Serum neopterin in workers exposed to inorganic dust containing free crystalline silicon dioxide

The study was conducted among 92 male workers, divided into two groups depending on workplace and level of inorganic dust containing free crystalline SiO₂ in the work environment, and 43 healthy workers without exposure to dust aerosols. The measured inhalable and respirable dust concentrations, as well as the concentration of free crystalline silica (FCS) in the respirable fraction were different for the two groups, but the percentage of free crystalline silica in the respirable fraction was almost identical. Significantly higher neopterin levels were found in workers exposed to dust, compared to the control group: 12.72 nmol/L and 6.32 nmol/L respectively (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between serum neopterin levels in both groups of the exposed workers. Among the groups with different length of service, a statistically higher neopterin level was evident only in the workers with length of service less than 10 years (p<0.05). The correlation analysis did not find a significant dependence of neopterin levels on the age of the studied workers or on the duration of smoking in packet years. The difference between neopterin levels in smokers and non-smokers was nonsignificant. The results obtained show that increased neopterin levels in the exposed workers are not influenced by individual features, duration and level of exposure to inorganic dust, but mostly by the presence of FCS in the respirable fraction.     

两种白细胞介素与冠状动脉钙化积分的相关性分析

目的：探讨血清白细胞介素‐10（IL‐10）和白细胞介素‐18（IL‐18）与冠状动脉钙化积分的关系。方法采用 ELISA 法检测正常人和冠状动脉不同钙化积分冠心病患者血清中 IL‐10和 IL‐18水平,分析钙化积分与两种白介素血清水平的关系。结果 IL‐10和 IL‐18在不同钙化积分疾病组和对照组之间血清水平浓度差异显著,其中,与对照组比较,重度组中 IL‐10和 IL‐18、中度组中 IL‐18差异有统计学意义;与轻度组比较,重度组中 IL‐10差异有统计学意义,中度组中两种白介素差异均无统计学意义;与中度组比较,重度组中 IL‐10差异有统计学意义。钙化积分与 IL‐10呈正相关,相关系数 r＝0．396,P＝0．001;与 IL‐18相关性不显著（相关系数 r ＝0．116,P＝0．429）。结论 IL‐10和IL‐18在不同的钙化积分患者中表达不同,对冠心病诊断价值明显,也可以为动脉粥样硬化的预防和治疗提供一种新的策略。     

石场接尘工人肺通气功能检查结果分析

目的 探讨石场接尘工人肺通气功能异常情况.方法 运用流行病学手段,对8间石场260例接尘工人进行肺功能测定(包括FVC、FEV1、MMF、V50、V75),并与246例无接尘正常工人做对照.结果 石场接尘工人肺通气功能显著低于对照组工人,肺通气功能异常有随着工龄增长而增加的趋势,并女工肺功能异常率高于男工.结论 石场接尘人工肺功能有损伤,并在接尘工龄、性别上有差异,因此,提倡加强职业防护,做好粉尘作业工人健康监护.     

Pulmonary function studies in 15 to 18 years age workers exposed to dust in industry.

Pulmonary function tests (VC, FEV1% and FEF25-75%) were evaluated in 15 to 18 years age workers employed in slate pencil industry exposed to silica dust, in wool carpet industry exposed to wool dust and in diamond cutting and polishing exposed to carbon dust. These values were compared with the values obtained in clinically healthy non-smokers of the same age group. The results revealed significant impairment of VC in diamond workers, and FEF25-75% in slate pencil workers. When the values were observed according to smoking habits in diamond workers, VC, FEV1 and FEF25-75% were all significantly reduced in smokers whereas in non-smokers only VC was lowered significantly. Among slate pencil workers FEF25-75% was significantly reduced in both smokers and non-smokers. Wool dust exposed workers showed reduced values than normal subjects. The detailed results including the prevalence of various pulmonary impairments were presented.     

