When can carnosine be the magic stick for lead-induced tissue damage? A toxicological biochemical histological study on albino rats

This study aimed at the assessment of the possible level of defence line of carnosine in chronic lead exposure. Evaluation of the possible relation of antioxidants and other functioning enzymes versus chronic lead exposure is also to be percussed. For this purpose, the study included two parts: Part [1]: was performed to deduce the correlation between the dose of carnosine and the different biochemical parameters measured in the studied tissues; Part [2]: was a long term study in which [56] male Wistar albino rats, divided into [6] groups, eight in each group: Group [1]: Negative control; Group [2]: Rats were treated with carnosine in a dose of 0.05 mg/g rat; Group [3]: Rats were treated with carnosine in a dose of 0.12 mg/ g rat; Group [4]: Comprised rats treated with lead acetate in a dose of [0.01 mg/g rat]; Group [5]: Included rats treated with lead [0.01 mg/g rat] and carnosine [0.05 mg/g rat]; Group [6]: Included rats treated with lead [0.01 mg/g rat] and carnosine [0.12 mg/g rat]. Treatment was performed daily for 6 days/ week for 5 months. The neural [brain] and visceral [heart, kidneys and liver] tissues were collected and different biochemical variables were determined; as well as a histological examination. In all the studied tissues, carnosine would only act as a free radical scavenger in the low dose only; and it could be used as an adjuvant in a low dose with chelating agents, since it cannot chelate lead in the brain tissue. Renal impairment was most probably a direct action of carnosine in a high dose on renal tissue, rather than being a result of lead intoxication. On the other hand, when carnosine was given in a small dose, it acted as a free radical scavenger. In the liver, carnosine in a small dose could not act as a chelator for lead, while in a high dose, it acts as a chelating agent. On the contrary, in a small dose, carnosine acts as a free radical scavenger but not in the high dose. Overall, carnosine cannot prevent the production of free radicals but can scavenge them only in a small dose

Sildenafil citrate abuse: [III] potential reproductive toxicity after long-term administration of viagra in male albino rats

This part of the study is complementary to the previous two studies to complete the risk assessment of the long-term administration of sildenafil on male reproductive system. The study aimed at assessing the effect of the frequency of administration of sildenafil on the hormonal profile in serum of male albino rats to help interpret the morphological alterations in the testis and epididymis exhibited on the previous studies. The effect on sperm count and motility percentage as well as on male reproductive organs weight is to be evaluated. In addition, estimation of nitric oxide [NO] in testicular homogenates is to be performed to reveal on of the various mechanisms of these alterations. Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats were used; and were classified into: Group [1]: [n= 12] negative control group. Group [2]: [n= 36] rats received sildenafil citrate by gavage in a dose of 0.008 mg/g rat. This group was subdivided into 3 subgroups: Subgroup [a]: [n= 12] rats received the dose daily. Subgroup [b]: [n 12] rats received the dose day after day. Subgroup [c]: [n= 12] rats received the dose once per week. The study extended for 18 weeks. The following were estimated: [1] Estimation of serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]; [2] Determination of [NO] concentrations in testicular homogenates; [3] Evaluation of sperm count and motility%; [4] Estimation of reproductive organs weight alterations. Alterations in the aforementioned parameters were directly related to the frequency of administration of sildenafil citrate. There were significant reduction in the weights of the testis and epididymis, decrease in serum testosterone, diminution of sperm count and motility%, as well as, increase in [NO] concentrations in testicular homogenates of rats which received the dose daily and day after day

