Reproductive endocrine effects of acute exposure to toluene in men and women

OBJECTIVES: Despite observation of adverse reproductive effects of toluene, including alterations of serum gonadotropins (luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)) in humans, little is known of the mechanism of toxicity. The hypothesis was tested that toluene acutely suppresses pulsatile gonadotropin secretion by measuring LH and FSH at frequent intervals during controlled exposure to toluene. METHODS: Women in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle and men were randomised to inhale filtered air with or without 50 ppm toluene through a mouthpiece for 3 hours (19% of the OSHA permissible exposure limit). Blood was sampled by intravenous catheter at 20 minute intervals for 3 hours before, 3 hours during, and 3 hours after exposure. Plasma LH, FSH, and testosterone were measured. Pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, and mean concentrations of LH and FSH for each of the 3 hour periods before, during and after exposure to toluene versus sham exposure were calculated with the ULTRA pulse detection program and compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. RESULTS: In men mean concentrations of LH showed a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between exposure and sampling period, with a greater LH decline during exposure to toluene than sham exposure. However, there was no concomitant effect on testosterone concentrations. The LH pulse frequency of women in the luteal phase showed a trend towards a significant interaction between exposure and sampling period (p = 0.06), with a greater decline in pulse frequency during exposure to toluene than sham exposure. There were no other significant effects of exposure to toluene. CONCLUSIONS: Three hour exposure to 50 ppm toluene did not result in abnormal episodic LH or FSH secretion profiles, however, subtle effects on LH secretion in men and women in the luteal phase were found. The clinical relevance of these effects is unclear, indicating the need for further study of reproductive function in exposed workers.

 

     

Impact of cadmium exposure on male sex hormones: a population-based study in China

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible effects of environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure on the levels of serum sex hormones in a Chinese population group. A total of 263 male volunteers were included. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum testosterone (T), measured by radioimmunoassay, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), both measured by enzyme immunoassays. Urinary and blood Cd were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). We found a dose-response relationship between urinary Cd excretion and the prevalence of abnormally high serum T levels, but, through multiple regression analysis, we could not trace exposure to Cd as a significant determinant of serum T levels. Exposure to Cd also failed to influence the levels of FSH and LH in serum. In contrast, we found that age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking habits are significant determinants of FSH and LH and of T and LH, respectively. We conclude that oral Cd exposure is not a critical determinant of hormone homeostasis in males, but lifestyle and some biological factors, such as age and BMI, are important. The relationship found between urinary Cd and high T levels may be of importance for male reproductive morbidity and should be investigated further.     

不同时间点锰暴露对大鼠睾丸激素的影响研究

目的 探讨不同时间点锰暴露对大鼠睾丸睾酮、雌二醇、促卵泡激素和促黄体生成素的影响。方法 选取健康成年雄性SD大鼠共96只,在本实验条件适应性喂养7 d后,根据预先设计的授时时间点（ZT2、ZT8、ZT14与ZT20）随机分为对照组与锰暴露组,每组12只。锰暴露组的剂量为30 mg/kg MnCl2,对照组为等容量的蒸馏水,采取腹腔注射的染毒方式,分别于各授时时间点进行染毒,每天1次,持续21 d。d22于相同的授时时间点处死动物,获取动物睾丸,检测其睾酮（T）、雌二醇（E2）、促卵泡激素（FSH）和促黄体生成素（LH）含量。结果 锰暴露可引起睾丸激素的改变,但在不同的授时时间点,其睾丸T、E2、FSH、LH含量的改变不相一致。ZT2暴露时间点,FSH和LH降低,而T升高;ZT8暴露时间点,FSH降低,而E2和T升高;ZT14暴露时间点,所有观察指标变化差异无统计学意义;ZT20暴露时间点,FSH和LH降低,而E2和T升高。结论 锰暴露所致的雄性生殖功能损伤具暴露时间差异性,在锰的生殖毒性评价时可能需考虑其暴露时间。     

