Zdenek Fiala

Benzo(a)pyrene-albumin adducts in humans exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an industrial area of Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The interaction of benzo(a)pyrene with serum albumin was measured in an attempt to identify the actual exposure and to evaluate albumin adduct measurements as biomarkers for exposure monitoring. METHODS: Benzo(a)pyrene-diol-epoxide (BPDE)-albumin adducts were measured by competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in plasma of coke oven plant workers from three plants and from people living in a highly industrialised area of Silesia in Poland. Due to the high air concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in this area, a control group was selected from a rural non-industrialised area in Poland. Breathing zone air measurements of PAHs were collected from some of the participants. RESULTS: Coke oven plant workers and non-occupationally exposed people had similar concentrations of albumin adducts whereas the rural controls were significantly lower (2.74 fmol adducts/microgram albumin (SEM 0.124)). The mean concentration of BPDE-albumin adduct in plasma of both the occupational and the environmental groups were significantly higher in the summer samples (4.34 fmol adducts/microgram albumin (SEM 0.335) and 4.55 fmol adducts/microgram albumin (SEM 0.296), respectively) than in the winter samples (3.06 fmol adducts/microgram albumin (SEM 0.187) and 3.04 fmol adducts/microgram albumin (SEM 0.184), respectively) even though the air measurements showed higher concentrations of PAHs in the winter. The statistical analysis did not show any effects of air exposures on concentrations of BPDE-albumin adduct. CONCLUSIONS: A multiple regression analysis of the measured concentrations of BPDE-albumin adducts for all the groups, during both seasons, indicates that occupational exposures do not contribute significantly to the formation of adducts. In general, the concentrations of albumin adducts found vary within relatively small limits for the two seasons and between the various groups of participants. No extreme differences were found.

Serum levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐12 and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 in patients with psoriasis treated by the Goeckerman regimen

Background  The Goeckerman regimen (GR) involves the dermal application of a crude coal tar (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, PAH) and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Both PAH and UV radiation exhibit immunosuppressive activity. This study describes the changes in the serum levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 in patients with psoriasis (n = 55) treated with GR.

Distribution of nickel in body fluids and organs of rats chronically exposed to nickel sulphate

1 Male and female rats were given 100 mg Ni L-1 (as nick el sulphate) in drinking water for 6 months. 2 The feeding of nickel was associated with an increased concentration of nickel in body fluids and organs. The highest concentrations of nickel were found in the liver of both male and female rats. In male rats nickel levels decreased in the order: liver > kidney = whole blood = serum > testes > urine. In female rats the decreasing order was similar: liver > kidney = whole blood = serum = plasma > urine > ovaries. 3 No significant differences were found between nickel concentrations in organs (except ovaries), blood and urine of rats exposed for 3 months and those exposed for 6 months indicating the reaching of a steady state of nickel in the rat during long-term exposure. 4 The urinary excretion of the orally administered nickel was only 2% of absorbed dose (supposing 1% Ni absorp tion).

Lack of nephrotoxicity of styrene at current TLV level (50 ppm)

SummaryBiochemical markers of kidney damage were examined in 37 female workers exposed to an average concentration of 225 mg/m3 of styrene. The concentration of mandelic acid in urine was on the average 759 mg/g creatinine. The mean duration of employment of the exposed subjects was 11 years. The results were compared to those obtained in 35 control female workers matched for age and a number of demographic and lifestyle factors and with no history of exposure to organic solvents. No difference was found in the urinary excretion of albumin, beta2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, total proteins, glucose, lysozyme, lactate dehydrogenase and beta-N-acetyld-glucosaminidase. The present study provides thus further evidence that exposure to styrene at the current TLV (215 mg/m3) does not entail any detectable risk for the renal function.

Study on kidney function in female workers exposed to perchlorethylene.

1 Biochemical markers of kidney damage were examined in 16 female workers chronically exposed to tetrachlorethylene (TCE) in five dry-cleaning shops. The results were compared with those obtained in 13 females non-occupationally exposed to organic solvents. 2 The intensity of exposure was monitored by personal environmental monitoring. The time-weighed average exposure to TCE amounted to 157 mg m-3 (range 9-799 mg m-3). A satisfactory agreement was found between the concentration of TCE in ambient air sampled with the charcoal tube method and with a passive dosimeter. 3 The urinary excretion of lysozyme was increased in the exposed group. No difference was found in the urinary excretion of albumin, β2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase, total proteins or glucose. The prevalence of abnormal values of biochemical parameters in the exposed group did not differ from that observed in the control group. No correlation was found between the level of TCE exposure and biochemical parameters. 4 The present study suggests that chronic exposure to TCE does not lead to renal damage.

