Nerve conduction studies in sprayers occupationally exposed to mixture of pesticides in a mango plantation at Lucknow,North India

In this study, nerve conduction, organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues in blood and cholinesterase activity levels of pesticide sprayers employed in mango plantations at Lucknow, North India, were determined. Fifty-two sprayers from mango plantations who regularly spray mixture of pesticides like organophosphates (OP), OCs, and carbamates were considered as exposed group. Eighteen subjects with similar socio-economic status of exposed group, who do not handle pesticides, were selected as controls. Questionnaire-based interviews related to personal and occupational histories of the study subjects were carried out. Sprayers did not use any personal protective equipment during pesticide handling. The blood-pesticide analyses of sprayers show higher mean values of hexachlorohexane (HCH), γ-HCH, δ-HCH, total HCH, op-DDT compared with the controls. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activites were significantly reduced among sprayers. Risk of motor nerve conduction deficits was observed in sprayers with low AChE activity. Negative correlation of motor and sensory nerve conduction deficits was observed with the duration of exposure and age among sprayers. The study demonstrated that the prolonged exposure to mixture of pesticides, ergonomic factors, decline in cholinesterase activity may lead to nerve conduction dysfunction. The findings suggest the need for controlled use of pesticides in the plantation and indicated the need for training and implementation of hygiene practices like proper usage of personal protective equipments.     

Epidemiological studies on bicycle manufacturing industrial workers

Studies involving health status of bicycle manufacturing industrial workers exposed to chemicals and unexposed workers of the same industry who formed control were conducted at Sonepatin Haryana State, India. Negligence of industrial hygiene and personal protection affected the health of exposed workers adversely Epidemiological spectrum of exposed subjects showed much variation from control. Some unique disorders, such as nail impairments, nasal septum perforation and metal fume fever were observed in exposed workers against their absence in unexposed workers. Data showed occurrence of following diseases in the order of asthma>skin disorders>allergic disorders>bronchitis>all other respiratory diseases>nail disorders and acute pharyngitis>pulmonary tuberculosis and loss of smell and hearing>nasal septum perforation showing high risk factor for 'all other respiratory diseases' and skin disorders. Importance of occupational health surveillance has been highlighted.     

Strahlenbelastung

Forty test subjects who, either during or after the reactor accident of Chernobyl (26th April 1986), stayed at a building site at Shlobin 150 km away, were examined for spontaneously occurring as well as mitomycin C-induced Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCE). The building site staff, who underwent a whole-body radionuclide count upon their return to Austria (June through September 1986), were used for the cytogenetic tests. The demonstration of the SCE was made from whole-blood cultures by the fluorescence/Giemse technique. At last 20 Metaphases of the 2nd mitotic cycle were evaluated per person. The radiation doses of the test subjects were calculated by adding the external exposure determined on the building site, the estimated thyroid dose through I-131, and the measured incorporation of Cs-134 and Cs-137. The subjects were divided into two groups for statistical analysis: One was a more exposed group (proven stay at Shlobin between 26th April and 31st May 1986, mostly working in the open air) and the other a less exposed group for comparison (staying at Shlobin from 1st Juni 1986 and working mainly indoors). Results. A variance analysis according toKruskal andWalis showed an only partially significant increase of spontaneous SCE in lymphocytes of the higher exposed group (m=7,7 exposed group, m=7,0 control group). Mitomycin C-induced SCE were significantly reduced in the exposed group (m=31,6 exposed group, m=39,3 control group).     

Sensorimotor performance deficits induced by chronic chlorpyrifos exposure in Wistar rats: mitigative effect of vitamin C

This study was aimed at evaluating the ameliorative effect of vitamin C on chlorpyrifos-induced sensorimotor changes involving postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch in Wistar rats. Forty adult Wistar rats of either sex were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals in each group. Group I was administered soya oil (2?mL?kg^?1) while group II was given vitamin C (100?mg?kg^?1); group III was dosed with chlorpyrifos (10.6?mg?kg^?1, i.e. ～1/8th of the LD₅₀); group IV was administered vitamin C (100?mg?kg^?1) and then exposed to chlorpyrifos (10.6?mg?kg^?1), 30?min later. The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 17 weeks. Neurobehavioral parameters involving postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch responses measured at various intervals revealed a deficit in postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch responses in the CPF group, which was mitigated by vitamin C pretreatment. The neuronal and glial cell degeneration, increased brain malonaldehyde concentration, and decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and acetylcholinesterase activities recorded in the group given chlorpyrifos were ameliorated by vitamin C. Therefore, vitamin C was shown to mitigate chlorpyrifos-induced sensorimotor deficits partly due to its antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase restoration properties.     

