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Pan L, Liu J, Zhan C, Zhang X, Cui M, Su X, Wang Z, Zhao L, Liu J, Song Y. Effects of indoor exposure to low level toluene on neural network alterations during working memory encoding. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 321:138153. [PMID: 36804498 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While high concentrations of toluene are known to affect multiple human organ systems, research concerning the influence of immediate, short-term exposure to toluene indoors and at low concentrations is scarce. Here, we studied effects of indoor toluene exposure on neural network alterations during working memory (WM) encoding. METHODS A total of 23 healthy college students were recruited. All participants were situated in a closed environmental chamber with a full fresh air system. Each participant was subjected to four exposure experiments with different toluene concentrations (0, 17.5, 35, and 70 ppb, named Group A, B, C and D, respectively), with at least one week between each experiment. WM Behavioral and 19-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in a pre-set environmental chamber were conducted simultaneously during each toluene exposure experiment. Neural networks relevant to WM encoding were visualized analyzing the obtained data. RESULTS 1. No significant difference in WM behavioral performance among the four groups was found. However, a significant increase in whole brain neural network functional connectivity was noted, especially in the frontal region. 2. An outflow directional transfer function (DTFoutflow) revealed higher frontal region values among Group D (the 70 ppb group) as compared to Group A, B and C (the0, 17.5 ppb and 35 ppb groups, respectively), although no differences in frontal region DTFinflow values among the four groups were noted. 3. The DTFFZ-F7, DTFFZ-T5, DTFFZ-P4, DTFFZ-P3, DTFFP2-O2, DTFP3-T4, DTFP3-F4, DTFP4-CZ and DTFP4-T4 values of Group D were found to be higher as compared to those of Group A and B. Furthermore, DTFFZ-F7 and DTFP4-T4 values of Group C were higher as compared to those of Group A. The DTFFZ-F7 values of Group D were higher as compared to those of the Group C. CONCLUSION Short-term toluene exposure significantly influences neural networks during cognitive processes such as WM encoding, even at low concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Pan
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jie Liu
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Changqing Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Wuhu No.2 People's Hospital, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Mingrui Cui
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xiao Su
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zukun Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300000, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300000, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300000, China.
| | - Yijun Song
- General Practice Center & Emergency Department, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300000, China; General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Guo D, Zhan C, Liu J, Wang Z, Cui M, Zhang X, Su X, Pan L, Deng M, Zhao L, Liu J, Song Y. Alternations in neural oscillation related to attention network reveal influence of indoor toluene on cognition at low concentration. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13067. [PMID: 35904384 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite accumulative literature reporting negative impacts of high-concentration toluene, cognitive effects of toluene at low concentration are still unclear. Twenty-two healthy college students were exposed in a closed environmental chamber to investigate the influence of indoor toluene on cognitive performance and brain activity. During each toluene exposure condition (0 ppb, 17.5 ppb, 35 ppb, and 70 ppb), attention network test and electroencephalogram (EEG) recording were synchronously performed after 4-hour toluene exposure. Characteristic neural oscillation patterns in three attention networks were compared between four groups. The statistical analyses indicated that short-term exposure to toluene had no significant impact on behavioral performance of attention network. However, there was a significant increase in the power of theta and alpha band of executive network and orienting network in the whole brain, especially in frontal region when exposed to toluene. Besides, no significant difference was observed in alerting network. The alternations in neural oscillation demonstrated that more effort was required to accomplish the same tasks when exposed to toluene. The present study revealed that short-term exposure to toluene affected brain activity of attention network even at low concentration, which provided a theoretical basis for the development of safer evaluation methods and standards in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Guo
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Changqing Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Wuhu No.2 People's Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Jie Liu
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Zukun Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingrui Cui
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao Su
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Liping Pan
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Meili Deng
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yijun Song
- General Medicine Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
