Application of mixture analysis methods in association between metals mixture exposure and DNA oxidative damage / 中华预防医学杂志

Objectives: To study the association between metals mixture exposure and DNA oxidative damage using mixture analysis methods, and to explore the most significant exposure factors that cause DNA oxidative damage. Methods: Workers from steel enterprises were recruited in Shandong Province. Urinary metals were measured by using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. The level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was determined by using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), elastic net regression and quantile g-computation regression were used to analyze the association between urinary metals and urinary 8-OHdG. Results: A total of 768 subjects aged (36.15±7.40) years old were included in the study. BKMR, elastic net regression and quantile g-computation all revealed an overall positive association between the mixture concentration and increased urinary 8-OHdG. The quantile g-computation results showed that with a 25% increase in metal mixtures, the urinary 8-OHdG level increased by 77.60%. The elastic net regression showed that with a 25% increase in exposure risk score, the urinary 8-OHdG level increased by 26%. The BKMR summarized the contribution of individual exposures to the response, and selenium, zinc, and nickel were significant contributors to the urinary 8-OHdG elevation. Conclusion: Exposure to mixed metals causes elevated levels of DNA oxidative damage, and selenium, zinc, and nickel are significant exposure factors.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of Schizothorax plagiostomus at River Swat / Bioacumulação de metais pesados nos tecidos de Plagiostomo esquizotórax em River Swat

Snow trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus) is an economically important freshwater fish, mostly found in northern areas of water reservoirs of Pakistan. The current study was conducted in River Swat to analyze the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn) in tissues of Schizothorax plagiostomus. Tissues were extracted and dissolved in perchloric acid (HClO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) along with hotplate. The heavy metals, zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and Nickel (Ni) were determined using Perkin Elmer 2380 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results shows great variation in the content of the metal related to tissue type and sampling sites. A high concentration of bioaccumulation was reported at Charbagh, whereas lowest at Odigram: Charbagh>Landakai>Odigram. In the same way, Cr was the most accumulated heavy metal followed by lead, nickel, and Zinc.

A truta das neves (Schizothorax plagiostomus) é um peixe de água doce economicamente importante, encontrado principalmente nas áreas ao norte de reservatórios de água do Paquistão. O presente estudo foi realizado em River Swat para analisar a bioacumulação de metais pesados (Pb, Cr, Ni e Zn) em tecidos de Schizothorax plagiostomus. Os tecidos foram extraídos e dissolvidos em ácido perclórico (HClO4) e ácido nítrico (HNO3) com placa de aquecimento. Os metais pesados zinco (Zn), chumbo (Pb), cromo (Cr) e níquel (Ni) foram determinados usando espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica Perkin Elmer 2380. Os resultados mostram grande variação no conteúdo do metal relacionado ao tipo de tecido e locais de amostragem. Uma alta concentração de bioacumulação foi relatada em Charbagh, enquanto a mais baixa, em Odigram: Charbagh > Landakai > Odigram. Da mesma forma, Cr foi o metal pesado mais acumulado, seguido por Pb, Ni e Zn.

Study of No Observed Adverse Effect Level of Nickel and Its Preliminary Evaluation Biocompatibility / 中国医疗器械杂志

The purpose of this study was to investigate the NOAEL of the nickel ion and provide with basic data for the biological evaluation of those medical devices containing nickel. Five groups SD rats were repeatedly exposed during 14 d respectively to nickel at first stage doses of 4.9, 3.7, 2.5 mg/(kg.d), and the second stage doses of 1.2, 0.25 mg/(kg.d) by the intravenous route. The results showed that the NOAEL of nickel ion is 0.25 mg/(kg.d) for SD rats, and the result was verified by subchronic systemic toxicity test of nickel alloy. The threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) of nickel is 150 μg/d (based on application of 100-fold uncertainty factor and a body weight of 60 kg)deduced by these data.

