Multiple approaches to evaluate the toxicity of the biomass fuel cow dung (kanda) smoke.

Cow dung (Kanda) is a major source of energy in rural and urban population of developing countries and is burnt in traditional open stoves in confined space of kitchen without proper ventilation. In epidemiological studies, biomass fuel smoke has been reported to be responsible for several respiratory disorders in exposed population. In a laboratory experiment, female wistar rats were exposed to kanda smoke for 60 min/day over a period of 12 weeks. Chemical analysis of smoke showed the presence of PAHs. The increase in CYP1A1, GST-ya, GST-yc expression was found in 12 week exposed lung tissues as compared with controls. The exposure to smoke resulted in significant alteration in the BALF cells in the form of clustering of alveolar macrophages and giant cell formation with vacuolated cytoplasm. The macrophages also showed thickness and villi like projections on the cell surface thus reducing their phagocytic activities. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were manifested in the form of damage to bronchiolar epithelium, edema and thickening of alveolar septa and emphysema after 4 and 8 week of exposure. These findings suggest that exposure to kanda smoke increases pulmonary tissue damage and may result in various forms of respiratory infections in the exposed popultion.

Effects of diet and lifestyle changes on atherosclerotic risk factors after 24 weeks on the Indian Diet Heart Study.

In a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, 621 patients were assigned either intervention diet A (group A, 310 patients) or control diet B (group B, 311 patients) for a period of 24 weeks. After 24 weeks as revealed by dietary questionnaires, group A patients received: (1) a diet with a higher percentage of calories from fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates; (2) a higher polyunsaturated/saturated fat ratio diet; and (3) a larger amount of soluble dietary fiber, antioxidant vitamins and minerals and low saturated fat and cholesterol than group B. Group A patients also did more physical and yogic exercises than group B. Adherence to diet and exercise was obtained through questionnaires and information obtained was quantified into a formula. After 24 weeks, the overall score of diet and exercises was significantly higher in group A than in group B. There was a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol (13.3%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (16.9%), triglycerides (19.2%), fasting blood glucose (19.5%) and blood pressures (11.5/6.2 mm Hg) in the intervention group compared with initial levels and changes in group B. The effect of exercise on the decrease in risk factors was additive. Within group A, overall score for diet and exercise was greater in 1 subset of 116 patients in the intervention group which had maximal lifestyle changes. A separate analysis of data in this subgroup revealed a greater decrease in risk factors compared with risk factor changes in the remaining 194 patients with less higher overall score; this indicated that the relation of lifestyle changes with reduction in risk factors may be of causal nature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hypocholesterolemic effect of spirulina in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome.

In nephrotic syndrome, large amounts of plasma proteins are lost in urine, causing a decrease in the plasma oncotic pressure. This leads to enhanced hepatic synthesis of albumin and other proteins, including lipoproteins, causing a secondary hyperlipidemia. Essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) can prevent accumulation of cholesterol in the body, and spirulina has an appreciable amount of GLA. In this study 23 patients (age 2 to 13 years) with nephrotic syndrome received either medication (group I) or medication plus 1 g/day Spirulina (group II). Height, weight, and serum levels of fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), and low- and high-density cholesterol fractions (LDL-C and HDL-C, respectively) were measured before and after the 2-month study period. Mean height and weight were normal compared with healthy, age-matched Indian children. Lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly increased at baseline. TC significantly decreased by 116.33 mg/dl, LDL-C by 94.14 mg/dl, and triglycerides by 67.72 mg/dl in group II; in control group I, these values fell by 69.87, 61.13, and 22.62 mg/dl, respectively. The LDL-C:HDL-C ratio also decreased significantly, by 1.66 in group II and 1.13 in group I. TC:HDL-C decreased by 1.96 in group II and 1.19 in group I. HDL-C:LDL-C also improved significantly in both the groups. It can be concluded that spray-dried Spirulina capsules, rich in antioxidants, GLA, amino acids, and fatty acids, helped reduce the increased levels of lipids in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome.

Does dietary magnesium modulate blood lipids?

