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B Konieczny

Publications and source records attributed to B Konieczny.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Serum immunoglobulin E concentration in workers producing chlorfenvinphos].

Organophosphorous pesticides exert sensitizing effects. Our investigations in workers of the chlorfenvinphos production department showed frequent incidence of the upper respiratory tract allergy as well as diminished specific airways conductance. The aim of the study is to assess serum immunoglobulin E concentration in the workers of the chemical plant department producing chlorfenvinphos. The study covered the entire staff of the department:--35 men aged 25-55 years, employed for 1-15 years. Chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 13 (37.1%) workers; in none of the subjects examined bronchial asthma was found. Spirometry showed a lower Tiffeneau's index in 5 (14.3%) and impaired specific airways conductance in 11 (31.4%) workers. Air chlorfenvinphos concentration in the work environment did not exceed MAC level, the average concentration was 0.0008-0.0018 mg/m3, and the erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity was within normal range. Serum IgE concentration was evaluated with the enzyme immunoassay (Enzymun-Test IgE from Boehringer, Cat. No. 1289071), the results were compared with those of a control group of 30 healthy male inhabitants of the region, professionally not exposed to chemical noxes. Mean serum IgE concentration in the workers (109.6 +/- 120.0 IU/ml) was significantly (p < 0.01) higher as compared to the control group (51.1 +/- 36.4 IU/ml). In 14 (40.0%) workers the IgE concentration exceeded 100 IU/ml, whereas in the control group only in 4 (13.3%) people the IgE level was elevated. The results of our investigations provide support for an essential role of type I hypersensitivity reaction in the pathogenesis of inflammatory changes in the respiratory system caused by chlorfenvinphos.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Impaired respiratory muscle function in chemical plant workers producing chlorfenvinphos.

All employees of a chemical plant division producing chlorfenvinphos were studied, i.e. 35 males aged 25-57 years (mean 42.1); their employment period ranged from 1-15 years (mean 9.0). Chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 13 workers (37.1%). Mean air chlorfenvinphos concentrations in the work environment estimated with gas-liquid chromatography were from 0.0008-0.0018 mg/m3 (maximum allowable concentration according to Polish standards is 0. 01 mg/m3). The activity of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase was similar to that observed in people who were not exposed to chemicals, however, a slightly lowered activity of plasma cholinesterase in the studied population was evidently the result of mild liver impairment. Spirometric investigations performed in the studied workers revealed slight alterations manifested by increased intrathoracic gas volume (ITGV) (the value of the index was 138.6% of the mean value, 24 workers with an abnormally high index), as well as by decreased specific airway conductance (sGaw); its mean value in the studied group was 58.5% of the mean standard (11 people showed an abnormal index). Substantial functional changes were found in the respiratory muscles. Maximal inspiratory pressures (MIP = 97. 2 +/- 28.3 cm H2O) as well as maximal expiratory pressures (MEP = 113.9 +/- 44.2 cm H2O) in the studied group were significantly lower (p < 0.01) as compared to those observed in the control group (MIP = 120.7 +/- 31.7; MEP = 154.4 +/- 40.2 cm H2O) of 22 males having similar cigarette smoking habit, without occupational exposure to chemicals. It was also found that the people who had worked for more than 10 years under conditions of exposure to chlorfenvinphos showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) values of maximal inspiratory pressure (87.2 +/- 28.06 cm H2O, n = 17) compared to the workers whose period of employment was shorter than 10 years (106.6 +/- 26.8 cm H2O, n = 18). The two groups were comparable with regard to age and smoking habits. The values of maximal expiratory pressures were similar in both groups. No essential disturbances in neuro-muscular transmission were observed; only in 3 workers (8.5%) the electrostimulating myasthenic test showed some disturbances in neuro-muscular transmission. It seems that respiratory muscles impairment in humans exposed to chlorfenvinphos results from changes in the metabolism and structure of muscles, and partly from lung hyperinflation.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1998

[The values of selected lipid parameters and atrial pressure in persons with hyperinsulinemia and normal glucose tolerance].

In 60 healthy non-obese persons we determined fasting plasma insulin concentrations. Afterwards we performed test with oral load with 75 g glucose. We determined plasma concentration of insulin one hour and two hours after this load; we found that 14 of 60 subjects had hyperinsulinemia with normal glucose tolerance. In the group of persons with hyperinsulinaemia we have shown the increase of fasting plasma triglyceride levels and elevated diastolic blood pressure. We suggested that healthy persons with hyperinsulinemia and normal glucose tolerance have an increase risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1997

The role of respiratory muscles in the impairment of the respiratory system function in the workers of a chemical plant division producing pesticides.

