Biomedical subjects

Anna Barbieri

Publications and source records attributed to Anna Barbieri.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Development and validation of a sensitive HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the direct determination of glucosamine in human plasma.

A sensitive and specific HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the direct determination of glucosamine in human plasma has been developed and validated. Plasma samples were analyzed after a simple, one-step protein precipitation clean-up with trichloroacetic acid using a polymer-based amino high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column and a water/acetonitrile mobile phase elution gradient, with d-[1-(13)C]glucosamine as the internal standard. Detection was performed by mass spectrometry, using an electrospray source and employing multiple reaction monitoring to separately monitor glucosamine and the internal standard. The limit of quantification of the method was 10ng/ml of glucosamine and the calibration curve showed a good linearity up to 1000ng/ml. The precision (R.S.D.) and the accuracy (bias) of the method at the limit of quantification were 13.8 and 4.0%, respectively, and the mean recovery of glucosamine at three concentration levels was 101.6+/-5.7%. The method was applied for the determination of glucosamine concentrations in human plasma samples collected from untreated healthy volunteers and, in a separate bioavailability study, to evaluate plasma glucosamine pharmacokinetics profiles after oral administration of crystalline glucosamine sulfate.

Biological Availability↗

PubMed2006

Urban atmospheric pollution: personal exposure versus fixed monitoring station measurements.

We initiated the PETER (pedestrian environmental traffic pollutant exposure research) project to investigate pedestrians' exposure to traffic related atmospheric pollutants, based on data obtained with the collaboration of selected categories of pedestrian urban workers. We investigated relations between roadside personal exposure levels of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (including benzene) and particulate matter <10 microm (PM10) among traffic police (n = 126) and parking wardens (n = 50) working in downtown Bologna, Italy. Data were collected from workshifts throughout four 1-week periods in different seasons of 2000-2001. For benzene and PM10, comparisons were made with measurements by fixed monitoring stations, and influence of localized traffic intensity and meteorological parameters was examined. Roadside personal exposure to benzene correlated more strongly with other volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene, xylenes and ethylbenzene) than with PM10. Benzene and PM10 personal exposure levels were higher than fixed monitoring station values (both p<0.0001). At multivariate analysis, benzene and PM10 data from fixed monitoring stations both correlated with meteorological variables, and were also influenced by localized traffic intensity. Plausibly because of the downtown canyon-like streets, weather conditions (during a period of drought) only marginally affected benzene personal exposure, and moderately affected PM10 personal exposure. These findings reinforce the concept that urban atmospheric pollution data from fixed air monitoring stations cannot automatically be taken as indications of roadside exposures.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed2006

Simultaneous determination of low levels of methotrexate and cyclophosphamide in human urine by micro liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel solid-phase extraction (SPE) liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of two antineoplastic drugs, cyclophosphamide (CP) and methotrexate (MTX), in human urine using trophosphamide as internal standard. The method showed good precision and accuracy (mean RSD 2.8% and 0.9%; bias 2.7% and 2.4% for MTX and CP, respectively). The lower limits of detection obtained, 0.2 microg/L(urine) for MTX and 0.04 microg/L(urine) for CP, were lower than the best previously reported values. The use of a 96-well SPE plate for matrix purification ensures a high throughput (50 samples/day), allowing the routine biological monitoring of CP and MTX as measures of occupational exposure at very low levels.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2005

Effects of environmental benzene: micronucleus frequencies and haematological values in traffic police working in an urban area.

Among the toxic chemicals present in the ambient air of urban centres, benzene raises particular concern due to its haematoxicity and leukaemogenic hazards, probably related to clastogenic factors. However, little is known about the health risks associated with environmental--rather than industrial--exposure to benzene. We analysed micronucleus (MN) frequencies in peripheral lymphocytes by use of the cytokinesis-block technique, and haematological parameters among 49 traffic police and 36 indoor workers (controls) in the city of Bologna. The analysis of urban air provided by a municipal air-quality monitoring station indicated that the levels of environmental benzene were often above the recommended threshold level (10 microg/m3) whereas other pollutants--nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, total suspended particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide--did not exceed the maximum atmospheric concentration established for air-quality standards. Mean levels of individual airborne benzene exposure--as measured by personal devices worn during 4-h morning work-shifts--were six-fold higher in the traffic police than in controls (P=0.001). While no significant difference in haematological parameters was found between the two groups, MN frequency was significantly higher among the traffic police than in indoor workers (P=0.001). Among the study population, MN frequency was found to increase with age, but no influence was observed for gender or smoking. Although it cannot be excluded that the increase of MN frequency observed in traffic police could also depend, apart from benzene, on the complex mixture of pollutants encountered in urban air, our data indicate that elevated personal benzene exposure could represent a genetic risk. The analysis of biomarkers of genetic damage in subjects particularly exposed to environmental benzene deserves careful study.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

A new high-performance liquid chromatographic/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous determination of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil as markers of surface contamination for occupational exposure monitoring.

