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- Assessment of the biological and toxicological effects of silica-based nanoparticles: contribution to grouping of nanomaterialsPublication . Brandão, Maria de Fárima Pinto; Costa, Carla Trindade; Fraga, Sónia; Laffon, Blanca; Sousa da Rocha, Eduardo JorgeOs nanomateriais de sílica amorfa (aSiO2 NM) são cada vez mais utilizados numa vasta gama de aplicações, como biossensores, tintas, cosméticos, aditivos alimentares, sistemas de transporte e entrega de fármacos e material genético, produtos dentários e agentes de bioimagem. Com esta utilização crescente, a exposição humana a estes materiais, particularmente por inalação em ambientes profissionais, também aumentou. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo preencher lacunas de conhecimento existentes ao avaliar sistematicamente a toxicidade de aSiO2 NM em modelos in vitro e in vivo com foco na via inalatória e em como variações de tamanho e química de superfície influenciam a sua citotoxicidade e genotoxicidade ao nível pulmonar. Assim, foram testadas sete variantes de aSiO2 NM, com diferentes tamanhos (7, 15 e 40 nm) e química de superfície (não modificadas ou revestidas com grupos fosfonato, amino e trimetilsilil). Estudos in vitro em células epiteliais alveolares de rato (RLE-6TN) avaliaram os efeitos citotóxicos e genotóxicos de todas as variantes de aSiO2 NM, incluindo alterações na integridade da membrana, atividade metabólica e danos no DNA (quebras de cadeia simples (SSB) e dupla (DSB)) através do ensaio do cometa. As variantes com maior potencial citotóxico e genotóxico (danos no DNA) (SiO2_7, SiO2_15_Unmod (não modificado), SiO2_15_Amino e SiO2_40) foram ainda analisadas quanto aos seus efeitos na progressão do ciclo celular e nos níveis de histona H2AX fosforilada (γ-H2AX), um biomarcador de resposta ao dano no DNA, por citometria de fluxo. Os resultados revelaram que as variantes não revestidas, particularmente as SiO2_7 e SiO2_15_Unmod, induziram efeitos citotóxicos significativos, enquanto as variantes com revestimento demonstraram um menor potencial citotóxico. É interessante notar que, apesar do elevado potencial citotóxico, as variantes SiO2_7, SiO2_15_Unmod, e a variante SiO2_15_Amino não induziram danos significativos no DNA em concentrações não citotóxicas, ao passo que exposição à variante SiO2_40 aumentou significativamente o dano no DNA das células epiteliais alveolares, sem, no entanto, afetar a sua atividade metabólica. Deste modo, a modificação da superfície com grupos hidrofóbicos de organosilanos e, em menor grau, com grupos fosfonatos, parece ser uma estratégia eficaz para atenuar a toxicidade dos aSiO2 NM nas células RLE-6TN. Por outro lado, todas as variantes testadas (SiO2_7, SiO2_15_Unmod, SiO2_15_Amino e SiO2_40) aumentaram significativamente os níveis totais de γ-H2AX. Na concentração mais elevada (28 μg/cm2), a exposição a todos os materiais testados levou a uma diminuição da subpopulação G0/G1, acompanhada de um aumento significativo das subpopulações S e G2/M, exceto no caso da variante SiO2_40, que não afetou a progressão do ciclo celular. Com base nos dados obtidos, as variantes de aSiO2 NM podem ser classificadas quanto ao seu potencial genotóxico de dano no DNA da seguinte forma: SiO2_7 = SiO2_15_Unmod = SiO2_40 > SiO2_15_Amino. Foi realizado um estudo in vivo onde as variantes com maior toxicidade in vitro (SiO2_7, SiO2_15_Unmod, SiO2_15_Amino e SiO2_40), foram administradas por instilação intratraqueal no rato, para avaliação dos danos primários e oxidativos no DNA e das alterações da expressão génica no tecido pulmonar. Além disso, foi efetuado um estudo de inalação a curto prazo (STIS) no rato, com a variante de menor tamanho (SiO2_7) e com o TiO2-NM105 como NM de referência. Nos estudos de instilação, o SiO2_7 ou o SiO2_40 causaram lesões oxidativas significativas no DNA, embora estas não tenham sido observadas nos grupos de recuperação, o que sugere que estas lesões tenham sido reparadas. No STIS, detetámos um aumento significativo das quebras de cadeia de DNA no tecido pulmonar de animais expostos a 0,5 mg/m³ de SiO2_7 ou 50 mg/m3 de TiO2_NM105, em ambos os grupos (grupo exposto e grupo de recuperação). As alterações observadas na expressão génica sugerem que as vias do stress oxidativo e/ou inflamatórias estão provavelmente envolvidas na indução dos danos oxidativos no DNA observados. De um modo geral, in vivo não se detetou uma toxicidade significativa dos aSiO2 NM testados quer no estudo de instilação intratraqueal, quer no STIS. Os efeitos genotóxicos da variante SiO2_7, foram concordantes em ambos os estudos in vivo realizados, no entanto, as alterações observadas nos animais do STIS foram mais permanentes, mais difíceis de reverter. Os