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Biomedical subjects

A J Verplanke

Publications and source records attributed to A J Verplanke.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Personal air sampling and biological monitoring of occupational exposure to the soil fumigant cis-1,3-dichloropropene.

OBJECTIVES: To assess exposure of commercial application workers to the nematocide cis-1,3-dichloropropene (cis-DCP). METHODS: The study was conducted during the annual application season, August to 15 November, in the starch potato growing region in The Netherlands. 14 Application workers collected end of shift urine samples on each fumigation day (n=119). The mercapturic acid metabolite N-acetyl-S-(cis-3-chloro-2-propenyl)-L-cysteine (cis-DCP-MA) in urine was used for biological monitoring of the cis-DCP uptake. Inhalatory exposure was assessed by personal air sampling during a representative sample (n=37) of the fumigation days. Extensive information was collected on factors of possible relevance to the exposure and the application workers were observed for compliance with the statutory directions for use. The inhalatory exposure during all fumigation days was estimated from the relation between the personal air sampling data and the biological monitoring data. Exposure levels were correlated with the general work practice. The fumigation equipment and procedures were in accordance with the statutory directions of use, with the exception of the antidrip systems. Two antidrip systems were used: antidrip nozzles or a compressed air system. RESULTS: The geometric mean exposure of the application workers was 2.7 mg/m(3) (8 hour time weighted average); range 0.1-9.5 mg/m(3). On 25 days (21%) the exposure exceeded the Dutch occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 5 mg/m(3). This could mainly be explained by prolonged working days of more than 8 hours. The general work practice of the application workers was rated by the observers as good or poor. No difference in exposure to cis-DCP was found in the use of none, one, or two antidrip systems. Malfunctioning of the antidrip systems and lack of experience with the compressed air system were identified as possible causes for the lack of effectiveness of these antidrip systems. The use of personal protection was not always in accordance with the statutory directions of use. Dermal exposure to liquid cis-DCP was found four times during repair and maintenance, but the biological monitoring data did not suggest a significant increase in cis-DCP uptake. CONCLUSIONS: The application of cis-DCP in the potato growing industry can be performed at exposure concentrations below the Dutch OEL of 5 mg/m(3) if the working days are limited to 8 hours. An injector equipped with either kind of antidrip system which is in good working order, as well as the consistent use of personal protection in accordance with the statutory directions of use, may ensure exposure concentrations below the Dutch OEL.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Occupational exposure to cis-1,3-dichloropropene: biological effect monitoring of kidney and liver function.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possible effects of occupational exposure to the nematocide cis-1,3-dichloropropene (cis-DCP) on function of the kidney and liver in the starch potato growing region in The Netherlands. METHODS: The study involved 13 commercial application workers exposed to cis-DCP for 117 days, and 22 matched control workers. The inhalatory exposure of the application workers was estimated from biological monitoring data. All workers collected urine and serum samples before, during, and after the fumigation season for monitoring of variables for kidney and liver function. Renal effect variables were alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol binding protein (RBP), and albumin (ALB) in urine, and beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)M-S) and creatinine in serum (Creat-S). Liver variables were alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TBIL) in serum and the urinary ratio of 6-beta-hydroxycortisol to free cortisol (betaOHC/COR). RESULTS: The geometric mean exposure of the application workers was 2.7 mg/m(3) (8 hour time weighted average (8 hour TWA)); range 0.1-9.5 mg/m(3). No differences were found between the values of the renal effect variables or the liver variables of the exposed group and the control group, except a lower urinary ratio of betaOHC/COR in the exposed group. This was not considered to be related to the exposure to cis-DCP. No dose-effect relations were found between the exposure indices and the effect variables. CONCLUSIONS: The present study does not provide evidence that occupational exposure to cis-DCP in the starch potato growing region causes adverse effects on the kidney or liver at 8 hour TWA exposure concentrations below 9.5 mg/m(3) (2 ppm).

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Occupational exposure to tetrachloroethene and its effects on the kidneys.