Evaluación toxicológica y de metales (Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn y Cd) en el sedimento del reservorio Paiva Castro en Mairiporã-SP, Brasil / Toxicological and metal evaluation (Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cd) in the sediment of Paiva Castro reservoir, in Mairiporã-SP, Brasil

El hombre ha cambiado el ambiente para sostener la demanda global de recursos naturales como el agua. La gestión de los cuerpos hídricos tiene que ser constante, con el propósito preventivo y correctivo, dependiendo del estado de antropización de cada sistema. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar la toxicidad del sedimento y los metales Mn, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd y Cu, en el reservorio Paiva Castro, que abastece la Region Metropolitana de São Paulo. Se realizaron 2 muestreos (Mayo 2011, estación seca y Enero de 2012, estación húmeda) y se analizaron 5 puntos próximos a la captación de agua por la Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo. Se realizaron ensayos de toxicidad aguda y crónica en sedimento, a través de ensayos biológicos con el cladócero Daphnia similis y el insecto Chironomus xanthus. El tratamiento de datos se realizó con el test de Fisher (mortalidad). El nivel de asociación entre las variables en sedimento y en los test ecotoxicológicos fueron evaluados por test no-paramétricos, a través del coeficiente de correlación de Spearman's. Los resultados del presente trabajo señalaron bajas concentracones de metales en el sedimento del área de estudio y ausencia de toxicidad en los organismos ensayados. Se puede concluir que área estudiada del reservorio Paiva Castro se encuentra poco impactada por los metales, sin efectos directos sobre la calidad de vida los organismos bentónicos: D. similis y C. xanthus.

Man had changed the natural environment in an attempt trying to supply the global demand for resources. The management of the hydric bodies has to be constant, with preventive and corrective purpose, depending on the eutrophization state of each one. The objective of this article was to analyze the sediment toxicity and the metals Mn, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd and Cu, in the Paiva Castro reservoir, that supply the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo. It was made 2 collections (May 2011, dry season and January 2012, wet season). It was analyzed 5 points next to the water captation station by the Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo. The sediment was analyzed as for acute and chronic toxicity through bioassays with the cladocerans Daphnia similis and the insect Chironomus xanthus. Data treatment was done with Fisher Exact Test (mortality). The association level between the variables in sediment and ecotoxicological tests was available in non-parametric tests, through the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Oriented on the results presented in this work, pointing low concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments presented in the collect local, and the absence of toxicity, we can say that at this reservoir, at least in the collect area, it's low impacted, not implicating in direct interferences in the quality of life of benthonic organisms.

Níveis de metais no solo e na água da microbacia do distrito Industrial do Pequiá, município de Açailândia, MA / Levels of metals in soil and water catchment Industrial District Pequiá, municipality of Açailândia, MA

Este estudo determinou a concentração de vários metais no solo e na água da microbacia do distrito industrial do Pequiá, Açailândia-MA, e investigou a variação das concentrações dos metais no solo em função da distância às indústrias. Os metais investigados os metais foram Arsênio (As), Cádmio (Cd), Manganês (Mn), Mercúrio (Hg), Chumbo (Pb) e Níquel (Ni), que podem acarretar diversos agravos na saúde em virtude da sua toxicidade em diferentes alvos biológicos. O distrito industrial do Pequiá é caracterizado por indústrias siderúrgicas e rodovias com intenso tráfego de veículos a combustão, o que desperta a necessidade de se conhecer as concentrações ambientais desses metais. Metodologia: Foram coletadas 44 amostras de solo do entorno das indústrias nos período seco e chuvoso, respectivamente, e água de três pontos do córrego Pequiá no período chuvoso. A determinação da concentração de metais em solo foi realizada por Espectrometria de Emissão Atômica por Plasma Acoplado Indutivamente (ICP-OES), e em água por meio de Espectrometria de Massa com Plasma Acoplado Indutivamente (ICP-MS). (...) O único metal detectado em todas as amostras no período seco foi o Hg. A análise de correlação entre as concentrações no solo em cada período revelou correlação positiva estatisticamente significativa entre Pb e Mn no período chuvoso e correlação negativa com significância limítrofe entre Mn e Hg. Em relação ao gradiente de concentração, se observou diminuição apenas da concentração de Pb ao longo da linha reta entre as indústrias e o bairro Pequiá. A diminuição da concentração de Pb com a distância foi estatisticamente significativa, tanto no período chuvoso quanto no seco. Conclusão: Os metais Mn e Pb foram os mais frequentemente encontrados e com as concentrações mais elevadas tanto no solo quanto na água, muito provavelmente devido ao processo de fabricação do ferro gusa e ao intenso tráfego de veículos...