resultados dos estudos in vivo alinharam-se com os resultados dos estudos in vitro, indicando que a via de síntese desempenha um papel na determinação do modo de ação (MoA) do SiO2 NM, com as variantes pirogénicas (SiO2_7 e SiO2_40) a causarem maior toxicidade do que as variantes sintetizadas por precipitação (SiO2_15_Unmod e SiO2 _15_Amino). Consequentemente, as células RLE-6TN parecem ser um modelo preditivo da toxicidade pulmonar in vivo dos SiO2 NM. Os nossos resultados contribuíram para o desenvolvimento de uma estratégia de agrupamento de nanomateriais de engenharia (ENM) no âmbito do projeto NanoToxClass, baseada na abordagem DF4nanoGrouping, com objetivo de agilizar o processo de avaliação de risco dos nanomateriais. Esta classificação sistemática revelou que o revestimento da superfície e a via de síntese influenciam significativamente o MoA dos aSiO2 NM de, revelando que as variantes pirogénicas são mais ativas do que as variantes sintetizadas por precipitação, enquanto as variantes revestidas apresentam uma menor toxicidade comparativamente às não revestidas. Além disso, os nossos resultados apoiam a utilidade de abordagens multiparamétricas para melhorar a compreensão do MoA dos ENM e a previsão do seu perigo. Eles salientam também o potencial destas abordagens e estratégias de agrupamento para se alinharem com os 3R (Substituição, Redução e Refinamento), reduzindo a necessidade de testes in vivo e promovendo um desenvolvimento de ENM seguros por conceção (safe-by-design). Por último, o presente trabalho sublinha a necessidade de protocolos rápidos, robustos e reprodutíveis para a avaliação dos perigos dos ENM, defendendo a adaptação dos ensaios clássicos de genotoxicidade e a utilização de técnicas de elevado rendimento. Estes conhecimentos são cruciais para o avanço da nanotoxicologia, promovendo a conceção segura de ENM e facilitando o desenvolvimento eficiente de produtos com recurso à nanotecnologia novos e sustentáveis.
- Baseline data and associations between urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, blood pressure, hemogram, and lifestyle among wildland firefightersPublication . Barros, Bela; Paiva, Ana Margarida; Oliveira, Marta; Alves, Sara; Esteves, Filipa; Fernandes, Adília; Vaz, Josiana; Slezakova, Klara; Costa, Solange; Teixeira, João Paulo; Morais, SimoneIntroduction: Available literature has found an association between firefighting and pathologic pathways leading to cardiorespiratory diseases, which have been linked with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are highlighted as priority pollutants by the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative in occupational and non-occupational contexts. Methods: This cross-sectional study is the first to simultaneously characterize six creatinine-adjusted PAHs metabolites (OHPAHs) in urine, blood pressure, cardiac frequency, and hemogram parameters among wildland firefighters without occupational exposure to fire emissions (> 7 days), while exploring several variables retrieved via questionnaires. Results: Overall, baseline levels for total OHPAHs levels were 2 to 23-times superior to the general population, whereas individual metabolites remained below the general population median range (except for 1-hydroxynaphthalene+1-hydroxyacenaphtene). Exposure to gaseous pollutants and/or particulate matter during work-shift was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in total OHPAHs levels. Firefighters who smoke presented 3-times higher total concentration of OHPAHs than non-smokers (p < 0.001); non-smoker females presented 2-fold lower total OHPAHs (p = 0.049) than males. 1-hydroxypyrene was below the recommended occupational biological exposure value (2.5 μg/L), and the metabolite of carcinogenic PAH (benzo(a)pyrene) was not detected. Blood pressure was above 120/80 mmHg in 71% of subjects. Firefighters from the permanent intervention team presented significantly increased systolic pressure than those who performed other functions (p = 0.034). Tobacco consumption was significantly associated with higher basophils (p = 0.01–0.02) and hematocrit (p = 0.03). No association between OHPAHs and blood pressure was found. OHPAHs concentrations were positively correlated with monocyte, basophils, large immune cells, atypical lymphocytes, and mean corpuscular volume, which were stronger among smokers. Nevertheless, inverse associations were observed between fluorene and pyrene metabolites with neutrophils and eosinophils, respectively, in non-smokers. Hemogram was negatively affected by overworking and lower physical activity. Conclusion: This study suggests possible associations between urinary PAHs metabolites and health parameters in firefighters, that should be further assessed in larger groups.