Effect of hypoxia on the circulating levels of essential mineral elements in rats

Changes occurring in concentrations of certain trace metals and electrolytes viz. chromium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, magenesium and chloride in plasma of rats exposed to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia were evaluated. Batches of Sprague-Dowley rats (12 in each group) were exposed for 1, 7,14 and 21 days to a simulated altitude 7,620 m for 6 h per day and one group of unexposed animals was kept as control. There was a significant rise of 153% in plasma chromium levels of 1 day exposed group in comparison to the unexposed group which tends to normalise on subsequent exposure. There was a gradual increase in plasma copper levels of 9.0, 28.2, 62.6 and 65.6% respectively in 1,7,14 and 21 days exposed rats in comparison to unexposed rats. On the other hand plasma zinc levels were seen to be decreasing during entire exposure. Plasma sodium levels decreased initially in 1 and 7 day exposed rats and increased in later groups whereas plasma potassium levels of exposed groups remained low in comparison to unexposed group. Chloride levels were found to be elevated in 14 and 21 day exposed groups. The plasma calcium and magnesium levels were higher in all exposed groups over unexposed groups. Changes in chromium, copper and zinc observed in the present study during exposure to hypoxic stress may be responsible for the hyperglycemia and anorexia encountered during intial phase of high altitude acclimatisation.     

Plasma lipid profiles and risk of cardiovascular disease on occupational exposure in Karimnagar

Occupational exposure is unregulated in developing countries like India, and becoming the most common cause of disease of environmental origin. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of occupational exposure on plasma lipid profiles, and risk of cardiovascular diseases. A total of 79 human volunteers were included in the study. Control subjects were healthy housewives of Karimnagar, India. Occupationally exposed individuals included different occupational workers like petrol station attendants, battery chargers, drivers, welders, pesticide-exposed workers, painters, and auto mechanics. These subjects were shown to be chronic occupationally-exposed for at least three years, and neither associated with any other chronic pathological conditions like hypertension or diabetes, nor under any medication other than analgesics during the month preceding the study. Subjects with excessive high or low caloric intake were excluded from the study. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), VLDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol, and TC/HDL ratio in these subjects were significantly higher than those in control subjects, whereas HDL cholesterol was not markedly affected. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), and other anthropometric parameters (body mass index (BMI), body fat index (BFI), body surface area (BSA)) were not significantly different between groups. Data suggest that chronic occupational exposure increases plasma lipid levels and is thereby associated with cardiovascular complications.     

Effect of nickel exposure on serum amylase activity in nickel-plating workers

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nickel (Ni) exposure on serum amylase activity in nickel-plating workers in Bangalore (India). Sixty-nine subjects using Ni during the electroplating process formed the exposed group. An equal number of age- and sex-matched subjects working in the administration section formed the control group. Urine Ni levels were determined using a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum amylase activity was determined using spectrophotometric method with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-α-D-maltotrioside as substrate. A significant increase in urine Ni and serum amylase activity was noted in nickel platers as compared with the control group. The level of serum amylase activity was positively and significantly associated with Ni content in urine of nickel platers. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the effects of Ni exposure, life style confounding factors and presence of gastrointestinal problems on serum amylase activity. The analysis showed that the subjects who had urine Ni levels beyond 10?µg?g^?1 of creatinine, nickel platers category, smoking and body mass index variables were significantly associated with serum amylase activity. The results of this study suggest that the increased serum amylase activity observed in nickel-exposed subjects could be used as a biomarker for investigating pancreatic function in Ni exposure.     

