Biochemical aspects of lead exposure in silver jewelry workers in western Maharashtra (India)

This study was conducted to examine the effect of blood lead (Lead) on heme biosynthesis, the hematopoietic system, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status of silver jewelry workers (SJW) in western Maharastra (India). The blood lead level of the SJW group (N = 30) was in the range of 30.2-64.7 microg dL(-1) (mean +/- SD, 48.56 +/- 7.39 microg dL(-1)), whereas that of non-occupational Lead-exposed normal healthy control subjects (N = 35) was 2.8-22.0 microg dL(-1) (mean +/- SD, 12.52 +/- 4.08 microg dL(-1)). Although the blood lead level of the SJW group increased significantly (p < 0.001) when compared with the control group, the urinary excretion of lead in the SJW group was not altered. In the SJW group, non-activated delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the ratio of activated/non-activated ALAD increased when compared with controls (p < 0.001), whereas activated ALAD activity was not altered significantly. Erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) was not altered in SJW. The urinary excretion of delta-amino-levulinic acid (p < 0.001) and porpobilinogen (p < 0.05) of the SJW group increased significantly when compared with controls. Hematology parameters, such as the packed cell volume (p < .001) and total erythrocyte count (p < 0.05) significantly decreased, whereas the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p <.001) and total white blood cell count (p < .001) increased in the SJW group in comparison with controls. The serum malondialdehyde content significantly increased (p < .001), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes erythrocyte-SOD (p < .001), erythrocyte catalase (p < .05), and plasma ceruloplasmin (p < .001) significantly decreased in the SJW group compared with the controls. The results of the study clearly show an alteration of heme biosynthesis and cellular impairment of the pro-oxidants/antioxidants balance, resulting in oxidative damage in the silver jewelry workers group in western Maharashtra (India).     

Effect on enzymes and histopathology in earthworm (Eisenia foetida) induced by triazole fungicides

Earthworms are an ideal biological model in toxicity assays and environment monitoring studies, especially for the toxicity of pesticides on soil ecosystem. However, There are very little data on the toxicity of triazoles on earthworms despite the fact that such data are critical in assessing their fate and potential toxic effects in soil organisms. To address this issue, earthworms were exposed to triazoles (triadimefon, triadimenol, difenoconazole and propiconazole) to study biochemical and histopathological examination. The results showed protein content significantly increased in treatment of difenoconazole compared to control. There were no significant differences between controls and triadimefon treated groups, while the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity is significantly lower than control. Other triazoles also had an inhibitory effect on GSH-Px activity at higher concentration. The histopathological examination showed the epidermis and the epidermis cell of earthworm was ruined at lower triazoles concentration. The arrangement of smooth muscle layer disordered, and some cell disintegrated with concentration increasing of pesticides. Cell pyknosis, cytoplasm deep stained, nucleus concentrations were observed in the treated group with propiconazole.     

Role of fungicides, application of nozzle types, and the resistance level of wheat varieties in the control of Fusarium head blight and deoxynivalenol

Fungicide application is a key factor in the control of mycotoxin contamination in the harvested wheat grain. However, the practical results are often disappointing. In 2000-2004, 2006-2008 and 2007 and 2008, three experiments were made to test the efficacy of fungicide control on Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) in wheat and to find ways to improve control of the disease and toxin contamination. In a testing system we have used for 20 years, tebuconazole and tebuconazole + prothioconazole fungicides regularly reduced symptoms by about 80% with a correlating reduction in toxin contamination. Averages across the years normally show a correlation of r = 0.90 or higher. The stability differences (measured by the stability index) between the poorest and the best fungicides are about 10 or more times, differing slightly in mycotoxin accumulation, FHB index (severity) and Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK). The weak fungicides, like carbendazim, were effective only when no epidemic occurred or epidemic severity was at a very low level. Similar fungicide effects were seen on wheat cultivars which varied in FHB resistance. In this study, we found three fold differences in susceptibility to FHB between highly susceptible and moderately resistant cultivars when treated with fungicides. In the moderately resistant cultivars, about 50% of the fungicide treatments lowered the DON level below the regulatory limit. In the most susceptible cultivars, all fungicides failed to reduce mycotoxin levels low enough for grain acceptance, in spite of the fact that disease was significantly reduced. The results correlated well with the results of the large-scale field tests of fungicide application at the time of natural infection. The Turbo FloodJet nozzle reduced FHB incidence and DON contamination when compared to the TeeJet XR nozzle. Overall, the data suggest that significant decreases in FHB incidence and deoxynivalenol contamination in field situations are possible with proper fungicide applications. Additionally, small plot tests can be used to evaluate the quality of the field disease and toxin production.     