- Biomonitoring of firefighters’ exposure to priority pollutant metal(loid)s during wildland fire combat missions: Impact on urinary levels and health risksPublication . Paiva, Ana Margarida; Barros, Bela; Azevedo, Rui; Oliveira, Marta; Alves, Sara; Esteves, Filipa; Fernandes, Adília; Vaz, Josiana; Alves, Maria José; Slezakova, Klara; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, Solange; Almeida, Agostinho; Morais, SimoneWildland firefighters are exposed to metal(loid)s released during wildfires through vegetation combustion, which also promotes remobilization of accumulated anthropogenic metal(loid)s. Studies biomonitoring metal(loid)s exposure promoted exclusively by wildfire suppression activities are lacking. This work aimed to characterize, for the first time, the impact of real-life wildland firefighting operations on urinary levels of priority pollutant metal(loid)s [14 included in ATSDR, 11 in USEPA, and 4 in Human Biomonitoring for Europe Initiative priority lists] in firefighters. Spot urines were sampled pre-exposure (105 non-smokers, 76 smokers) and post-exposure to firefighting activities (20 non-smokers, 25 smokers); among those, paired samples were collected from 14 non-smoking and 24 smoking firefighters. Smokers displayed significantly higher baseline levels of zinc (28 %), lithium (29 %), cadmium (55 %), rubidium (13 %), and copper (20 %) than non-smokers. Following wildfire suppression, the concentration of the WHO potentially toxic metal(loid)s rose from 2 % to 3 % in smokers and 2 % to 5 % in non-smokers (up to 4 % for all firefighters and up to 5 % in paired samples). Levels of nickel (33-53 %), antimony (45-56 %), and cesium (40-47 %) increased significantly post-exposure in non-smokers (in all firefighters and in paired samples), whose urinary concentrations were generally more impacted by wildfire emissions than those of smokers. Arsenic (80 %) displayed the only significant increase post-exposure in smokers, being the best discriminant of exposure to wildfire emissions in these subjects. Significant positive correlations were found for age and/or career length with cadmium, lead, barium, strontium, and mercury, and for body mass index with arsenic. The reference/guidance values were exceeded for arsenic, zinc, cesium, nickel, antimony, cadmium, lead, thallium, mercury, copper, and cobalt in 1-90 % of firefighters suggesting augmented health risks due to wildfire combating and emphasizing the need of mitigation strategies. This study also provides biomonitoring data to help setting reference values for the occupationally exposed part of population.
- Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and short-time health effects in wildland firefighters during real-life fire eventsPublication . Paiva, Ana Margarida; Barros, Bela; Oliveira, Marta; Alves, Sara; Esteves, Filipa; Fernandes, Adília; Vaz, Josiana; Slezáková; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, Solange; Morais, SimoneHuman biomonitoring data retrieved from real-life wildland firefighting in Europe and, also, worldwide are scarce. Thus, in this study, 176 Portuguese firefighters were biomonitored pre- and post- unsimulated wildfire combating (average:12-13 h; maximum: 55 h) to evaluate the impact on the levels of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons hydroxylated metabolites (OHPAH; quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection) and the associated short-term health effects (symptoms, and total and differentiated white blood cells). Correlations between these variables and data retrieved from the self-reported questionnaires were also investigated. Firefighters were organized into four groups according to their exposure to wildfire emissions and their smoking habits: non-smoking non-exposed (NSNExp), non-smoking exposed (NSExp), smoking non-exposed (SNExp), and smoking and exposed (SExp). The most abundant metabolites were 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 1-hydroxyacenaphthene (1OHNaph + 1OHAce) (98-99 %), followed by 2-hydroxyfluorene (2OHFlu) (0.2-1.1 %), 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1OHPhen) (0.2-0.4 %), and 1-hydroxypyrene (1OHPy) (0.1-0.2 %); urinary 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene was not detected. The exposure to wildfire emissions significantly elevated the median concentrations of each individual and total OHPAH compounds in all groups, but this effect was more pronounced in non-smoking (1.7-4.2 times; p ≤ 0.006) than in smoking firefighters (1.3-1.6 times; p ≤ 0.03). The greatest discriminant of exposure to wildfire emissions was 1OHNaph + 1OHAce (increase of 4.2 times), while for tobacco smoke it was 2OHFlu (increase of 10 times). Post-exposure, white blood cells count significantly increased ranging from 1.4 (smokers, p = 0.025) to 3.7-fold (non-smokers, p < 0.001), which was accompanied by stronger significant correlations (0.480 < r < 0.882; p < 0.04) between individual and total OHPAH and total white blood cells (and lymphocytes > monocytes > neutrophils in non-smokers), evidencing the impact of PAH released from wildfire on immune cells. This study identifies Portuguese firefighters with high levels of biomarkers of exposure to PAH and points out the importance of adopting biomonitoring schemes, that include multiple biomarkers of exposure and biomarkers of effect, and implementing mitigations strategies.