A new high-performance liquid chromatographic/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 5-fluorouracil (5FU), methotrexate (MTX) and cyclophosphamide (CP) in environmental samples. These compounds, commonly used in the treatment of cancer, are recognized as genotoxic. In order to estimate the occupational exposure of hospital personnel handling these drugs, wipe samples were taken from the working surfaces and directly analyzed (with trophosphamide as internal standard) using a reversed-phase capillary column and MS/MS detection. This is the first HPLC/MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 5FU, MTX and CP. The present method offers high sensitivity, with detection limits of 1.1 microg l(-1) for MTX and CP and 33.3 microg l(-1) for 5FU, avoiding any sample preconcentration procedure. Rapidity, specificity, high accuracy (mean values between 92.4 and 99.9%) and precision (mean RSD values between 3.4 and 12.1%) make the method suitable for the routine determination of these three antineoplastic drugs.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

PubMed2005

A method for routine quantitation of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine based on solid-phase extraction and micro-high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), one of the major oxidative DNA lesions induced by radical agents, is commonly used as a biomarker for oxidative stress, nowadays preferably in urine. In the absence of a commercially available internal standard a micro-high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (micro-HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) method, suitable for routine analysis of 8OHdG in human urine using external calibration, was developed. Evaluation of the matrix effect showed that the method allows highly sensitive and accurate quantitation despite the absence of an internal standard. HPLC analysis was performed using gradient elution at a flow rate of 10 microL min(-1) using a capillary reversed-phase column and an injection volume of 0.5 microL, with detection of 8OHdG in positive multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The absolute limit of detection was 0.35 fmol using m/z 168 as a quantifier (fragment) ion. A linear (R2> 0.999) calibration curve in urine was obtained over a range 0.2-10 ng mL(-1). This method is about 20 times more sensitive than previously described procedures, and is characterized by high accuracy (mean 90%) and good reproducibility (RSD <10%). The optimized method was applied to determination of 8OHdG in 18 urinary samples derived from three healthy volunteers. 8OHdG urinary excretion ranged from 3.0-7.9 microg/day, and a large intra-individual variation was found. This method, which effectively circumvents the need for isotopically labeled 8OHdG (internal standard), is suitable for routine monitoring of exposure to DNA-damaging factors in a large number of subjects.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗

PubMed2005

Development and validation of a capillary high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantification of bisphenol A in air samples.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic industrial chemical that affects the endocrine system even at low concentrations. A new method, based on capillary high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) analysis, has been developed to determine BPA in atmospheric samples. The method involves collection of air samples (typically 2 m(3)) on glass fiber filters, with ultrasonic extraction and sample concentration under vacuum before analysis. HPLC analysis was performed isocratically at a flow rate of 10 microL min(-1) using a capillary reversed-phase column and MS/MS analysis in negative ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, using BPA-d(16) as internal standard. The present method provides linear response in the range 0.007-3.5 microg/filter (R(2) > 0.999) and is characterized by high accuracy (mean bias 2%) and good reproducibility (mean RSD 5%). High sensitivity (LOD = 2 ng/m(3) based on 2 m(3) of air collected), specificity, and speed of the analysis make the present method suitable for routine determination of BPA in the atmosphere, both for ambient and personnel monitoring.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

PubMed2004

Simultaneous determination of t,t-muconic, S-phenylmercapturic and S-benzylmercapturic acids in urine by a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method.

