1. Name of the department      :      Environmental Carcinogen Unit

2. Objectives:   

• The basic objectives of the unit are to study the environmental and occupational   carcinogens using different test systems.

• Acute and chronic toxicity studies in animal experimentation

• Biomonitoring of occupationally exposed workers.         

3. Functions:

1) To plan and study the suspected carcinogens on the basis of national priority for their carcinogenic potential.

2) To plan and study the acute and chronic toxicity experiments in relation to the toxicants of national emergencies and priorities in experimental animals.

3)  Basic research in the field of chemical carcinogenesis.

4)  Human surveillance study with special reference to clinical biochemistry and immunology.

5)  To assist the Institute in event of any national disaster.

4. Scientific and technical staff: 

5. Laboratory facilities and Instruments:

 This laboratory has facilities to carry out clinical biochemistry work, electrophoresis (protein and DNA electrophoresis), complete Gel documentation, spectroscopy and spectrofluorometry and cytogenetic lab. for cytogenetic work including the advance facility for FISH. 

This laboratory has following equipments:

       1. Synchroneous Fluroscence Spectroscopy

       2.  Double beam UV visible spectrophotometer

       3. Gel Documentation system

       4. Protein and DNA electrophoresis system along with blotting units.

       5. Gradient PCR (Thermal cycler)

       6. Large field Research Microscope with phase contrast, Fluorecence attachment and Micro photography unit.

       7. Image analysis system with FISH, automatic karyo typing, Q win software and microphotography attachment(Leica Make)

       8. Micro processor based sterilizer

       9.  K-15 Sigma centrifuge (High speed)

      10. Smart Lab  (Chemistry Analyzer)

      11. Random Access Auto Analyzer (NExCT, Chemistry Analyzer)

      12. Instalyte Calcium analyzer (electrolyte analyzer)

      13. Circulatory water bath (Julabo Make)

      14. Mettlar electronic Top Pan Balance.

      15. pH/Ion meter

      16. Milli-Q water purification system

      17. Fast Protein Liquid chromatography.

6. Ongoing Projects:

7. Important projects completed:

   2000 : Health Risk assessment of Rural and Urban Population due to Indoor/Ambient Air Pollution

   1999 : Health Survey of Salt Workers Working in Gujarat

   1999 : Silicosis and silico-tuberculosis among the workers exposed to silica in agate industry at Khambhat

   1998 : Cardiotoxicity of methomyl in workers exposed to methomyl in methomyl repacking unit

   1997-98 : Environmental cum Medical Survey in Cement Factory

   1995-99 : Integrated Environmental Epidemiological Study in Identified Critically Polluted Areas in the Country (Vapi,  Gujarat). 

   1996-98 : Protective effect of tea extract against hexachlorocyclohexane carcinogenesis.

   1994-95 : Immunological and biochemical studies inWorkers exposed to inorganic mercury.

   1993-95 : Experimental evaluation of carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of herbicide 2,4-D.

   1993-94 : Urinary Beta 2 microglobulin and retinol binding proteins as sensitive parameter for biological monitoring of cadmium exposure.

   1991-92 : Immunological profile of workers exposed to pesticides

   1990-91 : Immunological profile of workers having asbestosis

   1989-90 : Role of circulating immune complexes in immunopathogenesis in villages of Central Ladakh.

   1989-90 : Immunological profile of workers having silicosis.

   1986-89 : Experimental evaluation of MIC toxicity.

   1985-87 : Biochemical, immunological and cytogenetic study of survivors exposed to methyl isocyanate at Bhopal.

   1983-89 : Health survey of the workers engaged in HCH manufacturing plants. (A study of four HCH manufacturing plant).

   1978-81 : Carcinogenicity of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in pure inbred Swiss mice.

   1973-77 : Carcinogenicity of DDT in pure inbred Swiss mice.

   1974-76 : Biochemical investigations in malaria spraymen exposed to DDT and HCH - A study of 1200 workers.

8. International Programme if any.

9. Publication and research Reports (Till Date): 48

            Research Reports (till date) : 02

1. Environmental Epidemiology Study in Identified Critically Polluted Areas of the Country (Vapi, Gujarat), 1993-1996.

2. Evaluation of Health Status of Workers Working in Industrial Estates of Ahmedabad.  

Publications:

1.      Nigam, S.K., Kashyap, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Ashok Kumar and Gupta R.C.: A modified counter immuno-electrophoresis for the detection of murine alphafetoprotein.  Ind. J. Animal Hlth. XV, 17-19, 1976.

