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Occupational exposure to welding fumes constitutes a serious health concern. Although the effects of fumes on the respiratory tract have been investigated, few apparent reports were published on their effects on the skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to welding fumes on skin cells, focusing on interleukin-24 (IL-24), a cytokine involved in the pathophysiology of skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Treatment with welding fumes increased IL-24 expression and production levels in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) which were higher than that in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. IL-24 levels in Trolox and deferoxamine markedly suppressed welding fume-induced IL-24 expression in HDMEC, indicating that oxidative stress may be involved in this cytokine expression. IL-24 released from HDMEC protected keratinocytes from welding fume-induced damage and enhanced keratinocyte migration. Serum IL-24 was higher in welding workers than in general subjects and was positively correlated with elevated serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, an oxidative stress marker. In summary, welding fumes enhanced IL-24 expression in HDMEC, stimulating keratinocyte survival and migration. IL-24 expression in endothelial cells may act as an adaptive response to welding-fume exposure in the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There are some studies reporting the association between (manganese [Mn]) exposure to welding fume and neurological dysfunction. This study examined the relationship between Mn exposure and neurological behavior in Japanese male welders and non‐welders using biological samples, which to date has not been assessed in Japan. Methods: A total of 94 male welders and 95 male non‐welders who worked in the same factories were recruited. The blood and urine samples were obtained from all the participants to measure Mn exposure levels. Neurological function tests were also conducted with all participants. The sampling of the breathing air zone using a personal sampler was measured for welders only. Results: The odds ratios (ORs) for the Working Memory Index (WMI) scores were significantly higher among all participants in the low blood Mn concentration group than those in the high blood Mn concentration group (OR, 2.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24, 6.19; P =.013). The association of WMI scores and blood Mn levels in welders had the highest OR (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.04, 13.38; P =.043). Although not statistically significant, a mild relationship between WMI scores and blood Mn levels was observed in non‐welders (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.63, 6.94; P =.227). Conclusions: The results revealed a significant positive relationship between blood Mn and neurological dysfunction in welders. Furthermore, non‐welders at the same factories may be secondarily exposed to welding fumes. Further research is needed to clarify this possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]