Estimation of the combined effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract and cadmium on liver cells.

Cadmium (Cd) is an important industrial pollutant, even though its mechanism of toxicity has not been completely clarified. Cd(2+) is toxic to a wide range of organs and tissues. Liver and kidneys are the primary target organs of cadmium toxicity. Cd(2+) induces apoptosis and causes necrotic cell death in certain pathophysiological situations. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. has many beneficial features. It supports the organism's stress response, immune system, and endocrine system, including the adrenal glands, spleen, and thymus gland. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of the Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) liquid extract on the accumulation of Cd(2+) in liver and on the mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells after chronic intoxication by Cd(2+). Experiments were carried out on white laboratory mice. Laboratory mice were given to drink solutions of different Cd(2+) and ES concentrations for 8 weeks. Cd(2+) concentration in mouse liver was detected using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells was expressed as an estimated number of mitotic and apoptotic cells in randomly selected reference areas in a histological slide. ES combined with CdCl(2) leads to a significant decrease of cadmium concentration in the blood and liver of experimental mice. ES decreased the cadmium-induced mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells.

[Association between cadmium and breast cancer]. / Sasajos tarp kadmio ir kruties vezio.

Cadmium is a known human lung carcinogen, although some studies indicate a link between cadmium exposure and human breast cancer. The objective of this study was to assess cadmium concentration in breast tissue samples of patients with breast cancer and benign breast tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The concentration of cadmium was determined in breast tissue samples of 21 breast cancer and 19 benign tumor patients. Two samples of breast tissue from each patient, i.e. tumor and normal tissue close to tumor, were taken for the analysis. Cadmium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (Perkin-Elmer, Zeeman 3030). RESULTS. In patients with breast cancer, the mean cadmium concentration was 33.1 ng/g (95% CI, 21.9-44.4) in malignant breast tissue and 10.4 ng/g (95% CI, 5.6-15.2) in normal breast tissue (P=0.002). In patients with benign tumor, the corresponding values were 17.5 ng/g (95% CI, 8.4-26.5) and 11.8 ng/g (95% CI, 5.1-18.5) (P=0.3144). There was a statistically significant difference in cadmium concentration between malignant and benign breast tissues (P=0.009). CONCLUSION. The data obtained show that cadmium concentration is significantly higher in malignant breast tissue as compared with normal breast tissue of the same women or benign breast tissue. Further studies are necessary to determine the association between cadmium concentration in malignant breast tissue and estrogen receptor level, and smoking.

Assessment of the effect of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench on apoptotic and mitotic activity of liver cells during intoxication by cadmium.

Cadmium (Cd(2+)) is an important industrial pollutant, although its mechanism of toxicity has not been completely clarified. Cd(2+) is toxic to a wide range of organs and tissues, however, the primary target organs of Cd(2+) toxicity are the liver and kidney. Echinacea purpurea stimulating one or another tread of the immune system stimulates the expression of immunoglobulins and interferons. The experiments were performed on white laboratory mice using intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections 0.05 LD(50) amount of CdCl(2) solution. Two groups of mice were injected by Echinacea purpurea liquid extract: one 0.05 LD(50) and the other 0.1 LD(50). In this article, the Cd(2+) distribution in internal organs, its effect on the mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells, as well as effects of Echinacea purpurea liquid extract on Cd(2+)-induced changes in mice were investigated. Cd(2+) concentration in mice blood, liver, and kidney was detected by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Long-term injections of extract of Echinacea purpurea combined with Cd(2+)Cl(2) leads to the significant increase of Cd(2+) concentration in blood and investigated organs of experimental mice. Mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells was expressed as the estimated number of mitotic and apoptotic liver cells in randomly selected reference areas in histological slide. Echinacea purpurea decreases the mitotic activity of liver cells induced by Cd(2+) and increases apoptotic activity of the liver cells.

