Toxicology and Industrial Health最新文献

The aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress markers in patients with embedded fragments (PEF) using thiol-disulfide homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). The study consisted of a PEF group and a control group. Blood or urine metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Plasma thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters and IMA levels were assessed. In PEF, the concentrations of all metals, including antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel serum (Ni), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and selenium (Se), were significantly higher than those in the control group, except chromium (Cr). 64.86% of PEF had elevated concentrations of at least one of these metals: Sb, As, Cu, Cd, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Fe, concerning reference values. It was also found that 64.86% (72/111) of PEF had elevated concentrations of metals, such as Sb, As, Cu, Cd, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Fe, in urine or blood, in accordance with the BEI values recommended by ACGIH and clinical laboratory reference values. The disulfide/native thiol, disulfide/total thiol, and total thiol/native thiol ratios were significantly higher in PEF. There was a strong positive correlation between Pb, Cd, and disulfide and a negative correlation between native thiol and Cd, Pb, and Co. Albumin levels were significantly lower, and IMA levels were significantly higher in the PEF group than in the control group. Metal abnormality was approximately 2.7 times higher in PEF who had retained fragments for longer than 20 years. The increased metal body burden resulting from the embedded fragments may pose significant systemic health effects by inducing oxidative stress. Continuous surveillance of patients with retained fragments is essential to combat chronic metal toxicity.

Neonicotinoid insecticides and triazole fungicides are widely used in agriculture, often in combination with other pesticides, leading to concerns about potential health effects. This study investigated the combined effect of these chemicals using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) to identify common target genes, followed by functional enrichment analysis and gene-gene and protein-protein interaction assessments. In this study, it was determined that pesticides may interfere with biological processes such as steroid hydroxylase activity, oxidoreductase activity, and steroid metabolism, and cause hormonal imbalances and endocrine system disorders. In addition, among the 10 genes identified, CYP3A5 and CYP3A7 gene expression differed significantly between prostate cancer and normal prostate tissues, and this was supported by UALCAN data. In addition, previous studies have confirmed that hsa-miR-27b, one of the prominent miRNAs in this study, and transcription factors (PROX1 and ESR2) are associated with prostate cancer. Similar to our study, previous studies have confirmed that triazole fungicides disrupt testosterone homeostasis and steroidogenesis, while neonicotinoids damage the prostate due to their effects on androgen receptors. These genes, miRNAs, and transcription factors appear to mediate the effects of these pesticides on cancer pathways and suggest a link to prostate cancer. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that concurrent exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides and triazole fungicides may damage the prostate and potentially contribute to the development of prostate neoplasia. These findings emphasise the importance of further in vitro and in vivo validation to establish a definitive causal relationship and provide insight into the toxicological effects of pesticide exposure on prostate health.

The fertilizer manufacturing industry in Nigeria plays a crucial role in supporting the nation's agricultural sector and, by extension, its economy. However, the industry faces significant challenges regarding occupational safety and health, leading to high-risk factors and common workplace hazards such as chemical exposure, physical injuries, and psychosocial stressors. This paper aims to explore the current practices in workplace safety, identify existing challenges, and highlight opportunities for improvement within the sector. By examining regulatory frameworks, industry practices, and technological advancements, the study offers insights into enhancing safety protocols and fostering a culture of health and safety. Recommendations for stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and workers, emphasize the need for collaborative efforts and the adoption of global best practices to create a safer working environment. The findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to workplace safety, which is essential for ensuring the well-being of employees and the sustainability of the fertilizer manufacturing industry in Nigeria.

