Anahita Alizadeh , Mahdi Balali-Mood, Adeleh Mahdizadeh , Bamdad Riahi-Zanjani,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (July-August 2017)
Abstract
Background: The potential toxicity of human exposure was investigated to heavy metals from diverse sources but few or none was on Iranian soaps. Hence, we aimed to determine the presence of lead and mercury in selected soaps commonly used in Mashhad, northeastern Iran.
Methods: Different common brands of cosmetic, hygiene and contraband soaps were purchased from retail market of Mashhad in 2016. Levels of these metals were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy technique.
Results: All samples had the mercury and lead levels but did not exceed the maximum acceptable level (1 µg/g for mercury and 20 µg/g for lead) recommended by FDA. The mean levels of mercury were 0.02, 0.08 and 0.23 µg/g, respectively in cosmetic, hygiene and contraband soaps. These levels for lead were 0.10, 0.19 and 0.13 µg/g. The highest mercury and lead levels were detected in Halazoon contraband and P hygiene brands, respectively.
Conclusion: The content of mercury and lead in common soaps is currently not a concern in this city. However, as human body may be exposed to several toxic metals from different care products simultaneously, cumulative toxic effects of these metals must be considered important.
Mohammad Majidi , Mohammad Delirrad, Ali Banagozar Mohammadi , Mona Najaf Najafi , Solmaz Nekoueifard , Anahita Alizadeh, Bita Dadpour,
Volume 12, Issue 5 (September-October 2018)
Abstract
Background: Acute organophosphate poisoning (AOPP) is related to several clinical complications that may be fatal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of demographic, clinical and laboratory findings on AOPP outcome.
Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, medical records of all patients with AOPP admitted to Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, were reviewed from January 2016 to December 2017. Demographic data, clinical presentations, erythrocyte cholinesterase (RBC-ChE) and serum cholinesterase (S-ChE) activities were studied and evaluated in relation to clinical outcome of the patients.
Results: A total of 64 patients (37 male, 27 female) were evaluated from whom 6 patients (9.4%) died. Statistically significant relationships were found between the outcome of the patients and RBC-ChE activity (p =0.008), intratracheal intubation (p=0.003), and abnormal blood pressure (p =0.009). Despite the lower mean S-ChE levels in the deceased patients and loss of consciousness in 42.2% (n=27) of patients, there was no statistically significant correlations between these factors and patients’ outcome (p =0.147, p =0.075, respectively).
Conclusion: RBC-ChE activity, need for intratracheal intubation, and abnormal blood pressure on admission were important predictive factors in the clinical outcome of AOPP. Although S-ChE activity, level of consciousness, white blood cell count and blood glucose level on admission provide useful information, these data had no prognostic value in patients with AOPP.
Anahita Alizadeh, Nasim Lotfinezhad, Zohreh Abasian, Fares Najari, Babak Mostafazadeh,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (May 2020)
Abstract
Background: Cholinesterase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in regulating neural transmission. Many factors may decrease the cholinesterase levels in serum and Red Blood Cells (RBCs). It is suggested that the use of opium may effectively change the levels of Cholinesterase in serum and RBCs. This study aimed to evaluate the serum and RBC levels of cholinesterase in patients who were acutely poisoned with opium.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 65 patients suffering from acute opium poisoning. The serum levels of cholinesterase were measured using an automated analyzer. The levels were also measured in RBCs, using a colorimetric method. Simultaneously, 65 patients served as the positive controls from among those poisoned with organophosphates.
Results: The serum cholinesterase levels were lower than the normal range in 16.9% of patients poisoned with opium and in 76.9% of those poisoned with organophosphate agents (P<0.001). Similarly, the levels of RBC cholinesterase were lower than the normal range as found in 64.6% and 15.4% of patients poisoned acutely with opium (Group 1) and organophosphate (Group 2), respectively (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Acute opium poisoning effectively reduced both the levels and activities of cholinesterase in the patients’ serum and RBCs significantly different from those noted in patients suffering from organophosphate toxicity.
