Un plaguicida en el franquismo: comunicación de riesgos tóxicos en España, 1945-1975 / A pesticide in Franco's regime: communicating toxic risks in Spain, 1945-1975

Resumen En este trabajo se analizan las representaciones de los riesgos tóxicos del hexaclorociclohexano, un ingrediente activo de plaguicidas de uso común en los campos españoles durante el franquismo. Se hace énfasis en las prácticas que visibilizaron e invisibilizaron dichos riesgos en España entre 1945 y 1975, buscando establecer los actores que las fomentaron y los medios que emplearon. Desde la perspectiva de la agnotología, se analizan los procesos de creación de ignorancia e incertidumbre relacionadas con este compuesto. Asimismo, se examinan las estrategias retóricas utilizadas para abordarlos. Para ello se utilizan tres fuentes primarias principales: la revista de agronomía dirigida a expertos Boletín de patología vegetal y entomología agrícola, la revista dirigida a agricultores Agricultura y el periódico ABC.

Abstract This work analyzes the representations of the toxic risks of hexachlorocyclohexane, an active ingredient of many pesticides commonly used in Spanish fields during Franco's regime. Emphasis is placed on the practices that visibilized and invisibilized these risks, seeking to establish the actors that promoted them and the mechanisms they used. From the perspective of agnotology, I analyze the generation of ignorance and uncertainty related to this compound. Likewise, I examine the most prevalent rhetorical strategies used in print sources. To do so, I consulted three main primary sources: Boletín de patología vegetal y entomología agrícola, an agronomy journal for experts; Agricultura, a magazine for farmers, and ABC, a newspaper.

Effective Diagnosis and Treatment of Scabies in Cases from 3 Generations Using Dermoscopy-oriented Skin Scraping with Microscopic Examination / 대한피부과학회지

Scabies is caused by a mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, an obligate human parasite that burrows downwards into the epidermis. Scabies may be transmitted from objects, but it is most often transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, with a higher risk from prolonged contact. Treatment must involve the entire household or community to prevent reinfection. In Korea, the incidence of scabies has decreased dramatically since the late 1980s, but recent outbreaks in nursing homes and hospitals have been raising public health concerns. Herein, we describe 5 cases of scabies that occurred in 3 generations of a family and were confirmed by dermoscopy-oriented skin scraping with microscopic examination.

To study the oxidative stress induced by lindane in epileptic rats brains and their modulation by neurosteroids.

Background: Lindane is pesticide has been shown to affect the nervous system adversely. Previous work has shown that lindane is proconvulsant and neurosteroids (NS) has been shown to be neuroprotective against lindane-induced convulsions. As the mechanisms of lindane in epileptogenesis is not completely understood. The present study was designed to investigate the oxidative stress parameters of lindane toxicity in epileptogenesis and their modulation by NS like allopregnanolone (AP), and 4ʹ-chlorodiazepam (4ʹ-CD) in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling methods. Methods: Kindling was induced by injecting PTZ (30 mg/kg; s.c.) on alternate days i.e., 3 times in a week. Lindane was also administered (15 mg/kg p.o) on alternate days for 6 weeks. AP (2.5 mg/kg, intaperitoneal [i.p.]) and 4ʹ-CD (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) single dose was given in kindled rats before lindane. Results: Following per oral administration of lindane for 6 weeks produced signifi cant oxidative stress in epileptic brain. There was an increase in brain malondialdehyde (MDA) level and decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. AP (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and 4ʹ-CD (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) single dose administration were not able to reverse the effect of chronic exposure of lindane. Conclusion: The result of the present study provides evidence that oxidative stress produced in the brain after chronic exposure of lindane may be the mechanism of epileptogenesis. Though NS have been shown to be neuroprotective, but they failed to reverse chronic oxidative stress produced by lindane. Further studies are required to demonstrate interaction of NS with lindane in oxidative stress.

Effect of some plant growth regulators on lindane and alpha-endosulfan toxicity to Brassica chinensis.

