Phototoxicity of Pheophorbide A Extracted from Gracilaria Lemaneiformis on Six Kinds of Cancer Cells / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the photodynamic antitumor activity and chemical characteristics of pheophorbide A (PPBa)in vitro. Methods Breast cancer cells (MCF-7), lung cancer cells (A549), cervical cancer cells (HeLa), and three kinds of hepatoma cells (HepG2, hep3B and sk-Hep1) were planted in 96-well plates.The effects of light and dark toxicity, light intensity, and drug concentration on the phototoxicity of PPBa were investigated by MTT, and the uptake of PPBa was observed by Hoechst staining under a confocal microscope.The production of singlet oxygen was observed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy with the reactive oxygen species detection kit.The photobleaching of PPBa was investigated by measuring the absorbance by a microplate reader according to the luminescence characteristics of PPBa. Results PPBa showed strong phototoxicity and low dark toxicity to six kinds of cancer cells, and IC50 values to cancer cells were as follows: MCF-7:1.033 μmol/L, A549:1.911 μmol/L, HeLa: 2.319 μmol/L, HepG2:2.015 μmol/L, Hep3B: 2.089 μmol/L, sk-Hep1:2.467 μmol/L.The main uptake site of PPBa was the cytoplasm.The production of singlet oxygen was strongly dependent on the administration concentration, and photobleaching was very low. Conclusion For the six kinds of cancer cells, PPBa has the highest phototoxicity to breast cancer cells (MCF-7), with excellent properties and ideal photosensitizer characteristics.

Maculopatia solar após o uso de LSD: relato de caso / Solar maculopathy after LSD use: a case report

Introdução: A maculopatia ou retinopatia solar é uma lesão foto-traumática da mácula causada pela observação direta ou indireta de fontes luminosas intensas, que ocorre comumente na presença de distúrbios psíquicos ou após o uso de drogas recreativas. O prognóstico visual varia e a conduta é expectante. Descrição do caso: Paciente V.V.A.M., sexo masculino, 20 anos, estudante, com queixa de escotoma central em ambos os olhos. Nega antecedentes patológicos e oculares. Solicitaram-se tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) e retinografia, que revelaram uma lesão central, bilateral e simétrica na retina externa. Paciente relatou ter feito uso de Dietilamida de ácido lisérgico (LSD) e, sob influência da droga, ter olhado de forma direta para o sol por aproximadamente 40 minutos. Discussão: O prognóstico da retinopatia solar é variável e relaciona-se com o tempo de exposição e com o comprimento da onda da fonte de luz. A etiopatogênese é explicada pelo dano causado ao epitélio pigmentar da retina (EPR) pela radiação. Conclusões: Deve haver maior orientação ao público sobre os possíveis efeitos danosos de exposição a fontes de luz de origens diversas. Além disso, destaca-se a importância do OCT para a identificação da maculopatia solar. (AU)

Introduction: Solar maculopathy or retinopathy is photo-traumatic damage created on the macula, caused by direct or indirect observation of intense light sources, commonly occurring in the presence of psychic disorders or after the use of recreational drugs. The visual prognosis varies. There is currently no known treatment. Case report: A 20-year-old male with no previous complaints reported central scotoma in both eyes despite 20/20 uncorrected vision. Bilateral, symmetric, central changes could be seen in the macula in fundoscopy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed loss of the external retina suggestive of Solar Maculopathy. The patient later claimed to have spent 40 minutes looking directly into the sun after use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). Discussion: The prognosis of solar retinopathy is related to the exposure time and to the wavelength of the light source, with those between 300-350 nm being the most harmful. Its etiopathogenesis is explained by damage caused to the retinal pigment epithelium (EPR) caused by radiation, interrupting the interdigitations between this layer and the external segment of the photoreceptors. Ophthalmoscopically, solar maculopathy is characterized by a small foveolar lesion that might become yellowish in the days following exposure, in the form of exudate or edema, followed by loss of foveal reflex and thinning of the fovea. The initial yellowed lesions are subsequently replaced by a spotted EPR or even by a lamellar orifice. Conclusions: There should be public guidance on the possible harmful effects of exposure to sources of light from diverse origins, as it usually occurs during solar eclipses, after exposure to certain types of lasers or observation of fires since this habit can cause severe and sometimes irreversible visual loss. (AU)

Light exposure from microscope versus intracameral illumination during cataract surgery