We describe a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of the most relevant metabolites of benzene and toluene, t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA), S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), and S-benzylmercapturic acid (S-BMA). Urine samples were purified before analysis by solid-phase microextraction (SPE) on SAX cartridges with 50 mg sorbent mass. The developed method fulfils all the standard requirements of precision and accuracy. Calibration curves were linear within the concentration range of the standards (0-80 microg/L(urine) for t,t-MA, and 0-25 microg/L(urine) for S-PMA and S-BMA), and had correlation coefficients > or =0.997. Limits of detection were 6.0 microg/L for t,t-MA, 0.3 microg/L for S-PMA, and 0.4 microg/L for S-BMA. The method was used to determine t,t-MA, S-PMA and S-BMA levels in urine of 31 gasoline-station workers, with personal monitoring data obtained from radial symmetry passive diffusive samplers. In the context of mean work-shift exposures of 75.9 microg/m(3) (range 9.4-220.2) for benzene and 331.9 microg/m(3) (78.2-932.1) for toluene, metabolite concentrations in end-of-shift urine samples ranged from 23.5-275.3 microg/g(creatinine) for t,t-MA, non-detectable to 0.9 microg/g(creatinine) for S-PMA, and 3.8-74.8 microg/g(creatinine) for S-BMA. No significant correlation was found between the environmental concentrations and urinary metabolites (p > 0.05 for all cases); the ratios of benzene metabolites could be influenced by exposure levels and co-exposure to xylenes and toluene. The high throughput of this procedure should facilitate exploration of the metabolic effects of benzene-related co-exposure to toluene and alkylbenzenes in large populations of subjects exposed to gasoline.

Acetylcysteine↗

PubMed2003

Enflurane as an internal standard in monitoring halogenated volatile anaesthetics by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Recently. we proposed the use of a run-only headspace-GC-MS method for the biological monitoring of ppb concentrations of unmodified volatile anaesthetics (isoflurane, sevoflurane and halothane, plus nitrous oxide) in post-shift urine of operating theatre personnel. The adoption of enflurane (a volatile anaesthetic no longer used in clinical practice) as a poper and viable internal standard improves intra-day and inter-day accuracy in halide quantitation, providing a GC-MS reference method useful in the practice of biomonitoring of exposure of operating theatre personnel to modern volatile anaesthetics (isoflurane. sevoflurane, halothane).

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

PubMed2003

Lack of correlation between environmental or biological indicators of benzene exposure at parts per billion levels and micronuclei induction.

Despite growing concern for possible carcinogenic effects associated with environmental benzene exposure in the general population, few studies exist at parts per billion (ppb) levels. We investigated the existence of a relationship between airborne/biological measurements of benzene exposure (i.e., personal/area sampling and unmodified urinary benzene/trans,trans-muconic acid; t,t-MA) and micronuclei induction (cytochalasin B technique) among exposed chemical laboratory workers (n=47) and traffic wardens (n=15). Although urinary t,t-MA (106.9+/-123.17 microg/L(urine)) correlated (R(2)=0.37) with urinary benzene (0.66+/-0.99 microg/L(urine)), neither biological measurement correlated with environmental benzene exposure (14.04+/-9.71 microg/m(3); 4.39+/-3.03ppb), suggesting that, at ppb level (1ppb=3.2 microg/m(3)), airborne benzene constitutes a fraction of the total intake. Traffic wardens and laboratory workers had comparable numbers of micronuclei (4.70+/-2.63 versus 5.76+/-3.11; n.s.), similar to levels recorded in the general population. With univariate/multivariate analysis, no association was found between micronuclei induction and air/urinary benzene exposure variables. Notably, among the personal characteristics examined (including age, gender, smoking, drinking, etc.), high body mass index correlated with micronuclei induction while, among females, use of hormonal medication was associated with less micronuclei. Thus the present study provides no evidence that ppb levels of environmental benzene exposure appreciably affect micronuclei incidence (against the background of other relevant factors). However, this should not be taken as an argument against efforts aiming to reduce environmental benzene pollution.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Proposal for single and mixture biological exposure limits for sevoflurane and nitrous oxide at low occupational exposure levels.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of individual exposures to sevoflurane plus nitrous oxide (N(2)O) by biological monitoring of unmodified analytes in post-shift urine of exposed personnel. METHODS: Anaesthetics in urine and breathing area were monitored in 124 subjects in 11 operating theatres. Passive samplers were collected after 2.5-7 h of exposure, at the same time as post-shift urinary samples, to evaluate the individual time-weighted average (TWA) exposures to sevoflurane and N(2)O. A static headspace sampler coupled with a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer was used for analytical determinations (sensitivity sufficient to reveal biological/environmental exposures of 0.1 microg/l(urine) and 50 ppb for sevoflurane, and 1 microg/l(urine) and 80 ppb for N(2)O). RESULTS: Median (range) post-shift urinary and environmental values were 1.2 microg/l(urine) (0.1-5.0) and 0.4 ppm (0.05-3.0) for sevoflurane ( n=107) and 10.9 microg/l(urine) (0.5-74.9) and 8.6 ppm (0.2-123.4) for N(2)O ( n=121) (all low-exposure range). At log-log regression, urinary levels closely correlated with environmental data (sevoflurane, r(2)=0.7538; N(2)O, r(2)=0.8749). Biological equivalent limits (BELs) based on National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) TWA exposure limits, calculated as means of regression slope and y-intercept, were 3.6 microg/l(urine) for sevoflurane (corresponding to 2 ppm) and 22.3 microg/l(urine) for N(2)O (corresponding to 25 ppm). Individual "mixture BELs", which we calculated by applying the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) mix formula to biomarker values and using the obtained NIOSH-based BELs as a reference, closely correlated with mixture TLVs (rho=0.816, Lin's concordance test). CONCLUSIONS. We propose urinary sevoflurane as a new, specific, internal dose biomarker for routine biological monitoring of personal exposures among operating-theatre personnel, and use of reliable "mixture BELs" to provide safer levels of internal exposure for workers exposed to mixtures of sevoflurane and N(2)O, and conceivably also to other mixtures of toxicants with possible additive effects.

