A study on cardiovascular parameters in athlete and non-athlete adult males

Background: An old proverb teaches us “Good things come to those who sweat.” Apart from its philosophical and metaphysical meaning, it is also true by words. Many previous studies also supported this view, but study in the rural part of Bengal in this field had hardly been undertaken before. Aim and Objectives: The objective of the study was to find any difference in cardiovascular parameters, for example, arterial blood pressure, heart rate; to compare the body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness among athletes and non-athlete adult male volunteers; and also to identify any difference in resting electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns between those two groups. Materials and Methods: The present article is a scientific validation of this statement. In technical terms, this is an institutional ethics committee certified case-control study conducted in Burdwan and Birbhum districts of West Bengal with 75 non-athlete people and 75 athletes. Results: With the help of modern diagnostic tools and rigorous statistical methods, it was found that there are significant differences (P < 0.00001) between these two groups in terms of waist circumference, abdominal skin fold thickness, BMI, diastolic blood pressure (BP), and left ventricular hypertrophy by ECG. From existing medical knowledge-base, this finding can immediately be interpreted as having higher risk factors of coronary heart diseases for non-athlete people. Conclusion: Based on these findings, authors recommended that a sedentary lifestyle should be avoided to get rid of hypertension and obesity and stay away from fatal coronary heart diseases. Regular Physical activity and healthy diet can help us to live a long and disease-free life. This article speaks nothing new and surprising but confirms an age-old truth with modern scientific experiments, methods, and techniques which is a need of the hour.

Association of organochlorine pesticides with the mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) & cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes in idiopathic preterm birth.

Background & objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) is an important cause of prenatal death, neonatal morbidity and mortality and adult illness. Increased inflammation occurs in normal parturition, and inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are found to be higher in PTB cases. The present study was planned to investigate the association of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with mRNA expression of inflammatory pathway genes such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in preterm delivery (PTD) cases. Methods: Maternal blood samples of PTD (n=30) cases and equal number of term delivery (n=30) were collected at the time of labour. Women occupationally exposed to OCPs and other high risk factors such as anaemia, hypertension, bacterial vaginosis, renal and heart disease, diabetes, etc. were excluded. The OCP levels were estimated by gas chromatography, and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and COX-2 genes were analysed using real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: Significantly higher levels of β-HCH (beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, 95% CI=2.08-4.633, P=0.001), p’p’-DDE (para, para-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, 95% CI=0.546-2.551, P=0.003), and o’p’-DDD (ortho, para-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, 95% CI=0.004-0.690, P=0.047) were observed in maternal blood of PTB cases as compared to term delivery. The mRNA expressions of COX-2 and TNF-α genes were 3.13 and 2.31 folds higher in PTB cases in comparison to term delivery. Linear positive correlations were observed between period of gestation (POG) and ΔCt of COX-2 and TNF-α genes. Interpretation & conclusions: Environmental factors such as OCPs may be associated with inflammatory events showing gene-environment interaction in PTB cases. Evaluating the molecular control of inflammation along with gene environment interaction may be used as a model to explore the aetiology of idiopathic PTB cases and may be considered for the prognosis of adverse reproductive outcomes.

Induction of oxidative stress and histopathological changes by sub-chronic doses of triazophos.

The effect of triazophos (O, O-diethyl O-1-phenyl-1 H-1, 2, 4-triazol-3-yl phosphorothioate), a widely used insecticide was studied on the induction of oxidative stress and histological alterations at sub-chronic doses in male albino rats. Oral administration of triazophos at concentrations of 1.64, 3.2 and 8.2 mg/kg body wt for 30 days produced dose as well as time-dependent increase in the lipid peroxidation (determined by malondialdehyde levels) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in serum with a concomitant decrease in ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and blood glutathione (GSH) content. Histopathological examination of liver of triazophos-treated rats showed significant and progressive degenerative changes as compared to control, which could be due to induction of oxidative stress. However, no significant histopathological changes were observed in spleen, kidney and brain at either dose of triazophos with respect to control. These results indicated that oral administration of triazophos was associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and compromised antioxidant defence in rats in dose and time-dependent manner. Thus the present study demonstrated for the first time the role of oxidative stress as the important mechanism involved in the stimulation of hepatic histo-architectural alterations at sub-chronic doses of triazophos in rats.

