Aflatoxin B1 as an endocrine disruptor among miller flour workers

Aim: Aflatoxin В1 has been stated to inhibit the function of different endocrine glands. This study was proposed to clarify the possible effects of aflatoxin B1 as an endocrine disruptor on pituitary gland, thyroid gland and gonads among miller flour workers, and to evaluate its effects on human male sexual function. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in a flour mill in Helwan District Cairo, Egypt in 2019. The study included 42 exposed flour milling male workers from the grinding department which showed the highest level of aspergillus flavus in the air sampling of airborne fungi and 40 non-exposed males. Serumaflatoxin В1/albumin, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, 17-beta-estradiol, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone were measured for the studied groups. Results: Sampling of airborne fungi revealed that aspergillus flavus and penicillum were the predominant fungal types in the flour mill. Indoor/Outdoor ratios for aspergillus flavus were ≥ 1 in all the locations indicating presence of indoor sources. Serum Aflatoxin В1/albumin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating, the existence of various types of sexual disorders (decreased libido, impotence and premature ejaculation) were higher while testosterone was lower in the miller flour workers compared to non-exposed. However, there was no significant difference regarding 17-beta-estradioland thyroid hormone levels between both studied groups. Conclusion: Aflatoxin B1creates possible human male reproductive health distresses in miller flour workers.   Acknowledgement: The authors are grateful to the National Research Centre for funding this research.   Funding: This study was funded by the National Research Centre, Egypt.   Conflicts of interest: None declared.   &nbsp

Aflatoxin B1 as an endocrine disruptor among miller flour workers

Aim: Aflatoxin В1 has been stated to inhibit the function of different endocrine glands. This study was proposed to clarify the possible effects of aflatoxin B1 as an endocrine disruptor on pituitary gland, thyroid gland and gonads among miller flour workers, and to evaluate its effects on human male sexual function. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in a flour mill in Helwan District Cairo, Egypt in 2019. The study included 42 exposed flour milling male workers from the grinding department which showed the highest level of aspergillus flavus in the air sampling of airborne fungi and 40 non-exposed males. Serumaflatoxin В1/albumin, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, 17-beta-estradiol, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone were measured for the studied groups. Results: Sampling of airborne fungi revealed that aspergillus flavus and penicillum were the predominant fungal types in the flour mill. Indoor/Outdoor ratios for aspergillus flavus were ≥ 1 in all the locations indicating presence of indoor sources. Serum Aflatoxin В1/albumin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating, the existence of various types of sexual disorders (decreased libido, impotence and premature ejaculation) were higher while testosterone was lower in the miller flour workers compared to non-exposed. However, there was no significant difference regarding 17-beta-estradioland thyroid hormone levels between both studied groups. Conclusion: Aflatoxin B1creates possible human male reproductive health distresses in miller flour workers

Serum Levels of Copper, Ceruloplasmin and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme among Silicotic and Non-Silicotic Workers

BACKGROUND: Silicosis is the most frequently occurring pneumoconiosis.AIM: Measurement of serum levels of Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), Copper (Cu) and Ceruloplasmin (Cp) in cement workers occupationally exposed to silica dust as biomarkers of exposure rather than biomarkers of effect for silicosis.METHODS: Plain chest X-ray & pulmonary functions were done for 30 silicotic and 42 non-silicotic workers and 42 controls. CT scan was done for the exposed groups. Serum levels of Cu, Cp and ACE were estimated.RESULTS: The results showed a higher significant difference between the exposed groups and controls, and between the two exposed groups regarding the mean levels of all measured biochemical parameters. The pulmonary functions were significantly lower among silicotic workers than controls and non-silicotic groups. There was a significant positive correlation between duration of employment and serum ACE and Cu.CONCLUSION: Since respirable dust exposure-linked lung fibrosis disease is non-curable, the biochemical parameters (Cu, ACE and Cp) can be used as exposure biomarkers to silica dust, providing a better way for early diagnosis of this deadly disease. Down regulating the inflammatory responses could potentially reduce the adverse clinical pulmonary effects of air pollution

