@tdb2.tanta.edu.eg
Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology
Faculty of medicine, Tanta University
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics, Drug Guides, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
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Khaled A. AL-Rasheedi, Abdulmajeed A. Alqasoumi, and Ashraf M. Emara
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Mohammed Ali A. L. Siwar, Sayed Hossam El-Din Mansour, Maha A. Aldubayan, Ahmad H. Alhowail, Yasser S. Almogbel, and Ashraf Mahmoud Emara
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
The abuse of Cannabis is a widespread issue in the Asir region. It has a lot of legal and occupational repercussions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health status of cannabis addicts at admission and after treatment using body mass index, glycemic status, liver function, renal function, and oxidative stress. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 participants. The study was conducted at Al Amal Hospital for Mental Health in Asir region of Saudi Arabia, with 100 hospitalized patients receiving addiction treatment and 20 healthy volunteers. The participants were divided into two groups: group I, the control group, and group II, the cannabis addicts. The socio-demographic data were gathered. The level of cannabis in the urine and the CWAS [Cannabis Withdrawal Assessment Scale] were determined. In addition, the Body Mass Index [BMI], vital signs [temperature, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate], serum levels of albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP, urea, creatinine, Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances [TBARS], superoxide dismutase [SOD], reduced glutathione [GSH], and catalase [CAT] were analyzed on the first day of admission and after treatment. According to the results, there was no significant change in the body mass index. The vital signs in the cannabis user group were significantly lower than the corresponding admission values. Regarding renal function tests such as urea and creatinine, we found that after treatment, the mean urea and creatinine values in the cannabis user group did not differ significantly from the corresponding admission values. However, after treatment, the mean values of fasting blood glucose levels in the cannabis user group were significantly lower than at admission. Also, the mean values of liver function tests such as albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP in the cannabis user group were significantly lower than the corresponding admission values after treatment. In assessing the antioxidant system, we found that the mean values of TBARS, SOD, GSH, and CAT in the cannabis user group did not differ significantly from the corresponding admission values after treatment. The current findings have revealed that cannabis addiction harms the various body systems and has significant implications for the addict’s state of health. The values of oxidative stress biomarkers did not change in this study, but other measured parameters improved after treatment.
M. H. Al Garea, A. Alqasoumi, S. Alqahtani, A. Hadadi and Ashraf Mahmoud Emara
OBJECTIVE
Drug and substance abuse remains a major medical problem globally. Alcohol consumption, particularly heavy drinking, is an important risk factor for many health problems and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Vitamin C has proven to be defensive against toxic substances and provides antioxidant and cytoprotective activity to hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin C as a potential ameliorating agent against hepatotoxicity among alcohol abusers.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional study that included eighty male hospitalized alcohol abusers and twenty healthy people as a control group. Alcohol abusers received standard treatment plus vitamin C. Total protein, albumin, total Bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and 8-hydroxhguanosine (8-OHdG) were investigated.
RESULTS
This study reported that, in the alcohol abuser group, there was a significant increase in the total protein, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, TBARS, SOD and 8-OHdG; on the other hand, there was a significant decrease in albumin, GSH and CAT compared with the control group. The alcohol abuser group treated with vitamin C showed a significant decrease in total protein, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, TBARS, SOD and 8-OHdG; on the other hand, there was a significant increase in albumin, GSH and CAT compared with the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study's findings suggest that alcohol abuse induces significant alterations in various hepatic biochemical parameters and oxidative stress and that vitamin C has a partial protective role in countering alcohol abuse-induced hepatotoxicity. Using vitamin C as an adjunctive supplement to standard treatment may be helpful in minimizing the toxic side effects of alcohol abuse.