Purpose: To evaluate light exposure from microscope versus intracameral illuminations to patient's and surgeon's retina during cataract surgery. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients who had cataract surgery using microscope and intracameral illuminations. At the point of the ocular of an operating microscope, optical illuminance and irradiance from the microscope illumination (60, 40, 20% intensity) and the intracameral illumination (60% intensity) were measured using a light meter and a spectrometer at a pause after lens capsule polishing in cataract surgery. Results: Average illuminance (lux) was 1.46, 0.66, 0.27, and 0.1 from 60%, 40%, 20% intensity microscope illuminations and 60% intracameral illumination. Average total spectral irradiance (?W/cm2) was 1.25, 0.65, 0.26, and 0.03 from 60%, 40%, 20% intensity microscope illuminations and 60% intracameral illumination. Conclusion: Microscope ocular illuminance and irradiance during cataract surgery were higher in the microscope illumination than in the intracameral illumination. It suggests that light exposure reaching patient's and surgeon's retina during cataract surgery is lower in the intracameral illumination than in the microscope illumination.

Accelerated ecotoxicity of photoreactive nanoparticles on Moina macrocopa

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are well known as photoreactive nanoparticles (NPs). Various phototoxicities of ZnO NPs and TiO₂ NPs were reported on several organisms. It was still necessary to evaluate the toxicity of photoreactive ZnO NPs and TiO₂ NPs due to species-specific effects under various irradiation conditions. We compared the acute toxicity of Moina macrocopa under visible, ultraviolet (UV) A, and B irradiations, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines for the testing of chemicals (Test No. 202). The sensitivity of ZnO NPs for M. macrocopa was UVB>UVA>visible light irradiation. There were no significant lethal and immobile effects of TiO₂ NPs on juveniles under all irradiations and in the tested concentrations of TiO₂ NPs. Photoreactive NPs have a potential and accelerated toxicity on organisms in the ambient environments.

Eccrine Squamous Syringometaplasia Associated with Pelubiprofen Therapy

Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia (ESS) is a histologically distinctive skin eruption occurring predominantly in acral or intertriginous areas presenting as erythematous macules, papules or patches. The etiology of ESS remains unclear, but it is usually reported in patients receiving chemotherapy for various malignant neoplasms. To date, only two cases of ESS associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which has distinctive clinical features and pathogenesis, have been reported in the literature. Herein, we report a rare and interesting case of ESS associated with pelubiprofen, a recently developed NSAID, which appeared after pelubiprofen therapy and resolved spontaneously after discontinuing the medication.

Accelerated ecotoxicity of photoreactive nanoparticles on Moina macrocopa

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are well known as photoreactive nanoparticles (NPs). Various phototoxicities of ZnO NPs and TiO₂ NPs were reported on several organisms. It was still necessary to evaluate the toxicity of photoreactive ZnO NPs and TiO₂ NPs due to species-specific effects under various irradiation conditions. We compared the acute toxicity of Moina macrocopa under visible, ultraviolet (UV) A, and B irradiations, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines for the testing of chemicals (Test No. 202). The sensitivity of ZnO NPs for M. macrocopa was UVB>UVA>visible light irradiation. There were no significant lethal and immobile effects of TiO₂ NPs on juveniles under all irradiations and in the tested concentrations of TiO₂ NPs. Photoreactive NPs have a potential and accelerated toxicity on organisms in the ambient environments.

Connexin 40-formed GJIC increases the phototoxicity of photodynamic therapy through ROS- and calcium-mediated pathways / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of connexin (Cx) 40-formed gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) on Photofrin- photodynamic therapy (PDT) phototoxicity in Cx40- transfected HeLa cells and its potential mechanisms. METHODS HeLa cell line stably transfected to express Cx40 was seeded at high and low cell density, respectively, to assess in vitro photosensitivity using CCK8 assay. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression of Cx40. The intracellular ROS and Ca2 +concentrations were determined using flow cytometer. 4-HNE and ceramide were measured using ELISA assay. RESULTS Cx40-composed GJ formation at high density enhances the phototoxicity of Photofrin-PDT. When the Cx40 is not expressed or Cx40 channels are blocked, the phototoxicity in high-density cultures substantially reduces, indicating that the enhanced PDT phototoxicity at high density is mediated by Cx40-composed GJIC. The GJIC-mediated increase in PDT phototoxicity was associated with ROS and calcium-mediated stress signaling pathways. CONCLUSION The work uniquely presents the ability of Cx40-composed GJIC to enhance the sensitivity of malignant cells to PDT, and indicates that mainte?nance or increase of Cx40-formed GJIC may be a profitable strategy towards the enhancement of PDT therapeutic efficiency.

Optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence findings in chronic phototoxic maculopathy secondary to snow‑reflected solar radiation.

A professional mountain trekker presented with gradual, moderate visual decline in one eye. The subnormal vision could not be explained by the examination of anterior and posterior segment of either eye, which was unremarkable. Optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging revealed subtle defects in the outer retina, which correlated with the extent of visual disturbance. A novel presentation of retinal phototoxicity due to indirect solar radiation reflected from snow in inadequately protected eyes of a chronically exposed subject is reported.

Fitofotodermatite por Ruta graveolens com manifestação cutânea extensa / Phytophotodermatitis due to Ruta graveolens with extensive cutaneous manifestation

Dermatite de contato por planta ou fitodermatite é uma erupção cutânea resultante do contato com substâncias produzidas por diferentes espécies de vegetais. Ruta graveolens, popularmente conhecida como arruda, é uma planta da família das Rutaceae, que inclui algumas frutas cítricas, e contém inúmeras substâncias químicas fotossensíveis, incluindo os furocumarínicos. Relatamos um caso de reação de fitofototoxicidade grave em uma paciente que usou uma infusão de arruda pelas supostas qualidades ”místicas e purificadoras” da planta com extensa erupção cutânea.

Plant dermatitis or phytodermatitis is a cutaneous eruption resulting from contact with substances produced by different plant species. Ruta graveolens, popular known as common rue, is an herbal plant from the Rutaceae family, which includes the citrus fruits, and contains numerous photosensitizing substances, including furocoumarins. We report a severe case of phytophototoxicity reaction in a patient who used a common rue infusion because of its “powerful and purification” qualities.

Evaluation of the phototoxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by in vitro BALB/c 3T3 cytotoxicity method / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the phototoxicity of several commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by in vitro BALB/c 3T3 cytotoxicity method. METHODS: The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of test articles with and without irritation were compared to calculate photo-irritation factor (PIF), then phototoxicity was judged based upon PIF values. RESULTS: The PIF values of ketoprofen and naproxen were greater than 134.4 and 6.69, respectively, and that of fenbufen equaled to 5.96, all suggesting phototoxicity; ibuprofen and indometacin showed non-phototoxicity. CONCLUSION: The results of this study are consistent with previous reports. It is verified that in vitro BALB/c 3T3 cell phototoxicity method has excellent predictability and suitability. Combining this method with other tests is believed as the inevitable trend to fully estimate the potential phototoxicity of compounds.

Retinal Changes in White Rabbits after Exposure to the Light of an Operating Microscope

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the potential damage to white rabbit retinas caused by an operating microscope light. METHODS: A total of 18 white rabbits were exposed to the light of an operating microscope for 60 minutes. Fundus examination, fluorescein angiography (FAG), and electroretinogram (ERG) were performed before exposure and 1 hr, 1 day, 7 days and 14 days afterward to allow for serial comparisons. Light and electron microscopic examinations were performed to evaluate the changes in the rabbit retinas over time. RESULTS: Signs of retinal damage upon fundus examination and FAG were not found before or after exposure to the light of an operating microscopy. ERG, however, showed significant reduction in the dark-adapted rod response 1 hour after light exposure, and significant decline in the amplitude of the maximal combined response a- and b-wave 1 day after light exposure in the rabbit retinas. ERG findings returned to the pre-exposure level after 2 weeks. Ultrastructural injury to the photoreceptor outer segments and the retinal pigmented epithelium, observed using transmission electron microscopy, recovered to the pre-exposure state after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of retinal damage should be considered as an early result of exposure to the light of an operating microscope, even in normal retinal findings.

Derivados porfirínicos nanoencapsulados como fotossensibilizadores em terapia fotodinâmica / Nanoencapsulated porphyrin derivatives as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy

Uma série de oito derivados porfirínicos monocatiônicos, na forma de base-livre e metalados com Zn(II), e tendo grupos metila ou [Ru(bipy)2Cl]+ ligados ao átomo de nitrogênio do substituinte piridil em uma das posições meso do anel, foram sintetizadas e caracterizadas, visando sua aplicação como fotossensibilizadores no tratamento de tumores de pele por TFD. Além de possuírem características anfifílicas que favorecem a sua interação com membranas biológicas, os compostos apresentaram um elevado rendimento quântico de formação de oxigênio singlete, principalmente os derivados metilados das porfirinas base-livre. A baixa solubilidade em meio aquoso, fator limitante da utilização como fotossensibilizadores, foi superada por meio do encapsulamento dos mesmos em micro e nanocápsulas poliméricas, pelo método de coacervação. Duas formulações, uma baseada em hidroxietilcelulose (HEC) e outra na mistura atelocolágeno marinho/goma xantana (ACM), foram preparadas e suas eficiências fotodinâmicas e citotoxicidade frente à células HeLa determinadas. As formulações de ACM mostraram ser não-tóxicas, enquanto os preparados com HEC apresentaram uma pequena, mas significativa citotoxicidade no escuro. Por outro lado, todas as formulações se tornaram tóxicas quando irradiadas com laser de 650 nm ou luz branca proveniente de lâmpada de mercúrio. Dentre as formulações preparadas, as mais ativas foram aquelas preparadas com os derivados porfirínicos base-livre metilados em ACM, provavelmente em virtude da maior eficiência de entrega do composto fotoativo em relação ao sistema polimérico de HEC, aliado aos elevados rendimentos quânticos de formação de oxigênio singlete em relação aos demais compostos. Além disso, o encapsulamento influenciou significativamentente a interação e citolocalização dos fotossensibilizadores, e consequentemente a taxa e o mecanismo de morte celular. Os estudos por microscopia de fluorescência confocal, evidenciaram que as nanocápsulas de ACM são capazes de penetrar na membrana das células, alcançando o citoplasma e liberando gradativamente o composto fotoativo no seu interior. Quando não encapsulada, em solução de dmso, a porfirina se acumula preferencialmente na membrana celular. Consequentemente, neste caso a irradiação levou ao comprometimento da integridade da mesma e o desencadeamento da necrose celular, indesejável na terapia por ocasionar inflamação nos tecidos. Em contrapartida, o tratamento com formulações de fotossensibilizadores nanoencapsulados promoveram menos danos mas favoreceram a apoptose, um mecanismo de morte programada que geralmente leva a regeneração rápida e total dos tecidos, e ausência de processos inflamatórios

A series of eight monocationic porphyrins derivatives as free-base and Zn(II) complexes, with methyl or [Ru(bipy)2Cl]+ groups bond to the nitrogen atom of the meso-pyridyl substituent, were synthesized and characterized aiming their application as photosensitizers in the treatment of skin tumors by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Those compounds, especially the methylated derivatives of the free-base porphyrins, are potentially useful because showed higher quantum yields for the photoinduced formation of singlet oxygen and amphiphilic character, that enhanced their interaction with biological membranes. The low solubility in aqueous media, a limiting factor for use as photosensitizers, was overcome by encapsulating them in polymeric micro-and nanocapsules using the coacervation method. Two formulations, one based on hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and another in the marine atelocollagen/xanthan gum (MAC) mixture were prepared and their photodynamic efficiencies and cytotoxicity against HeLa cells determined. The MAC formulations were shown to be non-toxic, while the HEC presented a small but significant cytotoxicity in the dark. On the other hand, all formulations become toxic when irradiated with 650 nm laser or white light from a mercury lamp source. The most actives, among all formulations, were those prepared using the methylated free-base porphyrin derivatives and MAC, probably due to the higher delivery efficiency of the photosensitizers in relation to the formulations prepared with HEC, associated with their higher quantum yields of photoinduced formation of singlet oxygen of those species as compared with the other compounds. In addition, the encapsulation influenced the interaction and cytolocalization of the photosensitizers, and consequently the rate and mechanism of cell death. The MAC nanocapsules were shown to penetrate the cell membrane by confocal fluorescence microscopy, reaching the cytoplasm where gradually released the photoactive compound. However, the porphyrin derivatives preferentially accumulated in the cell membrane when in DMSO solution. Consequently, the irradiation compromised the membrane integrity leading to necrosis, an undesirable process since cause tissue inflammation. In contrast, the treatment with encapsulated photosensitizer formulations promoted a much lower level of photoinduced damage and apoptosis, a more desirable death mechanism characterized by a complete and rapid regeneration of tissues and absence of inflammatory processes

Evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant and phototoxic activities of extracts and isolated compounds from Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Verbenaceae / Avalição da atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante e fototóxica dos extratos e compostos isolados de Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Verbenaceae

Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Verbenaceae, plant extract, is a Brazilian medicinal plant externally used in folk medicine for purulent ulcers, skin lesions and internally for inflammations, fever, renal disorders and atherosclerosis. S. cayennesis was studied to identify potential bioactive compounds that may justify their therapeutic use against skin lesions and atherosclerosis. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and phototoxicity capacities of the crude ethanolic extract, fractions and isolated compounds from roots of S. cayennesis were evaluated through in vivo and in vitro tests. Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an eukaryotic cell model, were used to assess both the phototoxicity and the capacity to protect against the lethal oxidative stress caused by menadione and hydrogen peroxide. The extract, fractions and the two major isolated compounds, verbascoside and betulinic acid, of S. cayennensis were able to increase the tolerance and decrease the lipid peroxidation of S. cerevisiae to reactive oxygen species (ROS). The antioxidant activity was also evaluated by scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•). Verbascoside exhibited a moderate antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, S.epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. Neither the ethanolic extract nor fractions showed phototoxicity, indicating that the S. cayennensis extract is safe for use in the treatment of skin lesions and as an active cosmetic ingredient.

Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Verbenaceae, é uma planta utilizada na medicina popular brasileira contra úlceras e lesões de pele. Internamente é usada contra inflamações, febre, doenças renais e aterosclerose. Essa planta foi estudada com o objetivo de identificar os compostos bioativos majoritários que possam justificar seu uso terapêutico contra lesões de pele e arteriosclerose. A atividade antioxidante do extrato bruto etanólico, partições e os compostos majoritários isolados das raízes de S. cayennesis foi avaliada através de testes in vivo e in vitro. In vitro a atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelo teste fotocolorimétrico do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilidrazil (DPPH•). In vivo, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, um modelo de célula eucariótica, foi utilizado tanto para avaliar a fototoxicidade quanto a capacidade antioxidante contra as espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROS) menadiona e peróxido de hidrogênio. O extrato, partições e os dois compostos majoritários isolados, verbascosídeo e ácido betulínico foram capazes de aumentar a sobrevivência e diminuir a peroxidação lipídica de S. cerevisiae contra EROS. Verbascosídeo apresentou atividade antimicrobiana moderada contra Streptococcus pyogenes, S.epidermidis e Staphylococcus aureus. O extrato etanólico e as partições testadas não apresentaram fototoxicidade, indicando que S. cayennensis é uma planta segura para o tratamento de lesões de pele e como possível ingrediente em cosméticos.

Relationship between safety and structure parameters of benzophenone ramifications / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between skin photo reactions and structural pa-rameters. Methods Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-3 were assessed by phototoxici-ty test and photoallergic test on guinea pig. And the phototoxicity index and photoallergic index were cal-culated after clinical assessment. Structural parameters of the three sunscreens like total energy, binding energy, electronic energy, heat of formation, dipole and sum of the net charges were also calculated by the soft of HyperChem7.0, respectively. Results The phototoxicity index rised with total energy, elec-tronic energy and sum of net charges increasing. And the photoallergy index rised only with binding ener-gy increasing. So there was some correlation between phototoxicity index and total energy, electronic en-ergy and sum of net charges (P<0.01). Significant relationship was only between the photoallergy index and binding energy (P<0.01). Conclusions The phototoxicity is correlated with total energy and e-lectronic energy, while photoallergy is related to binding energy. It is possible to establish a model evalua-ting the safety and structural parameters of benzophenone ramifications.

A Case of 5-fluorouracil-induced Phototoxicity / 대한피부과학회지

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite which prevents thymine synthesis and suppresses the utilization of preformed uracil. A variety of cutaneous reactions have been reported with the use of systemic 5-FU, the most common being photosensitivity. We report a case of 5-FU induced phototoxicity in a 73-year-old male. The patient had tender and slightly pruritic scaly and crusted erythema on sun-exposed areas. A biopsy revealed necrotic keratinocytes with epidermal degeneration. After the cessation of 5-FU, the skin lesions showed a marked improvement, and there was no further photosensitivity to the skin.

Phototoxic Dermatitis by Coal Tar Containing Paint / 대한산업의학회지

Many workers who used coal tar containing paints in shipyard industry have dermatitis, but the etiology is not known well. Our research is to fond out the etiology of the dermatitis and to provide proper management. Methods of this research are comprised of 3 steps. First, we diagnosed dermatitis by questionnaire and dermatologic examination and evaluated air level of coal tar pitch volatiles in workplace. Second, we confirmed coal tar phototoxicity by in vitro cell experiments. Third, we evaluated the effects of intervention. The results were as follows ; Questionnaire survey showed that the lesions of dermatitis were mainly on the sun exposed area and the symptoms were strongly associated with season, weather, and time. Air levels of coal tar pitch volatiles in workplace were higher than NIOSH standard (0.1 mg/m(3), cyclohexane solubles). Inhibitory effects of cellular proliferation by coal tar containing paints and UVA (365nm) exposure showed coal tar phototoxicity. Intervention was done by UV barrier cream(BPF 30) and 72.7% workers who applied UV barrier cream improved after 2 months later. Conclusively, the etiology of dermatitis of shipyard workers who used coal tar containing paint was coal tar phototoxicity, and this dermatitis would be protected by UV barrier cream.

