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BMJ Open Jul 2024Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer predominantly affecting the lung and abdominal linings. It can have a unique impact on mental health and well-being (MHWB) due to...
OBJECTIVES
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer predominantly affecting the lung and abdominal linings. It can have a unique impact on mental health and well-being (MHWB) due to its incurability, poor prognosis and asbestos-exposure causation. This review's aims were to identify/synthesise international evidence on mesothelioma's MHWB impacts; explore MHWB interventions used by patients and carers; and identify evidence of their effectiveness.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Databases, searched March 2022 and March 2024, were MEDLINE; CINAHL; PsycINFO; Cochrane Library; ASSIA.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included study designs focusing on psychological impacts of living with mesothelioma and MHWB interventions used by patients and informal carers, published in English since January 2002.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
A team of reviewers screened included studies using standardised methods. Quality was assessed using validated tools: Mixed-Methods Appraisal tool for primary research and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews.
RESULTS
Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria: 20 qualitative, 16 quantitative, nine reviews, two mixed-methods, one combined systematic review/qualitative study. UK studies predominated. Many MHWB impacts were reported, including traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and guilt. These were influenced by mesothelioma's causation, communication issues and carer-patient relational interactions. Participants used wide-ranging MHWB interventions, including religious/spiritual practice; talking to mental-health professionals; meaning-making. Some strategies were presented as unhelpful, for example, denial. Participants reported lack of access to support.
CONCLUSIONS
Most qualitative studies were rated high quality. The quality of the quantitative studies and reviews varied. The sparse literature regarding MHWB in mesothelioma means more research is needed into impacts on patients and carers, including trauma. To enable access to evidence-based support, research is recommended concerning MHWB interventions' effectiveness in mesothelioma.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022302187.
Topics: Humans; Mesothelioma; Caregivers; Mental Health; Quality of Life; Anxiety; Depression
PubMed: 38951010
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075071 -
Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Jun 2024Apart from living near an asbestos industry site, mine, or in an asbestos-contaminated house, environmental asbestos exposure is observed in certain regions where the... (Review)
Review
Apart from living near an asbestos industry site, mine, or in an asbestos-contaminated house, environmental asbestos exposure is observed in certain regions where the (natural) soil is 'contaminated' with asbestos (fibers). In this essay, we review the association between environmental asbestos exposure and lung cancer in Turkey. Other studies have also suggested that environmental asbestos exposure is able to increase the risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer associated with environmental asbestos exposure seems to be diagnosed at a younger age, and the risk for women is in the same range as that for men. Our data indicate that the relationship between exposure dose and risk is linear and that a safe threshold cannot be established. Therefore, people living in areas with increased chances of environmental asbestos exposure should be mentored to take part in smoking cessation programs and considered candidates for inclusion in lung cancer screening programs. There is an obvious need for additional studies on this topic.
PubMed: 38945005
DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107850 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Neurogenesis is the process by which new brain cells are formed. This crucial event emerges during embryonic life and proceeds in adulthood, and it could be influenced...
Neurogenesis is the process by which new brain cells are formed. This crucial event emerges during embryonic life and proceeds in adulthood, and it could be influenced by environmental pollution. Non-combustion-derived magnetite represents a portion of the coarse particulate matter (PM) contributing to air and water pollution in urban settings. Studies on humans have reported that magnetite and other iron oxides have significant damaging effects at a central level, where these particles accumulate and promote oxidative stress. Similarly, magnetite nanoparticles can cross the placenta and damage the embryo brain during development, but the impact on neurogenesis is still unknown. Furthermore, an abnormal Fe cation concentration in cells and tissues might promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and has been associated with multiple neurodegenerative conditions. In the present study, we used zebrafish as an in vivo system to analyze the specific effects of magnetite on embryonic neurogenesis. First, we characterized magnetite using mineralogical and spectroscopic analyses. Embryos treated with magnetite at sub-lethal concentrations showed a dose-response increase in ROS in the brain, which was accompanied by a massive decrease in antioxidant genes (, , , and ). In addition, a higher number of apoptotic cells was observed in embryos treated with magnetite. Next, interestingly, embryos exposed to magnetite displayed a decrease in neural staminal progenitors (, , and markers) and a neuronal marker (). Finally, we observed significative increases in (specific microglia marker) and interleukin-1b (), confirming a status of inflammation in the brain embryos treated with magnetite. Our study represents the very first in vivo evidence concerning the effects of magnetite on brain development.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Neurogenesis; Ferrosoferric Oxide; Embryo, Nonmammalian; Reactive Oxygen Species; Oxidative Stress; Brain; Apoptosis; Magnetite Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38928164
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126459 -
Occupational and Environmental Medicine Jun 2024The aim of this study was to confirm the relationship between several parameters of exposure to asbestos and pleural plaques (PP) using data from a large cohort of...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to confirm the relationship between several parameters of exposure to asbestos and pleural plaques (PP) using data from a large cohort of retired workers occupationally exposed to asbestos in France.
