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Minoretti P, Sáez ASS, Martín ÁFG, Riera ML, Serrano MG, Emanuele E. Prevalence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in apparently healthy airline pilots: A transient elastography study. Hepatol Forum 2024; 5:7-10. [PMID: 38283276 PMCID: PMC10809345 DOI: 10.14744/hf.2023.2023.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aim Airline pilots (APs) are often characterized by a sedentary lifestyle, predisposing them to adverse cardiometabolic consequences. In this cross-sectional study, we used transient elastography (TE) to investigate the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis among apparently healthy APs. Materials and Methods The study cohort consisted of 137 male APs of Caucasian descent who voluntarily underwent TE. To evaluate the extent and severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, we employed established cutoff values for the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Results Of the APs, 34 (24.8%) were diagnosed with TE-defined steatosis. Specifically, 25 APs (18.2%) exhibited mild steatosis, 6 (4.4%) moderate steatosis, and 3 (2.2%) severe steatosis. The majority of participants (80 APs or 58.4%) showed no signs of liver fibrosis based on LSM values. However, 49 APs (35.8%) were diagnosed with mild fibrosis (F1), 7 (5.1%) with significant fibrosis (F2), and one (0.7%) with advanced fibrosis (F3). None of the pilots had F4 (cirrhosis). In multivariable linear regression analysis, BMI was the sole independent predictor of both CAP (β=0.34, p<0.001) and LSM (β=0.41, p<0.001) values in our sample of male APs. Conclusion TE is a straightforward and convenient non-invasive method for detecting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in high-risk occupational groups such as APs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piercarlo Minoretti
- Studio Minoretti, Oggiono (LC), Italy
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés S. Santiago Sáez
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel F. García Martín
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miryam Liaño Riera
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Gómez Serrano
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
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Minoretti P, Sáez ASS, Martín ÁFG, Riera ML, Serrano MG, Emanuele E. Skin biophysical parameters and serum dermokine levels in airline pilots: a comparative study with office workers. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2023; 40:757-761. [PMID: 38282882 PMCID: PMC10809828 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2023.132262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Concerns are growing in the aviation industry about occupational skin diseases like malignant melanoma (MM) among airline pilots (APs), due to the unique working environment that exposes them to various skin stressors. Aim To compare five skin biophysical parameters in a group of 40 male APs, each matched in terms of age and service tenure (minimum of 5 years) with a control group of 40 male office workers (OWs). Considering the potential role of dermokine (DMKN) in skin barrier dysfunction and the pathogenesis of MM, we further analyzed the serum levels of this molecule and correlated them with the measured skin parameters. Material and methods Stratum corneum skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum content, erythema index (EI), and melanin index (MI) were quantified by non-invasive instruments in the cheek region. Serum DMKN levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results Compared with OWs, the skin of APs exhibited a decrease in hydration levels in the stratum corneum, coinciding with a higher TEWL. However, there was no significant variance in sebum content between the groups. MI was notably higher in APs than in OWs, as was EI. In APs, serum DMKN levels were independently associated with MI (β = 0.56, p < 0.05). Conclusions We found a significant link between the profession of an airline pilot and changes in skin biophysical parameters. Further research into the interplay between serum DMKN levels and the risk of MM in APs is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piercarlo Minoretti
- Studio Minoretti, Oggiono, Italy
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés S. Santiago Sáez
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel F. García Martín
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miryam Liańo Riera
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Gómez Serrano
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Minoretti P, Santiago Sáez AS, García Martín ÁF, Riera M, Gómez Serrano M, Lahmar A, Emanuele E. Impact of Job Types on Plasma Neurotrophins Levels: A Preliminary Study in Airline Pilots, Construction Workers, and Fitness Instructors. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2023; 44:439-443. [PMID: 37874553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophins (NTs) encompass a group of closely associated proteins regulating various aspects of neuronal growth and survival. The potential association between work-related factors and the levels of circulating NTs has not been extensively examined. In this preliminary investigation, we evaluated plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) in a cohort of healthy individuals from three distinct professional categories, each with unique work environments and lifestyle factors. METHODS The study involved 60 men from three professional fields: airline pilots, construction laborers, and fitness trainers (20 participants per category) recruited during routine occupational health appointments. Plasma levels of NTs were measured using commercially available immunoassays and compared in the three professional groups. RESULTS Among the professions studied, fitness instructors displayed the highest concentrations of BDNF and NGF, with airline pilots ranking second, and construction workers showing the lowest levels. Significantly decreased NT-3 levels were observed in airline pilots compared to fitness instructors and construction workers, but no differences were found between the latter two occupations. NT-4 levels were similar across all three occupational groups. CONCLUSIONS Our pilot results suggest that plasma concentrations of NTs, which are involved in various aspects of neuronal and cognitive functioning, may display significant differences among healthy individuals depending on their occupation. These observations warrant additional research to explore potential implications for the field of occupational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piercarlo Minoretti