SEX HORMONE STATUS IN MALE RATS AFTER EXPOSURE TO 50 HZ, 5 MTESLA MAGNETIC FIELD

The question of whether extremely low frequency magnetic fields can affect biological system has attracted attention. The theoretical possibility of such an interaction is often questioned and the site of interaction is unknown. The influence of extremely low frequency magnetic field of 50 Hz, 5 mTesla on sex hormone status was studied. 60 male albino rats were divided into 6 groups and were continuously exposed to 50 Hz, 5 mTesla magnetic field generated by magnetic field chamber for periods of 1, 2 and 4 weeks. For each experimental point, sham treated group was used as a control. Assay of serum testosterone LH, FSH, and prolactin were performed. Serum testosterone showed no significant changes. FSH showed significant increase than sham exposed group after 1 week magnetic field exposure. LH showed significant increase than sham exposed group only after 4 weeks magnetic field exposure, while serum prolactin hormone level showed a significant increase in all magnetic field exposed groups than sham exposed animals. Exposure to 50 Hz, 5 mTesla magnetic field for periods of 1, 2 and 4 weeks has no effect on testosterone level, some changes on FSH and LH serum levels and increase in serum prolactin level.     

丙烯腈对雄性大鼠生殖内分泌系统影响的研究

目的探讨丙烯腈（ＡＮ）对雄性生殖内分泌系统的影响,为保护男工健康提供科学依据。方法应用ＲＩＡ测定大鼠血清和睾丸匀浆中Ｔ、ＬＨ、ＦＳＨ和Ｅ２水平,并对睾丸、附睾做光、电镜组织病理学检查。结果皮下注射染毒ＡＮ３８天各组大鼠各检测指标均未发现有意义的改变;染毒７７天２５ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１组血清中Ｔ下降,ＬＨ升高,睾丸中Ｔ含量下降,ＬＨ、ＦＳＨ、Ｅ２均升高;光、电镜可见间质细胞及生精上皮受到不同程度的损害。结论丙烯腈可对雄性生殖内分泌系统产生损害作用,影响血清及睾丸匀浆中性激素水平,可能危害工人及子代健康,应引起高度重视。     

Adverse reproductive outcomes among male painters with occupational exposure to organic solvents

Objectives

To assess the risks of reproductive disorders and birth defects in offspring of male painters with exposure to organic solvents, and to determine the shape of the dose‐response relationship.

Methods

Random samples of painters and carpenters were drawn from workers affiliated with the Dutch Trade Union for Construction Workers, the Netherlands, 2001. Information on reproductive outcomes, occupational exposures, and lifestyle habits was retrospectively obtained through self‐administered questionnaires filled in by 398 painters exposed to organic solvents in paints, thinners, and cleansers in the period of three months before the last pregnancy, and 302 carpenters with little or no exposure to solvents. A statistical model was used to estimate quantitative exposure measures.

Results

Workers employed as painters at three months before pregnancy had an increased risk (odds ratio 6.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 27.9) of congenital malformations in offspring compared to carpenters. There was a positive exposure‐response trend with increasing exposure to organic solvents based on quantitative model predicted exposure estimates using toluene as a marker. There was some indication of an increased risk of functional developmental disorders in offspring among painters with intermediate and high model predicted exposure. The risk of low birth weight children seemed to be slightly increased among painters as well. Results for other reproductive outcomes (time to pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and preterm birth) did not show increased risks.

Conclusion

This study showed a positive association between paternal occupational exposure to organic solvents and congenital malformations in offspring. However, the small numbers of cases, especially when examining different exposure levels, as well as the self‐reported nature of exposure and outcome variables, may hamper interpretation of the results.     

输精管结扎对中老年男性性腺功能的远期影响

目的探讨输精管结扎术后对中老年男性性腺功能的远期影响。方法随机抽取有输精管结扎史的167例中老年男性,按照结扎年限不同分成10年组(10~19年)、20年组(20~29年)、30年组(≥30年)。按1∶1匹配未结扎、有生育史的167例中老年男性作为对照组。测量研究对象血清总睾酮(total testosterone,TT)、游离睾酮(free testosterone,c FT)、雌二醇(estradiol,E2)、性激素结合球蛋白(sex hormone binding globulin,SHBG)、卵泡刺激素(follicle-stimulating hormone,FSH)、黄体生成素(luteinizing hormone,LH)水平,简体中文版老年男性症状量表(CN-AMS)得分,比较两组间及不同结扎年限间的差异。结果结扎组与对照组在血清TT、c FT、E2、SHBG、FSH、LH水平及CN-AMS得分比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结扎10年组、20年组与对照组的各指标比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);结扎30年组血清c FT明显低于对照组(P0.05),血清TT、E2、SHBG、FSH、LH水平及CN-AMS得分比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论输精管结扎术后对中老年男性性腺功能远期没有明显影响。     