METHOD
A large screening programme, including high-resolution CT (HRCT) examinations at inclusion and two other HRCT campaigns, was organised from 2003 to 2016 in four regions of France for voluntary, formerly asbestos-exposed workers. Exposure to asbestos has been evaluated by industrial hygienists based on the complete work history. The time since first exposure, the time since last exposure, Cumulative Exposure Index and maximum level of exposure to asbestos, were used in logistic regression using fractional polynomials to model the relationship with PP.
RESULTS
The study included 5392 subjects with at least one HRCT available. There was a significant non-linear effect of time since first exposure, time since last exposure and Cumulative Exposure Index to asbestos on the presence of PP. The risk of PP increased with increasing Cumulative Exposure Index to asbestos adjusted for time since first exposure, age and smoking status. Models also show that PP odds rise with increasing time since first exposure adjusted for cumulative index exposure, age and smoking status. PP odds decrease when time since last exposure increases.
CONCLUSION
The study provides new data on the link between asbestos exposure and the presence of PP using fractional polynomials with non-linear relationships for time exposure parameters and asbestos exposure parameters.
PubMed: 38925963
DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-108975 -
Cells Jun 2024Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive tumor that is caused by asbestos exposure and lacks effective therapeutic regimens. Current procedures for PM diagnosis...
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive tumor that is caused by asbestos exposure and lacks effective therapeutic regimens. Current procedures for PM diagnosis are invasive and can take a long time to reach a definitive result. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been identified as important communicators between tumor cells and their microenvironment via their cargo including circular RNAs (circRNAs). CircRNAs are thermodynamically stable, highly conserved, and have been found to be dysregulated in cancer. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for PM diagnosis by investigating the expression of specific circRNA gene pattern (hsa_circ_0007386) in cells and sEVs using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR). For this reason, 5 PM, 14 non-PM, and one normal mesothelial cell line were cultured. The sEV was isolated from the cells using the gold standard ultracentrifuge method. The RNA was extracted from both cells and sEVs, cDNA was synthesized, and dPCR was run. Results showed that hsa_circ_0007386 was significantly overexpressed in PM cell lines and sEVs compared to non-PM and normal mesothelial cell lines ( < 0.0001). The upregulation of hsa_circ_0007386 in PM highlights its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. This study underscores the importance and potential of circRNAs and sEVs as cancer diagnostic tools.
Topics: Humans; RNA, Circular; Extracellular Vesicles; Biomarkers, Tumor; Mesothelioma; Cell Line, Tumor; Pleural Neoplasms; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Mesothelioma, Malignant
PubMed: 38920665
DOI: 10.3390/cells13121037 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Mar 2024Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic hematologic disorder caused by the excessive proliferation of plasma cells and leads to bone lesions, anemia, and kidney failure.... (Review)
Review
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic hematologic disorder caused by the excessive proliferation of plasma cells and leads to bone lesions, anemia, and kidney failure. No definite etiology has been proposed for MM, but several environmental and genetic risk factors have been implicated so far. Exposure to pesticides, benzene, and organic solvents like methyl chloride have been considered a potential risk factor. Asbestos, ionizing radiation, and wood dust exposure have also been associated with MM. As MM is a relatively rare condition, the number of studies is insufficient, and in many studies, only a few study participants recall exposure to any agents. Therefore, establishing a definite risk factor is cumbersome and further studies with large study samples are needed. By recognizing these occupational risk factors, clinicians can encourage employees to reduce their exposure as more as possible and implement precautionary measures. In this review, we highlighted the current research on the potential association between occupational exposures and MM. Because of these studies, new regulations with the goal of occupational exposure reduction are anticipated in the future.
PubMed: 38919290
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i3.15137 -
PloS One 2024Chemical contamination and pollution are an ongoing threat to human health and the environment. The concern over the consequences of chemical exposures at the global...
INTRODUCTION
Chemical contamination and pollution are an ongoing threat to human health and the environment. The concern over the consequences of chemical exposures at the global level continues to grow. Because resources are constrained, there is a need to prioritize interventions focused on the greatest health impact. Data, especially related to chemical exposures, are rarely available for most substances of concern, and alternate methods to evaluate their impact are needed.
STRUCTURED EXPERT JUDGMENT (SEJ) PROCESS
A Structured Expert Judgment (Research Outreach, 2021) process was performed to provide plausible estimates of health impacts for 16 commonly found pollutants: asbestos, arsenic, benzene, chromium, cadmium, dioxins, fluoride, highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), lead, mercury, polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAs), phthalates, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and brominated flame retardants (BRFs). This process, undertaken by sector experts, weighed individual estimations of the probable global health scale health impacts of each pollutant using objective estimates of the expert opinions' statistical accuracy and informativeness.
MAIN FINDINGS
The foremost substances, in terms of mean projected annual total deaths, were lead, asbestos, arsenic, and HHPs. Lead surpasses the others by a large margin, with an estimated median value of 1.7 million deaths annually. The three other substances averaged between 136,000 and 274,000 deaths per year. Of the 12 other chemicals evaluated, none reached an estimated annual death count exceeding 100,000. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing available resources on reducing and remediating the impacts of these key pollutants.
