BACKGROUND: High-molecular-weight (HMW) proteins and low-molecular-weight (LMW) chemicals can cause occupational asthma (OA) although few studies have thoroughly compared the clinical, physiological, and inflammatory patterns associated with these different types of agents. The aim of this study was to determine whether OA induced by HMW and LMW agents shows distinct phenotypic profiles. METHODS: Clinical and functional characteristics, and markers of airway inflammation were analyzed in an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort of subjects with OA ascertained by a positive inhalation challenge response to HMW (n = 544) and LMW (n = 635) agents. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between OA caused by HMW agents and work-related rhinitis (OR [95% CI]: 4.79 [3.28-7.12]), conjunctivitis (2.13 [1.52-2.98]), atopy (1.49 [1.09-2.05]), and early asthmatic reactions (2.86 [1.98-4.16]). By contrast, OA due to LMW agents was associated with chest tightness at work (2.22 [1.59-3.03]), daily sputum (1.69 [1.19-2.38]), and late asthmatic reactions (1.52 [1.09-2.08]). Furthermore, OA caused by HMW agents showed a higher risk of airflow limitation (1.76 [1.07-2.91]), whereas OA due to LMW agents exhibited a higher risk of severe exacerbations (1.32 [1.01-1.69]). There were no differences between the two types of agents in the baseline sputum inflammatory profiles, but OA caused by HMW agents showed higher baseline blood eosinophilia and a greater postchallenge increase in fractional nitric oxide. CONCLUSION: This large cohort study describes distinct phenotypic profiles in OA caused by HMW and LMW agents. There is a need to further explore differences in underlying pathophysiological pathways and outcome after environmental interventions.

• Klíčová slova
• asthma, bronchial provocation tests, occupational diseases, phenotype,
• MeSH
• alergeny chemie   imunologie   MeSH
• biologické markery MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• imunizace MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulová hmotnost MeSH
• odds ratio MeSH
• počet leukocytů MeSH
• pracovní expozice škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• profesionální astma krev   diagnóza   etiologie   MeSH
• respirační funkční testy MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alergeny MeSH
• biologické markery MeSH

BACKGROUND: While acrylates are well-known skin sensitizers, they are not classified as respiratory sensitizers although several cases of acrylate-induced occupational asthma (OA) have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of acrylate-induced OA in a large series of cases and compare those with OA induced by other low-molecular-weight (LMW) agents. METHODS: Jobs and exposures, clinical and functional characteristics, and markers of airway inflammation were analyzed in an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort of subjects with OA ascertained by a positive inhalation challenge to acrylates (n = 55) or other LMW agents (n = 418) including isocyanates (n = 125). RESULTS: Acrylate-containing glues were the most prevalent products, and industrial manufacturing, dental work, and beauty care were typical occupations causing OA. Work-related rhinitis was more common in acrylate-than in isocyanate-induced asthma (P < .001). The increase in postchallenge fractional exhaled nitric oxide was significantly greater in acrylate-induced OA (26.0; 8.2 to 38.0 parts per billion [ppb]) than in OA induced by other LMW agents (3.0; -1.0 to 10.0 ppb; P < .001) or isocyanates (5.0; 2.0 to 16.0 ppb; P = .010). Multivariable models confirmed that OA induced by acrylates was significantly and independently associated with a postchallenge increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (≥17.5 ppb). CONCLUSIONS: Acrylate-induced OA shows specific characteristics, concomitant work-related rhinitis, and exposure-related increases in fractional exhaled nitric oxide, suggesting that acrylates may induce asthma through different immunologic mechanisms compared with mechanisms through which other LMW agents may induce asthma. Our findings reinforce the need for a reevaluation of the hazard classification of acrylates, and further investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying their respiratory sensitizing potential.

• Klíčová slova
• Acrylate, Cyanoacrylate, Fractional exhaled nitric oxide, Low-molecular-weight agent, Methacrylate, Occupational asthma,
• MeSH
• akryláty škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxid dusnatý MeSH
• profesionální astma * epidemiologie   MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• vydechnutí MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• akryláty MeSH
• oxid dusnatý MeSH

BACKGROUND: The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear, and environmental risk-factors such as occupation have attracted interest. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to investigate occupational complexity in relation to PD. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study based on the Swedish Twin Registry that included 28,778 twins born between 1886 and 1950. We identified 433 PD cases during the study period. Data on occupation were collected from either the 1970 or 1980 Swedish census, and occupational complexity was assessed via a job exposure matrix. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses with age as the underlying time scale were used to assess PD risk as a function of the three domains of occupational complexity: data, people, and things. Sex and smoking were included as covariates. Analyses stratified by twin pair were conducted to test for confounding by familial factors. RESULTS: High occupational complexity with data and people was associated with increased risk overall (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.14, and HR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.21, respectively), and in men (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.16, and HR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.03-1.28, respectively). Complexity with things was not associated with risk of PD. When the analyses were stratified by twin pair, the HRs for occupational complexity with data and people were attenuated in men. CONCLUSIONS: High complexity of work with data and people is related to increased risk of PD, particularly in men. The attenuation of risk observed in the twin pair-stratified analyses suggests that the association may partly be explained by familial factors, such as inherited traits contributing to occupational selection or other factors shared by twins.

• MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Parkinsonova nemoc epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• pracovní expozice * MeSH
• registrace MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Švédsko epidemiologie   MeSH

The human exposure to genotoxic agents can be detected by using genetic monitoring procedures which is mainly concerned with markers of exposure and effect. Cytogenetic analysis of human peripheral lymphocytes and urine mutagenicity are routinely used in Hygiene Service of the Czech Republic. The review demonstrated the activity of National Reference laboratory and other laboratories in Hygiene Service of the Czech Republic in the problem dealing with monitoring of population exposure to genotoxic substances. Altogether, 7 regional and 15 district laboratories have been in function. Several thousands of occupationally exposed and control persons have been examined by now. The most followed population at risk were those exposed to cytostatics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, complex mixtures of chemicals, metals and others. The system of genetic monitoring helped to detect the exposure of population at risk to genotoxic contaminants, to use the obtained data for quantification of exposure and for preventive measures application and to control the efficacy of applied regulatory action.

• MeSH
• chromozomální aberace MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• mutageny škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• nemoci z povolání chemicky indukované   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• pracovní expozice škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• testy genotoxicity * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• mutageny MeSH

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with the endocrine system and cause adverse effects. We aimed to classify the effects of 24 known EDCs, prevalent in certain occupations, according to four modes of action (estrogenic, antiestrogenic, androgenic, and/or antiandrogenic). A literature search, stratified into four types of literature was conducted (namely: national and international agency reports; review articles; primary studies; ToxCastTM). The state of the evidence of each EDC on sex hormone function was summarized and reviewed by an expert panel. For each mode of action, the experts evaluated the likelihood of endocrine disruption in five categories: "No", "Unlikely", "Possibly", "Probably", and "Yes". Seven agents were categorized as "Yes," or having strong evidence for their effects on sex hormone function (antiandrogenic: lead, arsenic, butylbenzyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate; estrogenic: nonylphenol, bisphenol A). Nine agents were categorized as "Probable," or having probable evidence (antiandrogenic: bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, nonylphenol, toluene, bisphenol A, diisononyl phthalate; androgenic: cadmium; estrogenic: copper, cadmium and; anti-estrogenic: lead). Two agents (arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls) had opposing conclusions supporting both "probably" estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. This synthesis will allow researchers to evaluate the health effects of selected EDCs with an added level of precision related to the mode of action.

• Klíčová slova
• Androgenic, Antiandrogenic, Antiestrogenic, Endocrine disruptor, Estrogenic, Occupational exposures,
• MeSH
• dibutylftalát MeSH
• endokrinní disruptory * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mínění MeSH
• pohlavní steroidní hormony MeSH
• pracovní expozice * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dibutylftalát MeSH
• endokrinní disruptory * MeSH
• pohlavní steroidní hormony MeSH

• Klíčová slova
• AIR POLLUTION *, BRONCHITIS *, CZECHOSLOVAKIA *, GERIATRICS *, OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES *, PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA *, RESPIRATORY FUNCTION TESTS *, REVIEW *,
• MeSH
• bronchitida * MeSH
• geriatrie * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci z povolání * MeSH
• plicní emfyzém * MeSH
• respirační funkční testy * MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Československo MeSH

Environmental and medical examinations in workers exposed to the isopropylbiphenyl (IPBs) mixture, Sure Sol-250, in a capacitor-manufacturing plant were carried out once a year for three years. Levels of the total IPBs ranged from 0.03 to 36.6 mg/m3 with a mean of 5.6 mg/m3. The time-weighted average (TWA) exposures varied between 0.3 and 1.8 mg/m3. Physical and laboratory examinations (blood cell count, liver and kidney function tests and also antipyrine metabolism were normal) revealed no adverse effects of IPBs. Based on these observations as well as on the results of our six-month oral toxicity studies in rats, not presented in this paper, we recommend a TWA-MAC (maximum allowable concentration) of 10 mg/m3 for IPBs.

• MeSH
• acetylglukosaminidasa moč   MeSH
• bifenylové sloučeniny analýza   metabolismus   toxicita   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch v pracovním prostředí analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metabolická clearance MeSH
• poločas MeSH
• pracovní expozice * MeSH
• sliny chemie   MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• acetylglukosaminidasa MeSH
• bifenylové sloučeniny MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch v pracovním prostředí MeSH
• Sure-Sol 250 MeSH Prohlížeč