In a randomized, single-blind, controlled study (400 patients aged 25-63 yr; 374 males, 26 females), 206 subjects were administered a magnesium-rich diet, and 194 subjects their usual diet, for 6 wk. Age, sex, body weight, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, diuretic therapy, and diabetes were comparable between the two groups, as were laboratory data at entry to the study. Intervention-group A received a significantly higher amount of dietary magnesium and potassium compared to group B, which received its usual diet. After 6 wk, there was a significant fall in total serum cholesterol (228.5 +/- 46.2 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol 146.5 +/- 75.5 mg/dL), and triglyceride (143.8 +/- 40.5 mg/dL) in group A compared to serum cholesterol (242.5 +/- 58.2 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (157.0 +/- 78.4 mg/dL), and triglyceride (156.5 +/- 60.0 mg/dL) at entry to study, but no such changes in group-B subjects. HDL cholesterol showed a marginal mean decrease of 0.8 mg/dL in group B and a 2.5 mg/dL increase in group A. The changes in blood lipids were consistent with an increased intake of magnesium and with a rise in serum levels. Although a general blood-lipid-reducing effect of such a diet cannot be excluded, it is possible that dietary magnesium may have contributed to the reduction of total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride, and the marginal rise in HDL cholesterol. More studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm this observation.

Dietary modulators of lipid metabolism in the Indian diet-heart study (I.D.H.S.).

Of the 621 adults (25 to 65 years of age, 531 males) with either risk factors or with coronary heart disease (CHD) 310 subjects were given a cardiovasoprotective (CVP) diet (group A) and 311 subjects a normal diet (group B) in a randomized, single blind and controlled fashion. Risk factors and incidence of CHD were comparable between the two groups. The intervention group received a significantly higher percentage of calories in relation to complex carbohydrates, vegetable proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and high P:S ratio diet as compared to the control group. The control group received higher saturated fat and cholesterol. Compliance was assessed by dietary questionnaire during the follow-up. After 8 weeks of dietary trial, there was a significant decrease in mean serum total cholesterol (8.2 vs 2.1%), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (9.8 vs. 2.7%) and triglyceride (11.2 vs 5.8%) in the intervention group compared to baseline levels and changes in control subjects. Body weight and physical activity at the entry to study and during the trial were similar in both groups. The decrease in mean HDL cholesterol were insignificant both in the intervention (4.3%) and control group (5.0%). There were no adverse effects of diet during the 8 weeks of trial. It is possible that a diet with 27.5% energy from total fat including 10.1% energy from monounsaturated fatty acids, P:S ratio 1.38, 120 mg dietary cholesterol, 26.0 g dietary fibre per 1000 kcal would modulate the lipid metabolism resulting in a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride with no reduction in HDL cholesterol. This diet may be capable of reducing CHD incidence and mortality in the long term Indian diet-heart study (IDHS).

Trichloroethylene induced testicular toxicity in rats exposed by inhalation.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic solvent used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, thinner for paints and varnishes, anesthetic agent, and so forth. Human beings are appreciably exposed to TCE vapours by inhalation route. The present study has been undertaken to investigate whether TCE inhalation may also bring about testicular toxic effects. Our results indicate that inhalation of TCE by male rats for 12 and 24 weeks brings about significant reduction in absolute testicular weight, and alters marker testicular enzymes activity associated with spermatogenesis and germ cell maturation, along with marked histopathological changes showing depletion of germs cells and spermatogenic arrest.

Pulmonary toxicity of a formulated preparation of fenvalerate in rats subchronically exposed by nose only inhalation for 90 days.

OBJECTIVE: The pulmonary toxicity of a commercially available formulated preparation of Fenvalerate (Fen), a synthetic pyrethroid has been studied in rats following subchronic nose only inhalation exposure route. METHOD: Adult male rats were exposed to Fen for 4 h/day, 5 days a week for 90 days by using Flow Past Dynamic Nose only Inhalation Chamber. RESULTS: Fen exposed rats showed a significant increase in enzymatic activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) which are considered as biochemical indicators of pulmonary damage. The concomitant histopathological examination of Fen exposed rats' lung revealed inflammatory changes viz., influx of mononuclear cells admixed with a few giant cells in alveolar lumen, hypetrophied bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial lining cells and presence of edematous fluid in alveolar lumen alongwith congested parenchymatous blood vessels. CONCLUSION: These results for the first time indicate the pulmonary toxic effects of a commonly used formulated Fen preparation by using rat model and nose only inhalation as the route of exposure.

Hepatoxic alterations induced by inhalation of trichlorethylene (TCE) in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Trichlorethylene (TCE) is one of the most potent organic unsaturated solvents being used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, thinner for paints varnishes and electroplating, etc. and has been reported to be a hepatoxicant through oral and dermal exposure. However, its inhalation toxicity data is very limited in the literature due to the fact that the exposure levels associated with these effects were usually not reported. Hence, inhalation toxicity study was carried out for hepatotoxic studies. METHODS: Inhalation toxicity studies was carried out by exposing rats to TCE for 8, 12 and 24 weeks in a dynamically operated whole body inhalation chamber. Sham treated control rats were exposed to compressed air in the inhalation chamber for the same period. RESULTS: Significant increase in liver weight (liver enlargement) appeArance of necrotic lesion with fatty changes and marked necrosis were observed after longer duration (12 and 24 weeks) of TCE exposure. The lysosomal rupture resulted in increased activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase alongwith reduced glutathione content and total increased sulfhydryl content in liver tissue. CONCLUSION: TCE exposure. through inhalation route induces hepatotoxicity in terms of marked necrosis with fatty changes and by modulating the lysosomal enzymes.

