Mahdi Balali-Mood
Research interests
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InterestsPharmacokinetics, Toxicity studies, Toxicity, Toxicokinetics, Toxic Metals, Trace Elements, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Publications
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2.31Impact points
Comparison of Therapeutic Effects of Garlic and d-Penicillamine in Patients with Chronic Occupational Lead Poisoning.
Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology. 12/2011;
Previous studies on animals have revealed that garlic (Allium sativum) is effective in reducing blood and tissue lead concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate therapeutic effects of garlic and compare it with d-penicillamine in patients with chronic lead poisoning. After coordinati... [more] Previous studies on animals have revealed that garlic (Allium sativum) is effective in reducing blood and tissue lead concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate therapeutic effects of garlic and compare it with d-penicillamine in patients with chronic lead poisoning. After coordination and obtaining informed consent, clinical examinations and blood lead concentration (BLC) of 117 workers at a car battery industry were investigated. BLC was determined by heated graphite atomization technique of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The workers were randomly assigned into two groups of garlic (1200 μg allicin, three times daily) and d-penicillamine (250 mg, three times daily) and treated for 4 weeks. BLC was determined again 10 days post-treatment. Clinical signs and symptoms of lead poisoning were also investigated and compared with the initial findings. Clinical improvement was significant in a number of clinical manifestations including irritability (p = 0.031), headache (p = 0.028), decreased deep tendon reflex (p = 0.019) and mean systolic blood pressure (0.021) after treatment with garlic, but not d-penicillamine. BLCs were reduced significantly (p = 0.002 and p = 0.025) from 426.32 ± 185.128 to 347.34 ± 121.056 μg/L and from 417.47 ± 192.54 to 315.76 ± 140.00 μg/L in the garlic and d-penicillamine groups, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.892) between the two groups. The frequency of side effects was significantly (p = 0.023) higher in d-penicillamine than in the garlic group. Thus, garlic seems safer clinically and as effective as d-penicillamine. Therefore, garlic can be recommended for the treatment of mild-to-moderate lead poisoning.
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1.31Impact points
Metal mercury poisoning in two boys initially treated for brucellosis in Mashhad, Iran.
Human & experimental toxicology. 08/2011;
Elemental mercury (Hg) is the only metal which evaporates in room temperature and its inhalation may cause toxicity. Hg poisoning may occur by mishandling the metal, particularly in children who play with it. Wide-spectrum of the clinical presentations of chronic Hg poisoning may cause misdiagnosis,... [more] Elemental mercury (Hg) is the only metal which evaporates in room temperature and its inhalation may cause toxicity. Hg poisoning may occur by mishandling the metal, particularly in children who play with it. Wide-spectrum of the clinical presentations of chronic Hg poisoning may cause misdiagnosis, particularly when history of exposure is unknown. We report two cases of accidental Hg poisoning, which initially had been diagnosed and treated for brucellosis. The patients were two brothers (7 and 14 years old) who presented with pain in their lower extremities, sweating, salivation, weight loss, anorexia and mood changes on admission. Meticulous history taking revealed that they had played with a ball of Hg since 3 months before admission. The level of urinary Hg was 125.9 and 54.2 9 g/L in the younger and older brother, respectively (normal ≤25 g/L). The patients were successfully treated by dimercaprol and discharged in good condition 24 days after admission. These cases are being reported to emphasize the importance of acrodynia as a differential diagnosis for brucellosis in endemic areas.
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1.31Impact points
Delayed toxic effects of sulfur mustard on respiratory tract of Iranian veterans.
Human & experimental toxicology. 11/2010; 30(9):1141-9.