- Co-Inheritance of alpha-thalassemia and sickle cell disease in a cohort of Angolan pediatric patientsPublication . Santos, Brígida; Delgadinho, Mariana; Ginete, Catarina; Germano, Isabel; Miranda, Armandina; Arez, Ana Paula; Faustino, Paula; Brito, MiguelIntrodution: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a recessive hereditary disease and a major global health problem, affecting over 300.000 newborn infants each year, and it is estimated that 75% of these births occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. SCD is a monogenic disease; the clinical manifestations are very heterogeneous due to environmental and genetic factors; in particular, the co-inheritance of alpha-thalassemia and an innate ability to produce fetal haemoglobin are two major modifiers that substantially impact disease pathophysiology. Objectives: This study explores the association between alpha-thalassemia, fetal haemoglobin, haematological indices, and clinical adverse events in pediatric Angolan sickle cell disease pediatric patients. Methods: A total of 200 SCD children were selected, after guardian written informed consent. None of them was treated with hydroxyurea or transfusion in the last 3 months. A venous blood sample was collected from each participant in the context of the routine medical and used for hematological analyses, fetal hemoglobin quantification, and genotyping of 3.7 kb alpha-thalassemia deletion by GAP-PCR. Mean values, standard deviation, and frequency distributions were performed to estimate the hematological, clinical, and genetic data. Results: The frequency of the 3.7 kb alpha-thalassemia deletion in homozygosity was 12.5%, and in heterozygosity was 55.0%. An increase in alpha-thalassemia frequency was observed in children older than 5 years old (11.7% vs. 13.00%). Furthermore, 3.7 kb alpha-thalassemia deletion homozygotes had a significantly higher age of the first manifestation, lower number of blood transfusions by year, higher haemoglobin, lower mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and lower hemolytic rate observed by a lower number of reticulocytes count. There were no differences in fetal haemoglobin between the three genotypes. Moreover, the number of stroke events, osteomyelitis, splenomegaly, splenectomy, and hepatomegaly were lower when alpha-thalassemia was co-inherited. Conclusion: The effect of alpha-thalassemia deletion in SCD was analysed, and results reinforce that this trait influences the haematological and clinical aspects and produces a milder phenotype.
- Cumulus cell DNA damage linked to fertilization success in females with an ovulatory dysfunction phenotypePublication . Rodrigues, Bárbara; Sousa, Vanessa; Esteves, Filipa; Vale-Fernandes, Emídio; Costa, Solange; Sousa, Daniela; Brandão, Raquel; Leal, Carla; Pires, Joana; Gaivão, Isabel; Teixeira, João Paulo; Nogueira, António J.A.; Jorge, PaulaIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a widely used technique in fertility centers. ICSI success depends on both nuclear and cytoplasmic oocyte maturation. Cumulus cells, which surround the oocytes, play a pivotal role in oocyte competence. However, the significance of DNA damage in cumulus cells as a marker of fertilization success remains largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between DNA damage in cumulus cells of females undergoing ICSI, and oocyte competence, with a focus on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. We employed the alkaline comet assay to assess DNA damage levels (%TDNA) in cumulus cells and whole blood from 22 potentially fertile females and 35 infertile females, including 20 with an ovulatory disfunction phenotype. Our results revealed significant differences between the levels of %TDNA in cumulus cells and blood. Females with an ovulatory dysfunction phenotype exhibited higher levels of %TDNA in cumulus cells compared to potentially fertile females. Additionally, within the group of females with ovulatory dysfunction, a significant correlation was observed between %TDNA levels and the number of oocytes with two pronuclei. Our findings suggest that blood does not accurately reflect DNA damage in cumulus cells, which was correlated with the fertilization success in females with ovulatory dysfunction. High levels of %TDNA in cumulus cells were associated with a higher likelihood of successful fertilization. Moreover, our results imply that low levels of %TDNA may be linked to oocytes that fail to complete maturation and, consequently, do not fertilize (oocytes with zero pronuclei). Further research with larger cohorts is necessary to validate these findings and to explore potential applications in female fertility. However, our study provides evidence that DNA damage in cumulus cells may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting fertilization success and oocyte competence.
