Biomedical subjects

M S Wolff

Publications and source records attributed to M S Wolff.

96 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Exposure to 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDT) in relation to bone mineral density and rate of bone loss in menopausal women.

The organochlorine pesticide 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1,-trichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) are examples of an environmental contaminant that may have hormonal properties. Bone metabolism is both estrogen- and androgen-dependent. Exposures to various environmental endocrine disrupters can affect bone metabolism in animals, but there are no published data concerning the effect of DDE exposure on bone metabolism in humans. We hypothesized that high levels of DDE would be associated with lower bone density in peri- and postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Study subjects were drawn from the cohort of women who had participated in the Mount Sinai Medical Center Longitudinal Normative Bone Density Study (1984-1987). We used serum samples obtained at study entry to measure DDE levels in 103 (50 black, 53 white) women (mean age = 54.5 y [standard deviation = 5 y]). Measurements of bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and radius were made at 6-mo intervals during a 2-y period. DDE concentrations were significantly (p < .001) higher in blacks (13.9 ng/ml) than in whites (8.4 ng/ml), but there was no correlation between DDE concentration and bone density at the spine (mean levels = 1.065 g/cm2 and 1.043 g/cm2 in the lowest and highest quartiles, respectively, of DDE [trend p value = .85]) or at the radius (mean levels = 0.658 g/cm and 0.664 g/cm in the lowest and highest quartiles, respectively, of DDE [trend p value = .34]). Longitudinal analyses revealed no correlation between DDE and the rate of bone loss at either bone site. Similar results were seen in race-stratified analyses, as well as in analyses in which we controlled for lactation history and other potential confounders. We found little evidence that chronic low-level DDT exposure is associated with bone density in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Dermatological findings in capacitor manufacturing workers exposed to dielectric fluids containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Significant occupational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may occur in the manufacturing of capacitors and transformers, in which PCBs are used as electrical insulators. Reports of adverse health effects resulting from PCB exposure have come primarily from an incident resulting from the accidental ingestion of contaminated rice oil in Japan in 1968 ("yusho"). Dermatological findings were prominent features and included pigmentation disturbances and chloracne. To evaluate the dermatological effects of long-term occupational exposure to PCBs, a cross-sectional clinical survey was conducted of 326 capacitor manufacturing workers. A high prevalence (37%) of dermatological abnormalities was found, but typical PCB-associated signs, such as chloracne, were less frequent than among patients with "yusho," despite high concentrations of plasma PCB. As association between dermatological signs and plasma levels of higher homologues of PCBs was suggested, but contaminants which have been reported to be present in commercial PCB mixtures (polychlorinated dibenzofurans) should be considered an etiologic factor or co-factor in the development of "PCB-associated" dermatological findings.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Neurotoxic effects of solvent exposure on sewage treatment workers.

Nineteen Sewage Treatment Workers (STWs) exposed to industrial sewage that contained benzene, toluene, and other organic solvents at a primary sewage treatment plant in New York City (Plant A) were examined for evidence of solvent toxicity. Fourteen (74%) complained of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms consistent with solvent exposure, including lightheadedness, fatigue, increased sleep requirement, and headache. The majority of these symptoms resolved with transfer from the plant. Men working less than 1 yr at Plant A were more likely to complain of two or more CNS symptoms than men who were working there longer than 1 yr (p = .055). Objective abnormalities in neurobehavioral testing were found in all 4 men working longer than 9 yr at this plant, but in only 5 of 15 employed there for a shorter period (p = .03). These results are consistent with the known effects of solvent exposure. Occupational health personnel must be aware that STWs can be exposed to solvents and other industrial wastes.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) residues on skin in relation to air levels among roofers.

To assess the utility of skin wipes as an index of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), simultaneous skin wipe and breathing zone air samples were obtained for 10 roofers. Samples were obtained during removal of an old coal-tar pitch roof and application of a new asphalt roof. Skin wipes were obtained immediately before and after the workshift. Anthracene was present in air but not skin samples. In air samples, the relative concentrations of seven PAHs were fluoranthene greater than pyrene greater than benzanthracene greater than benzo[a]pyrene greater than benzo[b]fluoranthene greater than benzo[ghi]perylene greater than benzo[k]fluoranthene. A similar pattern, or rank concentration, was observed in matching skin wipe samples. The amount (ng) of PAH (either total or individual compounds) found in skin wipes taken after the workday was significantly correlated with that in air samples (micrograms/m3, time-weighted average) for 8 of the 9 cases with air and skin samples taken the same day (r = 0.99 for total PAH). Skin wipe PAH residues were not significantly correlated with air samples taken 4 d earlier. These findings suggest that skin wipes can provide a useful measure of exposure to PAH.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in human breast lipids and their relation to breast cancer.

The etiology of human breast cancer is unknown; accepted risk factors, e.g., menstrual, reproductive, and family histories, are implicated in less than half of all cases. Various halogenated hydrocarbons--acting as either co-carcinogens or promoting agents--which are derived from the environment and are concentrated in human fatty stores, may also play a role in breast cancer risk. A pilot study was undertaken to measure and compare levels of chemical residues in mammary adipose tissue from women with malignant and nonmalignant breast disease. Elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, bis (4-chlorophenyl)-1,1 dichloroethene, and bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1 trichloroethane were found in fat samples from women with cancer, compared with those who had benign breast disease. These results, although preliminary, suggest a role for environmentally derived suspect carcinogens in the genesis of mammary carcinoma.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Analysis of adipose tissue and serum from PBB (polybrominated biphenyl)-exposed workers.

In the course of clinical examinations of individuals exposed to PBB (polybrominated biphenyl(s) in Michigan, employees of the chemical company which manufactured PBB also were examined. Analysis of serum and adipose tissue from these workers revealed quantitative and qualitative differences, compared with farm residents exposed to PBB. Serum and fat concentrations of PBB were higher among chemical workers, and the concentrations of PBB homologs were also higher, attributable to different intensity, route (skin, inhalation, direct ingestion vs. ingestion of animal foodstuffs), and composition (unchanged vs. animal-mediated material) of exposure in chemical workers vs. farmers. The unusual nature of occupational exposure was further evident in measurement of serum and fat DDE and identification of serum tetrabromobenzene (TBB). DDE concentrations were higher among employees than among farmers, consistent with the workers' earlier occupational exposure to DDT, which had been produced by the company. Serum TBB was not explicable by direct exposure to the chemical, but has been ascribed to exposure to hexabromobenzene, which was shown to give tetrabromobenzene as a metabolite in the rat.

Adipose Tissue↗