The effect of indolebutyric acid (IBA) and gibberellic acid (GA3), to alleviate the organochlorine phytotoxicity were studied in Brassica chinensis. Presence of organochlorine decreased Brassica chinensis seedlings growth in contaminated alkaline soil. One mg l-1 IBA could enhance 14 and 26% shoot and root length of B. chinensis seedlings grown at 40 mg kg-1 lindane contaminated soil, respectively. Ten mg l-1 IBA also increased 80 and 40% root fresh weight of seedling grown in 40 mg kg-1 lindane and alpha-endosulfan contaminated soils, respectively. However, IBA had no effect on shoot and root length of seedlings grown in endosulfan contaminated soil. On the other hand, 10 mg l-1 GA3 only increased 80% of shoot and root fresh weigh of B. chinensis in 40 mg kg-1 endosulfan contaminated soil. External auxin addition could increase B. chinensis growth in lindane more than endosulfan contaminated soil. External gibberellin was less effective than external auxin to increase B. chinensis growth in organochlorine contaminated soil. There is possibility that auxin could decrease organochlorine phytotoxicity in plants and hence can be useful for organochlorine phytoremediation.

Effect of quercetin against lindane induced alterations in the serum and hepatic tissue lipids in wistar rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effect of quercetin (flavonoid) against lindane induced alterations in lipid profile of wistar rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were administered orally with lindane (100 mg/kg body weight) and quercetin (10 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. After the end of treatment period lipid profile was estimated in serum and tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) and tissue triglycerides, cholesterol with concomitant decrease in serum HDL and tissue phospholipids were decreased in lindane treated rats were found to be significantly decreased in the quercetin and lindane co-treated rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our study suggests that quercetin has hypolipidemic effect and offers protection against lindane induced toxicity in liver by restoring the altered levels of lipids. The quercetin cotreatment along with lindane for 30 days reversed these biochemical alterations in lipids induced by lindane.</p>

Effect of quercetin against lindane induced alterations in the serum and hepatic tissue lipids in wistar rats

Objective: To assess the effect of quercetin (flavonoid) against lindane induced alterations in lipid profile of wistar rats. Methods: Rats were administered orally with lindane (100 mg/kg body weight) and quercetin (10 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. After the end of treatment period lipid profile was estimated in serum and tissue. Results: Elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) and tissue triglycerides, cholesterol with concomitant decrease in serum HDL and tissue phospholipids were decreased in lindane treated rats were found to be significantly decreased in the quercetin and lindane co-treated rats. Conclusions: Our study suggests that quercetin has hypolipidemic effect and offers protection against lindane induced toxicity in liver by restoring the altered levels of lipids. The quercetin cotreatment along with lindane for 30 days reversed these biochemical alterations in lipids induced by lindane.

Lindane-induced biochemical perturbations in rat serum and attenuation by omega-3 and Nigella sativa seed oil.

Lindane (-hexachlorocyclohexane, -HCH), a highly persistent organochlorine insecticide is neurotoxic at acute doses and has been reported to induce oxidative stress in cells and tissues. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa seed oil (N.O) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (3) against -HCH-induced oxidative hepatic and renal damage in male rats serum. Rats were orally given sublethal dose of -HCH (12 mg/kg, 24 h prior to decapitation), while N.O (0.3 ml/kg) and 3 (20 mg/kg) were given every 48 h for 20 days single or together, or also combined with -HCH. -HCH caused a significant increase in the levels of serum total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides by 49, 61 and 30% respectively, while HDL-cholesterol decreased by 45% compared to control group. Pretreatment with 3 and N.O prior -HCH administration re-established the altered biochemical features and alleviated the harmful effects of g-HCH on lipid profile. The concentration of serum total protein and albumin was significantly decreased by 35 and 45% respectively in rats treated with -HCH compared to control. -HCH also caused hepatic and renal damage, as observed from the elevated serum levels of urea, creatinine, total bilirubin and uric acid contents and aminotransferases (AST and ALT), phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Co-administration of 3 and N.O reversed the hazardous effects induced by -HCH on the liver and kidney and also protected acetylcholinesterase from the inhibitory action of -HCH as well as suppressed the lipid peroxidation. Thus, the results show that 3 and N.O might prevent oxidative stress and attenuate the changes in the biochemical parameters induced by -HCH in male rats.

Alleviation of lindane induced toxicity in testis of Swiss mice (Mus musculus) by combined treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E and a- lipoic acid.

