Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Methodology

Elimination kinetics of diisocyanates after specific inhalative challenges in humans: mass spectrometry analysis, as a basis for biomonitoring strategies

Authors: Lygia T Budnik, Dennis Nowak, Rolf Merget, Catherine Lemiere, Xaver Baur

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2011

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

Isocyanates are some of the leading occupational causes of respiratory disorders, predominantly asthma. Adequate exposure monitoring may recognize risk factors and help to prevent the onset or aggravation of these aliments. Though, the biomonitoring appears to be most suitable for exposure assessment, the sampling time is critical, however. In order to settle the optimal time point for the sample collection in a practical biomonitoring approach, we aimed to measure the elimination of isocyanate urine metabolites.

Methods

A simple biomonitoring method enabling detection of all major diamine metabolites, from mono-, poly- and diisocyanates in one analytical step, has been established. Urine samples from 121 patients undergoing inhalative challenge tests with diisocyanates for diagnostic reasons were separated by gas chromatography and analyzed with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at various time points (0-24 h) after the onset of exposure.

Results

After controlled exposures to different concentrations of diisocyanates (496 ± 102 ppb-min or 1560 ± 420 ppb-min) the elimination kinetics (of respective isocyanate diamine metabolites) revealed differences between aliphatic and aromatic isocyanates (the latter exhibiting a slower elimination) and a dose-response relationship. No significant differences were observed, however, when the elimination time patterns for individual isocyanates were compared, in respect of either low or high exposure or in relation to the presence or absence of prior immunological sensitization.

