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Environmental Health Perspectives Aug 2009Although chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is clearly an immune-mediated granulomatous reaction to beryllium, acute beryllium disease (ABD) is commonly considered an... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Although chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is clearly an immune-mediated granulomatous reaction to beryllium, acute beryllium disease (ABD) is commonly considered an irritative chemical phenomenon related to high exposures. Given reported new cases of ABD and projected increased demand for beryllium, we aimed to reevaluate the patho physiologic associations between ABD and CBD using two cases identified from a survey of beryllium production facility workers.
CASE PRESENTATION
Within weeks after exposure to beryllium fluoride began, two workers had systemic illness characterized by dermal and respiratory symptoms and precipitous declines in pulmonary function. Symptoms and pulmonary function abnormalities improved with cessation of exposure and, in one worker, recurred with repeat exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analyses and blood beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests revealed lymphocytic alveolitis and cellular immune recognition of beryllium. None of the measured air samples exceeded 100 microg/m(3), and most were < 10 microg/m(3), lower than usually described. In both cases, lung biopsy about 18 months after acute illness revealed noncaseating granulomas. Years after first exposure, the workers left employment because of CBD.
DISCUSSION
Contrary to common understanding, these cases suggest that ABD and CBD represent a continuum of disease, and both involve hypersensitivity reactions to beryllium. Differences in disease presentation and progression are likely influenced by the solubility of the beryllium compound involved.
RELEVANCE TO PRACTICE
ABD may occur after exposures lower than the high concentrations commonly described. Prudence dictates limitation of further beryllium exposure in both ABD and CBD.
Topics: Adult; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Berylliosis; Beryllium; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Male; Radioactive Pollutants; Respiratory System; Skin; Young Adult
PubMed: 19672405
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0800455 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022Smart regulation, better regulation, responsive regulation, business-friendly regulation and voluntary 'self-regulation' have their origins deeply embedded in UK...
Smart regulation, better regulation, responsive regulation, business-friendly regulation and voluntary 'self-regulation' have their origins deeply embedded in UK policies in the 20th century. Their aim generally is to reduce workplace regulatory obligations on employers. This can overtly or covertly undermine efforts to improve working conditions. In the UK, the historical control and regulation of beryllium (a toxic metal used in industry) illustrates this problem, and as we illustrate through an exploratory analysis of original archival material and official publications. Soft touch regulation of the metal beryllium was developed within the UK semiconductor industry when tighter controls were proposed in the 1960s and 1970s. Historical industry, government and science responses to health and safety information about beryllium provide important lessons for current debates on occupational health and safety.
Topics: Beryllium; Industry; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Touch; United Kingdom
PubMed: 36232071
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912771 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2020Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is a granulomatous disease that resembles sarcoidosis but is caused by beryllium. Clinical manifestations similar to those observed in... (Review)
Review
Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is a granulomatous disease that resembles sarcoidosis but is caused by beryllium. Clinical manifestations similar to those observed in CBD have occasionally been reported in exposure to dusts of other metals. However, reports describing the clinical, radiographic, and pathological findings in conditions other than beryllium-induced granulomatous lung diseases, and detailed information on mineralogical analyses of metal dusts, are limited. A 51-year-old Japanese man with rapidly progressing nodular shadows on chest radiography, and a 10-year occupation history of underground construction without beryllium exposure, was referred to our hospital. High-resolution computed tomography showed well-defined multiple centrilobular and perilobular nodules, and thickening of the intralobular septa in the middle and lower zones of both lungs. No extrathoracic manifestations were observed. Pathologically, the lung specimens showed 5-12 mm nodules with dust deposition and several non-necrotizing granulomas along the lymphatic routes. X-ray analytical electron microscopy of the same specimens revealed aluminum, iron, titanium, and silica deposition in the lung tissues. The patient stopped smoking and changed his occupation to avoid further dust exposure; the chest radiography shadows decreased 5 years later. The radiological appearances of CBD and sarcoidosis are similar, although mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy is less common in CBD and is usually seen in the presence of parenchymal opacities. Extrathoracic manifestations are also rare. Despite limited evidence, these findings are similar to those observed in pneumoconiosis with a sarcoid-like reaction due to exposure to dust other than of beryllium. Aluminum is frequently detected in patients with pneumoconiosis with a sarcoid-like reaction and is listed as an inorganic agent in the etiology of sarcoidosis. It was also detected in our patient and may have contributed to the etiology. Additionally, our case suggests that cessation of dust exposure may contribute to improvement under the aforementioned conditions.
