妊娠期糖尿病患者体内铁负荷状态及氧化应激水平的研究

为了探讨铁代谢在妊娠期糖尿病(GDM)发病中的作用,对GDM患者体内铁负荷状态、氧化应激水平及抗氧化状态进行分析研究.在912例孕24～28周产前检查的孕妇中,按血糖筛查和糖耐量试验筛选出GDM孕妇32例为实验组,随机选择糖耐量正常孕妇26例作为对照组,分别测定两组孕妇的血红蛋白(Hb)等指标,以评价机体铁代谢状况;测...     

Screening for hemochromatosis in routine medical care: an evaluation of mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin

Our aim was to evaluate the potential utility of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) to detect hemochromatosis. We computed the accuracy of MCV and MCH cut-off points > or = upper reference limits using data from 94 probands and 132 white controls. Our reference ranges are MCV 80.0-97.0 fL and MCH 26.0-32.0 pg. Sensitivity of MCV was 8.6-48.3% for men and 2.8-44.4% for women (cut-off points > or = 105.0 - > or = 97.0 fL, respectively). Sensitivity of MCH was 33.9-70.7% for men and 19.6-50.0% for women (cut-off points > or = 34.0 - > or = 32.0 pg, respectively). Using MCV and a hemochromatosis frequency typical of many western Caucasian populations (0.005), positive predictive values (PV+) were 2.1-100.0% in men and 4.2-100.0% in women. Using MCH, PV+ were 1.7-8.2% in men and 1.8-6.8% in women. We also calculated PV+ using the hemochromatosis frequency 0.015, which could occur in persons receiving medical care. Using MCV cut-off points > or = 101.0 fL, PV+ were 8.9-100.0% in men and 100.0% in women with maximum sensitivities of 24.1% and 25.0%, respectively. Using MCH testing, PV+ was 21.5% in men (cut-off point > or = 34.0 pg) and 18.2% in women (cut-off point > or = 33.0 pg) with sensitivities of 33.9% and 37.0%, respectively. Using MCV or MCH, sensitivity and PV+ for the HFE genotype C282Y/C282Y were generally greater than for "nonclassical" HFE genotypes. All negative predictive values in our study were > or = 98.5%. We conclude that supranormal values of MCV or MCH could be used to detect hemochromatosis in white persons of western European descent who are receiving routine medical care. Comparisons of MCV, MCH, and transferrin saturation testing and other implications of MCV and MCH testing for hemochromatosis in medical care are discussed.     

Mature hematology in neonatal walruses supports diving alongside their mothers

An animal's physiology limits the environmental conditions where it can persist; quantifying the physiology of the walrus is timely since they are being impacted by alterations in sea ice. We examined postnatal changes in hematology, an important attribute that supports diving, by analyzing a longitudinal data set from aquaria walruses (five males and nine females) sampled from 0.04 to 12.0 years of age (n = 795 samples). Red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (MCHC) did not change markedly after birth and appears to have not been influenced by sex. Estimated values at birth were RBC: 3.78 ± 0.12 × 10⁶ mm⁻³, Hb: 17.62 ± 0.82 g dl⁻¹, Hct: 45.21 ± 2.01%, MCV: 118.99 ± 3.99 fl, MCH: 47.10 ± 1.77 pg, and MCHC: 39.60 ± 0.70 g dl⁻¹. Compared to newborns, there were only subtle decreases in RBC, Hb, and MCHC, and a slight increase in MCV in the years following birth; Hct and MCH appear not to have changed. Unlike other pinnipeds, walruses swim within days of birth and have a prolonged 2-year nursing interval. Mature hematology early in life supports breath-holding, as young walruses must transit under sea ice with patchily distributed breathing holes.     

Effect of chronic administration of vitamin E on the hemopoietic system in hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia induces oxidative stress, which is known to have adverse effects on the integrity of cells. Hence, hypercholesterolemia may have adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, is being used by normo- and hypercholesterolemic subjects. It is, however, not known if vitamin E has any beneficial or adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. The objectives of this study are to determine if (i) hypercholesterolemia has any adverse effects on the hemopoietic system [red blood cell (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, and mean platelet volume (MPV)], and (ii) vitamin E has any effect on the hemopoietic system in hypercholesterolemia. Blood samples were collected before and at various intervals during a high cholesterol diet (0.25% cholesterol) for 2 and 4 months, and while on high cholesterol diet with vitamin E (2 months) following a high cholesterol diet (2 months). Serum cholesterol was measured on an automated Clinical System Analyzer and hemopoietic parameters were measured on an automated Cell-dyn-4000. The results show that hypercholesterolemia decreased RBC count, Hct and Hb, increased MCV, RDW, MCH, and MCHC, and had no effect on WBC and platelet counts, and MPV. Vitamin E did not affect any of the parameters of the hemopoietic system. In conclusion, hypercholesterolemia of short duration has adverse effects on certain elements of the hemopoietic system. Vitamin E does not affect the hemopoietic system during hypercholesterolemia.     