This study determined the concentration of heavy metals in soil and surface water in the industrial district of Pequiá, Açailândia-MA, as well as investigated the variation in concentration of metals in soil with the distance to the industries. Metals investigated were Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb) and Niquel (Ni), which may cause several health effects. The Pequiá industrial district is composed by several steel plants and roads with heavy vehicle traffic. Methods: Soil samples were collected from 44 points around the industrial district in the dry and rainy season, respectively, and water samples were collected at three points of the Pequiá stream during the rainy season. Concentrations of metals in soil were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). (...) Hg was the only metal detected in all soil samples in the dry season. Correlation analysis between concentrations of metals in soil showed a statistically significant positive correlation between Pb e Mn in the rainy season. Pb was the only metal showing a reduction in concentration across the straight line between the industries and Pequiá neighborhood. Reduction in Pb concentration with increasing distance was statistically significant in both seasons. Conclusions: Mn e Pb were the metals most frequently found and those presenting the highest concentrations in soil and water, suggesting that the main sources of these metals in the study area may be iron manufacturing process and motor vehicle traffic...

Effects of nickel on the fern Regnellidium diphyllum Lindm. (Marsileaceae) / Efeitos do níquel sobre a filicínea Regnellidium diphyllum Lindm. (Marsileaceae)

The heterosporous fern Regnellidium diphyllum occurs in southern Brazil and some adjoining localities in Uruguay and Argentina. Currently it is on the list of threatened species in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Anthropic alterations such as the conversion of wetlands into agricultural areas or water and soil contamination by pollutants may compromise the establishment and survival of this species. Nickel (Ni) is an essential nutrient for plants but increasing levels of this metal due to pollution can cause deleterious effects especially in aquatic macrophytes. Megaspore germination tests were performed using Meyer's solution, at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.05, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100 mg L-1 of Ni. The initial development of apomictic sporophytes was studied using solutions containing 0 (control) to 4.8 mg L-1 of Ni. A significant negative relation was observed between the different Ni concentrations and the megaspore germination/sporophyte formation rates. Primary roots, primary leaves and secondary leaves were significantly shorter at 3.2 and 4.8 mg L-1 of Ni, when compared with the treatment without this metal. At 4.8 mg L-1, leaves also presented chlorosis and necrosis. The introduction of pollutants with Ni in the natural habitat of Regnellidium diphyllum may inhibit the establishment of plants in the initial stage of development, a problem to be considered in relation to the conservation of this species.

A samambaia heterosporada Regnellidium diphyllum Lindm. ocorre no Sul do Brasil e em algumas localidades vizinhas no Uruguai e na Argentina. Atualmente, consta da lista de espécies ameaçadas do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Alterações antrópicas - tais como a conversão de áreas úmidas em áreas de agricultura ou a contaminação de água e solo por poluentes - podem comprometer o estabelecimento e a sobrevivência da espécie. Níquel (Ni) é um nutriente essencial às plantas, mas níveis aumentados desse metal, em razão da poluição, podem causar efeitos deletérios, especialmente em macrófitas aquáticas. Testes de germinação de megásporos foram realizados usando-se solução de Meyer, em concentrações de 0 (controle); 0,05; 0,5; 1; 5; 10; 20; 30; 50; 100 mg L-1 de Ni. O desenvolvimento inicial de esporófitos apomíticos foi estudado usando-se soluções contendo 0 (controle) a 4,8 mg L-1 de Ni. Relação negativa significante foi observada entre diferentes concentrações de Ni e as taxas de germinação de megásporos/formação de esporófitos. Raízes primárias e folhas primárias e secundárias foram significantemente mais curtas a 3,2 e 4,8 mg L-1 de Ni, quando comparadas ao tratamento sem esse metal. Em 4,8 mg L-1, folhas também apresentaram clorose e necrose. A introdução de poluentes com Ni no habitat natural de Regnellidium diphyllum pode inibir o estabelecimento de plantas em estádio inicial de desenvolvimento, um problemaa a ser considerado em relação à conservação dessa espécie.

