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Biomedical subjects

G Tornling

Publications and source records attributed to G Tornling.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Mortality and cancer incidence in Stockholm fire fighters.

Fire fighters are exposed to irritating, asphyxiating, and toxic gases and aerosols, to psychological stress, and to physically demanding work. Due to differences in fire fighting techniques, exposure conditions for fire fighters differ among different countries. The purpose of this investigation was to study cancer incidence and mortality in fire fighters who have been working with fire fighting methods used in Sweden from the beginning of this century onwards. All male fire fighters employed for at least 1 year in the City of Stockholm during 1931-1983 were traced, and an index of the number of fires fought was calculated for each individual. The mortality during 1951-1986 (among 1, 116 fire fighters) was lower than expected (SMR = 82; 95% confidence interval 72-91) compared with local mortality rates, with a low mortality in circulatory diseases, obstructive lung diseases, violent deaths, and suicides. The cancer incidence in 1958-1986 was equal to the expected (SMR = 100; 95% confidence interval 83-119). However, an excess of stomach cancer (18 observed vs. 9.37 expected; SMR = 192, 95% CI 114-304) was observed. There was also a tendency for higher incidence and mortality in stomach and brain cancer with increasing number of fires. There were four deaths from brain cancer compared to 0.8 expected (SMR = 496; 95% CI 135-1270) in the highest exposure category. Fire fighters are, however, not systematically exposed to known stomach or brain carcinogens, and the results need confirmation in further studies with extensive exposure evaluations.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Sawdust-induced inflammatory changes in rat lung: effects on alveolar and interstitial cells in relation to time.

Exposure to sawdust and its contaminants, e.g., terpenes, may cause respiratory tract and lung parenchymal inflammation. To monitor these changes over time. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed at one occasion to 2.5 mg sawdust or saline by intratracheal instillation. Flow cytometry analyses were done on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells. Lung tissue specimens were analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically. After one week, the number of BAL polymorphonuclear leukocytes was increased (P < 0.05, N = 8), followed at six weeks by increases of macrophages and lymphocytes (both P < 0.01, N = 8). Enhanced expressions of class II antigens and complement receptors on macrophages after one week were even more pronounced at six weeks, indicating cellular activation. The BAL findings, also including increased (P < 0.001, N = 8) concentrations of hyaluronan with progressing changes over time, confirmed the signs of inflammation, as did the histological analysis of the lung tissue specimens with an accumulation of polymorphonuclears, macrophages, and hyaluronan in the interstitium.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Genetic susceptibility to lung cancer with special emphasis on CYP1A1 and GSTM1: a study on host factors in relation to age at onset, gender and histological cancer types.

Genetically based differences in metabolism, related to MspI restriction site and Ile-Val polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 gene and the null genotype of glutathione transferase class mu (GSTM1), have been reported to be associated with lung cancer susceptibility. The present study was set up to establish the frequencies of the polymorphic genotypes of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 in Sweden, to evaluate a possible increased incidence of the genotypes associated with higher lung cancer risks among Swedish lung cancer patients and to try to make a combined risk estimate for carriers of multiple risk alleles. In a healthy control group, all under 66 years of age, 53% (174/329) of the subjects were of the GSTM1(-) genotype, while in a hospital control group 49% (39/79) carried the GSTM1(-) genotype. In the investigated lung cancer patients this genotype was found in 56% (165/296) and among those patients diagnosed before 66 years of age the deficient genotype was found in 60% (78/131). The highest proportion of the GSTM1(-) genotype was found in patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (63%, 29/46) and small cell carcinoma (72%, 21/29) before 66 years of age and among female squamous cell carcinoma patients (79%, 15/19). The allelic variants in CYP1A1 were equally distributed in lung cancer patients and controls. The m1/m2 and m2/m2 genotypes of the MspI site and the Ile/Val genotype were, however, slightly over-represented in squamous cell carcinoma patients. Among patients with squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed before 66 years of age the m1/m2 genotype was found in 28% (10/36), whereas the same genotype was observed in 16% (52/329) of healthy control subjects. A combined risk of squamous cell carcinoma was indicated for patients, diagnosed before 66 years of age, carrying both GSTM1(-) and m2 alleles (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.2-7.2).

