Advances in cancer biomarkers as applied to chemical exposures: the ras oncogene and p21 protein and pulmonary carcinogenesis

Article Abstract:

Satisfactory surveillance of the work environment and employee health presents a major challenge. The usual approaches to minimize worker exposure to suspected carcinogens in the ambient environment are no longer satisfactory. These approaches fail to consider the influence of intermediary processes between exposure and the development of the cancer. Furthermore, for employees exposed to many potential carcinogens, biological markers and biologically effective exposures and doses must be determined for each compound. Chemical carcinogens exert their effects by producing either direct genetic damage or secondary damage that alters potential genetic expression. Compounds in the work environment may affect oncogenes (genes that stimulate the transformation of the host cell to a cancer cell) or antioncogenes (tumor suppressor genes). It is known that no single gene alone is responsible for the transition from normal to malignant cell type. The transition process after exposure to chemical carcinogens to the development of tumor depends on the action and interaction of certain oncogenes and antioncogenes. One such oncogene is the ras oncogene, which is know to be activated in the development of many human cancers, especially lung cancer. Malignancies are also associated with exposure to chemical carcinogens, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAHs are products of high temperature combustion of carbon-containing compounds, and are in cigarette smoke and are products of the coal and coke, iron and steel, rubber tire, and petroleum industries. The ras oncogene can be activated by specific point mutations produced by the action of these compounds. As with other genes, the ras oncogene exerts a specific influence through the expression of a specific protein product, p21. There is evidence of ras oncogene activation and p21 expression in human lung cancers. The detection of the ras oncogene/p21 in these cases suggests that they may be useful as a cancer biomarker for individuals exposed to respiratory carcinogens. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prevention, Environmental aspects, Occupational diseases, Cancer, Cancer prevention, Lung cancer, Oncogenes, Tumor markers

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Pulmonary health risks among Northwest loggers

Article Abstract:

Loggers are exposed to a number of work-related hazards, such as trauma. Wood dust and fumes from chain saws and equipment are also encountered daily, and may be detrimental to pulmonary (lung) function. This study examined pulmonary function data from 688 loggers, which was compared with values obtained by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for non-exposed blue-collar workers in other professions. The possibility of greater risk of pulmonary impairment among loggers was investigated, along with any relationship to length of employment and work activity associated with impairment. Data was obtained from loggers in Oregon and Washington who were originally studied for the effects of exposure to volcanic ash. More than two thirds of the loggers were current or ex-smokers. Employment times averaged 11 to 14 years. Loggers' lung data were compared with other workers by smoking status. Loggers had greater forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity than predicted; the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity values was less than comparable NIOSH groups. These results indicate that loggers are not at increased risk for pulmonary disease and that the NIOSH study predictions for other blue-collar workers are not applicable to loggers. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Risk factors, Lung diseases, Logging, Loggers, Loggers (Persons)

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