Occupational exposure to tetrachloroethene (TCE) has been reported to cause early adverse effects on the kidneys. We investigated the effects of TCE exposure on the kidneys in 82 exposed and 19 nonexposed workers from four dry-cleaning shops in The Netherlands. The mean inhaled amount of TCE in the exposed group, which was assessed by determination of its concentration in alveolar air samples, was 8.4 mg/m3 (range, 2.2-44.6 mg/m3). This value corresponds to a mean 8-hour time-weighted average exposure of 7.9 mg/m3 (range, 1-221 mg/m3). A chronic dose index (CDI) was estimated from data on the current TCE dose and the occupational history of the individual subjects. The mean CDI in the exposed group was 400 months X mg/m3 (range, 12-4882 months X mg/m3). Effects on the tubules were assessed with the parameters N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, beta-galactosidase, alanine aminopeptidase, and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in urine. Early effects on the glomeruli were monitored with the parameter albumin in urine. Total protein in urine was determined for the general assessment of effects on the glomeruli and tubules. The tubular parameter RBP was increased in the exposed group, compared with the nonexposed group. None of the other parameters differed between the study groups, and none of the renal-effect parameters correlated with the TCE dose or the CDI. In conclusion, occupational exposure to TCE may cause a minor effect on the tubular RBP at exposure levels below the Dutch occupational exposure limit (240 mg/m3).

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Effects on the kidney of occupational exposure to styrene.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the extent of nephrotoxicity of long-term occupational exposure to styrene. METHODS: In all 10 styrene-exposed workers (employed, mean age 12.6 years) and 15 nonexposed workers were studied. Each participant collected multiple overnight and end-of-shift urine samples. The sum of the urinary concentrations of mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid (MAP) was determined to assess the absorbed dose of styrene. The urinary parameters alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), beta-galactosidase (beta GAL), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and albumin (ALB) were determined to assess the effects on renal function and integrity. RESULTS: The median concentration of MAP in urine was 175 mg/g urinary creatinine (CREAT-U; range 72-496 mg/g). The 8-h time-weighted average (8-h TWA) exposure to styrene was estimated from the urinary concentration of MAP and ranged from 21 to 405 mg/m3. RBP showed a borderline correlation with the dose of styrene. ALB in end-of-shift urine samples showed a borderline correlation with the absorbed dose of styrene. CONCLUSIONS: From the borderline correlation of RBP with the dose of styrene it was concluded that there might be a slight effect on the tubuli. The borderline correlation of ALB with the dose of styrene, together with the observation that five values were above the reference limit of the laboratory, suggests an effect on this parameter.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1997

Occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents and parameters for renal dysfunction.

To study the nephrotoxic effects of occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents, the early renal effect parameters retinol-binding protein (RBP) and albumin (ALB) were determined in the urine of 11 hospital workers involved in the preparation and administration of antineoplastic agents and in 23 hospital workers not involved in drug handling, who served as nonexposed controls. No significant difference was found between the exposed group and the nonexposed control group with respect to the early renal effect parameters RBP and ALB. Although it was demonstrated that the hospital workers were exposed to cyclophosphamide (CP) and probably other antineoplastic agents, the results of the present study show that these exposure levels did not cause nephrotoxic effects.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Dermal absorption of cis-1,3-dichloropropene vapour: human experimental exposure.

1. The relevance of skin absorption of cis-1,3-dichloropropene (cis-1,3-DCP) vapour as a route of entry compared to inhalatory uptake has been assessed in human volunteers under controlled exposure conditions. 2. Five adults (four males and one female) were dermally exposed on the forearm and hand during 45 min to 86 mg/m3 cis-1,3-DCP. 3. Dermal uptake was assessed by determination of the main cis-1,3-DCP metabolite in urine: the mercapturic acid conjugate of cis-1,3-DCP (cis-1,3-DCP-MA). 4. When whole-body dermal exposure to vapour is compared to inhalatory exposure, the uptake through the skin is estimated to be about 2-5% of the inhalatory absorption.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed1995

The determination of alpha 1-microglobulin by means of an automated latex immunoassay.