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1993

Quartz selectively down-regulates CR1 on activated human granulocytes.

We have investigated the interaction between quartz and granulocytes with respect to complement receptor expression. When N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated leukocytes were exposed to quartz at 37 degrees C, CR1 was down-regulated but CR3 was not affected. This was a direct effect on granulocytes because it occurred in a similar fashion when mixed leukocyte suspensions and isolated granulocyte populations were used as targets for quartz. The observed down-regulation by quartz was not affected by the microfilament-disrupting agent cytochalasin B and the total detectable pool of CR1 was reduced after quartz exposure. When protease inhibitors, such as aprotinin or phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, were present during quartz exposure, the down-regulation of CR1 was less pronounced, but this was not the case not when protease inhibitors such as EDTA-Na2 and pepstatin were present. Exposure to quartz was not accompanied by a pronounced release of beta-glucuronidase (marker for the primary granules) or vitamin B12 binding protein (marker for the secondary granules). In contrast to quartz, exposure to alumina did not affect the expression of CR1 and CR3. The spontaneous mobilization of CR1 at 37 degrees C was reduced when quartz was present but the CR3 mobilization was unaffected. Our results indicate that quartz induces a granule protease-dependent selective shedding of CR1 but not CR3 despite a low degree of degranulation.

Aprotinin↗
PubMed1993

Presence of serum modulates expression of complement receptor type 1 (CR1) on human granulocytes after quartz exposure.

We have investigated the interaction between granulocytes and quartz with respect to the expression of complement receptor type 1 (CR1) and the presence of normal human serum (NHS). Quartz down-regulates selectively CR1 on activated granulocytes. This down-regulation is abolished in the presence of both NHS and heat-inactivated NHS (NHS56) but not human albumin. When quartz was preincubated with NHS (quartz-NHS) before exposure to activated granulocytes, a down-regulating effect was observed in contrast to preincubation with NHS56, which did not induce a down-regulation. Preincubation with cytochalasin B reduced the down-regulation of quartz-NHS, indicating a cytoskeleton-dependent internalization of the receptor. The serine protease inhibitor PMSF partly reduced this down-regulation. Our results indicate that the presence of NHS in the alveolar space influences the interaction between quartz and recruited granulocytes with respect to CR1 expression. Since CR1 is an important opsonin receptor and soluble CR1 can modulate the inflammatory response, this may be of importance in the inflammation and fibrosing process induced by quartz in the alveolar space and lung interstitium.

Blood Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1993

Long term effects of alumina on components of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from rats.

Significant differences in several components of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL fluid) have previously been reported in aluminium potroom workers compared with controls. The present paper describes the long term effects in rats of one time exposure to potroom aluminium oxide without fluorides (primary alumina (PA)) or with adsorbed fluorides (secondary alumina (SA)) on components of BAL fluid. Alumina dust (40 mg) suspended in saline was instilled intratracheally; controls received saline. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed one, four, and 12 months after exposure. The number of cells in BAL fluid was increased significantly (p < 0.05) by SA but not PA. The increase was mainly macrophages, but the concentrations of neutrophils also increased about 10-fold one and 12 months after exposure. Although albumin and hyaluronan concentrations did not differ from those of controls, fibronectin concentrations were significantly (p < 0.001) increased one year after exposure both in PA exposed and SA exposed rats. The results indicate that SA, possibly because of adhered fluorides, induces early changes in alveolar cell populations including persistent neutrophilia. These cellular changes may have a destructive effect. The late pronounced increase of fibronectin in both PA and SA exposed rats indicates a delayed effect of alumina on the extracellular matrix.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1992

Lung function and precipitating antibodies in low exposed wood trimmers in Sweden.