Propoxur-induced acetylcholine esterase inhibition and impairment of cognitive function: Attenuation by Withania somnifera.

Propoxur (2-isopropoxyphenyl N-methylcarbamate) is widely used as an acaricide in agriculture and public health programs. Studies have shown that sub-chronic exposure to propoxur can cause oxidative stress and immuno-suppression in rats. Carbamates are also known to exhibit inhibitory effect on cholinesterase activity, which is directly related to their cholinergic effects. In the present study, the effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), a widely used herbal drug possessing anti-stress and immuno-modulatory properties was studied on propoxur-induced acetylcholine esterase inhibition and impairment of cognitive function in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I was treated with olive oil and served as control. Group II was administered orally with propoxur (10 mg/kg b.wt.) in olive oil, group III received a combination of propoxur (10 mg/kg b.wt.) and W. somnifera (100 mg/kg b.wt.) suspension and group IV W. somnifera (100 mg/kg b.wt.) only. All animals were treated for 30 days. Cognitive behaviour was assessed by transfer latency using elevated plus maze. Blood and brain acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity was also assessed. Oral administration of propoxur (10 mg/kg b.wt.) resulted in a significant reduction of brain and blood AChE activity. A significant prolongation of the acquisition as well as retention transfer latency was observed in propoxur-treated rats. Oral treatment of W. somnifera exerts protective effect and attenuates AChE inhibition and cognitive impairment caused by sub-chronic exposure to propoxur.

Monitoring oxidative stress across worsening child pugh class of cirrhosis.

CONTEXT :Oxidative stress has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of cirrhosis. AIMS :We studied oxidative stress in patients with cirrhosis by measuring markers reflecting pro-oxidant (serum malondialdehyde-MDA) and antioxidant factors (RBC catalase-CAT, superoxide dismutase-SOD and blood reduced glutathione-GSH) factors. The level of oxidative stress was also assessed with respect to functional compromise of liver, as determined by Child Turcotte Pugh (CTP) scoring. DESIGN :Case-controlled retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS :Twenty-three patients of cirrhosis along with 23 age and sex matched healthy controls were studied. Exclusion criteria were concurrent use of anti-oxidant drugs; co-existing diseases like DM, CKD; alcohol use, gastrointestinal bleed or blood transfusion within previous 2 weeks. Besides routine investigations, MDA, CAT, SOD and GSH levels were measured and compared with controls. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS :Continuous variables were recorded as mean +/- SD; ANOVA-f test, followed by Tukey's test, was used to evaluate the significance of difference (P < 0.05) among groups. RESULTS :Mean age of patients was 41.04 +/- 12.3 yrs. Patients showed a significant increase in MDA {control 3.31 +/- 0.25 (95% CI 3.21-3.41), Child B 6.30 +/- 0.4 (95% CI 6.03-6.53), Child C 8.05 +/- 0.66 (95% CI 7.29-8.81) nmol/l} and a significant decrease in levels of SOD {control 845.13 +/- 36.44 (95% CI 829.92-860.34), Child B 582.91 +/- 42.12 (95% CI 557.45-608.32), Child C 489.5 +/- 17.66 (95% CI 479.3-499.7) U/gm Hb}, CAT {controls 2.54 +/- 0.22 (95% CI 2.45-2.63), Child B 1.93 +/- 0.23 (95% CI 1.72-2.14), Child C 1.46 +/- 0.10 (95% CI 1.40-1.52) U/ gm Hb} and GSH {controls 6.52 +/- 0.25 (95% CI 6.42-6.52), Child B 3.85 +/- 0.18 (95%CI 3.74-3.96), Child C 2.99 +/- 0.30 (95% CI 2.82-3.16) mmol/ gm Hb}. CONCLUSIONS : Oxidative stress is associated with the development and progression of cirrhosis.