Hepatotoxic alterations induced by subchronic exposure of rats to formulated fenvalerate (20% EC) by nose only inhalation.

OBJECTIVE: Fenvalerate (20% EC) is a synthetic pyrethroid, which is commonly used in India by farmers for the protection of many food and vegetable crops against a wide variety of insects. However, its inhalation toxicity data is very limited in the literature due to the fact that the exposure levels associated with these effects were usually not reported. Hence, inhalation exposure was carried out to investigate the hepatotoxic effects. METHOD: Adult male rats were exposed to fen for 4 h/day, 5 days a week for 90 days by using Flow Past Nose Only Inhalation Chamber. Sham treated control rats were exposed to compressed air in the inhalation chamber for the same period. RESULTS: The results indicated hepatomegaly, increased activities of serum clinical enzymes (indicative of liver damage/dysfunction) along with pronounced histopathological damage of liver. CONCLUSION: The hepatotoxic potential of formulated Fen (20% EC) in rats exposed by nose only inhalation is being reported for the first time and warrant adequate safety measures for human beings exposed to this insecticide, particularly by inhalation route.

Steroidogenic alterations in testes and sera of rats exposed to formulated Fenvalerate by inhalation.

Fenvalerate (Fen) is a synthetic pyrethroid, which is commonly used for destroying a variety of insect pests damaging several vegetable, fruit, and cotton crops. This insecticide is also used to mitigate household insects like flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and so forth. Human beings are exposed to formulated Fen preparations mostly by inhalation during spraying in fields for crop protection, for control of household insects, and also during handling and packaging at manufacturing plants. Limited online information is available regarding toxic effects of formulated Fen exposure on mammalian reproductive system. The present study has been undertaken to investigate male reproductive toxic effects of a formulated preparation of Fen (20% EC) particularly in relation to steroidogenic alterations in testes and sera of rats exposed by nose-only inhalation for (4 hours/day and five days a week) for three months. The results indicate significant reduction in the weight of testes, epididymal sperm counts, and sperm motility, along with decrease in marker testicular enzymes for testosterone biosynthesis viz. 17-beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (17-beta-HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), leading to net decrease in serum testosterone concentration in group of rats exposed to one-fifth LC50 of Fen (20% EC) by inhalation (4 hours/day, five days a week) subchronically for three months. These results for the first time indicate the role of testosterone in Fen (20% EC)-induced male reproductive toxicity of rats subchronically exposed by inhalation probably due to neuroendocrine-mediated phenomenon and hormone-disrupting property of the insecticide.

Silica induced early fibrogenic reaction in lung of mice ameliorated by Nyctanthes arbortristis extract.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacological effect of Nyctanthes arbortristis (NAT) leaf extract in the prevention of lung injury induced by silica particles. METHOD: Lung injury was induced in Swiss mice through inhalation exposure to silica particles (< 5 mu) using a Flow Past Nose Only Inhalation Chamber at the rate of -10 mg/m3 respirable mass for 5 h. Lung bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid collected between 48 and 72 h was subjected to protein profiling by electrophoresis and cytokine evaluation by solid phase sandwich ELISA. Lung histopathology was performed to evaluate lung injury. RESULTS: Inhalation of silica increased the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and of the 66 and 63 kDa peptides in the BAL fluid in comparison to sham-treated control. Pre-treatment of silica exposed mice with NAT leaf extract significantly prevented the accumulation of TNF-alpha in the BAL fluid, but the 66 and 63 kDa peptides remained unchanged. The extract was also effective in the prevention of silica-induced early fibrogenic reactions like congestion, edema and infiltration of nucleated cells in the interstitial alveolar spaces, and thickening of alveolar septa in mouse lung. CONCLUSION: NAT leaf extract helps in bypassing silica induced initial lung injury in mice.

A study report of 174 units of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusion in 62 patients as a rich source of fetal hemoglobin supply in different indications of blood transfusion.