Influence of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench extract on the toxicity of cadmium.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP) has many beneficial features, especially strengthening the immune system. Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous metal and cumulative poison that may cause liver and kidney damage and the formation of neoplasia. In this article, the changes in organs and metabolism, the accumulation of various levels of Cd in tissues, and the effects of EP liquid extract on Cd-induced changes in mice were investigated. Experiments were carried out on the white laboratory mice. Solution of different Cd and EP concentrations were given to drink and experiments were performed. The concentration of Cd in mice blood, liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, skeletal muscle was determined using an electrothermal graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer Perkin-Elmer/Zeeman 3030. Long time per os of extract of EP combined with Cd leads to a significant increase of Cd concentration in blood and investigated organs of experiment mice.

[Zinc and aluminum concentrations in blood of hemodialysis patients and its impact on the frequency of infections]. / Cinko ir aliuminio kiekio hemodializuojamu ligoniu kraujyje itaka infekciniu komplikaciju dazniui.

UNLABELLED: A multicenter study was performed with the aim to investigate the blood concentrations of zinc (Zn) and aluminum (Al) in hemodialysis patients and to clarify the impact of these metals level on the frequency of infections and the impact of medications on metal concentration in blood of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 265 patients with end-stage renal disease from 7 dialysis centers were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent standard hemodialysis. Venous blood samples were collected from hemodialysis patients before hemodialysis sessions. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was applied to measure blood levels of Zn and Al. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The hemodialysis patients with infectious complications had significantly higher mean blood Al than the patients without complications (33.1+/-38.9 and 24.5+/-45.9 microg/l, respectively; p<0.001) and lower plasma levels of Zn (821.9+/-389.5 and 905.1+/-346.6 microg/l, respectively; p<0.005). Infectious complications were associated with zinc deficiency (p<0.01). The HD patients who were taken CaCO3 had lower mean concentration of Zn (849.4+/-324.6 and 1022.1+/-507.4 microg/l, respectively; p<0.006).

[Chronic poisoning by metallic lead from locations of gunshot wound]. / Letinis apsinuodijimas metaliniu svinu is sautines zaizdos zidiniu.

A patient injured by shooting to head and shoulder with lead pellets was treated. Fragments of lead pellets were lodged in areas of cheek, forehead and neck. After three months symptoms of lead intoxication occurred, however there was no accumulation of lead in hair. During surgical treatment, it was determined by methods of computed tomography and Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry that particles of metallic lead dissolved mostly in highly vascularized areas of tissues. The main intoxication occurred from the area of venter frontalis where lead particles were mostly deformed. Intoxication did not disappear as long as all fragments of lead pellets were removed surgically. Resorbed lead was partially accumulated in the bone, because amount of lead eliminated with urine was less than that resorbed into the blood.

Content of lead in human hair from people with various exposure levels in Lithuania.

A study has been performed to estimate if hair lead (Pb) can be used assessing environmental and occupational exposure to the metal. From 1994-1997, 622 ceramic plant employees, 520 randomly selected controls from Kaunas without occupational exposure to Pb aged 18-64 years, and 380 10-13 year old children living in Kaunas participated in this study. The concentration of Pb in the hair samples was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The geometric mean of Pb in the hair of workers occupationally exposed to Pb was significantly higher than that in persons not exposed to the metal (7.6 microg/g, 95% CI = 6.5-8.7 for exposed workers, 3.2 microg/g, 95% CI = 2.8-3.6 for not exposed workers and 2.6 microg/g, 95% CI = 2.4-2.9 for randomly selected controls, p < 0.05). Pb content in hair of boys and girls was 2.9 microg/g (95% CI = 2.6-3.3) and 3.1 microg/g (95% CI = 2.6-3.6), respectively. Lead in hair was not related to gender. Multiple regression analysis in adults with age as a continuous variable showed a positive relationship between Pb in hair and age. Also different exposure levels were significantly related to Pb in hair. In men, a positive association was found between Pb in hair and smoking. The data obtained suggest that human hair could be used to identify lead exposure in epidemiological surveys.

[Estimation of maximum acceptable concentration of lead and cadmium in plants and their medicinal preparations]. / Svino ir kadmio leistinu koncentraciju ivertinimas augalinese zaliavose ir is ju pagamintuose vaistuose.