Raed Saud Alharbi, Ahmad Hamad Alhowail, Abdullah Ghareeb Alharbi, and Ashraf Mahmoud Emara
Elsevier BV
Khaled A. AL-Rasheedi, Abdulmajeed A. Alqasoumi, and Ashraf M. Emara
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of waste anaesthetic gases on cytokines and oxidative stress of hospital health team members following exposure to waste anaesthetic gases (WAGs). Subjects and methods In total, 180 participants took part in this study; 60 of these were healthy male controls and the 120 participants in the intervention group were staff who work in the operating room. This latter group comprises six occupational subgroups (1) surgeons, (2) surgical assistants, (3) anaesthesiologists (4) anaesthesiology assistants, (5) nurses and (6) janitors. The following parameters were assessed: catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, plasma fluoride, serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ), serum interleukin 2 (IL2), serum interleukin 4 (IL4) and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Results Anaesthesiologists and their assistants exhibited the highest levels of plasma fluoride, serum IFN-γ and IL 2, exceeding the levels in detected in all the other occupational subgroups. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL4 were significantly raised in anaesthesiologists and the difference between this group and other groups was statistically significant. However, compared with the other subgroups, surgeons exhibited elevated plasma TBARS and reduced CAT, GSHpx and SOD; these variances were also statistically significant. Conclusion and recommendations The findings of this study indicate that operating room staff exposed to WAGs are vulnerable to experiencing immunotoxicity as the WAGs are considered to initiate oxidative stress and increase the levels of cytokines in serum. Thus, an education programme is warranted to inform staff working in environments where they may be subjected to WAGs on the effects that the gases can have upon their health and how to minimise their exposure to WAGs. An ongoing effort is also needed to ensure anaesthesia safety standards are maintained at all times. The findings of this study may provide a springboard for future research into occupational exposure to WAGs and their wider effect upon health.
Rehab M. Elgharabawy, Ahmad H. Alhowail, Ashraf M. Emara, Maha A. Aldubayan, and Amira S. Ahmed
Elsevier BV
Ashraf Mahmoud Emara, Khaled Ali Alrasheedi, Salha Dihim Alrashidi, and Rehab Mohamed Elgharabawy
Informa UK Limited
Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate consequences to the immune system of long-term exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAG) by medical theater personnel. Two groups were recruited: (i) 60 healthy male controls; (ii) 120 medical professionals exposed to WAG, subdivided according to theater role, i.e. surgeons, surgical assistants (SA), anesthetists, anesthetic assistants (AA), nurses, and workers. Serum levels of fluoride, hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), total lymphocyte counts, as well as of CD3, CD4, and CD8 cells, CD4/CD8 ratios, and immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE were assayed. The results showed that fluoride and HFIP titers were significantly increased in anesthetists and AA compared with the other exposed groups. All exposed groups demonstrated significant elevation in lymphocyte count, CD4+ cell levels, CD4/CD8 ratios, as well as levels of IgE, IgM and IgG compared with the controls. With regard to the latter outcomes, a significant increase in IgE was seen in the surgeon, nurse, and worker groups compared with the other professions. Surgeons, anesthetists and AA exhibited higher IgM titers compared with their colleagues. Significantly higher IgG levels were identified in the SA, anesthetists, AA, and workers than in their nurses and surgeon coworkers. Of the six sub-groups, only the anesthetists and their assistants (AA) displayed a significant increase in CD4+ cells and CD4/CD8 ratios and a decrease of CD8+ cells compared with the controls. This spectrum of results suggests that variation exists in immunomodulatory responses to WAG exposure amongst hospital personnel.
AM Emara, KA Alrasheedi, MA Aldubayan, AH Alhowail, and RM Elgarabawy
SAGE Publications
A significant health risk exists within a section of health workers that are exposed to anaesthetic gas and vapours, found in the atmosphere of treatment or operating rooms. These compounds are classified as waste anaesthetic gases (WAG). The present study aimed at identifying alterations in hepatic and haematological parameters occurring as a result of chronic exposure to WAG potentially affecting the health of team members working in hospitals. Therefore, operating room operatives, vulnerable to long-standing WAG exposure, were recruited for this study. Sevoflurane anaesthesia metabolites (inorganic fluoride and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)), haematological indices and liver toxicity markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and osteopontin) were measured. The collected results showed increased plasma inorganic fluoride, HFIP and liver toxicity markers, as well as disturbances in haematological parameters. In conclusion, exposure to halogenated inhalational anaesthetics, in general, and Sevoflurane, in particular, induces alterations in hepatic markers and haematological indices.