Occupational lead exposure in battery manufacturing workers, silver jewelry workers, and spray painters in western Maharashtra (India): effect on liver and kidney function

We studied liver and kidney function tests of occupational lead exposed Battery Manufacturing Workers (BMW) (n = 30), Silver Jewelry Workers (SJW) (n = 30), and Spray Painters (SP) (n = 35) and normal healthy subjects (n = 35), all 20 to 40 years of age, in Western Maharashtra (India). Venous blood and random urine samples were collected from all groups. The blood lead (Pb-B) and urinary lead (Pb-U) levels were significantly increased in all experimental groups, except urinary lead excretion in SJW as compared with the controls. Liver functions tests parameters (serum transaminase enzymes SGOT, AST, SGPT, ALT) activities were significantly increased only in SP; no alteration was noticed in BMW and SJW as compared with the control group. Serum total protein levels were significantly decreased in all three experimental groups as compared with control subjects. Serum albumin concentrations were significantly decreased in SJW, SP, and increased in BMW. The serum globulin levels, however, were significantly decreased, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was increased in BMW and SJW as compared with the control. The bilirubin level was significantly increased only in BMW. Blood urea was significantly increased only in BMW, and blood urea and serum uric acid were decreased in SJW. The serum creatinine level was not significantly altered in any experimental groups. Increased Pb-B values in all experimental groups indicate the greater rate of lead absorption and impairment of liver and kidney functions in all three types of occupational lead-exposed workers of Western Maharashtra (India).     

Effect of testosterone on the testicular atrophy caused by di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)

The involvement of testosterone in di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) induced testicular injury has been examined by coadministration of testosterone (1 mg/kg) along with DEHP (2000 mg/kg) daily for 15 days. The coadministration of testosterone and DEHP appears to have prevented the testicular injury as judged by the biochemical and histopathological changes. The sperm count and the activity of the testicular enzymes, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase, related with the maturation of sperm, which were significantly altered by DEHP treatment were found to be within normal levels after the combination treatment of DEHP and testosterone. The histopathological studies also showed more or less normal spermatogenic events. The results of this study have suggested the involvement of testosterone in DEHP induced testicular atrophy.     

Cytotoxicity effects of various Juglans regia (walnut) leaf extracts in human cancer cell lines

Context: Currently, natural products have been shown to present interesting biological and pharmacological activities and are used as chemotherapeutic agents. Plants have historically been used in treating cancer and are recognized for their ability to produce secondary metabolites. Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) has medicinal applications to treat a wide range of diseases such as cancer.

Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of total extract as well as several fractions from the leaves of J. regia.The total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins content of these extracts were also determined to obtain further information on the correlation between the contents of phenolic compounds and antiproliferative effects as well as the leaf developmental stages.

Materials and methods: Antiproliferative activity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry methods against human oral cancer, breast adenocarcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. The total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride and butanol-HCl colorimetric methods.

Results: Our present study has shown that chloroform fraction has the lowest IC₅₀ values (0.36–0.81 mg/mL) and also induces cell cycle arrest (G0G1 phase) after a 24 h treatment. The colorimetric methods showed the highest amount of total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in the methanol fraction (120.28 ± 2.32, 59.44 ± 0.87, 227.00 ± 4.91 mg/g of dry weight of extract).

Discussion and conclusion: The results obtained herein indicate that walnut chloroform fraction may contain effective compounds which can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent.     

