ABSTRACT
Kalri and Haleji lakes of Sindh region, Pakistan, are the important and valuable sources of water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes. A study was done to determine the concentration of pollutants [metal ions] in water and in different organs of fish, Labeo rohita by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentration of metal ions [in water] was higher during the months of March to July. The highest peak for lead was found in Kalri and Haleji lakes which were followed by iron, chromium and zinc. Ions such as cadmium and manganese were found in least concentration. Bioaccumulation of metal ions in different organs of fish Labeo rohita, was found highest in liver while minimum concentration was found in adipose tissues. Generally two peaks were observed i.e., one in April to August and the other in November. It was found that there is higher amount of metal ions in Haleji lake water and fish organs. Therefore, supply of drinking water has been stopped from Haleji lake, possibly due to hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects
ABSTRACT
interferon and ribavirin is the most effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C today. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrice-weekly Heberon [interferon alfa-2b] in combination with ribavirin as first-line treatment of chronic hepatitis C.A total of 97 treatment-naive patients received Heberon three million units thrice-weekly subcutaneously in combination with ribavirin for 12 months. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured before and during therapy and 6 months after the end of therapy. End-of-treatment and sustained virological responses was defined as an undetectable HCV-RNA level at the end of treatment, and 6 months after treatment was completed [end of follow-up], respectively.In an intent-to-treat analysis, HCV-RNA was undetectable at the end of treatment in 49.5% of patients. At the end of follow-up, sustained virological response was 36.1%. Combination treatment was generally well tolerated. Six patients stopped therapy because of side effects: severe cytopenia [n=4], depression [n=1], and hyperthyroidism [n=1]. Common side effects of therapy include: Flu-like syndrome [85.6%], generalized alopecia [41.2%], injection site inflammation [37.1%], mood changes [36%], anorexia [34%] and weight loss [32%].Heberon as an IFN product in combination with ribavirin for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C is relatively safe, feasible, and potentially efficacious. It has comparable results in achieving end-of-treatment and sustained viro-logical responses in chronic hepatitis C
ABSTRACT
Persons from fourteen different fruit and vegetable farms stations were examined for the presence of pesticide residues in their blood samples. The effect of residues on total bilirubin was studied. A significant difference between total bilirubin at different timings and at different stations was noted. Almost all the persons from different stations showed elevated levels of bilirubin. The exposure to different pesticides for prolonged period of time has affected the normal functioning of different organ systems such as liver, kidney and lungs and thus produced possible characteristic clinical effects