The synergistic efficacy of hydroxychloroquine with methotrexate is accompanied by increased erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether concomitant HCQ modulates the increase in erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV) caused by MTX therapy, and whether this is associated with improved clinical response in RA. METHODS: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on two independent hospital datasets of biologic-naïve, early-RA patients who started oral MTX. Baseline characteristics, DAS28-ESR and monthly MCV after starting MTX were obtained. Conventional and machine-learning statistical approaches were applied to the discovery cohort (Cohort 1, 655 patients) and results validated using Cohort 2 (225 patients). RESULTS: HCQ therapy with MTX was associated with a 2-fold increase in the likelihood of response defined in this study as clinical remission or low disease activity at 6 months (P <0.001). The improved clinical outcome of combination HCQ and MTX therapy was associated with an accelerated rise in MCV from 2 months after commencing therapy. The increase in MCV at 3 months was equivalent to the contemporaneous reduction in the DAS (DAS28-ESR) in predicting clinical response at 6 months. Using latent class mixed modelling, five trajectories of MCV change over 6 months from baseline were identified. The odds ratio of response to treatment was 16.2 (95% CI 5.7, 46.4, P <0.001) in those receiving combination therapy classified within the MCV elevation >5 fl class, which contained the most patients, compared with MTX alone. CONCLUSION: Our data provide mechanistic insight into the synergistic clinical benefit of concomitant HCQ with MTX, boosting the rise in MCV, which could serve as a companion biomarker of treatment response.

High red blood cell distribution width levels could increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients.

The association between the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients remains inconclusive. Our study aimed to assess whether high RDW levels are associated with the occurrence of HT after thrombolysis. Data were consecutively collected and retrospectively analyzed for stroke patients treated with thrombolysis between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2019. The primary outcomes were the occurrence of HT and symptomatic HT. Among the 286 patients enrolled, 36 (12.6%) developed HT and15 (5.2%) were classified as symptomatic HT. Patients with high RDW levels were associated with a higher percentage of HT and symptomatic HT (P<0.05). The RDW levels in the HT and symptomatic HT groups were also greater compared with the no-HT group (P<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that high RDW levels were independently associated with an increased risk of HT (adjusted odds ratio 2.5, 95 % CI, 1.74-3.83 P < 0.001). In conclusion, we found that high RDW levels may be an independent predictor of HT in stroke patients after thrombolysis.

Antioxidant and haematinic effects of methanolic and aqueous methanolic roots extracts of Rauwolfia serpentina Benth in type 2 diabetic mice.

Present investigation was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and haematinic effects of methanolic (MREt) and aqueous methanolic (AqMREt) root extracts of R. serpentina in mice model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Experimental mice were divided into nine groups (six per group) as: fructose-induced (T2D) diabetic group (distilled water 1ml/kg), negative control (0.05% DMSO 1ml/kg), positive control (pioglitazone 15mg/kg) and six test groups (MREt 10, 30 & 60mg/kg & AqMREt 50, 100 & 150mg/kg). Whereas tenth group was served as normal control (1ml/kg distilled water). All test doses of MREt & AqMREt significantly (p<0.05) decreases the percent inhibition of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) when compared with diabetic controls. Treatment with both extracts also improved the total hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in test groups. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis revealed the presence of phenols moiety in both extracts. Findings suggested that AqMREt possesses more antioxidant and haematinic potential while the MREt of R. serpentina moderately possesses the same activities, which might be due to the high content of phenols present in AqMREt.