Pregnant women living in Brno who were contacted for the first time at 18th week of their pregnancies during the period from February 1990 to January 1992 were involved into the ELSPAC group. Among others, the exposure to different occupational factors in the three periods was obtained by the self-reported questionnaire: 1. the last 9 months before pregnancy, 2. the first, and 3. second trimester periods. The women's health status during pregnancy, the history of delivery and the developmental and health status of newborns were described in details by obstetrics and pediatrics according to another internationally unified questionnaire. All data obtained from 3,897 pregnant women living in Brno were computered. Smoking women were significantly more often than non-smokers occupationally exposed to ergonomic stressors associated with the monotony work, and to chemical substances. In the whole group, the intrauterine growth retardation has been positively associated with shifting (OR 1.59, p < 0.05) and occupational exposure to permanent noise (OR 1.92, < 0.05). Newborns of such exposed women had in average lower parameters of head cimcumstances (p < 0.01). Non-physiologic, non-spontaneous deliveries have been more often observed among VDTs users (OR 1.20-1.28, p < 0.05). Women exposed to organic solvents during 2nd trimester of pregnancy delivered more often babies with some congenital malformations (OR 2.31, p < 0.05). On the other hand, the different occupational factors seemed to be protective for several markers of the women health status, as the prevalence of reproductive damages was significantly lower among exposed women than in the non-exposed group. After the standardization of the smoking habit, more significant associations have occurred in the group of smokers occupationally exposed to: shift work (low-birth-weight babies: OR 1.98, p < 0.05), chemicals (bleeding during pregnancy: OR 2.00, p < 0.05), sedentary work (placental abnormalities and congenital malformations: OR 1.59, p < 0.05). Non-smoking women using VDTs had more often babies with intrauterine growth retardation (OR 2.29, p < 0.05). Newborns with different malformations were more often born to non-smoking women occupationally exposed to chemicals (OR 2.33, p > 0.05).

• MeSH
• hluk škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• kouření škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lineární modely MeSH
• matka - expozice noxám škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• nebezpečné látky škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• odds ratio MeSH
• počítačové terminály MeSH
• postura těla MeSH
• pracovní expozice škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• pravděpodobnostní funkce MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• zpožděný efekt prenatální expozice * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH
• Názvy látek
• nebezpečné látky MeSH

The authors presented 1642 cases of professional diseases caused by vibrations (VD) and 435 cases of extremity overload disease (EOD) diagnosed in the years 1974-1993. In addition to the standard rheoplethysmography there were evaluated the results of digital laser Doppler flowmetry (Moor instruments, UK) in 104 workers exposed to vibration (EV) and 25 controls with the age and smoking habit standardisation. In the selected subgroup were used continual measurements of digital blood pressure (Finapress, Ohmeda), digital LD flux and speed and the measuring of digital skin and central body temperature simultaneously. The records before and after 10 min of local cooling test (Rejsek method) and postocclusive hyperemic tests were summarized (computer evaluation, program STATGRAPHICS, T-test). Vasoconstriction to local cooling persisted in EV for longer time. The records of digital skin flux and speed, digital blood pressure reactions of EV were significantly different (EV/controls) also in the 10th min after cooling. Postocclusion hyperemic tests revealed good functional capacity also in EV. Advantages and disadvantages of methods were discussed. The results found by non-invasive methods in VD were in good relation to images obtained by means of radionuclides (clearance and cumulative tests). Cumulative tests (after 99m--pertechnetate i.v.) can be used in the selected differential diagnostic cases of angiopathies to help to distinguish degree of angiospastic and angioparalytic changes in the hands of VD, and also in special cases at angiopathies connected with EOD.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• krevní tlak MeSH
• laser doppler flowmetrie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci cév etiologie   MeSH
• nemoci z povolání etiologie   MeSH
• prsty ruky krevní zásobení   MeSH
• regionální krevní průtok MeSH
• teplota kůže MeSH
• vazokonstrikce MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

The effect of inhalation of paprine dust on the bronchopulmonary tract and antibody-forming function of the spleen was studied experimentally on two lines of mice: CBA and CC57W, differing from each other by haplotype H-2 and antioxidant status of the organisms under study. During comparative histomorphological examination of lungs and bronchi of the experimental animals a more intensive reaction was found in mice of the CBA line, whereas in mice of the CC57W line vascular changes prevailed without any reactions in the bronchioles. Reactions of the spleen to paprine dust in animals of different lines were also different: the quality of antibody-forming cells in the spleen of CBA line mice with comparatively higher antioxidant status increased under experimental conditions, while it decreased in those of the CC57W line. The data obtained showed dependance of the sensitivity of the organism to action of operational dust on individual genetic properties, demonstrating thus the necessity of applying principles of medical genetics in order to prevent effectively the development of occupational diseases in exposed teams of workers.

• MeSH
• bronchy účinky léků   patologie   MeSH
• dietní proteiny * MeSH
• druhová specificita MeSH
• genotyp MeSH
• hematom chemicky indukované   patologie   MeSH
• inbrední kmeny myší MeSH
• myši inbrední CBA MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nemoci z povolání prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• pleuritida chemicky indukované   patologie   MeSH
• plíce účinky léků   patologie   MeSH
• prach škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• slezina účinky léků   imunologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dietní proteiny * MeSH
• paprin MeSH Prohlížeč
• prach MeSH