Wood trimmers are exposed to molds that periodically grow on timber that may induce alveolitis and obstructive lung disease. We have evaluated respiratory symptoms, bronchial reactivity, and lung function in 28 wood trimmers at a Swedish sawmill and in 19 unexposed office workers. Eleven (sero-positive) of the wood trimmers had precipitating antibodies in peripheral blood against one or several molds. The exposure to dust (median 0.26 mg/m3), viable mold spores (median 2950 cfu/m3), viable bacteria (median 370 cfu/m3), airborne endotoxins (range 0.0015-0.0025 microgram/m3), and terpenes (range 0.4-23 mg/m3) was lower than levels that earlier have been reported to affect lung function. The wood trimmers reported an increased prevalence of cough and breathlessness. They also showed signs of a mild obstructive impairment with a tendency to increase bronchial sensitivity to metacholine and decreased FEV1 after 2 days free from exposure. FEV1 decreased more during the working week in the sero-positive workers than among the sero-negative workers, and for the whole group the decrease in FEV1 and MEF25 was correlated to the degree of mold exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Lung cancer risk among workers exposed to man-made mineral fibers (MMMF) in the Swedish prefabricated house industry.

Mortality and cancer incidence was investigated among 2,807 workers, employed for at least one year before 1972, at 11 Swedish companies manufacturing prefabricated wooden houses. A total of 1,068 workers had been exposed to man-made mineral fibers (MMMF) used for insulation. Mortality was followed from 1969 to 1988 and cancer incidence from 1969 to 1985. Exposure conditions were investigated at all plants. There were 14 deaths from lung cancer in the total cohort, whereas 20.7 would be expected (SMR = 68; 95% CI:37-113), based on regional mortality. After a latency of 20 years of more, two lung cancer cases had occurred among all workers exposed to MMMF, whereas 4.3 would be expected (SMR = 46; 95% CI: 5-168). The exposure levels that have prevailed do not seem to be associated with an increased lung cancer rate, but extended follow-up is necessary for a definitive evaluation.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1992

Signs of alveolar inflammation in non-smoking Swedish wood trimmers.

Wood trimmers are periodically exposed to mould and may develop extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA). To investigate if there were any signs of EAA in wood trimmers with low exposure, 19 non-smoking wood trimmers underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), spirometry, and measurement of diffusion capacity (TLCO). The group was subdivided into those with (n = 9) and without serological antibodies against mould. In 14 workers the TLCO was measured both at the beginning and at the end of a week at work. Twenty five healthy non-smokers served as BAL controls and 19 healthy non-smokers as lung function controls. The median exposure of total dust was well below the Swedish threshold value, and the exposure of mould and bacteria was also low. The cell concentrations and the proportions of the various alveolar cells did not differ between the groups. The concentrations of the soluble components albumin, fibronectin, and hyaluronan were, however, significantly increased (p less than 0.001 for all) in the workers. No difference was found in lung function between the workers and the controls, and the TLCO was not impaired during a week at work. The groups of seropositive and seronegative workers did not differ in any of these parameters. The results are interpreted as a low intensity alveolar inflammation. The presence of precipitating antibodies against mould did not predict any greater risk of developing a more intense inflammation. Analysis of soluble non-cellular BAL components seems to reflect a discrete ongoing alveolar inflammation better than cell counts only.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Does long-term concrete work cause silicosis?

The machining of cast concrete often produces heavy exposure to respirable silica dust. Work with concrete in general results in considerably less exposure, however, and only a few cases of silicosis due to work with concrete have been reported. Telephone interviews with detailed questions on occupational history were made with 271 construction workers specializing in concrete work for more than 20 years, and exposure data were evaluated for different work tasks. The mean cumulative exposure of subjects to silica was estimated to be 2.4 mg.years.m-3. Chest radiographs were classified according to the International Labour Office classification. There was no suspicion of silicosis for any of the workers. The risk of contracting silicosis from work with concrete in the Swedish construction industry in recent decades is considered to be slight and does not justify general, periodic chest radiographic screening.