Toxic responses of different organs following occupational exposure to sub-threshold limit value levels of paving asphalt fumes

The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether occupational exposure to asphalt fumes, under normal working conditions, is associated with any hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, or hematotoxic response. This was a cross-sectional study in which 210 subjects (80 exposed and 130 reference subjects) were investigated. Using standard methods, atmospheric concentrations of total particulate and benzene-soluble fractions of asphalt fumes were measured. Additionally, urine and blood samples were taken from subjects for complete blood count, white blood cell differential test, urinalysis, and routine biochemical tests of kidney and liver function. Both groups were similar as far as their demographic variables and smoking habits were concerned. The levels of exposure to total particulate and benzene-soluble fractions were estimated to be 0.9?±?0.2 and 0.32?±?0.09 mg m^?3, respectively (mean?±?SD), both of which being lower than the existing threshold limit values. Statistically, significant associations between exposure to asphalt fumes and changes in most liver and kidney function tests and complete blood count parameters provided circumstantial evidence in favor of the notion that exposure to sub-threshold limit value levels of total particulate and benzene-soluble fractions is associated with early liver and kidney dysfunction as well as hematological disorders.     

Iodine deficiency status in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: a systematic review

Iodine deficiency is a global public health issue because iodine plays a major role in the thyroid hormone synthesis and is essential for normal neurological development. This review summarizes the publications on iodine status in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries. All related studies available in main national and international databases were systematically searched using some specific keywords to find article published between 1909 and 2015. The prevention of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) in the WHO EMR countries is currently under control without significant side effects. Mild to severe IDDs exist in some countries of the Middle East, due to lack of effective iodine supplementation program, but the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Bahrain and Tunisia have achieved the goal of universal salt iodization. Overall, despite enormous efforts to control IDDs, still IDD remains a serious public health problem in some countries of the region, requiring urgent control and prevention measures.     

出生前后全氟辛烷磺酸（PFOS）暴露对大鼠额叶皮质中IGF-Ⅰ、IGF-ⅠR和IGFBP-2 mRNA水平的影响

为研究出生前后不同时期全氟辛烷磺酸(PFOS)暴露对大鼠仔鼠额叶皮质胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ)、胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ受体(IGF-ⅠR)和胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白-2(IGFBP-2)mRNA水平的影响,将28只受孕Wistar大鼠按3:2:2的比例随机分到对照(C)、低剂量(L)和高剂量(H)组中,从妊娠第0天开始分别自由摄食含0、7.2、14.4mg·kg-(1以饲料中的PFOS计)的粉末状饲料进行连续染毒至出生后28天.采用交叉哺育的方法建立出生前后均不暴露(CC)、仅出生前暴露(LC和HC)、仅出生后暴露(CL和CH)、出生前后均暴露(LL和HH)于PFOS的动物模型.采用半定量RT-PCR法检测各组仔鼠额叶皮质IGF-Ⅰ、IGF-ⅠR和IGFBP-2mRNA水平的变化.结果表明,对照组仔鼠额叶皮质IGF-Ⅰ、IGFBP-2mRNA在PD14时处于较高水平,而在PD1和PD28时水平较低;IGF-ⅠRmRNA在PD1时只处于较低水平,随年龄的增加而逐渐升高.在PD1时,暴露组仔鼠IGF-Ⅰ、IGF-ⅠR、IGFBP-2mRNA水平显著高于对照组(p<0.05).在PD14时,除LC组仔鼠IGF-ⅠRmRNA水平显著高于对照组之外,其余各暴露组仔鼠3者mRNA水平均显著低于对照组(p<0.01).此外,出生后暴露PFOS组的仔鼠额叶皮质IGF-Ⅰ、IGFBP-2mRNA水平降低程度比出生前暴露PFOS组仔鼠更高.在PD28时,暴露组仔鼠IGF-Ⅰ、IGF-ⅠRmRNA水平显著低于对照组(p<0.01),而IGFBP-2mRNA水平与对照组之间的差异无显著性(p>0.05).出生前后不同时期暴露PFOS导致大鼠仔鼠额叶皮质IGF-Ⅰ、IGF-ⅠR和IGFBP-2mRNA水平变化,为PFOS发育神经毒性的研究提供了一定的线索.     