Maha A. Aldubayan, Amira S. Ahmed, Ashraf M. Emara, Ahmed A. Ahmed, and Rehab M. Elgharabawy
Hindawi Limited
The main avoidable risk factor for cardiovascular conditions is high blood pressure (hypertension). At global level, hypertension is believed to be responsible for a 54% stroke-related mortality rate and a 47% mortality rate associated with coronary heart disease. It is postulated that sinapic acid (SA) could help in hypertension management because it displays robust antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and peroxynitrite scavenging effects. To explore this hypothesis, this work examined the effect of SA on oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease in rats with hypertension by comparison against captopril. For this purpose, 50 male rats were used and equally allocated to five groups, namely, normal control, positive control (L-NAME), L-NAME with concomitant captopril administration, L-NAME with concomitant SA administration, and L-NAME with concomitant administration of both SA and captopril. Results showed that, by contrast to control, L-NAME exhibited marked elevation in serum CK-MB, total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL-C, LDL-C, Ang II, AT2R, ET-1, and angiopoietin-2; on the other hand, L-NAME exhibited marked reduction in serum HDL-C, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), and glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, joint administration of SA and captopril ameliorated hypertension, enhanced cardiovascular function, hindered hyperlipidemia, and decreased oxidative stress and myocardial hypertrophy displayed by rats with hypertension. Based on such findings, better chemopreventive or therapeutic approaches can be devised to manage hypertension and cardiovascular conditions.
RM Elgharabawy, DM Elgharbawy, and AM Emara
SAGE Publications
Reactive oxygen species have a significant role in the pathogenesis of iron oxide nanorod (IONR) overload-induced organ toxicity in some organs such as the lungs. Green tea induces upregulation of phase II antioxidant enzymes that are transcriptionally organized by the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) that when activated antagonize the oxidative stress induced by IONR overload that causes cardiotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to determine whether treatment of cardiotoxicity with iron chelators (deferiprone (DFP) or deferoxamine (DFO)) alone or in combination with phytochemical activation of Nrf2 (green tea) can protect cardiomyocytes from IONR overload-induced cardiotoxicity. One hundred five rats were distributed into seven groups: two control groups (non-IONR-overloaded and IONR-overloaded) and five IONR-overloaded groups such as a green tea group, DFP group, DFP combined with green tea group, DFO group, and DFO combined with green tea. Blood samples and cardiac tissues were obtained for estimation of total iron-binding capacity, ratio of myocardial 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine/myocardial 2-deoxyguanosine, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione (GSH) contents, and histopathological examination. The results showed mild histopathological changes in the heart and a significant decrease in all biochemical parameters, except for myocardial GSH, in the DFP group. The addition of green tea improved the biochemical and histopathological results compared with chelators alone.