UNLABELLED: Heavy metals (lead, cadmium) are possible dashes which quantity is defined by the limiting acceptable contents. Different drugs preparations: infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, etc. are produced using medicinal plants. The objective of this research was to study the impurities of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in medicinal plants and some drug preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated liquid extracts of fruits Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and herbs of Echinacea purpurea Moench., tinctures--of herbs Leonurus cardiaca L. The raw materials were imported from Poland. Investigations were carried out in cooperation with the Laboratory of Antropogenic Factors of the Institute for Biomedical Research. Amounts of lead and cadmium were established after "dry" mineralisation using "Perkin-Elmer Zeeman/3030" model electrothermic atomic absorption spectrophotometer (ETG AAS/Zeeman). It was established that lead is absorbed most efficiently after estimation of absorption capacity of cellular fibers. About 10.73% of lead crosses tinctures and extracts, better cadmium--49.63%. Herbs of Leonurus cardiaca L. are the best in holding back lead and cadmium. About 14.5% of lead and cadmium crosses the tincture of herbs Leonurus cardiaca L. We estimated the factors of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in the liquid extracts of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Echinacea purpurea Moench., tincture of Leonurus cardiaca L. after investigations of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in drugs and preparations of it. The amounts of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) don't exceed the allowable norms in fruits of Crataegus monogyna Jacq., herbs of Leonurus cardiaca L. and Echinacea purpurea Moench. after estimation of lead and cadmium extraction factors, the maximum of acceptable daily intake and the quantity of drugs consumption in day.

Influence of cadmium and zinc on the mice resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of chronic exposure to cadmium and zinc on the mice resistance to experimental Listeria monocytogenes infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the day beginning of experiment outbred mice were injected with suspension of bacteria and 8 weeks were given the following oral intake treatment: control group (n=28) deionized drinking water, Cd- group (n=37) water containing CdCl2 10 mg/l and Cd+Zn- group (n=33) water containing CdCl2 10 mg/l and ZnSO4 100 mg/l. The delayed type hypersensitivity was evaluated by the inflammatory response during so-called "foot" test. Listerial proteins solution was injected under plantare of lower aponeurosis of rear foot of experimental animals. Survival of L. monocytogenes in organs of experimental animals was evaluated by the presence of bacteria colonies after 30 days incubation of livers homogenates in broth medium at +4 degrees C and inoculation on CASO-agar. Kidneys, liver and spleen were used for metals analysis. Differences were significant if the P value was below 0.05. RESULTS: Chronic exposure to Cd or to Cd with Zn for 8 weeks caused influence on survival of mice: Cd- and Cd+Zn groups mice died more rapidly than control group ones. Bacterial growth in organs was observed for all groups until fourth week. From sixth-week, control and Cd+Zn- group's mice more rapidly eliminated bacteria from organs, demonstrating that Zn- treated mice were more resistant to listerial infection than Cd- intoxicated ones. On the other hand, mice from Cd+Zn- group had significantly decreased spleen index (up to 74%, p<0.01) as compared to control group. Chronic poisoning of mice with low doses cadmium and zinc during infection significantly affected (p<0.05) their growth rate from fourth week in both experimental groups. Cadmium and zinc insignificantly decreased the delayed type hypersensitivity response to L. monocytogenes allergens in Cd+Zn- group of mice, and no differences were observed in Cd- group, as compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Cadmium-exposed mice are more susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes and to other opportunistic infections than not intoxicated mice. 2. Zinc significantly reduces the negative effect of cadmium on the antimicrobial defense of mice. 3. Cadmium and zinc no significantly decrease the delayed type hypersensitivity response to L. monocytogenes allergens as compared with control.

[Water treatment systems of hemodialysis centers in Lithuania and trace metals in purified water in 2002]. / Lietuvos hemodializes centru vandens valymo irenginiai ir metalu kiekis valytame dializei naudotame vandenyje 2002 metais.