To investigate late toxic effects of sulfur mustard (SM) on the upper and lower respiratory tracts of Iranian veterans, 43 male veterans with more than 25% disability due to SM poisoning in 20-25 years after exposure, were studied. Direct laryngoscopy, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gasses... [more] To investigate late toxic effects of sulfur mustard (SM) on the upper and lower respiratory tracts of Iranian veterans, 43 male veterans with more than 25% disability due to SM poisoning in 20-25 years after exposure, were studied. Direct laryngoscopy, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gasses and pH, computed tomography of sinuses and lungs were investigated. The patients were aged 50.6 (8.9 SD) years with body mass index (BMI) of 26.6 (4.0) and disability of 53.2 (17.0%). The common findings of the upper respiratory tract were dysphonia (79.1%), post-nasal discharge (PND; 41.9%), lower larynx position (30.2%), limitation of vocal cords (25.6%) and mucosal inflammation of larynx (14.8%). The common lower respiratory diseases were diagnosed as chronic obstructive respiratory disease (84%), bronchiectasis (44.1%) and lung fibrosis (7.7%). Severity of disability was negatively correlated with BMI (p = 0.032), spirometric parameters (p < 0.001) and oxygen saturation (p < 0.001), but positively correlated with low-density lipoproteins (LDL <0.010), blood pressure (p = 0.008), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), wheezing (p = 0.0043) and bronchiectasis (p < 0.001). Delayed toxic effects of SM in upper and lower respiratory tracts were mostly inflammatory and infectious complications, SM-induced disabilities were significantly correlated with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, LDL and lower-respiratory complications.
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2.31Impact points
Electrophysiological changes in patients with acute organophosphorous pesticide poisoning.
Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology. 11/2010; 108(4):251-5.
Organophosphorous pesticides (OP) are widely used in agriculture without proper control in the Islamic Republic of Iran and thus OP poisonings are common in this country. Epidemiological and management aspects of OP have been studied in detail, but there have been very few reports on peripheral poly... [more] Organophosphorous pesticides (OP) are widely used in agriculture without proper control in the Islamic Republic of Iran and thus OP poisonings are common in this country. Epidemiological and management aspects of OP have been studied in detail, but there have been very few reports on peripheral polyneuropathy, particularly electrophysiological changes related to this poisoning. Thus, we aimed to study electrophysiological changes including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in patients with OP poisoning. The patients with acute moderate to severe OP poisonings who revealed clinical symptoms and signs of peripheral polyneuropathy after recovery of the acute phase of intoxication were investigated from 2005 to 2006 in Mashhad, Iran. These patients lacked previous neurological problems and had not been chronically exposed to OP. EMG and NCV were performed using MEDELEC MS92 & TOENNIES Multiliner E. Statistical analyses including Student's t-test and Pearson's test were applied using SPSS (Version 11.5). Of 342 hospitalized patients, eight patients (four females and four males) aged 13-59 years were investigated. Intervals between the onset of OP poisoning and electrodiagnostic tests varied between 10 and 210 days. On EMG, there was a sensory-motor peripheral polyneuropathy, which was predominantly a distal sensory deficit. Sensory nerve dysfunction (84.4%) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than motor dysfunctions (18.7%). The lower extremities, particularly tibial and peroneal nerves, were more affected than the upper extremities (p < 0.0001). Sensory nerve dysfunction of the lower extremities was more common than motor nerves, which was predominantly a distal sensory deficit.
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0.91Impact points
Effects of occupational lead exposure on renal and nervous system of workers of traditional tile factories in Mashhad (northeast of Iran).
Toxicology and industrial health. 10/2010; 26(9):633-8.
Occupational lead poisoning is a health problem in Iran. Renal and neuropsychiatric complications of occupational lead poisoning are the main concerns for the workers and their employers. It was thus aimed to investigate the renal and neurotoxic effects of lead poisoning in the workers of two tradit... [more] Occupational lead poisoning is a health problem in Iran. Renal and neuropsychiatric complications of occupational lead poisoning are the main concerns for the workers and their employers. It was thus aimed to investigate the renal and neurotoxic effects of lead poisoning in the workers of two traditional-tile-factories. Researchers visited the workers in the factories and collected data by taking direct history and physical examinations in summer of 2005. Data were recorded in previously designed forms. Blood and urine lead concentrations were measured by an atomic absorption technique. A neurologist examined all workers and electrophysiological investigations were undertaken as clinically indicated. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and chi-square, student t test and Pearson correlation tests were used accordingly. The numerical data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and p < 0.05 was considered as the significant level. Overall, 108 male subjects aged 37 ± 7.8 years were studied. Duration of lead exposure was 9.8 ± 6 years. Lead concentration in 2005 was 361.5 ± 176.9 μg/L. The main objective clinical findings were lead line (64.8%), peripheral neuropathy of upper limb (37%), suppression of deep tendon reflexes (DTR) in upper limbs (25.7%), tremor (23.3%), peripheral neuropathy of lower limbs (17%) and abdominal tenderness (15.1%). The subjective findings were mainly on the central nervous system, such as loss of memory (57%), moodiness (56.1%), agitation (47.7%), drowsiness (36.4%), and headache (29.9%). There was no significant correlation between blood lead concentration and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). But there were significant correlations between the blood lead concentrations and urine lead concentration (p < 0.001). This study showed that lead had toxic effects on the teeth (bone), central and peripheral nervous system, more than renal function. Prophylactic and treatment measures were performed.
