Are there any effects of chronic carbon monoxide exposure on argyrophilic nucleolar-organizing region-associated protein synthesis in rat myocardium?

The aims of the study are to detect whether there are any possible effects of chronic carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on the argyrophilic nucleolar-organizing region (AgNOR)-associated protein synthesis and evaluate any possible relationship between the amount of AgNOR protein and the level of myocardial injury also and between AgNOR and histopathological evaluation methods. Adult male albino Wistar rats (n = 18) were randomly divided into three groups (groups A, B, and C). Group A served as control, while groups B and C were rats exposed to CO gas chronically (1000 and 3000 ppm CO concentration with a flow rate of 4 L/min for 30 min/day for 7 days, respectively). Total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) and the mean AgNOR numbers for each myocyte nucleus were determined. There were significant differences among all groups for TAA/NA ratio. These differences were not significant for mean AgNOR numbers. According to the histopathological evaluation scores, there were significant differences between the groups. The differences were significant among the groups for loss of sarcomere pattern. A strong positive correlation between histopathological injury scores and TAA/NA ratio was found (Rsq = 0.48; p = 0.002), however, the correlation was not significant for mean AgNOR numbers (Rsq = 0.08; p = 0.25). In conclusion, TAA/NA ratio can be used as an indicator for obtaining information about the level of myocardial damage instead of histopathological evaluation scores.

Is one-time carbon monoxide intoxication harmless? Evaluation by argyrophilic nucleolar-organizing regions staining method.

In carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, CO affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the hemoglobin molecule. Nucleolar-organizing regions (NORs) are genetic loci on chromosomes that are composed of ribosomal DNA and proteins. NORs can be stained with silver. A total of 18 rats were exposed to CO in three different concentrations (1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm) with 6 rats as controls. The animals were euthanized 7 days after CO intoxication. Lung tissues were taken, embedded in paraffin blocks, and sectioned at 5 µm thickness. Argyrophilic nucleolar-organizing region (AgNOR) staining was carried out. One hundred nuclei per individual were evaluated, and total AgNOR number per total nuclear number and total AgNOR area per nuclear area (TAA/NA) for each nucleus were analyzed. The CO exposure groups had significantly higher TAA/NA values and AgNOR numbers than the control group (p < 0.05). Although the differences between 1000 ppm and the other two CO-exposed groups were meaningful (p < 0.05) in the TAA/NA values, there were no differences among the CO exposure groups for the AgNOR number (p > 0.05). The increase in TAA/NA value depends on the increase in the CO exposure. Significant correlations between both the AgNOR values and histopathological scoring methods were found. Therefore, AgNOR staining method may be used as an indirect indicator for evaluating the degree of cell damage rate.

Wildflower (Hyoscyamus reticulatus) causes QT prolongation.

INTRODUCTION: In the environment, there are hundreds of poisonous and injurious plants with a wide variety of toxicity. Among all plants with anticholinergic effect, Hyoscyamus reticulatus is a species whose clinicopathological effects have been poorly described in literature. The paper is especially aimed at drawing attention to the possibly fatal syndrome of prolonged QT, as well as to clinical and laboratory changes in six members of a single family poisoned with this plant. CASES: Six female patients aged from 19 to 49 presented to our emergency room with a suspicion of being poisoned after having ingested a plant known as 'the mad axe plant' (Hyoscyamus reticulatus). At least one of anticholinergic symptoms including flushing, mydriasis, dry mouth and tachycardia was present in all of the patients. In addition, different levels of agitation were observed in four of the patients. A euphoric emotional state was present in two patients. The corrected QT distances were found to be prolonged in three of the patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Based on economical, social and cultural reasons, it is a very common habit in our country, especially in our region in spring and summer months, to consume some plants growing spontaneously in rural areas as food. Intoxication with Hyoscyamus reticulatus is a plant poisoning that is poorly described in literature. Its classical symptoms are predominantly anticholinergic. Although it is commonly self-limited and can be corrected with close observation and supportive treatments, it should be kept in mind that the prolongation of QT interval can accompany the symptoms of poisoning with this plant (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 19).

The relation between plasminogen activator inhibitor activity and disease activation in acute myeloblastic leukaemia patients.

Coagulation and fibrinolytic abnormalities are common in patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) like other forms of leukaemias. In this study, we investigated if total plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity, which is believed to increase in initial diagnosis and relapse in AML patients could be accepted as a relapse criterion or not. Total of 34 AML patients and 18 healthy volunteers were included in this study. The patients' diagnosis were based on clinical criteria as well as morphological, cytochemical, immunuphenotypic examinations of peripheral blood and bone marrow specimens. Total PAI activity was measured with Dade Behring Bericrom PAI reagent in BCS system. Total PAI activity was higher than 3.5 U/ml in 11 AML patients while it was normal (0.3-3.5 U/ml) in control group (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in total PAI activity between AML subgroups (P > 0.05). We found significant difference in total PAI activity between patients who have active disease and remission. In conclusion, the total PAI activity could be accepted as a relapse and an initial diagnosis criterion of AML patients during follow up.