scholarly journals How Occupational Mercury Neurotoxicity Is Affected by Genetic Factors. A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 7706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Chirico ◽  
Egeria Scoditti ◽  
Carlo Viora ◽  
Nicola Magnavita
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Elemental Mercury ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pubmed Central ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Neurotoxic Effects ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Meta Analyses

Occupational exposure to elemental mercury still represents a significant risk in the workplace. The sensitivity of the exposed subjects varies considerably. This study aims to summarize the literature on the role of genetic factors in occupationally exposed cohorts. A systematic search of the literature was carried out on PubMed Central (PMC), MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases in accordance with the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines, from 1946 to July 2020. Ten cross-sectional studies were included in the review. All studies referred to the polymorphisms that can favour some neurotoxic effects of the metal in occupational cohorts. Some genetic variants may be associated with an increase in the occupational effects of mercury. Given the limited evidence, genetic screening of all mercury-exposed workers is not recommended. However, a personalized search for polymorphisms could be taken into consideration if exposed workers report early neurotoxic symptoms.

scholarly journals Comprehensive longitudinal study of epigenetic mutations in aging

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunzhang Wang ◽  
Robert Karlsson ◽  
Juulia Jylhävä ◽  
Åsa K. Hedman ◽  
Catarina Almqvist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Genetic Background ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Aberrant Methylation ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Comprehensive Study

AbstractBackgroundThe role of DNA methylation in aging has been widely studied. However, epigenetic mutations, here defined as aberrant methylation levels compared to the distribution in a population, are less understood. Hence, we investigated longitudinal accumulation of epigenetic mutations, using 994 blood samples collected at up to five time points from 375 individuals in old ages.ResultsWe verified earlier cross-sectional evidence on the increase of epigenetic mutations with age, and identified important contributing factors including sex, CD19+ B cells, genetic background, cancer diagnosis and technical artifacts. We further classified epigenetic mutations into High/Low Methylation Outliers (HMO/LMO) according to their changes in methylation, and specifically studied methylation sites (CpGs) that were prone to mutate (frequently mutated CpGs). We validated four epigenetically mutated CpGs using pyrosequencing in 93 samples. Furthermore, by using twins, we concluded that the age-related accumulation of epigenetic mutations was not related to genetic factors, hence driven by stochastic or environmental effects.ConclusionsHere we conducted a comprehensive study of epigenetic mutation and highlighted its important role in aging process and cancer development.

scholarly journals Hormonal Perturbations in Occupationally Exposed Nickel Workers

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Safia Beshir ◽  
Khadiga Salah Ibrahim ◽  
Weam Shaheen ◽  
Eman M. Shahy
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Sexual Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Serum Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Nickel Exposure ◽  
Male Sexual Function ◽  
Stimulating Hormone

BACKGROUND: Nickel exposure is recognized as an endocrine disruptor because of its adverse effects on reproduction.AIM: This study was designed to investigate the possible testiculo-hormonal perturbations on workers occupationally exposed to nickel and to assess its effects on human male sexual function. METHODS: Cross-sectional comparative study, comprising 105 electroplating male non-smoker, non-alcoholic workers exposed to soluble nickel and 60 controls was done. Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone levels and urinary nickel concentrations were determined for the studied groups. RESULTS: Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, urinary nickel and the simultaneous incidence of more than one sexual disorder were significantly higher in the exposed workers compared to controls. The occurrence of various types of sexual disorders (decreased libido, impotence and premature ejaculation) in the exposed workers was 9.5, 5.1 and 4.4 folds respectively than the controls.CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to nickel produces possible testiculo-hormonal perturbations in those exposed workers.