Topics: Berylliosis; Beryllium; Dust; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumoconiosis; Sarcoidosis
PubMed: 33266389
DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110630 -
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in... Sep 2021The reduction of a cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene (CAAC)-stabilized organoberyllium chloride yields the first neutral beryllium radical, which was characterized by EPR, IR,...
The reduction of a cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene (CAAC)-stabilized organoberyllium chloride yields the first neutral beryllium radical, which was characterized by EPR, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and DFT calculations.
PubMed: 34263524
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202108405 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2022Ellagic acid (EA) is a phenolic constituent in certain fruits and has largely been recognized for its role as an antioxidant compound.
CONTEXT
Ellagic acid (EA) is a phenolic constituent in certain fruits and has largely been recognized for its role as an antioxidant compound.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of EA on beryllium sulphate-induced splenic toxicity in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The first group was used as control. Group 2 was exposed to BeSO (12 mg/kg, b.w.). Groups 3 and 4 were treated with EA (100 and 300 mg/kg, b.w.) daily for 6 weeks after exposing to BeSO (12 mg/kg, b.w.). Various biochemical and molecular biomarkers were assessed in blood and spleen.
RESULTS
BeSO-intoxicated rats showed significant higher WBC (6.74 ± 0.20 × 10/L vs. 11.02 ± 1.31 × 10/L, < 0.05), Neu (1.14 ± 0.11 × 10/L vs. 2.45 ± 0.42 × 10/L, < 0.05), Lym (3.80 ± 0.83 × 10/L vs. 9.64 ± 1.99 × 10/L, < 0.05), and PLT (868.4 ± 43.2 × 10/L vs. 1408 ± 77.57 × 10/L, < 0.05) than normal control animals. Moreover, an increase in MDA with depletion of GSH and SOD activity (all < 0.05) occurred in the spleen of rats treated with BeSO. Furthermore, BeSO-treated rats displayed significantly higher levels of apoptotic markers (Bax, Caspase-3, PARP) (all < 0.05). EA administration resulted in a significant reversal of hematological and apoptotic markers in beryllium sulphate-intoxicated rats.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest EA treatment exerts a significant protective effect on BeSO-induced splenic toxicity in rats.
Topics: Animals; Beryllium; Ellagic Acid; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Spleen
PubMed: 35649705
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2074051 -
Mucosal Immunology Nov 2015Beryllium exposure results in beryllium hypersensitivity in a subset of exposed individuals, leading to granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis in the lung. In addition...
Beryllium exposure results in beryllium hypersensitivity in a subset of exposed individuals, leading to granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis in the lung. In addition to its antigenic properties, beryllium has potent adjuvant activity that contributes to sensitization via unknown pathways. Here we show that beryllium induces cellular death and release of interleukin (IL)-1α and DNA into the lung. Release of IL-1α was inflammasome independent and required for beryllium-induced neutrophil recruitment into the lung. Beryllium enhanced classical dendritic cell (cDC) migration from the lung to draining lymph nodes (LNs) in an IL-1R-independent manner, and the accumulation of activated cDCs in the LN was associated with increased priming of CD4(+) T cells. DC migration was reduced in Toll-like receptor 9 knockout (TLR9KO) mice; however, cDCs in the LNs of TLR9-deficient mice were highly activated, suggesting a role for more than one innate receptor in the effects on DCs. The adjuvant effects of beryllium on CD4(+) T-cell priming were similar in wild-type, IL-1R-, caspase-1-, TLR2-, TLR4-, TLR7-, and TLR9-deficient mice. In contrast, DC migration, activation, and the adjuvant effects of beryllium were significantly reduced in myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 knockout (MyD88KO) mice. Collectively, these data suggest that beryllium exposure results in the release of damage-associated molecular patterns that engage MyD88-dependent receptors to enhance pulmonary DC function.
Topics: Animals; Berylliosis; Beryllium; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Movement; Dendritic Cells; Disease Models, Animal; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88; Neutrophils
PubMed: 25760420
DOI: 10.1038/mi.2015.14 -
Respiratory Research Apr 2021Sarcoidosis and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are phenocopies, however the latter one has a clear trigger factor that is beryllium exposure. This study analyses single...
Sarcoidosis and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are phenocopies, however the latter one has a clear trigger factor that is beryllium exposure. This study analyses single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a large cohort for beryllium-exposed persons. SNPs were chosen for their relevance in sarcoidosis. Even though one of largest cohorts of beryllium-exposed persons was analysed, no statistically relevant association between any SNP and CBD could be verified. Notably, some SNPs exhibit inverse OR for beryllium sensitization and CBD with nominally statistical significance, which allows hypothesizing about pathophysiological role of genes for the disease triggering and development.