Mitigation of lindane induced toxicity in testis of Swiss mice by combined treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E and -lipoic acid has been evaluated. Male healthy mice (40), 8-10 weeks old were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups, control (C); lindane (L); antioxidant (A) and antioxidant plus lindane (A+L). Group C animals were administered only the vehicle (olive oil); in group L lindane was administered orally at a dose of 40 mg/kg body wt.; in group A combination of antioxidants at a dose of 125 mg/kg body wt.(vitamin C: 50 mg/kg body wt., vitamin E: 50 mg/kg body wt. and α-lipoic acid: 25 mg/kg body wt.) was administered orally; in group A+L both antioxidants (125 mg/kg body wt.) and lindane (40 mg/kg body wt.) were administered at their respective doses. In group A+L antioxidants were administered 1 h prior to lindane administration. All treatments were continuously given for 60 days. Histopathological changes due to lindane intoxication indicated shrunken and distorted seminiferous tubules, sparse Leydig cells and blood vessels and atrophy in the tissue. The testis weight also decreased significantly. Lindane treated group showed increased lipid peroxidation, whereas glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and protein were significantly decreased compared to control. Lindane induced damage was minimized by administration of antioxidants. Results suggest that combined pretreatment with antioxidants can alleviate the damage caused to testis by lindane.

Reemerging skin disease caused by arthropods I: scabies

Scabies is one of the most common world-wide arthropod-born diseases in both humans and animals caused by the "itch" mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The incidence of scabies has shown a tendency to increase for the last several years in Korea. The previous peak incidence in Korea was between the early 1970s and early 1980s. A substantial part of the cyclic resurgence of scabies has been considered the result of inexperience and indifference of medical doctors toward the disease. The recent resurgence is presumed to be derived from not only indifference of the doctors but also an increase in elderly patients admitted to nursing homes and eldercare hospitals. Scraping using mineral oil for scabies patients is a very simple and effective method for definite diagnosis. A new diagnostic method using a dermoscope is also effective, especially for very young patients. Lindane and crotamiton are two available antiscabietic preparations in Korea. Crotamiton is less effective, while infants and pregnant women should not use lindane. In conclusion, medical personnel should be alert coping with the resurgence of scabies, and it is strongly suggested that other antiscabietic drugs such as permethrin, ivermectin, etc. should be made available for resistant patients in the near future in the Republic of Korea.

Ameliorative effect of a combination of vitamin E, vitamin C, α- lipoic acid and stilbene resveratrol on lindane induced toxicity in mice olfactory lobe and cerebrum.

Acute dose of lindane (40 mg/kg body weight, ip) caused significant reduction in butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity both in olfactory lobe and cerebrum of mice along with reduction in catalase (CAT), total protein and elevation in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cholesterol contents. Pretreatment by a combination of antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, α- lipoic acid and stilbene resveratrol (125 mg/kg body weight, ip) significantly augment the altered level of BChE and protect the other parameters in both the brain regions. The results were adequately in agreement with the histochemical findings, suggesting the neuroprotective efficacy of combination of antioxidants studied on the lindane induced neurotoxicity.

Scabies in a 2-month-old Infant Successfully Treated with Lindane

Diagnosis of scabies in young children can be challenging since the morphology and distribution of skin lesions may differ from adults. Therefore, clinicians should keep scabies in mind in their differential diagnosis in a child who presents with severe pruritic, polymorphic skin lesions. Regarding the treatment of scabies, the reported clinical experience with gamma benzene hexachloride (lindane) in young children is quite limited because of its neurotoxicity. However, a recent review suggests that lindane is an excellent alternative drug with minimal risk. We report the case of a 2-month-old male infant with pruritic, erythematous macules, papules, nodules, vesicles, and pustules from the top of the head to the tip of the toes. Initially, he was thought to have impetigo and antibiotics were prescribed. After obtaining a careful history and with the use of skin scraping, he was diagnosed with scabies. He was successfully treated with lindane with no adverse reactions.

The Effect of Treating Head Lice on Residual Lindane Concentrations in Children / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Organochloride pesticides are prohibited around the world due to their toxicity and environmental persistence. However, lindane, one organochloride pesticide, is still widely used to treat head lice and scabies in Korea. OBJECTIVE: For evaluation of the effect of lindane usage and blood lindane concentration, we conduct an evaluation of blood lindane concentrations among children who were treated for head lice. METHODS: The total study population of 80 was divided into rural and urban areas. Age, sex, parent's farming, sea food consumption and head lice treatment information were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Blood lindane concentrations were analyzed by a solid phase extraction(SPE) method. Quantitative analysis was done by GC/ECD. Non-parametric analysis was done for comparing blood lindane concentrations between the head lice treated group and the non treatment group. After a log transformation, regression analysis was done for controlling confounding variables. RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 11. The study population involved 38 (47.5%) male and 42 (52.5%) female children. Twenty (25.6%) children were infested by head lice. The blood concentration of lindane was higher in the head licetreatment group [N.D (N.D-78.9)] than in the non-treated group [N.D (N.D-43.4), P < 0.01]. The results were the same after regression analysis controlling for confounding variables. CONCLUSION: Lindane has toxicity to the endocrine system and nervous system and persists in the environment and in the human body. Therefore, careful usage of lindane shampoo is needed to treat head lice.