scholarly journals POLYPHARMACY IN DIABETIC PEOPLE: EVIDENCE FROM THE ENGLISH LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGEING (ELSA)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S482-S483
Author(s):  
Yun-Ting Huang ◽  
Paola Zaninotto ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Li Wei
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older People ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract Diabetes among older people is becoming more common worldwide, and usually accompanied by polypharmacy. However, the role of polypharmacy in older people with diabetes remains uncertain. A nationally representative cross-sectional study, ELSA 2012/2013, was used and 7729 participants aged 50-109 were investigated. Polypharmacy was defined as taking five to nine long-term used medications daily for chronic diseases or chronic symptoms, while using ten or more medications was excessive polypharmacy. The presence of illness was defined as either self-reported diagnosis or being prescribed specific medications for the condition. Data showed the prevalence of polypharmacy was 21.4%, and only 3% was excessive polypharmacy. 51.6% of diabetic people reported polypharmacy and 10.2% excessive polypharmacy. These rates were significantly higher than the 16.4% polypharmacy and 1.8% excessive polypharmacy among people without diabetes (p < 0.001). Among people with three or more comorbidities, polypharmacy was present in 61.5% of people with diabetes, compared with 36.0% in people without diabetes. Significant risk factors for polypharmacy were diabetes (Relative-risk ratios/RRR=4.06, 95% CI 3.38, 4.86), older age (RRR=1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03), male (RRR=0.64, 95% CI 0.55, 0.75), more comorbidity (RRR=2.46, 95% CI 2.30, 2.62), living with a partner (RRR=1.20, 95% CI 1.01, 1.42), and less wealth (RRR=0.93, 95% CI 0.87, 0.98). However, age, cohabitation, and wealth were not significantly related to excessive polypharmacy. Diabetes and the number of comorbidities were predominant risk factors for excessive polypharmacy. Current evidences confirmed both health condition and socioeconomic status were associated with medication use in older adults.

scholarly journals Understanding and perceptions of gout: an interdisciplinary assessment among patients, physicians and pharmacists in Italy

Reumatismo ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Punzi ◽  
G. Medea
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Interdisciplinary Assessment ◽  
The Many

The objective was to assess knowledge and therapeutic approaches to the management of gout among healthcare professionals and people with/without gout, in Italy. This was a cross-sectional internet-based survey targeting general practitioners (GPs), specialists, pharmacists, and people with/without gout. Between December 2017 and March 2018, participants completed questionnaires on epidemiology, cause/risk factors, therapy objectives and management/treatment strategies to improve outcomes. Overall, 3184 people completed the survey: 699 GPs, 426 specialists, 655 pharmacists and 1404 subjects from the general population: 126 (9.0%) with and 1278 (91.0%) without gout. Notably, less than half of GPs, specialists and people without gout confirmed the published 1% prevalence of gout in Italy. Lifestyle was acknowledged as the main risk factor for gout by nearly 50% of specialists and GPs, while only 13.8% and 12.4%, respectively, considered the role of genetic factors. Uric acid overproduction was deemed as the cause of gout by 60% of GPs and specialists, whereas insufficient excretion by only 30%. Fewer than half of patients were aware that gout permanently damages joints, and even fewer of the renal and cardiovascular implications (19.4% and 12%, respectively); moreover, most people without gout replied that their doctor had never talked with them about uric acid and its correlation with gout development. Finally, GPs were divided on uric acid target levels (48.3% said <6 mg/dL and 18.9% <7 mg/dL). Despite major advances in the knowledge of physiopathological mechanisms of gout, the results of our survey highlight the many treatment and knowledge gaps in its management. Cooperation between multidisciplinary teams is required to break down barriers and ensure optimal treatment with effective and innovative agents of this ever-increasing debilitating condition.

scholarly journals Comprehensive longitudinal study of epigenetic mutations in aging

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunzhang Wang ◽  
Robert Karlsson ◽  
Juulia Jylhävä ◽  
Åsa K. Hedman ◽  
Catarina Almqvist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Genetic Background ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Aberrant Methylation ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Abstract Background The role of DNA methylation in aging has been widely studied. However, epigenetic mutations, here defined as aberrant methylation levels compared to the distribution in a population, are less understood. Hence, we investigated longitudinal accumulation of epigenetic mutations, using 994 blood samples collected at up to five time points from 375 individuals in old ages. Results We verified earlier cross-sectional evidence on the increase of epigenetic mutations with age, and identified important contributing factors including sex, CD19+ B cells, genetic background, cancer diagnosis, and technical artifacts. We further classified epigenetic mutations into High/Low Methylation Outliers (HMO/LMO) according to their changes in methylation, and specifically studied methylation sites (CpGs) that were prone to mutate (frequently mutated CpGs). We validated four epigenetically mutated CpGs using pyrosequencing in 93 samples. Furthermore, by using twins, we concluded that the age-related accumulation of epigenetic mutations was not related to genetic factors, hence driven by stochastic or environmental effects. Conclusions Here we conducted a comprehensive study of epigenetic mutation and highlighted its important role in aging process and cancer development.

