Protective influence of antioxidant vitamins on hematological indices of rabbits fed crude-oil-contaminated diet

The effects of chronic exposure to petroleum on hematological parameters as well as the possible protective role of vitamins E and C were studied. The hematological parameters assessed were red blood cell (RBC) counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and white blood cell (WBC) counts. The RBC and hemoglobin concentration were significantly decreased in the blood of petroleum-fed rabbits. However, there was a significant increase in WBC in rabbits exposed to crude-oil-contaminated feed. Pretreatment with the antioxidant vitamins E and C restored these parameters to normal.     

Hematological study of petrol station workers exposed to unleaded petrol

This study was undertaken to assess the level of exposure of petrol station workers to toxic components of unleaded petrol and to investigate whether this exposure, under normal working conditions, is associated with any significant changes in hematological parameters. In this cross-sectional study, 400 subjects (200 exposed and 200 reference subjects) were included. Atmospheric concentrations of benzene (B), toluene (T), and xylene (X) (BTX) were measured and all subjects underwent complete blood counts and white blood cell differential tests. The geometric means of airborne concentrations of BTX were lower than their recommended exposure limits. The results of blood tests showed that the means of red blood cell distribution width and hematocrit parameters, while within the normal range, were significantly different in the two groups. In conclusions, the average exposure level of petrol station workers to BTX did not exceed the current threshold limit values for these chemicals. Additionally, overt hematotoxicity is unlikely to be the outcome of exposure to unleaded petrol under the conditions described in our study. Possible long-term consequences of subtle, clinically insignificant changes in the hematological parameters of exposed employees observed in this study deserve further investigation.     

Toxicity of cadmium to Parachanna obscura : As evidenced by alterations in hematology,histology, and behavior

Fish of species Parachanna obscura are exposed to four concentrations of cadmium (Cd) (0.02, 0.06, 0.18, or 0.54?mg?L^?1). Acute toxicity test results after 96?h showed marked hematological, histological, and behavioral changes. Quantitative blood analysis revealed that white blood cell (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and platelets counts were linearly correlated with increasing Cd concentrations; however, blood haemoglobin (Hb) showed an inverse relationship, with higher Hb levels at lower Cd concentrations. Histological changes of the liver showed hepatic separation, bloody appearance, and deposition of a brownish-yellow substance, which increased with rising concentrations of metal. Behavioral changes observed included reduced activity, avoidance response, and deposition of a slimy-whitish film on the body of the fish, which increased with concentration and exposure time.     

Responses of the Indian major carp Labeo rohita to deltamethrin at acute and sublethal concentrations

The effects of deltamethrin at acute and sublethal concentrations on some hematological and biochemical profiles in the Indian major carp Labeo rohita have been examined. The lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of deltamethrin for 24 and 96 h were found to be 0.44 and 0.38 mg L^?1, respectively. During acute treatment (24 h), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), mean cellular volume (MCV), mean cellular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values were significantly increased compared to control group. Plasma glucose, protein, cholesterol, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, and glycogen in gill and muscle were significantly decreased. Upon sublethal treatment (0.044 mg L^?1, 10th of 24 h LC₅₀), RBC and the biochemical parameters, except glucose and cholesterol, decreased significantly, while MCV, MCH, and MCHC values increased up to the 28th day and then declined. Cholesterol level was significantly increased throughout the study period. A biphasic response in the levels of Hb, Hct, WBC, and glucose were observed during sublethal treatment.     

Changes of hematological parameters in Prochilodus lineatus (Pisces, Prochilodontidae) exposed to sublethal concentration of cypermethrin

Freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus were exposed to sublethal concentrations of cypermethrin (0.3 and 0.6 microg/l) for 2, 5 and 8 days. It was observed that with the increase of exposure time total erythrocyte (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values decreased but mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values increased. These reports indicate that hematological parameters, may be useful as a diagnostic test for cypermethrin exposure in aquatic organisms.     

The effect of plasma components on hemoglobin release test in red blood cells (RBC)

Electrophoresis release test (ERT) was established by our lab to observe the re-released hemoglobin (Hb) from red blood cells (RBCs) and whole blood. In this study, ERT was performed to study the effects of different plasma components including plasma, serum, albumin, globulin, fibrinogen, glucose, amino acid, vitamin, insulin, hormone, and inorganic ions on re-released Hb from RBC and whole blood samples during ERT. The results showed that plasma, serum, albumin, globulin, compound amino acid, essential amino acid, vitamin C, insulin, hormone, NaCl, KCl, CaCl₂, and NaHCO₃^? decreased re-released RBC Hb; while glucose, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12 elevated re-released RBC Hb. The differing effects of various plasma components on re-released Hb of RBC may play a significant role in blood conservation.     