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Nursing Care of Acute Sulfur Mustard Poisoning
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 01/2010;
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Occupational Lead Poisoning in Workers of Traditional Tile Factories in Mashhad, Northeast of Iran
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 01/2010;
Background: Occupational lead poisoning is a health problem in Iran. It has not previously been studied in traditional tile makers. Objective: To determine the prevalence of lead poisoning and its complications in traditional tile workers in Mashhad, Northwest of Iran. Methods: We visited workers ... [more] Background: Occupational lead poisoning is a health problem in Iran. It has not previously been studied in traditional tile makers. Objective: To determine the prevalence of lead poisoning and its complications in traditional tile workers in Mashhad, Northwest of Iran. Methods: We visited workers in two traditional tile factories and collected data by direct history taking and physical examination. Blood and urine lead concentrations were measured by heated graphite atomization technique. Results: Overall, 108 men with mean±SD age of 37±7.8 years were studied. The mean±SD length of daily lead exposure was 9.8±6 years. The mean±SD blood lead concentration was 520.5±323.2 μg/L. The main objective clinical findings were the presence of lead line (64.8%), peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities (37%), depressed deep tendon reflexes in the upper extremities (25.7%), tremor (23.3%), peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (17%) and abdominal tenderness (15.1%). The subjective findings were mainly attributed to the central nervous system and included loss of memory (57%), moodiness (56.1%), agitation (47.7%), drowsiness (36.4%) and headache (29.9%). There was no statistically significant correlation between the blood lead concentration and glomerular filtration rate. However, there were significant correlations between the blood lead concentration and each of the urine lead concentration (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.04), serum triglyceride level (p=0.043), high density lipoprotein level (p=0.012), and basophilic stippling (p=0.048). Blood lead level, however, did not have any significant correlation with the presence of lead line. Conclusion: In traditional tile workers, lead toxicity is not uncommon and the toxic effects of lead were found more often on the teeth (bone), central and peripheral nervous system, hematological and lipid profiles than on the renal function.
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The Therapeutic Potential of Thiamine for Treatment of experimentally induced subacute Lead poisoning in Sheep
Comp Clin Pathol. 01/2010; 19:69-73.
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1.31Impact points
Highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels in Iranian patients with pulmonary complication of sulfur mustard poisoning and its correlation with severity of airway diseases.
Human & experimental toxicology. 11/2009;
Background: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that can cause serious pulmonary complications. This study was designed to determine serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and evaluate its correlation with lung function parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonar... [more] Background: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that can cause serious pulmonary complications. This study was designed to determine serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and evaluate its correlation with lung function parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to SM poisoning. Methods: Fifty consecutive SM patients with stable COPD and a mean age 46.3 +/- 9.18 years were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Thirty healthy men were selected as controls. Lung function parameters were evaluated. Serum hs-CRP by immunoturbidometry assay was measured in both the patients and controls. Results: In the case group, the mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 2.14 +/- 0.76 L (58.98% +/- 17.51% predicted). The mean serum hs-CRP was 9.4 +/- 6.78 SD and 3.9 +/- 1.92 SD mg/L in the cases and controls, respectively, with significant statistical differences (p < .001). There was negative correlation between the serum hs-CRP and FEV1 levels (p = .01). The serum hs-CRP levels were also correlated with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (GOLD) stages (r = .45, p < .001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the serum hs-CRP level is increased in SM patients with COPD and may have a direct correlation with disease severity. It may then be used as a marker for the severity of COPD in patients with SM poisoning.
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1.31Impact points
Spider bite (latrodectism) in Mashhad, Iran.