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Quist AJL, Rohlman DS, Kwok RK, Stewart PA, Stenzel MR, Blair A, Miller AK, Curry MD, Sandler DP, Engel LS. Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposures and neurobehavioral function in GuLF study participants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108834. [PMID: 31703974 PMCID: PMC6878206 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster exposed tens of thousands of oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) workers to hydrocarbons and other hazardous chemicals. Some hydrocarbons, such as toluene and hexane, have been found to have acute adverse effects on the central nervous system in occupational settings. However, no studies have examined the association between oil spill exposures and neurobehavioral function. METHODS We used data from the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study, a cohort of adults who worked on the DWH response and cleanup. Total hydrocarbon (THC) exposure attributed to oil spill cleanup work was estimated from a job-exposure matrix linking air measurement data to detailed cleanup work histories. Participants were also categorized into 6 job categories, or OSRC classes, based on their activity with the highest exposure. Neurobehavioral performance was assessed at a clinical exam 4-6 years after the spill. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate relationships of ordinal THC levels and OSRC classes with 16 neurobehavioral outcomes. RESULTS We found limited evidence of associations between THC levels or OSRC classes and decreased neurobehavioral function, including attention, memory, and executive function. Workers exposed to ≥3 ppm THC scored significantly worse (difference1.0-2.9ppm = -0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.74, -0.04) than workers exposed to <0.30 ppm THC for the digit span forward count test. There was also a possible threshold effect above 1 ppm THC for symbol digit test total errors (difference1.0-2.9ppm = -0.56 (95% CI = -1.13, -0.003), difference≥3.0ppm = -0.55 (95% CI = -1.20, 0.10)). Associations appeared to be stronger in men than in women. A summary latency measure suggested an association between more highly exposed jobs (especially support of operations workers) and decreased neurobehavioral function. CONCLUSION OSRC-related exposures were associated with modest decreases in neurobehavioral function, especially attention, memory, and executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbor J L Quist
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Diane S Rohlman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Richard K Kwok
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Mark R Stenzel
- Exposure Assessment Applications LLC, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Aaron Blair
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Aubrey K Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Dale P Sandler
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Hong JY, Yu SY, Kim SY, Ahn JJ, Kim Y, Kim GW, Son SW, Park JT, Hwang SY. Association analysis of toluene exposure time with high-throughput mRNA expressions and methylation patterns using in vivo samples. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 146:59-64. [PMID: 26717081 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) resulting from outdoor air pollution can contribute to major public health problems. However, there has been limited research on the health effects in humans from the inhalation of VOCs. Therefore, this study conducted an in vivo analysis of the effects of toluene, one of the most commonly used chemicals in many industries, on gene expression and methylation over time using the high-throughput technique of microarray analysis. We separated participants into three groups (control, short-term exposure, and long-term exposure) to investigate the influence of toluene exposure time on gene expression. We then comprehensively analyzed and investigated the correlation between variations in gene expression and the occurrence of methylation. Twenty-six genes were upregulated and hypomethylated, while 32 genes were downregulated and hypermethylated. The pathways of these genes were confirmed to be associated with cell survival and the immune system. Based on our findings, these genes can help predict the effects of time-dependent exposure to toluene on human health. Thus, observations from our data may have implications for the identification of biomarkers of toluene exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Hong
- Department of Bio-Nanotechnology, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Yu
- Department of Molecular & Life Science, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol Young Kim
- Department of Bio-Nanotechnology, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Jin Ahn
- Department of Bio-Nanotechnology, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjoo Kim
- Department of Bio-Nanotechnology, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Won Kim
- Department of Molecular & Life Science, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Wook Son
- Department of Dermatology, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Tae Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Gojan 1-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yong Hwang