Workers of a chemical plant department producing dust and liquid pesticides (37 males and 17 females) exposed to dust containing free silica, organic solvents and active substances, among others: organophosphate compounds, pyrethroids, triazines, carbamates and dithiocarbamates, 2,4-D, captan, carboxine, carbendazim and dodine were studied. Spirometric investigations, including evaluation of vital capacity (VC), 1 second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and its percentage index (FEV1%VC), peak expiratory flow and maximal end-expiratory flow (MEF25), were performed directly at the workplace. At the same time mouth inspiratory pressures (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressures (MEP) were evaluated. Chronic bronchitis (according to BMRC questionnaire) was diagnosed in every second worker, and in 11 males and females obstructive impairment of pulmonary function was established; 41% of females and 27% of males were found to have diminished peak expiratory flow. Maximal inspiratory pressures were significantly lower both in the studies males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.02) than those in the control groups and amounted to 74.4 +/- 21.5 and 58.1 +/- 24.3 cm H2O, respectively. Maximal expiratory pressures were also significantly lower in the studied males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.05) and amounted to 116.6 +/- 28.4 and 74.5 +/- 17.9 cm H2O, respectively. Significant correlation between decreased PEF and the force of expiratory muscles-MEP (In males r = 0.3279, p < 0.05; In females r = 0.7049, p < 0.01) was founded. The investigations performed at the workplace allow the assumption that work at the production of pesticides may result in impairment of pulmonary ventilation, development of chronic bronchitis as well as impaired function of respiratory muscles.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Cytoenzymatic examinations of peripheral blood granulocytes in overhaul workers of the chemical plant "Organika-Jaworzno" at Jaworzno].

In order to evaluate the functions of granulocytes, cytochemical reactions to alkaline and acid phosphatases, beta-glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase and catalase were performed in leukocyte concentrate smears for 45 overhaul workers of a chemical plant producing pesticides. As compared to the control group of 24 unexposed healthy individuals living in the plant area, the alkaline phosphatase and catalase reactions were weaker; the leukocyte count was slightly elevated; the differential white blood cell count did not show any significant changes, only the percentage of monocytes was slightly reduced. The results of our studies can testify a slight impairment of leukocyte function in workers exposed to chemical pesticides.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Heart allografts in murine systems. The differential activation of Th2-like effector cells in peripheral tolerance.

Activated CD4+ Th2 cells release cytokines (IL-4,-10) that block activation & cytokine (IL-2/IFN-gamma) release by proinflammatory T (CD4+,CD8+) effector cells. To test the hypothesis that peripheral tolerance to alloantigen is linked to differential activation of CD4+ Th2 cells we measured cytokine transcripts in heart grafts (C57BL/10----C3H/HeJ) and spleens of mice rendered "tolerant" by donor-specific blood transfusion, anti-CD4 mAb pretreatment, and cyclosporine administration. The expression of IL-2/IFN-gamma transcripts was reduced greater than 90% in grafts from tolerant recipients. IL-4/IL-10 transcripts were generally enhanced and persisted in graft and recipient spleen. Accordingly adoptive transfer studies were performed to determine whether Th2-like effectors, which express Fc receptors (FcR), mediate suppression in this model. Unfractionated mononuclear cells (MC) (5 x 10(6), isolated from spleens of heart graft recipients made tolerant by DST, prolonged the survival of test grafts greater than 90 days in irradiated (680 rads) recipients reconstituted with a sufficient number of MC from spleens of naive C3H to precipitate rejection of the test graft in 18.2 days (MST, n = 5). Conversely adoptive transfer of inocula depleted of FcR+ cells on immune complex columns or with anti-FcR mAb 24G2 caused test grafts to be rejected in 8-11 days. These results suggest that peripheral tolerance to alloantigen may be linked to differential activation of Th2 cells that induce anergy by suppression. The possibility that Th2-like effectors mediate peripheral tolerance to self is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Evaluation of the status of nasal mucosa in workers engaged in the production of chlorfenvinphos (enolophos)].

In 41 men aged from 23 to 59 years (on an average--37.5 years) and employment duration from 1-10 years (on an average--4.9 years) working in the division of chlorfenvinphos synthesis and manufacturing "enolophos"--a preparation for agriculture, laryngological examinations were carried out including cytologic assessment of nasal mucosa and olfactometric tests. Rhinoscopy as well as cytological examinations confirmed the higher prevalence of nasal mucosa changes of inflammatory or allergic character as compared to the control group. The association between duration of employment and the changes perceived was found. Simultaneously olfactometric tests revealed in this group of workers frequent lowering of odours sensation and identification threshold.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Immunoelectrophoretic data and serum immunoglobulin G, A and M levels in workers engaged in the production of organophosphate pesticides].

Immunoelectrophoresis of serum proteins and concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM in serum were estimated in 83 workers employed at the production of organic phosphorus insecticides. In 56.6% of immunoelectrophorograms deviations from normal were found, most frequently a rise of acute phase proteins and IgG. Quantitative determinations showed a rise of serum IgG and IgA and a fall of IgM concentrations as compared to a control group of nonexposed persons.

Adult↗