Volume 22, No. 3/2005(3rd Quarter)
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Trace Elements and Electrolytes
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Letter to the Editor
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte cytosolic Ca2+ content in non-dialyzed subjects with chronic renal failure
G. Caimi, C. Carollo, B. Canino, F. Vaccaro and R. Lo Presti
Abstract
G. Caimi, C. Carollo, B. Canino, F. Vaccaro and R. Lo Presti
Originals
Determination of Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Fe and Zn in algae and vegetable samples using wet and dry ashing procedures
S. Tokalioglu and S. Kartal
Abstract
S. Tokalioglu and S. Kartal
Erciyes University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Kayseri, Turkey
In this study, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Fe, and Zn metal levels of 9 vegetables (garlic, onion, radish, parsley, potato pod, cucumber, tomato, carrot, and pepper) from a local market in Kayseri, Turkey, and algae samples from the Aegean Sea, were determined by using FAAS. In the sample analyses, both wet and dry ashing methods were used. Dry ashing procedures employed involved combinations such as ashing time and being covered or uncovered of crucible. The results of seven dry and one wet ashing procedures used for the determination of elements in the samples were compared with each other. The comparison procedures were performed for cucumber, tomato, carrot and pepper samples. The correlations were satisfactory, except for Cu and Mn. The heavy metal pollution for vegetable samples were also investigated. The elemental concentration ranges obtained with wet and dry ashing procedures for vegetable samples were as follows (mg/g): 5.00 – 16.4, 6.18 – 14.0 for Cu, 2.82 – 6.49, 1.77 – 6.49 for Pb, 2.71 – 8.17, 1.50 – 7.98 for Ni, 0.16 – 0.99, 0.70 – 2.75 for Cr, 1.64 – 4.34, 0.80 – 4.48 for Co, 6.10 – 61.9, 6.22 – 67.8 for Mn, 16.2 – 199, 13.1 – 450 for Fe, 9.26 – 40.7, 14.7 – 45.8 for Zn, and 0.88 – 2.99, 0.20 – 2.50 for Cd, respectively.Correspondence to:
S. Tokalioglu, M.D.
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Erciyes University
38039 Kayseri, Turkey
Email: serifet@erciyes.edu.tr
Originals
Biological monitoring of cobalt exposure: results in a non-exposed population and on workers of a hard metal manufacture
M. Torra, J. Fernández, M. Rodamilans, A.M. Navarro and J. Corbella
Abstract
M. Torra1, J. Fernández2, M. Rodamilans1, A.M. Navarro2 and J. Corbella1
1Servei de Toxicologia, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, and 2Dr. Echevarne Laboratoires, Barcelona, Spain
Cobalt exposure levels and its concentrations in urine were determined for 20 hard metal workers with a median age of 41 years (range 20 – 56) and a mean duration of exposure of seven years (range 1 – 24). The metal was determined in urine samples collected before and at the end of the shift. The mean concentration found was 46 ± 17 mg/g creatinine. The concentrations of cobalt in urine were higher at the end of the shift than before with a significant increase day in and day out along the week. The kinetics of cobalt urinary excretion was found multiphase with a first stage of rapid elimination (T1/2: 21 h) and a second phase of slower elimination (T1/2: 9 days). Stationary and personal air samplings were carried out. A maximum cobalt concentration of 130 mg/m3 was found. For control data, the cobalt concentrations in urine were measured for 50 healthy subjects living in the same geographical. The age distribution ranged from 21 – 83 years. The arithmetic mean of urine cobalt concentration was 1.2 mg/g creatinine ranging from 1.1 – 1.5 mg/g creatinine. In almost every case, the 95th upper percentiles of this element were less than 1.3 mg/g creatinine. No significant differences were observed with respect to the subjects’ sex and age.Correspondence to:
Dra. M. Torra
Servei de Toxicologia
Hospital Clinic
C/Villarroel 170
08036 Barcelona, Spain
Email: mtorra@clinic.ub.es
Originals
The effects of copper application on oxidative and antioxidant systems in rats
S. Toplan, N. Dariyerli, D. Özçelik and M.C. Akyolcu
Abstract
S. Toplan1, N. Dariyerli2, D. Özçelik1 and M.C. Akyolcu1
1Department of Biophysics, and 2Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
Oxidative damage of copper has been reported in recent studies, even though its necessity for an organism as a trace element exists. Present study has been planned to determine the oxidative effects of copper on blood and the defense system. While nine controls Wistar-Albino type rats were being fed with normal diet and water, experimental animals were fed by normal fodder but received copper in their drinking water for nine weeks. After experimental period, serum copper concentrations, erythrocyte SOD activity, GSH concentrations and plasma MDA concentrations were measured in both groups. MDA concentrations and SOD activities of in experimental group were found higher than in controls (p < 0.05) and GSH concentration in experimental group was found to be lower than in control group animals (p < 0.05). It could be argued that copper application might have increased the SOD activity and lipid peroxidation and decreased the GSH levels.Correspondence to:
Dr. S. Toplan
Istanbul University
Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty
Department of Biophysics
34303 Cerrahpasa
Istanbul, Turkey
Email: toplan@istanbul.edu.tr
Originals
Zinc concentration in gastric mucosa in the precancerous states of stomach cancer
Z. Kopanski, A. Kosiniak-Kamysz, Z. Puchalski, M. Grabowska, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka, A. Nowak and A. Skowron
Abstract
Z. Kopanski1, A. Kosiniak-Kamysz2, Z. Puchalski3, M. Grabowska4, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka5, A. Nowak1 and A. Skowron6
1Department of Oncologycal Surgery, Military Clinical Hospital, Academy of Physical Education in Kraków, 2Hospital of H. Dietl, 3I. Department of General Surgery, Medical Academy of Bialystok, 4Institute of the Medical Biochemistry College of Medicine Ja
The analysis included 91 patients (61 men and 30 women), age 31 – 65 years, who were examined because of disorders in the upper part of the alimentary canal. In the course of the diagnostic being carried out, the following measures were used: gastroscopic examination with histopathological evolution of the segments taken from the gastric mucosa, as well as estimation of the zinc concentration in the gastric mucosa. It was shown that the increase in pathologic states of the gastric mucosa, starting from the normal mucosa, through the inflammatory changes to the atrophic changes, was associated with a statistically significant fall of the average zinc concentration in the gastric mucosa. However, otherwise it goes into the cells affected with dysplastic changes in which there occurs an increase of the zinc concentration.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. Z. Kopanski
Military Clinical Hospital
1-3 Wroclawska Str.
30-901 Kraków, Poland
Email: mfzawadz@kinga.cyf-kr.edu.pl
Originals
Biomarkers of lead exposure in auto-mechanics in Abeokuta, Nigeria
O. Dosumu, B. Onunkwor, O. Odukoya, T. Arowolo and O. Ademuyiwa
Abstract
O. Dosumu1, B. Onunkwor1, O. Odukoya2, T. Arowolo3 and O. Ademuyiwa1
1Department of Biochemistry, 2Department of Chemistry, and 3Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
In order to assess occupational exposure to lead and its attendant biochemical effects, lead levels and some biochemical effects associated with lead toxicity were determined in blood and urine of auto-mechanics and university staff (serving as control) in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Blood pressure, urine calcium and the activity of glutathione S-transferase were not affected in the auto-mechanics (p > 0.05). All other variables measured were substantially (p < 0.001) higher in the auto-mechanics (n = 52). A mean blood lead level of 54.18 ± 16.29 mg/dl was found for the auto-mechanics while the control had a mean blood lead level of 19.16 ± 3.30 mg/dl. Lead concentration in the urine of control amounted to 15.24 ± 5.75 mg/dl whereas urinary excretion of lead in the auto-mechanics seems to parallel the level found in their blood. Urine aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in the auto-mechanics was on average 2.6-fold higher than that of the control. Catalase activity increased whereas calcium and reduced glutathione were decreased in the auto-mechanics. We observed positive linear relationships between blood lead and urine lead (r = 0.5058); blood lead and urine ALA (r = 0.4555); urine lead and urine ALA (r = 0.7004). A negative relationship was observed for blood lead and calcium (r = –0.3481). Our data are consistent with induction of oxidative stress in the auto-mechanics as a result of lead exposure.Correspondence to:
Dr. O. Ademuyiwa
Department of Biochemistry
University of Agriculture
Abeokuta, Nigeria
Email: adelad2@yahoo.com
Originals
Determination of trace metal content of various herbal and fruit teas produced and marketed in Turkey
H. Colak, M. Soylak and O. Turkoglu
Abstract
H. Colak, M. Soylak and O. Turkoglu
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Art and Science, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
Manganese, iron, zinc, copper and nickel contents of herbal and fruit tea samples produced and marketed in Turkey, were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples were digested in the mixture of HCl/HNO3. The concentration range of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu and Ni was found to be 67.5 – 1,610.0 mg/g, 23.0 – 1,028.5 mg/g, 3.3 – 32.5 mg/g, 5.5 – 31.5 mg/g and 11.3 – 37.0 mg/g, respectively. The levels of Cr, Cd, Pb and Co in the samples were below the detection limits of FAAS.Correspondence to:
Dr. M. Soylak
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Art and Science
Erciyes University
Kayseri, Turkey
Email: soylak@erciyes.edu.tr
Originals
Plasma copper and zinc in patients with coronary artery disease: relation with lipids and lipid peroxides
M.A. Rauoof, M.M. Mir, K. Iqbal, S. Jalal, J.A. Malik, N.A. Tramboo, K.A. Khan, V.M. Jan, M.I. Masoodi, I.A. Wani and A.R. Khan
Abstract
M.A. Rauoof1, M.M. Mir2, K. Iqbal1, S. Jalal1, J.A. Malik3, N.A. Tramboo1, K.A. Khan1, V.M. Jan1, M.I. Masoodi4, I.A. Wani4 and A.R. Khan2
1Department of Cardiology, 2Department of Clinical Biochemistry and 4Department of General Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar (J&K), and 3Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Me
The present study was conducted to examine the relation of plasma levels of copper and zinc to the simultaneously measured plasma lipid and lipid peroxide levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Copper and zinc levels were measured by double-beam atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the levels of lipid peroxides in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) by modified Yagi’s method in 40 patients with CAD and 40 healthy controls. Patients with CAD had significantly higher plasma levels of MDA and copper as compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.001); plasma zinc levels in the two groups were identical. Plasma copper to zinc ratio was also higher in the CAD group. Plasma copper showed a significantly positive correlation with total and LDL cholesterol, age, male sex, hypertension and diabetes mellitus and a weak inverse relation with HDL cholesterol. No such correlations were found in case of plasma zinc. Plasma copper also showed a significantly positive correlation, and plasma zinc an insignificantly negative correlation with plasma MDA. We conclude that patients with CAD have significantly higher levels of plasma copper, nearly normal levels of plasma zinc and a higher copper to zinc ratio as compared to healthy controls. Further, the elevated plasma copper levels correlate with the presence of CAD risk factors and with increased lipid peroxide levels in these patients.Correspondence to:
Dr. M.A. Rauoof
PO Box #843, GPO
Srinagar 190001, J&K, India
Email: marauf2903@yahoo.co.in
Originals
Selenium – a novel radiosensitizer? Increased radiation sensitivity in C6 rat glioma cells incubated with different concentrations of selenite
P. Schüller, S. Püttmann, O. Micke, V. Senner, U. Schäfer and N. Willich
Abstract
P. Schüller1, S. Püttmann2, O. Micke1, V. Senner2, U. Schäfer1 and N. Willich1
1Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, and 2Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Münster, Germany
Objective: To experimentally investigate the influence of selenite on the sensitivity of glioma cells to ionizing radiation. Material and methods: Toxicities of 6 different trace element compounds were measured for C6 and U373 cells. The influence of Se concentration on radiation sensitivity was analyzed by culturing C6 cells at 4 different nontoxic selenite concentrations (0 mM, 2 mM, 3 mM, and 3.6 mM) for 14 days before irradiation with 0 Gy – 20 Gy and determining plating efficiency and cell survival using the colony assay. Experiments were repeated three times to determine mean values and standard deviations. Results: The overall radiosensitivity of the C6 cells was low (D0, control = 6.1 Gy). Irradiated cells exposed to increasing selenite concentrations showed a lower plating efficiency and, for doses > 2 Gy, a lower survival than the control. For Se concentrations of 0 mM, 2 mM, 3 mM, respectively, SF2 amounted to 0.72, 0.48, 0.46, and SF5 to 0.37, 0.25, 0.12. The Wilcoxon test showed significant differences in cell survival between the nonirradiated control and the selenite-exposed cells at 5 Gy and 10 Gy. Conclusion: Our experiments suggest a radiosensitizing effect of medium, nontoxic concentrations of selenite in C6 rat glioma cells, especially at 5 – 10 Gy. These results should be confirmed by further experiments.Correspondence to:
Dr. P. Schüller
Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie – Radioonkologie
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 33
48129 Münster, Germany
Email: pschuel@uni-muenster.de
Originals
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content at baseline and after activation in essential hypertension
R. Lo Presti, C. Carollo, B. Canino, M. Montana, A. Romano, A. Catania, G. Cerasola and G. Caimi
Abstract
R. Lo Presti, C. Carollo, B. Canino, M. Montana, A. Romano, A. Catania, G. Cerasola and G. Caimi
Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Malattie Cardiovascolari e Nefrourologiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italy
Objective: To examine in essential hypertension (EH) the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content at baseline and after in vitro activation. Subjects and methods: In 45 hypertensive subjects (27 men and 18 women; mean age 45.8 ± 11.3 years) we evaluated the PMN membrane fluidity, obtained by labeling PMNs with 1-[4-(trimethylmino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) and considering the TMA-DPH polarization degree, inversely related to the membrane fluidity, and the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content, obtained by marking PMNs with Fura 2-AM. These PMN parameters were examined at baseline and after in vitro activation (prolonged for 5 min) with two agents: 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Results: In hypertensives, at baseline we observed a slight decrease of the PMN membrane fluidity and a marked increase of the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content in comparison with normal subjects. In normal as well as in hypertensive subjects, after activation with both agents (PMA and fMLP), no variation was found in membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content. Conclusions: Our data show a basal alteration of the PMN membrane fluidity and Ca2+ content that reflects PMN activation. The latter explains the organ injury accompanying this clinical condition. The absence of variations observed after in vitro activation could depend on the pre-existing spontaneous activation observed in PMNs of hypertensive subjects.Correspondence to:
Prof. G. Caimi
Via Leonardo da Vinci, 52
90145 Palermo, Italy
Email: caimigre@unipa.it
Originals
Amifostine and selenium during simultaneous radiochemotherapy in head and neck cancer – redox status data
J. Büntzel, O. Micke, R. Mücke, M. Glatzel, K.G. Schönekaes, U. Schäfer, K. Kisters and F. Bruns
Abstract
J. Büntzel1,3, O. Micke3, R. Mücke3, M. Glatzel2,3, K.G. Schönekaes3, U. Schäfer3, K. Kisters3 and F. Bruns3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Südharz Hospital, Nordhausen, 2Department of Radiotherapy, Central Hospital, Suhl, Germany, and 3The German Working Group “Trace Elements and Electrolytes in Radiation Oncology” (AKTE)
Objective: The supportive strategy of cytoprotection is based on the idea of scavanging free radicals in order to decrease side effects due to anticancer treatment. We have investigated amifostine and sodium selenite regarding its scavanging potential in head and neck cancer patients during radiochemotherapy. Material and methods: One hundred cancer patients received simultaneous radiochemotherapy. During irradiation, 31 patients (Group 1) got 500 µg sodium selenite per day, 29 patients (Group 2) got 500 mg amifostine, and 40 patients (Group 3) got 500 mg sodium selenite and 500 mg amifostine. Amifostine was given at days with chemotherapy only. We measured serum selenium concentration, activity of glutathione peroxidase and concentration of malondialdehyde at the beginning of radiotherapy, after three weeks and at the end of combined treatment. Results: We have seen differences in the serum selenium level of the patients regarding their tumor volume. Sodium selenite, in the amount of 500 mg, was able to correct decreased selenium concentrations within three weeks. The activity of glutathionperoxidase was increased when selenium was substituted. A reduction of malondialdehyde, e.g. aggressive free radicals, were seen in patients with selenium substitution and smaller tumors (Group 1) only. If the tumor volume was larger and the therapy more aggressive, the therapy-induced production of new free radicals was limited (Groups 2 and 3). The combination of sodium selenite and amifostine (Group 3) was more effective than the administration of amifostine alone (Group 2). Conclusion: The substitution of sodium selenite is able to reduce the endogenous level of aggressive free radicals in head and neck cancer patients. Further clinical studies are necessary to evaluate synergisms with other exogenous scavangers of free radicals (for example amifostine) and to evaluate the toxicity-limiting possibilities of this new supportive strategy.Correspondence to:
Dr. J. Büntzel
Klinik für HNO-Erkrankungen, Kopf-Hals-Chirurgie
Südharzkrankenhaus Nordhausen gGmbH
Dr.-Robert-Koch-Straße 39
99734 Nordhausen, Germany
Email: jens.buentzel@shk-ndh.de
Originals
Serum selenium concentration in patients with asthma and its relationship to duration and severity
M.E. Khadadah and H. Dashti
Abstract
M.E. Khadadah1 and H. Dashti2
1Department of Medicine, and 2Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait
Background: Selenium is an integral component of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). There is evidence to suggest that reduced circulatory selenium and lowered activity of GSH-Px is found in patients with asthma. This study is aimed at examining the relationship between selenium level and some clinical characteristics of asthma, in Kuwait, a country that depends primarily on importation of most of its food supply from western countries. Methods: Fifty stable, nonsmoking adult asthmatic patients, aged 13 – 65 years, and 379 healthy adult controls, matched for age and sex had venous blood samples withdrawn for selenium analysis. The effect of duration, severity of asthma and administration of corticosteroids on selenium level was examined. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37.5 ± 13.57. There was a significant difference in the mean selenium levels of asthmatics compared with controls, being 82.85 ± 2.5 and 88.30 ± 1.02 (p < 0.01). The selenium level in patients having a duration of more than ten years was significantly lower than that of patients with a duration under ten years (p < 0.05). Neither the severity of asthma nor the administration of corticosteroids significantly affect the selenium level. There was a correlation between selenium level and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = 0.303; p < 0.05), but not with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Conclusion: This study has revealed an association between the duration of asthma and lowered selenium level. The finding and significance of a correlation between FVC and selenium level and the relationship between severity and selenium concentration needs further evaluation.Correspondence to:
Dr. M. Khadadah Associate Professor
Department of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine
Kuwait University
P.O. Box 24923
Safat 13110, Kuwait
Email: mousa@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw
Originals
Risk assessment of trace elements intake through natural remedies in Poland
G. Falcó, J.M. Llobet, S. Zareba, K. Krzysiak and J.L. Domingo
Abstract
G. Falcó1, J.M. Llobet1,2, S. Zareba3, K. Krzysiak3 and J.L. Domingo2
1Toxicology Unit, School of Pharmacy, Department of Public Health, University of Barcelona, 2Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, “Rovira i Virgili” University, Reus, Spain, and 3Department of Bromatology, Medical Uni
Objective: The use of herbal remedies in Poland is notable. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in the most-sold natural remedies in Poland and to assess potential health risk for Polish consumers. Materials and methods: A total number of 107 samples of pollen (n = 24), propolis in tablets (n = 15), propolis in capsules (n = 14), Cholesol (n = 19), extract of Hypericum perforatum (n = 25) and drops of Valeriana officinalis (n = 10), were obtained from pharmacies and herbal shops from Poland. Concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Fe were determined by ICP-MS. Results: Maximum values (mg/g) for Zn, Mn, As, Cd, Hg and Fe were found in pollen samples (51.99, 107.72, 0.19, 0.21, 0.04, 3.28, and 64.21, respectively). Median concentration values in pollen were (mg/g): Zn: 45.95, Mn: 39.83, As: 0.04, Cd: 0.12, Hg: 0.01 and Fe: 22.80. Copper and lead maximum concentrations belonged to propolis in capsules (10.96 and 3.28 mg/g, respectively). Intake estimations of these trace elements through natural products were calculated according to the pharmacists and companies advice (13.5, 4 and 3.12 g/day for pollen, propolis in tablets and capsules, respectively, and 15, 7.5 and 4.5 ml/day for Cholesol, Hypericum p. and Valeriana o., respectively). For health risk assessment, the worst scenario (the whole content of metals is ingested) was assumed. Maximum daily intakes through the studied natural products were (mg/day): 696.53, 147.16, 1454.21, 2.58, 2.81, 0.49, 22.57 and 866.82 for Zn, Cu, Mn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Fe, respectively. Conclusion: According to the FAO/WHO provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), the total daily intake of the toxic elements As, Cd, Hg and Pb should not mean potential adverse effects on the health of the consumers.Correspondence to:
Dr. J.L. Domingo
Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health
School of Medicine
“Rovira I Virgili” University
San Lorenzo 21
43201 Reus, Spain
Email: jlldr@fmcs.urv.es
Originals
Post-dural puncture headache and magnesium concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid, erythrocytes and plasma
P. Saur, G.-G. Hanekop, F.B.M. Ensink and D. Kettler
Abstract
P. Saur, G.-G. Hanekop, F.B.M. Ensink and D. Kettler
Department of Anesthesiology, Emergency- and Intensive Care Medicine, Georg August University of Göttingen, Germany
