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Using multivariate statistical models, no significant relationship was found between the rate of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) elimination and the occurrence or time to onset of diabetes in 343 veterans of Operation Ranch Hand, the unit responsible for the aerial spraying of Agent Orange and other TCDD-contaminated herbicides during the Vietnam War. Without adjustment for age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, and smoking history, the time to onset of diabetes decreased and the risk of diabetes increased with a diminished elimination rate. However, after adjustment, diabetes time to onset and occurrence were not significantly associated with TCDD elimination. Analyses of covariance found no significant difference between the average elimination rates of diabetic and nondiabetic veterans, without or with adjustment for risk factors. To our knowledge, this is the only study to date to examine TCDD elimination and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using multiple measurements from serum collected over 15 yr (in 1982, 1987, 1992, and 1997), the half-life of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in 97 veterans of Operation Ranch Hand, the Air Force unit responsible for the aerial spraying of Agent Orange in Vietnam, was estimated. The potential influences of age, percent body fat, and changes in percent body fat on the half-life estimate were also examined. The elimination rate of TCDD for these veterans was 0.0915 per year with 95% confidence interval 0.0844 to 0.0986 per year; the corresponding half-life estimate was 7.6 yr with 95% confidence interval 7.0 to 8.2 yr. The elimination rate decreased significantly with increasing body fat, but not with age or relative changes in percent body fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]