Contribution of calcium dysregulation to impaired coronary artery contraction in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

Diabetic coronary artery injury is closely associated with Ca²⁺ dysregulation, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study explored the role and mechanism of Ca²⁺ handling in coronary artery dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats. Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were used as the type 2 diabetes mellitus model. The contractility of coronary artery rings induced by KCl, CaCl₂, 5-HT and U46619 was significantly lower in ZDF rats than in Zucker lean rats. Vasoconstriction induced by 5-HT and U46619 was greatly inhibited by nifedipine. However, in the presence of 1 μM nifedipine or in the Ca²⁺-free KH solution containing 1 μM nifedipine, there was no difference in the vasoconstriction between Zucker lean and ZDF rats. Store-operated calcium channels (SOCs) were not involved in coronary vasoconstriction. The downregulation of contractile proteins and the upregulation of synthesized proteins were in coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) from ZDF rats. Metformin reversed the reduction of vasoconstriction in ZDF rats. Taken together, L-type calcium channel is important for regulating the excitation–contraction coupling of VSMCs in coronary arteries, and dysregulation of this channel contributes to the decreased contractility of coronary arteries in T2DM.     

Association between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease

The etiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) is multifunctional. There is increasing evidence that dental infections could play a role in the initiation and development of CAD. In a case control double blind study, one hundred male and female (mean age 51 ± 9.4) angiographically documented CAD, compared with one hundred male and female patients (mean age 50.6 ± 9) with angiographically negative coronary artery. All the patients (cases and control) underwent dental examination for the presence and severity of periodontitis by a dentist who was oblivious the result of the angiography performed. The association between periodontal disease status and CAD was significant (P=0.011); periodontitis was apparently more frequent in CAD positive patients than in control (86% versus 61%). Adjustment of coronary risk factors (smoking, DM, hypertension and hyperlipidemia) in both cases and control groups suggests that the association between periodontitis and CAD in our study was independent of coronary risk factors. There is increasing evidence that dental infection, especially aerobic organisms which have capability of aggregation of platelets, is the most important cause. Dental infection would be an independent risk factor for CAD.     

Association between cytochrome P450 3A5 polymorphism and the lung function in Saskatchewan grain workers

OBJECTIVE: The activity of the enzymes that metabolize tobacco smoke may affect the susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 is expressed selectively over CYP3A4 in human lung, but the association between the CYP3A5 polymorphisms and the airway injury is unknown. METHODS: Two hundred and six male Saskatchewan grain workers participated in this longitudinal study, and their lung function values of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), respiratory symptoms, smoking status, and the occupational history were analyzed. RESULTS: A significant interactive effect was observed between the CYP3A5 genotype and current smoking status on FEV1, and the annual decline rates of FEV1 and FVC in current smokers were greater among CYP3A5*1/*3 carriers than CYP3A5*3/*3 carriers (-48.7+/-16.4 vs. -31.5+/-4.7 ml/years, P=0.02; -27.4+/-18.9 vs. -5.8+/-6.5 ml/years, P=0.04). The incidences of chronic cough and COPD were also higher in current smokers with CYP3A5*1/*3 than in nonsmokers and current smokers with CYP3A5*3/*3. The adjusted odds ratios for chronic cough and COPD current smokers with CYP3A5*1/*3 versus nonsmokers with the CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype were 11.4 (P=0.009) and 4.3 (P=0.13), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that CYP3A5*1 may be a novel genetic risk factor for airway injury in smokers, and that CYP3A5 may play a role in airway injury owing to the bioactivation of chemicals in tobacco smoke.     

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and inflammatory biomarkers in retired workers exposed to inorganic dusts

The persistent lung inflammation results in inhaled toxic dusts bring pathologic changes in airway system that lead to development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recently, beyond local inflammation in lung, COPD is regarded as chronic systemic inflammatory disease linked to extra pulmonary disease. Therefore, several local and systemic inflammatory biomarkers were needed to be investigated for understanding of COPD. Hence, this current study was aimed to identify the association between COPD and inflammatory biomarkers in workers exposed to inorganic dusts. Clara cell secretary proteins (CC-16) and surfactant protein D (SP-D) were chosen as local inflammatory biomarker, high sensitive Creactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-6, serum amyloid protein A (SAA) and tyrosine lysine leucine 40 (YKL-40) were chosen as systemic inflammatory markers in 39 COPD and 39 control group. In current study, CC-16, hsCRP and YKL-40 were linked to COPD in conditional logistic regression model. Furthermore, CC-16 and hsCRP are related to COPD independently to working duration and smoking history. These results suggest that local and inflammatory biomarker could be independent predictor of COPD in worker exposed to inorganic dusts.     