Conclusions

The detection of isocyanate metabolites in hydrolyzed urine with the help of gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometric detection system appears to be the most suitable, reliable and sensitive method to monitor possible isocyanate uptake by an individual. Additionally, the information on elimination kinetic patterns must be factored into estimates of isocyanate uptake before it is possible for biomonitoring to provide realistic assessments of isocyanate exposure. The pathophysiological elimination of 1,6-hexamethylene diamine, 2,4-diamine toluene, 2,6-diamine toluene, 1,5-naphthalene diamine, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diamine and isophorone diamines (as respective metabolites of: 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate and 2,6 toluene diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanates) differs between individual isocyanates' diamines.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Malo JL, Ghezzo H, Elie R: Occupational asthma caused by isocyanates: patterns of asthmatic reactions to increasing day-to-day doses. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1999, 159(6):1879–1883.CrossRefPubMed Malo JL, Ghezzo H, Elie R: Occupational asthma caused by isocyanates: patterns of asthmatic reactions to increasing day-to-day doses. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1999, 159(6):1879–1883.CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Pronk A, Preller L, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Jonkers IC, Lammers JW, Wouters IM, Doekes G, Wisnewski AV, Heederik D: Respiratory symptoms, sensitization, and exposure response relationships in spray painters exposed to isocyanates. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007, 176(11):1090–1097. 10.1164/rccm.200702-215OCPubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Pronk A, Preller L, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Jonkers IC, Lammers JW, Wouters IM, Doekes G, Wisnewski AV, Heederik D: Respiratory symptoms, sensitization, and exposure response relationships in spray painters exposed to isocyanates. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007, 176(11):1090–1097. 10.1164/rccm.200702-215OCPubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Mapp CE: "Occupational asthma": a matter of concern. Eur Respir J 1994, 7(1):1. 10.1183/09031936.94.07010001CrossRefPubMed Mapp CE: "Occupational asthma": a matter of concern. Eur Respir J 1994, 7(1):1. 10.1183/09031936.94.07010001CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Baur X, Wieners D, Marczynski B: Late asthmatic reaction caused by naphthylene-1,5 diisocyanate. Scand J Work Environ Health 2000, 26(1):78–80.CrossRefPubMed Baur X, Wieners D, Marczynski B: Late asthmatic reaction caused by naphthylene-1,5 diisocyanate. Scand J Work Environ Health 2000, 26(1):78–80.CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Malo JL, Lemiere C, Desjardins A, Cartier A: Prevalence and intensity of rhinoconjunctivitis in subjects with occupational asthma. Eur Respir J 1997, 10(7):1513–1515. 10.1183/09031936.97.10071513CrossRefPubMed Malo JL, Lemiere C, Desjardins A, Cartier A: Prevalence and intensity of rhinoconjunctivitis in subjects with occupational asthma. Eur Respir J 1997, 10(7):1513–1515. 10.1183/09031936.97.10071513CrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Merget R, Marczynski B, Chen Z, Remberger K, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Willrot PO, Baur X: Haemorrhagic hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to naphthylene-1,5-diisocyanate. Eur Respir J 2002, 19(2):377–380. 10.1183/09031936.02.00244702CrossRefPubMed Merget R, Marczynski B, Chen Z, Remberger K, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Willrot PO, Baur X: Haemorrhagic hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to naphthylene-1,5-diisocyanate. Eur Respir J 2002, 19(2):377–380. 10.1183/09031936.02.00244702CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference Dykewicz MS: Occupational asthma: current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009, 123(3):519–528. quiz 529–530 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.01.061CrossRefPubMed Dykewicz MS: Occupational asthma: current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009, 123(3):519–528. quiz 529–530 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.01.061CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Redlich CA, Herrick CA: Lung/skin connections in occupational lung disease. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2008, 8(2):115–119. 10.1097/ACI.0b013e3282f85a31CrossRefPubMed Redlich CA, Herrick CA: Lung/skin connections in occupational lung disease. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2008, 8(2):115–119. 10.1097/ACI.0b013e3282f85a31CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Boulet LP, Lemiere C, Gautrin D, Cartier A: New insights into occupational asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2007, 7(1):96–101.PubMed Boulet LP, Lemiere C, Gautrin D, Cartier A: New insights into occupational asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2007, 7(1):96–101.PubMed