Hematological responses of broiler chickens exposed to simulated crude petroleum emissions

Hematological responses of broiler chicken exposed to simulated crude petroleum emissions at varying distances over a period of 16 h daily were evaluated for 56 days in a poultry house. The burning of crude petroleum was simulated with a specially designed burner. The measured distances were 4, 8, or 12 m from the flame point. Control birds were located in a separate poultry building without the flame treatment. Gaseous emissions from the burning crude oil were monitored. Proprietory broiler starter and finisher diets were fed ad libitum. Blood samples were taken at the fourth and eighth weeks for hematological assay from each treatment. The hematological parameters assayed were hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Results indicated that the treatment did not significantly affect the Hb, PCV, and WBC constituents. Neutrophils significantly decreased while lymphocytes increased. The age of birds significantly increased Hb, PCV, and WBC levels in the blood.     

Impacts of sublethal lead exposure on the hemato-immunological parameters in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The effects of exposure of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) to sublethal concentrations of lead on hematological and immunological parameters were investigated. The fish were semistatically exposed to low (L) (0.5 mg L^?1), medium (M) (2.5 mg L^?1), and high (H) (5 mg L^?1) lead concentrations for 14 days. At the end of the trial, red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Hct) ratio and hemoglobin levels showed significant decreases in M and H groups, while RBC was significantly increased in L group compared to control group. Lysozyme activity showed a decrease in all groups on day 14 compared to control. A decrease in myeloperoxidase activity was seen in M and H groups on day 7, and in all treatment groups on day 14. In conclusion, it was found that exposure of O. mossambicus to lead concentrations affected hematological and immunogical parameters adversely.     

Hematological and biochemical alterations in sprayers occupationally exposed to mixture of pesticides at a mango plantation in Lucknow,India

The aim of this study was to examine the hematological and cholinesterase (ChE) activity levels of pesticide sprayers employed in mango plantations at Lucknow. Fifty-two sprayers from mango plantations who regularly spray mixtures of pesticides including organochlorines (OC), organophosphates (OP), and carbamates were included as exposed group. Twenty residents living close to mango plantations, but not involved in pesticide spraying were taken as controls. Pesticide residues for OC were analyzed in blood by gas chromatography with electron capture detector. There was a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in pesticide sprayers (n?=?52) relative to the control group (n?=?20). A significant difference in the frequency distribution of hematological variations in red blood cell, white blood cell, monocytes, neutrophils, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count was observed. Residues of OC pesticides including α-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and total HCH were found to be significantly higher in the blood of sprayers compared to controls. Hematological variations were quantitatively more frequent among the sprayers with 5 years of pesticide exposure compared to the controls and to subjects with less than 5 years of exposure group. Hematological abnormalities in sprayers were correlated with pesticide exposure as evidenced by lower ChE activity as well as the presence of OC pesticides in blood. The poorly controlled use of pesticides in the plantation appeared to have produced sub-clinical intoxication in the sprayers and indicated the need for training and implementation of proper, safer hygiene practices.     

Occupational health effects due to nickel and chromium exposure in electroplating workers

Occupational exposure to chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) compounds may result in adverse health effects. This study aimed to determine hematological changes in blood and hair in electroplating workers. Twenty-three electroplating workers and seven control subjects with no history of occupational exposure to Cr were recruited in Madurai district, South India. Metal levels in erythrocytes were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Ni was found to accumulate at higher levels than Cr in workers than the control subjects. There was no significant change in blood glucose, serum creatinine, and hemoglobin content in workers compared to the control subjects even after stratification by potential confounding factors, such as age, gender, and smoking status. The findings in this study indicated that there was detectable Cr and Ni exposure in electroplating workers. Low-level occupational Cr and Ni exposure induced higher erythrocyte sedimentation and increased the percentage of eosinophils in workers.     

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.     