The objective of this survey was to obtain information on hemodialysis chemical water quality and on water treatment systems of hemodialysis centers in Lithuania. Five trace metals (Al, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu) were examined in the purified water (sample from a point after the water treatment system) of 28 hemodialysis centers. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was applied to measure water trace metals levels. All hemodialysis centers in Lithuania used treated water. Softeners were used by 100%, reverse osmosis by 86.2% of the centers. Concomitant use of sand filter, softeners, activated carbon, reverse osmosis was found in 72.4% of the centers. The age of the water treatment system varied from 1 to 117 months (mean=39.7+/-30.4). Concentrations of Al, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu in the purified water of 28 hemodialysis centers did not exceed standards of the European Pharmacopoeia. There was significant decrease in the mean levels of investigated trace elements in the treated water in Lithuania in 2002 compared with examined in 1998.

[Aluminum concentration in blood of hemodialysis patients and its clinical importance]. / Aliuminio koncentracija hemodializuojamu ligoniu kraujyje ir jos klinikine reiksme.

UNLABELLED: A multicenter study was performed to investigate the prevalence of abnormal blood contents of aluminum in hemodialysis patients and to clarify the impact of aluminum level on the clinical status of such patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred sixty five patients with end-stage renal disease from 7 dialysis centers were enrolled in this study. All patients had undergone standard hemodialysis. Venous blood samples were collected from hemodialysis patients before hemodialysis sessions. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was applied to measure blood levels of aluminum. RESULTS: Out of hemodialysis patients 24.9% had high blood aluminum (>30 microg/l), and the mean was 27.4+/-43.8 microg/l in all subjects. The aluminum containing phosphate binder users had significantly higher blood aluminum levels (45.1+/-102.0 versus 15.4+/-18.9 microg/l, p<0.04). The hemodialysis subjects had low parathyroid hormone level more frequently when blood aluminum concentration was high (>30 microg/l).

[Influence of hemodialysis on changes of trace metals concentrations in blood of patients with end-stage renal failure]. / Hemodializes itaka metalu koncentracijos pokyciams kraujyje ligoniu, serganciu negriztamos stadijos inkstu nepakankamumu.

This study on blood levels of trace metals in hemodialysis patients was carried out with an aim to clarify the impact of hemodialysis therapy on the trace metals status in such patients. Two hundred sixty six hemodialysis patients were enrolled. All patients underwent standard hemodialysis. Blood was collected before and after hemodialysis sessions. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was applied to measure blood levels of aluminum, lead, cadmium, mercury as well as plasma levels of copper, and zinc. Aluminum, lead, mercury, and cadmium level in blood significant by increased after hemodialysis. The patients treated with acetate hemodialysis had significantly higher blood aluminum levels than the patients treated with bicarbonate hemodialysis (38.4+/-44.6 versus 25.9+/-43.5 microg/l, p=0.03). We observed negative correlation between copper concentration (n=60) in plasma and ultrafiltration (r=-0.4, p=0.003). The zinc and cadmium level increased with dialysis duration (r=0.2, p<0.001; r=0.2, p<0.02). Low plasma zinc levels, that is, <800 microg/l, was more often found in patients with <12 hour/week and <12 months hemodialysis duration. After 3 years of dialysis treatment blood lead, cadmium level (n=30) increased and plasma copper level decreased.

[Poisoning by chromium and its long lasting detoxication]. / Apsinuodijimas chromu ir jo ilgalaikes detoksikacijos ypatumai.

Long lasting influence of cumulated Cr provide irreversible damages of vascular walls, organs and their systems. During long lasting treatment most of Cr is removed during the first 20 days through bileric tract and at the same time through the renal tract the Cr amounts decreases because chromium-d-penicilamin complex in hepatocytes induces synthesis of specific chromium-d-penicilamin binding labile protein and they are removed with bile. The levels of essential microelements (Cu and Zn) are maintained at the level of the physiological tolerance during treatment. Cr removes very slowly (about a year) from human body, and after treatment patients health do not improve because Cr-inducted damages of vascullars, organs and their systems are not recovered. The treatment must be evaluated continuously by controlling concentrations' of Cr, Cu, Zn and other microelements in the blood, plasma and urine by electrothermal atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry methods.