Attenuation of phosphamidon-induced oxidative stress and immune dysfunction in rats treated with N-acetylcysteine

The effect of N-acetylcysteine, a thiolic antioxidant, on attenuation of phosphamidon-induced oxidative stress and immune dysfunction was evaluated in adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g. Rats were divided into four groups, 8 animals/group, and treated with phosphamidon, N-acetylcysteine or the combination of both for 28 days. Oral administration of phosphamidon (1.74 mg/kg), an organophosphate insecticide, increased serum malondialdehyde (3.83 ± 0.18 vs 2.91 ± 0.24 nmol/mL; P < 0.05) and decreased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (567.8 ± 24.36 vs 749.16 ± 102.61 U/gHb; P < 0.05), catalase activity (1.86 ± 0.18 vs 2.43 ± 0.08 U/gHb; P < 0.05) and whole blood glutathione levels (1.25 ± 0.21 vs 2.28 ± 0.08 mg/gHb; P < 0.05) showing phosphamidon-induced oxidative stress. Phosphamidon exposure markedly suppressed humoral immune response as assessed by antibody titer to ovalbumin (4.71 ± 0.51 vs 8.00 ± 0.12 -log2; P < 0.05), and cell-mediated immune response as assessed by leukocyte migration inhibition (25.24 ± 1.04 vs 70.8 ± 1.09%; P < 0.05) and macrophage migration inhibition (20.38 ± 0.99 vs 67.16 ± 5.30%; P < 0.05) response. Phosphamidon exposure decreased IFN-у levels (40.7 ± 3.21 vs 55.84 ± 3.02 pg/mL; P < 0.05) suggesting a profound effect of phosphamidon on cell-mediated immune response. A phosphamidon-induced increase in TNF-α level (64.19 ± 6.0 vs 23.16 ± 4.0 pg/mL; P < 0.05) suggests a contributory role of immunocytes in oxidative stress. Co-administration of N-acetylcysteine (3.5 mmol/kg, orally) with phosphamidon attenuated the adverse effects of phosphamidon. These findings suggest that oral N-acetylcysteine treatment exerts protective effect and attenuates free radical injury and immune dysfunction caused by subchronic phosphamidon exposure.

Melatonin treatment prevents modulation of cell-mediated immune response induced by propoxur in rats.

The effect of melatonin, a major secretory product of the pineal gland, in attenuation of propoxur (2-isopropoxy phenyl N-methyl carbamate)-induced modulation of cell-mediated immune (CMI) response was studied in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were exposed to propoxur (a widely used pesticide) orally (10 mg/kg) and/or melatonin (10 mg/kg) orally for 4 weeks. CMI was measured by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), leucocyte and macrophage migration inhibition (LMI and MMI) responses and estimation of cytokines TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma levels. Rats exposed to propoxur for 4 weeks showed significant decrease in DTH, LMI and MMI responses. Propoxur also suppressed TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production significantly. Administration of melatonin alone caused a significant increase in DTH response. Although there were no changes in the LMI and MMI response, the cytokine levels were significantly increased, as compared to control. Co-administration of melatonin along with propoxur significantly nullified the effect of the pesticide on the CMI response, except DTH and reversed levels of cytokines to near control/normal values. Thus, melatonin treatment considerably attenuated immunomodulation caused by sub-chronic treatment of propoxur in experimental animals.

Advanced glycosylated end products-mediated activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in diabetes mellitus and associated oxidative stress.