Nickel, its adverse health effects & oxidative stress.

Nickel-induced toxicity and carcinogenicity, with an emphasis on the generation and role of reactive oxygen species is reviewed. Nickel is a known haematotoxic, immunotoxic, neurotoxic, genotoxic, reproductive toxic, pulmonary toxic, nephrotoxic , hepatotoxic and carcinogenic agent. This article presents a selective review on nickel and effect of its acute, subchronic and chronic doses on certain metabolically active tissues in human as well as animals. Nickel exposure causes formation of free radicals in various tissues in both human and animals which lead to various modifications to DNA bases, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and altered calcium and sulphydryl homeostasis. The primary route for nickel toxicity is depletion of glutathione and bonding to sulphydryl groups of proteins. Nickel homeostasis, nickel-induced activation of signaling pathways and the protective role of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants against nickel toxicity and carcinogenicity are also discussed.

Nivel de níquel urinario en niños residentes en ciudades cercanas a megafuentes / Urinary nickel in children exposed to petcoke pollution

Background: Petcoke is a remmant of the oil refiningprocess that contains Ni and other heavy metáis. Undesired human exposure to these compounds may result from petcoke combustión in plants located in the vicinity ofthe cities. Aim: To compare levéis of urinary Ni in schoolchildren residing in cities exposed and not exposed to petcoke pollution. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was done in schoolchildren aged 7 to 8 years oíd in two cities in northern Chile: Mejillones (n = 59), near to a petcoke plant and Tocopilla (n = 56) as the reference city. First, morning urinary samples were collected and urinary Ni was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Socioeconomic and environmental exposure information of families was obtained applying a questionnaire to parents. Múltiple linear regression was performed to identify other variables that may explain urinary Ni differences among the cities. Results: Median level of Ni was higher in Mejillones (4.9 fig/L) than in Tocopilla (3.9 fig/L). Residing in the exposed city was the most important explaining factor (B = 0.26; IC 0.107 - 0.428). Additionally years of residency was associated with urinary Ni (B = 0.03; IC 0.004 - 0.060). Conclusions: Urinary Ni in schoolchildren is higher in the city exposed to petcoke emissions. The difference does not imply that there are concrete hazards for the population s health. However, it warns about the existence of a higher exposure in places where petcoke is used.

Nickel induced histopathological changes in the different tissues of freshwater fish, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes).

Nickel chloride, heavy metal widely used in industries was investigated in the present study for histopathological studies in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Fish were exposed for 10, 20 and 30 days in sublethal concentration of nickel 5.7 mg/l. The histopathological changes were studied in the gill, liver, intestine and kidney of the nickel treated freshwater fish H. molitrix. The nickel showed a tissue specific alteration in the tissues. Mucus proliferation, fusion of the gill lamellae and hypertrophy of gill tissues were observed. Lack of normal palisade arrangement was followed by necrosis in hepatocytes. Degeneration of blood vessels, vacuolation, hypertrophy, pyknotic nuclei and lesion were observed in liver tissues. Degeneration of tubular cells, hyperplasia was observed in kidney tissues.

Result of standard patch test in patients suspected of having allergic contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is a common skin disease. Disease was diagnosed by a history of contact substance together with geographic distribution of lesion. Up till now, standard patch test is one of the most reliable test to identify and confirm causative agent of allergic contact dermatitis. To determine the rate of positive standard patch test and to identify the common allergen of contact dermatitis in Thailand, we performed the standard patch test in 129 patients, suspected having allergic contact dermatitis at Department of Dermatology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand from June 1, 2003 to September 1, 2004. The rate of positive standard patch test is 59.7% (n = 77/129). The most 3 common positive allergens were nickel sulfate (18.60%), cobalt chloride (17.05%) and fragrance mix (14.73%), respectively. The chance of positive standard patch test significantly correlated with sex (woman), initial diagnosis as contact dermatitis and history of house-worker (p = 0.017, p = 0.005 and p = 0.023, respectively). Whereas, there were no significant correlation between the chance of positive standard patch test and age of patient, location of lesion, history of recurrence, history of atopy, history of drug and food allergy. In addition, history of metal allergy significantly correlated with the chance of positive nickel sulfate or cobalt chloride in standard patch test (p = 0.017). In conclusion, this study demonstrated the prevalence of causative allergen of contact dermatitis in Thai patients using that standard patch test. Moreover, our data shown that the chance positive standard patch test was greater in patient, who were women or initial diagnosed as contact dermatitis or had history of houseworker or history of metal allergy.