Correlation of cadmium and aluminum in blood samples of kidney disorder patients with drinking water and tobacco smoking: related health risk

The combined exposure to aluminum (Al) and cadmium (Cd) causes more pronounced adverse health effects on humans. The kidneys are the main organs affected by internal exposure to Cd and Al via food and non-food items. The objective of present study was to measure the Al and Cd concentrations in cigarettes tobacco (branded and non-branded) and drinking water (domestic treated, ground and lake water) samples in southern part of Pakistan, to assess the risk due to ingestion of water and inhalation of cigarettes smoke containing high concentrations of both elements. The study population (kidney disorder and healthy) divided into two group based on consuming lake and ground water, while smoking non-branded cigarette as exposed, while drinking domestic treated water and smoking branded cigarette as non-exposed. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determined Cd and Al concentrations in tobacco, drinking water and blood samples. The resulted data indicated that the levels of Al and Cd in lake and underground water were higher than the permissible limit in drinking water recommended by the World Health Organization. The biochemical parameters of exposed and referent patients, especially urinary N-acetyl-h-glucosaminidase, were used as a biomarkers of kidney disorder. Exposed kidney disorder patients have higher levels of Cd and Al than the exposed referents subjects, while difference was significant when compared to resulted data of non-exposed patients and referents (p = 0.01–0.001). The pearson correlation showed positive correlation between both toxic element concentrations in water, cigarettes versus blood samples of exposed subjects (r = 0.20–0.67 and 0.71–0.82), while lower values were observed for non-exposed subjects (r = 0.123–0.423 and 0.331–0.425), respectively.

     

A comparison of lead exposures in industrial “hot spots” in Jordan and Israel

The aim of this study was to compare two hot spots of lead (Pb) exposure in Israeli and Jordanian occupational settings. The study also sought to assess whether any differences in regulations and legislation regarding occupational health could be identified as a source of exposure disparities. Blood and hair specimens were collected from workers in a battery factory in Jordan and a secondary Pb smelter in Israel and compared. About 33% of the currently exposed group showed blood lead (BPb) levels above the internationally recommended concentration of 40 µg dL^?1. Although the differences of BPb levels between Israel and Jordan were not statistically significant, average levels were lower in Jordan. Beyond the difference in the factory types, disparity in exposure levels might be explained due to a combination of proclivities of factory management, public policies, existing medical surveillance and insurance, as well as cultural differences. Results reveal that despite existing regulations and the growing attention that is dedicated to Pb and metal occupational exposures, there are still hot spots for Pb exposure in Israel and Jordan. The contrasting experience found in the current study raises the possibility that information and technology exchange between the two countries Israel and Jordan, may be beneficial for improving occupational health policy in these two neighboring countries.     

Excessive fluoride consumption increases haematological alteration in subjects with iron deficiency,thalassaemia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency

Excessive fluoride consumption leads to accelerated red blood cell death and anaemia. Whether that increases the haematological alteration in subjects with haematological disorders (iron deficiency, thalassaemia, and G-6-PD deficiency) is still unclear. The fluoride in serum and urine and haematological parameters of students at Mae Tuen School (fluoride endemic area) were analysed and compared to those of students at Baan Yang Poa and Baan Mai Schools (control areas). Iron deficiency, thalassaemia, and G-6-PD deficiency were also diagnosed in these students. The students at Mae Tuen School had significantly (P < 0.001) higher levels of mean fluoride in the serum and urine than those in control areas. In both control and fluoride endemic areas, students with haematological disorders had significantly lower levels of Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, and MCHC than those without haematological disorders. Moreover, the lowest levels of Hb, MCH, and MCHC were observed in the students with haematological disorders who live in the fluoride endemic area. Thus, the excessive fluoride consumption increased haematological alteration in subjects with iron deficiency, thalassaemia, and G-6-PD deficiency and that may increase the risk of anaemia in these subjects.     