Two important consequences of hyperglycemia in diabetes are development of oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) which are known to be associated with diabetic complications. Relationship between AGE formation and development of oxidative stress (OS) is yet to be established. In the present study, the involvement of AGE in PMN-mediated ROS generation and the associated OS were investigated in type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM) patients. We assessed OS parameters (serum MDA, FRAP and GSH), PMN oxidative functions (respiratory burst and superoxide production) and total serum AGE in 90 subjects divided equally in three groups--control group, Group I consisting of type 2 diabetic patients without microvascular complications and Group II consisting of type 2 diabetic patients with microvascular complications. PMNs isolated from both groups (I and II) exhibited higher level of respiratory burst (RB) and produced increased amount of superoxide anion as compared to the controls. The increase was more pronounced in diabetes with complications, as compared to those without. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level was elevated, whereas glutathione (GSH) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) levels were significantly reduced in diabetes as compared to the controls, suggesting the presence of oxidative stress in DM. A positive correlation between PMN oxidative function and OS parameters suggested the involvement of PMN in the development of OS in DM. Serum AGE level was also elevated in diabetic groups as compared to the controls. Further, the positive correlation between serum AGE level and PMN oxidative function suggested the involvement of AGE in increased RB and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by resting diabetic PMN. The results of the study indicate that AGE-PMN interaction possibly upregulates NADPH oxidase, leading to enhanced ROS generation and thus contributes to the pathogenesis in diabetes.

Maternal and perinatal outcome among the booked and unbooked pregnancies from catchments area of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the differences in maternal and perinatal outcome among booked and unbooked pregnant women and their perception for underutilization of services targeted for them. METHODS: Two thousand two hundred and twenty eight pregnant women, booked and unbooked, attending emergency obstetrics care during Jan.-Dec. 2005, were included in the study; Investigators followed cases till discharge. RESULTS: Tendency for mothers to be booked was found to be significantly associated with age. Booked and unbooked mothers differed by distance to the hospital and parity. There was difference between the periods of gestation at which they presented to the hospital among both the groups (p<0.0001). Nearly eighty percent (81.4%) of unbooked mothers did not know the period of gestation. Most of these women conceived during lactational or depo provera-induced amenorrhea. The maternal mortality rate for unbooked mothers was 16 out of 1056 and none among the booked. Perinatal mortality is 3 times less in booked mothers. Higher perinatal mortalities are associated with unbooked mothers and had a higher proportion of maternal intensive care unit admissions and perinatal deaths compared with the booked group. Focus group discussion revealed that the reasons for underutilizations of services are; Distance, cost, disempowerment of women and attitudes of hospital personnel. CONCLUSION: The opportunities to enhance utilizations are based on distance, cost and client friendly environment of hospital personnel. It has been observed, building teaching hospitals alone, will not have much impact to maternal and perinatal outcome, unless peripheral health institutions are equipped with facilities and service provisions.

Protective effect of melatonin against propoxur-induced oxidative stress and suppression of humoral immune response in rats.

Effect of melatonin in attenuation of propoxur induced oxidative stress and suppression of humoral immune response was studied in rats. Oral administration of propoxur (10 mg/kg) increased lipid peroxidation in serum after 28 days treatment. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione were also altered following propoxur exposure. In addition propoxur exposure markedly suppressed humoral immune response as assessed by antibody titre and plaque forming cell assay. Simultaneous treatment with melatonin (5 mg/kg, ip) markedly attenuated the effect of propoxur on (a) lipid peroxidation, (b) oxidative stress parameters and (c) immunotoxicity. Results have been discussed in the light of possible immunopotentiating and antioxidant effects of melatonin to understand the influence of oxidative stress on propoxur induced immunomodulation.

The Misgav Ladach method: a step forward in the operative technique of caesarean section.

