Abstract Advancements in health promotion and prenatal medicine have made noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) a common practice during pregnancy, but understanding prenatal health information becomes crucial not only for the well-being of the mother but also for that of the unborn child. Analyze health-related information during pregnancy is fundamental, and this work fits perfectly with this topic, reporting preliminary results from the pilot study “SaperePer”. A health-related questionnaire was administered to 358 women in the first trimester of pregnancy, aiming to study different outcomes: 1.level of knowledge of NIPT; 2.number of screening tests undergone; 3.willingness to undergo a diagnostic test with a high outcome risk of screening test; 4.willingness to end the pregnancy following a diagnosis of pathology. The questionnaire was divided into 3 sections: personal characteristics and lifestyle habits, prenatal health behavior scale (PHBS), and knowledge of NIPT. Preliminary results showed that the level of knowledge of NIPT was higher in older, atheist, working, wealthy highly educated, and preliminary informed women, as well as the higher number of screening tests undergone and the propensity to undergo an invasive diagnostic test after a high-risk screening result (KS and MW tests p < 0.05). On the contrary, women with lower education, faithful and, even more, not preliminary and appropriately informed during prenatal counseling showed lower knowledge of NIPT, lower number of tests undergone, and meager chances to undergo an invasive diagnostic test or to end the pregnancy after a positive diagnosis of pathology (KS and MW tests p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study evaluated health-related information during the first but crucial stages of pregnancy, opening a new understanding of how health literacy and correct prenatal counseling could increase awareness and health promotion in pregnant women, particularly in those women with lower cultural tools. Key messages • Health literacy and correct prenatal counseling could increase awareness and health promotion in pregnant women. • Understanding prenatal health information becomes crucial both for maternal and prenatal well-being.
Abstract According to the WHO guidelines, to counteract the excessive weight gain during pregnancy and to mitigate the increase in oxidative stress (OS) which naturally increases during pregnancy, a healthy lifestyle and a correct diet are crucial as preventive measures to promote health. The MaNu project was conceived precisely to control these factors through dietary counselling. We expect that pregnant women who voluntarily undergo an educational program consisting of specific and accurate dietary advice will be able to emphasize weight control and contain the increase in OS. Our randomized controlled trial (RCT) has a parallel group design and takes place in the Obstetrics and Clinical Nutrition Departments of Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital (Verduno, north-western Italy), where physiological pregnant women are enrolled between 12-17 gestational weeks (GWs). The educational intervention takes place between 12-24 GWs. Dietary habits were collected with a questionnaire and urine samples were analysed to quantify the OS using 15-F2t-isoprostane, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant power. The descriptive analyses are based on paired t-tests. Preliminary analyses on 76 women who completed two out of three time points (T0 and T1) indicate that, of women who received the intervention, 35% experienced excessive weight gain (based on guidelines), compared to 39% shown by controls. Following the counselling, the 15-F2t-isoprostane decreased significantly (mean T0=5.1 ng/ml vs. mean T1=3.5 ng/ml, p = 0.02). Concerning nutrient intake, a statistically significant reduction in sugar consumption has been found in the intervention group (mean T0=92.2 g vs. mean T1=83.3 g, p = 0.03). Conversely, no correlations have been detected between OS and the main pro and anti-oxidant macronutrients. Although promising, our findings need further verification since the RCT is still ongoing, and it is imperative to attain the anticipated sample size before drawing any definitive conclusions. Key messages • Dietary counselling during pregnancy should be implemented as a preventive strategy used to counteract potential pregnancy complications and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. • Healthy diet is essential to control the increase in oxidative stress levels during pregnancy and to prevent excessive weight gain, factors that can lead to the onset of pregnancy complications.