Topics: Berylliosis; Beryllium; Butyrophilins; Chronic Disease; DNA; Female; Humans; Male; Occupational Exposure; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
PubMed: 33863318
DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01691-2 -
American Journal of Respiratory and... Jun 2011Beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are determined by at least one genetic factor, a glutamic acid at position 69 (E69) of the HLA-DPB1...
RATIONALE
Beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are determined by at least one genetic factor, a glutamic acid at position 69 (E69) of the HLA-DPB1 gene, and by exposure to beryllium. The relationship between exposure and the E69 genotype has not been well characterized.
OBJECTIVES
The study goal was to define the relationship between beryllium exposure and E69 for CBD and BeS.
METHODS
Workers (n = 386) from a U.S. nuclear weapons facility were enrolled into a case-control study (70 BeS, 61 CBD, and 255 control subjects). HLA-DPB1 genotypes were determined by sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction. Beryllium exposures were reconstructed on the basis of worker interviews and historical exposure measurements.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Any E69 carriage increased odds for CBD (odds ratio [OR], 7.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.66-15.84) and each unit increase in lifetime weighted average exposure increased the odds for CBD (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.26-4.09). Compared with E69-negative genotypes, a single E69-positive *02 allele increased the odds for BeS (OR, 12.01; 95% CI, 4.28-33.71) and CBD (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.42-8.43). A single non-*02 E69 allele further increased the odds for BeS (OR, 29.54; 95% CI, 10.33-84.53) and CBD (OR, 11.97; 95% CI, 5.12-28.00) and two E69 allele copies conferred the highest odds for BeS (OR, 55.68; 95% CI, 14.80-209.40) and CBD (OR, 22.54; 95% CI, 7.00-72.62).
CONCLUSIONS
E69 and beryllium exposure both contribute to the odds of CBD. The increased odds for CBD and BeS due to E69 appear to be differentially distributed by genotype, with non-*02 E69 carriers and E69 homozygotes at higher odds than those with *02 genotypes.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alleles; Berylliosis; Beryllium; Chronic Disease; Female; Genotype; HLA-DP Antigens; HLA-DP beta-Chains; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Nuclear Weapons; Occupational Exposure; Odds Ratio; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 21471109
DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201002-0254OC -
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in... Jun 2020The preparation and spectroscopic identification of the complexes NNBe(η -N ) and (NN) Be(η -N ) and the energetically higher lying isomers Be(NN) and Be(NN) are...
The preparation and spectroscopic identification of the complexes NNBe(η -N ) and (NN) Be(η -N ) and the energetically higher lying isomers Be(NN) and Be(NN) are reported. NNBe(η -N ) and (NN) Be(η -N ) are the first examples of covalently side-on bonded N adducts of a main-group element. The analysis of the electronic structure using modern methods of quantum chemistry suggests that NNBe(η -N ) and (NN) Be(η -N ) should be classified as π complexes rather than metalladiazirines.
PubMed: 32196126
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202002621 -
Talanta Feb 2021In the present work, an analytical method has been developed for the determination of the amount of man-made beryllium metal and/or beryllium compounds in soil in...
In the present work, an analytical method has been developed for the determination of the amount of man-made beryllium metal and/or beryllium compounds in soil in addition to the amount of native beryllium that is present. The method is based on the premise that if high-fired beryllium oxide can be extracted efficiently, then beryllium metal and acid-soluble beryllium salts would also be extracted efficiently. The proposed method involves the addition of 9 mL of an aqueous solution of 5% (wt/vol) ammonium bifluoride (ABF) to a 10-mL tube with 250 mg of dried, sieved soil. The tube is placed in a convection oven at 70 ᵒC and is mechanically rocked for 60 min to mix the sample while it is being heated. Beryllium oxide, beryllium metal and beryllium salts would include virtually all of the anthropogenic (man-made) beryllium compounds that might contaminate soil. Compounds that may be naturally present in soil, such as beryllium silicates and beryllium aluminosilicates, are not extracted efficiently by ABF solution under these conditions. As a second step after the initial extraction of the sample of soil with ABF solution, the soil is completely dissolved in a mixture of strong acids and that acid solution is then analyzed to determine the residual beryllium. The ratio of the extractable to residual beryllium in the same aliquot of native soil can be measured for a soil type in a local region and then used to calculate the amount of anthropogenic beryllium in soil. Therefore, the method may have application in the measurement of beryllium-contaminated soil at sites where beryllium oxide, beryllium metal and/or beryllium salts may have been used.
PubMed: 33303175
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121742