Valores normais da atividade da colinesterase plasmática em anseriformes, com destaque para Alopochen aegyptiacus / Normal values of plasma cholinesterase activity in anseriformes, with emphasis on Alopochen aegyptiacus

A inibição da enzima colinesterase plasmática (BChE) pode ser utilizada como biomarcador para os efeitos da intoxicação por organofosforados e carbamatos. Nas aves, esta inibição ocorre de forma mais acentuada que nos mamíferos, porém poucos são os trabalhos publicados nestas espécies. O objetivo do estudo fo a dosagem da BChE em gansos-egípcios (Alopochen aegyptiacus) e nos anseriformes domésticos: gansos-domésticos (Anser anser domesticus) e marrecos (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), para o estabelecimento de valores de referência normais. O trabalho possui ineditismo com relação à determinação desta enzima nos gansos-egípcios e domésticos. Os gansos e marrecos são mantidos em confinamento com fornecimento de alimentos e água ad libitum e em espaço adequado à sua manutenção no Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), com a finalidade de fornecimento de sangue para a alimentação de triatomídeos do insetário de criação no Núcleo de Parasitoses Sistêmicas. Nos Alopochen aegyptiacus a média e o desvio padrão da BChE foram de 1.868 + 263,6 U/L, nos Anser anser domesticus 2.311 + 673,2 U/L e nos Anas platyrhynchos domesticus 4.290 + 86,11 U/L. (AU)

The inhibition of the plasma cholinesterase enzyme (BChE) can be used as a biomarker for the effects of intoxication by organophosphates and carbamates. In birds, this inhibition is more pronounced than in mammals, however there are few specific studies were conducted in this field. The aim of this study was to measure BChE in Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus) and domestic anseriforms: domestic geese (Anser anser domesticus) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), not exposed to pesticides, for the establishment of normal values. The work is unprecedented regarding the determination of this enzyme in egyptian geese and domestic geese. Geese and mallards are kept in confinement with ad liditum food and water supply and in adequate space for their maintenance at the Adolfo Lutz Institute (IAL), for the purpose of supplying blood for the feeding of triatomines from the insectary of the Nucleus of Systemic Parasitoses. In Alopochen aegyptiacus the mean and standard deviation of BChE were 1,868 + 263,6 U/L, in Anser anser domesticus 2,311 + 673,2 U/L and in Anas platyrhynchos domesticus 4,290 + 86.11 U/L. (AU)

Análise do impacto do uso de organofosforados e carbamatos em trabalhadores rurais de um município da região noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Impact analysis of the use of organophosphates and carbamates rural workers of the municipality in a northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul

Anualmente milhões de agricultores são intoxicados no mundo, e destes, mais de 20 mil morrem em consequência da exposição a agrotóxicos. Intoxicações por organofosforados (OF) e carbamatos (CAR) representam as maiores ameaças à saúde dos trabalhadores rurais. Os OF e CAR atuam na inibição da enzima colinesterase, sendo assim a inibição desta mostra-se um excelente indicador da severidade da intoxicação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto do uso de OF e CAR em trabalhadores rurais na cidade de Mato Queimado/RS. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, prospectivo e experimental. Investigaramse 27 trabalhadores rurais expostos. Foram realizadas coletas sanguíneas e dados epidemiográficos nos meses de fevereiro e março de 2014. A atividade da colinesterase foi determinada através do método bioquímico cinético colorimétrico. A faixa etária média dos participantes foi 34,6 anos (± 8,5). A forma de contato mais prevalente foi a aplicação do produto (88,9%). O tempo médio de exposição foi de 10,7 anos. 70,4% relataram usar equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI), sendo mais frequente o uso de máscara (55,5%). A média dos valores de colinesterase para foi de 3244,45 U/I (± 345,8), níveis estes abaixo dos de referência. Através dos resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa torna-se imprescindível a utilização de meios de monitoramento biológico dos trabalhadores rurais na finalidade de prevenção e promoção da saúde.

Annually millions of rural workers are intoxicated in the world, and of these, more than 20,000 die as a result of exposure to pesticides. Intoxication by insecticides organophosphate (OF) and carbamates (CAR) represent the greatest threats to the health of rural workers. OF CAR and act on the inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme, thus inhibition of this proves to be an excellent indicator of the severity of the intoxication. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of using OF CAR and in rural workers in the city of Mato Queimado/RS. A cross-sectional, prospective and experimental study was conducted. Twenty-three rural workers exposed were investigated. Sample collection and data demographic were conducted in February and March 2014. The cholinesterase activity was determined by biochemical kinetic colorimetric method. The average age of participants was 34.6 years (± 8.5). The most prevalent form of contact is via the application of the product (88.9%). The mean duration of exposure was 10.7 years. Still, 70.4% reported using personal protective equipment (PPE), more frequent use of mask (55.5%). The average values for cholinesterase was 3244.45 U/l (± 345.8) levels below those of the reference. The results obtained in this study are essential to use biological monitoring means of rural workers in purpose of prevention and health promotion.

