tremolite and Calcinosis

Mediterranean regions such as Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Corsica and New Caledonia have experienced epidemics of malignant mesothelioma as a result of non-occupational, "domestic" exposure to tremolite asbestos and fibrous erionite. This exposure to tremolite asbestos and fibrous erionite is typified "domestic" due to its prevalence in regions with natural deposits of tremolite asbestos (or fibrous erionite) where the material from tremolite asbestos or fibrous erionite is used for domestic applications such as whitewashing. However, these exposures may be useful in examining the potential consequences of even small amounts of amphibole asbestos fibers in the ambient air. It can also elucidate the effects of fibers that behave like amphibole asbestos. However, this type of exposure is not useful for studying the potential effects of small amounts of asbestos in the ambient air of big cities due to the differing nature of the fiber types and modes of exposure between the regions.

Topics: Air Pollutants; Asbestos, Amphibole; Asbestosis; Calcinosis; Carcinogens, Environmental; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Male; Mediterranean Region; Mesothelioma; Mineral Fibers; Pleural Diseases; Zeolites

Twenty years ago, we reported on a very high prevalence of pleural calcifications (PCs) and malignant mesothelioma among inhabitants of Metsovo, in northwestern Greece. It was shown that both abnormalities were related to asbestos exposure from a whitewash containing tremolite. The fading use of this material has resulted in a decreased incidence of mesothelioma (one third of the original incidence). The aim of the present study was to examine whether PCs among Metsovites has followed a similar trend.. Retrospective study.. University Hospital of Ioannina, a tertiary teaching hospital, "G. Hadjikosta" Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Ioannina, and Metsovo Health Center, a primary care center in the town of Metsovo.. Chest roentgenograms of 307 Metsovites, obtained between from 1998 to 2002 were examined. The prevalence of PCs was compared to the one noted 20 years ago.. A significantly lower prevalence of calcifications was observed now among younger Metsovites (< 60 years of age). In both studies, there was an increasing rate of PC with age.. The findings of the present study strengthen the incrimination of the whitewash containing tremolite in the development of PCs in Metsovites. The withdrawal of its use in the area has resulted in a null prevalence of PCs in individuals < 40 years old.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Asbestos; Asbestos, Amphibole; Calcinosis; Environmental Exposure; Female; Greece; Humans; Male; Mesothelioma; Middle Aged; Pleural Diseases; Pleural Neoplasms; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies

Inhabitants of Metsovo in northwest Greece have been exposed to asbestos from use of a tremolite-containing whitewash ("luto" soil). As a result, they have increased incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma and pleural calcifications (PCs). However, subjects with calcifications have a much lower incidence of mesothelioma than those without. A previous study of the two groups with BAL revealed higher proportional lymphocytosis among subjects with calcifications. We suggested that BAL lymphocytosis may be somehow correlated with "protection" against neoplasia.. The present report is a study of the liquid phase of BAL in the two groups. BAL specimens of 43 Metsovites (13 subjects with PCs and 30 subjects without PCs) and two control groups were examined. We measured total protein, albumin, IgG, IgA, and interleukin-6. Proteins were analyzed with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional electrophoresis and further characterized using an appropriate computer program.. The most interesting finding was the presence of two additional protein spots corresponding to the electrophoretic site of Ig heavy chain and C(4) component of complement. The two proteins were present in all Metsovites with PCs but in none without PCs and also in none of the control groups.. This study further separates two groups of Metsovites with different reaction to asbestos, possibly as a result of different activation of alveolar macrophages. This difference leads the first group to the formation of PCs, BAL fluid lymphocytosis, and relative "protection" against malignancy, and the second group to no calcifications, no lymphocytosis, but also no protection against malignancy.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Asbestos, Amphibole; Asbestosis; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Calcinosis; Complement C4; Environmental Exposure; Female; Greece; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; Interleukin-6; Lymphocytosis; Male; Mesothelioma; Middle Aged; Pleural Diseases; Pleural Neoplasms; Prognosis; Proteins

Endemic PCs and high incidence of malignant mesothelioma from household use of asbestos have been reported in Metsovo in northwestern Greece ("Metsovo lung"). In the present study, we present similar findings in six more areas of Greece. Like Metsovo, all these areas are located within ophiolite belts. Like Metsovo, material similar to "Metsovo whitewash" has been used for various domestic uses. Asbestos fibers (chrysotile, antigorite and tremolite) were found in three of the six areas. Also, in two, MPM has been diagnosed. These findings suggest that "Metsovo lung" occurs in several areas of Greece and has similar etiology and epidemiology.

Topics: Aged; Asbestos; Asbestos, Amphibole; Asbestosis; Calcinosis; Environmental Exposure; Greece; Humans; Incidence; Mesothelioma; Middle Aged; Pleural Diseases; Pleural Neoplasms; Silicic Acid; Soil

Topics: Asbestos, Amphibole; Calcinosis; Greece; Humans; Mesothelioma; Paint; Pleural Diseases; Silicic Acid; Silicon Dioxide

Radiologic screening of 688 inhabitants of the Metsovo area in Northwest Greece revealed that 323 (46.9 percent) had pleural calcifications. The percentage of positive examinations rose with age. Calcifications were observed in all four villages of the area where a material ("luto" soil) had been extensively used for whitewashing until 1940 to 1950. In four other villages in the immediate vicinity, where "luto" had never been used, pleural calcifications were not observed. Results suggest that Metsovo tremolite may have caused pleural calcifications to all individuals born in Metsovo before 1940. This is the first study indicating that environmental asbestos exposure can cause abnormalities in everyone exposed to it.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Asbestos, Amphibole; Calcinosis; Environmental Exposure; Female; Greece; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paint; Pleural Diseases; Silicic Acid; Silicon Dioxide; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Pleural thickening, bilateral pleural hyalinised plaques, and restrictive lung function are found among inhabitants of four small villages in northwestern Greece. Transbronchial biopsy samples from patients with disease contained tremolite fibres. Malignant pleural mesothelioma has now been reported in these villages and accounts for approximately 1% of the total mortality from 1981 to 1985. The principal whitewash once used in this area is predominantly asbestiform tremolite. The fibre is identical in every respect to fibres found in the lung tissues of people with Metsovo lung. The membrane activity of this tremolite is greater than that of the commercially used asbestiform amphiboles amosite and crocidolite. This measure of cytotoxicity lends further support to the hypothesis that this fibre is the agent of Metsovo lung and mesothelioma.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Asbestos, Amphibole; Calcinosis; Environmental Exposure; Female; Greece; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Mesothelioma; Middle Aged; Paint; Pleural Neoplasms; Silicic Acid; Silicon Dioxide; X-Ray Diffraction

Topics: Asbestos, Amphibole; Calcinosis; Greece; Humans; Pleural Diseases; Silicic Acid; Silicon Dioxide