Hair dye use and occupational exposure to organic solvents as risk factors for myelodysplastic syndrome

Risk factors of myelodysplastic syndromes: a case–control study

“…These data suggest that smoking could have a longer effect in MDS development than the 5 years suggested by Bjork et al 17 The role of overall alcohol consumption on risk of MDS has been explored in a few studies with conflicting results. 9,14,20,21 In the present study, we had the opportunity to analyze the effect of specific alcoholic beverages. Wine consumption in moderate amounts was associated with a decreased risk of MDS.…”

“…12,13 Alcohol use, autoimmune conditions, hair dye use, and genetic disorders (such as Down's syndrome, Fanconi's anemia, Bloom's syndrome, etc) have also been implicated in MDS development. 9,14 The increasing incidence of MDS, possibly due to the aging of the population and greater diagnostic awareness, highlights the need for understanding the etiology of this disease. The present case-control study was conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), one of the largest MDS referral centers in the US.…”

Novel therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes

“…4 Although numerous risk factors have been identified (male gender, smoking, hair dyes, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemicals, heavy metals, benzene, and other solvents), a clear association with any of these predisposing factors is reported to be found in only 20 -30% of patients (secondary MDS). [5][6][7][8][9] Treatment-related MDS (t-MDS) after exposure to bone marrow-damaging agents such as chemotherapy drugs or ionizing radiation has received the most attention. 10 -12 Secondary MDS and t-MDS differ from primary MDS, in that the age of onset is approximately 10 years earlier, dysplasia is more prominent, cytopenias are more severe, disease progression is more rapid, and outcomes are worse.…”

Cytogenetic and morphologic subgroups of myelodysplastic syndromes in relation to occupational and hobby exposures

“…Associations with tobacco smoking have been observed or indicated in some studies (10)(11)(12)(13)(14) but not in others (15)(16)(17)(18). Although regular personal usage of hair dye has been linked to MDS (11,18,19), the evidence of an association is weak overall (20). Other exposures suggested as risk factors include organic solvents besides benzene, extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (EMF), gasoline and diesel fuel, and agricultural exposures like grain dust, fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock or poultry (11,13,15,(21)(22)(23).…”

“…Associations with tobacco smoking have been observed or indicated in some studies (10)(11)(12)(13)(14) but not in others (15)(16)(17)(18). Although regular personal usage of hair dye has been linked to MDS (11,18,19), the evidence of an association is weak overall (20).…”