A retrospective cohort study on red blood cell morphology changes in pre-school age children under nitrous oxide anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Megaloblastic anemia or bone marrow changes could occur after prolonged nitrous oxide inhalation via vitamin B12 inactivation related DNA synthesis impairment. Previous researches have studied hematological changes with nitrous oxide exposure, but only in adults or adolescents. Pre-school age children with active hematopoietic red bone marrow are more vulnerable to potential side effects of nitrous oxide and might experience growth impairment. The purpose of our study was to analyze red blood cell morphology changes under nitrous oxide anesthesia in pre-school age children. METHODS: One hundred thirty-six children under 5 years old scheduled for hemivertebra resection were analyzed. According to fresh gas type in anesthesia records, 71 children who received nitrous oxide in oxygen during anesthesia maintenance were categorized into the nitrous oxide group and the other 65 who received air in oxygen were the air group. Complete blood counts in perioperative period were assessed for anemia, macrocytosis, microcytosis, anisocytosis, hyperchromatosis and hypochromatosis. The peak value and change percentage were calculated for mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width. RESULTS: Forty-two children in the air group (64.6%) and 30 in the nitrous oxide group (42.3%) developed anemia (P = 0.009). None developed macrocytosis in both groups. Postoperative mean corpuscular volume peaked (mean [95% confidence interval]) at 83.7(82.9-84.4) fL, and 83.2(82.4-83.9) fL and postoperative red cell distribution width at 13.8% (13.4-14.2%), and 13.9% (13.6-14.2%) for the air group and the nitrous oxide group. Both the relative change of mean corpuscular volume (P = 0.810) and red cell distribution width (P = 0.456) were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: No megaloblastic red blood cell changes were observed with nitrous oxide exposure for 4 h in pre-school age children undergoing hemivertebra resection.

Spectroscopic Signature of Red Blood Cells in a D-Galactose-Induced Accelerated Aging Model.

This work presents a semi-quantitative spectroscopic approach, including FTIR-ATR and Raman spectroscopies, for the biochemical analysis of red blood cells (RBCs) supported by the biochemical, morphological and rheological reference techniques. This multi-modal approach provided the description of the RBC alterations at the molecular level in a model of accelerated aging induced by administration of D-galactose (D-gal), in comparison to natural aging. Such an approach allowed to conclude that most age-related biochemical RBC membrane changes (a decrease in lipid unsaturation and the level of phospholipids, or an increase in acyl chain shortening) as well as alterations in the morphological parameters and RBC deformability are well reflected in the D-gal model of accelerated aging. Similarly, as in natural aging, a decrease in LDL level in blood plasma and no changes in the fraction of glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, HDL, iron, or triglycerides were observed during the course of accelerated aging. Contrary to natural aging, the D-gal model led to an increase in cholesterol esters and the fraction of total esterified lipids in RBC membranes, and evoked significant changes in the secondary structure of the membrane proteins. Moreover, a significant decrease in the phosphorous level of blood plasma was specific for the D-gal model. On the other hand, natural aging induced stronger changes in the secondary structures of the proteins of the RBCs' interior. This work proves that research on the aging mechanism, especially in circulation-related diseases, should employ the D-gal model with caution. Nonetheless, the D-gal model enables to imitate age-related rheological alterations in RBCs, although they are partially derived from different changes observed in the RBC membrane at the molecular level.

Effect of chemically modified tetracycline-8 (CMT-8) on hematology, blood chemistry, cytokines and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of healthy dogs.

Tetracyclines are antibiotics widely used in human and veterinary medicine. Effects on the immune system and inflammatory response, including effects on blood leukocytes proliferation and function and in cytokines synthesis, have been described. Chemically modified tetracyclines (CMT) have lost their antimicrobial activity, but maintain these other properties. This study analyzes the effect of chemically modified tetracycline-8 (CMT-8) on the evolution of complete blood count, blood chemistry, the mRNA expression of selected cytokines and peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations distribution in healthy dogs. CMT-8 at a dose of 10 mg/kg once daily was administered per os to six healthy dogs. A control group of five healthy dogs, living in the same conditions than dogs treated with CMT-8, received placebo with an identical therapeutic regimen. When given at the doses used in this study, no side effects of CMT-8 were detected, suggesting a good tolerance and a limited toxicity of the drug. Dogs treated with CMT-8 showed a gradual increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin. The administration of CMT-8 in healthy dogs did not affect blood mRNA expression of IFN-γ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 p40 and IL-13. However, the lymphocytes expressing class II MHC on their surface decreased during the first two weeks of CMT-8 treatment and subsequently increased for the next three months. Considering the absence of antimicrobial properties of the drug, the effects of CMT-8 detected in this study seem to be unrelated to the classical antimicrobial activity attributed to tetracyclines.

Ameliorative effects of betaine and ascorbic acid on endocrine and erythrocytic parameters of sexually-maturing female Japanese quails during the dry season.

