Assessment of chromium toxicity on pregnant mice and their fetal development

Chromium is a naturally occurring element, present in several valence states. Hexavalent chromium compounds [Cr VI] have been known to be more toxic than trivalent [Cr III] compounds. Exposure to chromium could be environmental due to its natural occurrence in rocks and soil as well as due to water, air and soil pollution resulting in high chromium concentrations in plants and food. On the other hand, industrial exposure could also occur as chromium enters into many industries leading to occupational hazards. The aim of the present work was to study the potential developmental toxicity of hexavalent chromium [potassium dichromate] in female mice exposed to chromium during gestation. The study was conducted on one hundred and twenty female mice which were mated with adult males. The day the vaginal plug was seen was considered day 0 of gestation. Mice were divided into four equal groups, each group consisted of thirty mice. Group I[controls], group II [treated with 10 ppm Cr VI], group III [treated with 25 ppm Cr VI], and group IV [treated with 50 ppm Cr VI]. All types of treatment were given via drinking water and started on day 6 through day 15 of gestation [period of organogenesis]. The parameters investigated in this study were maternal and fetal parameters. Maternal parameters included clinical signs of toxicity, food consumption. body weight, as well as absolute and relative organ weights. Fetal parameters included number of implantation sites, number of live and dead fetuses, number of resorptions [early and late], and fetal body weight. Gross external fetal examination, skeletal examination as well as visceral examination were done to detect any fetal malformations. The present study revealed that low concentration [10 ppm] of potassium dichromate [Cr VI] caused few signs of maternal and fetal toxicity while concentrations of 25 ppm and 50 ppm resulted in maternal and fetal toxicity, which was pronounced with the 50 ppm concentration. Maternal toxicity included general signs of toxicity [diminished activity, excessive salivation and hair loss], significant decrease in food consumption, in body weight and in absolute organ weights. Fetal toxicity included significant increase in number of dead fetuses. as well as early and late resorptions; significant decrease in fetal body weight i.e. growth retardation; and significant increase in fetal skeletal malformations in the form of cranial retardation, -absence of sacrum, shortening of long bones and absence of phalanges. No significant gross external fetal or visceral abnormalities were detected in any of the treated groups of mice compared to the control group

Assessment of severity and outcome of head injuries using a new serum marker [S-100 B protein]

Head injury is recognized as a major public health problem that is a frequent cause of death and disability in young people and makes a considerable demands on health services. The aim of the present study was to assess the severity and outcome of patients with head injuries using a new serum marker which is the level of S-100 B protein, in addition to the use of Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], brain computed tomography [CT] findings and the Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]. The study was conducted on fifty patients with head injury [moderate and severe] who were admitted to the Critical Care Medicine Department [CCMD] at Alexandria Main University Hospital [AMUH] during the period from 1[st] March till the end of June 2004. Ten healthy adult individuals of both sexes were chosen and matched with patients of the present study as regards age and sex. They served as a control group when measuring S-100 B protein level. All patients were subjected to complete history taking with emphasis on causes of head injury, and clinical examination especially neurological examination using Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]. Serum level of S-100 B protein was measured within six hours from the onset of head trauma, using ELISA technique. Radiological assessment included X-ray skull and computed tomography [CT] of the brain. The outcome of the patients was determined using the Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]. The present study revealed that the age of patients with head injuries ranged from 15-60 years with a mean age of 33.7+14.2 years. Male to female sex ratio was 5.25: 1. Road traffic accidents [RTAs] constituted the main cause of head injury [74.0%]. More than half the patients [58%] had open head injuries, while 42.0% had closed head injuries. Severe head injury [GCS=3-8] was encountered in 84.0% of patients, while moderate head injury [GCS=9-12] was evident in 16.0%. More than one quarter of the patients [26.0%] had skull fractures. Brain lesions demonstrated by CT scan was found in 86.0% of the patients while normal CT brain was reported in 14.0%. In patients with head injuries, S-100B protein level ranged from 0.7 to 4.5 mirco g/L with a mean level 1.8 +/- 1.5 mirco g/L, which was significantly higher than the mean serum level of the control group [0.1 +/- 0.02 mirco g/L]. A significant rise of serum S-100B protein level was related to severe head injuries assessed by GCS, posttraumatic amnesia [PTA] more than one week, absence of spontaneous ventilation, abnormal brain findings demonstrated by C T scan, and associated injuries especially thoracic trauma. More than half the patients showed poor outcome by GOS [60.0%], while those with good outcome [good recovery. and moderate disability] accounted for 40.0%. Serum S-100B protein level was significantly higher in patients with poor outcome than in those with good outcome using GOS. The study concluded that the admission level of S-100B protein is a useful early predictive marker in determination of the outcome [disability and mortality] after head injury

