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Volume 60 (2005)
- Issue 4 Pages 395-
- Issue 3 Pages 335-
- Issue 1 Pages 3-
Volume 60, Issue 4
Displaying 1-8 of 8 articles from this issue
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Reiko KISHI2005 Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 395
Published: November 15, 2005
Released on J-STAGE: February 17, 2009
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSDownload PDF (68K) -
Michihiro KAMIJIMA2005 Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 397-404
Published: November 15, 2005
Released on J-STAGE: February 17, 2009
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSThe possible adverse impact of environmental chemical exposure on semen quality is a public health concern. However, an epidemiological study targeting the general population is not easy. An alternative approach is to study workers exposed to higher doses of the concerned chemicals, whereas there have been only a very limited number of such studies conducted in Japan to date. This review, on the basis of the author's experience thus far, attempts to shed light on considerations when planning possible semen studies in workplaces in Japan. They include study design, informed consent of both the employer and participating employees, means of increasing participation ratio, control of nonexposure factors such as abstinence period and medical history, standardization in measuring semen indices, interpretation of study results, and necessary precautions when reporting a low semen quality in the exposed population.View full abstractDownload PDF (1527K) -
Study of BromopropanesGaku ICHIHARA2005 Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 405-410
Published: November 15, 2005
Released on J-STAGE: February 17, 2009
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSIn 1995, workers in a Korean electronic factory exhibited oligospermia or amenorrhea. We investigated the toxicity of 2-bromopropane used as an alternative to chlorofluorocarbons in the factory in animal experiments, and clarified that exposure to 2-bromopropane depletes spermatogenic cells in male rats and oocytes in female rats. Subsequently, we investigated the neurotoxicity of 2-bromopropane on the basis of the reported neuropathy in the Korean workers exposed to 2-bromopropane. For comparison, we employed 1-bromopropane, which is now used as a new alternative to chlorofluorocarbons. The results showed that 1-bromopropane is more neurotoxic than 2-bromopropane, causing harm to reproductive organs by inhibiting spermiation in the testis and impairing follicular development in the ovary. Shortly after the initial investigation of 1-bromopropane in animals, human cases were reported in the United States. Neurologic abnormalities in Chinese workers exposed to 1-bromopropane were also reported, such as the elongation of distal latency and lowered sense of vibration in the lower limbs. Thus, these serial studies revealed that 1-bromopropane is neurotoxic, but its dose-response relationship in humans remains unknown. In the investigation of 2-bromopropane toxicity, initial animal studies were designed on the basis of human studies, while in research on 1-bromopropane, animal studies preceded human studies and contributed to the prediction of toxicity in humans. However, the use of animal model is limited in its ability to predict the toxicity of chemicals introduced depending on species differences. Further studies should focus more on the differences and commonality between animals and humans in response to toxic agents.View full abstractDownload PDF (1136K) -
Transgenerational Effects of Styrene ExposureYoko KATAKURA, Reiko KISHI2005 Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 411-417
Published: November 15, 2005
Released on J-STAGE: February 17, 2009
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSRecently, health problems caused by environmental chemical substances present in daily life have been increasing, particularly developmental toxicities, the effects of which often become apparent only after a long developmental period. It is difficult to determine adverse transgenerational effects. Therefore, we must recognize important indices to measure neurobehavioral and developmental effects. The assessment of such effects indices, is difficult and few neurobehavioral data are available compared to teratological data. Thus, through studies using laboratory animals, analyses of the mechanisms, exposure periods, doses and neurobehavioral effects are necessary. We have reviewed studies of the volatile monomer of the organic solvent styrene with regard to reproductive and developmental toxicities in laboratory animals. The styrene monomer crosses through the placenta; however, fetal excretion is less than maternal excretion. Therefore, it seems that a dose of styrene that does not affect the mother may be toxic for the fetus. We reported that exposure to low-dose styrene results in physical and neurobehavioral developmental delays, as well as decreases in enzyme activity and neurotransmitter secretion level. To prevent neurobehavioral toxicity, we need further studies to obtain precise data on chemical-biological interactions developmental toxicity and dose-response relationships. A key step towards effective prevention can also be obtained from studies in which animals are continuously exposed to chemicals for one or more generations. Thereafter, we must extrapolate developmental toxicity data from animals to humans. In this paper, we provide the information on developmental toxicity.View full abstractDownload PDF (1151K) -
Atsuko SHINOHARA, Momoko CHIBA, Hiroyuki TAKEUCHI, Katsuyuki KINOSHITA ...2005 Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 418-425
Published: November 15, 2005
Released on J-STAGE: February 17, 2009
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSObjective: The relationships between element concentrations and sperm parameters in semen samples were investigated.
Methods: Semen samples (n=113) were donated voluntarily by male partners of infertile couples. The concentrations of fourteen elements (Na, K, P, Ca, Zn, Mg, Fe, Cu, Se, Mn, Sn, Co, Ni, and Cd) in semen were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, fluorometry, or colorimetry. Element concentrations in seminal plasma and in sperm were also measured.