This study investigated the ameliorative effects of betaine and ascorbic acid on some endocrine and erythrocytic parameters in female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared during the dry season. A total of 372 fourteen- day-old female quails sourced commercially was kept in cages for 56 days. After seven days acclimation, all birds were weighed and allotted by complete random design to four groups with 3 replicates per group. Every group having 93 quails, comprised of 31 birds per replicate. Experimental groups were birds fed: Control (basal); ascorbic acid (AA), at 200 mg/Kg; betaine (BET) at 2 g/kg and combination of AA (200 mg/Kg) + BET (2 g/kg) of diets. Daily dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature-humidity index (THI) measured at 08:00 h, 13:00 h and 17:00 h fluctuated widely and exceeded the zone of thermal comfort for Japanese quails. Serum levels of catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), cortisol, sex hormones (luteinizing hormone, LH and estradiol) and erythrocyte parameters (packed cell volume, PCV; red blood count, RBC; haemoglobin concentration, Hb; mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin (MCH) were obtained at 28, 49 and 70 days of age. In female quails, AA ± BET increased (P < 0.05) CAT and GSH, but decreased (P < 0.05) cortisol levels when compared with control values at varying ages. There were higher (P < 0.05) values of LH in quails fed dietary AA + BET (28 and 49 day-old) and estradiol in those which consumed either BET or AA + BET (28, 49 and 70 day-old) and AA (at 70 day-old). At 49 day-old, either BET or AA + BET increased (P < 0.05) RBC count, but lowered (P < 0.05) MCV and MCH. In conclusion, betaine and ascorbic acid supplementation improved activities of serum sex and stress hormones, and erythrocytic parameters of Japanese quails during the dry season.

Assessment of hepatic functions, hematopoietic cytokines and haematological parameters in people occupationally exposed to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons.

Humans are occupationally exposed to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons through inhalation and ingestion. To access the effect of exposure to volatile hydrocarbons, hematopoietic cytokines, haematological parameters and hepatic functions were assayed for in 100 subjects. Male participants showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in erythropoietin, interleukin-3, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV) and significant decrease (p < 0.05) in mean cell hemoglobin (MCH). Female participants showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in interleukin-3, ALT, AST, ALP, MCHC, MCV and significant decrease (p < 0.05) in MCH, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to their controls. Exposure to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons raised the absolute red blood cell indices and liver enzymes and could stimulate combined increase in the release of erythropoietin and interleukin-3 leading to ineffective hematopoiesis.

Safety and tolerability of carvacrol in healthy subjects: a phase I clinical study.

This study was designed to assess safety and tolerability of carvacrol in healthy individuals. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups receiving 1 and 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol. Before and after carvacrol administration, routine blood and urine laboratory tests and spirometry were performed for all participants. The results showed that one-month treatment with carvacrol did not significantly affect the measured variables. In the group receiving 1 mg/kg/day carvacrol, calcium, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mean cell volume (MCV), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) levels were significantly reduced but creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) was significantly increased, after treatment compared to baseline values (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). There was significant reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total bilirubin, amylase, iron, red blood cells (RBC) count, and HCT after one-month treatment with 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol compared to pretreatment values (p < 0.05-p < 0.01). Although, triglyceride (TG), phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prothrombin time (PT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly increased after treatment with carvacrol 1 mg/kg/day (p < 0.05-p < 0.001), all post-treatment measured parameters were within normal range. Treatment with carvacrol 2 mg/kg/day for one month increased FEV1 (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in measured variables except LDH, MCH, MCHC, and MCV (p < 0.05-p < 0.01), between the two groups. The results of this phase I study regarding carvacrol effects on healthy subjects, showed clinical safety and tolerability for this agent.

Hematological and immunological responses in the African catfish Clarias gairepinus exposed to sublethal concentrations of herbicide Ronstar®.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of sublethal concentrations (0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg L-1) of the herbicide Ronstar on the hematology and some immune parameters in Clarias gariepinus juvenile (mean weight and length 58.72 ± 2.46 g and 27.60 ± 1.62 cm, respectively). The hematological and some immune parameters were studied for 21 days in a static renewal bioassay system in which the water and the herbicide were changed daily. The erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the treatment groups. When compared with the control, there were significant (p < 0.05) leucocytosis, lymphocytosis, neutropenia and monocytopenia in the treatment groups. Both the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were reduced ((p < 0.05) in the Ronstar-exposed fish. The result showed that the treated fish suffered hypochromic microcytic anemia. The total immunoglobulin and phagocytic indices (phagocytic capacity and phagocytic index) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the treatment groups. while the respiratory burst was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the treatment groups. The result showed that exposure to Ronstar had adverse effects on the hematology and immunocompetency of the fish.