Environmental Monitoring↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Lack of sensitivity of urinary trans,trans-muconic acid in determining low-level (ppb) benzene exposure in children.

Benzene is a widespread pollutant of which the main source in the outside environment is automotive traffic. Benzene is also present in cigarette smoke, and small quantities exist in drinking water and food; all of these sources contribute to pollution of indoor environments. Benzene exposure may be studied with biologic indicators. In the present study, the authors evaluated whether differences in urinary concentrations of trans,transmuconic acid (t,t-MA) were detectable in a sample of 150 children and if the chemical was correlated with environmental exposures to low levels of benzene. The children attended primary schools that had significantly different-but low-environmental benzene levels. Analysis of urinary t,t-MA was achieved with high-performance liquid chromatography (photodiode array detector), and analysis of passive air samplers for benzene was performed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis test) indicated that differences in urinary levels of t,t-MA in children from urban and rural areas were not statistically significant (p = .07), nor were there significant differences between children with and without relatives who smoked (p = .69). As has been shown in other studies of children and adults, results of our study evidenced (1) the difficulty of correlating concentrations of urinary biomarkers with environmental exposure to benzene at a parts-per-billion level (i.e., traffic and environmental tobacco smoke) and, consequently, (2) the lack of specificity of t,t-MA as a biological indicator for the study of a population's exposure.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs in a hospital setting: biological and environmental monitoring].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the occupational exposure of hospital personnel handling antineoplastics drugs using a highly sensitive and specific analitycal method in biological and environmental samples. DESIGN: To develop analitycal methods for the biological and environmental monitoring of more than one substance. SETTING: Five departments of the Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi (Bologna, Italy) involved in the preparation and administration of antineoplastic drugs. PARTICIPANTS: 50 nurses handling antineoplastics drugs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation of the occupational exposure of hospital personnel handling and administering anticancer drug cocktails. RESULTS: 19 of 50 subjects were positive to biological monitoring. Three were positive for MTX only, 11 for CP only and 5 subjects were positive for both. Urinary MTX levels ranged from 0.3 to 2.0 ppb, CP ranged fom 0.06 to 10.0 ppb. Wipe tests showed a higher contamination on the hoods working tray (where drugs are prepared), suggesting that the organization layout can affect the surface contamination level. Samples from each department resulted positive for at least one of three drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The analytical methods developed allow sensitive and specific determination of indicators of internal and external dose. Biological monitoring is of primary importance for assessing the real espoxure of hospital personnel during the preparation and administration of the drugs. Environmental monitoring stresses the importance to observe the Guidelines for standard operating procedures and the importance of protective disposables to reduce exposure and the associated health risk.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Biomonitoring of nurses occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs: the IMEPA Project].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multiple-endpoint monitoring system in order to assess and minimize long term risks in hospital nurses exposed to antiblastic drugs. DESIGN: Molecular epidemiology study. SETTING: S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna, Italy: nurses exposed to antiblastic drugs. PARTICIPANTS: 50 exposed subjects (8 males and 42 females) and 50 unexposed individuals (8 males and 42 females) matched for age and smoking habits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Urinary markers of exposure, Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) 27, 70, 90, 110, immunologic biomarkers in peripheral blood lymphocytes: apoptosis, cell-cycle analysis G1-S-G, typization of Natural Killer cells (NK) and receptors micronuclei; frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes and in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells; activation ofspecific oncogenes (bax, bcl2). RESULTS: 19/50 subjects showed urinary antiblastic drug levels (3 subjects MTX, 11 subjects CP, 5 subjects MTX and CP). No statistically significant differences were observed in all the considered biomarkers between the exposed and control groups. CONCLUSION: This biomonitoring study doesn't evidence any early significant effect associated to the exposure to antiblastic drugs.

Adult↗