Rehab Mohmed El-Gharbawy, Ashraf Mahmoud Emara, and Sally El-Sayed Abu-Risha
Elsevier BV
Thanaa A. El-Masry, Abdulla M. Elahwel, and Ashraf M. Emara
Informa UK Limited
Ethanol is among the many factors increasing the risk of gastric ulcer formation such as stress, use of steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This study was conducted to determine the role of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of ethanol-induced gastric lesions and its treatment with omeprazole, corn oil, Nigella sativa oil, and combinations thereof. Rats were divided into: Group (I): 20 rats were divided into two equal subgroups as follows: Group (Ia): l mL saline orally daily for 5 days, serving as control group. Group (Ib): 1 mL 50% ethanol, then 10% ethanol in water for 5 days (ethanol group). Group (II): l mL saline orally daily for 2 weeks and served as control group. Group (III): 1 mL 50% ethanol by gavage, then 10% ethanol in water for 5 days (ethanol group) and left for 2 weeks (withdrawn the alcohol). Group (IV): ethanol by the same dose and concentration as ethanol group, then omeprazole (30 mg/kg body weight/day orally for 2 weeks). Group (V): ethanol by the same dose and concentration as ethanol group, then corn oil (2 mL/kg/day orally for 2 weeks). Group (VI): ethanol by the same dose and concentration as ethanol group, then N. sativa oil orally in a dose of 0.88 mL/kg/day orally for 2 weeks. Group (VII): ethanol by the same dose and concentration as ethanol group then combination of corn oil and omeprazole by the same dose orally. Group (VIII): ethanol by the same dose and concentration as ethanol group, then combination of N. sativa oil and omeprazole orally (Such details should not appear in the abstract, only general description). The following parameters were monitored: acid secretory parameters, gastric mucosal histamine, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl groups, reduced glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes, i.e., glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and histopathological examination. The ethanol group showed significant increase in gastric volume, histamine content, free acidity, malondialdehyde, and carbonyl content and showed significant reduction in mucin, glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes. These biochemical data were confirmed by the changes observed by histopathological examination. Combined treatments with omeprazole plus N. sativa oil improve significantly all parameters studied. The data suggest that administration of N. sativa oil along with omeprazole may be beneficial for treatment of gastric lesions induced by ethanol.
Ashraf M. Emara, Mona M. Abo El-Noor, Neven A. Hassan, and Ayman A. Wagih
Informa UK Limited
The immune and hematological systems can be a target for environmental contaminants with potential adverse effects, so the purpose of this study is to provide documentation on immunotoxicity and hematotoxicity of tetrachloroethylene, which is widely used in dry cleaning in Egypt. This study was carried out on 80 adult males. Subjects designated as controls (n = 40) were healthy persons and others were tetrachloroethylene-exposed dry-cleaning workers (n = 40). The controls and tetrachloroethylene-exposed workers were then divided into four equal groups (20 individuals/group): group I, control group never smoking; group II, smoking control group; and groups III and IV, tetrachloroethylene-exposed nonsmoking and smoking workers, respectively. Blood level of tetrachloroethylene, complete blood count, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG, and IgE), the total numbers of white blood cells (WBC), and leukocyte differential counts, as well as interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), were measured. The immunotoxicity of tetrachloroethylene appeared in the form of an increase in serum immunoglobulin E in nonsmoking and smoking tetrachloroethylene-exposed workers, while the serum immunoglobulins A, M, and G levels showed no significant change in all studied groups. In addition, our results demonstrated a significant increase in white cell count, lymphocytes, natural killer (NK; CD3+CD16CD56+) cells, and B (CD19+) lymphocytes. The increase in WBC and lymphocytes may be attributed to allergic reaction. Moreover, serum and lymphocytic interlukin-4 levels were significantly increased in nonsmoking and smoking tetrachloroethylene-exposed workers. Tetrachloroethylene exposure is associated with immunotoxicity, which may lead to the augmentation of allergic diseases or appearance of autoimmune reaction.
Ashraf M. Emara, Rabab S. El-Kelany, Thanaa A. Elmasry, and Mahmoud Elkareb
Informa UK Limited
Chronic fluoride (Fl) toxicity is a serious public health problem globally where drinking water contains more than 1 ppm of Fl. Sodium fluoride (NaF) produced male reproductive system toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the amelioration of Fl toxicity-induced fertility impairment by vitamin E and calcium during the withdrawal period. The study was carried out on 70 adult male albino rats divided into five main groups: group I control; subdivided into group Ia (maintained on standard diet and water ad libitum for 60 days) and group Ib (maintained on standard diet and water ad libitum for 120 days), group II was administered NaF and subdivided into group IIa (administered NaF for 60 day and sacrificed) and group IIb (administered NaF for 60 day then maintained on standard diet and water ad libitum for a further 60 days), and treated groups III, IV, and V were administered NaF. Rats were maintained during withdrawal from NaF, on vitamin E (10 mg kg−1 day−1 for 60 days), calcium (50 mg kg−1 day−1 orally for 60 days), and both vitamin E and calcium, respectively. The duration of NaF administration was 60 days at a dose 20 mg kg−1 day−1 for all treated groups. The following parameters were determined: body and organ weights, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, fertility test, and hormone assays: testosterone, in vitro testosterone production, luteinizing hormone, and follicular stimulating hormone. The combined administration of vitamin E and calcium during withdrawal from NaF showed significant improvement from chronic FL-induced toxicity on male reproductive organs.