Efficacy of Zinc Supplementation as an Adjunct to Anti Tubercular Drug Therapy.

Zinc being a stronger electron acceptor than iron might replace iron from the critical thiol groups. So, Zinc supplementation in Tubercular Subjects might help the decompartmentalised state of iron in the body to revert back to normal compartmentalized state of iron. Again, Zinc inhibits the formation of superoxide radicals. Thus, Zinc supplementation might decrease the excess superoxide with simultaneous decrease in the formation of soluble oxygen made by dismutation reaction by the iron cofactored superoxide dismutase secreted extracellularly by the pathogenic M. tuberculosis. The study shows early and effective recovery with Zinc supplementation (50mgm. of elemental zinc orally / day for one month) along with anti - Tubercular drug therapy. This gets support by the significant changes in the serum level of three enzymes – Glutamine Synthetase, Superoxide Dismutase and Cholienesterase. Again, the dose of zinc supplementation instituted with a great benefit and without any toxic symptoms and signs, is below the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) based on the superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes with zinc intake.

Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients with Organophosphorous Poisoning.

Organophosphorous (OP) poisoning is an ever increasing and troublesome situation in the developing countries and is a major health care challenge in the 21st century. Hundred patients who attempted suicide with organophosphates, admitted to the emergency services were included in the study. They were graded (grade 0,1,2,3) according to clinical findings and examined for parameters like RBS, serum urea, serum creatinine, liver function tests, serum amylase, serum cholinesterase and LDH . The APACHE (II) of the cases were determined and correlated with severity of the clinical manifestations. A significant decline in serum cholinesterase (ChE) with increasing grades of intoxication(p <0.05) was observed along with raised levels of random blood sugar, serum urea, creatinine, hepatic enzymes and amylase. APACHE(II) score, showed a significant rise with severity of the degree of intoxication (p<0.001) and a negative correlation with serum cholinesterase. The findings of this study highlighted usefulness of biochemical and clinical indices in the management of organophosphorous poisoning thereby recognizing the complications early and facilitating early management.

Metoclopramida e ondansetrona alteram o bloqueio neuromuscular induzido por mivacurio? - um estudo randomizado / Do metoclopramide and ondansetrone alter mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade? - a randomised trial / La metoclopramida y la ondansetrona alteran el bloqueo neuromuscular inducido por mivacurio? - un estudio aleatorizado

Experiência: Objetivamos investigar os efeitos de metoclopramida e ondansetrona no bloqueio neuromuscular por mivacúrio. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo 75 pacientes ASA I-II, com idades entre 18 e 65 anos e agendados para cirurgia eletiva necessitando de intubação traqueal. Os pacientes receberam metoclopramida 10 mg, ondansetrona 4 mg ou salina normal 5 mL; grupo M, grupo O e grupo SN (n = 25) respectivamente. Antes da anestesia, os medicamentos em estudo foram administrados em um volume de 5 mL. O nível de colinesterase plasmática foram obtidos antes e 5 minutos depois da administração dos medicamentos em estudo e 5 minutos depois da administração de mivacúrio. Os tempos até o início e os níveis T25, T75, T25-75 e T90 foram comparados entre si, tendo sido investigadas as diferenças entre cada paciente. Depois de registrar T90, o estudo foi terminado, tendo início a cirurgia. Resultados: O tempo até o início foi significativamente mais breve no Grupo M versus os outros dois grupos. O tempo até o início no Grupo O foi significativamente mais breve versus grupo SN. No grupo M, T25, T75, T90 e os índices de recuperação foram significativamente maiores versus Grupo NS (p < 0,001). No Grupo O, T25 e T75 foram maiores versus Grupo NS (p < 0,01 e p < 0,05,respectivamente). No Grupo M, T75, T90 e índices de retorno da anestesia foram significativamente maiores versus Grupo O (p < 0,001, p < 0,01, p < 0,001, respectivamente). Nos Grupos M e O, os níveis plasmáticos de colinesterase diminuíram significativamente (p < 0,001). Depois da administração dos medicamentos em estudo e de mivacúrio. Houve também redução na colinesterase plasmática no Grupo NS 5 minutos após a administração de mivacúrio (p < 0,001). ...

Background: We aimed to investigate the effects of metoclopramide and ondansetrone on mivacurium neuromuscular blockade. Methods: Seventy five, ASA I-II patients, aged 18-65 and scheduled for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation were included in the study. The patients received metoclopramide 10 mg, ondansetrone 4 mg or normal saline 5 mL; group M, group O, group NS (n = 25), respectively. Before anesthesia study drugs were administered in a volume of 5 mL. The level of plasma cholinesterase were obtained before and 5 minutes after the administration of study drugs and5 minutes after the administration of mivacurium. Onset time, T25, T75, T25-75, T90 levelswere compared with each other and differences between each patients were investigated. After recording T90, the study was terminated and surgery was started. Results: Onset time was significantly shorter in group M, than the other two groups. Onset time in group O was significantly shorter than in group NS. In Group M T25, T75, T90 and recovery indices were significantly greater than in Group NS (p < 0.001). In Group O T25, T75 were greater than Group NS (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). In Group M T75, T90 and emergence indices were significantly higher than Group O (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). In Groups M and O, plasma cholinesterase levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after administration of study drugs and mivacurium. Plasma cholinesterase also was reduced in Group NS 5 minutes after the administration of mivacurium (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ondansetrone is believed to be more reliable agent than metoclopramide when used with mivacurium. .

Total Cholesterol Level for Assessing Pancreatic Insufficiency Due to Chronic Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine the nutritional markers important for assessing the degree of pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis in routine clinical practice. METHODS: A total of 137 patients with chronic pancreatitis were followed up for more than 1 year. They were divided into two groups: a pancreatic diabetes mellitus (DM) group, consisting of 47 patients undergoing medical treatment for DM of pancreatic origin, and a nonpancreatic DM group, consisting of 90 other patients (including 86 patients without DM). Serum albumin, prealbumin, total cholesterol, cholinesterase, magnesium, and hemoglobin were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total cholesterol was significantly lower in the pancreatic than the nonpancreatic DM group (164 mg/dL vs 183 mg/dL, respectively; p=0.0028). Cholinesterase was significantly lower in the former group (263 U/L vs 291 U/L, respectively; p=0.016). Among the 37 patients with nonalcoholic pancreatitis, there was no difference in the cholinesterase levels between the pancreatic and nonpancreatic (296 U/L vs 304 U/L, respectively; p=0.752) DM groups, although cholesterol levels remained lower in the former (165 mg/dL vs 187 mg/dL, respectively; p=0.052). CONCLUSIONS: Cholinesterase levels are possibly affected by concomitant alcoholic liver injury. The total cholesterol level should be considered when assessing pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis.

Afectación de las funciones cognitivas y motoras en niños residentes de zonas rurales de Jujuy y su relación con plaguicidas inhibidores de la colinesterasa: Un estudio piloto / Impairment of cognitive and motor functions in children from rural areas of Jujuy, and its relationship with cholinesterase inhibitor pesticides: A pilot study

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar el efecto de la exposición a plaguicidas en las funciones cognitivas y motoras de 42 niños de una zona rural con mayor probabilidad de exposición a plaguicidas organofosforados y carbámicos (Yuto, Jujuy). Los resultados de las pruebas realizadas para estudiar el efecto fueron comparados con los resultados obtenidos con 29 niños con menor exposición a plaguicidas (León, Jujuy). A todos los participantes se les realizó historia clínica, evaluación médica, revisión de antecedentes, pruebas neuroconductuales, de motricidad gruesa y equilibrio, y medición de biomarcadores (colinesterasa plasmática y eritrocitaria). Se realizó una historia clínica neurológica estándar con las siguientes pruebas: Subtest de Dígitos y Símbolos, Subtest de Recuerdo de Dígitos, Subtest de Laberinto del WISC-III de Wechsler. En la prueba de Laberintos realizada en el presente estudio se observan diferencias entre las localidades y se comprobó una relación lineal inversa entre los años de residencia y la puntuación de la prueba. Se observó reducción en las actividades de acetilcolinesterasas en los niños pertenecientes a Yuto. No se observó una correlación signifca-tiva entre los niveles de actividad de las enzimas y el rendimiento en la prueba, para ninguna de las dos localidades. Los resultados señalaron la probabilidad de que la exposición crónica a bajas dosis de plaguicidas pudiera estar dañando algunas funciones cognitivas y que esto dependería de la duración de la exposición. Por falta de correlación entre las actividades de las enzimas y los resultados adversos en las pruebas neuroconductuales de motricidad y de equilibrio, no fue evidente una asociación entre ambos.

The aim of this research was to study the effects of these toxics on the cognitive and motor functions of a group of 42 children of a rural town with high percentage of exposure to organophosphate and carbamic pesticide (Yuto) and compare the results with a group of 29 children with low percentage of exposure to pesticides. In both cases a research of the patients history was done, a medical revision and a full checkup including neurobehavioral tests, motor and balance tests and biomarkers levels (plasma pseudocholinesterase and erythrocyte cholinesterase). The behavioral assessment was performed by a standard neurological clinic history, a digital and symbol subtest, a digital memory, a maze test, intelligence test WISC-III of Wechsler and gross motor and balance tests. In the group from Yuto, Pearson correlations were done between the years of residency and the neurobehavioral tests and the linear correlation between the years of residency and the acetylcholinesterase activities. In the maze test results there were differences between the two towns and it was proved an inverse lineal relation between the years of residency and the tests scores. It was also observed a reduction in the acetylcholinesterase activities both erythrocyte and plasma in the children from Yuto. Nevertheless there were not signifcant correlations between the levels of enzyme activities and the performance in the tests for neither of the towns. The results achieved did not point out that chronic exposure to low-dose pesticides can produce cognitive malfunctions, such as psychomotor problems. The lack of correlations between the activities of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and the negative results of the neurobehavioral motor and balance tests couldn´t be associated.

Acute toxicity and cholinesterase inhibition of the nematicide ethoprophos in larvae of gar Atractosteus tropicus (Semionotiformes: Lepisosteidae)

Biomarkers are a widely applied approach in environmental studies. Analyses of cholinesterase (ChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) are biomarkers that can provide information regarding early effects of pollutants at different biochemical levels on an organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomarker approach on a Costa Rican native and relevant species. For this, larvae of gar (Atractosteus tropicus) were exposed to the organophosphorus nematicide, ethoprophos. Acute (96hr) exposure was conducted with pesticide concentrations ranging from 0.1μg/L to 1 500μg/L. The 96hr LC50 calculated was 859.7μg/L. After exposure, three biomarkers (ChE, GST and LPO) were analyzed in fish that survived the acute test. The lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) regarding ChE activity inhibition was 50μg/L. This concentration produced a significant inhibition (p<0.05) of the enzyme by 20%. The highest concentration tested without showing any effect on ChE activity and therefore considered as no observed effect concentration (NOEC) was 10μg/L. Ethoprophos concentration of 400μg/L caused a ChE inhibition by 79%. In this study, no significant variations (p>0.05) in GST activity and LPO were observed in A. tropicus larvae after exposure to ethoprophos.

El proceso de reproducción inducida de Atractosteus tropicus es útil para la acuicultura y la reintroducción en zonas donde las poblaciones silvestres se han reducido considerablemente. En larvas de esta especie se evaluó la toxicidad aguda, así como la respuesta de tres biomarcadores: actividad colinesterasa (ChE), actividad de Glutation S-transferasa (GST) y peroxidación de lípidos (LPO). Asimismo, se realizaron exposiciones agudas (96hr) a etoprofos (nematicida organofosforado), en donde se utilizaron concentraciones entre 0.1μg/L y 1 500μg/L del nematicida. La concentración letal 50 (LC50) calculada fue de 859.7μg/L; la máxima concentración sin efecto en los organismos (NOEC) 10μg/L y la concentración más baja en la cual se observó algún efecto (LOEC) 50μg/L. A esa concentración, el efecto observado fue una reducción significativa (p<0.05) en la actividad de la ChE. Una concetración de etoprofos de 400μg/L causó una inhibición del 79% en la actividad ChE. La actividad GST y la LPO no mostraron una respuesta significativa (p>0.05) luego de la exposición de los organismos a etoprofos.

A study of serum cholinesterase levels in organo phosphorous poisoning cases.

The study period is 11 months that is from 01-01-2007 to 28-11-2007, 35 cases of organ phosphorus poisoning were admitted at Mamata General Hospital, khammam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The cases were studied on various epidemiological parameters and Proforma prepared for detailed data. In our study the majority of victims were males, married, Hindu, Literate, from rural area, medium socioeconomic group and common age of victims is 21 to 30 years. The common mode of poisoning is suicidal, one is accidental poison in child and one is occupational as contact poison while spraying .No homicidal poison was reported in our study. Majority victims have consumed poison in day time, commonly abused poison is monochrotophos, and approximate amount of poison consumed by majority of the victims is 250 ml to 500 ml and majority were admitted within 3 to 6 hours of consumption of poison. The common motive of poisoning was suicidal in both male [24 cases] and female [10 cases], especially young victims from rural domicile with agricultural occupation. The majority of victims consumed poison in summer followed by winter season. The probable reason is rain dependent agricultural occupation, unemployment, joint family and medium socioeconomic status of population of this area.

Factors for Determining Survival in Acute Organophosphate Poisoning

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Organophosphate poisoning has a high mortality rate. Recently, differences among organophosphorus insecticides in human self-poisoning were reported. This study investigated the prognostic risk factors and the mortality of different organophosphates following acute organophosphate poisoning. METHODS: This retrospective study included 68 patients with acute organophosphate poisoning. We investigated patient survival according to initial parameters, including the initial Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, serum cholinesterase level, and hemoperfusion and evaluated the mortality according to organophosphate types. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 68 patients died. The agents responsible for mortality were different. The APACHE II score was a significant predictor of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.194; p<0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.089 to 1.309) and respiratory failure (OR, 1.273; p<0.01; 95% CI, 1.122 to 1.444). The mortality was 0% for dichlorvos, malathion, chlorpyrifos and profenofos. However, other organophosphates showed different mortality (16.7% for O-ethyl-O-4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate, 25% for phenthoate, 37.5% for phosphamidon, 50% for methidathion). The usefulness of hemoperfusion appears to be limited. CONCLUSIONS: The initial APACHE II score is a useful prognostic indicator, and different organophosphates have different mortality.

Correlation of serum cholinesterase level, clinical score at presentation and severity of organophosphorous poisoning.

The aim of the study was to correlate between the clinical score described by Peradenya Organophosphorus Poisoning (POP) scale, serum cholinesterase level at presentation and severity of poisoning. Consecutive patients of organophosphorous poisoning attending Bir Hospital from August 2004 to September 2005 were studied. Patients were grouped into mild, moderate and severe poisoning groups according to the POP scale. Fifty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The severity of poisoning directly correlated with serum cholinesterase level (P<0.001). The differences in the mean requirements of atropine on the first day of admission, in the total amount of atropine needed to treat and in the average duration of hospital stay were significant (P<0.05). There were 26% patients in moderate poisoning and only 4% patients in severe poisoning, but a total of 14% of the patients died, indicating that patients with even moderate degree of poisoning had also died. Both the POP scale severity and derangement in serum cholinesterase levels at initial presentation did not correlate with mortality, which could be due to various other co-morbidities and inadvertent stoppage of atropine infusion particularly at night in the wards. The POP scale and serum cholinesterase at presentation appeared useful to assess the severity of poisoning, particularly in terms of higher amount of atropine and prolonged duration of hospital stay. The patients with evidence of moderate and severe degrees of poisoning need close monitoring. Further studies to evaluate the factors likely to cause deaths, particularly by closely monitoring of moderate and severe organophosphorous poisoning in intensive care units, are required to clarify the correlation with mortality.

Organophosphate poisoning in the urban population; study conducted at National Poison Control Center, Karachi

The present study was performed to evaluate the patients suffered from pesticide poisoning during four years [1999-2002]. The study conducted at National Poison Control Center, Karachi. The patients were categorized according to the severity of poisoning ranges from mild, moderate to severe and designated as A, B and C. Laboratory tests included blood complete picture, serum urea, creatinine, electrolyte and serum cholinesterase. S. Cholinesterase was checked on zero day of admission, repeated after 24 hrs., 3rd day, 5th day and 7th day. The results revealed that 44.97% had S. Cholinesterase level below the normal value, 33.21% landed within threshold range while 13.10% had their value above 10000 IU/ml. Other parameters showed altered haemoglobin, WBC count and S. Electrolytes. We suggest that the need of the day in developing countries is to educate the people, launch programs to change their attitude, train them regarding the safety profiles of pesticide use and implementation of law in true sense

Correlación y conversión entre los valores de actividad de la colinesterasa plasmática medida por tres técnicas diferentes / Correlation and conversion of plasma cholinesterase activity values using three techniques

OBJETIVO: Determinar las relaciones matemáticas entre tres técnicas cuantitativas empleadas para medir la actividad de la colinesterasa plasmática, a partir de los valores de referencia ya establecidos para dos poblaciones de Antioquia, Colombia. MÉTODOS:Diseño descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo. Se conformaron dos muestras independientes representativas de la población laboral adulta (18-65 años), no expuesta a plaguicidas inhibidores de la colinesterasa y vinculada al Seguro Social, del valle de Aburrá (415 personas) y del cercano oriente antioqueño (412 personas), del departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. La colinesterasa plasmática (EC 3.1.1.8) se midió mediante tres técnicas cuantitativas: Michel, EQM® y Monotest®. Se elaboraron ecuaciones de regresión que relacionaran entre sí los resultados de las tres técnicas estudiadas. RESULTADOS: Se definieron seis ecuaciones de regresión lineal simple que permitieron relacionar los resultados de las tres técnicas de medición de colinesterasa plasmática analizadas. La correlación entre las técnicas fue moderada (r: de 0,686 a 0,771), pero aumentó (r: de 0,744 a 0,811) al eliminar 12 (1,5 por ciento) valores extremos. Las asociaciones entre las técnicas fueron altamente significativas (P < 0,001). Las ecuaciones Y = a + bX ajustadas son: EQM (U/mL) = 0,40773 + 1,8757 (Michel [delta pH/hora]); Michel (delta pH/hora) = 0,25799 + 0,33871 (EQM [U/mL]); Monotest (U/L) = 462,0 + 4 565,0 (Michel [delta pH/hora]); Michel (delta pH/hora) = 0,42956 + 0,00012125 (Monotest [U/L]); EQM (U/mL) = 0,75333 + 0,00031056 (Monotest [U/L]); y Monotest (U/L) = 262,0 + 2 118,0 (EQM [U/mL]). CONCLUSIONES: Los modelos propuestos permiten convertir los valores de actividad de la colinesterasa medida con las tres técnicas estudiadas.

OBJECTIVES: To determine mathematical correlations of three quantitative techniques to measure plasma cholinesterase, using reference values already established for two populations in the department of Antioquia, Colombia. METHODS: In this descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective study, two independent, representative samples of working adults (18 to 65 years old) were examined. In both samples the adults worked for businesses associated with ColombiaÆs Social Security system. Adults in the two samples had not been exposed to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides. The samples were from two neighboring regions of the department of Antioquia: one sample (415 adults) was from the Aburrá Valley, and the other (412 adults) was from Oriente Antioqueño (Eastern Antioquia). Plasma cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) was measured using three quantitative methods: Michel, EQM, and Monotest. Linear regression equations were developed to correlate results of these three techniques. RESULTS: Six simple linear regression equations were defined to show the relationship of three measurement techniques for plasma cholinesterase. There was a moderate correlation of the three techniques (r = 0.686 to 0.771), but it increased (r = 0.744 to 0.811) when 12 (1.5 percent) outliers were eliminated. Associations among the three techniques were highly significant (P < 0.001). The adjusted equations for Y = a + bX are: EQM (U/mL) = 0.40773 + 1.8757 (Michel [delta pH/h]); Michel (delta pH/h) = 0.25799 + 0.33871 (EQM [U/mL]); Monotest (U/L) = 462.0 + 4 565.0 (Michel [delta pH/h]); Michel (delta pH/h) = 0.42956 + 0.00012125 (Monotest [U/L]); EQM (U/mL) = 0.75333 + 0.00031056 (Monotest [U/L]); and Monotest (U/L) = 262.0 + 2 118.0 (EQM [U/mL]). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed mathematical models allow conversion of cholinesterase activity values using the Michel, EQM, and Monotest techniques. These models can be of assistance in Colombia and other countries where a variety of measurement techniques are used, and where it becomes difficult to compare the results of different studies. Having mathematical models available for conversion of established values can be beneficial whether for clinical or epidemiological purposes.

protective effect of Zn-metallothionein [Zn-Mt] on the toxicity of diazinon, mancozeb and their mixture on rats

The joint action of pesticides that have similar chemical structures and mode of toxic action can be predicted. However, this approach and other modeling techniques often provide little insight into the observed toxicity produced by mixtures of pesticides from different classes. The present study shows significant decrease in body weight gain after all exposure periods to diazinon and its mixture with mancozeb. In case of Mancozeb, the percentage body weight gain decreased significantly only after 42 days intake in drinking water. The injection of Zn-MT lead to recover of body weight gain especially in the case of the exposure to diazinon and mancozeb, separately. In case of mixture exposure, Zn-MT treatment reduced the effect until 28 days but the decreasing in body weight gain was still significant [p < 0.05] under the long term exposure until the end of the experiment period. Also a decrease in the activity of plasma cholinesterase after 30 days exposure to mancozeb and its mixture with diazinon was observed and was highly significant [p < 0.01] after 90 days of exposure to diazinon, mancozeb and their mixture. Zn-MT played a role to recover the cholinesterase activity completely in diazinon-treated animals and significantly [p < 0.05] in both mancozeb and the mixture. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly inhibited in plasma after 30 and 90 days in all treatments [p < 0.01] and the injection of Zn-MT leads to a decrease in the injury. The same trend was found in the case of the alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver. The kidney's alkaline posphatase was more tolerant against the effect of both diazinon, mancozeb and their mixture

Experimental trichinosis: parasitological, electrophysiological and biochemical studies

