Stetkiewicz J., Gromadzińska J., Majcherek W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2011

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vol. 24

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issue 4

399-408

EN

Objectives: This paper presents toxic effects of 2-MN in laboratory animals under conditions of 4-week inhalation exposure to 2-methylnaphthalene (2-MN) vapors. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were exposed to 2-MN vapors at a nominal concentration of 0, 2, 10 or 50 mg/m³ in dynamic inhalation chambers for 4 weeks (6 h/day, 5 days/week). After 4 weeks of inhalation exposure the animals were necropsied. Blood samples were collected and selected organs were weighted and prepared for histological examinations. Results: The effects of the increased levels of exposure to 2-MN experienced by the experimental rats were as follows: a) increasing γ-glutamylotransferase activity, b) stimulation of the hematopoietic system, c) lower cholesterol concentrations, d) higher number of goblet cells in lobar bronchi, e) hyperplasia of hepatic bile ducts. Conclusion: Four-week exposure of the animals to 2-MN at 2 mg/m³ proved to be the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL), while 10 mg/m³ appeared to represent the lowest-observed-adverseeffect- level (LOAEL).

9

Fertility and developmental toxicity studies of diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DGBE) in rats

61%

Sitarek K., Gromadzińska J., Lutz P., Stetkiewicz J., Świercz R., Wąsowicz W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 4

404-417

EN

Objectives The solvent, dimethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DGBE), is a component of latex paints, inks; it is used as a degreasing agent, industrial detergent. The aim of the study was evaluating the effects of DGBE administered by gavage on the estrous cycle and given with drinking water on fertility in rats and early development of their progeny. Materials and Methods Female rats were exposed to DGBE by gavage during 8 weeks at 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day. Vaginal smears were collected during the exposure and 4 weeks after its cessation. Fertility studies were performed in male and female animals exposed to in drinking water. Males were exposed for 10 weeks and then mated with females exposed before mating, during pregnancy and lactation. Young animals were observed during 3 weeks after birth. Results DGBE does not cause disturbances of the menstrual cycle in females. Parameters used to assess the general toxicity indicate that males receiving DGBE in drinking water are more sensitive to this compound than females: significantly greater, dose-dependent relative spleen weight, significant decrease in hematological parameters from 8% to 15% depending on the dose, were observed. Clinical chemistry parameters (HDL-cholesterol, BUN) and some markers of oxidative stress differ between the exposed groups and the control one, but without adverse health effect. The microscopic examination of internal organs did not reveal morphological changes in male and female rats. Conclusion The results of our study on the impact of exposure to DGBE on fertility in rats indicate that the substance administered for 9–10 weeks to females and males at a limit dose of 1000 mg/kg did not impair fertility or viability of their offspring during the first three weeks of life.

10

Developmental toxicity of N-methylaniline following prenatal oral administration in rats

61%

Sitarek K., Gromadzińska J., Stetkiewicz J., Lutz P., Król M., Domeradzka-Gajda K., Wąsowicz W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2016

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vol. 29

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issue 3

479-492

EN

Objectives The objective of the study was to assess prenatal toxicity of N-methylaniline (NMA) administered by gavage to pregnant female rats. Material and Methods Pregnant female rats were administered N-methylaniline in corn oil by gavage at daily doses of 0.8 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.), 4 mg/kg b.w., 20 mg/kg b.w. and 100 mg/kg b.w. from implantation (the 5th day post mating) to the day prior to the scheduled caesarean section (the 20th day of pregnancy). General behavior, body weight, food and water consumption, hematological, biochemical analyses and pathomorphological changes of the dams were recorded. Results All the females survived until the end of the study. The test substance was toxic to pregnant females, even at the lowest of the used doses, i.e., 0.8 mg/kg b.w./day. Lower weight gain during pregnancy and significantly higher NMA-dose-dependent absolute weight of the organs were noted in the exposed females. The females from the groups exposed at doses of 20 mg/kg b.w./day and 100 mg/kg b.w./day developed anemia and showed higher concentrations of free thyroxine (FT3) and free triiodothyronine (FT4) thyroid hormones. Total protein concentration exhibited an increase in all the exposed groups of females. In the prenatal toxicity study, administration of N-methylaniline throughout the embryonic and fetal periods produced embryotoxic effects at doses ranging 4–100 mg/kg b.w./day. Conclusions Considering the data obtained in this study, it is reasonable to assume that N-methylaniline administered orally to pregnant rats is toxic for mothers even at a low dose of 0.8 mg/kg b.w./day. However, this dose was not associated with any significant effects to their offspring. This prenatal exposure level may be considered as no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for the progeny and a dose of 4 mg/kg b.w./day as the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) for the progeny.