Morphological, haematological and biochemical changes in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) juveniles exposed to clotrimazole.

Clotrimazole (CLO) is an imidazole fungicide used in human and veterinary medicine for treating fungal infection. This study evaluated the changes in morphological, haematological and biochemical indices in Clarias gariepinus juveniles exposed to CLO. After the acute exposure, the 96 h LC50 value of CLO determined by probit analysis was 38.79 mgl-1. Based on this value, fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of 7.76, 3.89, 1.94 and 0.00 mgl-1 (control) of CLO for 21 days and were allowed to recover for 7 days. The result revealed no significant effect on the hepatosomatic index and condition factor of the exposed fish. There were concentration and time-dependent significant decreases in red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) with significant increase in the white blood cell (WBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) in the exposed group when compared with the control. A mixed trend was observed in the levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glucose values significantly increased, while protein levels were reduced (p < 0.05) throughout the 21-day exposure and the 7-day recovery period. The present research indicated that CLO may have potential toxic effect on non-target organisms especially fish and, therefore, should be monitored in the aquatic ecosystem.

Effects of ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) extract on blood parameters, immune response, antioxidant enzyme activities, and growth performance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

In this study, we examined changes occurred in blood parameters, immune responses, antioxidant enzyme activities, and growth performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) administered with ribwort plantain (RP) through feed. Fish (mean weight 36.56 ± 1.99 g) were fed a diet supplemented with an aqueous methanolic extract of RP at variable doses, 0 (control), 1 (RP1), 2 (RP2), and 3 g kg-1 (RP3) for 90 days. The final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate were significantly increased in RP1, RP2, and RP3 treatment groups compared to that of the control. Among examined blood parameters, hemoglobin value in RP1 group (9.77 ± 0.10 g dl-1) only was significantly high on the 30th day of the study. When immune response parameters were evaluated, we observed that oxidative radical production and lysozyme activities were affected positively in experimental groups (P < 0.05). The highest oxidative radical production was determined in fish of RP3 group. Glutathione peroxidase and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase were increased in RP3 group compared to control and other treatment groups. Based on these results, it is concluded that ribwort plantain promotes growth, enhances immune responses and antioxidant enzyme activities in rainbow trout, and therefore, may be used in aquaculture.

Toxicity Evaluation of the Subacute Diazinon in Aged Male Rats: Hematological Aspects.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Age-dependent Organophosphates (OPs) toxicity is a controversial topic. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the sub-acute exposure to diazinon (DZN), one of the main OPs insecticides, on the hematological alterations in adult and aged male rats. METHODS: For the aim of this approach, the adult and aged rats were administered with DZN (15 mg/kg, orally) for 4 weeks. Then, the blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital sinus for measuring red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), platelets (PLT), MCV (mean corpuscular volume), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC). RESULTS: The obtained results indicated that DZN significantly decreased RBCs (4.93 ± 0.41), Htc (28.12 ± 1.21), Hb (10.31 ± 0.36), MCHC (30.51 ± 2.04), MCV (62.86 ± 2.58), and PLT (265.6 ± 34.81) values in the adult and aged rats versus the age-matched control rats. Moreover, RBC, Hb, and Htc levels decreased significantly in the aged rats versus adult rats. However, no significant differences were observed between MCHC, MCV, and PLT levels in adult and aged rats. Moreover, the MCH concentration did not change in any group. Additionally, DZN did not deteriorate the hematological alterations in the aged rats versus adult rats. CONCLUSION: the present study showed that the toxicity of DZN is not associated with age. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm this finding.

Characterization of Isolated Extracts from Justicia Plant Leaves used as Remedy for Anemia.

