Biomedical subjects

W Popp

Publications and source records attributed to W Popp.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1995

32P-postlabeling analysis of DNA adducts in different populations.

Blood samples were obtained from different populations exposed occupationally or by lifestyle habits to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). DNA adducts were determined by 32P-postlabeling assay either in white blood cells (WBC) or lymphocytes. The level of DNA adducts ranged from 1.5 per 10(9) nucleotides in one of the control groups up to 7.1 per 10(9) nucleotides in one group of PAH-exposed workers. Comparison of the adduct thin layer chromatography (TLC) profiles revealed individual variation in both pattern and level of DNA adducts. Significant differences of adduct levels were detected between one group of PAH-exposed coke-oven workers and the corresponding control group. Only a weak influence of the smoking habits on the amount of adducts was detectable in occupationally exposed or unexposed individuals.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Comparison of the single breath with the intrabreath method for the measurement of the carbon monoxide transfer factor in subjects with and without airways obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of the carbon monoxide transfer factor (TLCO) has traditionally been performed using the single breath method but recently the intrabreath method has been developed. The aim of this study was to compare the two methods in the clinical evaluation of patients with obstructive and non-obstructive pulmonary disorders. METHODS: Measurements of TLCO with the intrabreath method were carried out on a study sample composed of 50 patients with non-obstructive disorders and 50 with airways obstruction (FEV1/FVC < 70%) either before or after a single breath measurement of the TLCO had been performed. The method involves the continuous analysis of a single slow expirate using a computerised rapid multigas infrared analyser. TLCO, alveolar volume (VA), TLCO/VA, and inspired vital capacity (IVC) values were obtained for both groups by both methods. RESULTS: When measured with the intrabreath method the group with airways obstruction showed lower TLCO and TLCO/VA values than the non-obstructive group. VA was higher in both patient groups when measured with the intrabreath technique. The same test also showed higher TLCO values with the intrabreath method in the group with non-obstructive disorders and lower TLCO/VA values with the intrabreath method in those with airways obstruction. The corresponding parameters obtained by the two methods correlated closely, with no correlation between the magnitude of the differences with the magnitude of the readings. An index of gas mixing indicated a better distribution of the inspired air for the intrabreath method than for the single breath method. The VA values obtained with the intrabreath method showed a closer agreement to the actual total lung capacities measured by body plethysmography. CONCLUSION: The intrabreath method of determining TLCO is comparable to the traditional single breath method. Measurement of alveolar volume by the intrabreath method approximates more closely to total lung capacity, even in subjects with airways obstruction.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Nasal function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in children.

The objective of the present study was to investigate nasal function by active anterior rhinomanometry with respect to spirometric data and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in 9-year-old children. The study population consisted of 300 children (ages 8 to 11 years; mean, 9.3 years; 161 male, 139 female), who underwent basal rhinomanometry followed by a decongestion test and a lung function test consisting of spirometry and a methacholine provocation test. The flow values of the basal rhinomanometry showed a significant correlation with height and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The consecutive decongestion test showed a marked increase in flow rates at each level, which was found to be significantly higher in children with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (p < 0.01). The spirometric data showed no influence on rhinomanometric values. These results suggest that nasal dysfunction and reactivity in terms of the decongestion test may be associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children.

Airway Resistance↗

PubMed1995

[Sensitization to inhaled allergens in the Vienna population].

The present study investigated the sensitization to inhalatory allergens in a randomized cross-section of the population of Vienna (altogether 3000 men and women). A representative sample of 600 persons was invited to an examination consisting of a skin prick test and determination of serum total IgE and allergen-specific IgE. In addition, the same tests were performed in persons with asthma or allergic rhinitis on the basis of a history of these conditions in the replies to a screening questionnaire. Our results showed comparatively high sensitization rates to grass pollen (28%), house dust mite (25%) and cat dander (20%) in the randomized group A. In the symptom-free "healthy" subgroup of the randomized population sample (Group B) there were remarkably high sensitization rates to house dust mite (21%), grass pollen (17%) and cat dander (12%). For the group with allergic rhinitis (Group D) sensitization to grass pollen exceeded 60%, followed by cat dander (44%), birch pollen (36%) and house dust mite (35%). In the asthmatic persons (Group C) the leading allergens were cat dander (40%) and the house dust mite (37%), followed by grass pollen (33%) and birch pollen (20%). Regarding the overall sensitization to inhalatory allergens 61% of the asthmatic group showed a positive prick test. Increased serum levels of total IgE or specific IgE were found in 76% of cases, which underlines the allergic origin of this disease. In the randomized group 51% were sensitized to inhalatory allergens, whilst 39% were subclinically sensitized without ever having had any allergic complaints.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Tonsillectomy and the immune system: a long-term follow up comparison between tonsillectomized and non-tonsillectomized children.