- FAIREHR: A Novel Online Research Registry PlatformPublication . Galea, Karen S.The FAIREHR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable Environmental and Health Registry) is a state-of-the-art online registry platform designed to enhance the transparency, reproducibility, and comparability of environmental health research, focusing on human biomonitoring (HBM) studies as a starting point. This platform is developed in response to the Europe Regional Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES Europe) HBM working group strategic objectives to generate high quality HBM by harmonising the data life cycle and implementation of FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) guiding principles. The registry enables preregistration of studies, capturing key metadata on study design, data management, and planned methods before recruitment od the participants. FAIREHR is the first registry tailored for HBM studies and is also first registry promoting FAIR by design studies. Benefits of FAIREHR include increased research visibility, improved data comparability, enhanced collaboration, and better-informed decision-making. We will discuss the unique propositions of FAIREHR, emphasizing its role in enhancing the exchange of information, with its implementation expected to yield significant benefits for researchers, policymakers, and public health through effective utilization of HBM data.
- Firefighters’ Occupational Exposure in Preparation for Wildfire Season: Addressing Biological ImpactPublication . Esteves, Filipa; Slezakova, Klara; Madureira, Joana; Vaz, Josiana; Fernandes, Adília; Morais, Simone; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, SolangeThe characterization of wildland firefighters’ occupational exposure must consider different exposures, including those at the fire station. The present study aimed to characterize the occupational exposure of 172 Northern Portuguese wildland firefighters in fire stations during the pre-wildfire season of 2021. The biological impact of estimated inhaled doses of PM10 and PM2.5 (indoor/outdoor) was accessed through a buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay in exfoliated buccal cells of a subgroup of 80 firefighters. No significant association was found between estimated inhaled doses of PM10 and PM2.5 (mean 1.73 ± 0.43 µg kg−1 and 0.53 ± 0.21 µg kg−1, respectively) and biological endpoints. However, increased frequencies of cell death parameters were found among subjects of the Permanent Intervention Teams (full-time firefighters). The intake of nutritional supplements was associated with a significant decrease in micronucleus frequencies (i.e., DNA damage or chromosome breakage). In addition, our findings showed a significantly increased frequency of cell death endpoints (i.e., nuclear fragmentation) with coffee consumption, while daily consumption of vegetables significantly decreased it (i.e., nuclear shrinkage). Our results provide data on the occupational exposure of wildland firefighters while working in fire stations during the pre-wildfire season, providing the essential baseline for further studies throughout the wildfire season.