BACKGROUND: In the animal kingdom, even herbivorous animals swallow the placenta after the birth of the baby (for example, the cow). In the human system, we do not know about the proper utilization of the placenta and membranes although there are suggestions regarding this on the basis of research on placental umbilical cord blood stem cells as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation. In this present series of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusions, we wanted to examine the safety aspect of other components of cord blood transfusion, e.g., fetal RBC, growth factors and cytokine filled plasma, etc., in different indications of blood transfusion, from the pediatric to the geriatric age group, in malignant and non-malignant disorders affecting our patients. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-four units of umbilical cord whole blood were collected aseptically from the umbilical vein after caesarean section in standard pediatric blood transfusion bags, after the removal of the baby from the operative field and after confirming the stable condition of the mother. The volume of cord blood varied from 50 ml to 140 ml with a mean of 86 ml+/-16 ml. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: The cord blood was transfused immediately (within three days of collection) to 62 patients from nine years to 78 years of age, of whom 32 were suffering from varying stages and grades of malignancy from 1 April 1999 till date i.e., 11 Aug 2000, after obtaining adequate consent and following the precautions of standard blood transfusion protocol. The remaining 30 patients included patients suffering from thalassemia major, aplastic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and a geriatric group of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. All have tolerated the procedure without any immunological or non-immunological reactions. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our experience with 174 units of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusion in malignant and non-malignant conditions (within three days of collection and preservation at 1-6 degrees C in a refrigerator), we are of the opinion that this is a safe transfusion protocol which takes advantage of the safety of nature's finest biological sieve, i.e., the placenta, as an alternative to adult whole blood transfusion. It also has the advantage of a higher oxygen carrying capacity of fetal hemoglobin in addition to many growth factors and other cytokine filled cord blood plasma along with its hypoantigenicity.

Effect of fly ash inhalation on biochemical and histomorphological changes in rat lungs.

Effect of respirable fly ash particles inhalation on lungs of rats was investigated by exposing them to respirable aerosols of size classified power plant fly ash at average concentrations of up to 14.4 +/- 1.77 mg/m3 for 4 hr/day for 28 consecutive days. A remarkable increase was found in blood eosinophil counts of fly ash exposed animals. Biochemical indicators of pulmonary damage viz. lactate dehydrogenase (cytoplasmic enzyme used as a measure of cell injury), gamma-glutamyl transferase (Clara cell damage) and alkaline phosphatase (potential measure of Type 11 cell secretions) in broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of fly ash exposed group showed significant elevation. Clumping of fly ash particles in the lungs was observed as evidenced by fly ash ladened macrophage accumulation in the alveolar region. The results suggest a damage, local inflammation and remodelling of lung as indicated by hypertrophy and hyperplasia. These changes reflect the toxic effects of the fly ash inhalation.

Effect of trichloroethylene (TCE) inhalation on biotransformation enzymes of rat lung and liver.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is widely used as an industrial solvent and cleaning fluid. In the present study the toxic effects of TCE inhalation on pulmonary and hepatic biotransformation enzymes in rats have been investigated by assay of aniline hydroxylase (AH), aminopyrine-N-demethylase (APD), benzo-a-pyrene hydroxylase (BH) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities and glutathione (GSH) contents in liver as well as lungs of exposed animals. In both organs phase I and phase II drug metabolizing enzymes have been found to be increased along with decrease in GSH contents following TCE inhalation. Pulmonary as well as hepatic MFO's seem to be activated by inhaled TCE probably in an attempt for its rapid detoxification and reduced glutathione is used during its biotransformation.

Comparison of two impression techniques for auricular prosthesis: pilot study.

The purpose of this article was to compare the accuracy of a new impression technique, the triple-layer impression technique (TLIT), with the conventional impression technique (CIT) to fabricate an auricular prosthesis. Fifteen male subjects (aged 22-45 yr) were selected. Ten markings were made on the subject's ear (super aurale [sa], sub aurale [sba], pre aurale [pra], post aurale [poa], A, A1, B, B1, C, and C1) and five measurements (sa-sba, pra-poa, A-A1, B-B1, and C-C1) were made. Custom-made trays were used to record impression in CIT and TLIT. Impressions were made using alginate, and models were cast with type IV gypsum product. Markings were transferred on the cast. Measurements were rechecked on the models. Distribution analysis of difference in measurements between the two impression techniques and the subject's actual values was evaluated. Sign test was used to analyze the statistical significance. Statistically significant differences were found in measurements A-A1, B-B1, and C-C1 between the two techniques when compared with the subject's actual dimensions (p < 0.01). TLIT was found to produce accurate models when compared with CIT. The TLIT used in the study was cost effective, less technique sensitive, and tailor made to reduce chairside orientation time during wax try-in appointments for rehabilitating patients, especially those with unilateral auricular defects.