Immunological functions of the tonsils and possible effects of their removal are still controversial. One reason for this is the lack of long-term follow-up investigations after tonsillectomy. In the present study selected parameters of the cellular and humoral immune systems of 160 children 0.5-11 years after tonsillectomy (mean 6.6 +/- 2.1 years) were compared to those of 302 age-matched non-tonsillectomized children. In tonsillectomized children the incidence of infections of the upper respiratory tract was not increased compared to the non-tonsillectomized control group. Slightly increased percentages of CD 21 + cells, raised counts of CD4+ cells, absolute and relative increases in DR+ cells and a raised CD4+ DR count was found mainly in tonsillectomized boys, while lymphocyte subpopulations of tonsillectomized girls remained unaffected. Tonsillectomized children had lower IgA levels, but the complement system was not altered in either sex. These findings show that while tonsillectomy may lead to certain changes in the cellular and humoral immune systems, these alterations are clinically insignificant and no increased frequency of immunomodulated diseases should be expected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

DNA-protein cross-links and sister chromatid exchange frequencies in lymphocytes and hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid in urine of ethylene oxide-exposed hospital workers.

The lymphocytes of 25 hospital workers exposed to ethylene oxide and of a standardized control group were investigated for DNA damage (measured by alkaline filter elution) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies. Additionally, the excretion of hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid (HEMA) in the 24-h urine of ten workers and ten control persons was determined. The peak levels of ethylene oxide in air during the first 8 min after opening of the sterilization unit were measured. Peak levels of ethylene oxide in the air of up to 417 ppm after opening of the sterilization unit were detected. In the alkaline filter elution assay we found significantly reduced elution rates in the exposed workers, indicating DNA-protein cross-links. The reduction of the elution rates through HVLP filters correlated significantly with the exposure classification (low, medium, high) (r = -0.45, P < 0.05) and the ethylene oxide peak level after opening of the sterilization unit (r = -0.42, P < 0.05). The SCE frequencies in the standardized control group were significantly elevated. With respect to (n = 78) historic control SCE values of our institute, the SCE values of the disinfectors were not significantly elevated (6.54 vs 6.27). The ethylene oxide-exposed workers did not have a greater percentage of high-frequency SCE cells. The mean HEMA concentration in the urine of the exposed workers was significantly elevated, but there were wide variations in HEMA concentrations and no correlation to ethylene oxide exposure. We conclude that the alkaline filter elution assay may be a sensitive parameter for ethylene oxide-exposed workers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcysteine↗

PubMed1994

Concentrations of benzene in blood and S-phenylmercapturic and t,t-muconic acid in urine in car mechanics.

Different parameters of biological monitoring were applied to 26 benzene-exposed car mechanics. Twenty car mechanics worked in a work environment with probably high benzene exposures (exposed workers); six car mechanics primarily involved in work organization were classified as non-exposed. The maximum air benzene concentration at the work places of exposed mechanics was 13 mg/m3 (mean 2.6 mg/m3). Elevated benzene exposure was associated with job tasks involving work on fuel injections, petrol tanks, cylinder blocks, gasoline pipes, fuel filters, fuel pumps and valves. The mean blood benzene level in the exposed workers was 3.3 micrograms/l (range 0.7-13.6 micrograms/l). Phenol proved to be an inadequate monitoring parameter within the exposure ranges investigated. The muconic and S-phenylmercapturic acid concentrations in urine showed a marked increase during the work shift. Both also showed significant correlations with benzene concentrations in air or in blood. The best correlations between the benzene air level and the mercapturic and muconic acid concentrations in urine were found at the end of the work shift (phenylmercapturic acid concentration: r = 0.81, P < 0.0001; muconic acid concentration: r = 0.54, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the concentrations of benzene in blood and mercapturic and muconic acid in urine proved to be good parameters for monitoring benzene exposure at the workplace even at benzene air levels below the current exposure limits. Today working as a car mechanic seems to be one of the occupations typically associated with benzene exposure.