接煤尘后工人肾功能损害的调查研究

目的调查研究接煤尘工人尿N-乙酰-β-D-氧基葡萄糖苷酸酶(NAG)活性和血自由基变化。方法选择接煤尘为0、5、10、15和20年的工人为研究对象．取工人静脉血测定血浆肌酐(Cr)、一氧化氮(NO)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)，同时测定尿．NAG酶活性，并进行比较分析。结果接煤尘组血浆Cr均在正常范围内，但接煤尘15年组和20年组高于列照组(P＜0．01)，血浆NO、SOD和MDA水平同对照组比较，差异有显著意义(分别为P＜0．05、P＜0．01)，接煤尘组尿NAG均高于对照组，10年组至20年组有统计学意义(P＜0．01)。结论工人接煤尘时间越长，肾损害越重，尿NAG越高，尿NAG测定有助于肾损害的早期诊断。     

Study on kidney function in female workers exposed to perchlorethylene

1. Biochemical markers of kidney damage were examined in 16 female workers chronically exposed to tetrachlorethylene (TCE) in five dry-cleaning shops. The results were compared with those obtained in 13 females non-occupationally exposed to organic solvents. 2. The intensity of exposure was monitored by personal environmental monitoring. The time-weighed average exposure to TCE amounted to 157 mg m-3 (range 9-799 mg m-3). A satisfactory agreement was found between the concentration of TCE in ambient air sampled with the charcoal tube method and with a passive dosimeter. 3. The urinary excretion of lysozyme was increased in the exposed group. No difference was found in the urinary excretion of albumin, beta 2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase, total proteins or glucose. The prevalence of abnormal values of biochemical parameters in the exposed group did not differ from that observed in the control group. No correlation was found between the level of TCE exposure and biochemical parameters. 4. The present study suggests that chronic exposure to TCE does not lead to renal damage.     

研究老年肾功能损害与冠心病患病的关系

目的 探讨老年患者的肾功能损害情况与冠心病发病间的关系.方法 随机选取我院2009年1月至2011年12月间收治的老年患者86例,依据肾脏病分期将患者分为五组:GFR≥90 ml/(min·173 m2)为对照组,共有患者42例,60 ml/(min·173 m2)≤GFR≤89 ml/(min·173 m2)为A组,共有患者26例,30 ml/(min·173 m2)≤GFR≤59 ml/(min·173 m2)为B组,共有患者8例,15 ml/(min·173 m2)≤GFR≤29 ml/(min·173 m2)为C组,共有患者6例,GFR＜15 ml/(min·173 m2)为D组,共有患者4例.以logistic回归分析冠心病与肾功能损害间的关系.结果 C组与D组患者的冠心病发病率显著高于对照组,差异有显著性(P＜0.05).男性患者的发病率高于女性,差异有显著性(P＜0.05),经多元logistic回归分析,冠心病病发随GFR降低而升高.结论 对于老年患者肾功能损害为冠心病病发的独立危险因素.     

老年2型糖尿病患者冠脉钙化积分与血清护骨素水平的关系

目的探讨老年2型糖尿病患者冠脉钙化积分与血清护骨素水平的相关性。方法 45例老年2型糖尿病住院患者随机分为2组,冠脉钙化积分正常组和冠脉钙化积分异常组,采用两样本t检验比较不同冠脉钙化积分分组间血清护骨素水平的差异,采用多元线性回归分析老年2型糖尿病患者冠脉钙化积分的影响因素。结果老年2型糖尿病患者冠脉钙化积分异常组的血清护骨素水平(4.07±0.61)ng/L高于冠脉钙化积分正常组(2.78±0.59)ng/L,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),血清护骨素水平、高密度脂蛋白、三酰甘油是冠脉钙化积分的影响因素(P<0.05)。结论血清护骨素水平与老年2型糖尿病患者大血管并发症相关联,护骨素在老年2型糖尿病患者大血管并发症的发生发展中起一定作用。     

Alveolar macrophage function in nickel dust exposed rabbits.

