Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume 14 (4); December 2002

Original Articles

Characteristics of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Effect of Intervention Program in Shipyard Workers: Hong Jae Chae, Seong Kwan Lee, Kang Jin Lee, Jai Dong Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):468-477. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.468

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to estimate the characteristics of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the effect of intervention program in shipyard workers.
METHODS
Information on work related absences,due to musculoskeletal disorders, were collected between January, 1 2000 and August, 31 2002. Age, duration of work, job type, anatomical site of disease, cause and duration of absence due to sickness were investigated.
RESULTS
From a total of 158 cases there were 108(68.4%)and 50(31.6%)cases of back, and other musculoskeletal complaints,respectively. 55(34.8%)of the cases were caused by repetitive trauma and 103(65.2%)were due to non-repetitive causes. 90(83.3%)of the back complaint cases were due to non-repetitive causes, but there was a repetitive cause of other musculoskeletal complaints in 37(74.0%)cases. Back complaints were higher in workers carrying heavy materials, but other musculoskeletal complaints were higher in painting workers.Half of workers after an absence due to sickness had returned to work within 32.0 weeks and 25.4 weeks,in the cases of back and other musculoskeletal complaints, respectively. After the application of an intervention program for musculoskeletal disease, the incidence rate of absence due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders was reduced significantly.
CONCLUSION
The introduction of a musculoskeletal intervention program reduced absences due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A study on Related Factor and Knowledge of Back Pain in Workers Employed at Cement factory
Gi-Yeol Kim, Jung-Lim Oh, Kyoung-Ok Hwang
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(1): 536. CrossRef
Ergonomic Research Trends in the Shipbuilding Industry: Present and the Future
Yu-Chang Kim
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 131. CrossRef
Medical Managements of Musculoskeletal Diseases in Shipbuilding Industry
Jong-Eun Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Dong-Mug Kang
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 157. CrossRef
Related Factors to Musculoskeletal Discomfort Symptoms on Some Middle·High school Teachers
Jae-Yoon Lee, Byeong-Yeon Moon, Youn-Hong Jeong, Hyun-Kyung Woo
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2012; 13(1): 264. CrossRef

27 View
0 Download
4 Crossref

Relationship between Phenylglyoxylic Acid in Urine and Postural Body Sway in Styrene Exposed Workers: Kyung Jong Lee, Jae Bum Park, Keou Weon Lee, Kwang Jin Lim, Kyoo Yup Jang, Cheol Woo Bang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):459-467. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.459

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE: Until now,no effective screening tools have been available for evaluating the neurotoxicity of organic solvents and metals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of posturography as a screening tool for the chronic neurotoxicity of organic solvents.
METHOD
36 workers in 4 septic tank manufacturers,who were exposed to styrene over a period of 1 year (exposed group),and 15 hospital volunteer manual workers were examined by posturography.The subjects' physical,medical,and occupational characteristics were obtained by means of a physical examination and a questionnaire. We excluded from both groups those persons who had psychiatric problems, diabetes, neurologic symptoms, gait disturbance,or a history of stroke.The sway area of the exposed group was compared to that of the non-exposed group using bivariate and multiple regression analysis. We controlled a number of variables including age, alcohol consumption,smoking, weight, height, and body mass index.
RESULT
The sway area of the exposed group was found to be higher than that of the non-exposed group after taking into consideration the effects of other characteristics by means of multiple regression analysis.
CONCLUSION
We concluded the posturography would be an effective tool for the screening of chronic neurotoxicity in workers exposed to styrene.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Evaluation of the Suitability of Establishing Biological Exposure Indices of Styrene
Ah-rum Choi, Sung-guk Im, Mi-young Lee, Se-Hoon Lee
Safety and Health at Work.2019; 10(1): 103. CrossRef

30 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

The Analysis of Disease Distribution and Referral Routes of Patients in an Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic of a University Hospital: Sang Hoon Kim, Jee Na Lee, Jong han Leem, Yun Chul Hong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):448-458. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.448