Indigenous populations use plants as an important healthcare resource or remedy for different diseases. Here, isolated extracts from Justicia (family Acanthanceae) plant leaves used in Africa as remedy for anemia are characterized by different methods to assess composition and potential nutritional or therapeutic value. Extracts from Justicia leaves were obtained by aqueous extraction, with further isolation by centrifuging and high-performance liquid chromatography. Extracts and isolated compounds were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hemoglobin activity was assessed using different hemoglobin assays (Cayman Chemical, and Sigma-Aldrich), as well as ELISA. In addition, the safety of the isolated samples was assessed in vitro and in vivo in mice. ICP-MS study results revealed many essential metabolites found in blood plasma. The UV-Vis spectroscopy results highlighted the presence of hemoglobin, with assays showing levels over 4 times higher than that of similar mass of lyophilized human hemoglobin. Meanwhile, in vivo studies showed faster recovery from anemia in mice administered with the isolated extracts compared to untreated mice. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies highlighted safety of the extracts. This study reveals the presence of high levels of elements essential for blood health in the isolated extracts from Justicia plant leaves. The findings inspire further research with the potential applications in food fortification, and as remedy for blood disorders like anemia, which disproportionally affects cancer patients, pregnant women, and populations in low- and middle-income countries.

Hematological alterations in lepromatous leprosy: A cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Dapsone has been the mainstay for the treatment of leprosy since its discovery in the 1940s. However, hematological disturbances are not uncommon in leprosy patients on daily dapsone therapy. Hence, the present study was conducted to document the hematologic alterations observed in lepromatous leprosy patients treated with Dapsone 100 mg daily. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted amongst 32 lepromatous leprosy patients treated with Dapsone 100 mg daily. A complete hemogram was conducted for all the study recruits. The test results were compared against the standard average values for adults for the given variables. The one sample t-test was employed to compare the difference between the study values and the standard normal values for adults. The statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study reveals a marked decrease in hemoglobin concentration in patients on dapsone, 100 mg daily. Other hematological alterations found were reduced platelet count, reduced mean platelet volume, reduced Hematocrit, reduced Mean Corpuscular hemoglobin, reduced Mean Corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment of lepromatous leprosy with 100 mg daily Dapsone therapy may lead to hematological alterations. These findings are suggestive of dapsone-induced hemolysis.

Effect of High-dose Vitamin A Supplementation in Children With Sickle Cell Disease: A Randomized, Double-blind, Dose-finding Pilot Study.

Suboptimal vitamin A status (serum retinol <30 µg/dL) is associated with poor clinical outcomes in children with the hemoglobin-SS disease (HbSS), and supplementation with the recommended daily allowance of retinol is ineffective in improving vitamin A status. In a single-center randomized blinded dose-finding pilot study, we compared vitamin A and nutritional status in children with HbSS to healthy children and explored the impact of high-dose supplementation on the primary outcome serum vitamin A status. Exploratory outcomes included hematologic, nutritional, immunologic, and muscle function status in children with HbSS. A mixed-effects linear regression model evaluated associations between vitamin A dose, serum retinol, and exploratory outcomes. Twenty healthy children participated, and 22 subjects with HbSS were randomized to oral 3000 or 6000 IU/d retinol for 8 weeks; 21 subjects completed all evaluations. Serum retinol, growth, and nutritional status were all suboptimal in HbSS subjects at baseline, and supplementation did not change vitamin A status. Fetal hemoglobin (Δ=2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-4.3), mean corpuscular volume (Δ=2.7, 95% CI, 0.7-4.7), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Δ=1.4, 95% CI, 0.5-2.3), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (Δ=0.5, 95% CI, 0.1-0.9) all improved with supplementation. Mild improvements in erythrocyte indices, growth status, and muscle function occurred independent of hydroxyurea use.

The Haematological Effects of Oleanolic Acid in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: Effects on Selected Markers.

BACKGROUND: Sustained hyperglycaemia leads to the development of haematological alterations which, if left untreated, is associated with cardiovascular complications. Insulin is the mainstay drug in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D); however, the use of insulin is associated with haematological alterations that could further worsen cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the haematological effects of oleanolic acid (OA) in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. METHODS: The animals were separated into five groups; the nondiabetic group (ND), the diabetic control group (DC), and the treatment groups of insulin (170 µg/kg, s.c), metformin (500 mg/kg, p.o), and OA (80 mg/kg, p.o). OA was administered orally twice a day. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed, and blood and tissues were collected for haematological, hormonal, and oxidative status analysis. RESULTS: Untreated diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycaemia, elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), oxidative stress, and a reduced erythropoietin (EPO) concentration when compared to ND rats. However, administration of OA attenuated hyperglycaemia, HbA1c, and EPO concentrations compared to DC rats. The reduction of blood glucose concentration, HbA1c, and improved EPO concentrations was further associated with a notable increase in red blood cell (RBC) count and other RBC indices. We also observed an increase in the antioxidant status of the RBCs with a concomitant decrease in oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that OA improves diabetes-induced haematological changes caused by hyperglycaemia and attenuates the progression of cardiovascular complications in DM individuals.

