Evaluation and follow up of true and pseudo cholinesterase enzymes in workers exposed to pesticides

This present study was designed to evaluate the level of true and pseudo cholinesterase, establish a baseline or reference level and follow up of the level of enzymes during exposure, in workers applying and formulating anticholinesterase pesticides [organophosphates and carbamates], aiming at designing a comprehensive programming for prevention of pesticide intoxication. This study included thirty four workers exposed to organophosphate and carbamate compounds. Twenty five workers, present in one of the major companies formulating pesticides in, EL Nasr Company for Intermediate chemicals in Abou Rawash, and nine workers, present in the Kalioubia branch of the Agricultural Credit and Developmental Bank. The exposed group was matched with twenty control males with the same average age and socioeconomic status. Both exposed and control subjects were subjected twice to: [1] A questionnaire including present, past and family history. [2] Complete medical and neurological examination. [3] Biochemical analysis including: a -The level of true and pseudo cholinesterase. b - Liver function tests. c - Complete blood picture. Determination of cholinestrase is done by using a new technique [organophosphate kits] in the field using only a drop of blood from the thumb of the exposed workers. [Non invasive]. The study showed a statistically significant difference between the mean and standard deviation of the baseline values of true cholinesterase, also there is a statistically significant depression in both cholinesterases after exposure. The percentage of decrease of true and pseudo cholinesterase from baseline values were 28.06% and 21.61% respectively. The results of liver function tests showed a statistically nonsignificant decrease in the level of proteins and albumin and a statistically significant increase in the level of SGPT and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. Hematological findings revealed a statistically significant decrease in the level of hemoglobin. Identification of high risks population, determination of cholinesterase baseline for all workers before starting exposure, periodic surveillance at least once each season

Prediction of obesity in pubertal school girls using various anthropometric measurements

The aim of the work was to choose a sensitive indicator to diagnose overweight and obese girls other than the currently used body mass index [BMI]. The study has covered 123 school girls at age range 11-16 years. Anthropometric measurements were done including weight, height, sitting-height and span. Circumferences that included head, chest, mid-upper-arm, thigh, waist and hip were done. Six sites of fat thickness triceps, biceps, subscapluaris, thigh, abdominal and suprailiac were all measured. BMI of all girls ranged between 15.60-44.0. A significant increase in weight, sittingeight, trceps, biceps, subscapulair, thigh, abdominal and suprailiac skinfolds thickness and in head, mid upper arm, chest, waist, thigh and hip circumference with the increase in BMI was show. Stepwise regression analysis was applied to test for the extent of contribution of the variables measured in the study to the level of BMI. The results showed that only mid upper arm circumference, suprailiac skinfold, chst circumference and thigh circumference showed correlation with BML. Logistric regression analysis was accordingly performed to identify ignificant factors for predicting obesity. Of all the measurements entered into the logistic regression model only mid arm-circumference and suprailiac skin fold thickness were selected by the model as the most important factors to predict obesity with sensitivity=85.2% and specificity=87.6%

Lead exposure and the state of serum immunoglobulins in school age children

The present study included 100 children [52 from urban area and 48 from rural area] at age range from 5 to 12 years. Each child was subjected to clinical examination, arthropometric measurements and complete history of life style characteristics as regard to using cosmetics, canned food and pica. Complete blood pictures and blood analysis were done to determine the level of hemoglobin [Hb], free erythrocyte protoporphyrin [FEP] and lead. The mean blood lead level was 12.2 +/- 9.5 mug/dl and the mean FEP level was 32.9 +/- 16.6 mug/dl. There was no significant effect of the life style of the children on level of lead, FEP or Hb. There was no significant difference on the level of lead, FEP and Hb between urban and rural areas. Lead level and FEP were higher in anemic children [25% of children] in relation to non anemic children [75%]. As regard to immunoglobulins level, there was no significant effect of the blood lead, FEP or Hb on the 3 immunoglobulins [IgA, IgG, IgM], this do not deny the impact of lead poisoning on immune state of the children. Many other criteria for immune status might be more sensitive than immunoglobulins level to the presence of lead in blood. This should be considered for future plane for screening of lead exposure

Effect of immunomodulation on experimental trichinosis in mice

Three experimental designs were employed in the present study for evaluation of the immune mechanisms involved in different phases of Trichinella infection in mice, through alteration of the immune status of the host. Immunosuppression by cortisone and chemically induced diabetes led to fulmination of infection manifested as chronicity of intestinal phase and increased muscle parasitism. This suggests that diabetes greatly suppresses cell-mediated immune mechanisms in trichinosis. It also indicates the importance of cell mediated immune responses in control of Trichinella infection. BCG administration before infection led to suppression of the intestinal immune mechanisms, although it led to stimulation of intestinal and systemic defense mechanisms and increased muscle inflammatory response when given 2 and 3 weeks after infection, resulting in reduction of muscle parasitism

Study of human and parasitic factors in relation to bancroftian filariasis in Egypt

The human leucocytic antigen [HLA] and the histochemical reaction of microfilariae were studied by using cytotoxicity test and microfilarial acid phosphatase activity, respectively, to evaluate the role of the genetic factors and the parasitic factor in the pathogenesis of filariasis. A statistical significant association was found between HLA-B7 and the susceptibility for retaining microfilariae in blood and the development of clinical manifestations of filariasis. Histochemical study reported more or less the same results obtained in Egypt