- Department of Bio-Nanotechnology, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular & Life Science, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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Toluene inhalation exposure for 13 weeks causes persistent changes in electroretinograms of Long-Evans rats. Neurotoxicology 2016; 53:257-270. [PMID: 26899397 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies of humans chronically exposed to volatile organic solvents have reported impaired visual functions, including low contrast sensitivity and reduced color discrimination. These reports, however, lacked confirmation from controlled laboratory experiments. To address this question experimentally, we examined visual function by recording visual evoked potentials (VEP) and/or electroretinograms (ERG) from four sets of rats exposed repeatedly to toluene. In addition, eyes of the rats were examined with an ophthalmoscope and some of the retinal tissues were evaluated for rod and M-cone photoreceptor immunohistochemistry. The first study examined rats following exposure to 0, 10, 100 or 1000ppm toluene by inhalation (6hr/d, 5d/wk) for 13 weeks. One week after the termination of exposure, the rats were implanted with chronically indwelling electrodes and the following week pattern-elicited VEPs were recorded. VEP amplitudes were not significantly changed by toluene exposure. Four to five weeks after completion of exposure, rats were dark-adapted overnight, anesthetized, and several sets of electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded. In dark-adapted ERGs recorded over a 5-log (cd-s/m(2)) range of flash luminance, b-wave amplitudes were significantly reduced at high stimulus luminance values in rats previously exposed to 1000ppm toluene. A second set of rats, exposed concurrently with the first set, was tested approximately one year after the termination of 13 weeks of exposure to toluene. Again, dark-adapted ERG b-wave amplitudes were reduced at high stimulus luminance values in rats previously exposed to 1000ppm toluene. A third set of rats was exposed to the same concentrations of toluene for only 4 weeks, and a fourth set of rats exposed to 0 or 1000ppm toluene for 4 weeks were tested approximately 1year after the completion of exposure. No statistically significant reductions of ERG b-wave amplitude were observed in either set of rats exposed for 4 weeks. No significant changes were observed in ERG a-wave amplitude or latency, b-wave latency, UV- or green-flicker ERGs, or in photopic flash ERGs. There were no changes in the density of rod or M-cone photoreceptors. The ERG b-wave reflects the firing patterns of on-bipolar cells. The reductions of b-wave amplitude after 13 weeks of exposure and persisting for 1year suggest that alterations may have occurred in the inner nuclear layer of the retina, where the bipolar cells reside, or the outer or inner plexiform layers where the bipolar cells make synaptic connections. These data provide experimental evidence that repeated exposure to toluene may lead to subtle persistent changes in visual function. The fact that toluene affected ERGs, but not VEPs, suggests that elements in the rat retina may be more sensitive to organic solvent exposure than the rat visual cortex.
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Mont'Alverne LR, Corona AP, Rêgo MAV. Perda auditiva associada à exposição ocupacional a solventes orgânicos: uma revisão sistemática. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE OCUPACIONAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/2317-6369000113615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Introdução: evidências apontam produtos químicos como agentes potencialmente otoneurotóxicos, todavia, ainda não há consenso quanto às associações entre as características das exposições e a ototoxicidade das diversas substâncias químicas presentes em ambientes laborais. Objetivo: revisar a literatura científica disponível, a fim de identificar estudos que apontem evidências de associação, ou não associação, entre dano auditivo e a exposição a solventes orgânicos. Método: revisão sistemática da literatura a partir da consulta a bases de dados eletrônicas, considerando artigos originais, publicados de janeiro de 1987 a fevereiro de 2013. Resultados: trinta e um estudos foram incluídos na revisão sistemática. Discussão: os estudos confirmaram a exposição a determinados solventes como fator de risco para perda auditiva de origem ocupacional, sobretudo na presença do ruído. Foram utilizados métodos variados de avaliação e classificação do desfecho coclear e/ou central, que contribuíram para a compreensão da extensão da perda auditiva induzida quimicamente, bem como com a identificação dos grupos populacionais susceptíveis. Contudo, dados sobre procedimentos diagnósticos adequados, níveis seguros e efeito dose-resposta da exposição química ainda não foram totalmente elucidados.
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Kobald SO, Wascher E, Blaszkewicz M, Golka K, van Thriel C. Neurobehavioral and neurophysiological effects after acute exposure to a single peak of 200 ppm toluene in healthy volunteers. Neurotoxicology 2015; 48:50-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Shih HT, Yu CL, Wu MT, Liu CS, Tsai CH, Hung DZ, Wu CS, Kuo HW. Subclinical abnormalities in workers with continuous low-level toluene exposure. Toxicol Ind Health 2011; 27:691-9. [PMID: 21543466 DOI: 10.1177/0748233710395348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Short-term exposure to a high concentration (TWA > 100 ppm) of toluene can cause hepatotocixity and neurotoxicity in humans. Data on the effects of exposure to low levels of toluene, however, are controversial. In addition, few studies on the effects of toluene exposure on the autonomic nervous system have been conducted. Urine samples from 34 male factory workers in Taiwan who were exposed to low levels of toluene either intermittently (n = 13) or continuously (n = 21) were taken on a Monday morning after a 2-day hiatus and at the end of the workweek on Friday evening. Urinary hippuric acid levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A complete blood work-up was also performed for each subject. The prevalence and severity of neurotoxic symptoms were investigated by a self-reported questionnaire, a neuropsychiatric battery, and sympathetic and peripheral nerve function tests. The mean value of urinary hippuric acid corrected for creatinine (Cr) was 0.34 ± 0.18 g/g Cr on Monday morning and 0.43 ± 0.26 g/g Cr on Friday evening. The difference in the mean value of urinary hippuric acid between the two periods (p < 0.01) and the odds ratio of impairment of sympathetic (OR = 4.13, p = 0.11) and peripheral nerves (OR = 6.94, p = 0.074) were higher in workers continuously exposed to toluene. In addition, workers who were continuously exposed to toluene had a lower mean platelet count (216 ± 41 × 10(6) /µL) than workers who were intermittently exposed (252 ± 40 × 10(6)/µL), (p = 0.018). Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between neurological abnormalities and a self-reported neuropsychiatric measurement (r = 0.35-0.66, p < 0.05) in all workers. These data suggest that continuous exposure to low levels of toluene may be associated with sympathetic and peripheral nerve dysfunction and sub-clinical hematological damage. Further research needs to be carried out regarding how chronic exposure to low-levels of toluene affects workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsu-Tzu Shih
