Diethylhexylphthalate extracted by typical newborn lipid emulsions from polyvinylchloride infusion systems causes significant changes in histology of rabbit liver.

BACKGROUND: Looking for a candidate substance inducing hepatobiliary dysfunction under parenteral nutrition (PN) in newborns, we recently discovered that newborn infusions extract large amounts of the plasticizer diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) from commonly used polyvinylchloride (PVC) infusion lines. This plasticizer is well known to be genotoxic and teratogenic in animals and to cause changes in various organs and enzyme systems even in humans. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of DEHP, extracted in the same way and in the same amount as in newborns, on livers of young rabbits. METHODS: Prepubertal rabbits received lipid emulsion through central IV lines continuously for 3 weeks either via PVC or polyethylene (PE) infusion systems. Livers were examined after 1 and 3 weeks by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: By light microscopy, hydropic degeneration, single-cell necrosis, fibrosis, and bile duct proliferation were observed more in the PVC group. Electron microscopy revealed multiple nuclear changes, clusters and atypical forms of peroxisomes, proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, increased deposition of lipofuscin, and a mild perisinusoidal fibrosis only in the PVC group. These changes, which are generally regarded as reaction upon a toxic stimulus, could be exclusively attributed to DEHP. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation proved that DEHP produces toxin-like changes in livers of young rabbits in the same dose, duration, and method of administration as in newborn infants. For this reason, it is likely that DEHP is the substance that causes hepatobiliary dysfunction in newborns under PN. Possible modes of action of DEHP are proposed.

Estriol induced squamous metaplasia on the nasal mucosa in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate by light and electron microscopy the effect of topical estriol on the nasal mucosa in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). METHODS: Twelve patients were instructed to apply twice daily 0.1% estriol as a nose ointment over a period of 12 months. Written consent was obtained from each patient, allowing biopsy specimens of the nasal mucosa to be taken prior to and 3, 6 and 12 months after estriol application. RESULTS: Metaplastic change of the nasal mucosa was observed 6 months after topical estriol application. The former ciliated columnar epithelium changed into a keratinizing squamous epithelium. The effect was reversible after discontinuation of estriol application. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we could outline the effect of topical estriol on the nasal mucosa. These histomorphological findings, and the fact that estriol is a low-potency metabolite of estradiol, make estriol a valuable agent in the treatment of HHT patients.