Abstract The management of the Post-Consumer Tyres (PCTs) is still a hot topic. In 2021, the 27 EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, and the UK discarded 4,200 Ktons of PCTs. The main application of the rubber granules obtained from their recycling is represented by infill material in synthetic turf playgrounds. These widespread installations have become fundamental tools for the promotion of physical activity, especially among children. However, this material is in the spotlight for the presence in its composition of hazardous substances and for the small size of granules, which the European Commission classified as “microplastics”. This review aims to clarify the scientific knowledge, focusing on the assessment of the bio-accessibility/availability of hazardous chemicals and the risk assessment for users. Eligible articles reporting original data were identified in CAB Direct, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The included articles (preliminary results) variously demonstrated the presence of PAHs, metals, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates in artificial biofluids (n = 9 articles). The risk assessment for these toxicants and the potential cancer risk induction (n = 19), revealed a risk for users from absent or negligible to potential, according to the exposure scenario considered and the relative assumptions, the contaminants, the exposure route, the age of the pitch, and characteristics of the rubber granules such as origin, concentration of the different toxicants, and particle size. The assessment of the potential hazard due to the exposure to artificial sports surfaces is anything but simple. Indeed, the crumb rubber compositions may vary in different settings and over time and can be variously influenced by the climate and environmental conditions, making it difficult to quantify the possible health effects, as well as the specific mixture, the quantities, and sources responsible for them (Funded by LIFE20 GIE FR 282 - RE-PLAN CITY LIFE). Key messages • The bioccessibility of PAHs, metals, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates included in the infill material composition was variously demonstrated in literature. • The assessment of the potential risks due to the exposure to synthetic turf, revealed a risk from negligible to potential, according to the exposure scenario considered and the relative assumptions.
Abstract Background The Mediterranean diet has emerged as a model promoting a better health status, particularly for cardiovascular diseases prevention. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) may vary depending on geographical location and sociocultural factors. Mountains and rural communities may experience lower adherence, also depending on food provision-related services availability. Our cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between AMD and cardiometabolic risk in a cohort of mountain dwellers. As a secondary aim, we will test if services availability may influence health status via AMD. Methods In spring/summer 2023, healthy volunteers from 5 small villages in Italian Alps were enrolled. Dietary habits were investigated by Medi-Lite standardized questionnaire. The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated by dividing the waist circumference by height, then used as an anthropometric index for central adiposity and related cardiometabolic risk. Services availability was assessed by network analysis implemented in QGIS. A multilevel logistic regression model, with center as random intercept and adjusted for age, sex, BMI, education and physical activity was used to test the association between AMD and cardiometabolic risk. Ethical approval was provided by University of Turin. Results To date, 142 subjects (59.2% females, 49.9±14.0 y.o.) have been enrolled. Preliminary analyses showed that, as compared to the least adherent group, subjects reporting the highest AMD level (3rd tertile of Medi-Lite scoring) were strongly protected from cardiometabolic risk (OR: 0.07, 95% C.I.: 0.01, 0.67; p = 0.021). A similar trend was observed for the 2nd tertile. Conclusions Our preliminary findings suggest the beneficial role of the Mediterranean diet also in remotely located populations. We plan to investigate how service availability may impact AMD and, indirectly, cardiometabolic health to reinforce the importance of equity in services distribution for Public Health Key messages • Independently of age, sex, BMI, education and physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet can promote cardiometabolic health among rural and mountain communities. • Mediterranean eating pattern can positively influence central adiposity and should be promoted to ensure more effective prevention strategies in mountain dwellers.
Objectives: Due to the inflammatory nature of multiple sclerosis (MS), the most widely used therapeutic approach targets the immune response but can comprise side effects (e.g. secondary immunosuppression). For these reasons, among non-pharmaceutical interventions without known side effects, physical activity (PA) gained importance because it is feasible, safe and a supportive complementary treatment strategy to alleviate symptoms in MS subjects. Consequently, the main aim of this systematic review is to analyze the effect of PA protocols, as a complementary therapy, on inflammatory status in MS patients. Methods: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL) were systematically searched up to 01 June 2023 (Prospero Protocol ID=CRD42021244418). The refined search strategy was based on three concepts: "MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS" AND "PHYSICAL ACTIVITY" AND "INFLAMMATION". Results: three main findings emerged: 1) untrained subjects showed a negative modulation of inflammatory biomarkers concentrations when compared to trained people (-0.74, 95 %C.I.-1.16, -0.32); 2) training modulated positively inflammatory biomarkers (+0.47, 95 %C.I. 0.24,0.71); 3) Aerobic PA protocol enhance higher positive influence on inflammation. Conclusions: Persistent, low-grade inflammation in MS could be upregulated by non-pharmacological complementary therapies, in particular by regular aerobic PA that could reduce and positively modulate inflammation.