Acetylcysteine↗

PubMed1994

Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of 4-aroyl-1-nitrosohydrazine-carboxamides on O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase-positive and -negative human cell lines.

Five different representatives (I-V) of a new class of bifunctional alkylating agents, the 4-aroyl-1-nitrosohydrazinecarboxamides ("nitrososemicarbazides"), were evaluated for their potential interaction with DNA and for their cytotoxic activity in vitro to O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase-positive (Mer+) and -negative (Mer-) human cell lines. The HeLa MR cell line (Mer-) showed up to 20-fold higher sensitivity at IC50 (dose that inhibits colony formation by 50%) to agents I-V than did the HeLa S3 cell line (Mer+) in a colony-formation assay. These data were compared to those obtained by treatment of the two cell lines with carmustine, a currently used antitumor drug. In Mer+ cells comparable results to those with carmustine were obtained with compounds III, IV and V; in Mer- cells compounds I and II showed nearly the same effects as carmustine. Whether compounds I-V produce DNA strand breaks and/or DNA-protein cross-links was investigated using an alkaline filter elution technique. In this assay all compounds produced DNA single-strand breaks; no correlation could be detected between the strand breakage frequency and cytostatic, mutagenic and antitumor activity.

Carmustine↗

PubMed1994

Factors contributing to the occurrence and predictability of bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in children.

Using a stepwise logistic regression analysis, we investigated clinical data, allergologic findings, spirometric data, and the cellular and humoral immune system in order to gain new insights into the role these parameters play in bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in children and to create a model for the prediction thereof. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, which was found in 124 of 462 children (26.8%), was observed to have been influenced by an increased level of eosinophils, the positivity of the skin prick test for any of the allergens tested, a decreased baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (percent predicted), a decreased maximum expiratory flow at 50% expiration as a percent of forced vital capacity, and a decreased level of kappa-chain-assembled immunoglobulins. Logit analysis disclosed that the influence of all other parameters on the occurrence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness was of no further statistical significance. The degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (provocative dose causing a 20% fall in FEV1) showed a statistically significant correlation with the eosinophil count (Spearman's r = -0.198) and FEV1 (percent predicted) (Spearman's r= 0.203). Our findings suggest that allergic sensitization and eosinophilic reaction in children are major factors in contributing to the occurrence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine.

Allergens↗

PubMed1994

Sister chromatid exchange frequencies in lymphocytes of oral cancer patients seem to be influenced by drinking habits.

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) values were determined in the lymphocytes of 24 oral cancer patients before therapy and in the lymphocytes of 24 control persons standardized with respect to sex, age and smoking habits. Oral cancer patients showed significantly elevated SCE values (mean 7.82 versus 6.42). In both groups the highest SCE values were found in the subgroups with the highest alcohol consumption. A significant correlation between SCE and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) values by Spearman correlation analysis was detected in the combined group (cancer patients and control persons) (n = 32, r = 0.40, P = 0.023). The SCE values in the oral cancer patients were weakly correlated (Pearson) to DNA adduct levels (n = 22, r = 0.39, P = 0.068) and DNA single-strand breakage frequencies (n = 12, r = 0.56, P = 0.054) in lymphocytes. The correlation (Pearson) between SCE values and DNA strand breakage values in lymphocytes was significant (n = 10, r = 0.67, P = 0.036) in smoking cancer patients. The increase of SCE values with respect to alcohol drinking habits underlines epidemiologic findings that alcohol is an important co-carcinogen in many cancers, especially in oral cancers. Because of the influences on SCE and adduct levels in lymphocytes, alcohol drinking habits should be controlled as broadly as possible in biomarker studies.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Prediction of sensitization to flour allergens.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the factors that may contribute to the sensitization to flour in baker's apprentices, and to predict this type of sensitization with a stepwise logistic regression model. Of the total of 258 baker's apprentices, 54 (20.9%) exhibited specific IgE development against flour allergens (wheat, rye, and/or barley). Allergologic variables, such as the total IgE level and IgE specific to grass pollen, tree pollen, weed pollen, molds, and animal dander, were found to correlate strongly with the sensitization to flour. However, the correlation between the presence of other manifest allergies and the sensitization to flour was weak. The presence of shadowing of the paranasal sinuses on the radiograph (mucosal thickening, opacity, air/fluid levels, and/or polypous shadowing) correlated with flour sensitization as well as with the leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood. Of the lung function data, only total lung capacity (in percentage of the predicted values) weakly correlated with the sensitization to flour. We were able to predict flour sensitization with a sensitivity of 63%, a specificity of 90%, and an efficiency of 84% by using the parameters that allow for the presence or absence of IgE specific to grass pollen and tree pollen, the presence or absence of radiographic shadowing, and total lung capacity in percentage of the predicted values.

