Liver dysfunction among workers handling 5-nitro-o-toluidine

Comparative Toxicological Evaluation of Tattoo Inks on Two Model Organisms

Tattooing is a technique that introduces colored substances under the skin in order to color it permanently. Decomposition products of tattoo pigments produce numerous damages for the skin and other organs. We studied the effects of a commercial red ink tattoo, PR170, on Xenopus laevis embryos and Daphnia magna nauplii using concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg/L. For Xenopus, we applied the FETAX protocol analyzing survival, malformations, growth, heart rate, and the expression of genes involved in the development. In D. magna, we evaluated the toxicity with an immobilization test. Moreover, we investigated the production of ROS, antioxidant enzymes, and the expression of the ATP-binding cassette in both models. Our results indicate that PR170 pigment has nanoparticle dimensions, modifies the survival and the ATP-binding cassette activity, and induces oxidative stress that probably produces the observed effects in both models. Deformed embryos were observed in Xenopus, probably due to the modification of expression of genes involved in development. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also modified in this amphibian. We think that these effects are due to the accumulation of PR170 and, in particular, to the presence of the azoic group in the chemical structure of this pigment. Further studies needed to better understand the effects of commercial tattoo inks.

Chemical hazard of tattoo colorants

Tattooing entails a high amount of tattoo colorants that is injected into skin. Tattoo colorants usually contain various substances of which the colouring component is the major ingredient that can be assigned to two different groups. Firstly, amorphous carbon particles (carbon black) are almost exclusively found in black tattoos. Secondly, tattooists use azo and polycyclic pigments to create nearly all colours of the visible spectrum. Due to their different but frequently complex chemistry, tattoo colorants usually contain various compounds like by-products and impurities which may exhibit health concerns. Professional tattooists inject that mixture into skin using the solid needles of tattoo machines. It is known that part of injected tattoo colorants is predominantly transported away from skin via lymphatic system. In addition to tattooing, exposure of tattooed skin to solar radiation or laser light may cause decomposition of pigment molecules leading to new and potential hazard chemical compounds. In light of the various hazard substances in the tattoo colorants and its decomposition products, tattooing might pose a health risk not only to skin but also to other organs of humans.

Systemic complications of trinitrotoluene (TNT) in exposed workers

INTRODUCTION

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) has been widely used as an explosive. TNT can induce some well-recognized toxic impacts comprising toxic hepatitis, aplastic anemia and cataract. The aim of study was evaluation of TNT exposed workers for systemic complication.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, we carried out Liver Function Test (LFT), complete blood count (CBC) and slit lamp biomicroscopy to compare the prevalence and severity of these 3 complications between 47 male TNT exposed workers (with at least one year continuous experience of TNT exposure) and 43 unexposed male hospital worker who hadn't had any previous contacts with TNT. We also performed Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) to assess the probable obstructive/restrictive abnormalities, caused by TNT.

RESULTS

Mean alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level of TNT exposed group was significantly higher than the unexposed group (p = 0.023) Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratios of both groups were in the range of restrictive pattern (82.03% and 81.42% for the exposed and unexposed group, respectively) with no meaningful difference. We didn't find out any specific TNT induced cataract and general cortical cataract (CC) and nuclear sclerotic cataract (NSC) prevalence was not significantly different.

DISCUSSION

we haven't found TNT as a chemical, causing toxic hepatitis or aplastic anemia; neither did we find it as a compound, responsible for a meaningful increase in cataract prevalence. However, due to the increased ALP serum levels and FEV1/FVC ratios among TNT workers, safety precautions are advised.

Photochemical cleavage of a tattoo pigment by UVB radiation or natural sunlight

BACKGROUND

Millions of people have at least one tattoo. Complex and light absorbing molecules are implanted in the skin. When tattooed skin receives UV radiation or natural sunlight, photochemical cleavage of the pigments may occur. As a first step, we dissolved pigments in a suitable solvent and analyzed them after light irradiation.

METHODS

The widespread Pigment Red 22 was dissolved in different solvents. The solutions were irradiated with either UVB radiation (up to 8 h) or with natural sunlight (110 days). After irradiation, the solutions were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

A clear cleavage of the pigment was detected in all solvents and the primary decomposition products were identified. In tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, the pigment concentration decreased significantly during UVB irradiation, whereas the pigment was completely destroyed during sunlight exposure. In chloroform and dichloromethane, the pigment concentration decreased slightly during UVB irradiation, whereas the pigment was almost completely destroyed during sunlight exposure.

CONCLUSION

Since chloroform and dichloromethane do not affect the cleavage process, these solvents are optimal for such in vitro experiments. We have shown the cleavage of the tattoo pigment Red 22 when exposed to UVB radiation or natural sunlight. The decomposition products are hazardous showing a potential risk of being toxic or even carcinogenic. At present, a risk assessment is not feasible since the concentration of pigments and their decomposition products in skin are unknown.