Histological and histochemical study of the toxic effect of sodium fluoride and the possible protective role of sodium selenite on the convoluted tubules of the renal cortex of albino rats

Sodium fluaride is known as a specific and effective dental caries rohylactic agent and its systemic or local application is widely recommended in the recent years. It is also used as antihelminthic against roundworms, and for treatment of osteoporosis and otosclerosis in conjunction with calcium supplements and vitamin D. Moreover, it is used for water fluoridation, and as a rodenticide, disinfectant and fungicide. In recent years, acute and chronic toxicity of fluoride has been reported. The purpose of the recent study was to shed light on the histological [light and electron microcopic] and histochemical changes that might occur in the proximal and distal convoluted tubules of the renal cortex of albino rats following acute and chronic sodium fluoride [NaF] toxicity and to investigate the possible protective effect of sodium selenite [Na[2]SeO[3] administration on such toxicity. The present study was carried out on 80 adult male albino rats. They were divided into two main groups: acute NaF toxicity group and chronic NaF toxicity group, each of them included forty rats and was divided equally into four groups which were control group, NaF group, Na[2]SeO[3] group, and NaF and Na[2]SeO[3] group. In the acute toxicity group, NaF group received a single oral dose or NaF [135mg/kg body weight], Na[2]SeO[3] group received a single oral dose of Na[2]SeO[3] [0.35mg/kg body weight/day], while NaF and Na[2]SeO[3] group received a single oral dose of NaF [135mg/kg body weight] simultaneously with a single oral dose of Na[2]SeO[3] [0.35 mg/kg body weigh/day]. On he other hand, in chronic toxicity group, NaF group received NaF orally in a dose of 6mg/kg body weight/day, Na[2]SeO[3] group received Na+2+Se[SeO[3] orally in a dose of 0.35 mg/kg body weight/day, while NaF and Na+2+SeO[3] group received a daily oral dose of NaF [6mg/kg body weight/day] simultaneously with a daily oral dose of Na[2]SeO[3]]0.35mg/kg body weight/day] for three months. All rats were sacrificed 24 hours after their last dosing by decapitation after ether anesthesia Fresh specimens were taken from the renal cortex of each rat and prepared for the histological study [light microscopic examination using haematoxylin and eosin stain, and electron microscopic examination using the transmission electron microscope], and histochemical study [Periodic Acid-Schiff reaction]. The results of the present study revealed that there were marked histological and histochemical changes in the convoluted renal tubules following acute and chronic NaF toxicity. Moreover, sodium selenite was found to be a safe anti-oxidant, when used in appropriate dose, which could offer protection for the renal tissue in chronic NaF toxicity. Hence, it is recommended as a prophylactic agent given to workers highly exposed to sodium fluoride in their work place

Neurotoxicological effects of Methyl Mercury on developing cerebellum of albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study

Mercury exists in the environment in three major forms: organic, inorganic and elemental. Organic methyl mercury is the most widely distributed and toxic form of mercury. It is used extensively in agriculture and industry. It is also bioaccumulated in sea food and fresh water fish. The central nervous system is a critical organ for mercury exposure. The aim of the present work was to study the possible neurotoxicological effects of low- level exposure to methyl mercury on the developing cerebellum of albino rats during the pre- and early postnatal periods. The study was carried out on twenty pregnant female albino rats. Ten pregnant rats constituted the control group. The remaining ten pregnant rats were given methyl mercury orally in a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight daily during late gestational period starting from day 12 and continued for 21 days after birth i.e. until weaning. Control rats were given an equivalent volume [2 ml] of physiological saline orally by gastric gavage for the same experimental duration. Control and methyl mercury-exposed rat pups were sacrificed following weaning [21 postnatal days] by decapitation after ether anesthesia. The cerebellum of each rat pup was prepared for histological study [light microscopic examination using haematoxylin and eosin stain, and electron microscopic examination using the transmission electron microscope], and immunohistochemical study using antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]. The present study revealed that there were marked histological and immunohistochemical changes in the neurons and neuroglial cells of the cerebellum of rat pups following exposure of their mothers to low-level of methyl mercury. It was concluded that methyl mercury is a potent neurotoxic substance causing severe damaging changes in the developing cerebellum