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The occupational & environmental medicine clinic plays an important role in the growth and advance of occupational & environmental medicine.This study analyzes the disease distribution and referral routes of patients in an occupational & environmental medicine clinic of a university hospital.
METHODS
843 Agent Orange cases and 839 other cases were treated in the clinic over a period of 4 years. The Agent Orange cases were excluded from this study.Distributions of age, sex, disease and referral route were examined according to the medical records of the hospital.
RESULTS
654 of the patients in the study population were male (77.9 %)and 185 were female (22.1 %).The most common age group consisted of patients in their forties.The number of cases has been increasing annually(1998,146 cases;1999,174 cases; 2000, 247 cases; 2001, 272 cases). The source of the cases were as follows: health examination, 548(65.4 %); health management service, 132(15.7 %);self-referral,125(14.9 %); physicians in other hospitals, clinics, 18 (2.1 %); and physicians in other clinic in the hospital, 16(1.9 %). The most commonly occurring disease was liver disease(28.6 %),followed by respiratory disease(12.8 %), gastroenteric disease (10.3 %)and musculoskeletal disease (8.7%).When the clinic was first opened, most cases came through 'health examination'. Subsequently the number of cases arising from 'self-refferal' and 'health management services' were increased.The disease distribution has also changed as the referral route distribution evolved.
CONCLUSIONS
In order to expand the work of the clinic, primary cares for patients who came from 'health examination' will be needed to settle down the clinic at the beginning. Thereafter,specialized services need to be developed for cases originating from 'self-refer-ral' and from referral by other organizations.Increasing the number of cases needs to go hand in hand with the development of good management skills.

23 View
0 Download

Characteristics and Affecting Factors of Tinnitus in Noise Exposed Workers: Kyoo Sang Kim, Ho Keun Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):436-447. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.436

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Tinnitus is a relatively common complaint of workers who are exposed to noise. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus as well as the factors related to the prevalence of tinnitus.
METHODS
A cross-sectional audiologic survey was combined with a questionnaire on tinnitus in a stratified random sample of 246 shipyard workers who had long-term exposure to noise.
RESULTS
Forty seven had tinnitus, giving a prevalence of 19.1 percent. The tinnitus was the here and now in 44.7 percent of cases, bilateral in 51.1 percent, and caused sleep disturbances in 12.8 percent. The prevalence of tinnitus was highest in shipfitters and those with longer exposure duration.The workers with tunnitus had consistently higher hearing thresholds at both high and low frequencies than those with no tinnitus.The workers with tinnitus had a significantly higher prevalence of hearing disorders such as conductive hearing loss, a C5-dip, and NIHL.Multivariative logistic regression indicated that past history of ear disease, working and military service exposure to noise were independently associated with tinnitus. The adjusted odds ratio estimates for tinnitus were 3.0 times greater (95%CI 1.4-6.4) for the group with a past history of ear diseases,2.3 times greater (95%CI 1.0-5.0) for the military noise exposed group,and 4.5 times greater (95%CI 1.8-11.1) for the working noise exposed group.
CONCLUSIONS
The results provide evidence that reports of tinnitus at the time of the annual audiometric testing may be useful in identifying workers at greater risk of developing significant shifts in their hearing thresholds. An awareness of the possible occurrence of tinnitus may encourage workers to cooperate more actively in a company's hearing conservation program.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A systematic review of the reporting of tinnitus prevalence and severity
Abby McCormack, Mark Edmondson-Jones, Sarah Somerset, Deborah Hall
Hearing Research.2016; 337: 70. CrossRef
The Characterisitics of Tinnitus and Its Relationship to Depression from Tinnitus Acquired from Military Service
Kyoo Sang Kim, Ji Hae Kim, Yong Hun Yoon
Korean Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.2012; 55(12): 757. CrossRef
Occupational Hearing Loss in Korea
Kyoo Sang Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S62. CrossRef