Human & experimental toxicology. 10/2009;
Background: Spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) bites are relatively common in North East Iran. They induce morbidity and rarely mortality. We aimed to investigate clinical, electrocardiographic and para-clinical changes in patients with this bite. Methods: All consecutive patients admitted with s... [more] Background: Spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) bites are relatively common in North East Iran. They induce morbidity and rarely mortality. We aimed to investigate clinical, electrocardiographic and para-clinical changes in patients with this bite. Methods: All consecutive patients admitted with suspected spider bites between September 2005 and September 2006 were studied prospectively. Results: Spider bites accounted for 56 cases (0.5% of all poisoning, 21% of all admitted envenomated). The patients' mean (SD) age was 32 (16) years. The most common findings were pain (90%) mainly in their back (45%), stomach (35%), lower limbs (33%), upper limbs (19%) and chest (14%). Other clinical findings included were sweating (55%), chills (29%), dyspnea (25%), flushing (14%), spasm (12%), headache (12%), nausea (12%) and vertigo (12%). On electrocardiograph (ECG); ST segments were depressed in 25% of cases in at least two of the pre-cordial leads. Laboratory findings were in normal ranges. All the patients recovered following supportive and symptomatic treatment (no anti-toxin available in Iran), with a mean hospitalization period of 1.9 (1.3) days. Conclusions: Spider (L. Tredecimguttatus) bite is relatively common in Mashhad, which induces latrodectism with relatively different findings and cardiac toxicity. ECG monitoring should be considered, particularly when specific anti-toxin is not available.
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Comparison of maternal and umbilical cord blood selenium levels in term and preterm infants.
Zhongguo dang dai er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of contemporary pediatrics. 08/2009; 11(7):513-6.
OBJECTIVE: Selenium is an essential trace element and has a main role in cellular antioxidant defense system. In very preterm babies, low selenium is associated with an increased risk of complications such as chronic neonatal lung disease and retinopathy of prematurity. This study was designed to de... [more] OBJECTIVE: Selenium is an essential trace element and has a main role in cellular antioxidant defense system. In very preterm babies, low selenium is associated with an increased risk of complications such as chronic neonatal lung disease and retinopathy of prematurity. This study was designed to determine and compare maternal and umbilical cord blood selenium levels in term and preterm infants. METHODS: From February 2008 to April 2008, 30 term (gestational age >37 weeks) and 30 preterm infants (gestational age<34 weeks) and their mothers were enrolled. Selenium concentrations in umbilical cord and maternal venous blood were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The mean selenium concentration in term infants was higher than in preterm infants (124.80+/-13.72 mu g/L vs 100.30+/-11.72 mu g/L, P=0.0001). The mean selenium concentration in mothers of term and preterm infants was not significantly different (117.03+/-17.15 mu g/L vs 110.56+/-17.49 mu g/L, P=0.15). Cord selenium concentrations were strongly correlated with gestational age and birth weight (r=0.66, p<0.0001 and r=0.59, p<0.0001, respectively) when the data of all infants were analyzed together. None of the 60 women had a serum selenium level below the laboratory lower limit of normal (70.0 mu g/L). Maternal selenium levels were correlated with cord selenium levels in their infants (r=0.40, p<0.001) when data of all newborn infants and mothers were considered together. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers have a relatively good selenium status and serum selenium is not a significant predictor of preterm delivery in Isfahan. The cord selenium concentration in term infants is significantly higher than in preterm infants, but the cord selenium concentrations in both groups are in a suggested normal range.
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0.50Impact points
Delayed head and neck complications of sulphur mustard poisoning in Iranian veterans.
The Journal of laryngology and otology. 08/2009;
Objective:Sulphur mustard is a chemical warfare agent which was used against Iranian combatants and civilians between 1983 and 1988. The purpose of this study was to document the delayed toxic effects of sulphur mustard in Iranian veterans, focussing on head and neck complications.Patients and metho... [more] Objective:Sulphur mustard is a chemical warfare agent which was used against Iranian combatants and civilians between 1983 and 1988. The purpose of this study was to document the delayed toxic effects of sulphur mustard in Iranian veterans, focussing on head and neck complications.Patients and methods:This was a two-year, prospective, descriptive study of 43 male Iranian veterans aged 34 to 48 years (mean 41.8 years) who were moderately disabled or worse due to sulphur mustard poisoning. Investigations were performed with consent, including haematological, biochemical and immunological tests, spirometry, chest X-ray, high resolution computed tomography of the lungs, and skin biopsies. Further investigations and interventions were performed as clinically indicated.Results:The most affected sites were the lungs (95 per cent), peripheral nerves (77 per cent), skin (73 per cent), eyes (68 per cent), and head and neck (16.2 per cent). Of seven patients with mostly head and neck complications, four had a skin disorder (hyperpigmentation in all four, an erythematous, papular rash in two, and dry skin in one). Two patients had thyroid cancer (undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma in one and papillary carcinoma of a thyroglossal cyst in the other, 12 and 14 years after sulphur mustard exposure, respectively). One patient had nasopharyngeal carcinoma, 12 years after sulphur mustard exposure.Conclusion:Carcinomas of the thyroid and nasopharynx in three patients with sulphur mustard exposure are reported for the first time.
