Toxicological and epidemiological approaches to carcinogenic potency modeling for mixed mineral fiber exposure: the case of fibrous balangeroite and chrysotile.

Context: Excess mesothelioma risk was observed among chrysotile miners and millers in Balangero, Italy. The mineral balangeroite has been identified in an asbestiform habit from the Balangero chrysotile mine (Italy). Previous studies did not contain a detailed description of the fiber dimensions, thus limiting possible approaches to estimating their carcinogenic potential.

Elongate mineral particles (EMP) characteristics and mesothelioma: Summary and resolution for session I of the Monticello II conference.

The summary contains a consensus opinion regarding the current state of the science about the dimensions of Elongate Mineral Particles (EMPs) as a factor impacting their carcinogenicity.

Dimensions of elongate mineral particles and cancer: A review.

Context: Based on a decade-long exploration, dimensions of elongate mineral particles are implicated as a pivotal component of their carcinogenic potency. This paper summarizes current understanding of the discovered relationships and their importance to the protection of public health.

Objectives: To demonstrate the relationships between cancer risk and dimensions (length, width, and other derivative characteristics) of mineral fibers by comparing the results and conclusions of previously published studies with newly published information.

Excitable systems: A new perspective on the cellular impact of elongate mineral particles.

We investigate how the geometry of elongate mineral particles (EMPs) in contact with cells influences esotaxis, a recently discovered mechanism of texture sensing. Esotaxis is based on cytoskeletal waves and oscillations that are nucleated, shaped, and steered by the texture of the surroundings. We find that all EMPs studied trigger an esotactic response in macrophages, and that this response dominates cytoskeletal activity in these immune cells.

Dimensional characteristics of the major types of amphibole mineral particles and the implications for carcinogenic risk assessment.

Though some significant advances have been made in recent decades to evaluate the importance of size and morphology (habit) of elongate mineral particles (EMPs), further research is needed to better understand the role of each dimensional metric in determining the levels of cancer potency. To determine dimensional parameters most relevant for predicting cancer potency of durable elongate particles, specifically amphibole and durable silicate minerals generally. A database on dimensional and other relevant characteristics of elongate amphibole mineral particles was created, containing particle-by-particle information for 128 099 particles.

Dimensional determinants for the carcinogenic potency of elongate amphibole particles.

Context: Carcinogenic properties of particulates depend, among other factors, on dimensional characteristics that affect their ability to reach sensitive tissue, to be removed or retained, and to interact with the cells.

Objective: To model mesothelioma and lung cancer potency of amphibole particles based on their dimensional characteristics and mineral habit (asbestiform vs. nonasbestiform) utilizing epidemiological data and detailed size information.

Carcinogenicity of fibrous glaucophane: How should we fill the data gaps?

•The modeled glaucophane mesothelioma potency is 0.0085 % vs. 0.

Modeling mesothelioma risk factors from amphibole fiber dimensionality: mineralogical and epidemiological perspective.

Amphiboles are common rock-forming minerals but when they form asbestos, they are known carcinogens. Mesothelioma mortality among miners and millers per the unit of asbestiform amphibole exposure varies significantly across cohorts when asbestos exposure measurements are based on the membrane filter method. Because the cohorts were exposed to different occurrences of asbestiform amphibole, variance in mesothelioma potency (R ) among cohorts is likely due to differences in exposure characteristics not reflected by the membrane filter method.

Methodologies for determining the sources, characteristics, distribution, and abundance of asbestiform and nonasbestiform amphibole and serpentine in ambient air and water.

Anthropogenic and nonanthropogenic (erosion) processes contribute to the continuing presence of asbestos and nonasbestos elongated mineral particles (EMP) of amphibole and serpentine in air and water of urban, rural, and remote environments. The anthropogenic processes include disturbance and deterioration of asbestos-containing materials, mining of amphibole- and serpentine-bearing rock, and disturbance of soils containing amphibole and serpentine. Atmospheric dispersal processes can transport EMP on a global scale.

Repetitive dissociation from crocidolite asbestos acts as persistent signal for epidermal growth factor receptor.

Mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer located most commonly in the pleural lining of the lungs and is associated almost exclusively with the inhalation of asbestos. The binding of asbestos to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a transmembrane signal protein, has been proposed as a trigger for downstream signaling of kinases and expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Here, we investigate the molecular binding of EGFR to crocidolite (blue asbestos; Na2(Fe(2+),Mg)3Fe2(3+)Si8O22(OH)2) in buffer solution.