The 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included biomonitoring of aromatic diamines obtained after acid hydrolysis of urine samples for the first time. Aromatic diamines in hydrolyzed urine are biomarkers that are not unique to a single substance. Without further information, that renders association with potential exposures very difficult. This review provides an overview of potential sources of urinary aromatic diamines, the most important being aromatic diisocyanates (occupational and home-use), aromatic diamines themselves (predominantly from hair dye products), and polyurethanes (medical devices and implants). Expected urinary diamine concentrations from these and other sources as well as background levels are evaluated based on available literature data. Finally, recommendations are made to improve the value of future data collections. These include analytical enhancements, better mapping of potential sources of the biomarkers prior to conducting the survey, and documentation of product use to enable identification of exposure sources. These improvements are indispensable for investigating potential links with medical conditions should this be envisioned.

Asbestos is classified as a class I carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) because of its propensity to accumulate in the lungs and induce malignant tumors, including lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. The objective of this study was to examine the inhibitory impact of miR-30d on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of chrysotile-transformed human pleural mesothelial cells (MeT-5A). The asbestos-transformed cell model was constructed using a chrysotile asbestos chronically exposed human pleural mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A). The expression level of miR-30d in the transfected cells was determined by qRT-PCR. Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis rate was evaluated by flow cytometry. The cell scratch assay and the Transwell assay were used to assess cell migration and invasion ability. It was observed that the expression level of miR-30d in Asb MeT-5A+miR-30d cells transfected with miR-30d mimics was markedly elevated in comparison to that in Asb MeT-5A+miR NC cells. Additionally, the cell viability in Asb MeT-5A+miR-30d cells was significantly diminished, while the level of apoptosis was markedly elevated in comparison to that in Asb MeT-5A+miR NC cells. The relative migration area was significantly lower in the Asb MeT-5A+miR-30d group than in the Asb MeT-5A+miR NC group. Furthermore, the number of migrated and invaded cells in the Asb MeT-5A+miR-30d group was significantly less than in the Asb MeT-5A+miR NC group. The findings suggest that miR-30d may suppress the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of chrysotile-transformed pleural mesothelial cells.

Nanoparticles (NPs 1-100 nm) play a vital role in medicine, food, and agriculture owing to their unique reactivity and size-dependent optical properties. There are growing concerns about health risks from exposure to engineered NPs. Among these, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are an area of research because of their unique electronic, optical, and chemical properties. CuONPs can interact with biological systems, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, neurobehavioral changes, and other pathophysiological effects. This study evaluated the ability of a probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) to prevent CuONP-treated neurotoxicity. In the present study, 24 animals were classified into four groups: control, probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus 6.42 mg/kg b.wt.), CuONPs-treated (80 mg/kg b.wt.), and co-administered CuONPs (80 mg/kg b.wt.) + Probiotic (6.42 mg/kg b.wt.). Neurotoxicity was assessed through behavioral tests, including open field, exploratory behavior, pole test, and grip strength tests. Levels of key neurotransmitters viz. acetylcholinesterase, dopamine, and serotonin were measured and histopathological analyses were performed. The CuONP-treated group displayed significant behavioral deficits, decreased neurotransmitter levels, and histopathological abnormalities. In contrast, co-administration of probiotic with CuONPs reduced these effects, as observed by normal behavioral parameters and neurotransmitter levels and improved histopathological architecture. These findings suggested that CuONPs caused neurotoxicity at the tested dose, but co-administration of probiotic effectively mitigated this toxicity. Hence, a probiotic is a promising preventative strategy against CuONP-induced neurotoxic effects.

Ferroptosis, a form of programmed iron-dependent cell death, is associated with various liver pathologies. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the crucial role of ferroptosis in liver function. This study aimed to explore the development of ferroptosis in liver diseases through bibliometric analysis. We retrieved the data from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection, then imported selected articles into VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel for knowledge mapping analysis. A total of 1,236 articles were included in this study, showing a steady increase in publications on ferroptosis in the liver over the past 11 years, with a significant surge in recent years. China emerged as a dominant contributor, accounting for 86% of global publications. Key institutions included Zhejiang University and Sun Yat-sen University. Zhang Feng from Nanjing Medical University was identified as the most prolific author. The journal Frontiers in Pharmacology published the most articles on this topic. High-frequency keywords included "ferroptosis," "cell death," "hepatocellular carcinoma," "oxidative stress," and "cancer." Our analysis provides insight into the leading countries, institutions, authors, and journals and it highlights recent research hotspots. As an emerging research field, studies on ferroptosis in the liver focused primarily on molecular mechanisms, pathways, and treatment strategies. Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a primary focus within ferroptosis research in the liver. In the future, therapies targeting ferroptosis may offer promising avenues for liver disease treatment.

