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Long C, Su Z, Hu G, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Chen T, Hong S, Su L, Jia G. Potential mechanisms of lung injury and repair after hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] aerosol whole-body dynamic exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140918. [PMID: 38072199 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140918] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], known as "Top Hazardous Substances", poses a significant threat to the respiratory system. Nevertheless, the potential mechanisms of toxicity and the lung's repair ability after injury remain incompletely understood. In this study, Cr(VI) aerosol whole-body dynamic exposure system simulating real exposure scenarios of chromate workers was constructed to evaluate the lung injury and repair effects. Subsequently, miRNA sequencing, mRNA sequencing and metabolomics analyses on lung tissue were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our results revealed that Cr(VI) exposure led to an increase in lactic dehydrogenase activity and a time-dependent decline in lung function. Notably, after 13 w of Cr(VI) exposure, alveolar hemorrhage, thickening of alveolar walls, emphysema-like changes, mitochondrial damage of alveolar epithelial cells and macrophage polarization changes were observed. Remarkably, a two-week repair intervention effectively ameliorated lung function decline and pulmonary injury. Furthermore, significant disruptions in the expressions of miRNAs and mRNAs involved in oxidative phosphorylation, glycerophospholipid metabolism and inflammatory signaling pathways were found. The two-week repair period resulted in the reversal of expression of oxidative phosphorylation related genes, and inhibited the inflammatory signaling pathways. This study concluded that the inhibition of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway and the subsequent enhancement of inflammatory response might be key mechanisms underlying Cr(VI) pulmonary toxicity, and timely cessation of exposure could effectively alleviate the pulmonary injury. These findings shed light on the potential mechanisms of Cr(VI) toxicity and provide crucial insights into the health protection for occupational populations exposed to Cr(VI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Changmao Long
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine and School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zekang Su
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guiping Hu
- School of Engineering Medicine and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qiaojian Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tian Chen
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shiyi Hong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Li Su
- Center of Medical and Health Analysis, Peking University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Guang Jia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Sani A, Lawal Abdullahi I, Darma AI. Hepatotoxicity and ALAD Activity Profile for Prediction of NOAEL of Metal Welding Fumes in Albino Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:1781-1791. [PMID: 35525901 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Metal fume pollutants of urban Kano, a city of over 10 million people, and widespread metal works have increased exposure with related health effects. Few data on metal fume toxicity and atmospheric levels have been documented in Nigeria and Kano in particular. Hence, the work was aimed at evaluating the metal fume toxicity to laboratory rat species for setting the permissible limit of exposure in urban Kano. The investigation involved the collection of metal welding fumes and subsequent laboratory analysis. Experimental animals were then exposed intratracheally to varying doses of the fumes which were equivalent to normal metal workers' daily routine of 2, 4, and 8 h for 3, 5, 10, and 20 years. Following euthanization, whole blood samples were collected and functions of liver and delta-aminolevunilic acid dehydratase were evaluated in the serum. Exposure to the fumes has caused significant mortality that was observed to be dose-dependent and statistically different (p < 0.05); moreover, the fumes had synergistically affected the functions of liver. In addition, the fumes had increased (statistically) the activity delta-aminolevinilic acid dehydratase. This has indicated that exposure to metal welding fumes being multi-elemental is toxic and had produced mortality at exposure to higher doses of metal welding fumes. It was therefore established from the study that no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for metal welding fumes is 25.73 mg with LD50 of 270 mg which corresponds to the metal worker's 4-h shifts daily for 5 years under existing working conditions. It was recommended that regular monitoring should be put in place to limit exposure and extent of engagement in metal works beyond NOAEL levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sani
- Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronics, Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B. 3011, Kano, Nigeria.