10.
go back to reference Baur X: Evidence for allergic reactions in isocyanate asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007, 119(3):757–758. author reply 758 10.1016/j.jaci.2006.10.037CrossRefPubMed Baur X: Evidence for allergic reactions in isocyanate asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007, 119(3):757–758. author reply 758 10.1016/j.jaci.2006.10.037CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Monso E, Cloutier Y, Lesage J, Perreault G, Malo JL: What is the respiratory retention of inhaled hexamethylene di-isocyanate? Eur Respir J 2000, 16(4):729–730. 10.1034/j.1399-3003.2000.16d27.xCrossRefPubMed Monso E, Cloutier Y, Lesage J, Perreault G, Malo JL: What is the respiratory retention of inhaled hexamethylene di-isocyanate? Eur Respir J 2000, 16(4):729–730. 10.1034/j.1399-3003.2000.16d27.xCrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Karlsson D, Dahlin J, Skarping G, Dalene M: Determination of isocyanates, aminoisocyanates and amines in air formed during the thermal degradation of polyurethane. J Environ Monit 2002, 4(2):216–222. 10.1039/b110593kCrossRefPubMed Karlsson D, Dahlin J, Skarping G, Dalene M: Determination of isocyanates, aminoisocyanates and amines in air formed during the thermal degradation of polyurethane. J Environ Monit 2002, 4(2):216–222. 10.1039/b110593kCrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Rosenberg C, Nikkila K, Henriks-Eckerman ML, Peltonen K, Engstrorm K: Biological monitoring of aromatic diisocyanates in workers exposed to thermal degradation products of polyurethanes. J Environ Monit 2002, 4(5):711–716. 10.1039/b206340aCrossRefPubMed Rosenberg C, Nikkila K, Henriks-Eckerman ML, Peltonen K, Engstrorm K: Biological monitoring of aromatic diisocyanates in workers exposed to thermal degradation products of polyurethanes. J Environ Monit 2002, 4(5):711–716. 10.1039/b206340aCrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Sepai O, Henschler D, Sabbioni G: Albumin adducts, hemoglobin adducts and urinary metabolites in workers exposed to 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate. Carcinogenesis 1995, 16(10):2583–2587. 10.1093/carcin/16.10.2583CrossRefPubMed Sepai O, Henschler D, Sabbioni G: Albumin adducts, hemoglobin adducts and urinary metabolites in workers exposed to 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate. Carcinogenesis 1995, 16(10):2583–2587. 10.1093/carcin/16.10.2583CrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference Sabbioni G, Wesp H, Lewalter J, Rumler R: Determination of isocyanate biomarkers in construction site workers. Biomarkers 2007, 12(5):468–483. 10.1080/13547500701395636CrossRefPubMed Sabbioni G, Wesp H, Lewalter J, Rumler R: Determination of isocyanate biomarkers in construction site workers. Biomarkers 2007, 12(5):468–483. 10.1080/13547500701395636CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Creely KS, Hughson GW, Cocker J, Jones K: Assessing isocyanate exposures in polyurethane industry sectors using biological and air monitoring methods. Ann Occup Hyg 2006, 50(6):609–621. 10.1093/annhyg/mel024CrossRefPubMed Creely KS, Hughson GW, Cocker J, Jones K: Assessing isocyanate exposures in polyurethane industry sectors using biological and air monitoring methods. Ann Occup Hyg 2006, 50(6):609–621. 10.1093/annhyg/mel024CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Pronk A, Yu F, Vlaanderen J, Tielemans E, Preller L, Bobeldijk I, Deddens JA, Latza U, Baur X, Heederik D: Dermal, inhalation, and internal exposure to 1,6-HDI and its oligomers in car body repair shop workers and industrial spray painters. Occup Environ Med 2006, 63(9):624–631. 10.1136/oem.2005.023226PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Pronk A, Yu F, Vlaanderen J, Tielemans E, Preller L, Bobeldijk I, Deddens JA, Latza U, Baur X, Heederik D: Dermal, inhalation, and internal exposure to 1,6-HDI and its oligomers in car body repair shop workers and industrial spray painters. Occup Environ Med 2006, 63(9):624–631. 10.1136/oem.2005.023226PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
18.
go back to reference Lemiere C, Bai T, Balter M, Bayliff C, Becker A, Boulet LP, Bowie D, Cartier A, Cave A, Chapman K, et al.: Adult Asthma Consensus Guidelines update 2003. Can Respir J 2004, 11(Suppl A):9A-18A.PubMed Lemiere C, Bai T, Balter M, Bayliff C, Becker A, Boulet LP, Bowie D, Cartier A, Cave A, Chapman K, et al.: Adult Asthma Consensus Guidelines update 2003. Can Respir J 2004, 11(Suppl A):9A-18A.PubMed
19.
