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Environmentally-induced malignant pleural mesothelioma and HLA distribution in Turkey
1Department of Chest Diseases, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Setting:
A large university hospital in Ankara, Turkey.
Objective:
To investigate the potential links, if any, between the occurrence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and the presence and distribution of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in patients environmentally exposed to asbestos and erionite in rural Anatolia, Turkey.
Design:
A case-control study design was used to compare the relative frequency and distribution of HLA among 31 MPM patients originating from the fibrous zeolite (erionite) and asbestos villages in central Anatolia, and two sets of controls. The cases represented all of the MPM cases diagnosed between 1995 and 1997 in our clinic at the Hacettepe University Hospital. One control group of 119 healthy individuals was drawn from Tuzköy, which has the largest population of three erionite villages, a very high prevalence of mesothelioma due to environmental exposure to erionite, and accounted for 16 of the MPM cases in the study. A second control group composed of 118 renal transplant donors was formed for external comparison.
Results:
A significant relation was found with the HLA-B41 antigen in 19.4% of the patients compared to 0.8% of the Tuzköy inhabitants (odds ratio [OR] 28.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-652.5) and 1.7% of the referent renal donor population (OR 13.9; 95% CI 2.3-106.7). The frequency of the HLA-B58 and -DR16 antigens was also observed to be significantly higher in patients with MPM compared to the two control groups. The odds ratios of MPM in those with HLA-B58 were 8.6 (95% CI 1.2-72.4) and 8.5 (95% CI 1.2-71.8), respectively, compared to those of the Tuzköy inhabitants and renal donors.
Conclusion:
The predictive role of the HLA antigens -B41, -B58 and -DR16 for MPM needs to be further investigated. This will help in screening the population at risk, and facilitate preventive measures such as family counselling and gene therapy.
Insights
Specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types, including HLA-B41, HLA-B58, and HLA-DR16, are significantly associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in individuals exposed to asbestos and erionite. Further research into these HLA antigens could aid in early detection and prevention strategies for MPM.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive cancer often linked to asbestos and erionite exposure.
- Understanding the genetic predispositions, such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variations, may offer insights into MPM development in environmentally exposed populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and the occurrence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
- To explore the distribution of HLA antigens in patients with MPM environmentally exposed to asbestos and erionite in rural Anatolia, Turkey.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted involving 31 MPM patients and two control groups (119 healthy individuals from an exposed village and 118 renal transplant donors).
- The relative frequency and distribution of HLA antigens were compared between MPM cases and control groups.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between MPM and HLA-B41 (odds ratio [OR] 28.3 in Tuzköy controls, OR 13.9 in renal donors).
- Frequencies of HLA-B58 and HLA-DR16 were also significantly higher in MPM patients compared to both control groups (ORs ranging from 8.5 to 8.6).
Conclusions:
- The HLA antigens -B41, -B58, and -DR16 show a predictive role for MPM in populations exposed to environmental fibers.
- Further investigation is warranted for screening at-risk populations and developing preventive measures like family counseling and gene therapy.