scholarly journals A fresh look at the role of spiramycin in preventing a neglected disease: meta-analyses of observational studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose G. Montoya ◽  
Katherine Laessig ◽  
Mir Sohail Fazeli ◽  
Gaye Siliman ◽  
Sophie S. Yoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mtct Rate ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Antepartum Treatment ◽  
Mother To Child

Abstract Purpose We aimed to investigate the effect of antepartum treatment with spiramycin with or without subsequent pyrimethamine–sulfonamide–folinic acid, compared to no treatment, on the rate of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and incidence/severity of sequelae in the offspring. Methods Embase and PubMed were searched for literature on spiramycin in pregnant women suspected/diagnosed with T. gondii infection. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects model. Results Thirty-three studies (32 cohorts and 1 cross-sectional study), with a total of 15,406 mothers and 15,250 offspring, were pooled for analyses. The MTCT rate for all treated patients was significantly lower than the untreated [19.5% (95% CI 14–25.5%) versus 50.7% (95% CI 31.2–70%), p < 0.001]. The transmission rate in patients on spiramycin monotherapy was also significantly lower than untreated [17.6% (95% CI 9.9–26.8%) versus 50.7% (95% CI 31.2–70%), p < 0.001]. Conclusion Results indicate significant reduction in MTCT rates following spiramycin treatment of suspected/diagnosed maternal T. gondii infection.

scholarly journals The Role of Vitamins in Oral Health. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Cagetti ◽  
Thomas Gerhard Wolf ◽  
Christian Tennert ◽  
Nicole Camoni ◽  
Peter Lingström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Meta Analyses

The association between vitamins and oral health have recently been discussed, yielding increased attention from medical and dental perspectives. The present review aimed to systematically evaluate and appraise the most recently scientific papers investigating the role of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of the main oral diseases as hard dental pathological processes and gum/periodontal disease. Randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, comparative studies, validation studies and evaluation studies, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, reporting associations between vitamins and oral diseases or the use of vitamins to prevent or treat oral diseases in patients of any age were included. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched to November 2019 using an ad hoc prepared search string. All the papers meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to a quality assessment. The search identified 1597 papers; 741 were selected after removing duplicates. A total of 334 articles were excluded after title and abstract evaluation; 407 were assessed and 73 papers were full-text assessed; other 14 papers were discharged after full text evaluation, leaving finally 58 papers included. In general, there is weak evidence supporting the association between vitamins and both gingival/periodontal disease and hard dental pathological processes.

Association of pesticide exposure, vaccination response, and interleukin-1 gene polymorphisms

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 709-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Baranska ◽  
L Van Amelsvoort ◽  
S Birindelli ◽  
S Fustinoni ◽  
E Corsini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Total Study Population ◽  
Immune Parameters ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

We performed a cross-sectional study involving workers from four European countries in which exposure to pesticides and immune parameters were evaluated over a short period of time. The total study population consisted of 238 workers occupationally exposed to pesticides and 198 nonoccupationally exposed workers. The study showed that pesticide exposure at levels encountered by workers under different conditions in Europe did not affect the ability of the immune system to respond to vaccination. We could, however, identify individuals within the group of pesticide exposed workers who were genetically characterized by the 2.2 IL-1α polymorphism and who showed a lower antibody response, pointing out the importance of the understanding of genetic variability and the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in the identification of high-risk individuals, which may eventually lead to preventive measures.

scholarly journals The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in mice living in Danish indoor sow herds

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stine Thorsø Nielsen ◽  
Isabella Linde Westergaard ◽  
Grith Kirkhoff Guldbech ◽  
Henrik Vedel Nielsen ◽  
Maria Vang Johansen
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Present Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Human Infections

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii is found worldwide, and consumption of undercooked meat is considered a significant risk factor for human infections. In Denmark, little is known about the distribution of T. gondii, but a recent study revealed a seroprevalence of 34% in Danish indoor sows. The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the role of mice for the transmission of T. gondii in Danish indoor sow herds. Results In total, 56 sow herds were visited, 137 mice were caught by snap traps from 32 farms, and 52 cat faecal samples were collected from 22 farms. Eight percent of the mice were positive for T. gondii DNA, representing 11% of the farms. Significant associations were found between the presence of T. gondii-positive mice and both open feed systems (P= 0.041) and extra rodent control on the farm (P= 0.024). All cat faecal samples were deemed negative for T. gondii by light microscopy examination and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Conclusion Mice captured inside Danish sow herds were found to be infected with T. gondii and may thus contribute to the transmission of T. gondii to sows, which may explain the high seroprevalence found in Danish pigs.

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