2.      Nigam, S.K., Kashyap, S.K., Ashok Kumar, Gupta R.C., and Karnik, A.B.: Effect of technical grade DDT on neonatal mice.  Ind. J. Med. Res. 576-578, 1977.

3.      Kashyap, S.K., Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Gupta, R.C. and Chatterjee, S.K.: Carcinogenicity of DDT (Dichlorodiphenyl Trichloroethane) in pure inbred Swiss mice.  Int. J. Cancer 19, 725-729, 1977.

4.      Gupta, R.C, Karnik, A.B., Nigam, S.K. and Kashyap, S.K.:  Comparative laboratory evaluation of some reported methods for the determination of DDT and BHC insecticides in human blood.  Analyst. 103, 723-727, 1978

5.      Kashyap, S.K., Nigam, S.K., Gupta R.C., Karnik, A.B. and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Carcinogenicity of hexachlorocyclohexane (BHC) in pure inbred Swiss mice.  J. Environ. Sci. Hlth Part B, 14, 305, 1979.

6.      Nigam, S.K., Lakkad, B.C., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Bhatt, D.K. Aravinda Babu, K. and Kashyap, S.K.: Effect of hexachlorocyclohexane feeding on testicular tissue of pure inbred Swiss mice.  Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 23, 431-437, 1979

7.      Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Lakkad, B.C., Thakore, K.N., Kashyap, S.K. and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Carcinogenic evaluation of Indian variety of asbestos fibre in experimental rats.  A preliminary study.  Ind. J. Indust. Med. 26, 406-412, 1980.

8.      Kashyap, S.K, Gupta, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Parikh, J.R. and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Scope and need of toxicological evaluation of pesticide under field conditions – Medical surveillance of malaria spraymen exposed to HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) in India.  Field workers exposure during pesticide application entitled by W.F. Tordoir E.A.H. Van Heestra, Elsevier Scientific Publication, 53-61, 1980

9.      Aravinda Babu, K., Lakkad, B.C., Nigam, S.K., Bhatt, D.K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Invitro cytological and cytogenic effects of an Indian variety of chrysotile asbestos.  Environ. Res. 21, 416-422, 1980.

10.  Aravinda Babu, K., Nigam, S.K., Lakkad, B.C., Bhatt, D.K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Effect of chrysotile asbestos (AP-1) on sister chromatid exchange in Chinese Hamster ovary cells.  Environ. Res. 24, 325-329, 1981.

11.  Nigam, S.K., Bhatt, D.K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Aravinda Babu, K., Lakkad, B.C., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Experimental studies on insecticides commonly used in India.  J. Cancer Res. Clin. Oncol. 99, 143-152, 1981.

12.  Thakore, K.N., Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Lakkad, B.C., Bhatt, D.K., Aravinda Babu, K., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Early changes in serum protein and liver LDH isoenzymes in mice exposed to technical grade hexachlorocyclohexane (BHC) and their possible relationship to liver tumours.  Toxicology 19, 31-37, 1981.

13.  Bhatt, D.K., Nigam, S.K., Aravinda Babu, K., Lakkad, B.C., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Histochemical changes in ATPase distribution during hexachlorocyclohexane induced hepatocarcinogenesis in inbred Swiss mice.  Ind. J. Exptl. Biol. 19 (7), 621-624, 1981. 

14.  Bhatt, D.K., Nigam, S.K., Lakkad, B.C., Aravinda Babu, K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Distribution of cyclic 3-5’ phosphodiesterase, monoamino oxidase and B-glucuronidase in inbred Swiss mice.  Ind. J. Exptl. Biol. 19 (7), 625-629, 1981.

15.  Bhatt, D.K., Nigam, S.K., Lakkad, B.C., Aravinda Babu, K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N. and Kashyap, S.K.:  Sequential histochemical changes in the distribution of alkaline phosphatase in the hexachlorocyclohexane (HCCH) induced liver tumours in pure inbred Swiss mice.  Cell. Mol. Biol. 27 (2-3), 231-238, 1981.

16      Aravinda Babu, K., Nigam, S.K., Lakkad, B.C., Bhatt, D.K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.: Effect of hexachlorocyclohexane on somatic meiotic divisions in male Swiss mice.  Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 26, 508-512 (1981).

17.  Nigam, S.K., Aravinda Babu, K., Bhatt, D.K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Lakkad, B.C., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Pattern of glycogen and iron accumulation in early appearing BHC induced liver lesions and in liver tumours.  Ind. J. Med. Res. 74, 289-296 (1981).