铜污染草地对放牧乌蒙半细毛羊矿物质元素代谢的影响

为了评价草地铜污染对放牧乌蒙半细毛羊的影响,探讨铜污染的治理方法,在乌蒙山区的妈姑镇和凉水沟开展草地放牧试验和矿物质元素补充研究。应用原子发射光谱分析土壤、牧草和动物组织的重金属含量,应用全自动血液分析仪分析血液指标。放牧试验的结果显示:铜污染草地放牧明显增加了动物组织铜和锌的含量(P 0.01),降低了动物组织钼和铁的含量(P 0.01),试验结束时,试验组动物的血红蛋白(Hb)、红细胞压积(PCV)、红细胞数(RBC)和平均红细胞体积(MCV)显著低于对照组(P 0.01),羊毛产量和长度显著低于对照组(P 0.01)。矿物质元素补充试验的结果显示:补充硫酸钠明显降低了铜污染草地放牧动物血液和肝脏铜元素含量,补充试验结束时,处理Ⅰ组动物血液的Hb、PCV、RBC和MCV显著高于处理Ⅱ组(P 0.01),血液指标达到正常范围。处理Ⅱ组动物血液和肝脏铜元素的含量继续升高,动物组织钼的含量继续降低(P 0.01),Hb、PCV和RBC继续下降,试验结束时出现溶血性贫血,但补充硫对羊毛品质的相关指标没有显著的影响。研究表明,铜污染草地严重影响了乌蒙半细毛羊的矿物质代谢,补充硫酸钠可以部分拮抗铜的毒性。     

Chemopreventive role of Indigofera aspalathoides against 20-methylcholanthrene-induced carcinogenesis in mouse

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Indigofera aspalathoides (HAIA) against 20-methylcholanthrene (20-MC)-induced carcinogenesis in mice. Tumor was induced by single subcutaneous administration of 20-MC (200 µg per mouse) in Swiss albino mice. After 24 h of 20-MC administration, HAIA was administered at the doses of 250 and 500 mg kg^?1 body weight orally for 90 consecutive days. Mice of all groups were observed for 15 weeks to record tumor incidence (fibrosarcoma) and survival time. After 15 weeks the mice were sacrificed for the estimation of hematological profiles like hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and liver biochemical parameters, namely lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). HAIA treatment markedly reduced tumor incidence and prolonged the life span of sarcoma-bearing mice as compared to 20-MC control mice. Hematological profiles were significantly (p < 0.001) restored to normal levels in HAIA-treated mice as compared to 20-MC control mice. HAIA treatment significantly (p < 0.001) modulated the aforesaid liver biochemical parameters as compared to 20-MC control. The results concluded that I. aspalathoides demonstrated a remarkable chemopreventive effect in chemical-induced carcinogenesis in mouse. The potential chemopreventive action may be due to its antioxidant and detoxifying properties.     

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.     

Effects of environmental hypercapnia on hemato-immunological parameters,carbonic anhydrase,and Na+, K+-ATPase enzyme activities in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) tissues

In this study, the effects of environmental hypercapnia on hemato-immunological parameters and the activities of respiratory enzymes such as carbonic anhydrase (CA) and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase were investigated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) tissues (gill, liver and kidney). Batches of 12 fish were exposed to 4.5 mg L^?1 (control) and 14 mg L^?1 CO₂. No mortalities occurred during the 14 days of the experimental period. Red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Ht) levels, and innate immune parameters such as nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT), lysozyme, and myeloperoxidase activities, and the melano-macrophage frequency were negatively affected by elevated CO₂ levels. Patterns of change in CA activity differed among the gill, liver, and kidney. Compared with the activities of CA in the control group, the CA enzyme was significantly stimulated at day 7 in the gill tissue, whereas it was stimulated at day 14 of the experiment in the liver tissue of fish exposed to 14 mg L^?1 CO₂ (P < 0.05). In contrast to the pattern of CA enzyme activities, the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase enzymes were stimulated significantly in the liver after day 7 but inhibited in the kidney and gill (P < 0.05). These results suggest that a subchronic exposure to hypercapnia of rainbow trout tissues may lead to adaptive changes in the respiratory enzymes and negatively affects hemato-immunological parameters.     