29 View
0 Download
3 Crossref

Effectiveness and Factors Associated with the Control of Hypertension in Apartment Management Workers : Provided with Occupational Health Services: Soon Hwan Kang, Hyunjoo Kim, Youngkyu Kim, Jung Wan Koo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):426-435. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.426

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the visiting occupational health services(OHS)and the factors associated with the proper control of blood pressure in hypertensive apartment management workers.
METHODS
The study group included 60 workers,who were visited and followed up regularly by a nurse for a period of more than 6 months.We checked the risk factors of hypertension, blood pressure and provided hypertension control methods every 2 months.
RESULTS
Mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 151.9 mmHg at the first visit to 141.1 mmHg at the last visit, and mean diastolic blood pressure also decreased from 93.6 mmHg to 87.1 mmHg (p<0.01).The number of workers who had regular exercise more than once a week increased from 7 (11.7%)at the first visit to 34 (56.7%)at the last visit, and the number of workers taking hypertensive medicines increased from 4 (6.7%) to 26 (43.3%)(p<0.01). The percentage of workers who either changed their life style or began taking hypertensive medication over the course of the action undertaken by the occupational health services showed a significant differences, 36.8%in the shorter intervention group, 43.5%in intermediate intervention group, and 72.2%in longer intervention group (p<0.05). Among those who were on shift work for less than 10 years was 32 (78.0%), while the corresponding number was only 9 (22.0%) for those who were on shift work for more than 10 years (p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that the visiting OHS was effective in bringing about a reduction in blood pressure, as well as an improvement in life style habits and in the use of medication. It suggests that occupational factors should be taken into account for the proper control of blood pressure in hypertensive apartment management workers.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Occupational accidents and human errors in apartment custodians’ work
Jun Sik Kim, Byung Yong Jeong
Work.2018; 60(4): 587. CrossRef
Occupational injuries and risk assessment of apartment guards work
Myoung Hwan Park, Byung Yong Jeong
Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries.2018; 28(4): 220. CrossRef
Risk Factor Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Symptoms for Guards
Kyung-Sun Lee, In-Seok Lee, Hyun-Joo Kim, KyungHee Jung-Choi, Jin-Wook Bahk, Myung-Chul Jung
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2011; 30(3): 419. CrossRef

32 View
1 Download
3 Crossref

Effect of Commuting Time on Male Worker's Serum Gamma-glutamyltransferase Level: Sang hoon Kim, Jee Na Lee, Yun Chul Hong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):418-425. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.418

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Alcohol drinking, obesity, and reduced physical activity are commonly related to oxidative stress, which induces plasma membrane-bound protein damage in hepatic cells and elevates serum gamma-GTP. We have a hypothesis that a long commuting time may induce oxidative stress. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between commuting time and serum gamma-GTP level.
METHODS
Questionnaires were administered to 717 male workers who had worked at Kimpo airport until the year 2000,and had then moved to Incheon airport and were working there in 2002. The questionnaire included items concerning commuting time, sleeping time and alcohol consumption. Physical examination and laboratory data were also collected.
RESULTS
Serum gamma-GTP level was significantly and positively correlated with commuting time, body mass index, systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, glucose, total cholesterol, AST, ALT and alcohol consumption. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that serum gamma-GTP level is significantly associated with commuting time, after considering the other covariates.
CONCLUSIONS
Commuting time is one of the factors that affects serum gamma-GTP level in male workers.

23 View
1 Download

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Tinea Pedis in Workers of Shipbuilding Industry: Ho Seok Suh, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Ji Ho Lee, Yangho Kim, Won Sin Lee, Jee Ho Choi, Kyung Jeh Sung, Jai Kyoung Koh, Kee Chan Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):408-417. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.408