Effect of N-nitroso-n-butyl-(4-hydroxybutyl)amine exposure on the changes in mineral disposition caused by trisodium nitrilotriacetate

Male Fischer 344 rats were used to determine effect of consumption of 0.5% N-nitroso-n-butyl-(4-hydroxybutyl)amine (BNN) in the drinking-water for 2 wk on the response to 0.02, 0.2 and 2.0% trisodium nitrilotriacetate (Na3 NTA . H2O) in the diet in terms of urinary mineral excretion, bladder mass and bladder mineral concentrations. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether exposure of rats to an initiating dose of a bladder carcinogen (BBN) alters the threshold dose of Na3NTA . H2O required to alter urinary or bladder mineral concentrations or the dose-response to NTA. Such alterations are considered to be necessary precursors for changes in bladder morphology in rats fed NTA in chronic toxicity studies (Anderson, Bishop & Campbell, CRC Crit. Rev. Toxicol. 1985, 15, 1). The results demonstrated that BBN exposure caused an increase in bladder mass and bladder-tissue Zn concentration. However, BBN pretreatment did not have any effect on Na3NTA . H2O metabolism, the threshold dose of Na3NTA . H2O required to attain the necessary conditions for induction of bladder toxicity by NTA, or the dose-response relationships for NTA's effects on any parameter examined. From these data, it is concluded that it is unlikely that NTA would show a different threshold or dose-response for bladder tumour promotion than for its tumorigenicity at this site, which has been demonstrated previously (National Cancer Institute, DHEW Publication No. (NIH) 77-806, 1977).     

Effect of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf aqueous extract on paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats

The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) was evaluated in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Liver necrosis was produced by administering single dose of paracetamol (2 g/kg, p.o.). The liver damage was evidenced by elevated levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) and by histopathological observations of liver sections. Aqueous A. indica leaf extract (500 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced these elevated levels of AST, ALT and gamma-GT. Paracetamol induced liver necrosis was also found to be reduced as observed macroscopically and histologically.     

冷沉淀和血小板联合治疗创伤失血性休克临床研究（附87例分析）

目的研究早期、快速联合输注冷沉淀和单采血小板对创伤失血性休克的临床效果。方法将87例创伤失血性休克患者随机分为A、B、C3组,每组各29例。3组均采取常规疗法,包括给氧、补液、固定、止血、纠正酸碱平衡、输洗涤红细胞悬液等抗休克措施,在此基础上,A组采用联合输冷沉淀10～30单位和单采血小板1～3个治疗量;B组单纯输单采血小板1～3个治疗量;C组单纯输冷沉淀10～30单位。3组均在治疗前1h及治疗后2～12h分别检测其凝血酶原时间（PT）、部分凝血活酶时间（APTT）、凝血酶时间（TT）、纤维蛋白原（FBG）、血小板计数（PLT）的变化。结果A、B、C3组输注后PT、APTT、TT较输注前缩短,FBG、PLT较输注前增加,其差异均具有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;输注后A组TT、PT、APTT小于B、C2组,FBG、PLT大于B、c两组,其差异均具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论在创伤失血性休克治疗中,早期、快速、联合输注冷沉淀和单采血小板比单独输注冷沉淀或单采血小板有更好的疗效。     

利多卡因局部麻醉和异丙酚静脉麻醉用于无痛人流的临床观察

目的:探讨昂丹司琼、格拉司琼、托烷司琼对预防肝癌患者介入治疗后引起的恶心、呕吐的疗效.方法:将120例行介入治疗的患者(为原发性肝癌),随机分为4组,每组30例.A组(对照组),甲氧氯普胺40mg;B组,昂丹司琼8 mg;C组,格拉司琼3 mg;D组,托烷司琼5 mg.在介入治疗术中未灌注化疗药物前,通过导管向动脉内注射止吐药物.观察并记录4组患者术后的恶心、呕吐等不良反应,采用补救药物的病例数.恶心的严重程度,病人对止吐药物的满意度.结果:B、C、D组恶心、呕吐的发生率小于A组(P＜0.05),再次接受止吐药物的病人的百分率小于A组,D组的止吐疗效明显高于另外3组,比较有显著性差异(P＜0.05);其不良反应发生次数也明显少于另外3组.结论:3种5-HT3受体拮抗剂对介入化疗栓塞术患者是有效的止吐药物,在肝癌介入治疗时,托烷司琼防止呕吐是一个更好的选择.     