Abstract Background From the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed many changes in the organization of our personal and professional life, allowing a shift to teleworking and hybrid working arrangements worldwide. The persistence of this condition determined the integration of these changes in the daily routine, and our aim was to investigate how these changes could affect workers’ Quality of Life (QOL) in the long run. Methods An online questionnaire was administered to 650 workers employed in an Italian company in July 2021. The domains considered were socio-demographic characteristics, QOL (WHOQOL-bref and Healthy Days), lifestyle, health status, physical activity, and work-related factors. Comparisons were performed with non-parametric tests. Results Among the 332 respondents (response rate = 51.1%), 79.2% were white-collar workers. The concern for the pandemic affected workers’ QOL, especially in the physical health and the environmental domains (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), with lower values in subjects reporting the highest values of concern. A similar effect was found also for healthy days concerning physical and psychological health, and the ability to perform usual activities (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.029, respectively). As well, changes in working arrangements significantly affected the environmental and physical domains (p = 0.023 and p = 0.015, respectively) and the ability to do usual activities (p = 0.011), with lower values in those who interrupted the working activity. Workers whose activity required a shift to teleworking reported higher scores in the physical health domain (p = 0.041) and a higher number of days with good physical health (p = 0.002), while a lower number of days with good psychological health (p = 0.006). Conclusions These preliminary data revealed that organizational strategies adopted in working scenarios to contain the spread of COVID-19 may have an impact on workers’ QOL, as well as the concern for the pandemic. Key messages • Changes in the working arrangements due to pandemic may negatively affect the workers’ Quality of Life, especially for those who had to interrupt their working activity. • The shift to telework, even if appearing to be beneficial for physical health perception, seems to negatively affect workers’ psychological health.
Abstract Background Formaldehyde (FA) is an environmental pollutant widely used in several occupational settings. Beyond its carcinogenic effect, FA can trigger inflammation by promoting reactive oxygen species formation in exposed subjects. The current study aims to investigate the association between air-FA exposure and systemic oxidative stress induction in specific working environments. Methods We accounted for three different scenarios of air-FA exposure by including a sample of pathologists and nurses from operating theatres (n = 185), traffic police officers (n = 154) and wood-workers (n = 127), who participated as volunteers. Exposure to air-FA was assessed by passive air-samplers (Radiello®) and oxidative stress was quantified by 15-F2t-IsoP urinary biomarker (ELISA). A piecewise linear regression model was performed to analyse oxidative stress variation in response to air-FA exposure. Results Overall, 466 subjects (45 ± 9 years) were included in the study, 53% were females. None significant changes of ln(15-F2t-IsoP) were observed before a specific exposure breakpoint of 4.729 (air-FA = 113 µg/m3). Beyond the breakpoint, ln(15-F2t-IsoP) showed a 1.5 increase (p < 0.0001), independently from age and sex. Interestingly, while age did not affect oxidative stress levels nor before neither beyond the breakpoint, sex determined an increase of ln(15-F2t-IsoP) only before the breakpoint (+0.62, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Currently, the most precautionary regulatory limit of air-FA exposure in occupational settings is 0.1 ppm (TLW-TVA, i.e. 120 µg/m3). This limit is recommended to protect for eyes and upper respiratory tract irritation. However, our results highlighted that slightly lower exposures can induce a biological effect, which should deserve consideration from Primary Prevention perspective. Since oxidative stress may evolve in future diseases, it would be advisable considering to tailor the regulatory limits to such a pre-pathological condition rather symptoms onset. Key messages Occupational exposure to air-FA is able to induce systemic oxidative stress even below the regulatory limit, independently from age and sex. Future updates of the regulatory limits in force may consider pre-pathological conditions, such as oxidative stress, rather symptoms onset.