8 rabbits were exposed to metallic nickel dust (2 mg/m3, of which about half was respirable) for 4 weeks. The lungs were lavaged and the macrophages were collected. In comparison with 8 control rabbits, a significant increase was noted in the nickel exposed rabbits as concerned the weight and density of the lungs, the size variation of the lung cells, the phagocytosis of silver coated particles, and the metabolic activity as measured by NBT reduction. The last mentioned increase was recorded during basal conditions as well as during phagocytosis. The NBT reduction during phagocytosis was significantly correlated with the degree of phagocytosis of silver coated particles in both control and exposed rabbits. It is suggested that the exposure to nickel dust has unspecifically activated the macrophages perhaps by increased production of phospholipids.     

水泥粉尘接触工人丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化物酶的测定分析(英文)

采用硫代巴比妥酸显色法,黄嘌呤氧化酶法和DTNB(5′-二硫代双二硝基苯甲酸法)测定50例水泥粉尘接触工人和50例健康对照工人血清MDA含量、SOD和POD活力,以探讨丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化物酶(POD)在水泥粉尘接触工人体内发生发展的意义。通过测定,结果显示,水泥粉尘接触工人血清MDA含量、SOD的活力较对照组比较,在统计学上无显著性差异(P>0.05),水泥接触工人血清POD的活力较对照组比较,有高度统计学意义(P<0.01)。说明水泥粉尘促进了机体脂质过氧反应水平,使机体抗氧化酶活力下降,显示了水泥粉尘对机体的早期损伤效应。     

Symptoms, spirometry, and serum antibody concentrations among compost workers exposed to organic dust

Work-related symptoms and diseases of 190 currently exposed compost workers, 59 former compost workers, and 38 nonexposed control subjects were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Using a standardized questionnaire, participants were asked for work-related symptoms, exposures to bioaerosols, atopic diseases, and smoking habits. The subjects underwent a physical examination and a lung function test. In addition, total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgE specific to environmental allergens and moulds, and IgG specific to molds and actinomycetes were quantified. Compared to controls, compost workers suffered more often from cough and irritation of the eyes in terms of mucosal membrane irritation (MMI). Former compost workers reported similar work-related complaints, but most MMI symptoms had improved after termination of bioaerosol exposure. In contrast, cough and dyspnea persisted, indicating a chronic process. Lung function parameters of compost workers were within the reference ranges. Nevertheless, forced vital capacity (FVC) was significantly lower than for controls. Specific IgE to environmental allergens and molds was positive in 25.3% and 7.4%, respectively, of currently exposed compost workers. There were no marked differences in IgE and IgG concentrations among the three groups. Compost workers suffered with a higher frequency from cough and MMI symptoms. The findings that MMI symptoms improved in former compost workers after leaving the job confirmed the association with bioaerosol exposure. Further, the reduced FVC may be produced by this exposure. There was no higher frequency of mold sensitization in the group of compost workers compared to controls, which may be an indication of a healthy worker survivor effect.     

Age- and endothelium-dependent changes in coronary artery reactivity to serotonin and calcium

The influence of ageing and endothelium removal on the sensitivity and contractile response of rat coronary arteries to intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) during activation with serotonin (5-HT) and membrane depolarisation with 125 mM K+ was investigated. The sensitivity and contractile response of coronary arteries to 5-HT were significantly higher in 2-year-old than in 3-month-old rats. The receptor responsible for the 5-HT-induced contractions in coronary arteries belongs to a population of 5-HT2 receptors in both young and old rats based on the Schild plot. The resting levels of [Ca2+]i and active tension were both increased by age and endothelium removal. During depolarisation with 125 mM K+, the sensitivity to [Ca2+]i and maximal tension induced by [Ca2+]i were not affected by age or endothelium. During activation with 10 microM 5-HT, the maximal tension induced by [Ca2+]i was increased by age but not affected by endothelium, whereas the sensitivity to [Ca2+]i was increased by endothelium removal. In conclusion, ageing is associated with an increased sensitivity to 5-HT in rat coronary small arteries. The increased sensitivity to 5-HT seems to involve an augmented contractile response to [Ca 2+]i in 5-HT-activated coronary arteries and a diminished endothelial basal vasodilator function.     

