Effects of dioxins and furans on liver enzymes, lipid parameters, and thyroid hormones in former thermal metal recycling workers.

A cross-sectional study was performed to examine the internal exposure of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) in former workers in a nonferrous metal recycling facility. Liver enzymes, lipid parameters, and thyroid hormones were measured to check possible biologic effects. Compared to background levels, the international toxicity equivalent levels of exposed workers were slightly elevated (median 42 ppt, range 13-281 ppt). The workers also had higher total PCDF concentrations (median 128 ppt, range 30-1138 ppt). Correlation analyses demonstrate significant associations with only one liver enzyme, alanine aminotransferase. There were no such associations with serum cholesterol levels or with serum thyroid hormones. Because of the cross-sectional design of the study, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. For further evaluation, a follow-up examination appears necessary.

Effects of systemic interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on the antigenic phenotype of melanoma metastases. EORTC melanoma group cooperative study No. 18852.

In order to investigate the effects of in vivo treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on melanoma antigens, a clinical EORTC trial (No. 18852) was accompanied by an immunohistological study. Twenty patients with melanoma metastases of skin and soft tissues, eventually also of the lung, who were treated with systemic IFN-alpha, were evaluated for a comparison of metastases before (40) and during (42) treatment. Representative cryostat sections were studied immunohistologically with a panel of monoclonal antibodies against differentiation antigens (HMW-MAA, K-1-2, NKI-beteb, M-2-10-15), progression markers (transferrin receptor, ICAM-1, VLA-2), histocompatibility antigens (HLA-A, B, C, HLA-DR) and the proliferation-associated nuclear antigen Ki67. We found an overall reduction of the proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 (p < 0.01), and an increase in expression of HLA-DR (p < 0.05) and ICAM-1 (trend) during treatment. The intensity of expression of HLA-A, B and C antigens as well as pigmentation (p < 0.01) was found to be increased. Early progression (< or = 8 weeks after onset of treatment) was associated with a lack of phenotypic changes. The data suggest an independent modulation of proliferation, pigmentation, and antigen expression by systemic treatment of metastatic melanoma with IFN-alpha.