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taiwan, Institute of Environmental Health, China
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Williamson A. Using self-report measures in neurobehavioural toxicology: Can they be trusted? Neurotoxicology 2007; 28:227-34. [PMID: 16620990 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2006.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2005] [Accepted: 03/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Questionnaires are one of the most common methodologies used in research on neurobehavioural effects in occupational and environmental health, most commonly for gathering information on demographic characteristics, psychological or neurological symptoms, mood state, or exposure to hazards. Questionnaires are self-report measures, so by definition are subjective, although their degree of subjectivity depends on the phenomenon they are measuring. For some phenomena questionnaires are used because they are convenient but the information can be obtained from other sources. For other phenomena questionnaire or self-report is the only way of obtaining the information, for example, feelings and experiences, mood or emotions. Questionnaires are essential tools in psychological and neurobehavioural research as they can tap into aspects of nervous system function that cannot be readily measured in other ways. Despite the obvious need for self-report measures, there are a number of serious issues that threaten their validity as effective indicators of neurobehavioural function. This paper considers the implications of some of the major problems with self-report measures, focusing particularly on current approaches to measurement of symptoms and mood. It includes issues relating to validity of measures such as demand characteristics, malingering and under or over reporting, individual differences and problems of language and question style. It also includes issues relating to the interpretation of self-report measures, the relationship between self-report and performance measures, whether they reflect primary or secondary effects and whether they can be used as diagnostic criteria for neurobehavioural functional effects of occupational or environmental exposure. The paper looks at some of the current approaches to overcoming these problems including using interviews and observational methods and improving psychometric qualities of these measures. Self-report measures are important tools in our arsenal of measures of the neurobehavioural effects of occupational and environmental exposure, but they need to be used with care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Williamson
- NSW Injury Risk Management Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Building G2, Western Campus, UNSW Sydney 2052, Australia.
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Jacquot L, Pourie G, Buron G, Monnin J, Brand G. Effects of toluene inhalation exposure on olfactory functioning: behavioral and histological assessment. Toxicol Lett 2006; 165:57-65. [PMID: 16567067 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2006.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2005] [Revised: 01/24/2006] [Accepted: 01/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to pollutant or toxic substances is known to induce adverse health effects but few studies have been devoted to study the impact on olfactory functioning although neuroreceptors in the nasal cavity are directly in contact with volatile molecules. Thus, this work was designed to evaluate in mice the potential modifications of the olfactory functioning during (1 month) and after (1 month) a prolonged toluene exposure at both sensitive/perceptive and cellular levels. Mice were exposed to 1000ppm of toluene for 5h/day, 5days/week for 4 weeks. Firstly, behavioral evaluation (T-maze test) to toluene sensitivity showed a constant decrease during all the 4 weeks of exposure (W1-W4) which continued during 2 weeks after the exposure (W5, W6). In contrast, during the last 2 weeks of the experiment (W7, W8), the sensitivity of mice to toluene went back to normal. Secondly, structural modifications, i.e. density of cells and thickness of olfactory epithelium were observed soon after the outset of exposure. The number of cells did not change at the beginning of exposure (W1, W2), decreased markedly later (W3, W4), increased significantly the first week of the recovery period (W5) and stayed stable during the following weeks (W6-W8). Concerning the thickness of neuroepithelium, the results at W1 showed a decrease followed by an increase suggesting an inflammatory process (W2, W3). In contrast, the results of W4 revealed an abrupt decrease of the thickness whereas the return to normal arose immediately at the outset of recovery period.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jacquot
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences, Université de Franche-Comté-Place Leclerc, 25000 Besançon, France
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