Mahmood A. El-Gharieb, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Ashraf M. Emara, and Mohammed A. Hashem
Informa UK Limited
Malathion is an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide and has a wide range of use in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and public health. Malathion and other OP insecticides produce hepatotoxic effects. The objective of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of Nigella sativa oil and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) on the hepatotoxicity induced by malathion on workers involved in the formulation of pesticides, chronically exposed to malathion, and in male albino rats orally administrated malathion. This study was conducted on both human and experimental animals, the human study was conducted on 30 control subjects working as administrators and 45 subjects working in formulation of pesticides and exposed to malathion (≥3 years), all were males with age ranges from 30 to 60 years. The 45 males working in pesticides formulation were classified into three groups; (1) 15 workers exposed to pesticides (2) 15 workers exposed to pesticides and received vitamin (E), in a dose of 10 mg kg−1 day−1 orally for 60 days, and (3) 15 workers exposed to pesticides and received 100 mg kg−1 day−1 of N. sativa oil for 60 days. The animal experiment was conducted on 40 adult male albino rats weighing 150–200 g. They were divided into four groups (10 rats in each group). First group served as the control group, the second group received malathion in a dose of 50 mg kg−1 orally per day for 60 days, the third group received malathion (in the same dose and route of administration) and vitamin E in a dose of 10 mg kg−1 day−1 orally for 60 days, and the fourth group received malathion (in the same dose and route of administration) and N. sativa oil in a dose of 100 mg kg−1 day−1 orally for 60 days. Liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP], albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, and total proteins), antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), and lipid peroxidation [MDA] were analyzed in both human and animal experiments. The results of both human and animal study revealed that, exposure to malathion produced significant increases in AST, ALT, and lipid peroxidation. There were significant decrease in albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, total protein, and antioxidant enzymes. There was no significant change in ALP. In addition exposed workers showed significant decreases in serum globulin. Nigella sativa oil or vitamin E administration showed significant improvement of liver function tests, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes impairment induced by malathion. Thus, dietary supplement, N. sativa oil, or vitamin E may represent a potential therapeutic agent in reducing malathion-induced hepatotoxicity.
Neven Ahmed Hassan, Rabab Sayed El Kelany, Ashraf Mahmoud Emara, and Mohamed Amer
Elsevier BV
Ashraf M. Emara and Hoda El-Bahrawy
Informa UK Limited
Workers exposed to benzene frequently suffer from toxicities of the bone marrow as well as the central nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. This toxicity most likely is a result of the oxidative metabolism of benzene to reactive products. As green tea possesses antioxidant effects, the objective of this study was to examine any amelioration of benzene-induced oxidative stress in pump workers drinking 6 cups (150 ml/cup) of freshly prepared tea daily. Sixty male non-smoking subjects, divided into four groups: no benzene exposure/no green tea; no exposure/tea; exposure/no tea; and, exposure/tea, were monitored after a 6 mo period. On the final day of the study, urine samples were collected for analyses of benzene, trans-trans muconic acid, and phenol. Blood was also collected at this time; plasma was assayed for total antioxidant activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) while erythrocytes were analyzed for activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSHPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. The results demonstrated that urinary levels of benzene, trans-trans muconic acid, and phenol were elevated in all pump workers, and that this elevation was mitigated by consumption of green tea. The benzene exposures also led to significant reductions in plasma GSH levels and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities; these effects were abrogated (to near-control levels) by the tea. Interestingly, among control subjects, tea ingestion itself caused significant increases in both GSHPX and catalase activities. Unlike with the other plasma parameters, while the benzene exposures also significantly increased plasma MDA levels and decreased total antioxidant activity, tea ingestion did not cause a near-total reversion to control values; the effects on these two endpoints were more like those noted with the urine parameters (mitigation, not abrogation). These studies demonstrate that drinking green tea during benzene exposure can reduce several parameters indicative of oxidative stress. As such, as a dietary supplement, green tea could represent a potential therapeutic agent in reducing certain aspects of benzene-induced toxicity.