RANGE OF HEALTH IMPACTS
Based on the evidence available, experts concluded some of the more notorious chemical pollutants, such as PCBs and dioxin, do not result in high levels of human health impact from a global scale perspective. However, the chemical toxicity of some compounds released in recent decades, such as Endocrine Disrupters and PFAs, cannot be ignored, even if current impacts are limited. Moreover, the impact of some chemicals may be disproportionately large in some geographic areas. Continued research and monitoring are essential; and a preventative approach is needed for chemicals.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
These results, and potential similar analyses of other chemicals, are provided as inputs to ongoing discussions about priority setting for global chemicals and pollution management. Furthermore, we suggest that this SEJ process be repeated periodically as new information becomes available.
Topics: Humans; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Expert Testimony; Endocrine Disruptors; Pesticides; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Arsenic; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Environmental Pollution; Asbestos; Dioxins
PubMed: 38913645
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298504 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The incidence and mortality of pleural mesothelioma (PM) reflect the production and consumption of asbestos over time. However, despite the current global concern, these...
BACKGROUND
The incidence and mortality of pleural mesothelioma (PM) reflect the production and consumption of asbestos over time. However, despite the current global concern, these data remain to be known.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to carry out a descriptive analysis of PM cases and mortality from some Portuguese databases between 2014 and 2020.
METHODS
A retrospective observational study was carried out between 2014 and 2020. Data on the number of PM cases were provided by the Portuguese Cancer Registry, and data on mortality were from the Portuguese Death Certificate Information System.
RESULTS
Between 2014 and 2020, 315 cases of PM were reported, with 222 (70.5%) men. The average age of patients was 72.1, with the highest number of cases in patients aged >70 years (n = 198; 62.9%). The highest number of cases was reported in 2018 (n = 62; 19.7%). Regarding mortality, 169 deaths were reported, with 126 (74.6%) men and mostly in individuals aged >70 years (n = 109; 64.5%). It is estimated that around 520 years of potential life were lost. The highest number of deaths occurred in 2015 (n = 33; 19.5%).
CONCLUSION
It is mandatory to reinforce the need for surveillance programs that allow us to gather real and reliable data and eliminate asbestos-related diseases.
PubMed: 38891178
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111103 -
Zhongguo Fei Ai Za Zhi = Chinese... May 2024Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer with high malignancy and aggressiveness on the pleural, caused by the following risk factors including asbestos... (Review)
Review
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer with high malignancy and aggressiveness on the pleural, caused by the following risk factors including asbestos inhalation, genetic factors, and genetic mutation. The present chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and immunotherapy methods are ineffective and the survival time of patients is very short. There is an urgent need to find potential therapeutic targets for MPM. At present, it has been found the following types of targets: gene mutation targets such as BRCA associated protein 1 (BAP1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 2A (CDKN2A); epigenetic targets such as lysine (K)-specific demethylase 4A (KDM4A) and lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), and signal protein targets such as glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). So far, available clinical trials include phase II clinical trials of histone methyltransferase inhibitor Tazemetostat, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor Rucaparib and cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor Abemaciclib, as well as phase I clinical trials of mesothelin-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy (CAR-T) cell injection in the thoracic cavity and TEA domain family member (TEAD) inhibitor VT3989 and IK-930, and the results of these trials have showed certain clinical efficacy. .
Topics: Humans; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Mesothelioma; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Pleural Neoplasms; Animals; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP
PubMed: 38880927
DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2024.102.18 -
Acta Biomaterialia Jun 2024Wound healing is facilitated by biomaterials-based grafts and substantially impacted by orchestrated inflammatory responses that are essential to the normal repair...
Wound healing is facilitated by biomaterials-based grafts and substantially impacted by orchestrated inflammatory responses that are essential to the normal repair process. Tropoelastin (TE) based materials are known to shorten the period for wound repair but the mechanism of anti-inflammatory performance is not known. To explore this, we compared the performance of the gold standard Integra Dermal Regeneration Template (Integra), polyglycerol sebacate (PGS), and TE blended with PGS, in a murine full-thickness cutaneous wound healing study. Systemically, blending with TE favorably increased the F4/80 macrophage population by day 7 in the spleen and contemporaneously induced elevated plasma levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In contrast, the PGS graft without TE prompted prolonged inflammation, as evidenced by splenomegaly and greater splenic granulocyte and monocyte fractions at day 14. Locally, the inclusion of TE in the graft led to increased anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages and CD4T cells at the wound site, and a rise in Foxp3 regulatory T cells in the wound bed by day 7. We conclude that the TE-incorporated skin graft delivers a pro-healing environment by modulating systemic and local tissue responses. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tropoelastin (TE) has shown significant benefits in promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged human tissues. In this study, we show that TE promotes an anti-inflammatory environment that facilitates cutaneous wound healing. In a mouse model, we find that inserting a TE-containing material into a full-thickness wound results in defined, pro-healing local and systemic tissue responses. These findings advance our understanding of TE's restorative value in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and pave the way for clinical applications.
PubMed: 38871204
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.06.009