go back to reference Baur X, Marek W, Ammon J, Czuppon AB, Marczynski B, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Roemmelt H, Fruhmann G: Respiratory and other hazards of isocyanates. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1994, 66(3):141–152. 10.1007/BF00380772CrossRefPubMed Baur X, Marek W, Ammon J, Czuppon AB, Marczynski B, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Roemmelt H, Fruhmann G: Respiratory and other hazards of isocyanates. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1994, 66(3):141–152. 10.1007/BF00380772CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Schutze D, Sepai O, Lewalter J, Miksche L, Henschler D, Sabbioni G: Biomonitoring of workers exposed to 4,4'-methylenedianiline or 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate. Carcinogenesis 1995, 16(3):573–582. 10.1093/carcin/16.3.573CrossRefPubMed Schutze D, Sepai O, Lewalter J, Miksche L, Henschler D, Sabbioni G: Biomonitoring of workers exposed to 4,4'-methylenedianiline or 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate. Carcinogenesis 1995, 16(3):573–582. 10.1093/carcin/16.3.573CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Bolognesi C, Baur X, Marczynski B, Norppa H, Sepai O, Sabbioni G: Carcinogenic risk of toluene diisocyanate and 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate: epidemiological and experimental evidence. Crit Rev Toxicol 2001, 31(6):737–772. 10.1080/20014091111974CrossRefPubMed Bolognesi C, Baur X, Marczynski B, Norppa H, Sepai O, Sabbioni G: Carcinogenic risk of toluene diisocyanate and 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate: epidemiological and experimental evidence. Crit Rev Toxicol 2001, 31(6):737–772. 10.1080/20014091111974CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Tinnerberg H, Mattsson C: Usage of air monitoring and biomarkers of isocyanate exposure to assess the effect of a control intervention. Ann Occup Hyg 2008, 52(3):187–194. 10.1093/annhyg/men006CrossRefPubMed Tinnerberg H, Mattsson C: Usage of air monitoring and biomarkers of isocyanate exposure to assess the effect of a control intervention. Ann Occup Hyg 2008, 52(3):187–194. 10.1093/annhyg/men006CrossRefPubMed
23.
go back to reference Skarping G, Brorson T, Sango C: Biological monitoring of isocyanates and related amines. III. Test chamber exposure of humans to toluene diisocyanate. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1991, 63(2):83–88. 10.1007/BF00379069CrossRefPubMed Skarping G, Brorson T, Sango C: Biological monitoring of isocyanates and related amines. III. Test chamber exposure of humans to toluene diisocyanate. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1991, 63(2):83–88. 10.1007/BF00379069CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Brorson T, Skarping G, Sango C: Biological monitoring of isocyanates and related amines. IV. 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine in hydrolysed plasma and urine after test-chamber exposure of humans to 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1991, 63(4):253–259. 10.1007/BF00386374CrossRefPubMed Brorson T, Skarping G, Sango C: Biological monitoring of isocyanates and related amines. IV. 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine in hydrolysed plasma and urine after test-chamber exposure of humans to 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1991, 63(4):253–259. 10.1007/BF00386374CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Rosenberg C, Savolainen H: Determination in urine of diisocyanate-derived amines from occupational exposure by gas chromatography-mass fragmentography. Analyst 1986, 111(9):1069–1071. 10.1039/an9861101069CrossRefPubMed Rosenberg C, Savolainen H: Determination in urine of diisocyanate-derived amines from occupational exposure by gas chromatography-mass fragmentography. Analyst 1986, 111(9):1069–1071. 10.1039/an9861101069CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Kaaria K, Hirvonen A, Norppa H, Piirila P, Vainio H, Rosenberg C: Exposure to 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during moulding of rigid polyurethane foam: determination of airborne MDI and urinary 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA). Analyst 2001, 126(4):476–479. 10.1039/b009549oCrossRefPubMed Kaaria K, Hirvonen A, Norppa H, Piirila P, Vainio H, Rosenberg C: Exposure to 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during moulding of rigid polyurethane foam: determination of airborne MDI and urinary 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA). Analyst 2001, 126(4):476–479. 10.1039/b009549oCrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Brorson T, Skarping G, Sandstrom JF, Stenberg M: Biological monitoring of isocyanates and related amines. I. Determination of 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA) in hydrolysed human urine after oral administration of HDA. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1990, 62(1):79–84. 10.1007/BF00397852CrossRefPubMed Brorson T, Skarping G, Sandstrom JF, Stenberg M: Biological monitoring of isocyanates and related amines. I. Determination of 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA) in hydrolysed human urine after oral administration of HDA. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1990, 62(1):79–84. 10.1007/BF00397852CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Sakai T, Morita Y, Roh J, Kim H, Kim Y: Improvement in the GC-MS method for determining urinary toluene-diamine and its application to the biological monitoring of workers exposed to toluene-diisocyanate. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2005, 78(6):459–466. 