Biomedical subjects

A Forni

Publications and source records attributed to A Forni.

94 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

[Cytogenetic indicators of genotoxicity in subjects occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs].

The paper reviews the main characteristics of the cytogenetic indicators most frequently used in monitoring early biological effects in groups exposed to genotoxic agents, i.e. chromosome aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and micronuclei (MN) in lymphocytes. The results of the numerous studies on CA and/or SCE performed on hospital or industry personnel potentially exposed to antineoplastic drugs are conflicting, probably due to the different degrees of exposure in different occupational settings, to different sensitivity of the indicators or to their different persistence. However, the studies carried out on groups of subjects who have always worked in protected conditions have given negative results for all indicators.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The health surveillance of personnel who handle antineoplastic agents].

The health surveillance of workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs is based on the fact that these substances are potentially carcinogenic to humans and can cause adverse reproductive effects, as well as irritative and allergic reactions. Health checks must be carried out before starting the job and at periodic intervals thereafter depending on the degree of exposure. These checks will have to evaluate possible physiological and pathological conditions of individual susceptibility. In addition to occupational and pathological history, and physical examination, health surveillance must include tests for the evaluation of hemopoietic, renal and liver functions. Cytogenetic studies on individual workers can be proposed only after documented abnormal exposures to antineoplastic drugs or in case of adverse effects suspected to be caused by this type of exposure.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The toxicology and prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. I. Guide lines for the prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. Società Italiana Valori di Riferimento and Cattedra di Medicina del Lavoro, Università di Brescia].

These guidelines mainly deal with prevention of carcinogenic effects following occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). After some toxicological remarks, the guidelines define a possible method to demonstrate and evaluate occupational exposure to PAH. In particular, it is illustrated the strategy of environmental monitoring and indicated which PAH should be measured, with suggestion about the most appropriate analytical techniques. As regards biological monitoring, the 1-OH-pyreneseems to be currently the most useful indicator since it reflects the recent and global exposure to PAH. The guidelines also give elements to interpret monitoring data, taking into account environmental and biological reference and limit values suggested by some authors, Associations, or current regulations. The most important health effects are carcinogenic and excess risks have been described mainly for lung, bladder and skin cancer in some PAH exposed workers. The studies on cytogenetic effects showed contradictory results. On the basis of such information and current regulations, the guidelines show how to perform health surveillance in preventive and periodical examinations and how to proceed for the information and formation of exposed workers. It is not advisable, on the basis of the current scientific data, to screen asymptomatic PAH exposed workers for early diagnosis of lung or bladder cancer, nor it is opportune the use of tumor markers for health surveillance nor is genetic screening applicable for individual susceptibility evaluation outside research programs.

Carcinogens↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The toxicology and prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. III. The effects: epidemiological evidence, early effects. Individual hypersusceptibility. Health surveillance].

Adverse effects following occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are mainly carcinogenic. The available epidemiological data suggest that some substances and industrial processes, in which PAH exposure is frequent, are classified as carcinogenic to humans: primary aluminium industry, cola gasification, coke production, iron and steel foundry, coal tar, pitch, creosote, untreated mineral oils, asphalt, soot. The target organs are mainly lung, bladder, skin. Other relevant effects are skin lesions such as folliculitis. The studies on early biological effects (chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, micronuclei) have shown contradictory results, mainly because of differences in exposure intensity. The metabolic polymorphism may account for a higher susceptibility to lung and bladder cancer following exposure to risk factors; the role of PAH occupational exposure is however to be examined, and the use of indicators of genetic susceptibility is currently limited to research programs. Health surveillance for PAH exposed workers is funded on the Italian laws (DPR 303/56 and D.Lgs. 626/94) and it is mainly dedicated to prevention of carcinogenic effects. Preventive examinations should consider PAH target organs (skin, lung, bladder, larynx) and look for early signs and symptoms. Particular attention will be paid to life habits such as tobacco smoking or diseases which could represent condition of susceptibility. Periodical examinations (every six months) will similarly evaluate PAH target organs. Health surveillance is also programmed for formerly exposed workers and the institution of exposure and cancer registries is mandatory. On the basis of the current scientific data, it is not advisable the use of tumor markers or cytogenetic tests at the individual level as well as the screening of asymptomatic PAH exposed workers for early diagnosis of lung or bladder cancer. Information and formation activities will be part of medical examinations and will be included in specific programs in cooperation with other company functions.

Carcinogens↗