Effect on some haematological indices of human whole blood when aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia heterophylla was used as storage anticoagulant

Properties of red blood cells, especially cell size and red cell indices related to size, change with time in stored blood samples. Laboratory anticoagulants have certain drawbacks. For example, heparin has no preservative property on whole blood while K3EDTA (EDTA) is toxic and damages platelets. The search for novel anticoagulants with better hematological profile is therefore necessary. The anticoagulant properties of aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia heterophylla (aka ito in Igbo) were compared with those of K3EDTA. Specifically, the effect of this extract and K3EDTA on packed cell volume (PCV) and red cell indices related to size, when they were used as anticoagulants, were compared. 0.5 ml of serial dilutions of this extract were placed in specimen bottles containing 2 ml fresh human whole blood and stored for 15 days at 4°C. For control, 2 ml fresh human whole blood was added to specimen bottles containing 1.5 mg/ml EDTA and stored for 15 days at 4°C. Thereafter, the test and control samples were analyzed for PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC using haematology autoanalyser (Erma Inc, PCE - 210). All concentrations of the extract used, except 65 mg/ml, and the K3EDTA were able to keep the blood samples in fluid state throughout the 15 days period of storage. At the level of significance, p < 0.05, this extract had comparable preservative effect on MCV and MCH (p = 0.79; 0.20), but less preservative effect on PCV and MCHC when compared with EDTA (p = 0.013; 0.049). The aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia heterophylla has preservative properties on haematological indices of stored human whole blood compare to that of K3EDTA. The fact that it does not chelate calcium as its mechanism of anticoagulation gives it an advantage over K3EDTA when used for biochemical tests. It should therefore, be explored as alternative laboratory anticoagulant in view of this advantage.Keywords: Euphorbia heterophylla, anticoagulants, storage of blood, red cell indices, K3EDTA.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(31), pp. 4952-495

Are liver and renal lesions in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) associated with high mercury levels?

BACKGROUND: In the Arctic, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) bio-accumulate mercury as they prey on polluted ringed seals (Phoca hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus). Studies have shown that polar bears from East Greenland are among the most mercury polluted species in the Arctic. It is unknown whether these levels are toxic to liver and kidney tissue. METHODS: We investigated the histopathological impact from anthropogenic long-range transported mercury on East Greenland polar bear liver (n = 59) and kidney (n = 57) tissues. RESULTS: Liver mercury levels ranged from 1.1–35.6 μg/g wet weight and renal levels ranged from 1–50 μg/g wet weight, of which 2 liver values and 9 kidney values were above known toxic threshold level of 30 μg/g wet weight in terrestrial mammals. Evaluated from age-correcting ANCOVA analyses, liver mercury levels were significantly higher in individuals with visible Ito cells (p < 0.02) and a similar trend was found for lipid granulomas (p = 0.07). Liver mercury levels were significantly lower in individuals with portal bile duct proliferation/fibrosis (p = 0.007) and a similar trend was found for proximal convoluted tubular hyalinisation in renal tissue (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Based on these relationships and the nature of the chronic inflammation we conclude that the lesions were likely a result of recurrent infections and ageing but that long-term exposure to mercury could not be excluded as a co-factor. The information is important as it is likely that tropospheric mercury depletion events will continue to increase the concentrations of this toxic heavy metal in the Sub Arctic and Arctic marine food webs

Review of health effects of non-ionizing radiations

Non-ionizing radiations (electromagnetic waves) consist of electric and magnetic waves travelling together. In decreasing order of wavelengths, they are classified into ultra long electromagnetic waves, radio waves, micro waves, infrared waves and visible rays. Man-made sources of non-ionizing radiation include electrical, electronic and communication appliances that abound in our homes and offices, while natural sources include the sun and the earth. Electromagnetic radiations in the environment can be measured by use of electromagnetic meters. Radiation exposure standards are regulated based on International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. ICNIRP exposure limits for EM radiation for electrical/electronic appliances in homes and electricity transformers is &lt; 1milligauze and 50 hertz respectively. A study, in Nigeria, found that most GSM handsets emit radio frequency radiations with power far above the ICNIRP recommended level of 9W/m2. There are conflicting research reports concerning the safety of non-ionizing radiations. However, reported harmful effects predominate. For example, non-ionizing radiations increase cellular generation of free radicals, disrupt the blood-brain barrier, and decrease cognitive functions of the brain. These result in genotoxic effects, cancer, decreased male fertility, increased allergic and hypersensitivity disorders and diabetes mellitus. Protective measures against excessive non-ionizing radiation absorption include keeping safe distance (at least 1.2m) from all electrical appliances in homes and offices, reducing time spent with them, and avoiding use of cordless equipment. Reported beneficial effects of magnetic therapy include clinical improvement in cases of Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, bronchitis, depression as well as increased healing of fractures. Most of these are attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, concerns about harmful effects of non-ionizing radiations are real and calls for caution irrespective of reports to the contrary. There is need, therefore, to increase public awareness on the dangers of non-ionizing radiations.Key words: Non-ionizing radiation, harmful effects, magnetotherapy, exposure standards