镉在鲤鱼组织内的蓄积及对血浆指标的影响

随着工业的迅速发展,水环境中的镉污染日趋严重,镉的蓄积性强,毒性高。为了进一步研究镉在鱼类不同组织内的蓄积及其对血浆指标的影响,以鲤鱼(Cyprinus carpio)为受试生物,设置3个浓度梯度,镉浓度分别为0(对照组)、5和50μg·L-1,试验周期为30d。结果显示,随着暴露时间的延长,染毒组鲤鱼鳃、肝胰脏和肾脏中镉蓄积量与对照组相比均显著升高(p<0.05),其中肾脏蓄积量最大,其次为肝胰脏和鳃,且50 μg·L-1染毒组各组织镉蓄积量显著高于5 μg·L-1染毒组(p<0.05);30d时,5和50 μg·L-1染毒组鳃、肝胰脏和肾脏中镉蓄积量分别为对照组的12.3和43.5倍、5.1和27.3倍、11.9和70.8倍;鲤鱼肌肉中仅检测到微量镉(0.02～0.04mg·kg-1),且暴露时间和镉暴露浓度不影响肌肉中镉的蓄积量。整个试验期间,各染毒组血浆中钙和磷含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量和谷草转氨酶(GOT)活性与对照组相比无显著差异(p>0.05)。研究表明,不同程度的水体镉污染均能造成鲤鱼各组织(肌肉除外)内较高浓度的镉蓄积,但对血浆指标无显著影响。     

Combined effects of copper and cadmium on Chlorella pyrenoidosa H.Chick: subcellular accumulation,distribution, and growth inhibition

Disposal of waste into aquatic ecosystems may cause microalgae to be exposed to various metals, e.g. copper and cadmium. The effects caused by combinations of metals may be more serious. Evaluations of subcellular fate, bioaccumulation, and biological effects of metals on aquatic organisms are generally derived from experiments with individual metals. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of exposure of Chlorella pyrenoidosa to copper and cadmium in combination on subcellular accumulation, distribution, and growth. The algae were exposed for 72 h to copper at concentrations of 13 – 25 µmol L^?1, cadmium at about 6 µmol L^?1, and combinations thereof. The levels of copper and cadmium in subcellular organelles, heat-denaturated protein, metal-rich granules, and heat-stable protein were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Exposure of C. pyrenoidosa to copper and cadmium in combination inhibited growth more strongly than copper and cadmium individually. Highest accumulation was observed in metal-rich granules and heat-stable proteins. Administration of both metals in combination affected their subcellular distribution: copper was mainly distributed into the metal-rich granules (70%–80%) and heat-stable proteins (9%–24%), cadmium in the metal-rich granules (88%–98%).     

Evaluation of potential toxic effects of occupational inhalation exposure to licorice root dust

Licorice, a plant indigenous to southern Europe, the Middle East, and northern China, exhibits several pharmacological properties, including estrogenic, anti-tumoral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and anti-tussive activities. Prolonged use of licorice is known to produce headaches, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, edema, lethargy, dyspnea, sodium retention and loss of potassium in humans. However, to date, the potential adverse health effects due to occupational inhalation exposure of licorice root dust remains unknown. This study was, therefore, undertaken to address this issue. In this cross-sectional study, individuals (30 workers) occupationally exposed to licorice root dust at a licorice producing plant in Shiraz, Iran were recruited. Similarly, 30 healthy male unexposed employees at a telecommunications industry, with identical demographic and socioeconomic status, without any past or current exposure to licorice dust or habitual ingestion of this compound, served as the referent group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured. Further, individuals underwent electrocardiography, clinical examination and blood chemistry tests. To assess the extent to which subjects were exposed to licorice root dust, atmospheric concentrations of this compound were also measured in the plant. There were no differences in age, weight, height and duration of exposure to licorice dust or length of employment between exposed and referent groups. Atmospheric measurement of licorice dust showed that concentration exceeded the permissible limit of 5 mg m^?3. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures of exposed subjects were significantly higher than those of the referent group. Similarly, blood analysis revealed that serum concentrations of potassium and platelet counts were significantly lower in exposed subjects than in referent individuals. Questionnaire data demonstrated that symptoms such as headaches, lethargy, and vertigo were more common in exposed subjects. No abnormal changes were noted in the electrocardiographs of exposed or referent subjects. Our findings provide evidence that inhalation exposure to high concentrations of licorice dust is associated with an increased prevalence of headache, lethargy, and vertigo, as well as hypertension and hypokalemia. None of these changes resulted in increased morbidity and mortality in exposed workers.     