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Recently,tinea pedis has been reported to be a type of occupational dermatoses because of its high prevalence in specific working conditions.Although there is no doubt that the environment surrounding work places, the usual habits of workers etc are intimately related to this skin conditions, there is some controversy as to whether or not this condition is a real occupational illness and what is the exact cause of the high prevalence of this illness is. In this study, the prevalence of tinea pedis in workers from the shipbuilding industry was investigated andthe risk factors of this disease were evaluated. This study also aimed to verify whether or not tinea pedis is one of the occupational diseases.
METHODS
The results of interviews, questionnaires and clinical findings from 1,419 workers who visited the occupational health center for an annual routine check for their health state were analyzed.
RESULTS
Among the 1,419 workers, 778 workers (54.8%)had tinea pedis. By simple logistic regression analysis,the prevalence of tinea pedis was found to be affected by some variables, including the job category, the types of work,the kinds of footwear, whether or not they were using communal baths in the work places, and a family history of tinea pedis.In contrast, by multiple logistic regression analysis,only utilization of the communal baths in the work places and a family history of tinea pedis turned out to be statistically significant risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, the major factors contributing to the high prevalence of tinea pedis are the use of communal baths in the workplace and a positive family history. However, the wearing of safety shoes was not statistically significant. Therefore, tinea pedis could not be confirmed to be an occupational disease. On the basis of these results, a solution to the environmental hygiene of communal baths and the personal hygiene of individuals needs to be improved in order to prevent tinea pedis.

22 View
0 Download

The Experience of Occupational Health Care Providers in the Government-funded Subsidized Occupational Health Program for Small Scale Industries: Use of Focus Group Interview: Young Ran Han, Soo Geun Kim, Eun Hee Ha; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):392-407. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.392

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE:This study was conducted to provide the fundamental information to prepare better strategies based on the experiences of occupational health care providers who are involved in the Government-funded subsidized occupational health programs for small scale industries.
METHODS
The focus group methodology was used in this study.The data was collected using focus group interviews and analyzed in the framework of the Grounded theory method as mapped by Strauss and Corbin(1990). The subjects enrolled in this study included 20 occupational health care providers in the Government-funded subsidized occupational health program for the SSI;6 doctors and 14 nurses.
RESULTS
We identified 69 concepts,28 sub-categories and 5 categories(Table 2).The categories were the Program's Goals, Various Services,Difficulties in Implement Services, Program Evaluation,and Suggestions for Alternative Plans.
CONCLUSIONS
This program showed that autonomous health management ability has not changed although the possibility for small scale industries to start the health management arose by acknowledging the importance of the health management in the work-place. A successful program should provided a practical service that is planned by the characteristics and the requirements of the workers,a better service than the standard, more visiting times,and a trusting relationship among workers. The occupational health agency's quality and the health manager's specialty needs to be improved and the health manager's authority should be consolidated. An actively cooperative triangular relation among the Labor Department/KOSHA, service organizations, and the workplace is required.In addition,alternative plans were suggested.These included various programs for planning an autonomous service suitable for the quality of the workplaces,a model set-up suitable for the quality of the workplaces,and a role model set-up for the health manager.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

An Exploration of Contextual Aspects that Influence Cardiovascular Disease Risks Perceived by Workers in a Small–Medium-Sized Workplace
Jin Ah Kim, Won Ju Hwang, Juhye Jin
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(14): 5155. CrossRef
Validation of Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Workplace Health Promotion
Seung Hee Ho, Young Moon Chae
American Journal of Health Promotion.2015; 29(6): 402. CrossRef
Effects of health and safety problem recognition on small business facility investment
Jisu Park, Harin Jeong, Sujin Hong, Jong-Tae Park, Dae-Sung Kim, Jongseo Kim, Hae-Joon Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2013;[Epub] CrossRef

37 View
0 Download
3 Crossref

Effect of Glutathione on Apoptosis Induced by Methyl Mercury Chloride: Jung Ho Youm, Dai Ha Koh, Keun Sang Kwon, Me Yae Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):377-391. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.377