INTRODUCTION: Caesarean delivery remains the most common intraperitoneal surgical procedure in obstetric and gynaecologic practice. Since time immemorial there have been countless efforts to improve the technique of caesarean section. One such innovative breakthrough technique is the Misgav Ladach method of caesarean of section. The objective of this trial was to compare the intraoperative and short-term postoperative outcomes between the conventional and the Misgav-Ladach technique for caesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The randomized prospective comparative study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan Nepal. Four hundred patients were randomized to either Misgav Ladach or the Conventional method of caesarean section. Only term pregnancies with singleton foetuses' were included whereas pregnancies with previous caesarean section were excluded from the study. The study period was from September 2001 to September 2004. RESULT: There was not much difference in the demographic variables between the two groups. The age of the patients ranged between 18-40 years. The mean age of patients in Misgav Ladach and conventional group was 24.5 and 23.6 years respectively. Foetal distress was the commonest indication for caesarean section followed by non progress of labour. The mean incision to delivery interval, operating time and blood loss in the Misgav Ladach group was 1 minute 30 seconds, 16 minutes and 35 0ml as compared to 3 minutes, 28 minutes and 600 ml in the conventional group respectively. 3.5%of patients in the Misgav Ladach group showed febrile morbidity as compared to 7% in the conventional group. 19% from conventional group and only 4%from Misgav Ladach group required added analgesia. Almost equal number of patients (10-12) in each group experienced significant headache.).0.1%in the Misgav group and 5% in the Conventional group required post operative blood transfusion. Four patients from the conventional group had their wound gaped. The number of neonates requiring intensive care was sixteen (8% ) in the conventional group and 3 (1.5%) in the Misgav group.6.5% from conventional group and 2% from Misgav Ladach group required maternal intensive care admissions. CONCLUSION: Misgav-Ladach technique has been be associated with shorter operative time, quicker recovery, and lesser need for postoperative medications, when compared with traditional caesarean section. It has also been shown to be more cost-effective. A further advantage of the technique may be the shorter time taken for the delivery of the child.

Immunotoxicity of phosphamidon following subchronic exposure in albino rats.

Effect of subchronic doses of phosphamidon exposure on humoral and cell mediated immune (CMI) responses were studied in male albino rats using SRBC, ovalbumin and KLH as antigens. Humoral immune responses were assessed by estimating antibody titre against antigen and splenic plaque forming cells (PFC) assay. CMI responses were studied by using leucocyte migration inhibition (LMI), macrophage migration inhibition (MMI) and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. Results obtained in the present study revealed marked suppression of humoral and CMI responses in a dose dependent pattern. Hence, suppression of immune responses by phosphamidon even at subchronic doses is clearly an important aspect for its safety evaluation.

Prolapsed uterus with huge rectocele and omentocele following cervical amputation: a rare and unusual case presentation.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition whose incidence is increasing. Many cases of prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall occur along with other pelvic support defects. Pelvic surgeons who treat rectocele must have an excellent understanding of the normal anatomy, interactions of the connective tissue and muscular supports of the pelvis, and the relationship between anatomy and function. Pelvic pressure, the need to splint the perineum to defecate, impaired sexual relations, difficult defecation, and faecal incontinence are some of the symptoms that have been described in patients with rectocele.

Work related physical exertion and spontaneous abortion.

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken among 100 women workers of 35-40 years of age to elicit the risk of spontaneous abortion. Comparison was made with a matched control group of 100 non-working women. Employed women were found at increased risk of spontaneous abortion than the control group. The difference was found statistically significant at p < 0.05, Odds ratio being 1.50 and AR% being 33.14. According to gravidity also, abortion was found to be significantly raised in working women after their joining service for first 3rd - 4th gravida. The risk then fell, to raise again for 8th or more gravida.

Ectopic pregnancy - two years review from BPKIHS, Nepal.

Ectopic pregnancy remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in early pregnancy. The incidence has increased worldwide with an increase in pelvic infections and improvements in the diagnostic techniques. The objective of this study was to analyse the various aspects of ectopic pregnancy with a view to suggest interventions which would decrease the incidence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan (Nepal). Data were analysed retrospectively using the case sheets and operative notes from the past two years (April 02-April 04). The gynaecological admissions and records of the total births within the period of study were also used in the analysis. RESULT: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy during this study period was 0.93 of total births and 2.92% of the total gynaecological admissions. The peak age of incidence was in the range of 26-30 years. Majority of patients were in the lower socioeconomic group. Pelvic inflammatory disease and induced abortions were the major risk factors. Their contribution was 61.3% and 38.6% respectively. 70.6% of patients did not use any contraception. 16% used depo provera. Abdominal pain (69.3%), vaginal bleeding (45.3%) and syncopal attacks (21.3%) were the most frequent presenting complaints. 58.6% had amenorrhea of 6-10 weeks. Only 1.3% presented with amenorrhea of greater than 10 weeks. Ampulla (62.6%) followed by isthmus (21.3) were the commonest sites of ectopic implantation. Ovarian and abdominal pregnancies contributed to only 1.3% each. There was no significant difference between the side of the tube involved.82.6% had come with ruptured ectopic but only 12% were in shock. Majority of patients underwent salpingectomy (69.3%) followed by salpingo-oophorectomy (17.3%). Only 2.6% received methotrexate. 70.6% required blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Majority of patients attending BPKIHS for ectopic pregnancy were between 26-30 years and had history of PID & induced abortions. Surgery (salpingectomy/salpingo-oophorectomy) was the main stay of treatment.