Biochemical parameters of liver function in artisans occupationally exposed to "vat dyes"

BACKGROUND

Vat dyes are the class of dyes used in textile dyeing in Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria. While some dyes (including vat dyes intermediates) have been associated with adverse effects on manufacturer's health, there is paucity of data on effects of occupational exposure to vat dyes among end users, such as those involved in textile dyeing and finishing.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the possible effect of occupational exposure to vat dyes on the functions of the liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using convenience sampling technique, a cohort of dye workers (n=117) with a minimum of one year and a maximum of 60 years duration of exposure (mean =17.03 ± 1.19 years) were recruited in this study. Sixty traders, matched for age and sex and who had no previous exposure to vat dyes were selected as controls. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic, occupational and environmental characteristics of the subjects. Plasma activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin and total bilirubin were measured using standard spectrophotometric methods.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES

SPSS version 11.0 was used for statistical analyses. Tests of significance were carried out using Student's t test, and correlation co-efficient.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The activity of ALP and the concentrations of total protein and albumin were significantly lower (P <0.05) in the exposed group. ALT and AST activities were significantly higher (P <0.05) in the exposed group. Occupational exposure to vat dyes may result in sub-clinical adverse effects on the liver, involving inhibition of its synthetic function.

Establishment of an Extraction Method for the Recovery of Tattoo Pigments from Human Skin Using HPLC Diode Array Detector Technology

Tattooing is a widespread process of puncturing pigments into skin, whereas the resulting concentration inside the skin remains unknown. Many tattoo colorants are organic pigments, such as azo pigments, manufactured for other uses. To remove tattoos from skin, laser pulses at very high intensities are applied to the skin to destroy the tattoo pigments. Recent investigations have shown that several azo compounds are cleaved by laser light leading to potentially toxic or carcinogenic compounds. To assess the risk of tattooing and laser treatment of tattoos, the concentration of the pigments and their decomposition products in the skin must be determined. Therefore, an extraction method was established to determine the concentration of tattoo pigments and decomposition products quantitatively. The extraction of two widely used azo compounds, Pigment Red 22 and Pigment Red 9, and their laser-induced decomposition products, 2-methyl-5-nitroaniline, 4-nitrotoluene, 2,5-dichloraniline, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene, was accomplished using recovery experiments and HPLC-DAD technology. Despite the poor solubility of the pigments, a nearly complete recovery from aqueous suspension (> 92%) or lysed skin (> 94%) was achieved. The decomposition products were extracted from aqueous suspension or skin showing a recovery of up to 100%, except for the very volatile 1,4-DCB.

Impact of Cyp1a2 or Ahr gene knockout in mice: Implications for biomonitoring studies

Studies of the impact of phase 1 enzyme polymorphisms on genetic damage have yielded mixed results. We studied how genetic damage would be altered when specific genes were ablated under low dose conditions.

METHODS

Knockouts (KO) were generated from c57bl6/J mice with mutations in Cyp1a2 or Ahr receptor that eliminated gene product function. Animals were treated topically with either 4-aminobiphenyl (4ABP) 10mg/kg, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) 33.3mg/kg or dibenzo(c,g)carbazole (DBC) 8 mg/kg, and sacrificed after 24h. DNA from livers, skin and/or urinary bladders were isolated and (32)P-post labelled.

RESULTS

Cyp1a2-/- mice did not differ in 4ABP DNA adduct levels in either urinary bladder or liver compared to wildtype. There was a sex difference in the organ affected. Cyp1a2 knockout reduced skin BAP adduct levels 50% and AHR knockout reduced skin BAP adduct levels by 90%. There was no impact of either knockout on the levels of DBC-DNA adducts in any tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Ablation of specific metabolizing enzymes had compound- and tissue-specific effects in mice. Phenotypic variability in single CYP enzymes may have minor impact in humans at low doses, but variation in the ability to induce the family of CYPs may have a greater impact.

Respiratory findings in gun factory workers exposed to solvents

OBJECTIVE

Gun factory workers are exposed to many solvents (toluene, acetone, butanol, xylene, benzene, trichloroethylene). We investigated whether chronic exposure to solvents had adverse effect on respiratory system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The workers were questionnaired by modified Medical Research Council's respiratory questionnaire before morning start shift. Then physical examination and measurement of pulmonary functions by portable dry rolling spirometer were performed. The study group consisted of 1091 gun factory workers. The workers were grouped according to their smoking habits (smokers, [exposed n: 353 vs. unexposed n: 339] and non-smokers [exposed n: 58 vs. unexposed n: 341]). Asthma-related symptoms were defined as either definite asthma, probable asthma, and possible asthma.

RESULTS

In non-smokers, the report of asthma-related symptoms was more prevalent in exposed workers than unexposed (39.7% vs. 21.7% OR 2.4[1.3-4.3], respectively P = 0.003). In smokers, the report of asthma-related symptoms was more common in exposed group than unexposed (50.7% vs. 42.5% OR 1.4[1.0-1.9], respectively P = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking (OR 2.8[2.0-3.8] P = 0.00001) and exposure to solvents (OR 1.4[1.1-1.9] P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for asthma-related symptoms, after adjusting for age. Logistic regression analysis identified that smoking (OR 3.3[2.3-4.6] P = 0.00001) was independent risk factors for chronic bronchitis. Multiple linear regression analysis of lung-function parameters (% forced expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity, FEF(25-75)) indicated significant effects of smoking.

CONCLUSION

Present study indicated significant effects of smoking and exposure to solvents, with the smoking effect being the most important on asthma-related symptoms of gun factory workers.