Allergens↗

PubMed1994

Effects of the sauna on diffusing capacity, pulmonary function and cardiac output in healthy subjects.

The present study examined possible short-term effects of the heat stress during sauna bathing on gas exchange, especially in correlation with changes in cardiac output. The results obtained are as follows: (1) The heat stress of sauna bathing caused a slight but not significant increase in diffusion capacity (p = 0.239) and no change in other pulmonary function parameters. (2) Cardiac output and cardiac index increased slightly but not significantly (p = 0.2455 and p = 0.2719). We conclude that heat stress in sauna neither influences gas exchange nor does it cause a significant increase in cardiac output.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Chest X-ray in collagen vascular diseases. A comparison of chest X-ray with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial forceps biopsy.

The diagnostic value of chest X-ray following the ILO standards was compared with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and the histology of transbronchial forceps biopsy in 83 patients with collagen vascular diseases. BAL in the middle lobe was considered abnormal in case of increased cell count per milliliter and/or lymphocytosis and/or neutrophil granulocytosis and this was found in 32 out of 42 cases (76.2%) with, and in 33 of out 41 cases (80.5%) without abnormal radiological finding. Pathological changes in the histology were found in 14 out of 20 cases (70.0%) with and in 40 out of 63 cases (63.5%) without abnormal chest X-ray in the upper lobe from which the transbronchial forceps biopsy specimens were obtained. In histological specimens obtained from transbronchial forceps biopsy, only fibrosis correlated with abnormal radiological findings in this region. Other inflammatory processes defied prediction by chest X-ray. This suggests that, regardless of chest X-ray findings, BAL should be performed together with transbronchial forceps biopsy for the histological examination of patients with collagen vascular diseases in which interstitial lung involvement is suspected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

DNA strand breakage and DNA adducts in lymphocytes of oral cancer patients.

In lymphocytes of 12 oral cancer patients (and two control groups) the frequencies of DNA single-strand breaks and DNA-protein cross-linking were determined by alkaline filter elution. We found elevated DNA elution rates, which must be interpreted as an increased strand breakage frequency. There were significant correlations between the DNA strand breakage frequency and smoking habits. Using the 32P-postlabelling assay we determined the DNA adduct level in lymphocytes of 23 oral cancer patients (and two control groups). No significant influence of smoking habit on the DNA adduct level could be detected. There was a significant correlation between the DNA adduct level and the gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) value, suggesting systemic influences of alcohol drinking habits on the adduct level.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Lung involvement in rheumatoid factor-negative arthritis.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on 13 asymptomatic patients with sero (rheumatoid factor)-negative arthritis (SNA); (6 with peripheral psoriatic arthritis, 2 with axial psoriatic arthritis, 3 with ankylosing spondylitis, 2 with sacroiliitis). BAL revealed a significant decrease of neutrophil granulocytes and an increase of B-lymphocytes in patients with SNA in comparison with 64 patiénts with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; 24 seronegative, 39 seropositive) and 15 healthy controls. Patients with SNA and RA had a significant increase of lymphocytes, especially T, T-helper and activated cells. In addition patients with RA had a significant increase of natural killer cells and a lower percentage of alveolar macrophages and T-suppressor cells. Transbronchial biopsy was performed on 9 patients with SNA and on 59 patients with RA. Abnormal histologic features of lung tissue were observed in 4 out of 9 patients with SNA (2 with fibrosis, 1 with follicular lymphoid hyperplasia, 1 with desquamative interstitial pneumonitis). The abnormal lung histology in RA patients was more pronounced, however, the differences between SNA and RA were not significant. The data from BAL and histology suggest, that the pulmonary involvement in SNA and RA is caused by an unspecified immunologic process.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy in rheumatoid arthritis. In vivo effects of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histology of transbronchial forceps biopsy was performed in 59 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to evaluate the in vivo effects of disease modifying drugs (DMARD). All patients had no clinical pulmonary symptoms and there was no evidence of drug induced alveolitis. Patients were divided into 5 subgroups according to drug treatment: 9 patients taking chloroquine, 15 patients gold, 8 patients penicillamine, 8 patients methotrexate (MTX) and 19 patients not taking DMARD. Duration of DMARD regimen was more than 3 months. No patient was treated with corticosteroids. BAL results revealed an increased percentage of lymphocytes and a diminished proportion of alveolar macrophages in patients treated with gold, penicillamine, MTX and no DMARD. In contrast, patients receiving chloroquine had a normal distribution of lymphocytes and macrophages as seen in a control group of 15 persons. Patients taking MTX showed a normal distribution of T and B lymphocytes and DR positive cells, whereas patients receiving chloroquine, gold, or penicillamine had an elevated proportion of T lymphocytes and DR positive cells and a diminished percentage of B lymphocytes. The latter was also observed in patients not taking DMARD. The percentage of natural killer cells was significantly elevated only in the penicillamine group. Patients receiving gold had higher absolute values of CD3, CD4 and DR positive cells. Abnormal lung histology was associated with an increased percentage of lymphocytes and with higher DR positive cells in BAL. Patients not receiving DMARD had a significantly higher percentage (42.1%) of abnormal histologic features of lung tissue than patients receiving DMARD (17.5%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Inspiratory muscle performance relative to the ventilatory threshold in healthy subjects.