11

Metabolism and in vitro assessment of the mutagenic activity of urinary extracts from rats after inhalation exposure to 1-methylnaphthalene

61%

Świercz R., Stępnik M., Gromadzińska J., Domeradzka-Gajda K., Roszak J., Wąsowicz W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2022

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vol. 35

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issue 6

731-746

EN

Objectives 1-Methylnaphthalene (1-MN) is composed of 2 benzene rings and belongs to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The metabolism of 1-MN in laboratory animals and bacteria leads to the formation of 1-naphthoic acid (1-NA). Material and Methods In this study the distribution of 1-NA in lung, liver, spleen, kidney and urinary excretion of 1-NA in rats after single and repeated inhalation exposure to 1-MN vapors were investigated. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cytochrome were measured of the rats. Genotoxic effects were evaluated with the in vitro micronucleus test on V79 hamster fibroblasts. Results The concentrations of 1-NA in the tissues of rats after single and repeated exposure to 1-MN were dependent on the exposure dose. High levels of 1-NA were found in kidneys of animals after the single and repeated exposure to 1-MN. With an increase of 1-MN dose, an increase in the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1 and CYP1A2) was observed in the liver of rats. Compared to control animals, significantly higher ALT activity was noted in serum of rats exposed to 1-MN. The micronuclei frequency in V79 cells exposed to 1-MN (in the range of analyzable concentrations; i.e., 5–25 μg/ml) did not differ significantly from the vehicle control, whereas urine extracts from rats exposed to 1-MN induced a significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei compared to urine extracts from the group of control animals. Conclusions Metabolism of 1-MN in rats after the inhalation exposure leading to 1-NA was mainly observed during the first day after the end of exposure. It is likely that 1-MN metabolites present in rat urine can induce the increased micronuclei frequency as was shown in V79 cells.

12

Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) – Methodology of the follow-up of the children at the age of 7

42%

Polańska K., Hanke W., Król A., Potocka A., Waszkowska M., Jacukowicz A., Gromadzińska J., Wąsowicz W., Jerzyńska J., Stelmach W., Stelmach I.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2016

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vol. 29

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issue 6

883-893

EN

Effects of environmental exposures in utero and in the first years of life on early life health and development is a growing research area with major public health implications. The main aim of this work has been to provide an overview of the next step of the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) covering exposure, health and neurodevelopment assessments of children at 7 years of age. Details regarding methodology of the follow-up of the children are crucial for cross-cohort collaboration and a full understanding of the future research questions. Phase III of the REPRO_PL cohort covers a follow-up of 900 children at the age of 7 years old. The questionnaire filled in by the mothers is composed of: socio-demographic, child exposure and home environment information, nutritional status and health data. In the case of 400 children, environmental (including collection of urine, saliva and buccal cells), health status and psychomotor assessments are performed. Health and development check consists of physical measurements, child health status assessment (including lung function tests, skin prick testing, an interview/examination by an allergist) and psychomotor development tests (the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Intelligence and Development Scales). The results of the study will become available within the next few years. Extension of the REPRO_PL cohort with examinations of children at the age of 7 years old may provide a better understanding of the relationship between environmental and lifestyle-related factors and children’s health and neurodevelopment; and may further strengthen scientific base for policies and interventions promoting healthy lifestyle. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):883-893

Refine search results

Health risk in road transport workers. Part I. Occupational exposure to chemicals, biomarkers of effect

Isoprostanes – A novel major group of oxidative stress markers

Bisphenol A – Application, sources of exposure and potential risks in infants, children and pregnant women

Faster health deterioration among nail technicians occupationally exposed to low levels of volatile organic compounds

Lipidomic profiles as a tool to search for new biomarkers

Health risk in transport workers. Part II. Dietary compounds as modulators of occupational exposure to chemicals

Today’s oxidative stress markers

4-Week inhalation toxicity of 2-methylnaphthalene in experimental animals

Fertility and developmental toxicity studies of diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DGBE) in rats

Developmental toxicity of N-methylaniline following prenatal oral administration in rats

Metabolism and in vitro assessment of the mutagenic activity of urinary extracts from rats after inhalation exposure to 1-methylnaphthalene

Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) – Methodology of the follow-up of the children at the age of 7