ABSTRACT
Pesticides are a group of environmental pollutants widely used in agriculture to protect crops, and their indiscriminate use has led to a growing public awareness about the health hazards associated with exposure to these substances. In fact, exposure to pesticides has been associated with an increased risk of developing diseases, including cancer. In a study previously published by us, we observed the induction of specific chromosomal alterations and, in general, the deleterious effect of pesticides on the chromosomes of five individuals exposed to pesticides. Considering the importance of our previous findings and their implications in the identification of cytogenetic biomarkers for the monitoring of exposed populations, we decided to conduct a new study with a greater number of individuals exposed to pesticides. Considering the above, the aim of this study was to evaluate the type and frequency of chromosomal alterations, chromosomal variants, the level of chromosomal instability and the clonal heterogeneity in a group of thirty-four farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides in the town of Simijacá, Colombia, and in a control group of thirty-four unexposed individuals, by using Banding Cytogenetics and Molecular Cytogenetics (Fluorescence in situ hybridization). Our results showed that farmers exposed to pesticides had significantly increased frequencies of chromosomal alterations, chromosomal variants, chromosomal instability and clonal heterogeneity when compared with controls. Our results confirm the results previously reported by us, and indicate that occupational exposure to pesticides induces not only chromosomal instability but also clonal heterogeneity in the somatic cells of people exposed to pesticides. This study constitutes, to our knowledge, the first study that reports clonal heterogeneity associated with occupational exposure to pesticides. Chromosomal instability and clonal heterogeneity, in addition to reflecting the instability of the system, could predispose cells to acquire additional instability and, therefore, to an increased risk of developing diseases.
ABSTRACT
El oído es una estructura anatómica compleja. Su estudio y comprensión resultan un reto diario para el radiólogo, siendo la tomografía computada una herramienta esencial para su estudio. La tomografía computada convencional con cortes finos en planos axiales y coronales permite una buena visualización de las diferentes estructuras. Sin embargo, se necesitan tiempos prolongados para su realización y posicionamientos incómodos o intolerables para muchos pacientes. Además la visualización de algunas de sus estructuras es limitada. La tomografía axial computada multidetector de 64 canales a nuestro medio permite optimizar el estudio de la compleja y pequeña anatomía del oído. La realización de adquisiciones volumétricas con cortes de 0,5 mm, con reconstrucciones multiplanares en los tres planos básicos, en planos curvos y reconstrucciones tridimensionales, hacen posible la visualización detallada de las estructuras en escasos segundos y en condiciones cómodas para el paciente. Nuestro propósito en este artículo es demostrar la utilidad de las reconstrucciones, particularmente en planos oblicuos, para identificar y analizar los diferentes reparos anatómicos del oído y alcanzar la visualización óptima de la anatomía relevante del hueso temporal.
The ear is a complex anatomic structure. Its study and understanding represent a constant challenge for the radiologist. As a consequence the computed tomography becomes an essential tool for its examination. Conventional tomographic examination with both axial and coronal reconstruction of the image allows a satisfactory visualization of the different structures. However, the study requires long periods of time for its acquisition and uncomfortable or intolerable positions for the patients. Moreover, the characterization of some structures of the ear becomes limited. Sixty-four slice multidetector computed tomography allows the optimal study of the small and complex ear anatomy. Volumetric acquisitions with 0.5 mm slices, with multiplanar reconstructions in the three basic plans, in tri-dimensional reconstructions and curved plans, allow detailed visualization of structures in a few seconds, thuf avoiding patient discomfort. Our purpose in this article is to demonstrate the utility of reconstructions particularly in oblique planes, and reaching an optimal visualization of the temporal bone.