甘肃鼢鼠血象及其与低氧适应的关系

甘肃鼢鼠(Myospalax cansus)是一种严格营地下生活的鼠类,其形态、行为及生理特征均与地面鼠不同。为探讨甘肃鼢鼠适应低氧环境的机理,本研究采用血象指标测定方法,对甘肃鼢鼠低氧适应前后的红细胞数、血红蛋白浓度、红细胞压积等各血象指标进行测定。结果显示,甘肃鼢鼠低氧适应后红细胞数、血红蛋白浓度和红细胞压积均显著升高,而平均红细胞体积、平均红细胞血红蛋白及平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度明显下降。与地面生活的啮齿动物低氧适应后血象相比,甘肃鼢鼠红细胞数量多,红细胞压积大,血红蛋白浓度高,红细胞膜表面积大,血红蛋白的利用率较高,可能是对低氧环境适应的一种途径。     

Testosterone action on erythropoiesis does not require its aromatization to estrogen: Insights from the testosterone and estrogen treatment of two aromatase-deficient men

Androgens act on erythropoiesis, but the relative role of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E₂) on erythropoietic parameters in men is a poorly investigated issue. In order to evaluate separately the effects on erythropoiesis of high-dose T administration alone and of physiological dose of E₂ administration alone two adult men with aromatase deficiency were assessed before and during each treatment. Blood cell count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte mean cell volume (MCV), erythrocyte mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), erythrocyte mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum ferritin, iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), serum erythropoietin, serum total testosterone and estradiol were evaluated. Hb, Hct and red cell count rose during testosterone treatment, consistently with the increase in circulating testosterone, but failed to increase during estradiol treatment. A decrease in Hb, Hct and red cell count was recorded in one of the two subjects during estradiol treatment, with a concomitant decrease in serum testosterone. Circulating T alone is capable of and sufficient to influence erythropoiesis, especially at supraphysiological dosage, while circulating E₂ have not the same effect on erythropoietic parameters, suggesting the hypothesis that the erythropoietic changes induced by androgens are not mediated via its aromatization to estrogens.     

生血宝合剂联合琥珀酸亚铁片治疗妊娠期缺铁性贫血的疗效及对铁代谢指标和妊娠结局的影响

摘要 目的：探讨妊娠期缺铁性贫血（IDA）患者经生血宝合剂联合琥珀酸亚铁片治疗后,患者疗效、妊娠结局情况以及铁代谢指标变化情况。方法：选择2016年6月~2021年4月期间在我院接受治疗的妊娠期IDA患者100例。根据信封抽签法将患者分为对照组和研究组,各为50例。对照组患者接受琥珀酸亚铁片治疗,研究组患者接受生血宝合剂联合琥珀酸亚铁片治疗,两组患者均治疗1个月。对比两组疗效、红细胞参数、铁代谢指标、妊娠结局和不良反应发生情况。结果：研究组的临床总有效率较对照组明显更高（P>0.05）。治疗1个月后,两组血红细胞计数（RBC）、红细胞平均体积（MCV）、血红蛋白（Hb）、红细胞平均血红蛋白（MCH）均较治疗前升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗1个月后,两组血清铁（SI）、转铁蛋白饱和度（TSAT）、铁蛋白（SF）均较治疗前升高,且研究组高于对照组;转铁蛋白受体（STFR）较治疗前降低,且研究组低于对照组（P<0.05）。两组不良反应发生率对比无差异（P>0.05）。研究组剖宫产率、低体质量儿出生率低于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：生血宝合剂联合琥珀酸亚铁片治疗妊娠期IDA患者疗效显著,可促进其铁代谢恢复,提高红细胞发育程度,降低剖宫产率及低体质量儿出生率,安全可靠。     

Hematologic and blood chemical characteristics of feral horses from three management areas