Phthalate Excretion Pattern and Testicular Function: A Study of 881 Healthy Danish Men

Background: In animals, some phthalates impair male reproductive development and function. Epidemiological studies have reported inconsistent evidence of associations between phthalates and markers of human testicular function.Objectives: We aimed to provide estimates of the effects of phthalate exposure on reproductive hormone levels and semen quality in healthy men.Methods: A total of 881 men gave urine, serum, and semen samples. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol (E₂), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin-B; semen quality; and urinary concentrations of 14 phthalate metabolites, including metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), were assessed. The proportions of DEHP and DiNP excreted as their respective primary metabolites [mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP)] were calculated and expressed as percentages (%MEHP and %MiNP, respectively).Results: The free androgen index was 15% lower [95% confidence interval (CI): –23, –8%] for men in the highest %MiNP quartile compared to the lowest quartile (p < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders, and 9% lower (95% CI: –16, –1%) in the highest %MEHP quartile (p = 0.02). %MEHP and %MiNP were negatively associated with the ratio of testosterone/LH and testosterone/FSH. %MEHP was negatively associated with total testosterone, free testosterone, and ratio of testosterone/E₂. %MiNP was positively associated with SHBG. There was little evidence of associations between urinary phthalate metabolites or sums of phthalates with reproductive hormones or semen qualityConclusion: Our data suggest that both testosterone production and pituitary–hypothalamic feedback may be compromised in individuals excreting a high proportion of primary metabolites of long-chained phthalates relative to the proportion of secondary metabolites.     

石化企业乙烯厂环境空气中低浓度苯乙烯和三苯对男性生殖健康的影响

目的研究某石油化工企业乙烯厂区环境空气中苯乙烯和三苯有机物污染情况以及其长期低浓度对男性工作人员生殖健康的影响。方法监测某石油化工企业乙烯厂区环境空气中存在苯乙烯和三苯有机污染物的含量,利用碳管采样,气相色谱分析;对暴露组符合条件的120名23~49岁已婚男性工作人员抽血检查性激素三项:血浆的睾酮(TO)和血清促卵泡成熟激素(FSH)和促间质细胞分泌激素(LH)。对照组是符合配对条件的80名已婚男性;同时通过调查问卷(10项指标)对乙烯厂600名符合条件的已婚男性工作人员的生殖健康状况进行调查,对照组为非接触挥发性有机溶剂的港务企业600名已婚男性。结果石化乙烯厂区环境空气中检出低浓度的苯乙烯和三苯有机物污染物,监测结果均远低于国家规定限(PC-TWA);暴露组男性工作人员血性激素三项结果均显著低于对照组(P0.05);男性生殖健康调查问卷10项指标中,暴露组发病率均明显高于对照组(P0.05)。苯乙烯和三苯分别与性激素三项进行多元线性回归分析,相关系数在0.83~0.89之间,并且P值都小于0.05,苯乙烯和三苯分别与TO、FSH和LH呈线性相关。结论长期接触环境空气中低浓度苯乙烯和三苯对男性生殖健康有不良影响。     

精索静脉曲张程度与激素水平的相关性研究

目的：探讨彩色多普勒检测精索静脉曲张（VC）患者静脉曲张的程度与患者血清睾酮（T）、催乳素（PRL）、黄体生成素（LH）、雌二醇（E2）、卵泡刺激素（FSH）五种生殖激素水平的相关性。方法：采用电化学免疫发光法，分别对186例不同程度的精索静脉曲张患者（A组62例、B组70例、C组54例）以及60例能正常生育且排除精索静脉曲张的患者（D组）的外周血以上五种生殖激素的水平进行检测。结果：随着精索静脉曲张程度的加重，FSH和E2水平呈逐渐升高趋势，C组FSH水平[（8．81±3．74）IU／L]与D组[（6．73±2．25）IU/L比较，C组E2水平[（52．32±6．17）ng／L]与D组[（38．62±4．08）ng／L]比较，差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。LH、PRL、T3种生殖激素A、B、C组与D组比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：精索静脉曲张程度与FSH和E2水平呈正相关。生殖激素水平对反映精索静脉曲张所致睾丸病理生理变化有一定的参考价值。     

Pesticide exposure alters follicle-stimulating hormone levels in Mexican agricultural workers