| | | | - Aminu Inuwa Darma
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Krabbe J, Hansen C, Otte N, Kraus T. Short-term exposure to zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes: Effects on pulmonary function in humans. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 78:127169. [PMID: 37004479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes typically induce a systemic inflammation indicated by increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, also known as welding fume fever. It typically includes symptoms like fever, myalgia or headaches, but only a quarter of patients experience respiratory symptoms, e.g. coughing. This retrospective analysis of data of three studies with either control (filtered air) or zinc- and copper-containing welding fume exposure aims to identify and characterize the effect of the welding fumes on lung function. Spirometry and body plethysmography data of male healthy volunteers were analyzed and comparisons between different timepoints after a 6 h exposure were conducted. For controls no significant changes in spirometry were observed between baseline and 6 h, 24 h and 1 week after exposure. For volunteers exposed to zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes no significant reductions in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and minimal reductions in vital capacity (VC) (52 ml, 0.9%) were detected after 6 h. After 24 h significant reductions in FEV1 (147 ml, 3.2%) and VC (162 ml, 2.9%) could be observed. 1 week after exposure FEV1 was still significantly reduced (102 ml, 2.1%) and airway resistance were increased while no differences in VC were detected. The reduction of FEV1% after 24 week significantly correlated with increases in CRP levels. In conclusion, a single exposure to zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes leads not only to a systemic inflammation but could also induce slight sustained airway constrictions after 24 h and 1 week. The observed slight airway constriction is not caused by immediate effects but possibly inflammatory processes. Although welding fume fever does not necessarily present respiratory symptoms, welders exposed to zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes should be monitored for respiratory symptoms and obstructive ventilation pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krabbe
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Christine Hansen
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nelly Otte
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Krabbe J, Kraus T, Krabbe H, Martin C, Ziegler P. Welding Fume Instillation in Isolated Perfused Mouse Lungs-Effects of Zinc- and Copper-Containing Welding Fumes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169052. [PMID: 36012318 PMCID: PMC9408907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes can cause systemic inflammation after exposure in humans. Recent ex vivo studies have shown that the observed inflammation originates from exposed immune cells. In vitro studies identified the soluble fraction of metal particles as the main effectors. Isolated perfused mouse lungs (IPLs) were perfused and ventilated for 270 min. Lungs were instilled with saline solution (control), welding fume particle suspension (WFs) or the soluble fraction of the welding fumes (SF-WFs). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and perfusate samples were analyzed for cytokine levels and lung tissue mRNA expression levels were analyzed via RT-PCR. All lungs instilled with WFs did not complete the experiments due to a fatal reduction in tidal volume. Accordingly, IL-6 and MPO levels were significantly higher in BALF of WF lungs compared to the control. IL-6 and MPO mRNA expression levels were also increased for WFs. Lungs instilled with SF-WFs only showed mild reactions in tidal volume, with BALF and mRNA expression levels not significantly differing from the control. Zinc- and copper-containing welding fume particles adversely affect IPLs when instilled, as evidenced by the fatal loss in tidal volume and increased cytokine expression and secretion. The effects are mainly caused by the particles, not by the soluble fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krabbe
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-241-8035028; Fax: +49-241-8082587
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hanif Krabbe
- European Vascular Centre Aachen-Maastricht, Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Martin
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Patrick Ziegler
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Lai CH, Ho SC, Pan CH, Chen WL, Wang CC, Liang CW, Chien CY, Riediker M, Chuang KJ, Chuang HC. Chronic exposure to metal fume PM 2.5 on inflammation and stress hormone cortisol in shipyard workers: A repeat measurement study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112144. [PMID: 33743405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) has been linked to adverse health outcomes in welding workers. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of chronic exposure to metal fume PM2.5 in shipyard workers with health outcomes. A longitudinal study was conducted to determine the effects of metal fume PM2.5 on FeNO, urinary metals, urinary oxidative stress, inflammation, and stress hormones in workers. There were 20 office workers and 49 welding workers enrolled in this study who were followed-up for a second year. We observed that Fe, Zn, and Mn were abundant in PM2.5 to which welding workers were personally exposed, whereas PM2.5 to which office workers were personally exposed was dominated by Pb, Cu, and Zn. We observed in the first and/or second visits that urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2-α (PGF2α) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxy guanosine (8-OHdG) were significantly increased by exposure. An increase in urinary interleukin (IL)-6 and decreases in urinary serotonin and cortisol were observed in the first and/or second visits after exposure. PM2.5 was associated with decreases in urinary 8-OHdG and cortisol among workers. Next, we observed that urinary Ni, Co, and Fe had significantly increased among workers after a year of exposure. Urinary metals were associated with decreases in urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and cortisol among workers. Urinary Ni, Cu, and Fe levels were associated with an increase in urinary IL-6 and a decrease in urinary cortisol among workers. In conclusion, chronic exposure to metal fume PM2.5 was associated with inflammation and a cortisol deficiency in shipyard workers, which could associate with adrenal glands dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Huang Lai
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Chuan Ho
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Hong Pan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Liang Chen
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Ching Wang
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Che-Wi Liang
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Yu Chien
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Michael Riediker
- Swiss Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Winterthur, Switzerland.
| | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Increased Neutrophil Granulocyte and Myeloperoxidase Levels Indicate Acute Inflammation Due to the Exposure of Zinc- and Copper-Containing Welding Fumes. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:618-627. [PMID: 32404823 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies have shown an increase of C-reactive-protein (CRP) after exposure to zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exposure to zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes on leukocytes, their subtypes, and myeloperoxidase (MPO). METHODS Serum samples of male volunteers were examined after exposures to welding fumes in two settings: repeated exposure on 4 consecutive days for 6 hours and single exposures for different times (3, 4, 5 hours). RESULTS Neutrophil granulocyte and MPO levels showed increases 24 hours after single and repeated exposures for 6 hours similar to CRP increases reported in literature. Overall leukocyte levels and levels of monocytes and lymphocytes were not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates the involvement of neutrophil granulocytes in welding fume fever additional to mediator related effects.
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