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to evaluate the critical role of glutathione(GSH) in methyl mercury chloride(MeHgCl)induced cell apoptosis.
METHODS
The effect of GSH in MeHgCl induced cell apoptosis was observed in mouse macrophage-derived RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium(DMEM).
RESULTS
MeHgCl exerted a dose dependent cytotoxicity,as demonstrated by the MTT assay, which is an assay dependent partially on the mitochondrial function. Moreover, in the presence of NAC, a GSH precursor, the MeHgCl induced cytotoxicity was significantly decreased whereas BSO, a specific GSH synthesis inhibitor,increased the MeHgCl induced cytotoxicity.The MeHgCl induced DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation was consistent with the morphological alterations. The MeHgCl treated cells exhibited increasing annexin V-FITC binding to the phos-phatidylserine(PS)translocated from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and those cells with NAC pretreatment significantly exhibited decreasing annexin V-FITC binding compared to the cells treated with MeHgCl only. However BSO pretreatment markedly exhibited the increasing annexin V-FITC binding. The MeHgCl treated cells generated ROS, which was evidenced by the oxidation of dihydroethidine and the generation of the fluorescent product, ethidium. In addition, BSO pretreatment further enhanced the extent of ROS generation caused by MeHgCl whereas NAC pretreatment decreased the amount of ROS generation. MeHgCl led to a dose dependent decrease in the GSH content. Although MeHgCl exposure significantly reduced the GSH level, those cells that had a NAC pretreatment contained a higher level of GSH compared to the cells treated with MeHgCl only. In contrast, BSO pretreatment futher enhanced the extent of GSH depletion caused by MeHgCl.
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that MeHgCl reduced the GSH content and impaired the defense against oxidative damage caused by ROS formation in RAW 264.7 cells. It is possible that these factors leads to the activation of the apoptosis signaling pathway. Ultimately these results suggest that GSH plays a crucial role in protecting the activity against MeHgCl induced apoptosis.

21 View
0 Download

An Evaluation of the Ventilatory Function in Shipyard Welders Using the Lifetime Cumulative Exposure to Welding Fumes: Chun Hwa Jung, Hyeon Woo Yim, Jung Wan Koo, Chung Yill Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):364-376. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.364

Abstract PDF: Objectives
This study was conducted to evaluate the ventilatory function in shipyard welders using the lifetime cumulative exposure to welding fumes.
METHODS
Ventilatory function tests were performed on 241 male welders at one large shipyard,exposed to welding fumes for over five years,and was compared to 80 male control subjects. Ventilatory function indices, such as forced vital capacity(FVC), one-second forced expiratory volume(FEV 1), ratio of FEV 1 to FVC(FEV 1%), maximal mid-expiratory flow(MMF), peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR)and maximal expiratory flow at 50 and 75% of expired FVC(FEF50 and FEF75), were obtained by analyzing forced expiratory spirograms and maximal expiratory flow-volume curves that were simultaneously measured by an Impulse ocillometry(IOS)program in the standing position.
RESULTS
FEF50 and FEF75 expressed as a percentage of the predicted values were significantly lower in the exposure group than in the controls, and the MMF tended to decrease.The means of all the ventilatory indices,expressed as percentage of the predicted values, were not significantly increased at the current exposure levels. The MMF, FEF50 and FEF75, expressed as a percentage of the predicted values, were significantly decreased with an increase in exposure duration.Only the FEF75 , expressed as a percentage of the predicted value, was significantly decreased with an increase in the cumulativeexposure to welding fumes(C1). The FEF75, expressed as a percentage of the predicted value, was significantly decreased with an increase in the cumulative exposure to welding fumes(C2). The above parameters were calculated to consider the current exposure level, exposure duration, application of the ventilatory system, production rate, personal protection evice, electrode and welding wire. The MMF and FEF50, expressed as a percentage of the predicted value, tended to decrease. The proportion of workers with abnormal MMF, FEF50 and FEF75 were significantly increased with an increase in the cumulative exposure to welding fumes(C2).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggested that the MMF, FEF50 and FEF75 are sensitive and practical indices for the evaluation of the ventilatory function of workers exposed to welding fumes, when the lifetime cumulative exposure(C2) is considered as a factor affecting exposure.