The effect of chronic formaldehyde exposure on the hippocampus in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rat model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic formaldehyde (FA) exposure on the hippocampus in the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rat model. Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: (A) sham-operated bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) with room air inhalation, (B) BCCAO with room air inhalation, (C) sham-operated BCCAO with FA inhalation at a concentration of 10?mL?vapor?m^?3, 1?h per day for 90 days, and (D) BCCAO with FA inhalation. Decreased mobility, injected conjunctivae, and overreaction were observed in groups C and D rats after 30 days of FA exposure. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly in group D at 90 days after FA exposure. The expression of Bax protein increased, while Bcl-2 and NR2B proteins decreased significantly in group D compared to group B or C. Neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) positive cells decreased significantly in group D. Neuronal loss, oxidative stress, and the expression of proteins were more prominent at 90 days after FA exposure, especially in group D. Oxidative stress-induced neuronal damages in the hippocampus may be a possible mechanism of neurotoxicity as a result of chronic FA exposure. Chronic exposure of FA caused more neuronal damage in the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rat model.     

丙烯腈暴露对大鼠脑组织损伤及iNOS/p38 MAPK信号通路关键蛋白表达的影响

通过探究iNOS/p38 MAPK信号通路在丙烯腈(acrylonitrile,ACN)诱导脑组织损伤中的作用,为进一步研究ACN的神经毒性作用提供依据。选取50只SPF级健康成年雄性SD大鼠,随机分为5组,每组10只。适应性饲养一周后,以12.5、25.0、50.0 mg·kg~(-1)ACN对大鼠进行灌胃染毒,对照组给予玉米油,另设NAC组(300.0 mg·kg~(-1)NAC+50.0 mg·kg~(-1)ACN),1次·天~(-1),6天·周~(-1),共染毒13周。次日称重并处死大鼠,测定大鼠脑组织NO含量、总NOS水平及iNOS、p-p38和p38蛋白表达水平。结果显示,ACN各剂量组大鼠脑组织脏器系数与对照组比较均显著降低(P0.05),高剂量组大鼠脑脏器系数与NAC组比较降低(P0.05)。高剂量组NO含量和总NOS水平显著高于对照组,与NAC组比较,高剂量组NO含量降低(P0.05),总NOS水平升高(P0.05)。Western blot结果显示,ACN高剂量组大鼠脑组织iNOS、p-p38蛋白表达水平和p-p38/p38比值显著高于对照组和NAC组(P0.05)。ACN可激活iNOS/p38MAPK信号通路,这可能是ACN致大鼠脑组织损伤的机制之一。     

Protective properties of filamentous blue–green alga Spirulina against the oxidative stress induced by cadmium in freshwater mussel Unio ravoisieri

ABSTRACT

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic-heavy metal that induces a wide range of behavioural, biochemical and physiological effects in aquatic organisms. Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in cadmium toxicity. The current study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Spirulina as feed additive (1?mg/L) against the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) 0.5?mg/L in freshwater mussel Unio ravoisieri. At the end of the exposed period of 4 days, digestive gland antioxidant status Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione-S-transferase and damage markers such as Malondialdehyde and Protein carbonyl were determined. Associations between biomarkers were assessed by a multivariate analysis technique, principal component analysis (PCA). The results of this study revealed that digestive gland antioxidant status showed a significant decrease when mussels were exposed to Cd. Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione-S-transferase activities in the Cd?+?SP group were significantly higher than the Cd group (p P?相似文献   

Comparative study of plasma lead levels in the staff of Dandy Zinc Factory of Zanjan and in normal individuals

Pollution is a global problem which affects various human population functions. Despite the decline in plasma lead (Pb) levels among the general population during the past 20 years, this metal continues to be a public health concern for individuals with past and present exposures. The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BPbL) in the staff of Dandy Zinc Company and compare them to control subjects. The test group included 40 staff of Dandy Zinc Company of Zanjan, while controls were selected from general population. Five milliliters of blood and plasma was sent to Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AOEI) reference lab to measure BPbL by Flameless Atomic Absorption. BPbL in test group (16.6 + 8.18 µg dL^?1) was significantly higher than control (10.47 + 2.10 µg dL^?1). In both groups BPbL was significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers. Blood lead levels in molding workers were significantly higher than other workers. BPbL in exposed workers were directly related to duration of work and age. Data indicate Pb exposure was of significant magnitude to be a public health concern especially in zinc-and Pb-related industries.