Determination of sex from some pelvic measurements among Egyptians: a radiological study

The identity of the dead is an essential part of post-mortem examination. The establishment of the identity may be required upon mutilated and dismembered corpses and identification of sex in such medicolegal situations is frequently confronted with. The most useful bones for sex determination are pelvis and skull. In the pelvis, variables such as the subpubic angle [SPA], bicristal diameter [BCD], transverse diameter of the inlet [TDI], bituberal diameter [BTD], and Ischio-pubic Index [IPI] have been measured independently for sex verification. Little information is available on the concurrent measurement of these variables on the same pelvis for sex determination. The aim of the present study was to develop a method for determination of sex from pelvis among Egyptians using some radiological pelvic measurements. The study was carried out on one hundred plain X-ray of the pelvis [anteroposterior view] of healthy adults of both sexes [70 males and 30 females], aged from 25 to 65 years. These radiographs were done in the outpatient clinic of Diagnostic Radiology department at Alexandria Faculty of Medicine. The following measurements were used: subpubic angle [SPA], bicristal diameter [BCD], transverse diameter of the inlet [TDI], bituberal diameter [BTD], pubic length [PL], ischial length [IL], and ischio-pubic index [IPI]. Regression equation was developed using combination of these measurements for prediction of sex from the radiographs of the pelvis. The regression equation was then applied to a test sample [20 radiographs of pelvis] to establish the degree of accuracy in assigning sex. Based on age, cases of each sex were divided into two groups which were a young age group [25-45 years] and an old age group [45-65 years], and the same measurements were done and compared. The present study revealed that the mean values of all measurements except IL for females were significantly greater than that for males. These differences were statistically significant except in case of BCD. The SPA and BTD showed the most sexual dimorphism whereas the BCD showed the least according to the discriminating index. The overall percentage of accuracy of correct sex determination calculated from the developed equation was 97.0% whereas it was 98.57% in males and 93.33% in females. On application of the developed regression equation for the pelvis on the tested sample radiographs [n=20] blindly, the overall accuracy of correct sex determination was 98.0%. There was no significant difference between the young and old age groups of males as regards all measurements except with SPA and BCD. On the other hand, there was a significant difference between the young and old age groups of females as regards all measurements. It is concluded that the developed method for sex determination using radiographs of the pelvis is simple, reliable, applicable, and with a high degree of accuracy

Methanol poisoning: clinical manifestations, investigations, formic acid level, management, and outcome

The present work was carried out to study patients with acute methanol poisoning as regards severity of clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations, formic acid level and management and to correlate these with the outcome. The study included twenty patients diagnosed as acute methanol poisoning following consumption of wine. They were admitted to Alexandria Poison Center [APC] and critical care medicine department at Alexandria Main University Hospital during four months period [February-May] in the year 2001. Patients were interviewed and clinically examined. Blood samples were collected immediately after admission for estimation of serum formate, blood gases and acid-base status. Also, brain computed tomography scanning [CT] was done. The results revealed that acute methanol poisoning is more common in young age group from 15-35 years [70.0%]. The longer the latent period i.e. the time lapsed since intake of methyl alcohol and appearance of symptoms, the lowest were the pH and bicarbonate levels, the highest was serum formate level and the worst was the CT and outcome

Evaluation of lithium genotoxicity

This study was conducted on twenty patients having manic-depressive psychosis and treated by lithium for a period from 1-5 years. Determination of serum lithium level was done to all patients [n=20] using flame photometer. Heparinized venous blood [5ml] was withdrawn from every patient. The following genotoxic assays were performed; assay of sister chromatid exchanges [SCEs] frequencies in cultured human leucocytes and in vivo -in vitro analysis of human karyotype. The genotoxic assays performed on mice included micronucleus test [MNT] and analysis of chromosomal aberrations in mice bone-marrow cells. The present study showed that serum lithium level ranged from 0.37 to 1.07 mEq/L with a mean of 0.77 +/- 0.18 mEq/L. The study revealed a statistically insignificant increase in the frequencies of SCEs in cultured human leucocytes, while a significant in crease of structural chromosomal aberrations was observed in the form of sticky chromosomes, eroded chromosomes, acentric and deletions. In mice, lithium carbonate has a weak clastogenic effect upon mice chromosomes when used in a therapeutic dose, but it has a definite clastogenic effect when administered in a dose more than the therapeutic dose as demonstrated by the significant increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and structural chromosomal aberrations. The present study proved the clastogenic potentiality of lithium carbonate