Organophosphorous pesticides (OPs) are suspected of altering reproductive function by reducing brain acetylcholinesterase activity and monoamine levels, thus impairing hypothalamic and/or pituitary endocrine functions and gonadal processes. Our objective was to evaluate in a longitudinal study the association between OP exposure and serum levels of pituitary and sex hormones. Urinary OP metabolite levels were measured by gas-liquid chromatography, and serum pituitary and sex hormone levels by enzymatic immunoassay and radioimmunoassay in 64 men. A total of 147 urine and blood samples were analyzed for each parameter. More than 80% of the participants had at least one OP metabolite in their urine samples. The most frequent metabolite found was diethylthiophosphate (DETP; 55%), followed by diethylphosphate (DEP; 46%), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP; 32%), and dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP; 31%). However, the metabolites detected at higher concentrations were DMTP, DEP, DMDTP, and dimethylphosphate. There was a high proportion of individuals with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations outside the range of normality (48%). The average FSH serum levels were higher during the heavy pesticide spraying season. However, a multivariate analysis of data collected in all periods showed that serum FSH levels were negatively associated with urinary concentrations of both DMTP and DMDTP, whereas luteinizing hormone (LH) was negatively associated with DMTP. We observed no significant associations between estradiol or testosterone serum levels with OP metabolites. The hormonal disruption in agricultural workers presented here, together with results from experimental animal studies, suggests that OP exposure disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary endocrine function and also indicates that FSH and LH are the hormones most affected.     

Neurobehavioral effects and hormones profile among spray painters

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 spray painters and 35 control subjects to evaluate neurobehavioral function, and thyroid and reproductive hormones profile. This study indicated higher prevalence of psychological and neurological symptoms, and clinical findings among spray painters when compared with controls. Levels of TSH were significantly (p<0.01) elevated in spray painters over the control group (3.04 +/- 1.53 vs 1.88 +/- 1.07 microIU/ml, mean +/- SD), respectively. Two of the 25 spray painters acquired sub-clinical hypothyroidism, and one subject was detected with overt hypothyroidism. T4 levels were significantly (p<0.05) suppressed in spray painters while T3 was not changed significantly in both the groups. Reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, and testosterone) showed no significant changes in control and spray-painting group. However, two spray painters had abnormally high level of LH (26.43 and 12.22 IU/l; normal range 0.5-10 IU/l). These subjects were also found to have abnormally higher level of FSH (38.63 and 14.11 IU/l; normal range 1.3-11.5 IU/l). An isolated higher level of FSH (39.94 IU/l) was also observed in one spray painter. No abnormality in the level of LH was observed in control group while 3 subjects from this group had abnormally high level of FSH. Testosterone levels were under the normal range (3-12 ng/ ml) in both the groups. This study might suggest that spray painters are at risk of developing neurobehavioral, thyroid and reproductive problems.     

Neuropsychological function in retired workers with previous long-term occupational exposure to solvents

OBJECTIVES: It is plausible that neurodegenerative processes of aging might have a contributing role in the development of chronic effects of exposure to organic solvents. This study evaluated the risk for neuropsychological deficits among retired workers, relative to their histories of exposure to occupational solvents. METHODS: This cross sectional study evaluated retired male workers, 62-74 years of age, including 89 people with previous long-term occupational exposure to solvents (67 retired painters and 22 retired aerospace manufacturing workers), and 126 retired carpenters with relatively minimal previous exposure to solvents. Subjects completed a standardised neuropsychological evaluation and psychiatric interview, structured interviews for histories of occupational exposure and alcohol consumption, and questionnaires assessing neurological and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: By comparison with the carpenters, the painters on average reported greater cumulative alcohol consumption and had lower scores on the WAIS-R vocabulary subtest, usually presumed to reflect premorbid intellectual functioning. These findings, however, were not sufficient to account for the other study findings. Controlling for age, education, vocabulary score, and alcohol use, the painters had lower mean scores on test measures of motor, memory, and reasoning ability; and a subgroup of aerospace workers with moderate to high cumulative exposure to solvents (n = 8) had lower mean scores on measures of visuomotor speed, and motor, attention, memory, and reasoning ability. Subjects were more likely to have an increased number of relatively abnormal test scores (three or more outlier scores on 17 test measures) among both the painter group (odds ratio (OR), 3.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.5 to 6.2) and the subgroup of aerospace workers with higher cumulative exposure (OR 5.6; 95% CI 1.0 to 38). The painters, but not the aerospace workers, reported significantly more neurological and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are consistent with residual central nervous system dysfunction from long-term exposure to organic solvents, persisting years after the end of exposure.