Results: Element concentrations in semen were in the order Na>P, K>Ca>Zn>Mg>>Fe>Cu, Se>Mn>Sn, Ni, Co, Cd. When the samples were divided into two groups in terms of sperm concentration and number, the Se concentration in semen with normal parameter values (sperm concentration≥20×106 and sperm number≥40×106), 99.4±37.4ng/ml, was higher than that in semen with abnormal parameter values (sperm concentration≤20×106 and/or sperm number≤40×106), 72.1±33.9ng/ml (p<0.001). A clearer positive correlation between the Se concentration and the sperm concentration was observed in the sperm portion (r=0.853, p<0.001) than in semen (r=0.512, p<0.001) and seminal plasma (r=0.292, p=0.003). Statistically significant correlations were also observed between the concentration of Se, P, Zn, Cu, Fe, or Mn in semen, the sperm portion or seminal plasma and the sperm concentration, semen volume or abnormal morphology, although correlation coefficients were small.
Conclusion: Among biologically essential elements in semen of infertile males, Se was a good indicator of sperm concentration; however, other trace elements did not indicate clear relationships between their concentrations and sperm parameters.View full abstractDownload PDF (1243K) -
In Considering the Approaches to Preventive MedicineYoshitaka NOBUKUNI, Fumiko HIGASHIKAWA, Kiyoshi MIYAGAWA, Akira EBOSHI ...2005 Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 426-441
Published: November 15, 2005
Released on J-STAGE: February 17, 2009
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSIn Japan, over the last 40 years, the change in lifestyle, particularly the westernization of the diet, has led to increased frequency of “lifestyle-related disorders” such as, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Consequently, the morbidity and mortality due to coronary heart disease have increased, and the prevention of this disorder is now one of the major concerns when considering the quality of life of individuals and the public health policy. Hyperlipidemia, particularly hypercholesterolemia, is one of the major risk factors of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the clarification of the mechanisms of the development of hyperlipidemia is important in the consideration of the prevention and management of atherosclerotic disorders. Genetic and epidemiological studies have provided compelling evidence that genetic factors, environmental influences and the interaction between them all contribute to the development of this complex disorder. Various unexpected mechanisms of the development of hyperlipidemia have been elucidated by analyzing some hereditary disorders. Furthermore, the cloning of the genes involved in the maintenance of cholesterol and/or lipid homeostasis has made it possible to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the development of hyperlipidemia in detail. Elucidation of the genetic and environmental factors and detailed understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of hyperlipidemia are essential in the pursuit of evidence-based preventive medicine and health policy.View full abstractDownload PDF (3026K) -
Reiko ISHIHARA, Akira BABAZONO, Chihoko KAME, Motonori YAHIRO, Kazuo N ...2005 Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 442-449
Published: November 15, 2005
Released on J-STAGE: February 17, 2009
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSObjectives: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the change of mental health and the improvement of lifestyle and physical health in the lifestyle intervention program.
Methods: The study was conducted using data from 126 persons (50 males and 76 females) who participated in the 6-month lifestyle intervention program. We used the result of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-30 as the indicator of mental health, the number of steps, surveys concerning caloric intake, and sleeping hours as the indicator of lifestyle, and body weight, BMI, blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and HBA1c. The subjects were classified into four groups based on the change of mental health: Group-GG, change from good to good (n=80); Group-PG, change from poor to good (n=25); Group-PP, change from poor to poor (n=13); and Group-GP, change from good to poor (n=8). The changes between pre-intervention and post-intervention were compared for each group by the paired t-test, and among the 4 groups by ANCOVA.
Results: In Group-GG, the number of steps (p<0.01), caloric intake (p<0.05) and sleeping hours (p<0.01) were significantly improved, triglyceride was significantly decreased (p<0.01), and total and HDL cholesterol were significantly increased (p<0.01). However there were no significant changes in Group-GP.
Conclusion: The state and change of mental health were found to be significantly associated with the improvement of lifestyle and physical health.View full abstractDownload PDF (1211K) -
Epidemiological Assessment and Prophylactic Treatment with Oral IvermectinKuniko MAKIGAMI, Noriko OHTAKI, Yasuto SATO, Naohito YAMAGUCHI2005 Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 450-460
Published: November 15, 2005
Released on J-STAGE: February 17, 2009
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSObjectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of mass treatment with ivermectin of scabies outbreak in institutional settings. To determine the factors, such as host susceptibility and scabetic exposure level associated with the onset of scabies.
Methods: The authors investigated a nosocomial scabies outbreak in a close psychiatric ward. The index case was a man with steroid-induced localized crusted scabies. Twenty-six patients were diagnosed with scabies, 4 of them had relapse of scabies, while no staff was infested. Despite frequent surveillance and treatment of symptomatic patients with 1% gamma-benzenehexachloride (γ-BHC: Lindane), new cases were observed. Thus, all 69 patients in the ward were treated with ivermectin (200μg/kg) simultaneously on day 105 of the outbreak (the mass treatment). Patients who had scabies were compared with patients who had no scabies in terms of age, body weight, diabetes, physical functions, topical administration of corticosteroid, proximity to the index patient, and problematic behavior.
Results: The mass treatment was implemented without a significant adverse event. Although two patients developed symptoms of scabies after the mass treatment, no patient in the ward had been diagnosed with scabies since the 98th day of the treatment. Regarding factors associated with the scabies onset, the only statistically significant factor was proximity to the index patient with crusted scabies.
Conclusions: Oral ivermectin was safe and effective for controlling scabies in institutional settings. The exposure level to scabetic mites was more important than host susceptibility in determining the risk of scabies onset.View full abstractDownload PDF (5357K)
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