8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine as a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage in workers exposed to low-dose benzene.

The present study aims to investigate the relation between exposure to low-dose benzene and the occurrence of oxidative DNA damage in gasoline station workers, as well as the possible role of interfering or confounding factors. Urine levels of 8-OHdG were evaluated by a competitive immunoassay in a group of 80 men, employed in gasoline stations located in East Sicily and compared with a control group (n = 63) of male office employees not occupationally exposed to benzene. Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle and job-related records were provided through a questionnaire.

Immunological effects of occupational exposure to lead (Review).

It is well-known that occupational and environmental exposure to several factors, including benzene, heavy metals, chemicals and mineral fibers, is associated with the risk of developing a great number of diseases. Numerous studies have been carried out in order to investigate the mechanisms of toxicity of these substances, with particular regard to the possible toxic effects on the immune system. However, little is known about the influence of heavy metals, such as lead, on the immune system in human populations.

Occupational exposure to pesticides as a possible risk factor for the development of chronic diseases in humans (Review).

It is well known that pesticides are widely used compounds. In fact, their use in agriculture, forestry, fishery and the food industry has granted a huge improvement in terms of productive efficiency. However, a great number of epidemiological surveys have demonstrated that these toxic compounds can interact and exert negative effects not only with their targets (pests, herbs and fungi), but also with the rest of the environment, including humans.

Occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides and cytokine pathways in chronic diseases (Review).

Pesticides can exert numerous effects on human health as a consequence of both environmental and occupational exposures. The available knowledge base suggests that exposure to pesticides may result in detrimental reproductive changes, neurological dysfunction and several chronic disorders, which are defined by slow evolution and long-term duration. Moreover, an ever increasing amount of data have identified an association between exposure to pesticides and the harmful effects on the immune system.

Benzene exposure is associated with epigenetic changes (Review).

Benzene is a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon solvent and is known as one of the predominant air pollutants in the environment. Chronic exposure to benzene is known to cause aplastic anemia and increased risk of acute myelogenous leukemia in humans. Although the mechanisms by which benzene causes toxicity remain to be fully elucidated, it is widely accepted that its metabolism is crucial to its toxicity, with involvement of one or more reactive metabolites.

Molecular biomarkers of oxidative stress and role of dietary factors in gasoline station attendants.

Exposure to benzene promotes oxidative stress through the production of ROS, which can damage biological structures with the formation of new metabolites which can be used as markers of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance. This study aims to assess modifications in circulating levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end-products (AGE) and serum reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) in a group of gasoline station attendants exposed to low-dose benzene and to evaluate the influence of antioxidant food intake on these biomarkers of oxidative stress. The diet adopted by the population examined consisted of compounds belonging to the classes of terpenoids, stilbenes and flavonoids, notably resveratrol, lycopene and apigenin.

Low-dose occupational exposure to benzene and signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of cellular response to oxidative stress.

Aims: Benzene metabolism seems to modulate NF-κB, p38-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling pathways via the production of reactive oxygen species. This study aims to evaluate the effects of low-dose, long-term exposure on NF-κB, STAT3, p38-MAPK and stress-activated protein kinase/Jun amino-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) signal transduction pathways in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in gasoline station attendants. The influence of consumption of vegetables and fruits on these pathways has also been evaluated.

Oxidative stress biomarkers and paraoxonase 1 polymorphism frequency in farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides.

Previous evidence has demonstrated that chemical classes of pesticides, including organophosphates (OP), can induce oxidative stress in exposed workers. The resulting increase in free radicals causes damage to biological macromolecules, and promotes the formation of novel compounds, including advanced glycation end products (AGE) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). The present study aimed to evaluate the common genetic polymorphisms of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene in a group of 55 farmers exposed to pesticides, as well as the association between these polymorphisms and serum levels of AGE and AOPP.

Seroprevalence and occupational risk survey for Coxiella burnetii among exposed workers in Sicily, Southern Italy.

Objectives: The aim of this survey was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in subjects at risk of exposure in Sicily, Southern Italy.

Material And Methods: Prevalence of IgG antibodies to C.

IL-17 and IL-22 serum levels in greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides.

Introduction: Altered immune function may be an indicator of increased potential for the development of immunologically based diseases such as cancer, hypersensitivity and autoimmunity.

Materials And Methods: To investigate whether Th17 and Th22 cells are targeted by pesticide exposure, we analyzed IL-17 and IL-22 serum levels in a population of 64 greenhouse workers.

Results And Conclusion: A significant increase in IL-22 concentration was observed in serum of the exposed subjects compared to controls.

Occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases and high-frequency audiometry.

Objectives: Occupational exposure to anaestethic gases has been suggested to induce auditory damages. The aim of this study is to investigate high-frequency audiometric responses in subjects exposed to anaesthetic gases, in order to highlight the possible effects on auditory system.

Methods: The study was performed on a sample of 30 medical specialists of Messina University Anaesthesia and Intensive care.

Neurocognitive effects in welders exposed to aluminium.

Objectives: Various authors who studied the effects of aluminium (Al) exposure on the neurocognitive system in the last 30 years have reached different and often contradictory conclusions. The aim of this study is to help clarify the effects that the metal causes on cognitive ability in a group of naval welders exposed to Al.

Methods: The study was performed on a sample of 86 male Al welders in a shipyard in Messina.

Serum levels of copper, selenium and manganese in forestry workers testing IgG positive for Brucella, Borrelia, and Rickettsia.

The aim of this study is to measure the alterations in the trace levels of serum copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) in forestry workers testing immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive for Brucella, Borrelia, and Rickettsia. The study was conducted on a sample of 758 subjects (560 male and 198 female). All the subjects underwent medical examinations, which investigated particularly the presence of clinical signs compatible with zoonoses, and routine blood tests from venous blood sample, which tested previous immunisation versus cited microorganisms and serum concentration of Cu, Se, and Mn.