10.1007/s00420-004-0571-9CrossRefPubMed Sakai T, Morita Y, Roh J, Kim H, Kim Y: Improvement in the GC-MS method for determining urinary toluene-diamine and its application to the biological monitoring of workers exposed to toluene-diisocyanate. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2005, 78(6):459–466. 10.1007/s00420-004-0571-9CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Kennedy AL, Stock MF, Alarie Y, Brown WE: Uptake and distribution of 14C during and following inhalation exposure to radioactive toluene diisocyanate. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1989, 100(2):280–292. 10.1016/0041-008X(89)90314-1CrossRefPubMed Kennedy AL, Stock MF, Alarie Y, Brown WE: Uptake and distribution of 14C during and following inhalation exposure to radioactive toluene diisocyanate. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1989, 100(2):280–292. 10.1016/0041-008X(89)90314-1CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Littorin M, Truedsson L, Welinder H, Skarping G, Martensson U, Sjoholm AG: Acute respiratory disorder, rhinoconjunctivitis and fever associated with the pyrolysis of polyurethane derived from diphenylmethane diisocyanate. Scand J Work Environ Health 1994, 20(3):216–222.CrossRefPubMed Littorin M, Truedsson L, Welinder H, Skarping G, Martensson U, Sjoholm AG: Acute respiratory disorder, rhinoconjunctivitis and fever associated with the pyrolysis of polyurethane derived from diphenylmethane diisocyanate. Scand J Work Environ Health 1994, 20(3):216–222.CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Lind P, Dalene M, Skarping G, Hagmar L: Toxicokinetics of 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine in hydrolysed urine and plasma after occupational exposure to 2,4- and 2,6- toluene diisocyanate. Occup Environ Med 1996, 53(2):94–99. 10.1136/oem.53.2.94PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Lind P, Dalene M, Skarping G, Hagmar L: Toxicokinetics of 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine in hydrolysed urine and plasma after occupational exposure to 2,4- and 2,6- toluene diisocyanate. Occup Environ Med 1996, 53(2):94–99. 10.1136/oem.53.2.94PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Dalene M, Skarping G, Lind P: Workers exposed to thermal degradation products of TDI- and MDI-based polyurethane: biomonitoring of 2,4-TDA, 2,6-TDA, and 4,4'-MDA in hydrolyzed urine and plasma. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 1997, 58(8):587–591.CrossRefPubMed Dalene M, Skarping G, Lind P: Workers exposed to thermal degradation products of TDI- and MDI-based polyurethane: biomonitoring of 2,4-TDA, 2,6-TDA, and 4,4'-MDA in hydrolyzed urine and plasma. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 1997, 58(8):587–591.CrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Dalene M, Jakobsson K, Rannug A, Skarping G, Hagmar L: MDA in plasma as a biomarker of exposure to pyrolysed MDI-based polyurethane: correlations with estimated cumulative dose and genotype for N-acetylation. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1996, 68(3):165–169. 10.1007/BF00381626CrossRefPubMed Dalene M, Jakobsson K, Rannug A, Skarping G, Hagmar L: MDA in plasma as a biomarker of exposure to pyrolysed MDI-based polyurethane: correlations with estimated cumulative dose and genotype for N-acetylation. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1996, 68(3):165–169. 10.1007/BF00381626CrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Tinnerberg H, Skarping G, Dalene M, Hagmar L: Test chamber exposure of humans to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1995, 67(6):367–374. 10.1007/BF00381050CrossRefPubMed Tinnerberg H, Skarping G, Dalene M, Hagmar L: Test chamber exposure of humans to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1995, 67(6):367–374. 10.1007/BF00381050CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Slatter JG, Rashed MS, Pearson PG, Han DH, Baillie TA: Biotransformation of methyl isocyanate in the rat. Evidence for glutathione conjugation as a major pathway of metabolism and implications for isocyanate-mediated toxicities. Chem Res Toxicol 1991, 4(2):157–161. 10.1021/tx00020a006CrossRefPubMed Slatter JG, Rashed MS, Pearson PG, Han DH, Baillie TA: Biotransformation of methyl isocyanate in the rat. Evidence for glutathione conjugation as a major pathway of metabolism and implications for isocyanate-mediated toxicities. Chem Res Toxicol 1991, 4(2):157–161. 10.1021/tx00020a006CrossRefPubMed
36.
go back to reference Baur X, Budnik LT: [New data on occupational exposure to isocyanates]. Pneumologie 2009, 63(11):656–661. 10.1055/s-0029-1215098CrossRefPubMed Baur X, Budnik LT: [New data on occupational exposure to isocyanates]. Pneumologie 2009, 63(11):656–661. 10.1055/s-0029-1215098CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Elimination kinetics of diisocyanates after specific inhalative challenges in humans: mass spectrometry analysis, as a basis for biomonitoring strategies
Authors
Lygia T Budnik
Dennis Nowak
Rolf Merget
Catherine Lemiere
Xaver Baur
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-6-9

Other articles of this Issue 1/2011

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1/2011 Go to the issue