非体外循环下行冠脉搭桥手术对患者心肺功能的影响

目的探讨非体外循环下行冠脉搭桥手术对患者心肺功能的影响。方法206例拟行冠脉搭桥术的患者按照数字表法随机分为两组,观察组103例,对照组103例,观察组采用非体外循环下行冠脉搭桥手术,对照组采用体外循环下行冠脉搭桥手术。测定两组患者的左室射血分数（LVEF）、左心室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）、血浆N末端B型脑钠肽（NT—proBNP）和肺功能。结果术后两组患者的LVEF均有明显降低,并且对照组降低更明显（t=2．659,P〈0．05）,两组LVEDD和NT—proBNP术后均有明显升高,并且对照组升高更明显（t=3．226、2．726,均P〈0．05）。术后两组的肺功能均有明显降低,与观察组比较,对照组降低更明显（t=2．620、2．094、3．016,均P〈0．05）。结论非体外循环下行冠脉搭桥手术不仅创伤小,而且对心、肺影响小。     

高血压病患者颈动脉斑块及冠心病与血压变异性的关系

目的 探讨高血压病患者颈动脉斑块及冠心病与血压变异性的关系.方法 选取原发性高血压患者126例,行24h动态血压、颈动脉超声、冠状动脉造影或冠状动脉CT检查.根据颈动脉超声结果分为颈动脉斑块组(64例)和非斑块组(62例),根据冠状动脉造影或冠状动脉CT检查结果分为冠心病组(77例)和非冠心病组(49例),分别比较血压变异系数与颈动脉斑块及冠心病的关系.结果 ①颈动脉斑块组SBP平均值及变异系数与非斑块组的差异有统计学意义[SBP平均值:(145±15) mm Hg比(116±10)mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),变异系数:(0.09±0.03)比(0.07±0.01),P＜0.05],而组间DBP平均值及变异系数的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).②冠心病组SBP变异系数和DBP平均值与非冠心病组的差异有统计学意义[SBP变异系数:(0.09±0.02)比(0.07±0.02),DBP平均值:(68±6)mm Hg比(71±6)mm Hg,P＜0.05],组间SBP平均值及DBP变异系数的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).③SBP变异系数与冠心病相关(r=3.719,P=0.025).结论 血压变异系数尤其是SBP变异系数是颈动脉斑块及冠心病发病的危险因素.     

Impaired endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilatation in workers occupationally exposed to lead

The aim of the study was to examine endothelial function in workers occupationally exposed to lead by means of FMD (flow-mediated dilatation). 44 men professionally exposed to lead, smelters and refiners, employees working at copper smelter and control group of 41 healthy men were enrolled into the study. Within the group of men occupationally exposed to lead the absolute increase in diameter after ischaemia (BAD, brachial artery diameter) and flow-mediated dilation were statistically less significant when compared to those of the control group. There was a negative linear correlation between FMD and lead concentration in copper smelters (r=-0.64). Multivariate backward step-wise regression analysis showed that blood lead concentration in copper smelters independently influenced the impairment of endothelial function expressed as decreased FMD value. In conclusion, results of our study suggest that endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilatation was impaired in workers occupationally exposed to lead.     

缬沙坦与苯那普利对冠心病合并舒张功能异常的疗效分析

目的:探讨缬沙坦与苯那普利对冠心病合并舒张功能异常患者的临床疗效.方法:将58例冠心病合并舒张功能异常患者随机分成治疗组(30例)和对照组(28例).两组患者均给予冠心病常规治疗,治疗组加用缬沙坦(代文)80～160 mg/d,对照组加用苯那普利(洛汀新)10～20 m/d,疗程6个月.疗程结束后,评价患者的临床症状,测定左心室舒张功能指标的改善情况.结果:治疗组总有效率优于对照组(90%比57.1%,P＜0.05).结论:缬沙坦能改善冠心病合并舒张功能异常患者的预后,并能显著改善心脏舒张功能指标.