Objective The risk to humans arising from their exposure to the polyhalogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and analogues (PHDDAS) can only be estimated accurately if the exposure can be quantified. Present methods of exposure quantification for these compounds rely on costly and time-consuming chemical analysis of fat samples from body fluids or tissues. This project will determine whether any of three measures of human metabolic disturbance, 1) alterations to P-450 related caffeine metabolism, 2) alterations to lymphocyte sub-populations, or 3) the presence of an abnormal porphyrin in the urine, can be correlated with body levels of the PHDDAS. The first two measures have been validated in experimental animals, the third has been observed in an exposed family. The procedures used to obtain the first and third measures are non-invasive. The groups of individuals to be studied come from populations where there has been a known prior exposure to one or more of the toxic agents and where there have been signs of human toxicity. Appropriate controls will be included. In the event that the study demonstrates a positive correlation between one or more of the biological indicators and levels of PHDDAS in the body, the relevant marker(s) will provide a simple, valuable preliminary screen which could be used in epidemiological studies and risk assessment for individuals potentially exposed to the PHDDAS. This additional proposal is necessary because of changes in the groups contributing to the project. The death of prof D. Triger of Sheffield has created uncertainties as to whether the group of subjects to which he had access will be included. In addition, the unfunded contribution of access to the South Wales group of workers has been withdrawn. Dr Kocan has access to groups of workers who were exposed to PHDDAS in the area which was formerly Czechoslovakia. In addition he has experience in the sampling and assay procedures which will be necessary for the acquisition of the samples vital to the project. Programme(s) IC-PECO/COPERNICUS - Scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and European non-member countries, 1992- Topic(s) 01 - CEEC participation in ENVIRONMENT programme Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL EU contribution No data Address Lancaster Road University of Leicester Hodgkin Bui LE1 9HN Leicester United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all INSTITUTE OF PREVENTIVE AND CLINICAL MEDICINE Slovakia EU contribution No data Address 14,Limbova 14 833 01 BRATISLAVA See on map Total cost No data