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Sulphur Mustard Poisoning and Its Complications in Iranian Veterans
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences. 01/2009;
Sulphur mustard is a chemical warfare agent, which was largelyused during the World War One and in Iraq-Iran conflict. It mayalso be used as a chemical terrorism agent. Therefore, medicalprofessions should have sufficient knowledge and be preparedfor medical intervention of any such chemical attack.... [more] Sulphur mustard is a chemical warfare agent, which was largelyused during the World War One and in Iraq-Iran conflict. It mayalso be used as a chemical terrorism agent. Therefore, medicalprofessions should have sufficient knowledge and be preparedfor medical intervention of any such chemical attack.Sulphur mustard exerts direct toxic effects on the eyes, skin,and respiratory tract, with subsequent systemic actions on thenervous, immunologic, hematologic, digestive, and reproductivesystems. It is an alkylating agent that affects DNA synthesis andthus, delayed complications have been considered since theWorld War One. Cases of malignancies in the target organs particularlyin hematopoietic, respiratory, and digestive systemswere reported. Common delayed respiratory complications includechronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, frequent bronchopneumonia,and pulmonary fibrosis, all of which tend to deterioratewith time. Severe dry skin, delayed keratitis, and reduction ofnatural killer cells with subsequent increased risk of infectionsand malignancies are also among the most distressing long-termconsequences of sulphur mustard intoxication. However, despiteextensive research that has been conducted on Iranian veteransduring the past decades, major gaps continue to remain in thesulphur mustard literature. Immunological and neurological dysfunctionsand the relationship between exposure to sulphur mustardand mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity areimportant fields that require further studies, particularly on Iranianveterans with chronic health problems caused by sulphurmustard poisoning. There is also a paucity of information on themedical management of acute and delayed toxic effects of sulphurmustard poisoning, a subject that greatly challenges themedical professions.
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1.13Impact points
Evaluation of Allicin for the Treatment of Experimentally Induced Subacute Lead Poisoning in Sheep.
Biological trace element research. 09/2008;
Garlic (Allium sativum) is known to reduce lead toxicity in some species of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of allicin, one of the most active components of garlic, in the treatment of subacute lead intoxication in sheep. Nine female sheep weighing 25-29 kg orally r... [more] Garlic (Allium sativum) is known to reduce lead toxicity in some species of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of allicin, one of the most active components of garlic, in the treatment of subacute lead intoxication in sheep. Nine female sheep weighing 25-29 kg orally received a daily dose of 80 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate for 5 days. The animals were then assigned into two groups. Group 1 did not receive any further treatment and was used as the control group and group 2 was treated orally by 2.7 mg/kg body weight of allicin twice daily for 7 days. Within one day following allicin treatment, group 2 blood lead levels were significantly lower than that in group 1 (mean of 616.9 microg/l and 290.02 microg/l, respectively; P < 0.05). Also, allicin treatment significantly reduced kidney lead content and considerably reduced bone and ovary lead contents. These results suggest that allicin might have some therapeutic effects on lead poisoning.
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0.51Impact points
Narcotic drug abuse and other risk factors in 100 operated patients for acute cholecystitis in Birjand, Iran.
Saudi medical journal. 05/2008; 29(5):698-702.
