Asia Pacific Journal of Medical Toxicology
Year:2023 | Volume:12 | Issue:4|Papers Count:8

Background: Reproductive damage from sodium fluoride exposure is a concern, but there's limited scientific data on the synergistic effect of Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E. A potential remedy could include Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E supplementation, but further research is needed. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E on the reproductive damage induced by sodium fluoride exposure. Different treatment protocols were employed, such as administering drugs alone, preventive measures, and reversal approaches. Methods: In the drug alone or preventive-protocol, rats received oral treatment of Saline (2 mL/kg), Homtamin ginseng (40 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (150 mg/kg/day) or both alone repeatedly for 28 days, or in combination with sodium fluoride (100 ppm/kg/p. o. /day) from days 15-28. In the reversal-protocol, the animals received NaF for 28 days prior to saline, Homtamin ginseng, vitamin E or Homtamin ginseng + vitamin E from days 15-28. Results: The result showed a (P < 0. 05) increase in testicular malondialdehyde and a decrease in the activities of testicular superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the group exposed to sodium fluoride. These changes were significantly (P < 0. 05) ameliorated by vitamin E and Homtamin ginseng. More so, sodium fluoride altered testicular and brain weight, spermatogenesis, hormonal profile, fertility test as well as testicular architecture negatively following treatment with sodium fluoride. However, Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E or combination of both prevented and reversed the effects of sodium fluoride on spermatogenesis, hormonal profile, fertility and mating indices in rats. Conclusion: In conclusion, Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E prevented and reversed sodium fluoride-induced testicular dysfunction through inhibition of oxidative influx and hormonal modulation mechanism in Wistar rats.

Background: Formalin is a highly toxic chemical that causes tissue damage. Formalin is metabolized by the liver and erythrocytes and excreted via the urinary and digestive tracts. This passage may propose toxicity in these systems. Thus, the current study was conducted to examine serological, and histological changes in the kidney and liver of formalin-vapor-exposed quails (FVEQs) (Coturnix coturnix) to promote awareness of formalin toxicity in the farms of Japanese quails. Methods: The study included the recruitment of 16 adult quails divided into four equal groups,control group (no formalin exposure), FVEQ1 group (exposed to formalin for 10 days), FVEQ2 (exposed to formalin for 20 days), and FVEQ3 (exposed to formalin for 30 days). All FVEQs were exposed to formalin vapor twice daily (morning and evening, 2hrs/each). Each group was reared in a separate airtight chamber during the experiment time (10, 20, or 30 days). blood samples for renal and liver, IgG levels, and histopathological features were examined. Results: The findings showed significant (p<0. 05) increases in the levels of blood creatinine, urea, and uric acid in the FVEQ groups. Liver enzymes, ALP, ALT, and AST revealed significant (p<0. 05) increases in the FVEQ groups. FVEQ1 group recorded significantly (p<0. 05) the highest IgG level after 10 days of formalin exposure, which significantly (p<0. 05) decreased after 10 days without formalin exposure, and immunity was slightly restored. The histopathological characteristics of the kidney were increases in the thickness of renal corpuscles, glomeruli, and the Henle loop of the medullary cone. For the liver, the findings showed increases in the parenchymal aggregation of lymphoid cells. There were amyloid depositions in hepatocyte spaces, which were squeezed and atrophied, creating intercellular gaps and reducing cell compactness. Conclusion: The inhalation of formalin vapor may damage the kidney and liver tissues and eventually their functioning in formalin-exposed quails.