Construction Materials↗
PubMed1991

Extracellular matrix components in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in quartz exposed rats.

To investigate the long term effects of quartz, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and analysis of lung silica were performed in rats (n = 20) one, four, and 12 months after exposure to intratracheally instilled crystalline silica. Total and relative concentrations of silica in the lungs were highest one month after exposure. At this time BAL fluid concentrations of total cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes increased five to 10-fold compared with saline instilled controls (n = 19). The number of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) increased about 200-fold. The increased number of PMNs persisted during the year. Furthermore, albumin and fibronectin concentrations increased continually during the year, about two to fivefold the values of controls. Hyaluronan, by contrast, increased during the four month period (about eightfold) but decreased after one year to the one month concentration. Phospholipids in BAL fluid, raised already after one month, remained high at one year. The findings suggest progressive damage of the alveolar and interstitial tissues. Moreover, the increases in components of the extracellular matrix capable of building fibrotic networks are in agreement with the microscopical findings of fibrosis. Because only total cells, macrophages, and albumin concentrations correlated weakly with the silica contents of the lung, it is unlikely that the relation between quartz burden and the reaction in the lung is simple.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Increased erythrocyte volume in car repair painters and car mechanics.

The biological effect of occupational long term low level exposure to organic solvents was studied in 17 car repair painters and 28 car mechanics, and compared with a control group consisting of 46 healthy men not exposed to organic solvents. The erythrocyte count (RBC) was significantly decreased for both the painters and the mechanics compared with the control group, and a significant increase in the mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) was seen in painters. The mode in size distribution of the erythrocytes (MAXRBC) was shifted towards larger cell volumes for both painters and mechanics. When data from painters and mechanics were combined, the exposed group showed a significantly reduced erythrocyte count (RBC), an increased mean erythrocyte volume (MVC), and an increased mean platelet volume (MPV) compared with the controls. Exposure measurements in combination with analysis of haematological parameters may be a tool for early detection of cellular changes in the blood caused by exposure to solvents, before the appearance of clinical symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Fever and respiratory symptoms after welding on painted steel.

Electric-arc welding generates particles and gases that can induce chronic bronchitis and airway obstruction. In this case report two welders are described who had fever, spirometric deterioration, and bronchial hyperreactivity after welding steel painted with chloro-containing polymer lacquer. Pyrolysis of this paint releases many different compounds, for example, hydrogen chloride and complex chlorinated compounds.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1990

Decreased lung function and exposure to diisocyanates (HDI and HDI-BT) in car repair painters: observations on re-examination 6 years after initial study.

Thirty-six car painters and 115 control persons participated in a follow-up investigation 6 years after the initial study, including measurement of lung function (dynamic spirometry and nitrogen washout test) and estimation of exposure to diisocyanates based on individual working routines, use of respiratory protection equipment, and measurements. The mean exposure for the car painters was 0.0015 mg/m3 hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI) and 0.09 mg/m3 hexamethylenediisocyanate-biurettrimer (HDI-BT), but frequently there were peak exposures exceeding 2.0 mg/m3 HDI-BT for at least 30 sec. Compared with smoking controls, the smoking car painters had greater yearly reduction in FVC (95 versus 38 ml), FEV1 (61 versus 28 ml), and VC (77 versus 30 ml). The nonsmoking car painters showed no differences in lung volumes compared with their nonsmoking controls. The impairment correlated well with the frequency of high peak exposures to HDI-BT, but not with the mean exposure to diisocyanates.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax and sarcoidosis.

We report on a 44-year-old smoking man with sarcoidosis stage III presenting with bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsies from the lung parenchyma, visceral pleura and bronchial mucosa. Bilateral pleurectomy was needed since long-term tube drainage turned out to be unsuccessful.

Adult↗