Scavenging of nickel and chromium toxicity in Aulosira fertilissima by immobilization: effect on nitrogen assimilating enzymes

The ubiquity of heavy metals in the biosphere results in the introduction of high amounts of toxic metals into the food chain from various sources. In the present study, one of the strongest nitrogen fixing cyanobacterium of the rice fields, Aulosira fertilissima, was subjected to nickel and chromium stress and the ameliorating effect of immobilization was investigated. Cell immobilization could protect the organism's growth against the toxicity of both heavy metals at LC50 as compared to lethal concentrations. The nitrate reductase activity in free cells treated with the metals was substantially inhibited but immobilized cells treated with 0.1 ppm nickel was not affected by the metal treatment. Cell immobilization also resulted in a significant protection against sub-lethal concentration of chromium but to a lesser degree than it did with sub- lethal levels of nickel. Control immobilized cells also had higher Nitrogenase activity than control free cells. Nickel and chromium addition markedly decreased the enzyme activity in free cells but immobilized cells exposed to sublethal concentrations of both metals could overcome this decrease. Glutamine synthetase showed similar response under immobilized conditions compared to free cells with both metals. The addition of algal filtrate in 3:1 ratio further increased the nitrogenase activity compared with immobilized cells treated with sublethal doses of both metals. Immobilization facilitated higher uptake of nickel as compared to chromium. The observations of the present study clearly demonstrate the protective effect of immobilization on Aulosira fertilissima against Nickel and chromium toxicity. Rice field ecosystem thus possess a bidirectional natural metal ameliorating system where Aulosira mats act as a naturally immobilized system and the decay of Aulosira along with other cyanobacteria act as natural chelators protecting the rice plants from deleterious effects of the heavy metals. Most importantly is...

Biokinetics of 65Zn in liver and whole body and its bio-distribution in nickel treated protein deficient rats.

This study was designed to determine the effect of nickel treatment on biological half-lives of 65Zn in whole body and liver as well as on distribution of 65Zn in different organs of protein deficient rats. Nickel sulfate at a dose level of 800mg/l in drinking water was administrated to normal control as well as to protein deficient rats for 8 weeks. A significant increase was found in fast and slow components of biological half lives of 65Zn in whole body and only fast component in liver of protein deficient rats. Interestingly, slow component in whole body and fast component in liver of nickel treated protein deficient rats were not different from normal controls though they were significantly elevated in protein deficient rats. On the other hand, slow component of 65Zn was also not altered in nickel treated protein deficient rats, which however, was significantly decreased in nickel treated rats. Protein deficiency led to a marked elevation in per cent uptake of 65Zn in brain and caused significant depression in liver, kidney and intestine. However, uptake of 65Zn in brain showed a significant depression in nickel treated rats, whereas the uptake was elevated in brain in nickel treated protein deficient rats. In conclusion, protein deficient conditions seem to be playing a dominant role in context with the distribution of 65Zn in different organs when nickel is administered to protein deficient rats. However nickel alone is seen to cause adverse effect on the distribution of 65Zn.

Growth, nodulation and dry matter yield of blackgram cultivars under nickel stress.

