Lupeol, a triterpene, prevents free radical mediated macromolecular damage and alleviates benzoyl peroxide induced biochemical alterations in murine skin.

In our earlier communication we have shown that Lupeol inhibits early responses of tumour induction in murine skin. The free radical mediated damage to the cellular macromolecules such as DNA, proteins, lipids and alteration in the activities of quinone reductase and xanthine oxidase are important biochemical parameters of tumor development. The suppression of free radical mediated damage to cellular macromolecules and induction of quinone reductase along with depletion of xanthine oxidase are prominent characteristics of chemopreventive agents. In the present investigation, we have elucidated the mechanism of action of lupeol (Lup-20 (29)-en-3beta-ol), a triterpene found in moderate amount in many vegetables, fruits and anti-tumor herbs. In the present investigation, lupeol significantly reduced the free radical mediated DNA-sugar damage and microsomal lipid peroxidation in an iron/ascorbate free radical generating system in vitro. Benzoyl peroxide, a known free radical generating tumor promoter mediated oxidation of proteins and modulation in the activities of quinone reductase as well as xanthine oxidase was significantly prevented by lupeol when tested on murine skin in vivo. It was concluded from this study that lupeol acts as an effective chemopreventive agent against cutaneous toxicity.

Riscos químicos e toxicológicos de algumas substâncias utilizadas em laboratórios / Chemical and toxicological risks of some substances used in the laboratory

A segurança em laboratório se fundamenta no conhecimento das caracteristícas físico-químicas, na toxicocinética e/ou principais açöes e efeitos tóxicos das substâncias mais comumente utilizadas, como diversos solventes orgânicos, o ácido sulfúrico, a amônia e o hidróxido de sódio. É importante também, conhecer-se quais säo os riscos e os cuidados que se deve tomar no armazenamento e manuseio destes materiais e as medidas de primeiros socorros nos casos de exposiçäo excessiva.

Bile acid and cholinesterase activity as an early liver function tests for detection of organic solvent hepatotoxicity

Forty-six workers exposed to different types of organic solvents and fourteen workers far from exposure were included in this study. The exposed workers were classified into 3 groups according to the nature of the work and the type of solvent; group A [acetone, n-hexane-exposed workers], group B [toluene, xylene-exposed workers] and group C [trichloroethylene, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol exposed workers]. Routine liver function tests appear normal. Serum bile acid and serum cholinesteracse were estimated in all workers. The results showed a significant increase in serum bile acid in all exposed groups compared with the non-exposed group. Serum cholinesterase activity was significantly lower in the exposed groups than the non-exposed group. From these results we can conclude that, serum bile acid and serum cholinesterase represent an early and sensitive tests for detection of organic solvent hepatotoxicity

Acute toxicity of some organic solvents in albino rats

In a trial to verify the cause of Volatile Solvent Abuse [VSA] the acute toxicity of some commonly abused organic solvents were studied in albino rats exposed to the LD 50 of either acetone, toluene or xylene. Blood lipids and histopathological changes were studied in both dead and lwing animals. Electro-Cardiographic tracing was done to the control and survived intoxicated rats. The results obtained suggested profound hyperlipemia, structural damage and myocardial disturbances. Strict legislative measures are recommended