Inspiratory muscle performance, ventilation, and gas exchange were studied during exercise in healthy subjects to look for typical changes of pattern of contraction at the ventilatory threshold (VT). The steepening of the slope of carbon dioxide output (VCO2) vs oxygen uptake (VO2) at the VT was accompanied by a nonlinear increase of the mean rate of esophageal pressure development (Pes/TI) vs the esophageal pressure time index (PTIes) reflecting both the relative force (Pbreath/Pesmax) and duration (TI/TTOT) required for inspiration. The esophageal pressure time integral within one breath (Pbreath.dTI) was one of the best single predictors of the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2) at the VT. Moreover, we presented inspiratory muscle load indices as a mirror image of breathing pattern, with the obvious advantage that the ventilation component can be compared with better established methods of presenting ventilatory output. Inspiratory muscle performance during exercise should link the increased metabolic rate to ventilatory output. We conclude that 1) there exists an inspiratory muscle threshold that is well correlated to commonly used gas exchange thresholds, and 2) the efficiency of ventilation and gas exchange during exercise could be linked to pressure and timing of inspiratory muscle contraction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

[Connection between air quality and room climate and estimation of dwellings by health-impaired inhabitants].

The investigation was performed in winter 1990 and 1991 when measurements were taken in 16 dwellings of patients, recruited from a pulmologic outpatient centre. Patients suffered from repeated respiratory irritations which they attributed to dwelling conditions. Inhabitants reported by means of questionnaires and standardized scales the dwelling situation and their dwelling behaviour, subjective ratings of indoor environmental quality as well as ratings of wellbeing. The load of indoor pollutants (CO2, CO, NO2, HCHO), biological agents (fungal spores, house dust mites) as well as indoor climate factors were assessed. The measurements revealed an evident load at least in one parameter; in the majority of dwellings combined loads of air pollutants and biological agents were apparent. Homes supplied with gas as main energy source had significantly higher concentrations of CO2, CO and NO2. At noon, exposure limits of CO2 and NO2 were frequently exceeded. Inhabitants of homes being supplied with electricity instead of gas gave significantly better air quality ratings. The correlations between the average score concerning the rated health quality of their homes and the rate of excess of exposure limits are significant: The health quality ratings are significantly related to the concentrations of "air quality indicators", which induce the feeling of stale air (CO2) and mucosa irritations (NO2). Ratings of wellbeing are significantly connected to objective parameters, i.e. NO2 baseline load, fungal spores in the air and the difference between wall-air temperature. Our study suggests that people suspecting a connection between their health impairment and dwelling conditions should be taken serious. The measurement program proved to be a suitable screening procedure to assess adverse environmental influences in homes. More homes should be investigated to further support our findings.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