- Guiding principles for mixture threshold derivation from effect biomarkersPublication . OECD Environment Directorate Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee; OECD Environment Health and Safety Division__APAGARForeword: Currently available assessment approaches for cumulative risk of chemical mixtures can only be applicable to a small number of substances present at workplaces and in the environment. We cannot anticipate a significant change of this situation in the near future due to extensive data need for cumulative risk assessments. Presently, effect biomarkers are the most direct option to address the risk of known and unknown mixtures in an integrative way. Traditional occupational health risk assessments often rely on external exposure measurements, such as air monitoring, which may not fully capture the complexities of workplace exposures. Human biomonitoring is used to measure internal exposures or effects in exposed individuals or groups from all potential routes of exposure (i.e., inhalation, oral, and dermal). Exposure to mixtures in the workplace and environment is the most common chemical exposure scenario in our daily lives. However, methods for assessing the risks and for setting mixture threshold limits to avoid adverse effects lack global harmonization. Monitoring of effect biomarkers can support regulatory risk assessment in multiple ways. An effect biomarker indicates a stressor-induced biological effect which can be associated with a disease and can be interpreted as a potential predictor of a downstream effect i.e. measuring a key event in a Mode of Action (MoA) or Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP). Thus, biomarkers can provide an integrated measure of the response to relevant stressors by all routes of known and unknown exposures. However, effect biomarker responses are usually not straightforward to interpret regarding their predictive value to indicate adverse effects. A systematic understanding of the relevance of effect biomarker data will enhance the protection of workers and/or ecosystems, if used under appropriate ethical and regulatory frameworks. Therefore, harmonized guidance for assessing effect biomarkers and their application to risk assessments are needed. The guiding principles proposed in this document describe the key concepts for the derivation and interpretation of mixture thresholds* for selected effect biomarkers for use in occupational or ecological risk assessments. The aim of these guiding principles is to present a harmonized assessment approach which will save resources and promote consistency across regulatory agencies at national and international levels. The development of this document was a joint activity of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Party on Exposure Assessment & Working Party on Hazard Assessment (WPEA & WPHA) in collaboration with more than 90 experts from 25 countries and other stakeholders (see chapter 8 project participation). The activity was started in October 2022 and the development of this guiding principles document was co-led by Robert Pasanen-Kase (SECO*, CH) as coordinator, Maryam Zare-Jeddi (BIAC*), Nancy B. Hopf (Unisanté, CH), Susana Viegas (ENSP*/UNL, PT), Dan Villeneuve (US-EPA*, US), Martin Wilks and Rex FitzGerald (University of Basel, CH), Radu Corneliu Duca (LNS*, LU) and the OECD Secretariat. The document was drafted in close collaboration with experts providing input on different aspects of human and environmental effect-biomonitoring including Bernice Scholten, (TNO* , NL), Eszter Simon (FOEN* , CH), Devika Poddalgoda (Health Canada, CAN), Anna Bal Price (JRC*, EU); Vicente Mustieles, Antonio Hernandez-Jerez (University of Granada, ES), Christoph van Thriel (IFADO* , DE), Stefano Bonassi (IRCCS*, San Raffaele Roma, IT), Michael Fenech (University of South Australia, AUS), Sophie Ndaw (INRS*, FR), Christina Pieper (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, DE), Lucian Farcal, Alicia Paini (EFSA*, EU). The initial draft guidance document was reviewed in 2025 by expert group (see chapter 8) and WPEA & WPHA members and was commented by eleven experts from six different organisations / institutes / companies and was finalized. This adopted biomonitoring guiding principles document is published under the responsibility of the Chemical and Biotechnology Committee of the OECD.
- The Impact of Sleep on Haematological Parameters in FirefightersPublication . Alves, Sara; Silva, Francisca; Esteves, Filipa; Costa, Solange; Slezakova, Klara; Alves, Maria; Pereira, Maria; Teixeira, João Paulo; Morais, Simone; Fernandes, Adília; Queiroga, Felisbina; Vaz, JosianaSleep is a vital process that impacts biological functions such as cell renewal, bone regeneration, and immune system support. Disrupted sleep can interrupt erythropoiesis, leading to fewer red blood cells, reduced haemoglobin concentration, and decreased haematocrit levels, potentially contributing to haematological disorders. This is particularly concerning for shift workers for example firefighters. While previous studies have explored sleep’s adverse effects on various professions, research specific to firefighters is limited. This study investigates the relationship between sleep quality and haematological parameters among firefighters in Northeast Portugal. From a sample of 201 firefighters, variations in red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit values were linked to sleep quality. The study utilised non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Spearman’s correlation) to explore the connection between sleep quality and haematological profile. The impact of covariates on haematological parameters was assessed using non-parametric ANCOVA (Quade’s). A multiple regression analysis was employed to further understand how sleep quality and various confounding variables impact haematological levels. Findings suggest a negative link between sleep quality and haematological levels, meaning that as sleep quality deteriorates, there is a tendency for haematological levels to decrease, as indicated by Spearman’s correlation (rRBC = −0.157, pRBC = 0.026; rHb = −0.158, pHb = 0.025; rHCT = −0.175, pHCT = 0.013). As observed in scientific literature, the correlation found suggests a possible inhibition of erythropoiesis, the process responsible for red blood cell production. Despite firefighters presenting a haematological profile within the reference range (RBC: 5.1 × 106/mm3 (SD ± 0.4), Hb: 15.6 g/dL (SD ± 1.3), 47% (SD ± 1.0), there is already an observable trend towards lower levels. The analysis of co-variables did not reveal a significant impact of sleep quality on haematological levels. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of sleep quality in determining haematological parameters among firefighters. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of poor sleep quality on firefighter health. Exploring interventions to enhance sleep quality is vital for evidence-based strategies promoting firefighter well-being.