Prevalence of malarial recurrence and hematological alteration following the initial drug regimen: a retrospective study in Western Thailand.

BACKGROUND: The hematological changes following the initial drug regimen has been poorly understood in Thailand. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite recurrence and hematological alteration of patients during the initial drug regimen. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at Phop Phra Hospital, Tak Province, located in northwestern Thailand. All data from patients who were diagnosed with Plasmodium spp. infection - including types of Plasmodium spp., clinical characteristics, and hematological parameters - were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that during years 2012-2018, 95 out of 971 patients (9.78%) were infected with malaria two or more times. The gender, nationality, symptom of headache, type of Plasmodium spp., and career of each patient were associated with recurrence (P-value< 0.05). Among patients treated with malarial drug, the leukocyte count and red cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly changed when compared to untreated patients with recurrence (P-value< 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicated the high prevalence of malarial recurrence in Tak Province, Western Thailand, and its relationship to certain characteristics of individuals. Patients who were treated with antimalarial drugs exhibited leukocyte and RDW changes following the initial drug regimen. This data could be useful for prompt detection, treatment, and prevention of malarial recurrence in endemic areas of Thailand.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Renal Anemia in 5/6-Nephrectomized Rats and a Comparison with Treatment with Recombinant Human Erythropoietin.

Anemia is a severe complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Treatment with exogenous erythropoietin (EPO) can correct anemia in many with CKD. We produced 5/6-nephrectomized rats that became uremic and anemic at 25 days post surgery. Injection of the anemic 5/6-nephrectomized rats with 2.8 mg zinc/kg body weight raised their red blood cell (RBC) levels from approximately 85% of the control to 95% in one day and continued for 4 days. We compared the effect of ZnSO4 and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) injections on relieving anemia in 5/6-nephrectomized rats. After three consecutive injections, both the ZnSO4 and rHuEPO groups had significantly higher RBC levels (98 ± 6% and 102 ± 6% of the control) than the saline group (90 ± 3% of the control). In vivo, zinc relieved anemia in 5/6-nephrectomized rats similar to rHuEPO. In vitro, we cultured rat bone marrow cells supplemented with ZnCl2, rHuEPO, or saline. In a 4-day suspension culture, we found that zinc induced erythropoiesis similar to rHuEPO. When rat bone marrow cells were supplement-cultured with zinc, we found that zinc stimulated the production of EPO in the culture medium and that the level of EPO produced was dependent on the concentration of zinc supplemented. The production of EPO via zinc supplementation was involved in the process of erythropoiesis.

Longitudinal investigation of haematological alterations among permethrin-exposed pesticide applicators in the Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in Agriculture study.

OBJECTIVES: Permethrin use has been associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma (MM) among pesticide applicators. However, the biological plausibility and mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess whether exposure to permethrin is related to haematological alterations among occupationally exposed pesticide applicators. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study among 33 pesticide applicators in the Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in Agriculture study comparing haematological parameters in the offseason with the day after permethrin exposure and, for 27 participants, approximately 3 weeks postexposure. Complete blood counts with white blood cell differential and lymphocyte subsets were measured at each visit. Multivariate linear mixed effects models were used to assess the relationship between natural log-transformed haematological parameters and exposure to permethrin. RESULTS: The adjusted geometric mean immature granulocyte count was elevated among pesticide applicators following permethrin exposure compared with their offseason levels (37% increase, 95% CI 6% to 76%). Modest but statistically significant (p<0.05) alterations in red blood cell (RBC) parameters (eg, decreased RBC count and haemoglobin and increased mean corpuscular volume and RBC distribution width-SD) were also observed the day after permethrin use compared with offseason levels; decreases in RBC count and haemoglobin and increases in RBC distribution width-SD persisted approximately 3 weeks after permethrin use. CONCLUSIONS: Altered haematological parameters could be indicative of disrupted haematopoiesis, providing insights into the biological plausibility of the observed association between permethrin use and MM risk among pesticide applicators.