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Järvholm B, Burdorf A. Asbestos and disease - a public health success story? Scand J Work Environ Health 2024; 50:53-60. [PMID: 38323897 PMCID: PMC10924740 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper discusses the failure and success of society to decrease the adverse health effects of asbestos exposure on workers' health in relation to scientific knowledge. METHODS The findings are based on a narrative literature review. RESULTS Early warnings of the adverse health effects of workplace exposure to asbestos were published already in the 1930s. Serious health effects, such as malignancies and fibrosis due to occupational asbestos exposure, were highlighted in major medical journals and textbooks in late 1960s. New technologies could detect also asbestos fibers in the lung of non-occupational exposed persons in the 1970s. The first bans for using asbestos came in the early 1970s, and more general bans by authorities came in the 1980s and continue until today. CONCLUSIONS The rather late recognition of adverse effects of asbestos exposure in the general population and measures to decrease the exposure through more general bans came rather late. However, the very strong measures such as general bans in many countries have been a success. A Swedish study showed that the general ban and other measures have decreased the risk of malignancies due to occupational exposure. The effect of the bans on adverse effects in the general population has yet to be studied. Analysis of fibers in the lungs of persons born after the bans could be an efficient method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengt Järvholm
- Bengt Järvholm, Dept of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
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Xie D, Hu J, Wu T, Cao K, Luo X. Four Immune-Related Genes (FN1, UGCG, CHPF2 and THBS2) as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Carbon Nanotube-Induced Mesothelioma. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:4987-5003. [PMID: 34511983 PMCID: PMC8412823 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s324365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a highly aggressive cancer, was mainly attributed to asbestos exposure. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) share similar negative features to asbestos, provoking concerns about their contribution to MPM. This study was used to identify genes associated with CNT-induced MPM. Methods Microarray datasets were available in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The limma method was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CNT-exposed MeT5A cells (GSE48855) or mice (GSE51636). Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction were conducted to screen hub DEGs. The mRNA expression levels of hub DEGs were validated on MPM samples of GSE51024, GSE2549 and GSE42977 datasets, and their diagnostic efficacy was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The prognostic values of hub DEGs were assessed using online tools based on The Cancer Genome Atlas data. Their functions were annotated by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) enrichment and correlation with immune cells and markers. Results WGCNA identified that two modules were associated with disease status. Thirty-one common DEGs in the GSE48855 and GSE51636 datasets were overlapped with the genes in these two modules. Twenty of them had a high degree centrality (≥4) in the PPI network. Four DEGs (FN1, fibronectin 1; UGCG, UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase; CHPF2, chondroitin polymerizing factor 2; and THBS2, thrombospondin 2) could predict the overall survival, and they were confirmed to be upregulated in MPM samples compared with controls. Also, they could effectively predict the MPM risk, with an overall accuracy of >0.9. DAVID analysis revealed FN1, CHPF2 and THBS2 functioned in cell-ECM interactions; UGCG influenced glycosphingolipid metabolism. All genes were positively associated with infiltrating levels of immune cells (macrophages or dendritic cells) and the expression of the dendritic cell marker (NRP1, neuropilin 1). Conclusion These four immune-related genes represent potential biomarkers for monitoring CNT-induced MPM and predicting the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Xie
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianchen Hu
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Wu
- Shanghai LEVSON Nanotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200444, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangli Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Spacecraft Equipment, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Luo
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
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van Zandwijk N, Reid G, Frank AL. Asbestos-related cancers: the 'Hidden Killer' remains a global threat. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:271-278. [PMID: 32223452 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1745067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Asbestos, the most frequent cause of occupational cancer, continues to be consumed on a massive scale, with millions of people exposed on a daily basis. This review explains why we have failed in curtailing the silent epidemic of asbestos-related disease and why the numbers of asbestos victims are likely to remain high. Emerging and developed countries have to be reminded that asbestos exposure has yet to become a problem of the past. The worldwide spread of asbestos, followed by the surge of asbestos-related cancers, resembles the lung cancer epidemic caused by smoking and stimulated by manufacturers.Areas covered: Underreporting of malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-induced lung cancer, frequently-used arguments in the amphibole/chrysotile debate and the conclusion from bona-fide research organizations, that all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic, are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the consequences of ubiquitous environmental asbestos and the 'changing face' of malignant mesothelioma in countries with heavy asbestos use in the past.Expert opinion: Experts in oncology, respiratory medicine, occupational and public health, and basic researchers must take responsibility and acknowledge the ongoing silent epidemic of asbestos-related diseases. The call for a world-wide asbestos ban is more urgent than ever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico van Zandwijk