Polystyrene (latex) particles coated with human anti-alpha 1 microglobulin antibodies are used in an automated "kinetic" assay for alpha 1-microglobulin in urine. For values below 12 mg/l, there was no significant difference between two kinds of standard, but above 12 mg/l the results depend on the origin of the alpha 1-microglobulin standard. Correlation between values obtained with both standards was good (r2 = 0.968). The method has a between-run imprecision (CV) of 11-16%. Comparison with two commercial enzyme immunoassays gave a bias of -10% to +40%, while two nephelometric methods differed by 0% to 23%, possibly because the standards used in these methods were of different origin. These results indicate the necessity of standardization of the determination of alpha 1-microglobulin. The detection limit of our method was 0.8 mg/l, enabling the application of the method for epidemiological investigations.

Alpha-Globulins↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of renal function parameters in the assessment of cis-platin induced nephrotoxicity.

The early renal function parameters (RFP), i.e. urinary alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), beta-galactosidase (beta GAL), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol-binding protein (RBP), albumin (ALB), total protein (TP) and the conventional RFP plasma creatinine were assessed in 8 patients before and during treatment with the nephrotoxic antitumor agent cis-platin. Plasma creatinine increased during treatment with cis-platin. In all patients, acute tubular damage was revealed by early RFP. Albumin and total protein excretion patterns suggested alterations in glomerular function. The cumulative change in RBP excretion was related to plasma creatinine concentrations following cis-platin administration. The present study demonstrates that urinary RBP is a valuable parameter for the early assessment of cis-platin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1992

A comparison of dilution adjustment methods for urinary enzymes.

Urinary dilution adjustment methods can be used to reduce the intra-individual variability in concentrations of metals and other substances in urine due to variability in urinary flow. In this study linear and non-linear dilution adjustments with urinary flow, creatinine (CREAT) and urinary density (UD) were compared for the urinary enzymes alanine amino peptidase (AAP), beta-galactosidase (beta GAL) and N-acetyl-beta, D-glucosaminidase (NAG). The most optimal dilution adjustment for AAP was: AAPadjusted = AAPmeasured/(CREATmeasured)0.824 The optimal dilution adjustment for beta GAL was: beta GALadjusted = beta GALmeasured/(CREATmeasured)0.878 For NAG the optimal dilution adjustment parameter was the conventional linear adjustment with SG. It could not be determined whether urinary dilution methods can be useful for population based reference intervals of urinary enzymes. If personal reference intervals can be calculated, urinary dilution adjustment methods may be useful by reduction of intraindividual variability.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1991

Biological effect monitoring of occupational exposure to 1,3-dichloropropene: effects on liver and renal function and on glutathione conjugation.