Effect of Occupational Cadmium Exposure on Parathyroid Gland

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is used in many industries. High-level exposure is associated with severe kidney and bone damage.AIM: This study investigates the possible effect of occupational cadmium exposure on parathyroid gland and some minerals in workers.METHODS: Environmental air monitoring of cadmium was done. Serum and urine cadmium levels, kidney function, some minerals, and plasma parathormone were estimated in the studied groups. RESULTS: The exposed workers had significantly higher Cd concentration in serum and urine than controls. The mean levels of plasma parathyroid hormone, serum phosphorus and magnesium were significantly lower among the exposed group. However, the mean levels of serum creatinine and calcium were significantly higher in the same group when compared to referents. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd concentration in the serum and urine for the exposed group. The biological Cd exposure indices correlated positively with serum calcium and negatively with plasma PTH level. The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, bone ache, joint pain and muscle spasm were more prevalent among the exposed workers compared with the controls with odds ratio 4.316, 3.053 and 3.103 respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Occupational cadmium exposure has an adverse effect on PTH level and serum human minerals

Hormonal Perturbations in Occupationally Exposed Nickel Workers

BACKGROUND: Nickel exposure is recognized as an endocrine disruptor because of its adverse effects on reproduction.AIM: This study was designed to investigate the possible testiculo-hormonal perturbations on workers occupationally exposed to nickel and to assess its effects on human male sexual function. METHODS: Cross-sectional comparative study, comprising 105 electroplating male non-smoker, non-alcoholic workers exposed to soluble nickel and 60 controls was done. Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone levels and urinary nickel concentrations were determined for the studied groups. RESULTS: Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, urinary nickel and the simultaneous incidence of more than one sexual disorder were significantly higher in the exposed workers compared to controls. The occurrence of various types of sexual disorders (decreased libido, impotence and premature ejaculation) in the exposed workers was 9.5, 5.1 and 4.4 folds respectively than the controls.CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to nickel produces possible testiculo-hormonal perturbations in those exposed workers

Antimicrobial Activity of Terpenoids Extracted from Annona muricata Seeds and its Endophytic Aspergillus niger Strain SH3 Either Singly or in Combination

BACKGROUND: Annona muricata (Soursop) has an antimicrobial activity toward various pathogenic microorganisms which support its ethnomedicinal for the treatment of many infectious diseases. AIM: Aim of the present study to evaluate the relation between antimicrobial activities of terpenoids extracted from different soursop parts with the isolated endophytic fungi. METHODS: Endophytic fungal species of pulp and peel of Annona fruit along with those of seeds were isolated. Salkowski test was used for qualitative screening of terpenoids in plant and the isolated endophytic Aspergillus niger strain SH3. RESULTS: Endophytic A. niger strain SH3 and Annona seed extract showed high terpenoid content indicated by the high intensity of reddish-brown colour. GC/Mass analysis revealed six compounds of terpenoids from endophytic A. niger strain SH3 extract and four compounds from seed extract with different retention times. The antimicrobial assay was performed using A. niger strain SH3 extract and Annona seed extract singly or in combinations against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and C. albicans. CONCLUSION: The results revealed the significant antimicrobial activity of both extracts. However, the combined extract showed some reduction in antimicrobial activity which could be attributed to the antagonistic effect exhibited by their constituents

Public Health

Abstract BACKGROUND: Silicosis is the most frequently occurring pneumoconiosis

Serum Levels of Copper, Ceruloplasmin and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme among Silicotic and Non-Silicotic Workers

Abstract BACKGROUND: Silicosis is the most frequently occurring pneumoconiosis

Potential diagnostic role of galactomannan and β-D-glucan in occupational asthmatics in wheat mills

Occupational asthma is defined as variable airway obstruction due to exposure to a specific substance in the workplace environment. The aim of the study was to find out the frequency of occupational asthma in wheat mill workers and to explore the role of fungi biomarkers (galactomannan (GM) and β-D-glucan (βDG)) in occupational asthma. Subjects and methods: Assessment of fungi in air was done. Spirometric function of workers (n=120) were assessed during diurnal (before and 15 minutes after inhalation of salbutamol) and nocturnal time. Blood samples were analyzed to measure serum GM and βDG and allergen specific immunoglobulin E. The workers were asked about asthma symptoms. Results and conclusion: A significant proportion of workers had occupational asthma (25%) and only four workers (3.3%) had non-occupational asthma (excluded from the study). The rest were normal (86 workers). Penicillium and Aspergillus were the only species found in the air environment. Mean GM concentration (GM-c) was significantly higher among occupational asthmatics than normal workers. The estimated risk of occupational asthma (Odds ratio) was 13.3 times higher among workers with high GM-c (>1 pg/ml). Ln (GM) was the only significant predictor of PEFR variability. GM has a potential diagnostic role in occupational asthma due to fungal exposure among wheat mill workers. βDG did not have a role in occupational asthma. We recommend that wheat mill flour workers should do periodic spirometric functions and serum GM every 6 - 12 months for early diagnosis and control of occupational asthma