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Porphyrin studies in TCDD-exposed workers
D Jung1, J Konietzko, G Reill-Konietzko
1Institut für Arbeits- und Sozialmedizin, Universität Mainz, Germany.
Archives of Toxicology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Occupational exposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) can lead to elevated coproporphyrin levels, indicating potential secondary coproporphyrinuria. However, TCDD concentration in adipose tissue did not correlate with porphyrin levels in chemical industry workers.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Occupational Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is known to inhibit uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, a key enzyme in heme biosynthesis.
- This inhibition can lead to the development of chronic hepatic porphyria, a metabolic disorder affecting the liver.
- Occupational exposure in the chemical industry presents a potential risk for TCDD-induced porphyria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of porphyrin abnormalities in chemical industry workers exposed to TCDD.
- To assess the correlation between TCDD body burden (adipose tissue concentration) and porphyrin levels (uroporphyrin, coproporphyrin).
- To evaluate the clinical manifestation of TCDD exposure, including subclinical porphyria and chloracne history.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 170 chemical industry workers.
- Measurement of porphyrin levels (coproporphyrin, uroporphyrin, zinc protoporphyrin) in biological samples.
- Quantification of TCDD concentration in adipose tissue for a subset of workers (n=43).
- Assessment of clinical signs, including overt porphyria cutanea tarda and history of chloracne.
Main Results:
- Elevated coproporphyrin levels, indicative of secondary coproporphyrinuria, were observed in 68 out of 170 workers.
- Three workers presented with subclinical stages of chronic hepatic porphyria.
- No significant correlation was found between TCDD concentration in adipose tissue and serum/urine levels of uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin.
- A low-grade zinc protoporphyrinemia was detected in three individuals.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to TCDD in the chemical industry is associated with biochemical markers of porphyria, specifically elevated coproporphyrin.
- The study did not establish a direct correlation between TCDD body burden and porphyrin levels, suggesting other factors may influence porphyrin metabolism.
- While overt porphyria cutanea tarda was absent, subclinical hepatic porphyria was identified, highlighting the need for monitoring exposed workers.