- Studio Minoretti, Oggiono, Italy
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés S Santiago Sáez
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel F García Martín
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miryam Riera
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Gómez Serrano
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abdelilah Lahmar
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed I University, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Enzo Emanuele
- 2E Science, Via Monte Grappa 13, I-27038 Robbio, Italy
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Minoretti P, Santiago Sáez AS, García Martín ÁF, Liaño Riera M, Gómez Serrano M, Emanuele E. Impact of different job types on serum cytokine levels in apparently healthy individuals: A comparative study among airline pilots, construction workers, and fitness instructors. Cytokine 2023; 169:156291. [PMID: 37399605 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of occupational factors on serum cytokine concentrations has not been extensively explored. In this preliminary investigation, we measured the amounts of 12 cytokines in the serum of healthy individuals, comparing three diverse professional categories (aviation pilots, building laborers, and exercise trainers) with distinct work settings and lifestyle factors. METHODS The study sample comprised 60 men from three distinct professional fields - airline pilots, construction laborers, and fitness trainers (20 participants per category) - who were enlisted during regular outpatient occupational health appointments. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-α, and IFN-γ were measured on a Luminex® platform using a specific kit. Cytokine levels were compared among the three professional groups to determine any significant differences. RESULTS Among the three occupational groups, fitness instructors demonstrated elevated IL-4 concentrations in comparison to both airline pilots and construction laborers, with no significant difference between the latter two professions. Additionally, a stepwise increase in IL-6 levels was identified, commencing with fitness instructors presenting the lowest quantities, succeeded by construction workers, and culminating with airline pilots, who displayed the most elevated concentrations. CONCLUSION Serum cytokine levels in healthy individuals can exhibit variations based on their occupation. Given the unfavorable cytokine profile detected in airline pilots, it is crucial for the aviation sector to tackle potential health concerns within their employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piercarlo Minoretti
- Studio Minoretti, Oggiono (LC), Italy; Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés S Santiago Sáez
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel F García Martín
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miryam Liaño Riera
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Gómez Serrano
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enzo Emanuele
- 2E Science, Via Monte Grappa 13, I-27038 Robbio (PV), Italy.
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Minoretti P, Santiago Sáez AS, García Martín ÁF, Liaño Riera M, Gómez Serrano M, Emanuele E. Mild Depressive Symptoms in Airline Pilots Associated With Impaired Executive Functions. Cureus 2023; 15:e41616. [PMID: 37565100 PMCID: PMC10410288 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While significant efforts have been made to understand the influence of depression-related impairments on executive functioning within the general population, the specific impact on airline pilots remains largely unexplored. Considering the crucial role that cognitive abilities play in the realm of aircraft piloting, it is imperative to probe into the potential repercussions of depressive symptoms on executive functions (EFs) among this professional cohort. OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore the associations between depressive symptoms and EFs in a convenience sample of airline pilots. METHODS Male airline pilots (n = 100) underwent the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) to gauge both the presence and intensity of depressive symptoms. The Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), the Digit Span Task (DST), and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used to assess EFs. RESULTS Of the entire sample of pilots, 88% (n = 88) demonstrated minimal depressive symptoms with a BDI-II score ranging from 0 to 13. The remaining 12% (n = 12) exhibited mild depression, with scores between 14 and 19. Pilots suffering from mild depression demonstrated prolonged color and word times and a higher time interference (TI) score on the SCWT. Moreover, these individuals exhibited lower scores on the DST across both the forward digit span (FDS) and backward digit span (BDS) subtests. Finally, the presence of mild depression correlated with an increased number of total errors, encompassing both perseverative and non-perseverative errors, in the WCST. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, we found an independent association between BDI-II scores and total errors in the WCST. CONCLUSION Our research points to substantial differences in EFs between airline pilots demonstrating mild depression and those exhibiting minimal depressive symptoms. This information can catalyze heightened consciousness about the psychological welfare of pilots.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrés S Santiago Sáez
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Ángel F García Martín
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Miryam Liaño Riera
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
| | - Manuel Gómez Serrano
- Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, ESP
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