Blood was collected from 486 feral horses of mixed sex and age classes captured from three wild horse management areas in Nevada and Oregon from December 1985 to February 1986. Males were significantly outnumbered by females in the Flanigan area, but both sexes were represented in approximately equal numbers in the Wassuk and Beaty's Butte areas. Hematology and chemistry values averaged 16.4 +/- 0.11, 46.3 +/- 0.28, 9.9 +/- 0.07, 6.9 +/- 0.10, 47.1 +/- 0.24, 16.6 +/- 0.09, 35.2 +/- 0.09, 10.4 +/- 0.14 and 23.4 +/- 0.25 for hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), cortisol (F) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN), respectively. Statistically significant differences in HGB, HCT, RBC, WBC, MCV and MCH levels occurred with respect to age (P less than or equal to 0.001). Serum F levels were lower in immature animals than in either subadult or adults in all areas. Flanigan horses appeared in the poorest condition and had the lowest HGB, HCT and RBC counts while the values for Wassuk horses were significantly higher (P less than or equal to 0.001). Serum F levels were lowest in the Flanigan horses. A significantly lower (P less than or equal to 0.001) proportion of adult mares had progesterone levels consistent with pregnancy in the Flanigan horses versus those from the other two areas. These data are consistent with a subjective evaluation of the condition of the horses.     

Cadmium induced MTs synthesis via oxidative stress in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Lignan complex has been isolated from flaxseed. It has been shown to reduce serum lipids and the extent of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis. However, it is not known whether the chronic use of lignan complex has any adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. The effects of lignan complex (40 mg/kg body wt orally daily for 2 months) on the red blood cells (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and counts of white blood cell (WBC), granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelet, and platelet volume were investigated in normo- and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The results show that lignan complex had no adverse effects of counts of RBC, WBC, granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelet in both the normo- and hyper-cholesterolemic rabbits. The values for MCV, RDW, Hct, Hb, MCH, MCHC, and platelet volume were similar in lignan complex-treated or untreated normo- and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. It is concluded that chronic use of lignan complex had no adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. (Mol Cell Biochem 270: 139–145, 2005)     

Association of CDKN1B gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to breast cancer: a meta-analysis

A number of case–control studies have been conducted to investigate the association of CDKN1B gene polymorphisms with breast cancer. However, these studies reported conflicting results. The aim of our study was to quantitatively summarize the association of CDKN1B gene polymorphisms with breast cancer. Systemic searches of the PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database databases were performed, with the last report up to Oct 2012. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association. Seven studies including 6,822 cases and 7,186 controls were involved in this meta-analysis, which was performed for two CDKN1B gene polymorphisms (rs2066827 and rs34330). Significant association was found for rs34330 polymorphism (T versus C: OR = 1.10, 95 % CI = 1.03–1.18, P = 0.003; CT + TT versus CC: OR = 1.38, 95 % CI = 0.98–1.93, P = 0.07; TT versus CC + CT: OR = 1.06, 95 % CI = 0.93–1.21, P = 0.38; TT versus CC: OR = 1.23, 95 % CI = 1.04–1.45, P = 0.02; CT versus CC: OR = 1.42, 95 % CI = 0.97–2.09, P = 0.07), but not for rs2066827 polymorphism (G versus T: OR = 0.99, 95 % CI = 0.91–1.08, P = 0.84; TG + GG versus TT: OR = 0.98, 95 % CI = 0.89–1.08, P = 0.69; GG versus TT + TG: OR = 1.04, 95 % CI = 0.83–1.30, P = 0.75; GG versus TT: OR = 1.03, 95 % CI = 0.82–1.30, P = 0.77; TG versus TT: OR = 0.97, 95 % CI = 0.88–1.08, P = 0.58). This meta-analysis suggests that breast cancer may be associated with CDKN1B gene rs34330 polymorphism, but not rs2066827 polymorphism.     

Association Between Haptoglobin 2-2 Genotype and Coronary Artery Disease and Its Severity in a Tunisian Population

Haptoglobin (Hp) polymorphism generates three common human genotypes (Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2), having functional differences, related to the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases. These functions are a consequence of hemoglobin binding that leads to the synthesis of an antioxidant like ferritin. We explored the association of Hp polymorphism with significant coronary stenosis (SCS) and its severity within 400 Tunisian patients, using genotyping, biochemical parameters, and the Gensini score. After adjustments for age and gender, Hp2-2 was associated with the highest ferritin but the lowest Hp concentrations. After adjustments for confounding parameters, the OR of SCS associated with Hp2-2 was 1.74 (95% CI 1.18–2.58; p = 0.005). This effect was enhanced within diabetics (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.11–3.24; p = 0.018), obese subjects (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.10–4.86; p = 0.034), and smokers (OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.54–1.29; p = 0.005). The Hp2-2 genotype is associated with an increase in SCS especially in diabetics, the obese, and smokers.     

