Evaluation of serum lipid concentrations among U.S. workers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin alters lipid metabolism in animals; however, evidence for such an effect in humans is conflicting. This conflict was addressed using data from a cross-sectional medical study conducted between 1987 and 1988. The exposed participants had been employed at least 15 y earlier in the manufacture of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol or one of its derivatives at two chemical plants in the United States. A total of 281 workers and 260 unexposed referents participated. Workers had substantial exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, evidenced by a median serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin concentration of 406.6 femtograms/gram of serum (fg/g serum), compared with 36.9 fg/g serum among the referents. A slight association between triglyceride concentration and serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin concentration was found (p = .05). Over the range of observed 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin values (i.e., 37-19000 fg/g serum), triglyceride concentration increased only about 0.4 mmol/I. No association was found between an abnormally elevated triglyceride (i.e., > 2.82 mmol/I) concentration and serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin concentration. An association was also found between serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin concentration and an abnormal high-density lipoprotein concentration (p = .09). in summary, there was evidence of an effect on lipid metabolism in a group of workers with high serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin concentrations. The influence of serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on lipid concentrations, however, was small, compared with the influence of other factors.
Calvert
G M
GM
Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Willie
K K
KK
Sweeney
M H
MH
Fingerhut
M A
MA
Halperin
W E
WE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D012016:Reference Values; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*; D014481:United States
D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol