High inflammatory cytokines gene expression can be detected in workers with prolonged exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles in industries.

Occupational health must be strictly considered in industries particularly in nanoparticle factories where workers were exposed to different types of chemicals. We measured the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in workers who developed skin lesions after exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. Using a questionnaire in this cross-sectional study, we identified 110 workers in nanoparticle industries who were exposed to silver and silica nanoparticles. We also included 40 healthy subjects as controls from the administrative department of the same factories who were not exposed to nanoparticles. Peripheral blood samples used to measure the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines by qRT-PCR. In comparison with the control group, the workers who developed skin lesions had significantly higher levels of interleukin IL4, IL6, IL8, and TNF-α, particularly after two or three decades of exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. Participants who were exposed to silver had higher levels of IL6 and IL8 compared with those who were exposed to silica. Necessary measures must be considered to protect workers in nanoparticle industries against the potential toxic effects of these compounds. Our network pharmacology study suggests corresponding biochemical pathways for these disorders.

Assessing occupational exposure of airborne PMs and TVOCs in the nail salons in Tehran city, Iran.

There are concerns about the health of nail salon technicians due to the inherently harmful agents such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and released particles in the salons. For this reason, this study was conducted to investigate the occupational exposure of nail salon technicians to VOCs and particulate matters (PMs) in the nail salons in Tehran, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, indoor air quality and measurement continually Total VOCs and PMs in the various size of PM1-PM10 using PhoCheck Tiger and particle counter device investigated, respectively. site observation, and an interview with the manager in 49 salons in Tehran. Data was analyzed using SPSS software (version 22). Mean concentrations of PM1 with 2.56 µÉ¡/m3 was the lowest amount and PM10 with 346.86µÉ¡/m3 had the highest concentration. Also, the mean concentration of TVOCs was equal 2.61 ppm. The results of the regression model showed that there is a statistically significant between the number of services with airborne PMs (PM2.5), (p-Value≤0.050). In salons only with nail activities, the concentration of PM4 was less than the others, although this correlation was statistically significant just for PM1 (p-Value = 0.010). By implementing effective local exhaust ventilation systems equipped with dust collectors and utilizing safe products, the emission of particles and chemical compounds within salons can be significantly reduced.

Exposure assessment to BTEX in the air of nail salons in Tehran city, Iran.

The nail salon industry has grown considerably, but there are serious concerns about the health risks associated with working in this field. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the exposure of nail technicians to BTEX. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 49 salons, and NIOSH Method 1501 was used to measure the concentration of BTEX in the breathing zone of technicians. The EPA method was used to assess health risks. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The mean concentrations of toluene were (82.65 ± 198.84µg/m3)µg/m3, followed by benzene (10.58 ± 9.62µg/m3), p-xylenes (20.77 ± 37.79µg/m3), o-xylene (13.79 ± 25.70µg/m3), and ethylbenzene (29.35 ± 58.26µg/m3) , that lower than the permissible exposure limits suggested by NIOSH. Among the BTEX, toluene (82.65 ± 198.84µg/m3) has the most concentration in the nail salons. It was also discovered through multiple linear regression analysis that humidity had a significant effect on increasing the concentration of toluene (Beta = 0.50, P-value = 0.001) and ethylbenzene (Beta = 0.16, P = 0.049), while there was a considerable association between the number of services performed and benzene concentration (Beta = 0.34, P = 0.010). The average inhalation lifetime cancer risk for benzene (4.9 × 10 -5±4.5 × 10-5) was higher than the recommended value set by the US EPA. Although the concentrations of BTEX were lower than the maximum permissible limits, the results of the cancer risk assessment for benzene showed that working in nail salons with poor ventilation is hazardous. Therefore, exposure can be minimized by ensuring appropriate ventilation in the workplace and using safe products.

The effect of subacute co-exposure to carbon tetrachloride and diclofenac on the liver of male wistar rats.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a potent liver toxin. Diclofenac (Dic), leading adverse effects on the liver, is used among the employees of the industries that use CCl4. The increased use of CCl4 and Dic in industrial workers has prompted us to investigate their synergistic effect on the liver using male Wistar rats as a model. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6), and the exposure was by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days as follows. Group 1: Control, 2: Olive oil, 3: CCl4 (0.8 mL/kg/day (3 times per week)), 4: Normal saline, 5: Dic (1.5 mg/kg/day per day), 6: Olive oil with normal saline, 7: CCl4 (0.8 mL/kg/day (3 times per week)) and Dic (1.5 mg/kg/day daily). At the end of day 14, the heart blood was collected to measure the liver enzymes, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin. A pathologist examined the liver tissue. Prism software was used to analyze data using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. ALT, AST, ALP, and Total Bilirubin enzymes were increased significantly in the co-administered CCl4 and Dic group, while the ALB levels decreased (p < 0.05). The histological findings reported liver necrosis, focal hemorrhage, adipose tissue change, and lymphocytic portal hepatitis. In conclusion, using Dic while exposed to CCl4 may exacerbate hepatotoxicity in rats. Therefore, it is suggested that more severe restrictions and safety regulations be placed on using CCl4 in the industry, and caution is advised to these industry workers to use Diclofenac.

Concurrent Lead and Noise Exposure Effects on Testicular Tissue of Rat: An Experimental Study.

Objective: Environmental stressors such as physical and chemical factors can have a destructive testicular function. The present study aimed to determine the effect of concomitant exposure to lead and noise on testicular tissue in male rats. Materials and methods : Twenty male Wistar rats (250-300 g, 12-13wk) were divided into four groups (n=5/each): 1) Control group, 2) Lead group treated with 4 mg/kg lead acetate by gavage for 30 days, 3) Noise group exposed to 4 kHz octave band at 105 dBA for eight hrs./ day for 30 days, and 4) the exposed group to lead plus noise concurrently. The testes' weight was measured, and testes abnormalities were assessed after staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Results: The results showed that the weight of testes in experimental groups was significantly decreased compared with the control group (p<0.0001). Also indicated edema, degeneration and necrotic cell debris in the lumen, congestion and atrophy of seminiferous tubule in rat testes tissue due to sub-acute exposure to lead and noise. Conclusion: Exposure to 105 dB and lead can cause damage to the seminiferous tubules, intubation edema, and testicular weight loss compared to control. We also found that simultaneous exposure to noise and lead could have more detrimental effects on testicular histology and weight than others.

Investigating the relationship between occupational exposure to nanomaterials and symptoms of nanotechnology companies' employees.

PURPOSE: The increasing use of nanomaterials in academic and industrial environments has raised concerns about the potential effects of these materials on human and the environment. Researches have shown that occupational exposure to nanomaterials can affect employees' health. Many companies are active in the field of nanotechnology in Iran. Therefore, this study was designed and conducted to investigate the relationship between the symptoms of these companies' employees and exposure to nanomaterials. METHODS: The study was conducted among employees of 52 nanotechnology companies in Tehran. For this study, the employees of these companies were categorized in two groups: "exposed" and "non-exposed" to nanomaterials. Data collection tools included the NanoTool method form and a nonspecific symptom questionnaire designed and validated by a team of 19 experts in various fields. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS.22 software. RESULTS: The results showed that the frequency of cutaneous (such as roughness, itching and redness), respiratory (such as cough, sneezing, and burning throat) and ocular (such as burning, itching and redness) symptoms were higher among the exposed workers to nanomaterials. Examination of the correlation between these symptoms in the two studied groups showed that symptoms with high frequency have a significant relationship with exposure to nanomaterials. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of some symptoms among the employees of the studied companies and their association with exposure to nanomaterials, it seems necessary to take control measures to reduce the exposure of employees to nanomaterials and consequently reduce the Investigated symptoms.

Investigating the relationship between job stress, workload and oxidative stress in nurses.

Objectives. Occupational stress and workload are common risk factors among nurses that increase absenteeism, reduce the quality and quantity of patient care, increase care costs and increase the patient safety risk. The relation between these risk factors and oxidative stress levels has not been clearly defined. Methods. This study was conducted with 258 participants (126 nurses as the case group and 132 healthy adults as the control group). Information was collected using a demographic questionnaire, the nurses' occupational stress scale and the NASA task load index workload questionnaire. Blood samples were taken from the participants and then the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in the serum samples. Independent t tests and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results. SOD and TAC were significantly higher and MDA was significantly lower among the case group compared to the control group. TAC levels significantly decreased with increased stress. MDA levels showed negative associations with stress and workload. Nurses experience high levels of occupational stress and workload. Conclusion. Biomarkers such as SOD, TAC and MDA are the most important predictors of work stress and overwork in this study.

Nanosafety: a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study among Iranian researchers working in nanotechnology laboratories.

Objectives. There is a set of evidence about the adverse effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) on humans and the environment. People working with nanomaterials (NMs) (in nanotechnology laboratories and workplaces) are often exposed to these materials. Following nanosafety principals can reduce exposure to ENMs. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Iranian researchers toward nanosafety. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted via a questionnaire designed using the results of a literature review and validated by a panel of experts. After completion of questionnaires by Iranian researchers, data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results. Investigation into the knowledge of study participants showed that 61.38% of them answered the questions correctly. Although 74.34% of the study participants had a proper attitude to nanosafety, only 27.3% of them considered ENMs to be harmful to humans and the environment. Examination of researchers' performance in laboratories showed that 24.25% of them 'always' have good performance. Conclusions. It seems that increasing awareness by teaching the principles of working safely with NMs can help to create a positive attitude toward the principles of nanosafety. Positive attitude can finally lead to the optimal performance of researchers in laboratories involved with NMs.

Influences of Occupational Burnout and Personality on Lipid Peroxidation Among Nurses in Shahroud City, Iran.

Considering the relationship between occupational burnout and oxidative stress, identifying the factors that affect occupational burnout, such as recognizing individual characteristics, would be beneficial for implementing strategies to reduce oxidative stress levels. This study was conducted on 92 nurses from a hospital in Shahroud, a city in northeastern Iran, who were chosen at random. The data was collected through the Demographic Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory and Personality Factors Inventory. Each participant's serum markers of oxidative stress were also measured. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and neuroticism were found to have a negative relationship in this study. Furthermore, marital status, the ward where nurses work, the type of contract, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization were all found to be significant predictors of malondialdehyde (MDA). Neuroticism, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization were the most important predictors of oxidative stress levels.The results of this study suggest that some approaches to reducing oxidative stress can be implemented by identifying the factors influencing occupational burnout and also by recognizing individuals' personality traits.

The Effect of Mobile Radiation on the Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Pregnant Mice.

Objective: Due to the growing use of communication instruments such as cell phones and wireless devices, there is growing public concern about possible harmful effects, especially in sensitive groups such as pregnant women. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress induced by exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation and the effect of vitamin C intake on reducing possible changes in pregnant mice. Materials and methods: Twenty-one pregnant mice were divided into three groups (control, mobile radiation-exposed, and mobile radiation plus with vitamin C intake co-exposed (200 mg /kg)). The mice in exposure groups were exposed to 900 MHz, 2 watts, and a power density of 0.045 µw /cm2 mobile radiation for eight hours/day for ten consecutive days. After five days of rest, MDA (Malondialdehyde), 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine), and TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) levels were measured in the blood of animals. The results were analyzed by SPSS.22.0 software. Results: The results showed that exposure to mobile radiation increased MDA (P=0.002), and 8-OHdG (P=0.001) significantly and decreased Total Antioxidant Capacity in the exposed groups (P=0.001). Taking vitamin C inhibited the significant increase in MDA and 8-OHdG levels in exposed groups. Conclusion: Although exposure to mobile radiation can cause oxidative stress in the blood of pregnant mice, vitamin C as an antioxidant can prevent it.

Learning and memory disorders related to hippocampal inflammation following exposure to air pollution.

It has been demonstrated that sub-chronic exposure to air pollution containing nanoscale (˂100 nm) diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) may lead to excessive oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation in adult male mice. Hereby, we investigated the effects of DEPs on hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and neuro-inflammation and memory-related gene expression in male mice. In this study, we divided 48 adult NMRI male mice into control group VS. three exposure groups. Mice were exposed to 300-350 µg/m3 DEPs for 2, 5, and 7 h daily for 12 weeks. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Elevated Plus Maze device were used to examine anxiety, spatial memory and learning, respectively. The mRNAs expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits, and glutaminase were studied in hippocampus (HI) by real-time RT-PCR. Besides, malondialdehyde (MDA) tests were used to determine the state of oxidative stress. After 5 and 7 h. of DEPs exposure, mRNA expression of NR2A and NR3B IL1α, IL1ß, TNFα, NMDA receptor subunits and MDA levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). Also, DEPs exposed mice for 2, 5, and 7 h. showed diminished entrance into open arms with short time spent there. Indeed, 5 and 7 h/day exposed mice required a longer time to reach the hidden platform. Sub-chronic exposure to DEPs increased oxidative stress markers, neuroinflammation, anxiety, impaired spatial learning and memory.

The effect of occupational noise exposure on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and salivary cortisol level among automotive assembly workers.

Introduction. Both auditory and non-auditory health can be affected by exposure to occupational noise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of high occupational noise (at three levels) with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and salivary cortisol concentration in an automotive factory. Methods. This study was carried out on 78 male workers from a factory who worked in the warehouse unit (control group: 60-70 dB(A)) and assembly units (two test groups: 75-85 and 85-95 dB(A)). Data were collected through questionnaires and measurement of SBP, DBP, saliva cortisol concentration and body mass index (BMI), prior to and post occupational noise exposure. The measurements were performed twice/day and repeated after 10 days. Results. For each occupational noise level group, there was no significant association between cortisol level with age and BMI. The SBP and DBP in all groups increased significantly. Also, the average cortisol levels were similar in different groups before noise exposure, but were statistically different after occupational noise exposure. Conclusions. High occupational noise exposure increases the cortisol level and blood pressure, which are the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Assessing the risk of main activities of nanotechnology companies by the NanoTool method.

Purpose. Nanotechnology can be considered one of the greatest developments over the past few decades. Despite many applications of nanomaterials in various fields, there are concerns about their effects on humans and the environment. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the risk level of activities involving nanomaterials in nanotechnology companies in Tehran, Iran. Materials and methods. After identifying the main activities of 18 nanotechnology companies, these activities were assessed using the NanoTool method, which is a method for assessing risks of activities involving nanomaterials. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results. The results showed that in six activities (33.30%) the risk level was 4 (RL4), in eight activities (44.40%) the risk level was 3 (RL3) and four activities (22.30%) had risk level 2 (RL2). Also, it was found that 78.88% of the controls used by these companies were not enough to reduce the risks of nanomaterials and need to be upgraded. Conclusions. The high level of risk in the activities involving nanomaterials shows that there are serious problems regarding the safety of nanomaterials in the nanotechnology companies in Tehran, Iran.

The effects of radiofrequency radiation on mice fetus weight, length and tissues.

The public concern of harmful effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure, especially with rapid increase in the use of wireless and telecommunication devices, is increasing. Some studies show fetal and developmental abnormalities as the result of radiofrequency radiation exposure. We aimed to investigate possible teratogenic effects of radiofrequency in 915 MHz on mice fetus and protective role of vitamin C. 21 pregnant mice were divided into 3 groups. Control group was in normal condition without any stressor agent. Exposure group was exposed to 915 MHz RFR (8 h/day for 10 days) and 0.045 µw/cm2 power density. The exposure plus vitamin C group received 200 mg/kg vitamin C by gavage and was exposed to 915 MHz RFR (8 h/day for 10 days) and 0.045 µw/cm2 power density. The fetus weight, C-R length were measured by digital balance and caliper. Tissues were assessed after staining with H & E. Our results showed significant increase in fetus weight and C-R length and also enlarged liver, tail deformation in mice fetus in exposure group. Although usage of vitamin C caused significant decrease in mentioned parameters. The outcome of this study confirms the effects of radiofrequency radiation on growth parameters such as body weight, length and some tissues in mice fetuses and protective effect of vitamin C. However more studies on non-ionization radiation in different frequencies and severity, during pregnancy are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms of these changes and better protection.

Data on the effect of lead concomitant noise on oxidative stress in rats.

Exposure to chemical and physical factors occur in many occupations. Exposure to ambient pollutants such as noise, heavy metals, drugs enhance free radicals and can cause oxidative stress. The aim of the present project was to investigate noise and lead as two workplace stressors in rats. 20 male rats were assigned into 4 groups randomly. Rats in control group was not exposed to any stressor agent, while the first group was exposed to noise (105 dB, 4 kHz), the second group was exposed to lead acetate (gavage,4 mg/kg), and the last group was exposed to both lead and noise. In order to assess oxidative stress, the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as a product of lipid peroxidation was measured by thiobarbituric acid and also total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by using ELISA kits. Our research showed significant enhancement in levels of malondialdehyde in exposed groups compare to control group. Also our results showed considerable decrease in levels of TAC in exposed groups compared to control group. Lead and noise exposure for 30 days caused a statistically significant enhancement in MDA level and significant decrease in the serum TAC level. On the other hand, statistically no significant difference was observed between the MDA and TAC levels between exposed groups. Moreover, body weight between exposed groups have decreased compared to control group. The outcomes of this study confirms the effect of noise and lead on lipid peroxidation. However, further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of oxidative stress through lead and noise exposure.

Characterization of Miconazole Effects on Mice Fetus Liver Tissue Using FTIR-MSP.

Azole agents especially Miconazole are widely used even during pregnancy as antifungal agents. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of FTIR Micro-Spectroscopy for discriminating of Miconazole treated liver tissue from control liver tissue. The mice were injected with Miconazole (60 mg/Kg) on gestation day 9 and they were dissected on pregnancy day 15. The fetus fixed, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin. Sections of liver (10 µM) were prepared from control and treated fetus groups by Microtome and deparaffinized with xylene. The spectra were collected using FTIR-MSP in the region of 4000-400 cm-1. All spectra were normalized to amide II band (1454 cm-1) after baseline correction of entire spectrum. The results were shown by 2nd derivatization of spectra and also subtracting from control spectra. Miconazole induces some minor changes in the mouse fetus liver at cellular levels when mother is exposed. The most important calculated alterations are in the production of fetus liver proteins. α helical and ß sheet structures have shown significant variations, indicating protein alterations configurationally.

Teratogenic study of phenobarbital and levamisole on mouse fetus liver tissue using biospectroscopy.

Biospectroscopic investigations have attracted attention of both the clinicians and basic sciences researchers in recent years. Scientists are discovering new areas for FTIR biospectroscopy applications in medicine. The aim of this study was to measure the possibility of FTIR-MSP application for the recognition and detection of fetus abnormalities after exposure of pregnant mouse to phenobarbital (PB) and levamisole (LEV) alone or in combination. PB is one of the most widely used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), with sedative and hypnotic effects. When used by pregnant women, it is known to be a teratogenic agent. LEV is an antihelminthic drug with some applications in immune-deficiency as well as colon cancer therapy. Four groups of ten pregnant mice were selected for the experiments as follows: one control group received only standard diet, one group was injected with 120mg/kg of BP, one group was injected with 10mg/kg of LEV, and the last group was treated simultaneously with both BP and LEV at the above mentioned doses. Drugs administration was performed on gestation day 9 and fetuses were dissected on pregnancy day 15. Each dissected fetus was fixed, dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. Sections of liver (10µm) were prepared from control and treated groups by microtome and deparaffinized with xylene. The spectra were taken by FTIR-MSP in the region of 4000-400cm(-1). All the spectra were normalized based on amide II band (1545cm(-1)) after baseline correction of the entire spectrum, followed by classification using PCA, ANN and SVM. Both morphological and spectral changes were shown in the treated fetuses as compared to the fetuses in the control group. While cleft palate and C-R elongation were seen in PB injected fetuses, developmental retardation was mostly seen in the LEV injected group. Biospectroscopy revealed that both drugs mainly affected the cellular lipids and proteins, with LEV causing more changes in amide I and lipid regions than PB. Application of PCA, ANN and SVM methods were able to successfully classify these FTIR spectroscopic data and discriminate between control and treated groups of fetuses, making it a new potential tool for drugs teratogenic investigations.

Human Lung Carcinoma Reaction against Metabolic Serum Deficiency Stress.

Cancer treatment is still of the greatest challenges that health care providers and patients are facing. One of the unsolved problems in cancer treatment is cells' reaction to metabolic stress caused by harsh nutritional conditions around tumor. In order to be able to treat this disease properly, it is important to understand the true nature of the disease. In fact, the cells inside the central part of the tumor lack sufficient access to blood vessels, nutrients, and growth signals. After tumor shrinkage, the cells are exposed to favorable environmental conditions and might regrow and cause tumor recurrence. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of serum starvation, as a type of metabolic stress, on human lung cancer cell line, A549. These cells were treated with 10% (control), 0.5% and 0.25% serum for 1 to 5 days. At 24 h intervals, the cells were released with 10% serum supplemented media. Starved or released cells were studied for their cycle and morphology. The results showed that the cells were actually arrested at G1 phase and following exposure to optimal conditions, the cells could be back to their cycle again. Furthermore, sub-G1 apoptotic cells population was not increased within the starvation period, while control cells had significant increase in sub-G1 cells. Morphological studies also showed that starved cells could make denser colonies while control cells were entering death phase. These observations provide some evidence for the generation of some effective resistance phenomena in cancer cells against harsh metabolic conditions.

FTIR Microspectroscopy Reveals Chemical Changes in Mice Fetus Following Phenobarbital Administration.

Phenobarbital is a phenobarbiturate used as a sedative, anticonvulsant or hypnotic with the doses prescribed and can cause teratogenic effects. The goal of this study was to examine an alternative method for the recognition of the mechanism or the bimolecular potential changes in mice fetus caused by Phenobarbital using FTIR micro spectroscopy. The mice were injected with Phenobarbital (120 mg/Kg) on gestation day 9. Fetuses were dissected on day 15 of gestation and morphological and histological studies on the fetus were carried out. Sections (10 µm) of normal and Phenobarbital treated fetus brains and livers were used for FTIR measurement in the wave number region of 400- 4000 cm(-1). The results were shown by 2(nd) derivatization of spectra and also subtracting from control spectra. In liver, the intensity at 1054 cm(-1), 1155 cm(-1), 1353 cm(-1), 1453cm(-1),1645 cm(-1), 1622 cm(-1), 2944 cm(-1), 2913 cm(-1) and 2845 cm(-1) were shifted and increased. In the brain, the intensity at 879 cm(-1), 911 cm(-1), 955 cm(-1), 1223 cm(-1), 1256 cm(-1), 1304 cm(-1), 1360 cm(-1), 1453 cm(-1), 1529 cm(-1), 1636 cm(-1), 2845 cm(-1), 2915 cm(-1) and 2950 cm(-1) were increased and shifted. The most important changes of the fetus brain tissue are on the ß structure of proteins due to the amide I bands at 1636 cm(-1), while extensive effects on the DNA structure were obvious for the Phenobarbital treated liver tissues. As a conclusion, FTIR spectroscopy might well be assumed as a potentially powerful teratogenic measurement instrument with a unique ability to identify the modified bimolecular structures.

FTIR-Microspectroscopy Detection of Metronidazole Teratogenic Effects on Mice Fetus.

Metronidazole is used to treat trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and other diseases. There are controversy aspects about its teratogenicity. A teratogenic agent can alter morphology or subsequent function of the fetus. The aim of this study was to examine an alternative method for the recognition of the mechanism or the bimolecular potential changes in mice fetus caused by Metronidazole using FTIR micro spectroscopy. The mice were injected with metronidazole (60 mg/Kg) on gestation day 9. Fetuses were dissected on day 15 of gestation and morphological and histological studies on the fetus were carried out. Serial sectioning (10 µm) of normal and metronidazole-treated brains and livers were used for FTIR measurement in the wave number region of 600- 3600 cm(-1).The results showed that there were some variations between the fetus of normal and treated brain and liver. The band intensities in fetus brain and liver of test animals were reduced and shifted at 707 cm(-1), 1155 cm(-1), 1054 cm(-1), 1256 cm(-1) and 1219 cm(-1), 1453 cm(-1) and 1525 cm(-1), 1622 cm(-1), 1645 cm(-1) and 2944 cm(-1),while the band intensities were increased and shifted at 879 cm(-) (1) , 810 cm(-1), 1223 cm(-1), 1256 cm(-1) 1360 cm(-1), 1723 cm(-1). It was concluded that most of variations in brain and liver of Metronidazole treated fetuses are in amid bands, nucleic acid and carbohydrate related bands. Based on these findings FTIR spectroscopy can be a useful tool for bio diagnostic.