Biochemical changes following an Egyptian glue inhalation

This work was devoted to study the biochemical changes induced by inhaling a local glue Kolla", that is commonly and widely abused by street children in Egypt. The effect of single and repeated daily inhalation of this substance on certain brain neurotransmitters was studied in rats. Besides, the effect of this substance oil and kidney functions was investigated. Previous chemical analysis showed that the main volatile solvent ingredient of Kolla" is toluene and, thus, it was used as a standard solvent inhalant in this study. Two different concentrations of each inhalant, glue and toluene, were investigated. Single [30 mm] as well as repeated daily inhalation [30 mm/day for 10 days] of the two tested concentrations of each of "Kolla" [5000 and 10000 ppm] and toluene [28225 and 56450 ppm] increased the level of dopamine in rat's brain. Similarly, brain serotonin level increased following single inhalation of the high concentrations of both 'Kolla" and toluene. Serotonin level was also increased after repeated daily inhalation of the two toxic inhalants in the four tested concentrations. Liver and kidney function tests showed an increase in serum liver enzymes levels [ALT/GPT, AST/GOT and ALP] and in both serum urea and creatinine levels following single and repealed daily inhalation of each of Kolla" and toluene. In conclusion, glue inhalation leads to remarkable changes in some brain neurotransmitters and deleterious effects on liver and kidney function

Antioxidant and immunostimulatory effect of statin, fenofiberate and triton in infection

Statins and fenofibrate are the most effective pharmacological agents used to treat hyperlipidemia. Better understanding of various pleotropic effects of statins and fenofibrate have prompted a new surge of interest in their use to treat or prevent a wide range of chronic and life-threatening disorders. Male Swiss albino mice were treated with either heat killed E. coli or saline. They were classified into 14 groups. The effects of simvastatin and fenofibrate ill with a low and a high triton dose [200 and 400 mg/kg /three times weekly for 3 weeks] on the levels of interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma], total immunoglobulins and total antioxidant activity were examined in both normal and immunized mice. Simvatatin and fenofibrate administration together with the low or high triton dose or triton alone, induced a significant rise in the level of interferon-gamma [IFN- gamma] and total immunoglobulins in immunized animals as compared to non-immunized ones. Moreover, there was all in the total antioxidant activity upon treatment with either simvastatin or fenofibrate in non-immunized and immunized hyperlipidemic mice. In conclusion, these findings revealed that treatment with low or high dose triton in combination with either simvastatin or fenofibrate increased the acquired immunity by increasing the level of interferon- gamma and total immunoglobulins. In addition, these combinations also increased the antioxidant activity during infection