Background: Nonmetallic and mild toxic Sulphur is abundantly available in world. Kanthakam is the name for Sulphur in Siddha medicine. Sulphur is one of unavoidable substance for medicine preparations with deferent purification methods. According to Siddha concept of Purification (Shuddhi) not only a process of purification or detoxification, but also process to enhance potency and efficacy of the medicine. Methods: The Unpurified Sulphur (S1) and Purified Sulphur Method I (S2), Method II (S3), Method III (S4) and Method IV(S5) Samples were employed for Comparative analysis of organoleptic character, Solubility profile, loss on drying, total and acid insoluble ash, alcohol and water soluble extractive, pH, Sulphur concentration, Microbial test, Aflatoxin assay by TLC, Test for basic and acid radicles, FTIR, and SEM Results: finding gave considerable changes between unpurified Sulphur (S1) and purified samples. The purity percentage of Sulphur, were found increased from 8. 97% w/w to 59. 04% w/w and the particle size were reduces from 1247 d. nm to 468. 0 d. nm in the S5 sample. FTIR show the functional group changes from C=C-alkene and C-I-Alkyl & Aryl Halides in to O-H-Alcohol, N-H-amine salt, C-H-alkane, C=C-alkene and C=O Esters & δ-lactone. Purified Sulphur samples show changes in Sulphur content, Particle size, functional group and solubility were within the safety limits as FDA permissible quantity. Heavy metals was not found in any samples. Conclusion: According to comparative analysis, it is vital to select purifying methods for preparing medicines in accordance with the text.

Background: Using cosmetics is common in different groups, especially women in Iran. Considering the importance of the usage rate and the possibility of confronting its unsought effects, the cosmetics usage rate by women is studied as the aim of this review. Methods: This is a non-systematic review study. Data were collected from international databases including Web of Science, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and Pub Med, and local databases including Civilica, Medline Iran Medex, SID, and Scirus, without language and time limitations and by using keywords. In the initial search, 187 articles were retrieved. Then, after omitting the irrelevant and unrelated articles, 51 articles were chosen for the final review. Results: The highest rate of permanent use of cosmetics is observed in women aged 20-29 year, while the lowest rate belongs to the age group of 50 years and older. Media are very effective in the rate of using cosmetics. The permanent use of cosmetics is related to social, economic, and cultural factors. Using cosmetics causes allergy in 1/3 of women. Conclusion: Age, economic-social status, education, and social media are effective factors in the use of cosmetics. Enhancing beauty and being seen are the major reasons for using cosmetics among women. Skin allergies are the unsought effects of drug development and cosmetics.

Introduction: Scombroid poisoning is a condition that occurs after ingestion of seafood and can cause cardiac and respiratory effects, shock, and life-threatening conditions, as well as gastrointestinal findings caused by increased histamine levels. Case Report: The detailed history of the 80-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with chest pain, nausea and vomiting revealed that he had consumed an excessive amount of anchovies 10 hours prior to admission. On follow-up, the patient's blood pressure was 142/66 mmHg and heart rate was 48/min. Bradycardia, PR interval prolongation and ST depressions were observed on the initial ECG. No troponin elevation was observed during the patient's follow-up in the emergency department, and the patient was treated with antihistamines, steroids, and fluid resuscitation, and his condition was assessed as scombroid toxicity. The follow-up ECG of the patient whose symptoms resolved after treatment showed that the bradycardia had resolved, the heart rhythm was 65 bpm, the PR interval prolongation had returned to normal, and the signs of first-degree AV block had resolved. Conclusion: While tachycardia and bronchospasm have been observed in scambroid poisoning in the literature, in our case bradycardia was observed to develop as a result of vagal stimulation due to increased histamine. Increased histamine levels can cause life-threatening situations by producing bradycardia, which can develop into asystole with vagal nerve impulses. The use of antihistamines in the treatment of bradycardia, which is one of the effects of histamine, shows a good prognosis, as in our case.