Evaluation of different methods for identification of seminal stains

Identification of seminal stains is critical in the evaluation of sexual assault victims, as it is the most important evidence in sexual crimes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate zinc [Zn], acid phosphatase [AP] and seminal vesicle specific antigen [SVSA] as marker in identification of seminal stains. The study was carried out on 60 seminal stains samples taken from normo and azoospermic men. Zn and AP were detected by spot tests and SVSA was tested by ELISA technique. The tests were repeated on the stains at different storage periods up to 2 years at room temperature. Postcoital vaginal swabs and stains at different body fluids [urine, serum, saliva] were also included in the study. The study revealed that Zn and SVSA were more specific semen markers than AP, yet Zn was more stable in the stains as it detected seminal stain samples stored up to 2 years and semen in vaginal swabs up to 5 days postcoital. All the studied semen markers were able to detect normo and azoospermic semen with no significant difference

Is it antemortem or postmortem blood?

Bloodstains examination is required in many fields in medicolegal practice. This study was carried out to discriminate between antemortem [AM] andpostmortem [PM] bloodstains. The method used depended on the determination ofthe level of human myoglobin [by radioimmunoassay] as well as the levels ofadenosine triphosphate [ATP], xanthine and uracil [by HPLC] in thebloodstains. The study revealed a highly statistically significant elevationof myoglobin levels in PM than AM bloodstains. ATP was found in highconcentrations in all AM bloodstain samples and could not be detected in anyof the PM bloodstain ones. On the other hand, xanthine and uracil werepresent in considerable concentrations in all the PM bloodstain samples andwere not detected in any of the AM bloodstain ones. These results wereindependent of the age of the stain, the postmortem interval and the cause ofdeath. It was suggested that the determination of the above-mentionedparameters could help in the discrimination between antemortem and postmortembloodstains in medicolegal practice

Determination of sex and individualization of human hair by PCR

Hair evidence is among the most common types of physical evidence and may be found in a wide variety of cases. Hairs may be of particular interest in cases knows to involve personal contract, such as sexual assault, pedestrian motor vehicle accidents, and homicides. In addition, hair may also be an important piece of associative evidence to prove or disprove an event. The most common request that is made the laboratory when hair is used as forensic evidence is to determine whether or not hair recovered at the crime scene compares to hair removed from a suspect. In most cases, such a comparison relates to hair obtained from the scalp or public area. Ultimately, the evidential value of the comparison will depend on the degree of probability with which the examiner can associate the questioned hair to a particular individual The aim of the present study is to indentify individuals through their DNA makeup extracted from their hair, through the utilization of the polymerase chain reaction [PCR] to amplify the small amount of DNA found in the human hair root or in follicular tissue adhering to a pulled hair. The study was conducted on 60 randomly selected healthy adult males and females. Freshly plucked hair and blood samples were obtained from the subjects For the DNA extracted from hair quantitation was performed using the QuantiBlot Human DNA Quantitaiton kit. DNA extracted from root samples only was subjected to sex detrmination using GernePRINTrm. Sex Identification System- Amelogenin. Amplification for the DQA1 and PM loci was done using the Amplitype combiendf DQAl and PM PCR amplification and typing kit. The AmpliFLP DIS80 PCR Amplification kit was used for the amplification and analkysis of alleles at the DIS80 locus

study of the genotoxic effects of some drugs of abuse

The study was carried out to investigate the potential mutagenicity of somecommon drugs of abuse [opiates, alcohols, benzodiazepines and cannabis] inaddicts. Forty male addicts were included in the study. The frequency ofSister Chromatid Exchanges [SCEs] and structural chromosomal aberrations wereused as genetic bioassays in this work. The study revealed that the threequarters of the addicts [75.0%] were in age group 20-40 years. Astatistically significant increase in the frequencies of SCEs and structuralchromosomal aberrations were observed in addicts of opiates, alcohols andbenzodiazepines than the controls, while no such significant increase wasobserved in cannabis users. The study proved the mutagenic potentially ofopiates, alcohol and benzodiazepines, while no definite prove was drawn asregard the effect of cannabis