Diarrhea management among under fives.

This study was conducted to assess the magnitude of the problem of diarrhea and time of initiation of its management in under five children of different socio economic status, in an urban area of West Bengal. Overall prevalence of diarrhea was 31.67%, highest in lower socio economic class (41%). Prevalence was higher in the girls, though not significant. Acute watery diarrhea was most common (58.9%), followed by dysentery (24. 2 %) and persistent diarrhea (16.9%). Persistent type was inversely proportional to socioeconomic status. Majority of mothers administered fluids or sought treatments within six hours in the middle socioeconomic class but beyond six hours in lower socioeconomic group (P < 0.001). Percentage of children where doctors' advice was implemented within 12 hours was inversely proportional to socio economic status (P <0.001).

Molecular characterization of aspergillus fumigatus allergens.

Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is ubiquitous saprophytic fungus associated with a broad spectrum of diseases in humans. These diseases range from benign colonization of the lung to life threatening diseases such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and invasive aspergillosis. Af is the etiologic agent identified in most of the Aspergillus related human diseases and is therefore of particular clinical importance. Af induced obstructive airway diseases may be due to transient exposure to fungal spores resulting in a T helper 2 response. The IgE mediated inflammatory reaction could be due to colonization of bronchial airway epithelium by Af. Early and precise diagnosis of Aspergillus induced respiratory allergy is essential for preventing irreversible lung damages. The major problems in the diagnosis of A. fumigatus induced diseases are due to the lack of standardized and well characterized fungal extracts. The advent of molecular cloning technology and the development of phage surface display technology for cloning genes have facilitated the isolation of more relevant recombinant allergens. Using these techniques, a panel of different Af allergens having distinct IgE binding with various groups of Af sensitized patients have been cloned and characterized. These allergens can be categorized functionally as secreted and cytoplasmic proteins. The distinct IgE binding property of these purified and well characterized recombinant Af allergens may be useful for the differential diagnosis of Af related pulmonary complications.

Influence of dietary ginger (Zingiber officinales Rosc) on antioxidant defense system in rat: comparison with ascorbic acid.

Ginger (Z. officinale; 1% w/w) significantly lowered lipid peroxidation by maintaining the activities of the antioxidant enzymes--superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in rats. The blood glutathione content was significantly increased in ginger fed rats. Similar effects were also observed after natural antioxidant ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, body wt) treatment. The results indicate that ginger is comparatively as effective as ascorbic acid as an antioxidant.

Organochlorine pesticide-induced oxidative stress and immune suppression in rats.

Effects of subchronic DDT and lindane exposure were evaluated on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant mechanisms and humoral immune response in rats. Oral administration of DDT, (100 and 200 ppm) and lindane (40 and 80 ppm) dose dependently increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels in serum after 8 wk of treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in red blood cells (RBC) was also dose dependently increased by these compounds. In addition, such DDT or lindane exposure markedly suppressed the humoral immune response as assessed by anti-sheep RBC antibody titres. Simultaneous treatment with ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) markedly attenuated the effects of DDT and lindane on (a) lipid peroxidation, (b) SOD activity and (c) humoral immune suppression. These results indicate the possible involvement of free radicals in organochlorine-induced immunotoxicity.