Four cultivars of blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) were grown in soil amended with nickel (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) and analysed on the 45th day. Nickel at all levels tested reduced the length of root and shoot, number of nodules, area of leaves and dry matter yield of root and shoot of blackgram cultivars. The reduction was lower in AB-1903 and ADT-3 than in ADT-4 and ADT-5. Cultivars AB-1903 and ADT-3 were less sensitive than ADT-4 and ADT-5. The accumulation of nickel was higher in roots than in shoots. The increase of nickel content in roots of blackgram did not differ with cultivars. However, the accumulation of nickel in shoots of blackgram differed with cultivars. The sensitive cultivar ADT-4 and ADT-5 accumulate more nickel in their shoots than the other cultivars, AB- 1903 and ADT-3.

Mutagenic responses of nickel chloride in somatic and germ cells of mice invitro and invivo studies

The mutagenic response of Nickel chloride [Nicl[2][was evaluated in mice in vitro, in cultured mouse spleen cells. The cytotoxic effect of NiCl[2] was tested, the cultures were treated with the concentrations 10[-3]- 10[-6] M NiCl[2] /ml medium for 24 h The highest percentage of viable cells reached 88.79% in cultures treated with 10[-6] M NiCl[2]/ml medium compared with 92.5% in non-treated cell cultures. NiCl[2] at concentrations 10[-3]-10[-6] M/ml medium induced a significant percentage of chromosomal aberrations. It reached 8.75 +/- 0.65 [P< 0.01] in the cultures treated with 10[-3] M NiCl[2]/ ml medium, after excluding gaps versus 3.25 +/- 0.14 in the non-treated cell cultures. In vivo, single oral treatment by gavage at the doses 5, 25, 50, 75 mg NiCl[2] kg[-1] b. wt. induced an increase in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in a dose dependent relationship. It's percentage at 75 mg kg[-1] b. wt was 12.2 +/- 1.16[without gaps] in bonemarrow and 10.6 +/- 0.60 [P < 0.01] in spermatocyte cells from that compared with 2.8 +/- .37 and 3.8 +/- 00.37 respectively in non-treated mice [background level]. Repeated treatment with the dose 5 mg NiCl[2] kg[-1] b. wt for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days did not induce a clear increase in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations than the single treatment It reached 8.2 +/- 0.80 [P< 0.05] in bone-marrow cells and 9.0 +/- 0.45 [P < 0.01] in spermatocyte cells after treatment with the dose 5 x 28 [140 mg Nicl[2] kg[-1] b. wt.] The same doses were used to study the morphological sperm- shape abnormalities. The two higher doses of NiCl[2] 50 and 75 mg kg[-1] b. wt induced a dase-dependant and statistically significant [P < 0.05] increase in the percentage of sperm-shape abnormalities. In conclusion, NiCl[2] has a weak mutagenic activity in mice, directly related to its ability to enter the cells. NiCl[2] produces genetic effect in vitro because its delivery and exposure can be controlled, but in vitro water - soluble NiCI[2] is rapidly removed from the body, therefore it induces a low percentage of chromosomal aberrations in somatic and germ cell

Nickel induced changes on some aspects of protein metabolism in the tissues of Pila globosa.

Some aspects of protein metabolism were studied in foot, hepatopancreas and mantle tissues of snail, Pila globosa on exposure to lethal concentration for 2 days (336.7 mg/L) and sublethal concentration (67.34 mg/L) of nickel for 1, 5 and 10 days. Total, structural and soluble proteins decreased significantly and to continence, this the levels of amino acids and protease activity increased in all the tissues of snail at all time points examined. Activities of AAT (Aspartate aminotransferase) and AlAT (Alanine aminotransferase) showed contrasting trends of inhibition and elevation during lethal and sublethal concentrations of nickel treatment. GDH (Glutamate dehydrogenase) activity was increased in all the tissues with increase in exposure time. Level of ammonia decreased in snails at sublethal concentration, but increment was observed in lethal concentration along with increased urea content. Under lethal and sublethal exposures, the changes in all the parameters were more pronounced in hepatopancreas followed by foot and mantle. At most instances, snails in the lethal medium were affected more compared to sublethal concentration.

