germanium and Influenza--Human

Few studies have examined the relationship between exposure to germanium (Ge) and the risk of influenza-like illness (ILI). Therefore, we investigated the association of Ge exposure and its interaction with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to Phase II metabolism on ILI risk among housewives in Shanxi Province, northern China. This cross-sectional study enrolled 373 housewives. Information on the housewives' characteristics and the frequency of ILI was collected by questionnaire. We analyzed the Ge concentrations in hair samples taken from near the scalp at the back of the head. Blood samples were used to identify SNPs related to Phase II metabolism. The results suggested that the hair Ge concentration was associated with ILI risk with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of 2.59 (1.61-4.19). A significant dose-response relationship was observed without or with adjusting for confounders. We did not observe any interaction effect between the hair Ge concentration and the SNPs on ILI risk. We found that high dietary consumption of meat and fried foods was positively correlated with the hair Ge concentration. Therefore, chronic Ge exposure may be a risk factor for an increased frequency of ILI in housewives.

Topics: Adult; Aged; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Environmental Exposure; Female; Germanium; Hair; Humans; Influenza, Human; Metabolic Detoxication, Phase II; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Risk Factors

Proxigermanium (SK-818) is a synthesized organic germanium compound having various biological activities. The effects of proxigermanium on interferon (IFN) production in mice infected with influenza virus and virus-infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) were investigated. Proxigermanium alone did not induce IFN production in normal mice or in hPBMC without viral infection. On the other hand, proxigermanium enhanced alpha/beta IFN production in viral-infected mice and hPBMC. Since proxigermanium is known to have antiviral activity in vivo but not in vitro, it is likely that the IFN production augumenting activity of proxigermanium is involved in its antiviral activities.

Topics: 2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Germanium; Humans; Indicators and Reagents; Influenza A virus; Influenza, Human; Interferons; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Neutrophils; Organometallic Compounds; Propionates

Topics: Aged; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Germanium; Humans; Influenza, Human; Male; Plants