Antioxidant effects of methionine, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine and homocysteine on lead-induced oxidative stress to erythrocytes in rats

Lead, widely used in industry, is a great environmental health problem. Many studies have examined its effects on the health of both humans and animals. Experimental studies have shown that sulphur-containing antioxidants have beneficial effects against the detrimental properties of lead. The present study was designed to investigate markers of oxidative stress (hemoglobin (Hb) in whole blood, malondialdehyde (MDA) in sera; superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidise (GSH-Px) in erythrocyte hemolysate and vitamins A and E in plasma) in rats given lead (2000ppm) with or without sulphur-containing antioxidants (L-methionine (Met) (100 mg/kg/day), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (800 mg/kg/day), L-homocysteine (Hey) (25 mg/kg/day), lipoic acid (LA) (50 mg/kg/day)) in their water for 5 weeks. In the lead group, Hb and plasma vitamin E levels were significantly lower whereas MDA levels were significantly higher compared to controls (p<0.05). Hb levels in lead-methionine and lead-LA groups were significantly higher than the lead group (p<0.01). MDA levels were reduced in all groups compared to the lead group (p<0.01). There was a decrease below control values in erythrocyte SOD (p<0.01) and GSH-Px (p<0.05) levels in the lead-LA group. Plasma vitamin A levels were significantly high in lead-methionine group compared to lead group (p<0.01). In conclusion, the data suggests that oxidative stress induced by lead is reduced by sulphur-containing compounds. (C) 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved

Synthesis and characterization of functional copolymer/organo-silicate nanoarchitectures through interlamellar complex-radical (co)terpolymerization

The functional copolymers, having a combination of rigid/flexible linkages and an ability of complex-formation with interlayered surface of organo-silicate, and their nanocomposites have been synthesized by interlamellar complex-radical (co)terpolymerization of intercalated monomer complexes of maleic anhydride (MA) and itaconic acid (IA) with dimethyl dodecylamine surface modified montmorillonite (organo-MMT) (MA. DMDA-MMT and IA...DMDA-MMT) n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and/or BMA/styrene monomer mixtures. The results of nanocomposite structure-composition-property relationship studies indicate that interlamellar complex-formation between anhydride/acid units and surface alkyl amine and rigid/flexible linkage balance in polymer chains are important factors providing the effective intercalation/exfoliation of the polymer chains into the silicate galleries, the formation of nanostructural hybrids with higher thermal stability, dynamic mechanical behaviour and well dispersed morphology.WoSScopu

Seroepidemiological Study of Toxocariasis among Volunteers Animal Husbandry Workers and Veterinary in Southern Anatolia in Turkey in 2014

Background:Human toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Toxocaracanis. We examine the Toxocara seroprevalance in veterinarians and animal husbandry workers living in the Mugla Province, Turkey to evaluate better the risk factors for Toxocara exposure. Methods: In 2014, 376 volunteers participated in the study in 2014. All blood specimens were tested using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit and ELISA positive samples were confirmed by Western Blot (WB) method. Results: The seroprevalence of Toxocara, as determined by WB, was 8%. A statistically significant correlation was evident between patient age and Toxo­cara positivity among animal husbandry workers (P = 0.029). A strong associa­tion was also evident between sex and seropositivity in the animal husbandry group (P=0.024). Veterinarians working in pet clinics did in fact exhibit higher Toxocara seropositivities relative to those of other groups (P = 0.029). A statisti­cally significant difference was detected between the rural geographic areas surveyed (P = 0.04). Conclusion: In Mugla Province, seroprevalence of Toxocara is lower than other regions. Despite the low seroprevalence observed, especially in high risk professions toxocariasis remains an important medical concern within the region.