 

     

氯氰菊酯和甲基对硫磷混配对大鼠内分泌和免疫系统的影响——Ⅱ.联合作用

目的 探讨农药氯氰菊酯(Cyp)和甲基对硫磷(MP)混配对大鼠生殖激素、甲状腺激素和免疫功能的联合作用.方法 健康2月龄Wistar大鼠80只,按3×2析因设计随机分为8组(雌雄各4组).以1/30LD50剂量隔日灌胃1次,即0,Cyp 8.0mg/kg bw,MP 0.23mg/kg bw,Cyp 8.0+MP 0.23mg/kg bw,连续30天,对照组用色拉油.测量大鼠体重增长,脏器湿重;用放射免疫法测定血清生殖激素指标促黄体生成激素(LH)、促卵泡成熟激素(FSH)、雌二醇(E2)和睾酮(T);甲状腺激素指标(T3、T4和TSH);以及免疫指标IgG和IgA,取血测定淋巴细胞转化率、中性粒细胞吞噬率.结果 氯氰菊酯和甲基对硫磷混配对大多数指标为相加作用,但对卵巢和肾脏重量、淋巴细胞转化率和血清IgA为拮抗作用;对雌二醇的联合作用则有性别差异对雌鼠为协同作用,两种农药能分别使雌鼠血清雌二醇升高1.44倍或1.21倍;而对雄鼠则为相加作用,氯氰菊酯可使雄鼠E2值增加64.64%.结论 氯氰菊酯和甲基对硫磷混配可对大鼠生殖激素、甲状腺激素和免疫功能产生联合作用,雌二醇是较敏感的指标.     

男性铅作业工人生殖内分泌变化的研究

目的探讨铅对男性工人性激素水平的改变及其影响因素。方法选153名职业性接触铅男工为暴露组,同时选择年龄和经济条件相近,距离冶炼车间1.5km煤场中47名不接触铅男工为非铅暴露组,用石墨炉原子吸收光谱法测定血铅,ELISA方法测定血清中睾酮(T)、黄体生成素(FSH)、卵泡刺激素(LH)、雌二醇(E2)和抑制素B水平。结果暴露组男工血铅水平为370.2μg/L,高于非暴露组221.2μg/L(P0.01);暴露组男工血清中T的平均水平为8.20μg/L,低于非暴露组9.65μg/L(P0.05);抑制素B平均水平为240.5pg/ml高于非暴露组211.1pg/ml(P0.05);黄体生成素(FSH)、卵泡刺激素(LH)、雌二醇(E2)水平两组间差异无显著性(P0.05)。通过Logistic回归分析,发现影响血清T水平异常变化的因素主要是年龄和铅暴露,而抑制素B水平的改变主要与铅暴露有关。结论职业性铅暴露能诱导男工血清中T和抑制素B水平的改变,提示接触铅可损伤内分泌和睾丸支持细胞功能。     

抗苗勒氏管激素联合性激素检测在多囊卵巢综合征诊断中的应用

目的 探讨血清抗苗勒氏管激素(AMH)联合性激素检测对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)的诊断价值。方法 选取2019年1月—2020年3月在本院生殖医学中心门诊确诊的PCOS不孕患者43例作为研究组,另选取同期在本院生殖医学中心门诊就诊的非PCOS不孕患者41例作为对照组,分别检测两组患者血清中的AMH以及性激素水平。结果 研究组血清抗苗勒氏管激素(AMH)、睾丸酮(T)、促黄体生成素(LH)水平及LH与卵泡刺激素(FSH)比率(LH/FSH)均高于对照组(P值均＜0.05),卵泡刺激素(FSH)、泌乳素(PRL)及雌二醇(E2)与对照组的差异无统计学意义(t=1.002,0.863,1.126,P＞0.05);研究组AMH/T/LH联合检测诊断PCOS的敏感性(97.67%)和阴性预测值(97.22%)高于单项检测(χ2=22.398,22.693,P＜0.05);AMH/T/LH联合检测的约登指数(0.8304)高于T/LH单项检测(χ2=19.739,P＜0.05);对研究组AMH/T和AMH/LH进行相关性分析,均呈正相关,相关系数分别为r =0.1963(AMH/T)和r =0.1599(AMH/LH)。结论 血清AMH联合性激素检测对PCOS的临床诊断具有重要应用价值。     