This study assessed the concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in chemical stores at Ogbete Market, Enugu, and Ogbo-ogwu Market, Onitsha, southeastern Nigeria, during the wet season (June to August 2024). Air quality measurements, taken from six randomly selected stores in each market and a control site (clothing store) located at about 900 m away, revealed that while concentrations of SO₂ and NO₂ far exceeded public health guidelines (WHO), they remained below Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits. However, chronic low-level exposure, even within OSHA limits, can still lead to respiratory symptoms and reduced work productivity over time, especially in poorly ventilated indoor shops. Sampling was conducted at a height of 2 m above ground to reflect the breathing zone of an average adult, with data collected during morning and afternoon sessions to capture fluctuations in market activity. Using the Aeroqual Series 300 gas monitor, real-time results indicated hazardous conditions in many stores, and exposure factor-adjusted air concentrations (EF-AACs) were calculated to assess actual exposure scenarios. Hazard quotients (HQs) for each pollutant showed a concerning risk of respiratory diseases, particularly from SO₂ and NO₂ exposure, with multiple stores exhibiting HQ values greater than 1. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved ventilation and stricter regulations in these markets, while also contributing to the limited research on air quality in commercial environments in Nigeria. This study lays the foundation for future interventions aimed at protecting the health of workers in informal markets, advancing public health initiatives in regions with underdeveloped regulatory frameworks.

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a white powder used in toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, sunscreen, food additives, cosmetics, paints, decontaminants, and photocatalysts. It is produced and used in the workplace in fine and ultrafine particle sizes. International organizations set occupational exposure limits for fine and ultrafine TiO₂ particles. TiO₂ has not been confirmed to have carcinogenicity in humans, with available assessment data being limited and inconclusive owing to nonspecific effects observed from TiO₂ inhalation. The purpose of this toxicological alert is to encourage new studies to determine whether TiO₂ is a human carcinogen. TiO₂'s classification as a possible carcinogen was based on laboratory experiments that produced TiO₂ particles with 30-60 nm diameters. These studies assessed the potential risk of exposure to TiO₂ nanoparticles, which have diverse and atypical characteristics compared to those found in workplace settings. To date, there are no studies with sufficient data on the duration of pulmonary exposure to TiO₂ nanoparticles with significantly relevant workplace associations. Extrapolating results from rodent studies with limited parameter controls do not provide an adequate (translational) assessment of the toxicity of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the human respiratory system.

Risk assessment is necessary for the safety of employees in the workplace. Risk assessment methods contain some deficiencies arising from the persons performing the analysis. In order to partially overcome this situation, a risk assessment method has been developed by the authors by utilizing the data on occupational accidents in Turkey. In the method, Occupational Health and Safety Professionals who will perform the risk assessment can calculate the risk score without giving a numerical value for any hazard and corresponding risk that they identify in the workplace. In the study, a user-friendly online software called RSCAL by the authors, with a web address of https://rscal.com.tr/, which can meet all the above-mentioned requirements and calculate risk scores for workplaces serving in all types of sectors, has been developed. Through this online application, the identified hazard, risk and exposures of the business to be analyzed can be selected; the necessary corrective and preventive actions can be written by the user and then the risk score can be calculated. After that, all hazards specific to the enterprise can be meticulously identified and the risk assessment of the enterprise can be made by calculating the risk scores. This risk assessment can also be printed out in excel file format. In the future, parameters such as the deadline for each hazard, the legal requirement or standard from which the corrective preventive action to be taken arises can be added to the RSCAL calculation tool.