Mitigation of cataractogenic potential of cyanide by antioxidant vitamin administration

The effect of antioxidant vitamin (AOV) administration on cyanide-induced ocular damage was investigated in New Zealand White rabbits maintained for 30 days on either pure growers mash or mash + 400ppm cyanide with or without oral AOVs. Cyanide caused significant decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase and Na+-K+ ATPase; and significant increases in malondialdehyde levels in the lens (p < 0.05). AOVs reversed the elevation in malondialdehyde but had no effect on the enzymes. The results suggest that the damaging effects of oxidative stress imposed by cyanide on the lens can be mitigated by AOVs, probably through enhancement of its antioxidant status rather than directly reversing the inhibition of SOD and catalase. This underscores the need for AOV supplements especially by individuals routinely exposed to habitual, dietary and occupational cyanide

Correlation between cyanide-induced decreases in ocular Ca2+-ATPase and lenticular opacification

The effect of cyanide toxicity on Ca2+-ATPase activities were significantly decreased in the lens and vitreous humour of the cyanide-fed rabbits (p< 0.05), while the corneal enzyme was unaffected. Ophthalmoscopic examination of the cyanide-exposed rabbits revealed adverse morphological changes, including pale fundus, low retinal reflex and lenticular opacification. The results suggest that cyanide-induced cataractogenesis may be a consequence of disruption of vitreous humour and lenticular calcium homeostasis

Malondialdehyde levels of frozen fish, chicken and turkey on sale in Benin City markets

75 samples of frozen turkey, chicken and fish sold in Benin City markets, Nigeria were screened for lipid peroxidation by colorimetric estimation of their malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. All samples contained extremely high levels of MDA. The order of MDA profiles was fish > turkey > chicken. MDAlevels within chicken and turkey samples varied from market to market, while values for each of the 5 fish species studied were fairly comparable. Highest levels of MDA were obtained in oily fishes, Trachurus trecae and Scomber scombrus. These results and their likely implication for consumerhealth are discussed in relation to the well-known mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of MDA

Influence of Spent-Engine Oil on Hematology, Renal and Liver Status of Auto- Mechanics of Benin-City, Nigeria

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of spent engine oil on hematological parameters, renal and liver status of auto-mechanics. A questionnaire was design and blood sample was collected from both auto-mechanics and non-mechanics. The response from the questionnaire indicated complaints of pains around thoracic region, skin rashes etc; unawareness of the detrimental contents of spent engine oil; poor precautionary and sanitary practices. Assessment of renal status indicated that plasma urea and   creatinine levels for auto-mechanics (18mg/dl and 0.81mg/dl, respectively) were significantly higher  compared to  non-mechanics (16mg/dl and 0.68mg/dl, respectively). Haematological profile of the  auto-mechanics compared to non-automechanics showed that packed cell volume increased significantly  (41%) for auto-mechanics compared to non-automechanics (39%); haemoglobin concentration increased significantly (14.3g/dl compared to 13g/dl); and neutrophils increased significantly (34% compared to 26%). Though, lymphocytes increased (65.9%) compared (65.5%, for  non-automechanics), this was not significant (p=0.850). Neutrophils (p<0.05) and lymphocytes (p=0.850) increased for the automechanics (33.5% and 65.9%, respectively) compared to the non-automechanics (26.4% and 65.5%,   respectively). Alkaline phosphatase activity increased (19.7U/l) compared to (16.6U/l,   non-automechanics); while aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase significantly decreased   (13.4U/l and 7.4U/l, respectively) compared to (9.7U/l and 4.8U/l, respectively). Thus, the uses of   hygienic protective practices are encouraged like the use of face and nose mask, and auto-mechanics are encouraged to go for regular medical check-up.Keyword: Auto-mechanics; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); Spent engine oil;  Questionnaire

Cataractogenic Potential Of Cyanide-Induced Oxidative Stress In Rabbits

The relationship between chronic cyanide toxicity, oxidative stress and cataractogenesis was investigated in two groups of 4-month-old NewZealand White rabbits fed for 7 weeks on growers mash with or without 400ppm inorganic cyanide, after prior acclimatisation to chicken mash and laboratory conditions. Ophthalmoscopic examination of the rabbit ocular tissues was conducted prior to sacrifice, while the lens and retina tissues were assessed for antioxidant status with respect to superoxide dismutase, catalase, &beta;-carotene, ascorbic acid and &alpha; –tocopherol. Results obtained show significant decreases in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, as well as the antioxidant vitamins, in the lens and retina of the cyanide-treated rabbits relative to controls [p< 0.05]. The cyanide treatment also led to degenerative morphological changes viz pale fundus, weak retinal reflex and mild-to-pronounced lenticular opacification. These results suggest that cyanide imposes oxidative stress on ocular tissues, and thus may be a risk factor for development of cataracts. Key Words: Cyanide toxicity; oxidative stress; cataracts. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol.11(1) 2005: 57-6