Systemic interleukin-6 response in patients bitten by viperidae snakes

Envenomation by viperidae snakes causes local tissue damage similar to acute trauma in addition to various systemic effects of which coagulopathy is a major and lethal complication. Interleukin-6 [IL-6] is an important proinflammatory cytokine produced usually due to trauma. The present study was designed to investigate the possible role of IL-6 in the development of coagulopathy and its association with the severity of envenomation in patients. Thirty one adults patients of both sexes were included in this study divided according to the scoring system used to classify the severity of envenomation caused by vipers to four groups [group II mild grade, group III moderate grade, group IV severe grade and group V critical grade] in addition to six healthy adults of both sexes served as control group [group I]. Blood samples were taken on admission to hospital, then 24 and 48 hours after snake bite. Coagulation profile [Prothrombin Time [PT], Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time [APTT], Fibrinogen level and Fibrin Degradation Products [FDPs] was determined. Also hematological tests were done [red blood cell count [RBCs], hemoglobin concentration [Hb%], white blood cell count [WBC] and platelet count]. Moreover IL-6 level was determined. The results revealed that envenomated patients presented with coagulopathy, showed significant increase of PT and APTT time, FDPs level and significant decrease of fibrinogen level, in addition to the abnormalities of hematological tests which manifested by significant decrease of RBCs, I-IB% and platelet count. These changes were significant in group V followed by IV and III while insignificant in group II. Such alterations were more on admission, decreased but still significant after 24 hours then returned to near normal values after 48 hours. As regard serum IL-6 level it showed significant increase in groups V followed by IV and III while there was insignificant increase in group II. Such increase was more on admission, decreased but still significant after 24 hours then returned to normal values after 48 hours. In conclusion, this study showed that IL-6 could be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic coagulopathy in envenomated patients also there was a significant association between severity of envenomation and IL-6 concentration, being higher in the critical and severe grades than the moderate and mild grades

Radiographic identification of age and gender from the degree and pattern of calcification of the costal cartilages

Accurate diagnosis of human age and gender has always been a problem for forensic scientists. This study aimed at the determination of the gender and approximate age using a simple, inexpensive and readily available technique, which requires little expertise, by utilizing radiological-determined pattern and degree of calcification of the costal cartilages. The study comprised [50] cases of both genders; their ages ranged from [15] to [80] years. The chest plate comprised of the sternum, costal cartilage and the last [2] cms of ribs, were exposed to radiological examination. The central and mixed patterns of calcification at the costochondral junction were characteristic and definitely identified female gender; while the peripheral pattern occurred in both genders, but was more in male gender. Independent of gender, there was a statistically significant association between age and degree of calcification. Degrees of calcification, which equal [2.5] up to [4], identify a male as having an age > 40 years. Linear regression equations were used to calculate age from the degree of calcification at the costochondral junction with low to moderate accuracy

Sildenafil citrate abuse [II]: an ultrastructural study of the long-term administration of sildenafil citrate in male albino rats

It has been reported that the most affected organs on abusing sildenafil citrate were the testis, retina, brain and heart; and that these changes were dose-and frequency-dependent. This study was set up to elucidate the ultra-structural alterations and hence the mechanism of toxicity in the retinal, cerebral, myocardial and testicular tissues which could result from administration of sildenafil citrate at a dose equivalent to the 100 mg tablet in humans administered at different frequencies. In addition, the study aimed at the assessment of the suitable dose and frequency of administration of the drug. Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats were used; and they were divided into: [n=12] negative control group. [n=36] rats received sildenafil citrate by gavage in a dose of 0.008 mg/g rat. This group was subdivided into 3 subgroups: [n=12] rats received the dose daily. [n= 12] rats received the dose day after day. [n= 12] rats received the dose once per week. The study extended for 18 weeks. Small portions from the brain, retina, heart and testes were excised and processed for electron microscopic examination. Sildenafil citrate causes histopathological alterations in the brain, retina, heart and testis in a dose-and time-dependent manner. It exerts its pathologic effects partly through persistent dilatation and thickening of t he blood vessel walls of the a forementioned tissues; and partly via direct action on the tissue cells and in particular on the mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum

Sildenafil citrate abuse: [1] A histological multiple-dose study of the long-term administration of Viagra in male albino rats