A prospective study was performed in the Dutch flower bulb culture to investigate the possible effects of subchronic exposure to the soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (DCP) on liver and kidney function and on glutathione conjugation capacity in blood. Urine spot samples and venous blood samples from 14 workers applying DCP (applicators) were taken at the start of the season in July, and after the season in October. The parameters of liver function measured were: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, and total bilirubin (conjugated and unconjugated). Total bilirubin was significantly decreased from 9.5 before to 7.0 mumol/l after the season. In combination with an increase in serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity from 12.5 to 19.5 U/l this indicates moderate hepatic enzyme induction. To study renal function, creatinine and beta 2-microglobulin in serum, and beta 2-microglobulin, albumin, alanine aminopeptidase, beta-galactosidase, and retinol binding protein in urine were measured. The glomerular function parameters albumin in urine and creatinine in serum changed significantly during the season: albumin concentration increased from 5.2 to 7.6 mg/l, whereas creatinine concentration [corrected] decreased from 93.0 to 87.5 mumol/l. The tubular function parameter retinol binding protein also increased in concentration from 20.0 to 26.9 micrograms/l. Therefore, a subclinical nephrotoxic effect of subchronic exposure to DCP cannot be excluded. Effects on glutathione conjugation capacity were studied by measuring erythrocyte glutathione S-transferase activity and blood glutathione concentrations. The activity of glutathione S-transferase in erythrocytes was significantly decreased from 4.7 before to 3.3 U/g haemoglobin after the season. The same was true for the blood glutathione concentrations, which decreased from 0.93 to 0.82 mM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantitation of urinary desmosine.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method has been developed for the quantitation of the elastin cross-link desmosine in urine. The system employs Rabbit antisera directed to the conjugate of desmosine and bovine serum albumin which was conjugated using carbodiimide reagent. The ELISA was done in microtiter plates which were coated with a desmosine-gelatin conjugate. And the assay system is based on an inhibition immunoassay. With this assay system, desmosine could be detected in a range between 0.4-400 ng/ml. Recovery of desmosine (DES) added to urine was 90.6-117.0% as measured by this method. Anti-DES antisera obtained from rabbits, showed no cross-reaction to 19 standard amino acids, two elastines nor mouse acetone liver power (which contained degradated elastin). But iso-desmosine cross-reacted with the antisera 13-45% at the isodesmosine concentration range of 40-400 ng/ml. Column purification of the urinary desmosine with CF-1 cellulose will not be necessary for desmosine measurement in ELISA assay. This paper described the detail procedures for sample preparation and the desmosine measurement in urine. Desmosine measurement can be an effective marker for screening the lung elastin degradation caused by cigarette smoking and environmental pollution to human lung.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1988

Experience with an enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay for the quantitation of urinary desmosine.

An enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay has been set up for the quantitation of the elastin crosslink desmosine. With the assay desmosine could be detected in the range 0.01-10 ng (the amount is corresponding to 0.4-400 ng/ml) in standard solutions. One hundred percent crossreactivity with isodesmosine was found. The low titer rabbit antiserum used in this inhibition immunoassay was less suitable for the measurement of desmosine in urinary hydrolysates, because a number of unknown urinary substances interfered with the measurement. Interfering substances could not be removed completely with a column purification method. Future research is needed to determine the applicability of the higher titer anti-desmosine antiserum from a second rabbit.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1987

Hydroxyproline excretion in schoolchildren and its relationship to measures of indoor air pollution.

The urinary hydroxyproline excretion was investigated in a population of 6- to 9-year-old schoolchildren living in the Netherlands. Early morning samples of urine were collected at the end of a week in which personal and home monitoring for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was carried out, and in which detailed information on gas appliances and on parental smoking habits was gathered. In addition, the pulmonary function of the children was measured, and their respiratory symptoms were collected using a standardized questionnaire which was completed by the parents. The hydroxyproline concentrations were standardized for urinary creatinine content. The hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (HOP/C ratio) was found to be unrelated to NO2 exposure. The presence of major NO2-sources in the kitchen, vented and unvented gas-fired waterheaters, was significantly associated with elevated HOP/C ratios, due to a negative relationship with the creatinine concentration. There was a tendency for HOP/C to increase with the amount of tobacco smoked in the presence of a child. Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function were unrelated to HOP/C. In this population, the urinary HOP/C ratio was not found to be a close correlate of exposure to NO2 or tobacco smoke, and of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Environmental lead and renal effects in children.

The effect of lead on five renal-effect parameters was studied in 151 children (i.e., 3-6-y-olds) who resided at different distances from a lead smelter in Baia Mare, Romania. A relationship was found between concentration of lead in blood (mean +/- standard deviation: 342 +/- 224 microgram/l) and the activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in urine, as demonstrated by a 14% increase of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase per 100 micrograms/l blood lead that was indicative of renal tubular damage. No relationship was found between blood lead level and the renal-effect parameters albumin, alpha-1-microglobulin, retinol binding protein, or alanine aminopeptidase in urine. Cadmium in blood was not elevated. It is well known that N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase is a sensitive parameter for renal effects, resulting from lead exposure in adults and from diabetes and nephrotoxic medicines in children. This study is the first to demonstrate an effect of environmental lead exposure on renal integrity in children.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