OBJECTIVE: To study narcotic drug abuse, particularly opiate addiction, and other risk factors in patients with acute cholecystitis. METHODS: In this prospective cross sectional study, variables such as age, gender, weight, narcotics drug abuse, hormone taking, number of pregnancies, and coexistent ... [more] OBJECTIVE: To study narcotic drug abuse, particularly opiate addiction, and other risk factors in patients with acute cholecystitis. METHODS: In this prospective cross sectional study, variables such as age, gender, weight, narcotics drug abuse, hormone taking, number of pregnancies, and coexistent disease(s) were recorded in pre-designed forms for 100 consecutive patients who underwent operation for acute cholecystitis between October 2001 and June 2005 in Imam Reza Hospital, Birjand, Iran. Relevant statistical tests were applied, using SPSS version 13.0. RESULTS: From the studied patients (62 females, 38 males) with a mean+/-SD of 60.8+/-15.9 years, 66 were underweight, 23 were overweight, and only 11 patients had normal weight. Most of the patients (76) had calculous cholecystitis, of which 50 (65.8%) were female, and 26 (34.2%), were male. Seven females (11%), and 14 males (37%) revealed jaundice (p<0.002). Most (72%) had a history of narcotics abuse, of which 69 (95.8%) abused opiates constantly, and 3 (4.2%) abused recreationally. A significant (p<0.01) relationship was found between acute cholecystitis and opiate addiction. Opiate addiction was more common in patients from rural areas than urban (p<0.03). Seventeen female patients (27.4%) had a history of taking oral contraceptives. The patients were mostly from low socio-economic populations, and rural areas. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that narcotic opiate addiction is a major risk factor for occurrence of acute cholecystitis in this area.
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0.87Impact points
Neurotoxic disorders of organophosphorus compounds and their managements.
Archives of Iranian medicine. 02/2008; 11(1):65-89.
Organophosphorus compounds have been used as pesticides and as chemical warfare nerve agents. The mechanism of toxicity of organophosphorus compounds is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, which results in accumulation of acetylcholine and the continued stimulation of acetylcholine receptors. Th... [more] Organophosphorus compounds have been used as pesticides and as chemical warfare nerve agents. The mechanism of toxicity of organophosphorus compounds is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, which results in accumulation of acetylcholine and the continued stimulation of acetylcholine receptors. Therefore, they are also called anticholinesterase agents. Organophosphorus pesticides have largely been used worldwide, and poisoning by these agents, particularly in developing countries, is a serious health problem. Organophosphorus nerve agents were used by Iraqi army against Iranian combatants and even civilian population in 1983 - 1988. They were also used for chemical terrorism in Japan in 1994 - 1995. Their use is still a constant threat to the population. Therefore, medical and health professionals should be aware and learn more about the toxicology and proper management of organophosphorus poisoning.Determination of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity in blood remains a mainstay for the fast initial screening of organophosphorus compounds but lacks sensitivity and specificity. Quantitative analysis of organophosphorus compounds and their degradation products in plasma and urine by mass spectrometric methods may prove exposure but is expensive and is limited to specialized laboratories. However, history of exposure to organophosphorous compounds and clinical manifestations of a cholinergic syndrome are sufficient for management of the affected patients.The standard management of poisoning with organophosphorous compounds consists of decontamination, and injection of atropine sulfate with an oxime. Recent advances on treatment of organophosphorus pesticides poisoning revealed that blood alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate and also magnesium sulfate as adjunctive therapies are promising. Patients who receive prompt proper treatment usually recover from acute toxicity but may suffer from neurologic complications.
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Mercury release from dental amalgam restorations after magnetic resonance imaging and following mobile phone use
Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences. 01/2008; 11(8):1142-1146.
In the 1st phase of this study, thirty patients were investigated. Five milliliter stimulated saliva was collected just before and after MRI. The magnetic flux density was 0.23 T and the duration of exposure of patients to magnetic field was 30 minutes. In the 2nd phase, fourteen female healthy Univ... [more] In the 1st phase of this study, thirty patients were investigated. Five milliliter stimulated saliva was collected just before and after MRI. The magnetic flux density was 0.23 T and the duration of exposure of patients to magnetic field was 30 minutes. In the 2nd phase, fourteen female healthy University students who had not used mobile phones before the study and did not have any previous amalgam restorations were investigated. Dental amalgam restoration was performed for all 14 students. Their urine samples were collected before amalgam restoration and at days 1, 2, 3 and 4 after restoration. The mean±SD saliva Hg concentrations of the patients before and after MRI were 8.6±3.0 and 11.3±5.3 μg L-1, respectively (p<0.01). A statistical significant (p<0.05) higher concentration was observed in the students used mobile phone. The mean±SE urinary Hg concentrations of the students who used mobile phones were 2.43±0.25, 2.71±0.27, 3.79±0.25, 4.8±0.27 and 4.5±0.32 μg L-1 before the amalgam restoration and at days 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Whereas the respective Hg concentrations in the controls, were 2.07±0.22, 2.34±0.30, 2.51±0.25, 2.66±0.24 and 2.76±0.32 μg L-1. It appears that MRI and microwave radiation emitted from mobile phones significantly release mercury from dental amalgam restoration. Further research is needed to clarify whether other common sources of electromagnetic field exposure may cause alterations in dental amalgam and accelerate the release of mercury. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information.