Long-term adverse effects of sildenafil citrate [Viagra] have not been properly assessed. Consequently, this study aimed at evaluating the long-term alterations in different organs according to the dose and frequency of administration. To fulfill this aim, [132] male Wistar albino rats were studied for [18] weeks, and divided into [5]groups. Group [1] [n[=]12]: is the negative control group, Group [2] [n=12]: received distilled water; Group [3] [n=36]: received sildenafil [0.002 mg/g] and was subdivided into [3] subgroups: [a] received the dose daily=[b] received it day after day-[c] received it once weekly; Group [4] [n=36]; received sildenafil [0.004 mg/g] and was subdivided into [3] subgroups as group [3]; Group [5] n=36]; received sildenafil [0.008 mg/g] and was subdivided into 3 subgroups as groups [3] and [4]. Histological esamination of brain, retina, heart, lung, liver, kidney, prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis and testis was performed using light microscopy for all the aforementioned organs. It was concluded that the testis and epididymis were the most affected organs. The retina then follows with disintegration of photoreceptors. The brain also showed congestion and increased astrocytic activity. As for the heart, it showed disarray and edema; while the lungs showed thickening of alveolar walls. The liver showed histological alterations, while the kidneys did not. All these histo-pathological alterations were observed to be dose-dependent and directly correlated to the frequency of sildenafil administration

Medico-legal aspects of minor head trauma: it is time to reclassify its symptoms by neuro-SPECT from psychiatric-neurotic to neuro-psychological

This study included 28 patients with mild head trauma who exhibited neurobehavioral problems after trauma, nevertheless their computed tomography [CT] and/or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] scans were normal as well as 10 age matched controls. Each subject underwent a full medical sheet, neuropsychiatric assessment [digit span trial making and Wisconsin card sorting test to assess the cognitive functions], anxiety and depression scale and clinical interview to assess any behavioral changes as aggressiveness as well as brain CT, MRI and brain perfusion single photon emission tomography [SPECT] scintigraphy using Tc-99m HMPAO. Scintigraphic data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. All CT and MRI images were normal for both the control and patients groups. SPECT images were entirely normal in the control group in addition to five scans of the head injury patients. The remaining 23 scans showed perfusion abnormalities in the anterior medical temporal lobes; out of these scans, only six had pure anteromedial temporal region abnormalities and 17 exhibited additional abnormalities in other cerebral regions. The neuropsychiatric assessment showed a statistically significant difference between the control group and the patients. Patients experienced more cognitive deficits were more depressed and socially isolated. They also experienced some aggressive and impulsive behaviors

Impotence, lead and oxidative stress: do they form a serious triangle? II: a histopathological ultrastructural study of cavernous tissue

This study was conducted to elucidate the histopathological and the ultrastructural changes induced by lead in the cavernous tissue of impotent subjects. For this purpose, the study included 49 male subjects who were categorized into two main groups. Group I [n=34] included impotent males who underwent surgery for penile implants. They were further subdivided according to the blood lead level into 2 subgroups: Subgroup 1 [n=18] with acceptable lead level and who suffered of diabetes mellitus and subgroup 2 [n=16] with high lead level. Group II [n=15] included potent males who underwent surgery for penile cancer. Two small samples of cavernous tissue were taken during the operation. One piece was preserved in absolute alcohol to stain lead by the Mallory-Parker stain. The other piece was fixed and stained for electron microscopic study

Impotence, lead and oxidative sress: do they form a serious triangle? I: a Comparative toxicological biochemical study of cavernous tissue versus peripheral blood

This study was set out to assess the possible hazardous effects of lead on the endogenous antioxidant status of erectile tissues. The study included 49 male subjects categorized into two main groups. Group I [n=34] included impotent males, who underwent surgery for penile implants and further subdivided according to the blood lead into two subgroups; subgroup I [n=18] with acceptable lead level who suffered of diabetes mellitus and subgroup II [n=16] with high lead level. Group II [n=15] included potent males who underwent surgery for penile cancer. Blood and cavernous tissue samples were taken from each subject and in which lead concentration was estimated. In addition, nitric oxide [NO] and hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] were detected as representatives of free radicals, malondialdehyde [MDA] as a product of lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase, glutathione peroxidase [GPx], selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E as indicators of the endogenous antioxidant status

Can radionuclide phallography help in solving impotence-related medico-legal problems?

