ABSTRACT
Background: The relationship between iron, hypoxia, inflammation, and erythropoietin in cellular homeostasis is well documented. Patients on radiotherapy are known with active immune/inflammatory disorders often accompanied with reduced iron uptake or unavailability of circulatory iron and hence, must be adequately evaluated. The present study hypothesized “aqueous extracts of Camellia sinensis, Telfairia occidentalis and Parquetina nigrescens have chemical properties of ameliorating and restoring to normal, functional iron deficiency sequel to Cobalt 60 irradiation effect”. Materials and Methods: Fifty-Five young male guinea-pigs approximately 450 gram in weight were recruited and thirty were randomly assigned to 3 groups (A, B and C) for the study. Groups A and B were further divided into 4 (A1-4 and B1-4) with 3 animals (n=3) per group. Three guinea-pigs were also assigned to group C. Groups A and B belonged to Pre and post-irradiation groups while groups C served as control. Each animal was given 400r (4.0 Gy) whole-body gamma-irradiation under general anaesthesia, using a Co60 therapy unit as a source. Groups A1, A2, A3 and A4 had 1,400 mg/kg C. sinensis, 4000 mg/kg P. nigrescens, 3,500 mg/kg T. occidentalis and Combined dose (1,400 mg/kg C. sinensis + 400 mg/kg P. nigrescens + 3,500 mg/kg T. occidentalis) respectively twice daily 72 hours prior to irradiation and continued throughout the 14 days of the study. Groups B1, B2, B3 and B4 had similar treatment but commenced 24 hours after exposure to radiation and likewise continued throughout the 14 days of the study. Group C were not given any treatment but also had irradiation. Results: Total Iron Binding Capacity, Ferritin, Serum Transferrin receptor and Iron were all increased significantly for all the extracts pre and post irradiation. However, C-reactive protein decreased significantly. Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of Camellia sinensis, Parquetina nigrescens and Telfairia occidentalis leaves have good ameliorating effect on irradiation-induced injuries.
ABSTRACT
Background: Analysis of cement dust by various investigators has revealed that its contents include mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). Few studies done among cement factory workers in Nigeria showed conflicting results in haematological parameters which could not be related to any particular heavy metals. This necessitated the need for this study. Objective: This study aims to relate lead level with iron indices and complete blood count among bricklayers. Methods: Comparative cross sectional study among 45 bricklayers and 45 age and sex matched tailors. Questionnaire was administered to find out occupational practice. Plasma was analyzed for lead by Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS) while serum was analyzed for ferittin and iron by ELISA and photometric method respectively. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and percentage Transferin saturation (%TFS) were derived by calculation while complete Blood Count (CBC) was determined using a Sysmex Kx21 auto-analyser. Results: Eighty seven percent of the bricklayers practice their profession without protective coverings. There was a significant increase in the plasma level of lead (p=.00) but decrease in ferrittin among bricklayers compared with controls (p=.00). Bricklayers with blood lead level above acceptable level (5 µg/dl) had significantly reduced ferittin (p=0.04). Conclusion: In this study showed a relatively lower serum ferritin level among bricklayers which was more pronounced with increasing lead level. This may suggest depletion of iron store with increasing lead level. The use of protective measures such as gloves, facemasks and protective garments when in contact with cement and regular medical checkups to prevent depletion of iron store and its consequences are hereby suggested.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the iron status of preschool children in Ulsan, Korea. The study was conducted using 95 children aged 3 to 6 years by investigating the anthropometric indices and assessing the dietary intakes and biochemical analysis. A questionnaire for dietary intakes using 24-hr recall method were carried out by the mothers of the 95 subjects. And also a study was conducted to assess hematological and biochemical status of iron and prevalence of iron deficiency. The average height and weight were 105.4 +/- 7.0 cm, 18.7 +/- 3.2 kg in boys, 103.8 +/- 6.7 cm, 17.6 +/- 2.7 kg in girls. These were lower than the body growth standard values of Korean pediatrics. There was not a significant difference in both between boys and girls. For the daily nutrient intake, energy was 1201.5 +/- 280.9 kcal (79.3%RDA), protein was 63.8 +/- 28.2 g (219.4%RDA), iron was 11.9 +/- 4.5 mg (133.2%RDA). The iron nutritional status by hematological assay found that Hct was 34.7 +/- 2.0 (%), Hb was 12.0 +/- 0.8 g/dl, RBC was 4.3 +/- 0.3 (106/microliter), MCV was 80.5 +/- 3.0 fL, MCH was 27.8 +/- 1.1 pg and MCHC was 34.6 +/- 0.6 g/dl. The biochemical measurement of serum iron was 75.6 +/- 30.3 microgram/dl, TIBC was 320.3 +/- 34.1 microgram/dl, serum ferritin was 30.0 +/- 14.8 microgram/L, Zinc-protophorphyrin (ZPP) was 32.7 +/- 8.0 microgram/dl, and ZPP/Heme was 71.1 +/- 19.5 (micromole/mol heme). The prevalence with Hct, Hb, TS and serum ferritin less than cut-off value was 8.4%, 9.5%, 12.6% and 4.4% respectively. But the prevalence of iron deficiency estimated with ZPP and ZPP/Heme criteria were 25.3% and 27.4%, and were higher than in case of any other indices. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia ((low Hb (< 11.0 g/dl) and low serum ferritin (< 10 microgram/L) or low TS (3 - 4 years: < 12%, 5 - 6 years: < 14%))was found in only one 3 year old girl. The prevalence of iron deficiency except Hct and Hb was the highest in 3 year group, but the prevalence by Hct and Hb was the highest in 5 year group. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia do not seem to be a major public health problem in preschool children in Ulsan.