Effect of l-methionine pre-treatment on sodium valproate [depakine] toxicity induced fetal growth retardation and skeletal malformations

In this study, the effect of administration of L-methionine on fetal growthand skeletal malformations in Na valproate toxicity was examined. Navalproate were used in this study [200 mg and 600 mg/kg s.c.]. L-methioninewas given at a dose of 70 mg/kg i.p. 30 min. prior to each Na valproateadministration. All injections were given once per day from day 6 ofgestation up to day 21. The viability of the fetuses increased afteradministration of L- methionine particularly prior to 600 mg Na valproate. Moreover, administration of L-methionine improved the reduction in fetalweight and crown- rump length induced by the 2 toxic doses of Na valproate. The most common malformation of Na valproate was spina bifid. However, theincidence of spina bifid, absent mandibular angle and absent upper and lowerlimb ossific centers induced was significantly reduced whenever L- methioninewas administered before each valproate administration

Prevalence of coronary artery disease in cases of unnatural deaths: a study by post-mortem coronary artery sections

This study included 53 cases of unnatural death. The coronary arteries weredissected and any diseased or suspected segments were processedhistopathologically. Pathological findings were present in 49 [92.5%] cases,while 4 [7.5%] cases only showed essentially normal coronary arteries. Thelesions in the coronary arteries consisted of atherosclerotic luminal stenosismainly. The extent of coronary artery stenosis showed that the left anteriordescending artery was severely affected than the left circumflex artery[X2=13.490] and right coronary artery [X2=11.732]. Three cases showed coronary artery originated from the anomalous coronary sinus. In addition,postmortem intravascular clots were found in six cases

study of the genotoxic effects of vinyl chloride in exposed workers

The study was carried out on 20 exposed workers to VC for 0.5 to 12 years and10 healthy controls. Analysis of chromosome aberration [CA] and mitotic index[MI] were performed. No significant difference was found as regards the agesof studied groups. A statistically significant increase in the frequency ofCA was observed in long and short term-exposed workers than the controls. Inaddition, there was significant correlation between total Ca and duration ofexposure to VC [r=0.779]. A negative significant correlation was foundbetween MI and duration of exposure [r=-0.728]. The study suggests that CAand MI could be useful and sensitive indicators of VC induced genetic damage. The study also proved that short exposure is as effective as long exposure toVC in producing chromosome damage and significant reduction in MI. Therefore,there is a continuous need to improve safety, environmental and sanitaryconditions in plastic factories