- Concord (Sydney) Medical School, University of Sydney, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, Australia
| | - Glen Reid
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Arthur L Frank
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Lin RT, Chien LC, Jimba M, Furuya S, Takahashi K. Implementation of national policies for a total asbestos ban: a global comparison. Lancet Planet Health 2019; 3:e341-e348. [PMID: 31439315 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(19)30109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two international Conventions from the International Labor Organization (ILO; C162 Asbestos Convention) and the UN (Basel Convention) offer governments guidelines for achieving a total asbestos ban policy, but the long-term effect of these Conventions on policy implementation, and the role of government effectiveness, remains unknown. We aimed to investigate associations between government ratification of the ILO and UN international Conventions, government effectiveness, and implementation of a national total asbestos ban. METHODS We obtained data for year of a national asbestos ban, year of ratification of one or both international Conventions, and World Bank government effectiveness scores for 108 countries that ever used asbestos. We did a survival analysis for countries with data in the follow-up period (March 22, 1989, to Feb 2, 2018) to assess whether ratification of the international Conventions and greater government effectiveness were associated with time of implementation of a national total asbestos ban. FINDINGS Of 108 countries with data for asbestos consumption, nine were excluded because they implemented an asbestos ban before 1989. Therefore, 99 countries were included in the survival analysis. 26 countries ratified both international Conventions and 73 ratified either one or no Convention. Countries that ratified both Conventions had a shorter time to adoption of a total asbestos ban (mean 8·9 [SD 6·4] years) than did countries that ratified one or no Conventions (16·9 [6·1] years). After controlling for government effectiveness, countries that ratified both Conventions had a significantly higher conditional probability of banning asbestos than did those ratifying one or no Convention (hazard ratio [HR] 41·8, 95% CI 4·5-383·3; p=0·0010). For every 1 point increment in government effectiveness, the percentage change in HR for persistent asbestos consumption significantly increased by 127% (95% CI 13-354; p=0·021). INTERPRETATION This study confirms that adoption of both the C162 Asbestos Convention and the Basel Convention facilitates countries in moving towards a total asbestos ban. The effect was reinforced by government effectiveness. Both international programmes and new agreements towards total asbestos bans and government commitments are needed. FUNDING China Medical University, and the Ministry of Science and Technology (Taiwan).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ro-Ting Lin
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Lung-Chang Chien
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sugio Furuya
- Japan Occupational Safety and Health Resource Center, Tokyo Japan
| | - Ken Takahashi
- Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kharazmi E, Chen T, Fallah M, Sundquist K, Sundquist J, Albin M, Weiderpass E, Hemminki K. Familial risk of pleural mesothelioma increased drastically in certain occupations: A nationwide prospective cohort study. Eur J Cancer 2018; 103:1-6. [PMID: 30196105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2018.07.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the effect of occupation on familial risk of pleural mesothelioma in a nationwide cohort study design. METHOD The nationwide Swedish Family-Cancer Database includes all Swedes born after 1931 and their biological parents, totalling 16.1 million individuals with about 2.3 million cancer patients. Hazards ratios (HRs) were calculated adjusting for age, sex and region of residence. RESULTS Having asbestos-related occupation in the absence of family history of mesothelioma increased risk of mesothelioma more than threefold (adjusted HR = 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-3.5). In those who had a history of mesothelioma in their first-degree relatives and an asbestos-related occupation, risk of mesothelioma dramatically increased compared with individuals without such occupations and family history (without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] HR = 24, 95% CI: 15-39; with COPD 45, 95% CI: 15-141). In those who had a family history of mesothelioma and no history of an asbestos-related occupation, risk of mesothelioma did not show significant increase compared with those who had no family history of mesothelioma and no asbestos-related occupation (HR = 1.6; 95% CI: 0.7-3.8). CONCLUSION First-degree relatives of patients with pleural mesothelioma had a drastic risk of developing this malignancy in case of certain occupations, which shows a gene-environment interaction is probable in risk of mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Kharazmi
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Preventive Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Tianhui Chen
- Group of Molecular Epidemiology and Cancer Precision Prevention, Institute of Occupational Diseases, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (ZJAMS), Hangzhou, China.
| | - Mahdi Fallah
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Preventive Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Department of Functional Pathology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Department of Functional Pathology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
| | - Maria Albin
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Cancer Registry of Norway, Institute of Population-based Cancer Research, Department of Research, Oslo, Norway; Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Genetic Epidemiology Group, Folkhälsan Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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