Trichinosis is a parasitic infection affecting the gut and the muscles causing mild gastrointestinal symptoms followed by periorbital oedema, muscle pains, fever and eosinophilia. The infection evokes functional disturbances in physiological effector systems. Furthermore, several biochemical changes are associated with the infection. Therefore, this work was carried out to study the electrophysiological changes in intestine, striated and cardiac muscles by electromyography [EMG] and to assess the biochemical changes through measurement of serum cholinesterase and intestinal myeloperoxidase activity [MPO] in both light and heavy infected experimental animals by Trichinella spiralis [T. spiralis]. Electrophysiological results showed increased contractility of the smooth muscle layers of the intestine only early in the infection, whereas both striated and cardiac muscles showed increase in the contractility with the progress of infection in both light and heavy infection. Significant myocardial dysfunction in the form of bradycardia, in addition to major histopathological changes in the heart occurred from the beginning of the infection and increased till the end of the study. Biochemical study showed gradual increase in serum cholinesterase, while, the intestinal MPO showed increase only in the early stage of the infection. It was noticed that all changes were more pronounced in the heavily infected group than the lightly infected one

Anestesia em paciente obstétrica portadora de anemia falciforme e traço talassêmico após plasmaféresis: relato de caso / Anesthesia in obstetric patient with sickle cell anemia and thalassemic trait after plasmapheresis: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A plasmaféresis é a técnica de tratamento de escolha para pacientes com anemia hemolítica grave. Uma de suas conseqüências é a depleção de colinesterase plasmática, o que interfere na metabolização de alguns bloqueadores neuromusculares de uso corrente na prática anestesiológica. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente com 26 anos, estado físico ASA IV, gestação de 30 semanas e 3 dias, portadora de anemia falciforme, traço talassêmico e alo-imunização para antígenos de alta freqüência. Apresentou crise de falcização, sendo transfundida com derivado sangüíneo incompatível. Evoluiu com hemólise maciça, sendo admitida com hemoglobina de 3 g/dL e hematócrito de 10 por cento, icterícia intensa, taquicardia, apatia e descoramento. Na avaliação hematológica concluiu-se ser situação de inexistência de sangue compatível para transfusão. Foi tratada com corticoterapia, imunoglobulinas e plasmaféresis. No segundo dia de internação, evoluiu com insuficiência renal aguda e edema pulmonar agudo, piora do estado geral e instabilidade hemodinâmica. Indicada a resolução da gestação em decorrência do quadro clínico da paciente e do sofrimento fetal agudo que se sobrepôs. A paciente foi admitida na sala de operações consciente, dispnéica, pálida, ictérica, SpO2 de 91 por cento em ar ambiente, freqüência cardíaca de 110 bpm e pressão arterial de 110 x 70 mmHg, em uso de dopamina (1 æg.kg-1.min-1) e dobutamina (10 æg.kg-1.min-1). Optou-se por anestesia geral balanceada, com alfentanil (2,5 mg), etomidato (14 mg) e atracúrio (35 mg) e isoflurano. Não se observou intercorrências anestésico-cirúrgicas. Ao final, a paciente foi encaminhada à UTI, sob intubação orotraqueal, e em uso de drogas vasoativas, tendo sido extubada após 3 horas. CONCLUSÕES: Este caso mostrou-se um desafio para a equipe, visto que a paciente apresentava instabilidade hemodinâmica e alteração do coagulograma, condições que contra-indicam a anestesia regional; além disto, a plasmaféresis potencialmente depleta os estoques de colinesterases plasmáticas, o que interfere na anestesia. Entretanto, o arsenal medicamentoso disponível permitiu o manuseio seguro desta situação.

Validation of an electrometric blood cholinesterase measurement in goats

A modified electrometric method was described and validated for measurement of plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities in 6~18 months old goats. The enzymatic reaction mixture contained 3 ml distilled water, 3 ml barbital-phosphate buffer (pH 8.1), 0.2 ml plasma or erythrocytes and 0.1 ml acetylthiocholine iodide (7.5%) as a substrate. The mixture was incubated at 37 degrees C for 40 minutes. The pH of the reaction mixture was determined by a pH meter before and after the incubation. The initial pH was measured before the substrate addition. The enzyme activity was expressed as deltapH/40 min. The coefficients of variation of the described method in measuring plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities were 4 and 2%, respectively. Preliminary reference values (n = 14) of the mean cholinesterase activity (deltapH/40 min) and 95% confidence interval in the plasma were 0.194 and 0.184~ 0.204, respectively, and those of the erythrocytes were 0.416 and 0.396~0.436, respectively. The pseudocholinesterase activity of the plasma cholinesterase was 63.5% as determined by quinidine sulfate inhibition. The organophosphorus insecticides dichlorvos and diazinon at 0.5~4 micrometer and the carbamate insecticide carbaryl at 5~20 micrometer in the reaction mixture significantly inhibited plasma (13.7~85.5%) and erythrocyte (16.4~71.9%) cholinesterases in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. The results suggest that the described electrometric method is simple, precise and efficient in measuring blood cholinesterase activity in goats.