Ashraf M. Emara and Eman I. Draz
Informa UK Limited
A commonly available aerosolized pyrethroid insecticide containing deltamethrin and imiprothrin is widely used for hygienic control in Egypt. The immunotoxic effects after inhalation exposures to the preparation of each for 2, 10, and 30 days were investigated in rats. For each exposure, the insecticide (containing 0.2% imiprothrin and 2.5% deltamethrin) was sprayed in all directions in a room (using a special attachment located in the ceiling in the center of the room) for 30 s each minute for 15 min; the room was then kept closed for 15 min. After each spray interval, the rats were introduced for 30 min and then removed to a clean room. The exposure process was repeated a total of three times on each day of the respective regimens. The interval between the 15-min spray/15-min pause/30-min rat exposure cycles was 120 min. Twenty-four hours after the final exposure in each particular regimen, the cohort rats in the regimen (air and exposed) were weighed, sacrificed, and their tissues were removed for analyses. Immunological tests performed included assessments of potential changes in immunopathology (determined from body and splenic weights), humoral-mediated immunity (based on plaque-forming activity of spleen cells), cell-mediated immunity (determined from splenic lymphocyte responsiveness to stimulation with phytohemagglutinin and immune cell (sub)type profile analyses), and nonspecific immunity (based on phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages). The results indicated that of all the endpoints examined, among the rats exposed over a 2-day period to the imiprothrin- and deltamethrin-containing insecticide aerosol, the only significant change noted (relative to values from time-matched controls) was in the levels of splenic CD4+CD8− and CD4+ CD8+ cells. In contrast, exposures on each day of a 10-day period led to significant decreases in several endpoints; exceptions to this were values for body and spleen weight (unaffected), splenic OX12−OX19+ levels (significant increase), and CD4+CD8− levels (unaffected, relative to control). Rats exposed for 30 days displayed significant decreases in each test applied, except for increases in both splenic OX12−OX19+ and CD4+CD8− cell levels relative to corresponding control rat values. The present study findings indicate that repeated noncontinuous inhalation of a commonly utilized insecticide that contains imiprothrin and deltamethrin can cause a variety of immunotoxic effects in sites distal to the lungs.
A M Emara, R S El Kelany, and K A Moustafa
SAGE Publications
Patients with iron overload frequently suffer from hemochromatosis of major organs, such as the heart and liver. Heart affection is the most common cause of death in patients with iron overload. Although the beneficial effects of deferoxamine (DFO) on iron-associated mortality are well documented, the role of deferiprone in the management of transfusional iron overload is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the protective effect of iron chelators (DFO and deferiprone) individually and in combination with the anti-oxidant (vitamin C) in the prevention of myocardial damage. Sixty albino rats were divided into six groups: two control groups (noniron-loaded and iron-loaded) and four iron-loaded groups classified as follows: DFO group, DFO combined with vitamin C group, deferiprone group and deferiprone combined with vitamin C group. Heart tissue and blood samples were taken for histopathological examination of the heart, determination of total iron-binding capacity, 8-OH-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), myocardial lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) content. Less histopathological cardiac changes and a significant decrease in all biochemical parameters, except myocardial GSH, were observed in the deferiprone group. The addition of vitamin C improves the biochemical and histopathological changes in comparison to those rats administered DFO or deferiprone individually.