Tissue Alterations in Oreochromis niloticus Following Chronic Exposure to Metal Complex Dark Green Azo Acid Dye and Anionic Surfactant Oil

Gill, liver and kidney tissues in Oreochromis niloticus underwent histological alterations during a 90-day chronic exposure to metal complex dark green azo acid dye; anionic surfactant oil or mixtures of the two substances. Gill alterations following these chronic exposures included primary lamellae lifting, epithelial hypertrophy, secondary lamellae hyperplasia, secondary lamellae tip fusion, lamellae aneurysm and fusion, edema and blood congestion, all reflective of impaired metabolism and ion exchange. Liver alterations included cytoplasm degeneration, dilated sinusoid blood vessels, pyknotic nuclei, karyolysis, cytoplasm vacuolation and blood congestion suggesting reduced detoxification function. Kidney changes included tubule degeneration, dilation of glomeruli capillaries and Bowman’s space indicating excretory difficulties. Necrotic kidney tissue was found in fish exposed to 6 mg/L metal complex dark green azo acid dye. Histological examination of tissues following chronic exposures to toxic substances facilitates early diagnosis and understanding of the mechanisms by which substances impose harmful effects on organisms

The Trabecular Bone Score as a Predictor for Thalassemia-Induced Vertebral Fractures in Northeastern Thailand

Introduction. Thalassemia bone disease is one of the disease-related complications in patients with thalassemia. Prevalence of fractures and the role of a trabecular bone score (TBS) as a predictive factor for fractures were evaluated in patients with thalassemia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with thalassemia aged ≥18 years at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. A lateral thoracolumbar radiograph and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and hip, as well as the TBS measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), were evaluated in all patients. Results. Among 86 patients, 14 patients were found to have radiographic vertebral fracture yielding a prevalence of 16.3%. All patients who had fractures were β-thalassemia/Hb E. Combined low BMD and TBS at lumbar spines and a presence of endocrinopathies were significantly associated with vertebral fractures. Conclusions. The prevalence of vertebral fractures in patients with thalassemia was not uncommon. A combined low BMD and TBS and a presence of endocrinopathies were associated with vertebral fractures. These findings suggested that BMD testing and TBS measurement have a clinical implication as a screening tool for evaluating the risk of vertebral fractures in thalassemic patients, particularly in β-thalassemia/Hb E who have endocrinopathies