Hemolysis of human blood cells induced by gasohol in vitro model: the preliminary study.

Background: Ethanol has been shown to inhibit spontaneous cell-mediated cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. A mixture of ethanol in biofuel may show interaction with respect to spontaneous and cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Methods: The cytotoxicity on Human Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and White Blood Cells (WBCs) was studied in vitro model of 4 types of biofuels (gasohol) (octane 91, octane 95, E 20, and E 80) in serial dilutions. The lysis and abnormal morphology of cells were analyzed by colorimetric and microscopic methods. Results: Quantitative hemolysis of RBCs was increased with rising ethanol concentration as well as abnormal morphology of RBCs like spherocyte. Moreover, ethanol might effect to lysis and morphology of WBCs. Conclusion: It is suggested that the gasohol-induced cytotoxicity may be related to concentration of ethanol in gasohol. However, it is possible to future study on mechanism of action leading to cell lysis and kinetic of morphological change in RBCs and WBCs.

The effect of green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) venom on platelet morphology by electron microscopy.

The incidence of venomous snake bites increases every year in Thailand, especially due to green pit viper. After the bite, there is bleeding due to thrombin-like property of the venom. The mean platelet volume has been reported to be decreased in those who have been bitten by this snake. In this study we investigate the effect of green pit viper venom (Trimeresurus albolabris) on platelet volume (MPV), number and morphology of platelets in vitro. The test was carried out by washing platelets in phosphate buffer at pH 7.2 to remove fibrinogen, then the washed platelets were mixed with green pit viper venom. Platelet morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM).The morphology of platelets was smaller than normal which ranges from 1.1- 1.2 microm. Green pit viper venom can directly effect platelet morphology, decreasing platelet volume.

Detection of Cryptococcus neoformans in bird excreta.

We evaluated 14 samples of bird excreta from pigeons, parrots, open billed storks and crows obtained from thirteen places in Bangkok and nearby areas between April and July 2004. These bird excreta were examined for Cryptococcus neoformans by direct plating method to inspect their ability to grow at 37 degrees C. Capsule production was examined by Indian ink preparation. They were also tested for urease and phenoloxidase enzymes. Cryptococcus neoformans var neoformans was recovered from pigeon excreta in 9.09%. This implies those having impaired immunity may get this fungus from the environment.

Preliminary study of the effect of vitamin E supplementation on the antioxidant status of hemoglobin-E carriers.

The antioxidant status of hemoglobin-E carriers was studied pre- and post-treatment with vitamin E for 3 months. Fourteen hemoglobin-E carriers (age = 21.36 +/- 1.08 years, BMI = 18.32 +/- 1.22 kg/m2) were treated with vitamin E 200 I.U. daily for 3 months. Fasting blood samples were collected and analyzed for erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, total antioxidant activity, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, MCV, Heinz body formation and osmotic fragility test. The blood parameters before and after vitamin E treatment were compared. The results showed that superoxide dismutase activity in the erythrocytes was significantly decreased, while total antioxidant activity in plasma, and the osmotic fragility of the erythrocytes, was significantly increased after vitamin E supplementation. However, hematocrit, MCV, and Heinz body formation did not change significantly. This demonstrated that vitamin E 200 IU could be used as a lipophilic antioxidant in red blood cells and could help increase the level of antioxidant in hemoglobin-E carriers.

Antioxidant in plasma of hemoglobin-E trait.

A study of antioxidant levels among Thai subjects with a hemoglobin E trait was undertaken. The objective of this study was to determine whether the antioxidant level would be disturbed in the HbE condition. All 185 volunteer subjects, 171 normal healthy subjects and 14 HbE carriers were recruited. For each case, an antioxidant determination was performed using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) method. According to this study, the average antioxidant level in the healthy group was 3.439 +/- 0.220 mM Trolox equivalent, and in HbE trait group was 3.276 +/- 0.209 mM Trolox equivalent. There was a significant decrease of the antioxidant level in the HbE trait group (p = 0.008).

Inhibition of Heinz body induction in an in vitro model and total antioxidant activity of medicinal Thai plants.

Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and known to possess antioxidant properties that may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. We screen aqueous extracts from 20 medicinal plants in Thailand that were believed to possess anti-tumor activity, help immune-stimulating property and maintain blood stasis. The antioxidant activities were investigated in two bioassays. Firstly, we demonstrated inhibition of Heinz bodies induction caused by oxidants under in vitro condition. The percentages of Heinz body inhibition activity in plant extracts from Terminalia citrina, Cassia timoriensis, and Derris elliptica were the highest followed by Anamirta cocculus, and Oroxylum indicum respectively. In addition, we investigated total antioxidant activity in plant extracts by improved ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. The total antioxidant activity of the extract from Terminalia citrina was also the highest activity followed by Ficus pubigera, Derris elliptica, Anamirta cocculus, Caesalpinia sappan, and Oroxylum indicum respectively. Our results suggest medicinal Thai plants as valuable sources of antioxidants, which may have a potential anti-carcinogenic activity.