A Case of Doxycycline-induced Phototoxicity / 대한피부과학회지

We report a case of doxycycline-induced phototoxicity in a 62-years-old male. The patient, had erythematous macules and patches on sun-exposed areas. A Phototest revealed a marked decreased minimal erythemai. dose (MED) to UVA (MED(UNA)=-10J/cm2). Photopatch tests with 1%, 5% Doxycycline ointment were negative. An oral provocation test was performed, which showed a positive result with a decrease of MED to UVA (MED(UVA)= 20J/cm2). After the cessation of doxycycline, his skin lesioris were improved markedly with complete loss of photosensitivity.

Phototoxic Dermatosis among Coal-tar Pitch Workers / 예방의학회지

Interview survey and dermatological examination have been performed to investigate the health problems of workers continuously exposed to coal-tar pitch. The phototoxicity of coal-tar pitch was confirmed by the photopatch tests for six healthy adults. The main results are followings; 1. There was no special history of allergic diseases in both the exposed and non-exposed group. 2. The frequency of the phototoxic dermatosis and the coal-tar acne in the exposed group was significantly greater(p<0.05) than that of the control group. In the exposed group, the phototoxic dermatosis and the coal-tar acne were observed in nine workers(90%) and seven workers(70%), respectively. However, those disease were not observed in the control group. 3. Five results(83%) were positive to the photopatch test for coal-tar pitch 48 hours after UVA irradiation. But the lesion was subsiding 72 hours after UVA irradiation. 4. Malignant cancers were not reported among workers ever exposed to coal-tar pitch. In conclusion, it appears that workers exposed to coal-tar pitch have high risks of phototoxic dermatosis and coal-tar acne. A health policy should be provided to prevent phototoxic dermatosis among coal-tar pitch workers. More studies are required to determine malignancy.

Toxicity of Alpha-terthienyl to the Larvae of Aedes albopictus / 中国寄生虫学与寄生虫病杂志

Objective To investigate the toxicity of alpha terthienyl to the larvae of Aedes albopictus , its influencing factors and effect on the larva deve lopment. Methods Under experimental ultraviolet A (UVA),the number of dead,pupal or eclosive mosquito larvae was determined on the condition of different doses of alpha terthienyl and different disposal time in the dark;the number of dead larvae was also determined under sunlight on the condition of different doses of alpha terthienyl and different disposal time to water. Results The LC 50 of alpha terthienyl to Aedes albopictus larvae was 2.37 ?g/L under UVA. The best effect was shown when the larvae were incubated with alpha terthienyl 3 h in dark. Alpha terthienyl could significantly inhibit the larva deve lopment and the emergence of the pupae. Under strong sunlight, the larvae were quickly killed by high concentration alpha terthienyl. The 24 hours effect of alpha terthienyl was better when it was applied at 5 AM than that of at 10 AM and 1PM. Conclusion Alpha terthienyl is an effective, practicable larvicide which prohibits the growth and development of the larvae of Aedes albopictus .

Acute Phase Retinal Phototoxicity Induced by Blue Fluorescent Light / 영남의대학술지

Even though phototherapy is an effective means of treating hyperbilirubinemia, adequate binocular shields are essential to prevent light hazard of retina during phototherapy. The phototherapy to young albino rabbits was performed under various conditions; exposured for 12, 24, and 48 hours, continuity or intermittence of irradiation, and use of shields. Although there was no definite pathologic change in indirect ophthalmoscopic examination, severe damage was seen at electron microscopic level. In all experimental groups, swelling and edema of photoreceptor were seen. at right after phototherapy. Futhermore, more severe damage was seen in case of intermittent irradiated group and prolong exposed group. In mydriatic eyes, severity of damage was similiar to non mydi iatic eyes, but area of retinal damage was more extensive than non-mydriatic eves.. In control group which was protected by binocular shields during phototherapy, no significant abnormality was found.