Immunologic Changes in TNF-alpha, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sICAM-1, and IL-8 in Pediatric Patients Treated for Psoriasis with the Goeckerman Regimen

Abstract:  Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which is often manifested during childhood. The present study investigated changes in the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and soluble forms of adhesion molecules in children with psoriasis. The observed patient group of 26 children was treated with the Goeckerman regimen. This therapy combines dermal application of crude coal tar with ultraviolet radiation. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index decreased significantly after treatment by with the Goeckerman regimen (p < 0.001). Serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐alpha and adhesion molecules sICAM‐1, sP‐selectin and sE‐selectin decreased after the Goeckerman regimen. The TNF‐alpha and sICAM‐1 decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Our findings support the complex role of these immune parameters in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis in children. The serum level of IL‐8 increased after the Goeckerman regimen. This fact indicates that the chemokine pathway of IL‐8 activity could be modulated by this treatment, most likely by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Genotoxic and apoptotic effects of Goeckerman therapy for psoriasis

Background  Goeckerman therapy (GT) for psoriasis is based on cutaneous application of crude coal tar [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)] and exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). PAH and UVR are mutagenic, carcinogenic and immunotoxic agents that promote apoptosis.

Genotoxic Hazard and Cellular Stress in Pediatric Patients Treated for Psoriasis with the Goeckerman Regimen

Abstract:  The Goeckerman regimen (GR) represents a local treatment of psoriasis and includes topical dermal application of crude coal tar (containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and exposure to UV‐irradiation. The aim of the study was to evaluate contribution of GR to genotoxic risk and cellular stress in pediatric patients who represent a sensitive population subgroup. Genotoxic risk (42 patients) was evaluated by using chromosomal aberrations (CA) in peripheral lymphocytes. Cellular stress (26 patients) was assessed by using heat shock proteins (Hsp70). All indicators were determined in blood samples collected before GR and immediately after GR. Decreasing of psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score indicated higher likelihood of GR (p < 0.001). Significantly increased CA (p < 0.001) and Hsp70 (p < 0.05) indicated higher genotoxic risk and cellular stress in sensitive pediatric patients, immediately after GR.

Influence of dermal exposure to ultraviolet radiation and coal tar (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) on the skin aging process.

BACKGROUND Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and crude coal tar (CCT) containing PAHs can accelerate the skin-aging process (SAP). However, UVR induces the formation of an important protective factor in SAP (vitamin D). OBJECTIVE To determine the relation of SAP to selected risks and benefits of combined dermal exposure to UVR and coal tar (PAHs). METHODS The study group consisted of patients with chronic stable plaque psoriasis and treated by Goeckerman therapy (GT; daily dermal application of UVR and 5% CCT ointment). The levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), oxidative stress (DNA and RNA damage), genotoxic damage (chromosomal aberration in peripheral lymphocytes; ABC), 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] and the PASI score were evaluated before and after GT. RESULTS Intensive dermal absorption of PAHs was confirmed by increased levels of 1-OHP (p<0.01). After the therapy, we found an increased level of oxidative stress (p<0.05), an increased level of genotoxic damage (ABC; p<0.001), a high efficiency of the treatment (p<0.001) and an elevated production of 25(OH)D (p<0.01). We also found a relationship between the duration of UVR and the genotoxic damage (p<0.01), vitD (p<0.05) and the PASI score (p<0.05). Furthermore, we found a relationship between oxidative stress and 25(OH)D (p<0.05) and between genotoxic damage and the PASI score (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Dermal exposure to UVR and coal tar (PAHs) enhances the level of oxidative stress and genotoxic damage and thus contributes to SAP. However, the exposure is very effective as a treatment and elevates the production of 25(OH)D, the protective factor in SAP. According to our results, UVR is probably a more hazardous factor in SAP.

The Urinary Excretion of Specific Proteins in Workers Exposed to Lead

There is some evidence that lead nephropathy is associated with prolonged occupational exposure to lead. Effects of lead on kidney function occur at blood lead levels (PbB) of about 60 μg/100 ml (Ibels and Poolock 1986). The effects could involve both the renal tubules and glomerular-vascular apparatus (Hammond 1977; Ibels and Poolock 1986). In this paper, renal function, both glomerular and tubular was studied in adults who had severe occupational exposure to lead.