20 View
0 Download

The Application of Biological Monitoring and Effects of Ethanol and Phenobarbital on Plasma Protein Adducts Formed in Rats Exposed to Benzidine: Chi Nyon Kim, Se Hoon Lee, Jaehoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):353-363. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.353

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The effects of ethanol and phenobarbital,which are known to affect metabolism of xenobiotics, on the formation of benzidine-and its metabolites-plasma protein adducts in rats administered benzidine were evaluated.
METHODS
The experimental rats were divided into the control,ethanol and phenobar-bital groups. The experimental groups (ethanol and phenobarbital group)were pretreated with ethanol (1g/kg)or phenobarbital (80mg/kg)24 hours prior to the oral administration of benzidine (0.5mmol/kg). Blood samples were obtained from the vena cava from 5 rats in each group; and at 30 min,3 h,6 h,9 h,12 h,24 h,48 h,72 h,96 h,and 144 h after the administration of benzidine using heparin treated syringes.The plasma protein levels were separated immediately after taking blood samples. The adducts were underwent basic hydrolysis to convert them into aromatic amines. The hydrolyzed benzidine, monoacetylbenzidine, and 4-aminobiphenyl were analyzed by reverse-phased liquid chro-matography with an electrochemical detector. The quantitative amount of the metabolites was expressed by the plasma protein binding index(PBI).
RESULTS
Similar to the hemoglobin adducts,the levels of the plasma protein adducts of the ethanol and phenobarbital groups (benzidine-, monoacetylbenzidine-, and 4-amino-biphenyl-PBI)were higher than those of the control group. These results are attributable to the fact that ethanol and phenobarbital induced to the plasma protein adduct formation. The N-acetylation ratio in the control group was highest at 72 h with 2.34.In the ethanol group,it was highest at 72 h with a ratio of 2.46 and was highest in the phenobarbital group at 72 h with a ratio of 2.43. The N-acetylation ratio of the plasma protein adducts was relatively lower than that of the hemoglobin adducts.The level of the plasma protein adduct increased more rapidly than the hemoglobin adducts in all experimental groups regardless of the pretreatment,and decreased rapidly after reaching the maximum level.
CONCLUSION
The above results indicate that ethanol and phenobarbital increased the level of plasma protein adduct formation. The plasma protein adducts tended to decrease more rapidly than the hemoglobin adducts in the body after benzidine exposure. This results in this study result suggests that the effects of ethanol or phenobarbital need to be considered in the biochemical monitoring,and that the level of the plasma protein adducts be a more proper biomarker than the hemoglobin adducts for assessing the short term exposure to a benzidine and benzidine based dye.

20 View
0 Download

Activity of Telomerase in Coal Worker's Autopsied Lung: Jin Suk Chung, Hae Yun Nam, Byoung Yong Ahn, Kyoung Ah Kim, Young Lim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):347-352. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.347

Abstract PDF: OBJECT: We measured the activity of telomerase in coal workers lung tissue and found a significant increase in telomerase activity compared to the control group. Pneumoconiosis has the characteristics of fibroblast proliferation and the accumulation of collagen,thus finally causing the pathologic changes,which lead to the irreversible and progressive fibrosis of the lungs. We hypothesized that this cellular proliferation causing irreversible fibrosis may induce some elongation of the life cycle in the chromosomes and lead to further cellular immortalization.
METHOD
8 postmortem(within 24 hours)pneumo-coniotic cases were examined and their telomerase activity was compared with that of the autopsied lungs of lung cancer patients and of accident victims without any respiratory diseases. Using the extracted ribo-nucleoprotein from pneumoconiotic nodules, telomeric repeat amplification assay (TRAP)was done.
RESULT
The pneumoconiotic lungs showed strong telomerase activity, similar to that of the lung cancer patients, while the control group showed no such activity.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of this study, we found that coal dust-induced cellular proliferation affects telomerase-activity clinically.

16 View
0 Download

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Previous issues