Progress on the mechanism of n-hexane induced toxic effects in vitro and in vivo / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Hexane is a widely used organic solvent in industry, and chronic hexane poisoning is the main occupational toxic lesion in China. In particular, axonal and myelin lesions in the distal thick fibers of the peripheral nervous system may be caused by 2, 5-hexanedione (2, 5-HD), an intermediate metabolite of n-hexane in humans. Hexane has toxic effects not only on the nervous system but also on the liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. In this paper, we review the progress of research on the mechanism of n-hexane toxic neuropathy.

A Case of Peripheral Polyneuropathy Induced by Occupational 2,5-hexanedione Exposure / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study is a case report of 2,5-hexanedione induced occupational peripheral polyneuropathy. We also investigated the peripheral nerve function of all workers who had been exposed to 2,5-hexanedione in the same process. METHODS: In June, 2006, a 2,5-hexanedione exposed worker complained of both hand numbness. He received neurologic, radiologic, laboratorial and electrophysiologic evaluation, including measurements of workplace environment. Five months after cessation of exposure to 2,5-hexanedione, a follow-up electrophysiologic examination was done. We evaluated the peripheral nerve function of 2,5-hexanedione exposed workers by comparing 13 male 2,5-hexanedione exposed workers who were in same company with the patient and 5 male workers who had not been exposed to 2,5-hexanedione. RESULTS: Under electrophysiologic examination, there were abnormalities in sensory and motor nerve velocity, terminal latency, and F-latency of both median nerve and ulnar nerve. After 5 months, the patient symptoms and the results of follow-up electrophysiologic examinations were improved. Comparing the 2,5-hexanedione exposed group with the unexposed group, the sensory nerve velocity of the median and ulnar nerves in the exposed group was decreased. The motor nerve velocity of the peroneal nerve, and sensory nerve velocity of the median and sural nerves were decreased. Terminal latency of median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves in the exposed group were increased compared with the unexposed group(<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 2.5-hexandione can induce peripheral polyneuropathy in male workers.

Three Cases of Skin Pigmentation Caused by 2,5-Hexanedione / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: To report on the skin discoloration experienced by three workers handling 2 , 5 -hexanedione METHODS: Three workers, who showed orange-brown discoloration of the palms during observation under the Kumi occupational disease surveillance system, had their history evaluated and underwent physical examination. A workplace survey was performed by an occupational physician and an industrial hygienist. RESULTS: The three workers were determined to have been experiencing skin discoloration since the introduction of a new cleaning solvent. The new solvent contained 2,5-hexanedione, which is reported in the literature to be possibly capable of causing orangebrown discoloration of the skin. After discontinuation of solvent use, the workers recovered within a week. CONCLUSIONS: These cases demonstrate that 2,5-hexanedione can produce skin pigmentation.

Effects of 2,5-hexanedione on Protein Kinase Contents in Rats Spinal Cord / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To clarify the role of protein kinase A (PKA),protein kinase C (PKC) and cyclin dependent kinase5 (CDK5) in the alterations of neurofialments (NFs) in 2,5-hexanedione (HD) induced toxic peripheral neuropathies. Methods HD was administrated to male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg,once a day,for 8 consecutive weeks. The relative contents of PKA,PKC,p35 precursor and CDK5 in spinal cord were determined by using SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting. Results In the cytosolic fraction of spinal cord,the levels of PKA and PKC in 400 mg/kg group significantly increased (P