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Evaluation of Allicin for Treatment of experimentally induced subacute Lead poisoning in Sheep
Biol Trace Elemen Res. 01/2008; 126:141-147.
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0.51Impact points
Comparison of blood lead levels of mothers and cord blood in intrauterine growth retarded neonates and normal term neonates.
Saudi medical journal. 06/2007; 28(6):877-80.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the blood lead levels of mothers and cord blood in intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) neonates and normal term neonates. METHODS: From April to December 2005, we carried out a cross-sectional, prospective study in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Blood le... [more] OBJECTIVE: To compare the blood lead levels of mothers and cord blood in intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) neonates and normal term neonates. METHODS: From April to December 2005, we carried out a cross-sectional, prospective study in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Blood lead levels were measured in the umbilical cord and maternal venous blood samples in 32 mother-infant pairs with IUGR full term neonates, and 34 mother-infant pairs with normal full term neonates. Blood-lead levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The mean lead concentration in neonates of IUGR and normal groups was not significantly different (107.47 +/- 16.75 versus 113.08 +/- 19.08 micrometer/L, p=0.2). The mean lead concentration in mothers of IUGR group was lower than normal groups, but this difference was not significant (124.56 +/- 19.71 versus 135.26 +/- 26.91 micrometer/L, p=0.07). Maternal lead levels were strongly related with cord blood in both IUGR and normal groups (r=0.8, p<0.0001). Maternal and cord blood lead levels was not correlated with birth weight of newborns in either group. Overall, 65.6% of IUGR neonates and 76.4% of normal neonates was above the critical level defined for lead poisoning as >100 micrometer/L by the centers for disease control; however, this was not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the mean lead level was not higher in IUGR neonates, and the whole blood lead was not related to the birth weight. In addition, maternal and cord blood lead levels were strongly correlated, and there were remarkable lead burdens on both the mothers and their neonates in this industrial area.
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2.31Impact points
Comparison of early and late toxic effects of sulfur mustard in Iranian veterans.
Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology. 11/2006; 99(4):273-82.
Sulfur mustard is an alkylating agent that reacts with ocular, respiratory, cutaneous, and bone marrow tissues, resulting in early and late toxic effects. We compare these effects based on the experience in Iranian veterans exposed to the agent during the Iran-Iraq conflict (1983-88). The first clin... [more] Sulfur mustard is an alkylating agent that reacts with ocular, respiratory, cutaneous, and bone marrow tissues, resulting in early and late toxic effects. We compare these effects based on the experience in Iranian veterans exposed to the agent during the Iran-Iraq conflict (1983-88). The first clinical manifestations of sulfur mustard poisoning occurred in the eyes with a sensation of grittiness, lacrimation, photophobia, blepharospasm, and corneal ulceration. Respiratory effects appeared as rhinorhea, laryngitis, tracheobronchitis, and dyspnoea. Skin lesions varied from erythema to bullous necrotization. Initial leukocytosis and lymphopenia returned to normal within four weeks in recovered patients, but marked cytopenia with bone marrow failure occurred in fatal cases. Late toxic effects of sulfur mustard were most commonly found in lungs, skin and eyes. Main respiratory complications were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, asthma, large airway narrowing, and pulmonary fibrosis. Late skin lesions were hyperpigmentation, dry skin, atrophy, and hypopigmentation. Fifteen of the severely intoxicated patients were diagnosed with delayed keratitis, having corneal vascularization, thinning, and epithelial defect. Respiratory complications exacerbated over time, while cutaneous and ocular lesions decreased or remained constant. Both the severity and frequency of bronchiectatic lesions increased during long-term follow-up. The only deteriorating cutaneous complication was dry skin. The maximum incidence of delayed kaeratitis was observed 15 to 20 years after initial exposure. Being suggested as the main cause ofassociated with malignancies and recurrent infections, natural killer cells were significantly lower 16 to 20 years after intoxication.
Following (6)
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Vahid Najarnezhad
Urmia University -
Reza Majdzadeh
Tehran University of Medical Sciences -
Fatemeh Nasseri
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences -
Alireza Sarraf Shirazi
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences -
Topics (5)