A study of biochemical parameters among individuals residing in a fluoride endemic area in India

Fluoride (Fl) exerts an inhibitory effect on many metabolic enzymes of various tissues. A study was carried out among individuals residing in a Fl-affected area in India. The biochemical parameters including serum enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and serum creatinine (CRTN) were estimated in 259 subjects compared to 233 controls. The results showed that among the Fl-exposed population, ALKP and SGPT were significantly increased compared to control. The CRTN levels were also significantly increased compared to the control subjects. LDH levels were not markedly altered. Data suggest that Fl exposure affects renal and hepatic functions in endemic areas of India.     

A comparative study on the toxic effects of textile dye wastewaters (untreated and treated) on mortality and RBC of a freshwater fish Gambusia affinis (Baird and Gerard)

Comparative toxicological studies of textile dye wastewater (untreated and treated) on a freshwater fish, Gambusia affinis, revealed a marked reduction in mortality and cytotoxic effects on RBCs, measured as reduction in their counts and percent changes in their shape (poikilocytosis) and variation in their size (anisocytosis)}, after subjecting them to both physicochemical and biological treatments. On comparing the data of mortality and the cytotoxic effects on RBCs, we found poikilocytosis is a better indicator for toxicity measurement of both untreated as well as treated wastewater, especially at their lowest concentrations where percent mortality was found to be either nil or lowerer than the percentage of poikilocytic RBCs. Although percent reduction in RBC counts and changes in their size (anisocytosis) indicated toxic effects of wastewaters, but EC5o values for RBC counts were usually higher than those for poikilocytosis and mortality, and non-calculable for anisocytosis suggesting their lesser sensitivity to pollutants. In view of these findings, we recommend monitoring of toxic effects of wastewaters during fish bioassay on both mortality and variation in RBC shape.     

十溴联苯醚(BDE 209)孕哺期及出生后暴露对子代小鼠血液系统影响初探

本研究旨在探讨BDE 209长期暴露对出生后不同发育阶段子鼠血液系统的影响。将75只雌性昆明小鼠随机分为对照组、低剂量组(1.5 mg·kg-1·d-1)和高剂量组(225 mg·kg-1·d-1)。BDE 209暴露10 d后,将雌鼠与雄鼠合笼。选取怀孕时间相近(相差不过2 d)的10只孕鼠持续染毒直至自然分娩。出生后子鼠在哺乳期通过母乳染毒,断乳后则按照与母鼠相同的方式进行染毒,并在不同时间点进行外周血常规、外周血形态学、骨髓细胞形态学、骨髓细胞染色体组型和数目分析。血常规结果显示,低、高剂量BDE 209暴露对出生后不同发育阶段子鼠的白细胞计数没有影响,即白细胞、中性粒细胞、淋巴细胞及单核细胞的数量均无显著变化(P0.05);红细胞系统检查显示一定性别差异,即低剂量和高剂量BDE 209染毒的雄性小鼠在PND30出现红细胞(RBC)(P0.05)、血红蛋白(Hb)(P0.05或P0.01)及红细胞压积(P0.05或P0.01)的显著降低;而雌性小鼠只在PND 30出现红细胞压积的降低(P0.05);在PND 30,高剂量暴露组的雌性及雄性小鼠,低剂量暴露组的雌性小鼠均出现血小板计数的显著降低(P0.05或P0.01);而PND 60、PND 90的实验组血小板均未观察到显著改变(P0.05)。外周血形态学检查表明,低剂量组在PND 30、PND 60,及高剂量组在PND 90检测到典型异常结果多表现为白细胞数的增多。而低剂量组在PND 90检测到的典型异常结果多表现为异型深染淋巴细胞(P0.05)。骨髓形态学检测表明,低剂量组子代雄性及雌性小鼠在PND 60、PND 90骨髓涂片可检测到骨髓细胞的异常结果,表现为骨髓增生活跃,高剂量组雄性小鼠在PND 90观察到3例异常涂片,表现为骨髓增生异常(P0.05)。研究结果表明,BDE 209长期暴露可能导致出生子代外周血和骨髓的毒性,提示具有血液系统发育毒性。     

Certain haematological responses in Swiss albino mice following exposure to textile dye wastewater

Adults Swiss mice were administered 5% solution of textile industry wastewater orally for 25 days and haematological parameters like RBC, WBC, Hb, and PCV were studied. Red cell indices like MCV, MCH and MCHC were calculated. Results indicate significant reduction in RBC, Hb and PCV levels. It is inferred that toxic effluents cause metabolic alteration in erythrocytes and reduce their Hb carrying capacity.     

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.