Enalapril protect human lymphocytes from genotoxicity of Hydrochlorothiazide.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) belongs to the thiazide diuretics family that is used for the treatment of hypertension. Enalapril is another drug that is used for the treatment of hypertension. Recently, both drugs were combined in a single medication called vaseretic that showed a strong synergistic effect against hypertension. The aim of this investigation is to examine genotoxicity of HCTZ/enalapril on chromosomal damage by measuring the frequency of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in cultured human lymphocytes. Findings showed that HCTZ (5µg/mL) significantly increased SCEs frequency (P<0.01) in cultured cells relative to the untreated cells. The levels of SCEs induced by Enalapril (10µg/mL) was similar to the level detected in the untreated cultures (P>0.05). Interestingly, SCEs induced by combined treatment were significantly lower than HCTZ alone (P<0.05). Thus, enalapril seems to protect lymphocytes from genotoxicity induced by HCTZ. Neither HCTZ nor enalapril treatment (alone or in combination) induced changes in the mitotic index and the proliferative index (P>0.05). In conclusion, HCTZ increased SCEs in cultured lymphocytes, and this increase is reduced by enalapril.

Lead exposure among five distinct occupational groups: a comparative study.

This study was conducted to evaluate blood lead concentration among five selected occupational groups. The five groups were: hospital health workers, shop workers, taxi drivers, automobiles mechanics, and wood workers. The groups did not significantly differ among each other in the average of age and work years. ANOVA test revealed significantly higher mean lead blood concentration in taxi drivers, automechanics, and wood workers compared to other groups. Additionally, workers with lead concentration >0.483 umol/L (10µg/dL) were more likely to have frequent muscle pain compared to those with lower concentrations. No association between other symptoms of lead exposure/toxicity and blood lead concentration was detected. In conclusion, special attention must be directed toward lead blood levels and lead poisoning symptoms when examining patients from certain occupational groups such as taxi drivers, automechanics, and wood workers. Special safety precautions and educational programs are also needed to limit the lead exposure in these occupational groups.

Age- and gender-independent association of glutathione S-transferase null polymorphisms with chronic myeloid leukemia.

The glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes encode enzymes that mediate the detoxification of xenobiotics by catalyzing the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to xenobiotic substrates. The aim of the current study is to investigate the association between GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) among Sudanese patients. Patients with CML (n = 115) were recruited to the study from the Radiation and Isotope Centre Khartoum (RICK)-Sudan. Healthy individuals (n = 104) were included as controls. Genotyping of GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms was performed using multiplex PCR. Null deletions in the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes are common in the Sudanese population (control group), with frequencies of 33.9% and 38.2%, respectively. The frequencies of GSTT1 (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.87-5.65, p < 0.001) and GSTM1 (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.25-3.67, p < 0.005) null genotypes were significantly higher in CML patients vs. controls. The distribution of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null polymorphisms was not different between male and female (p > 0.01) and young and old CML patients (p > 0.05). Hematological parameters were not affected by null polymorphisms in the patient group (p > 0.05). In addition, the frequency of GSTM1 null polymorphism was lower in advanced-phase CML patients compared to chronic-phase patients (p < 0.05). The GSTT1 and GSTM1 null polymorphisms are associated with CML among Sudanese patients, independently of their age and gender.

Assessment of biosafety measures in clinical laboratories of Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Workers in clinical laboratories are exposed to occupational hazards on a daily basis and their health and safety may be threatened if appropriate protective standards are not implemented. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of clinical laboratory workers towards biosafety measures, in Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: Clinical laboratory staff was recruited from both the public and private sectors. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to achieve the aim of the study. RESULTS: A total of 208 workers participated in the study (64% were males, 57% were from the public sector and 71% held a BSc degree). About 68% of the workers were trained in laboratory safety. The majority (> 80%) followed guidelines for disposing medical wastes, decontamination of sample spills, and use of protective lab coats, gloves, etc. However, among participants, 24.2% used to eat, drink or use gum, 18.3% used cosmetics and 24.6% used the mobile phone in the lab. About 18.4% reported that they continued working with a finger cut, whereas 67% reported that they used to recap needles after blood withdrawal. These unacceptable behaviors were associated with lack of lab safety training (P < 0.05), biology degree holders (P < 0.05), and low experience (3 years and less, P < 0.01). With respect to facilities, most of the laboratories complied with standard safety measures. CONCLUSION: The majority of the sample showed good laboratory practices with respect to safety measures. However, some behaviors are not accepted and need interventions.