Reaçöes aos metais utilizados em ortodontia / Hypersensibility to orthodontic metals appliance

Estudo clínico e experimental da incidência de hipersensibilidade a metais dos aparelhos ortodônticos e das consequências morfológicas da absorçäo do níquel. Realizaram-se testes de contato, antes e dois meses após a colocaçäo de aparelhos, em 38 pacientes, utilizando-se como antígenos o cloreto e cobalto, sulfato de cobre, bicromato de potássio, sulfato de ferro, cloreto de manganês, sal de molibdênio, sulfato de níquel e óxido de titânio. Concluiu-se que: manganês, cromo e níquel apresentaram positividade, estatisticamente significativa, com prevalência de 21,1 por cento para os dois últimos matais. Näo houve diferença estatisticamente significativa no resultado do teste de contato em relaçäo ao sexo e ao aparelho (antes ou depois). Avaliou-se, através de espectroscopia de absorçäo atômica, a quantidade de níquel na urina de 21 pacientes, nestes dois momentos, constatando-se aumento da mesma após a montagem do aparelho, näo havendo diferença estatística entre os sexos. A avaliaçäo experimental foi realizada em 26 camundongos (Swiss webster), divididos em dois grupos controle (C14 e C45) e dois grupos níquel (N14 e N15), que receberam aplicaçäo subcutânea de sulfato de níquel, sendo sacrificados após 15 e 46 dias. Constatou-se, no grupo experimental, aumento de peso total e de alguns órgäos, lesäo microscópica em órgäos hematopoiéticos, coraçäo, fígado e rins, mais evidente em N45. Nefrotoxicidade foi evidenciada por modificaçäo no padräo de ligaçäo às lectinas. No fígado, a análise estereológica demonstrou aumento do volume dos hepatócitos e de seus núcleos. Näo se dectou quantidades mensuráveis de níquel ao micrscópio eletrônico de varredura com raios X por energia dispersa (EDS)

Contribution to the validation of the anaphase-telophase test: aneugenic and clastogenic effects of cadmium sulfate, potassium dichromate and nickel chloride in chinese hamster ovary cells

As evidências de que a aneuploidia durante a mitose pode ser um fator na etiologia de malignidades somáticas estäo cada vez mais fortes. A análise de alteraçöes em anáfase-telófase da mitose é um teste útil para a avaliaçäo da capacidade aneuploidogênica e clastogênica de substâncias químicas. Vários metais têm sido identificados como carcinogênicos para o homem e para animais. Contudo, os mecanismos de açäo permanecem obscuros. No presente estudo, a capacidade aneugênica e clastogênica do sulfato de cádmio, do dicromato de potássio e do cloreto de níquel foi analisada usando o teste anáfase-telófase. Células do ovário do hamster chinês cultivadas por dois ciclos foram tratadas com o composto desejado por 8 horas antes da colheita das células. Foram quantificadas as freqüências de células com pontes de cromatina, lagging cromossomos e lagging fragmentos cromossômicos. O índice mitótico foi determinado pela contagem do número de células em mitose por 1000 células em cada lamínula e foi expresso como uma porcentagem do número de placas mitóticas. A análise estatística foi feita usando o método "G". Análises de correlaçäo e de regressäo foram realizadas para avaliar as variaçöes do índice mitótico. O crômio e o cádmio foram clastogênicos e aneugênicos e aumentaram as freqüências dos três tipos de aberraçöes avaliadas; o níquel teve apenas atividade aneugênica porque ele aumentou a freqüência de lagging cromossomos. Estes resultados indicam que o teste anáfase-telófase é sensível o suficiente para detectar as relaçöes dependentes da dose que podem distinguir as atividades clastogênicas e/ou aneugênicas e que os resultados obtidos usando o teste anáfase-telófase foram semelhantes aos obtidos pela contagem cromossômica.

Sobre los compuestos de coordinación como agentes antitumorales: III: efectos electrónico-estructurales / On coordination compounds as antitumorigenic agents: III: electronic and structural effects

Se reportan los valores de toxicidad in vitro, en la linea celular Kb, de 28 tiosemicarbazonas y sus correspondientes compuestos de coordinación con cobalto, níquel, cobre y cinc. A partir de estos valores se hacen consideraciones sobre qué influencia pueden tener sobre esta propiedad los efectos electrónicos y estructurales, y se concluye que los primeros resultan ser los determinantes