In this study, 72 patients were categorized by routine investigations as psychogenic [n = 24], arteriogenic [n = 21], venogenic [n = 12], combined arteriovenogenic [AV] [n = 12], arteriogenic + neurogenic [n = 12] and arteriogenic + endocrine [n = 1] impotent cases, respectively. Radionuclide phallography was then performed for all patients, as well as for other 10 potent [normal] volunteers, to assess its exact value in the diagnosis of impotence. This radioisotope study, using both quantitative and qualitative interpretation showed that it can etiologically differentiate such patients into psychogenic and vasculogenic types, but the determination of the exact vasculogenic type needs furthermore complex and/or invasive investigations. In conclusion,radionuclide phallography can be used as one of the noninvasive screeningtests for solving impotence-related medico- legal problems. Medicolegalconsultants should be aware of its exact role, application, advantage andlimitations

Plasticizers: the insidious blood contaminants. Is it time that the final blood product is more specifically tailored to supply more safe blood?

This work determined the presence of DEHP in donated blood before storage inPVC bags as well as the leach of DEHP into the stored blood. Moreover, thedegree and effects of exposure to DEHP in children patients receiving repeatedblood transfusion were evaluated. Four groups of blood samples werecollected. The level of DEHP in all samples were measured using an HPLCsystem. Moreover, groups III and IV were evaluated for liver function[albumin/globulin ratio and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase] and alpha-2-glycoproteins as indicators for early carcinogenicity. A significant increasein the levels of DEHP was found in the stored blood at different intervalsmatched with the donors blood. Also, children who received bloodtransfusions showed higher levels of DEHP than the controls Moreover, impairedliver functions and higher levels of alpha-2-glycoproteins were determined inthe patient group matched with the control group

Brain spect does open the black box in drug abusers: drugs of abuse diminish the cerebral blood flow

This work aimed to study abnormalities in the regional cerebral blood flow insingle-and combined-drug abusers and assess the beneficial effect of brainsingle photon emission computed tomography [SPECT] in the field of drug abuse. Consequently, this work was conducted on 40 male subjects classified amongfour groups: Controls [group I], ethanol abusers [group II], heroin abusers[group III] and ethanol + heroin abusers [group IV]. All subjects includedhad a negative history of major physical and mental disorders. Moreover, allof them were subjected to brain computed tomography [CT] to reveal anystructural abnormalities. Brain SPECT was performed to all subjects to detectany abnormalities in the percentage regional cerebral perfusion which mayresult from drug abuse. It was concluded that there was a significantdecrease in global and regional CBF in ethanol and/or heroin abusers, it couldbe detected by brain SPECT even when neurological examination andneuroanatomical imaging such as CT were normal. The study recommended thatbrain SPECT could be done side by side with CT neuroimaging to add functionaland structural data and hence proper evaluation and assessment of treatmentstrategies

Melatonin: the assumed latest cure- all drug

This study was carried out to evaluate the hormonal and some biochemical changes which might be caused by administration of melatonin [Mt] daily for five months to 36 albino rats of both sexes. Long-term administration of doses equivalent to human dose range of melatonin caused an increase in testosterone, a decrease in estradiol [E2] levels in males with no change in the levels of both hormones in females, an increase in follicular stimulating hormones [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] and a decrease in prolactin [PRL] levels in both sexes. Serum glutamicoxalo-acetic transaminase [GOT], glutamic- pyruvic transaminase [GPT] and sorbitol dehydrogenase [SDH] showed a significant increase from the third month onwards, while serum urea and creatinine showed a significant increase only at the fifth month