The Effect of Treating Head Lice on Residual Lindane Concentrations in Children / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Organochloride pesticides are prohibited around the world due to their toxicity and environmental persistence. However, lindane, one organochloride pesticide, is still widely used to treat head lice and scabies in Korea. OBJECTIVE: For evaluation of the effect of lindane usage and blood lindane concentration, we conduct an evaluation of blood lindane concentrations among children who were treated for head lice. METHODS: The total study population of 80 was divided into rural and urban areas. Age, sex, parent's farming, sea food consumption and head lice treatment information were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Blood lindane concentrations were analyzed by a solid phase extraction(SPE) method. Quantitative analysis was done by GC/ECD. Non-parametric analysis was done for comparing blood lindane concentrations between the head lice treated group and the non treatment group. After a log transformation, regression analysis was done for controlling confounding variables. RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 11. The study population involved 38 (47.5%) male and 42 (52.5%) female children. Twenty (25.6%) children were infested by head lice. The blood concentration of lindane was higher in the head licetreatment group [N.D (N.D-78.9)] than in the non-treated group [N.D (N.D-43.4), P < 0.01]. The results were the same after regression analysis controlling for confounding variables. CONCLUSION: Lindane has toxicity to the endocrine system and nervous system and persists in the environment and in the human body. Therefore, careful usage of lindane shampoo is needed to treat head lice.

Determinaçäo do teor do princípio ativo e avaliaçäo da inocuidade dérmica e ocular de produtos para o tratamento de ectoparasitoses contendo lindano / Quantitative determination of active principle and evaluation of the dermal and ocular safety to treatment of ectoparasitosis products containing lindane

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o teor do princípio ativo e avaliar a inocuidade dérmica e ocular em amostras de produtos contendo 1 por cento de lindano (m/m), que säo utilizados para o tratamento de ectoparasitoses: pediculoses e escabioses. Foram analisadas 06 (seis) amostras de produtos: um xampu, um creme, dois sabonetes e duas loçöes, de diferentes marcas. O teor de lindano das amostras foi realizado de acordo com a Farmacopéia Americana, 1995. Os testes de irritaçäo dérmica e ocular foram realizados de acordo com o método de Draize modificado nas amostra e nas soluçöes alcoólicas de lindano em diferentes concentraçöes. Foi efetuado também o teste nas amostras conforme o modo de uso, isto é, de acordo com as instruçöes fornecidas pelos fabricantes dos produtos analisados. Os resultados obtidos referentes ao teror de lindano mostraram que as amostras analisadas estavam de acordo com o ter especificado no rótulo. Os resutados dos exames toxicológicos das amostras demonstraram que os produtos aplicados de acordo com o modo de uso näo evidenciaram danos à pele dos animais testados. Porém, quando submetidos ao teste de irritaçäo dérmica cumulativa, isto é, através de repetidas aplicaçöes do produto, apresentaram irritaçäo, mostrando que o produto utilizado de forma näo correta poderá acarretar lesäo à pele e consequentemente comprometer a saúde do consumidor devido à toxicidade do lindano. (AU)

The aim of this study was the quantification of the drug as well as dermal and ocularsafety evaluation in samples containing 1% lindane (w/w), that are used in the treatment of ectoparasitosis:pediculosis and scabies. Six samples were analyzed: a shampoo, a cream, two bars of toilet soap andtwo lotions of different brands. The quantification method was described in the United StatesPharmacopeia, 1995. Tests of dermal and ocular irritation using the method of Draize with modificationwere done in samples and lindane alcoholic solutions in different concentrations. In samples, also thetest was done according to the manufacturer's directions for use and composition. The results of thelindane antification showed that the analyzed samples were in accordance with the label. The resultsof the toxicological tests showed that, when applied according to manufacturer's directions, the productsusing did not damage the skin or the eyes of the animal. However, when the samples were submitted tothe cumulative dermal test, implying repeated application of the product, they showed dermal irritation.So the incorrect use was proved to cause skin damage and compromise the customers's health due to thelindane toxicity. (AU)