Abstract Background Nurses employed in operating theatres and pathologists are workers professionally exposed to some environmental xenobiotics, such as drugs and formaldehyde (FA). Through experimental and epidemiological studies, both acute and chronic inhalation of FA has been associated with various health effects, including toxicity in the respiratory tract and cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between occupational exposure to FA and the intensity of oxidative stress (OS). Methods 87 female hospital workers were enrolled in a Turin hospital in Italy. Each subject filled a questionnaire and provided biological samples to measure OS biomarkers: 15-F2t-Isoprostane, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione content (GSX) in urine and inflammatory mediators and receptors (sIL-6R, VEGF-R2, TNFR1, TNFa, FGF2, CD30, CD27) in blood. All individuals were genotyped for CYP1A1, GSTT1, GSTM1, TNFa, and IL-6 polymorphisms. A personal passive air sampler, worn for a working shift (8h), assessed personal FA exposure. Results Subjects exposed to FA (27%) resulted to have a significant higher amount of 15-F2t-Isop (p = 0.000), MDA (p = 0.000), GSX (p = 0.001) compared with non-exposed workers. FA concentration was positively correlated with prevalence of reported respiratory symptoms (p = 0.004), 15-F2t-Isop (p = 0.044), GSX (p = 0.000), MDA (p = 0.000), FGF2 (p = 0.000), CD27 (p = 0.000) and negatively with sIL-6R (p = 0.001), VEGF-R2 (p = 0.000). A significant reduction was found in GSTT1 positive subjects concerning MDA levels (p = 0.000). The same relationship was found in the control group (b=-2.25; C.I. 0.21 - 0.516; p = 0.06). Conclusions FA exposure is confirmed to be an OS inductor and to be correlated with inflammatory response, highlighting how daily occupational exposure to this air pollutant can result in measurable biological outcomes. Key messages Daily occupational exposure to FA results in a disruption of oxidative status and inflammatory profile. GSTT1 gene polymorphism is able to influence the MDA levels in the control group.
Abstract Background Formaldehyde (FA) is a human carcinogen. It is commonly used in diluted form as formalin. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) as a consequence of the exposure to FA in a hospital setting, taking into account the role of some polymorphisms in developing genotoxic damage. Methods CAs and SCEs assays were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes of 57 pathologists enrolled in Turin hospitals (Italy) and 48 unexposed enrolled as controls. All subjects were genotyped for CYP1A1 exon 7 (A>G), CYP1A1*2A (T>C), CYP2C19*2 (G>A), GSTT1 (Positive/Null), GSTM1 (Positive/null), GSTP1 (A>G), XRCC1 (G399A), XRCC1 (C194T), XRCC1 (A280G), XPD (A751C), XPC exon 15 (A939C), XPC exon 9 (C499T), TNFα -308 (G>A), IL10 -1082 (G>A), IL10 -819 (C>T) and IL6 -174 (G>C) gene polymorphisms. Due to the little number of recessive homozygotes, we compared the dominant genotype with the combined group of heterozygotes and recessive homozygotes. Results Among pathologists, the mean value of personal air-FA was 64.2 µg/m3, mean significantly higher (p = 0.000) than controls (19.1 µg/m3). Similarly, pathologists showed significantly higher values of SCEs (p = 0.009) and CAs (p = 0.000) with respect to controls. In the same group, CYP2C19*2 (p = 0.011), XRCC1 (G399A) (p = 0.007), and IL10 (-1082) (p = 0.042) gene polymorphisms influenced the CAS levels, as well as those of CYP1A1 exon 7 (p = 0.010), XPD A751C (p = 0.002), XPC C499T (p = 0.040), and IL10 (-819) (p = 0.005) the levels of SCEs. In control group, CAs resulted significantly lower in CYP1A1 exon 7 dominant homozygotes (p = 0.001). Conclusions Our study confirms the role of FA as an inductor of genotoxicity, even when, daily, workers are exposed to low FA levels. Some genetic polymorphisms seem to have an influence in modulating the effect of FA exposure, highlighting, in occupational health studies, the role of the individual susceptibility. Key messages FA exposure is confirmed to be a genotoxicity inductor even at low concentrations. Some genetic polymorphisms seem to have a role in the modulation of FA exposure-related damage.