Background: Methemoglobinemia is one of the rare causes of cyanosis, encountered in the Emergency Department. It can be congenital or acquired, affecting the oxygen binding capacity of hemoglobin, thus shifting the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the left. It is potentially life-threatening, but it responds well to specific therapies, if recognized and intervened early. MetHb levels >70% are often described as incompatible with life. Case: Here, we describe two cases of near-fatal MH (MetHb levels >70%), one with intentional and the other with accidental ingestion of substance-producing MH, and its management which highlights how timely diagnosis and prompt appropriate treatment in the Emergency Department can be lifesaving. Both cases were at physiological extremes on arrival to the ED. However, the early clinical suspicion and prompt diagnosis of methemoglobinemia, which was confirmed by blood co-oximetry, helped expedite the delivery of specific anti-dote for methemoglobin, i. e., intravenous methylene blue. Both patients responded well to the treatment and were hemodynamically stable within 6 hours Conclusion: Cyanosis, which does not respond to oxygen, and low saturation levels not responding to oxygen therapy should raise the suspicion of Methemoglobinemia (MH). Early diagnosis and prompt administration of methylene blue are the key factors for survival.

Background: Cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) insecticide is a common cause of poisoning in developing countries. Toxicity occurs by ingestion, inhalation, or dermal absorption. However, only a few cases of parenteral poisoning have been reported. Inhibition of cholinesterase itself is not enough to explain the wide range of disorders associated with ChEIs insecticide exposure. Oxidative stress is supposed to be a contributing factor to the complications of ChEIs insecticide poisoning. L-carnitine (LC) is a widely accessible antioxidant therapy that is a safe drug with fewer side effects. It could be a promising adjuvant treatment in acute ChEIs insecticide poisoning. Case presentation: The current case report describes a 60-year-old male with a homicidal intramuscular injection of ChEI insecticide, presented with chest crepitations and fasciculations. He showed an initial improvement to treatment with atropine, toxogonin, and L-carnitine (LC). However, there was a relapse of more aggressive manifestations after recovery and hospital discharge Conclusion: Diagnosis of ChEI toxicity by the parenteral route is a challenge where the onset of symptoms may be delayed with atypical presentations. Even though the symptoms are mild initially, observation for a more extended period is mandatory. LC could be a promising adjuvant antioxidant treatment in acute ChEIs insecticide poisoning cases.

Background: In this study, we report on a patient with acute stimulant toxicity following the use of two bath salt products purchased over the Internet in the UK, where two novel cathinones and a substituted phenylmorpholine were detected on toxicological screening. Case Report: A 52-year-old male with ADHD presented to ED with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and agitation after nasal insufflation of Internet purchased ‘bath salt’ products “Ocean Burst” and “Lunar Wave”. He was anxious and agitated, but did not have delusions, paranoia or delirium. On examination, he was tachycardic (113bpm), hypertensive (171/115mmHg), and normothermic (36. 0°C). He was tremulous, but his tone and reflexes were normal and there was no clonus. Initial blood tests were normal and initial Troponin I was 32. 2ng/L,reduced to 28. 3ng/L on repeat (low risk for ACS if ≤34 ng/L on repeat). ECG showed sinus rhythm (99bpm) left axis deviation, QTc 462msecs, QRS 100msecs, with no ischaemic changes. He was treated with oral diazepam (total 25mg) and IV fluids in the ED. Following the admission, he required a further 60mg of oral diazepam for ongoing agitation. His symptoms resolved within 24 hours and he was discharged. Analytical Results: Serum, urine and drugs samples analysed using ultra performance liquid chromatography interfaced to high resolution accurate mass spectrometry:-‘Ocean Burst’: N-ethyl pentedrone, alpha PHiP,-‘Lunar Wave’: 3-chlorophenmetrazine, 4-methylmethamphetamine, alpha PHiP,-Serum/urine: the cathinones N-ethylpentedrone and alpha-PHiP were detected, along with the substituted phenylmorpholine 3-Chlorophenmetrazine. Conclusion: The novel cathinones detected in this patient, related to the use of ‘bath salts’, were associated with acute stimulant toxicity. Analytical confirmation of NPS products in patients presenting with acute NPS toxicity is important in the surveillance of the NPS currently available and to inform public health interventions