3种5-HT3受体拮抗剂预防肝癌患者介入治疗后恶心呕吐的疗效比较

目的:通过测定中药制剂参芪扶正注射液中Cu、Zn、Mn、Se、Mo、Fe、Cr、Ni、V、Sn、Pb、Cd、Hg、As等14种微量元素的含量,探讨该中药注射液中元素的分布是否存在某种规律性.方法:微波消解法制备供试品,电感耦合等离子体-质谱(ICP-MS)法测定.结果:参芪扶正注射液中Cu、Fe、Zn、Cr、Se的相对含量较高,有毒元素Pb、Cd、Hg、As中As含量接近美国FAD药品与功能性食品要求标准,Pb、Cd、Hg含量均明显低于最高限量.结论:测定结果为探讨中药制剂中微量元素与抗肿瘤作用的关系提供有用的数据.     

Effect of various factors on the absorption of dimedrol, diprazine (pipolphen) and suprastin on rat small intestine in vitro

In the experiments on male albino rats absorption of dimedrol, pipolphen and suprastin from the small intestine was studied in vitro by the method of "turned sacks". It was shown that immunization of the animals with ovalbumin in combination with Freund's incomplete adjuvant does not influence significantly absorption of the antihistaminic agents in the rat small intestine in vitro. During anaphylactic shock absorption of pipolphen and to a lesser degree of suprastin tends to increase. The structure of the absorbing surface of the intestinal mucosal epithelium is of importance for absorption of dimedrol and to a lesser degree of pipolphen. Absorption of the antihistaminic agents in the rat small intestine in vitro depends on the activity of the drug metabolizing enzymes that especially distinctly shows up for pipolphen. Induction of the metabolizing enzymes by phenobarbital contributes to an active elimination of the agents from the incubation medium. Absorption of dimedrol and suprastin is implemented through an active transport whose energy supply for dimedrol is related to a greater extent to anaerobic processes of oxidation and for suprastin both to aerobic and anaerobic processes.     

Effect of antiviral drugs with various mechanisms of action on morphogenesis of infection caused by extremely pathogenic influenza virus strains in animals

The effect of meglumine salt of acridonoacetic acid (cycloferon) on the in vivo morphogenesis of influenza infection caused by viruses of different origin (avian, swine and human) and variable susceptibility to antivirals (rimantadine and oseltamivir) has been studied. The administration of cycloferon results in stimulation of the immune response, restriction of the foci of post-influenza pneumonia, and normalization of the structure of respiratory zones independently of the susceptibility or resistance of infectious virus to the drugs. Among virions formed in the lungs of cycloferon-treated mice, prevalence of irregular-shaped virions with defects of surface glycoproteins was observed. The data obtained suggest that cycloferon is a drug with the complex mechanism of activity.     

Effect of neurotropin on SART stress (stress caused by alteration of rhythms in environmental temperature) in mice and rats]

We reported previously that by altering the rhythm of environmental temperature (ART) the physiological mechanism was changed to an abnormal state which we termed specific ART-stress (SART-stress). In the present report, the effects of neurotropin and other tranquilizers on this SART-stress state were investigated. Neurotropin is an extract containing many conjugated polysaccarides isolated from the skin or tissues of rabbits which had been inoculated with the living cowpox virus. Neurotropin prevented the decrease in body weight of both mice and rats caused by the SART-stress. However, there was no such prevention when an extract isolated from vaccinia virus-uninjured, healthy rabbit skin was given. Chlorpromazine (Cp), reserpine (Rp), diazepam (DZ), imipramine or diphenhydramine gave no protection against the decrease in body weight. Slight increase in number and variation of respirations in SART-stress animals was to some extent prevented by neurotropin. Prolongation of the QRS interval was restored to control with the administration of the above mentioned drugs. Decrease in ACh sensitivity of the isolated duodenum tested by the Magnus-method was prevented by neurotropin. In the galvanic skin response test in rats, decrease in electric resistance on the skin, increase in reactivity and shortening of reaction time caused by SART-stress was prevented to the greatest extent by neurotropin and also to a considerable degree by parenteral administration of DZ or beta-hydroxy gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABOB), the effective results of the drugs being: Neurotropin, DZ, GABOB in that order. Cp and Rp, major tranquilizers were found to be the least effective.