Pilot study on prevalence of color vision dysfunction in long-term solvent-exposed painters

Main purpose of our study was to examine whether painters with long-term exposure to mixtures of organic solvents show slight dysfunctions in color vision ability. The study population consisted of 140 men with chronic exposure to organic solvents from paint and thinners (mean duration of exposure: 26 years). We used the Lanthony Desaturated Panel-D-15 (LDP-D15) to test color vision and calculated the color confusion index (CCI). The results were compared with reference values taken from the literature. Additionally the questionnaire Q18 for solvent related neurotoxic symptoms was applied and its results compared with the CCI. Painters between 25 to 55 years old had higher median CCI values than the respective age group of the references. No statistical significant association between CCI and the actual or chronic solvent exposure was found. The results of the Q18 did also not correlate significantly with the exposure indices. We recommend further studies to explore if the color confusion index is an appropriate indicator of early neurotoxic effects in painters.     

Solvent-related health effects among construction painters with decreasing exposure

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of solvent-related symptoms among construction painters is unclear due to their declining exposure. METHODS: A questionnaire study was conducted on 1000 male Finnish construction painters and 1000 carpenters. Symptom questions were combined with exposure parameters, medical history, and health behavior. RESULTS: Highly significant associations were found between cumulative intensity of long-term solvent exposure (CE-LT) and symptoms of memory and concentration, and mood. CE-LT was a better measure of solvent exposure than the number of years as a painter. Exposure was also associated with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, hypertension and arrhythmia. Recent exposure in the 1990s had no major effect on symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results strengthen the dose-response relationship of exposure and long-term neurotoxic effects. No clear association was found between recent exposure and symptoms. Cardiovascular effects in solvent-exposed construction painters is further suggested.     

Liver function tests and urinary albumin in house painters with previous heavy exposure to organic solvents.

The serum activities or concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), bilirubin (BIL), cholic acid (CHOL), chenodeoxycholic acid (CHENO), and transferrin with isoelectric point 5.7, and the urinary excretion of albumin were determined among male current or former house painters (n = 135) and house carpenters (n = 71) who had worked in their trades for at least 10 years before 1970. Workers who showed a value above the 90th percentile among the carpenters in at least one of the tests ASAT, ALAT, GGT, BIL, CHOL, or CHENO were regarded as showing "possible signs of liver dysfunction". Each participant's lifetime solvent exposure was evaluated by interview. The painters were divided into categories with low, intermediate, and heavy cumulative exposure during life (LTSE) or during the most exposed year (MEYSE). All participants stated none or slight recent exposure. The prevalence of possible signs of liver dysfunction increased with solvent exposure category according to LTSE as well as MEYSE with a numerically higher risk estimate in the heavy exposure category for MEYSE than for LTSE. ALP activity increased with exposure category according to both exposure estimates. This increase seemed to be due to an interaction between exposure to solvents and current or previous long term intake of medicines potentially toxic to the liver. None of these results was affected by whether or not the subjects had been exposed to solvents during the year before the investigation. The exposure to solvents was not significantly related to any other outcome variable. It is concluded that long term heavy exposure to solvents may elicit changes in conventional liver function tests indicative of a mild chronic effect on the liver. The findings also suggest that heavy solvent exposure during short time periods is a more likely cause of the findings than lifetime cumulative solvent exposure and that an interaction between solvent exposure and medicines potentially harmful to the liver may be important in the causation of the effects.     

二苯甲撑二异氰酸酯对男工性激素水平的影响

目的 探讨二苯甲撑二异氰酸酯（MDI）对作业男工体内性激素水平的影响。方法 对某化工厂84名接触MDI的男工和96名对照男工血清睾酮（T）、卵泡刺激素（FSH）和黄体生成素（LH）水平进行检测和比较。结果 MDI作业男工血清T水平显著低于对照组（P＜0．01）;FSH及LH水平显著高于对照组（P＜0．01）;高浓度接触组男工血清T显著低于中浓度组和低浓度组（P＜0．01）;而LH及FSH却显著高于中浓度组和低浓度组（P＜0．01）;MDI作业男工性功能与对照组比显著减退（P＜0．01）;吸烟饮酒可导致血清T水平显著低于未吸烟饮酒组（P＜0．01）,而LH及FS未吸烟饮酒组无明显差异（P＞0．05）,且MDI与吸烟饮酒三者存在协同作用的关系。结论 MDI具有一定的生殖毒性。