Effect of abamectin exposure on semen parameters indicative of reduced sperm maturity: a study on farmworkers in Antalya (Turkey).

Environmental exposure to pesticides may cause serious health risks including fertility and reproductive function. The aim of this study was to highlight whether there is a relationship between exposure to abamectin and male fertility parameters of farmworkers. Twenty male farmworkers who were using abamectin and 20 men not exposed to pesticides were recruited as experimental and control groups, respectively. Semen analysis, molecular markers of sperm maturity and serum reproductive hormone levels were evaluated. In experimental group, high plasma abamectin levels were detected. These men have decreased sperm motility. Moreover, diminished molecular markers of sperm maturity, such as decreased hyaluronic acid (HA) binding of sperm, increased numbers of aniline blue positive sperm and increased percentage of creatine kinase (CK) positive sperm, were observed in abamectin-exposed men. Their serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels did not change significantly. We conclude that exposure to abamectin may impair male fertility by effecting semen quality.

L-carnitine deficiency and red blood cell mechanical impairment in beta-thalassemia major.

L-carnitine is an essential element of intermediary metabolism and also was shown to be effective in maintaining normal red blood cell (RBC) function. This study aimed at investigating plasma free L-carnitine concentrations and effectiveness of L-carnitine supplementation in protecting deterioration of RBC properties in beta-thalassemia major patients. Plasma free L-carnitine concentrations were determined in the blood samples obtained before their regular transfusion (about one month after the previous transfusion). Each patient received 100 mg/kg/day oral L-carnitine supplementation. RBC deformability, lipid peroxidation and intracellular free calcium concentrations were investigated before and after this treatment. Plasma free L-carnitine levels and RBC deformability before the treatment were found to be lower whereas lipid peroxidation and intracellular calcium concentration in RBC were higher compared to those of the control subjects before the L-carnitine treatment. After one month supplementation of L-carnitine lipid peroxidation and intracellular calcium concentrations were found to be decreased and RBC deformability was improved, accompanying the significantly increased plasma L-carnitine concentrations. These results suggest that L-carnitine can be used as a supplement in beta-thalassemic patients, to prevent RBC deterioration.

Morphine increases plasma immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide levels in humans.

Plasma immunoreactive alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide (IR alpha-ANP) levels were determined before, and at 5 and 10 min after bolus intravenous administration of morphine (0.15 or 0.30 mg/kg) in 21 otherwise healthy human subjects who underwent elective surgery. Five min after injection IR alpha-ANP levels had nearly doubled in response to both doses of morphine. At 10 min, plasma IR alpha-ANP concentrations were lower than at 5 min in the 0.15 mg/kg group suggesting that IR alpha-ANP levels peak shortly after morphine administration. Morphine has been widely used in the treatment of acute left ventricular failure and ANP is a recently discovered hormone which possesses unique favourable effects in patients with congestive heart failure when administered exogenously. The combination of these data suggests an important potential role for ANP in the mechanism of action of morphine in the treatment of acute left ventricular failure.

Zinc, copper and magnesium status in insulin-dependent diabetes.

In 20 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus the concentration of zinc in serum was 56.53 +/- 2.36 micrograms/dl (mean +/- SD). This was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than the levels measured in matched controls. In the same patients the concentrations of serum copper and magnesium were 123.46 +/- 6.59 micrograms/dl and 17.38 +/- 0.52 mg/l respectively. These copper values were higher and the magnesium levels were lower than in the control subjects (p < 0.01). These changes may be associated with the development of insulin resistance and it is proposed that patients will improve if trace elements are given as part of the therapy.

The influence of blood pressure on intracellular Ca2+ content in erythrocytes: effects of cadmium chloride and nifedipine.

Cellular abnormalities associated with elevated Ca2+ concentrations have been postulated to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of blood pressure changes on cytosolic Ca2+ levels in erythrocytes. Cadmium, which has been implicated in the etiology of hypertension was used as the hypertensive agent and the classical blocker of voltage-operated calcium channels nifedipine was used to treat hypertension. 10 weeks old male rats were divided into four groups; control, CdCl2, CdCl2 and nifedipine, nifedipine groups. CdCl2 caused elevations in blood pressure and in the cytosolic erythrocyte Ca2+ levels both of which were reduced after nifedipine administration. After nifedipine alone, cytosolic Ca2+ levels were increased. These findings suggest that cytosolic Ca2+ content decreasing action of nifedipine in the CdCl2 and nifedipine applied group could be secondary to the antihypertensive action.

Cyclosporin A affects red blood cell deformability in vivo but not in vitro in guinea pig.

A hemorheological mechanism has been proposed for the hemodynamic effects of cyclosporin A (CsA). In vivo and in vitro effects of CsA on red blood cell (RBC) deformability were investigated in guinea pigs. RBC transit time, measured by a cell transit analyzer, was found to be prolonged, implying impaired deformability in guinea pigs treated with CsA (10 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Blood CsA concentration was approximately 900 ng/ml. RBC cytosolic calcium concentration was higher in the CsA-treated groups than in the control group. RBC lipid peroxidation was not affected. Combining pentoxifylline injections (100 mg/kg/day) with CsA therapy did not prevent the effect on RBC deformability and cytosolic calcium concentration. CsA did not affect RBC transit time and cytosolic calcium concentration in vitro. Thus, the influence of CsA on RBC deformability appears to be an indirect effect that is mediated by the alterations in RBC calcium homeostasis.

Immunotoxicity of tri-n-butyltin oxide (TBTO) and tri-n-butyltin chloride (TBTC) in the rat.

In a 1-month feeding trial, pure and commercial tri-n-butyltin oxide (TBTO) and tri-n-butyltin chloride (TBTC) were fed to rats at concentrations of 5 ppm and 25 ppm. At all times, the mean body weight gain and the food consumption was significantly less in rats treated with 25 ppm pure TBTO or pure TBTC as compared to control rats or rats receiving commercial TBTO. Histological examination of the thymus of rats treated for 7 days with TBTO showed atrophy with severe lymphocytic depletion in the cortex. After 28 days of exposure, most of the lesions reversed and the thymus became markedly smaller than in control rats, both in absolute terms and in relation to body weight. Seven days of exposure to TBTO increased liver weight but this change was reversed during a further 3-week exposure. Tin concentrations were the highest in livers and kidneys. Concentrations in the thymus were less than one-fifth of hepatic values. Changes in the rats treated with the commercial TBTO were very similar. Rats treated with TBTC showed lower tin levels and less immunotoxicity as compared to those treated with TBTO.