18.  Thakore, K.N., Karnik, A.B., Nigam, S.K., Lakkad, B.C., Bhatt, D.K., Aravinda Babu, K., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Sequential changes in lactate, isocytrate and malate dehydrogenase in mice exposed to technical grade hexachlorocyclohexane (BHC) and their possible relationship to liver tumours.  Pest. Biochem. & Physiol. 15, 262-266, 1981.

19.  Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Nigam, S.K., Aravinda Babu, K., Lakkad, B.C., Bhatt, D.K., Kashyap, S.K, and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Studies on glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6 diphosphatase activity, glycogen distribution and endoplasmic reticulum changes during hexachlorocyclohexane induced hepatocarcinogenesis in pure inbred Swiss mice.  Neoplasma 28 (5), 575-584 (1981).

20.  Bhatt, D.K., Nigam, S.K., Lakkad, B.C., Aravinda Babu, K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Kashyap, S.K. and Chatterjee, S.K.:  Distribution of 5’-nucleotidase during hepatocarcinogenesis induced by hexachlorocyclohexane in Swiss mice.  Ind. J. Exptl. Biol. 19, 1159-1162, 1981.

21.  Lakkad, B.C., Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Aravinda Babu, K., Bhatt, D.K., and Kashyap, S.K.: Dominant lethal study of technical grade hexachlorocyclohexane in Swiss mice.  Mutat. Res. 101, 315-320 (1982).

22.  Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Lakkad, B.C. and. Bhatt Venkata Krishna H.: Distribution of isomers of BHC and related histopathology of liver in hexachlorocyclohexane fed mice.  Arch. Environ. Hlth. 37 (3), 156-158, 1982. 

23.  Nigam, S.K., Thakore, K.N., Karnik, A.B., and Lakkad, B.C.: Hepatic glycogen, iron distribution and histopathological alterations in mice exposed to hexachlorocyclohexane.  Ind. J. Med. Res. 79, 571-579, 1984.

24.  Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Lakkad, B.C. and Thakore, K.N.: Ultrastructural changes in liver of mice exposed to hexachlorocyclohexane.  Ind. J. Exptl. Biol. 22, 199-204, 1984.

25.  Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Lakkad, B.C., Thakore, K.N., Joshi Bharat, Kashyap, S.K., Aravinda Babu, K., Bhatt, D.K., and Chatterjee, B.B.: Experimental and human surveillance on BHC and DDT insecticides commonly used in India.  Environ. Mutat. Newsletter. 3, 1-7, 1985.

26.  Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Majumdar, S.K., Visweswariah, G., Suryanarayanan Raju, Mukthabai, K., Thakore, K.N. and Chatterjee, B.B.: Serum hexachlorocyclohexane residue in workers engaged at a HCH manufacturing plant.  Int. Arc. Occup. Environ. Hlth. 57, 315-320, 1986.

27.  Lakkad, B.C., Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N. and Chatterjee, B.B.: Effect of cadmium chloride on cell division and chromosomes in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 36, 342-349, 1986

28.  Doctor, P.B., Karnik, A.B. and Bhatt, Venkata Krishna H.: Influence of oral lead acetate on serum transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in albino rat.  Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. India 56, (B) I, 1986.

29.  Karnik, A.B., Parikh, J.R., Suthar, A.M., Patel, M.M., Thakore, K.N., Patel, H.H., Lakkad, B.C., Kulkarni, P.K., Nigam, S.K.: Immunoglobulins, serum proteins and lactate dehydrogenase levels in workers exposed to cotton dust.  I.J.M.R. 85, 222-226, 1987.

30. Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Lakkad, B.C., Thakore, K.N. and Joshi, B.H.: Experimental and human surveillance on BHC and DDT insecticides commonly used in India.  Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 534, 694-705, 1988.

31. Chattopadhyay, P., Karnik, A.B., Thakore, K.N., Lakkad, B.C., Nigam, S.K. and Kashyap, S.K.: Health effects among workers involved in manufacture of hexachlorocyclohexane.  J. Soc. Occup. Med. 38, 77-81, 1988. 

32. Krishnamurthy, Karnik, A.B., Rajmohan, H.R., Ramchandra, C.R.: Exposure to metals like nickel and cadmium in work environment in alkaline battery manufacturing industry – A pilot study.  Ind. J. Occup. Hlth. 31 (324), 45-49, 1989.

33. Karnik, A.B., Saiyed, H.N. and Nigam, S.K.:  Humoral immunologic dysfunction in silicosis, Ind. J. Med. Res. 92 (B), 440-442  Dec. 1990.