Similar symptoms of migraine and post-dural puncture headache suggest common pathophysiological correlates. This study first investigates whether magnesium concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and erythrocytes in patients with post-dural puncture headache are lower than in patients who do not develop a post-dural puncture headache. Subject numbering 214 (75 women, 139 men) who were treated with spinal anesthesia because of an operating procedure participated in the study. Total plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and intracellular magnesium and calcium concentrations were evaluated; 6.1% (2 women, 11 men) of the 214 patients had a post-dural puncture headache. Total plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and intracellular magnesium as well as calcium concentrations and Ca++/Mg++ ratios were not different between the patients with and without post-dural puncture headache. The magnesium concentration in cerebrospinal fluid of male patients with post-dural puncture headache who were younger than 45 years, were higher than the concentration of magnesium in cerebrospinal fluid of male patients with post-dural puncture headache who were older than 45 years. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.Correspondence to:
Dr. P. Saur
Department of Anesthesiology, Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine
Georg August University Göttingen
37099 Göttingen, Germany
Email: psaur@gwdg.de
Originals
Trace elements and oxidative stress in chronic renal failure
J.S. Sandhu, A.P.S. Narang, K.L. Bhatia, J. Adlakha and D. Khullar
Abstract
J.S. Sandhu2, A.P.S. Narang3, K.L. Bhatia1, J. Adlakha1 and D. Khullar2
Departments of 1Medicine, 2Nephrology and 3Biochemistry, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India
Oxidative stress, which occurs when there are excessive free radical production or low anti-oxidant levels, may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in patients with chronic renal failure and dialysis. Plasma trace elements (selenium, zinc and copper) and RBC anti-oxidant metalloenzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) were studied in ten patients with chronic renal failure (GFR < 10 ml/min) not on dialysis (Group A), and ten patients on regular dialysis (Group B). The results were compared with ten age- and sex-matched healthy controls (Group C). There was a significant fall in the mean values of copper, zinc, selenium, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels in both Group A and Group B when compared to Group C. There was a positive correlation between the levels of zinc and copper with the levels of superoxide dismutase and between the levels of serum selenium with the levels of glutathione peroxidase. Our findings indicate oxidative stress in patients of chronic renal failure which is further aggravated by hemodialysis. A significant fall in the trace elements (zinc, copper and selenium) in uremic and dialysis patients has been observed.Correspondence to:
Dr. A.P.S. Narang
Department of Biochemistry
Dayanand Medical College
Ludhiana 141 001, Punjab, India
Originals
Identification of the metal residues on the death related to the high voltage Spark Region by SEM-EDS
A. Özaslan, I. Çakir, H. Bülent Üner, H. Sen, S. Cengiz and S. Koç
Abstract
A. Özaslan1, I. Çakir2, H. Bülent Üner3, H. Sen1, S. Cengiz3 and S. Koç1
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical Faculty of Cerrahpasa, 2The Council of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, 3The Institute of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
High voltage electric energy wires, transformers and the devices which run with this kind of electricity may cause serious damages and death for humans and other living organisms. It was the aim to prove with forensic medicine the presence of conductive evaporated metal particles, existing on the arc-burnt of the corpse with the scanning electron microscope energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). It was reported that somebody who entered the transformer building in Istanbul without any permission died of an arc which was formed by the high voltage there. The autopsy was done in the Morgue Department of Council of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice. In the autopsy, some samples were collected by double-sided adhesive coated stubs from the surface of the skin lesions which were the result of the high voltage arc by stub. The removed samples were examined by SEM-EDS technique. The results were evaluated to determine the origin of death. It was concluded that the SEM-EDS data from the area of metallic particles which originated from the evaporating conductor contaminate the skin. The arc-burns related to the high voltage are important with other close examinations to clarify the cause of the death and the mechanism.Correspondence to:
Dr. A. Özaslan
Istanbul Universitesi
Cerrahpasa Tip Fakültesi
Adli Tip Anabilim Dali
34303 Istanbul, Turkey
Email: abdioz@istanbul.edu.tr