Toxicological potential and the fate of the insecticide chlorpyrifos in laying hens

The present study was conducted to investigate the toxicological effect and the fate of the insecticide chlorpyrifos in laying hens. Chlorpyrifos and some of its degradation products have been prepared in our laboratory for the present investigation. Hens, were fed 40 ppm of chlorpyrifos in the feed for two months followed by one month recovery period. After 30 days of the experiment, both plasma and red blood cells-cholinesterase activity showed a moderate inhibition amounting to 32.4 and 17.9%, respectively. Liver and kidney functions as well as lipid profile of the treated hens were significantly increased during the experiment periods. All the blood parameters returned to the control values after one month recovery period except liver enzymes [ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase]. The residual analysis of the extracts of both eggs and different organs of laying hens revealed that, there was a considerable amount of the parent compound which amounted to: eggs [0.02 ppm], fat [0.095 ppm], liver [0.093 ppm] and muscles [0.007 ppm] at the end the experiment. Chromatographic analysis by TLC and HPLC showed the presence of four degradation products in addition to the parent compound chlorpyrifos

Influence of ginger [Zingiber officinales Rosc] on chronic toxicity induced by the organophosphorus insecticide "chlorpyrifos" in laying hens

Pesticides may induce toxic symptoms and alteration of most blood enzymes in experimental animals. Ginger rhizome [Zingiber officinales] is one, of the best known spices, which has also been universally used throughout history for its health benefits. For evaluation of the toxic effect of subchronic exposure to chlorpyifos, the protective effect of ginger rhizome, an indigenous medicinal plant was studied through estimation of different blood parameters at different time intervals. These blood parameters are the red blood cells [RBCs] and plasma cholinesterase activity, liver and kidney functions, level of cholesterol and triglycerides as well as the main metabolites of chlorpyrifos in laying hens. Administration of diet contaminated by chlorpyrifos at a dose of 40 ppm for two months followed by one month recovery period led to a slight inhibition of RBC and plasma cholinesterase and significantly increased the activity of liver enzymes, namely alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activities. Total protein and albumin were slightly decreased and serum creatinine and blood urea were significantly increased. Cholesterol and triglycerides were slightly increased. The main metabolites detected in the extracts of eggs and different organs of laying hens were 3, 5, 6-Trichloro-2-hydroxypyridine, chlorpyrifos oxon, desethyl chlorpyrifos and desethyl chlorpyrifos oxon, in addition to the parent compound, which were identified and confirmed by tic and hplc. Feeding hens on a diet containing dursban at a dose of 40 ppm and Zingiber officinales Rose [ginger 1%, w/w], significantly ameliorate the toxic effect of chlorpyrifos. This results indicate the possible chemoperventive action of ginger and emphasize the potential of natural plant products as chemopreventive agents

Persistence of the vinyl phosphate insecticide 14C-dichlorvos in stored soybeans and its toxicological significance to experimental animals

Soybeans were treated with the recommended dose of dichlorvos insecticide [12.0mg pesticide/kg seeds] and its duplicate [24 mg pesticide / kg seeds] and stored for 7 months under normal local storage conditions. The rate of penetration of the pesticide through the seeds and the percentage of bound residues were apparently not dose dependent. The amount of surface residues decreased with time to 18% of the applied dose while the amount of extracted and bound residues inside the seeds showed a slow but definite increase with time of storage and reached more than 61% and 9%, respectively, at the end of the experiment. The incomplete recovery of the applied radioactivity by extraction and combustion may be attributed at least to volatilization of the parent substance. Toxicity of the total internal residues of dichlorvos in stored soybeans was studied in mice through a subchronic feeding experiment for three months. The maximum inhibition in plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activity was 60% and 52% after the first month, respectively. Blood picture showed a slight decrease in hemoglobin concentration [18%] and red blood cell counts [19%] and a significant decrease [55%] in white blood cell-counts at the end of experimental period. Treated mice suffered from deterioration of hepatic and renal functions as indicated by the obtained results. Percentage increase in alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] reached to about 93, 61, and 20%, respectively as compared with control animals at the end of feeding period. A significant increase in blood urea [65%] was observed whereas creatinine concentration showed only a slight increase [17%] as compared with control group