34. Nigam, S.K., Saiyed, H.N., Suthar, A.M., Karnik, A.B., Venkaiah, K. and Kashyap, S.K.: Role of circulating immunocomplexes in the immunopathogenesis of non occupational pneumoconiosis in villages of  Central Laddakh.  Int. J. Toxicol. Occup. Environ. Hlth. 1 (3), 35-38, 1993

35. Karnik, A.B., Suthar, A.M., Patel, M.M., Sadhu, H.G., Venkaiah, K. and Nigam, S.K.: Immunological profile in workers exposed to pesticides.  Ind. J. Indust. Med. 39 (3), 110-112, 1993.

36. Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Chattopadhyay, P., Lakkad, B.C., Venkaiah, K. and Kashyap, S.K.: Clinical and biochemical investigations to evolve early diagnosis in workers involved in manufacturing of hexachlorocyclohexane.  Int. Arch. Environ. Hlth. 65: S193-S196, 1993.

37. Nigam, S.K., Suthar, A.M., Patel, M.M., Karnik,A.B, Dave,S.K., Kashyap, S.K. and Venkaiah, K.: Humoral immunological profile of workers exposed to asbestos in asbestos mines.  Ind. J. Med. Res. 98 (B), 274-277, 1993.

38. Nigam, S.K. and Karnik, A.B.: Certain biochemical findings in workers engaged in manufacture of hexachlorocyclohexane.  Ind. J. Indust. Med. 40 (4), 120-123, 1994.

39. Nigam,S.K., Karnik, A.B., Lakkad, B.C. and Kashyap, S.K.: Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity studies on Hexachlorocyclohexane – The commonly used organochlorine pesticide in India. In: Environmental Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis (eds) P.S. Chauhan and S.B. Chapekar, New Age International Ltd. (publishers) vol. 2, New Delhi India. 64-70, 1996 

40.  Karnik, A.B., Nigam Shishir., Khan, Q., Desai, U.M., Lakkad, B.C.,  Suthar, A.M.,  Patel, M.M.  and Nigam, S.K.: Biochemical and immunological studies on a few survivals of Bhopal Gas Disaster.  Ind. J. Indust. Med. 42 (2),  pp. 98-101, 1996.

41. Lakkad, B.C., Karnik, A.B., Nigam Shishir., Suthar, A.M.,  Patel, M.M., Desai, U.M., Nigam, S.K.: Cytogenetic evaluation of persons exposed to methyl isocyanate at Bhopal.  Ind. J. Indust. Med. 42 (3-4), 203-205 1996.

42. Karnik, A.B., Suthar, A.M., Patel, M.M., Pandya, C.B., Sadhu, H.G. Venkaiah, K., Kashyap, S.K. and Nigam, S.K.: Immunological and biochemical studies in workers exposed to inorganic mercury in chloralkali plant.  Ind. J. Indust. Med. 43 (1), 4-7 1997.

43.  Nigam, S.K., Karnik, A.B., Lakkad, B.C. and Kashyap, S.K.: Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity: Studies on Hexachlorocyclohexane, the Commonly Used Pesticide in India. In: Trends in Environmental Mutagenesis (eds) Sobti R.C., Obe, G. and Quillardet, P., Tausco Book Distributors, New Delhi 157-167, 1999.

44.  Karnik, A.B.: Immune Response Exposure to Occupational and Environmental Agents. ICMR Bull. 31: (6-7) 73-79, 2001.

45.  Bhatnagar, V.K., Karnik, A.B., Suthar, A.M., Zaidi, S.S.A., Kashyap, S.K., Shah, M.P., Kulkarni, P.K., Saiyed, H.N.: Biological indices in formulators exposed to a combination of pesticides. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 68: 22-28, 2002.

46.  Nigam, S.K., Saiyed, H.N., Malaviya Ravi, Suthar, A.M., Desai, U.M., Venkaiah, K., Sharma, Y.K. and Kashyap, S.K.: Role of circulating immune complexes in the immunopathogenesis of silicosis.  Toxicology Letter 51, 315-320, 1990.

47.  Jani, A.A., Thakore, K.N., Suthar, A.M., Malaviya Ravi, Nigam, S.K., Patel, R.K.: Serum immunoglobulins in rheumatoid arthritis.  3, P. 21, 1990.  

48. Bhatnagar V.K,Zaidi SSA; Kashyap R. , Karnik A B, Kulkarni P K, Shah M P and Saiyed H N: Pesticide residues in formulation and their relevance  to certain  biological indices.

10. Future Programmes

This unit is upgrading the facilities for the work at molecular level.  The first project to be undertaken will be : ‘Polymorphism of the enzymes CYP2E1, NQO1 and Delta aminolevulinic acid dehytratase’.