TPS 792: Occupational health 2, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: Formaldehyde (FA) is still commonly used for fixing biologic specimens. Hospital workers are exposed to FA because of this practice, by pouring liquid FA in containers (3-5 litres) or using prefilled vials (50-100 ml). Since FA is known as a human carcinogen and an inducer of genotoxic and oxidant activity, the aim of this study was to analyse the intensity of an oxidative stress (OS) profile in correlation to FA exposure levels. Methods: 107 hospital workers of the Molinette hospital in Turin (Italy) variously exposed to FA were recruited. Each subject filled out a standardised questionnaire for general informations, wear a personal air-FA sampler for 1 working shift (8h) and provided a blood and urine sample for the quantifications of the OS profile biomarkers by means of isoprostane (15-F2t-Isop, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and inflammatory mediators (MIP, VEGF, FGF, CD23, CD27, CD30, TNF, IL-6, IL-10). Results: A positive correlation between FA level improvements and pro and anti-oxidants (15-F2t-Isop, MDA, GSSG, FGF2, LDH, VEGF, CD27, TNFR1) was found. A Multivariate analysis was calculated considering Ln FA as the dependent variable. The model was positively correlated with pro-oxidants (Ln 15-F2t-Isop B=0.463 p<0.001; Ln MDA B=0.380 p<0.001; Ln GSSG B=0.374 p<0.001) and inversely correlated with anti-oxidants (Ln LDH B= -0.117 p=0.007; Ln IL6 B= -0.086 p=0.017; Ln VEGF B=- 0.148 p=0.004; Ln CD27 B=-0.077 p=0.011; LnTNFR1 B=-0.075 P=0.003). Finally, a Risk Index (RI) was calculated for pro oxidants and anti-oxidants in a multivariate analysis with LnFA. Pro-oxidant RI increased 34% (B=8.172 p<0.001) while anti-oxidant RI decreased 8% (B=-3.335 p=0.003). Conclusions: FA exposure influences OS profile. In particular, FA is confirmed as an inductor of oxidative stress and inflammation, simultaneously activating pro and anti-oxidant pathways. Moreover, FA stronger modulates the pro oxidants, with higher activation of 15-F2t-Isop, MDA and GSSG.
PDS 70: Green space, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 28, 2019, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Background/Aim: The effect of urbanisation and greenness on children's health is still debated topic in Public Health. Exposure to natural or residential vegetation may benefit human health by reducing noise and air pollution, enhancing environmental biodiversity or promoting physical activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of surrounding vegetation on lung function and oxidative stress (OS) induction. Methods: 381 children (10-14 yrs.) were recruited from three areas with different urbanisation in Piedmont region. Each subject filled out a standardised questionnaire collecting general information, performed a spirometry test and provided a urinary sample for the quantifications of OS and tobacco smoking (TS) exposure by means of isoprostane (15-F2t-IsoP) and cotinine, respectively. The Regional Agency for the Protection of the Environment provided PM10 and NO2 annual measurements. Surrounding greenness was evaluated through NDVI calculation from remote sensing images, within fixed buffers around participants' home addresses. Results: A positive association between greenness and both OS reduction and respiratory flows improvements was found (p<0.0001). Multiple Linear Regression model (MLR) referred to OS analyses indicates that NDVI, age and cotinine significantly predict Ln(15-F2t-IsoP) (R2=0.33, F(3,351)=58, p<0.0001; B=-2.78, -0.2, +0.02, respectively). Moreover, NO2 and PM10 predict Ln(15-F2t-IsoP) (R2=0.28, F(3,351)=44, p<0.0001 and R2=0.26, F(3,351)=40, p<0.0001, respectively), both increasing OS levels (B=0.02). Respiratory fluxes are inversely correlated with 15-F2t IsoP (p<0.0001) and MLR that analysed FEF25%-75% shows a significant contribute of NDVI on FEF25%-75% increase, adjusted by age, height and TS exposure (R2=0-37, F(3,351)=70.69, p<0.0001; B=1.12). Conclusions: Surrounding vegetation has a strong positive influence on OS in fact, higher greenness amount corresponds to significant lower levels of 15-F2t-IsoP and its positive effect on OS has a greater magnitude than the negative influence of airborne pollutant exposures. Moreover, surrounding vegetation seems to induce a respiratory flows improvement.