Quantitative trait loci for porcine baseline erythroid traits at three growth ages in a White Duroc × Erhualian F<Subscript>2</Subscript> resource population

Baseline erythroid indices are increasingly involved as risk factors for common complex diseases in humans. However, little is known about the genetic architecture of baseline erythroid traits in pigs. In this study, hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hgb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell (RBC), and red cell distribution width (RDW) were measured in 1420 (day 18), 1410 (day 46), and 1033 (day 240) F(2) pigs from a White Duroc x Erhualian intercross resource population. The entire resource population was genotyped for 183 microsatellite loci across the pig genome, and the quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed for all erythroid-related traits measured with QTL Express based on a least-squares method. A total of 101 QTL, including 46 genome-wide significant QTL and 55 chromosome-wide significant QTL, regulating erythroid traits were found on all pig chromosomes (SSC) except for SSC15 and SSC18. The genome-wide significant QTL were mainly localized on SSC1, 7, 8, 10, and X. These results confirmed most of QTL previously identified in the swine. More importantly, this study detected age-specific QTL for baseline erythroid traits in pigs for the first time. Notably, the QTL for MCV and MCH on day 18 on SSC8 with small intervals of 3 and 4 cM, respectively, provided a good starting point for identifying causal genes underlying MCV and MCH in the future.     

Short-term effect of dust storms on the risk of mortality due to respiratory, cardiovascular and all-causes in Kuwait

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dust storms on short-term mortality in Kuwait. We analyzed respiratory and cardiovascular mortality as well as all-cause mortality in relation to dust storm events over a 5-year study period, using data obtained through a population-based retrospective ecological time series study. Dust storm days were identified when the national daily average of PM₁₀ exceeded 200 μg/m³. Generalized additive models with Poisson link were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of age-stratified daily mortality associated with dust events, after adjusting for potential confounders including weather variables and long-term trends. There was no significant association between dust storm events and same-day respiratory mortality (RR = 0.96; 95 %CI 0.88–1.04), cardiovascular mortality (RR = 0.98; 95 %CI 0.96–1.012) or all-cause mortality (RR = 0.99; 95 %CI 0.97–1.00). Overall our findings suggest that local dust, that most likely originates from crustal materials, has little impact on short-term respiratory, cardiovascular or all-cause mortality.     

Evening chronotype is associated with poor cardiovascular health and adverse health behaviors in a diverse population of women

ABSTRACT

Chronotype reflects time of day preferences for performing daily activities. Previous research within Asian and European cohorts indicates evening chronotype is associated with elevated cardiometabolic risk. However, evidence is limited from population-based US cohorts, particularly among women in whom evening chronotype prevalence may become higher after middle-age, coinciding with life stages associated with higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This cross-sectional study evaluated associations of chronotype with overall cardiovascular health (CVH), health behaviors, and cardiometabolic risk factors among 506 women (mean age = 37 ± 16y, 62% racial/ethnic minority) in the American Heart Association (AHA)’s Go Red for Women Strategically-Focused Research Network cohort at Columbia University (New York City, NY, USA). Chronotype was assessed using the validated Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and categorized as “evening”, “intermediate”, and “morning” chronotypes. Health behaviors (diet, physical activity, and sleep) were assessed using validated questionnaires. Anthropometrics, clinical blood pressure, and blood biomarkers were assessed at the clinic visit. CVH was evaluated using the AHA Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) metrics; LS7 scores of 0–8 and 9–14 were considered indicative of poor and moderate-to-high CVH, respectively. Linear and logistic regression models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, health insurance, and menopausal status were used to examine associations of MEQ scores and chronotype categories with overall CVH, clinical cardiometabolic risk factors, and health behaviors. Overall, 13% of women identified as evening chronotypes, while 55% and 32% reported being intermediate and morning types. In linear models, higher MEQ scores were associated with higher AHA LS7 scores (β(SE) = 0.02(0.01); p = .014), indicative of more favorable CVH, and with health behaviors not included in the LS7. Higher MEQ scores were also associated with lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, i.e. better sleep quality, (β(SE) = ?0.07(0.02), p < .0001), lower insomnia severity (β(SE) = ?0.14(0.01), p < .0001), shorter time to fall asleep (β(SE) = ?0.28(0.14), p = .044), and less sedentary time (β(SE) = ?0.11(0.03), p = .001). In logistic regression models, evening chronotype, compared to intermediate/morning type, was associated with higher odds of having poor CVH (OR(95%CI):2.41(1.20–4.85)), not meeting AHA diet (OR(95%CI):2.89(1.59–5.23)) and physical activity guidelines (OR(95%CI):1.78(1.03–3.07)), and having short sleep (OR(95%CI):2.15(1.24–3.73)) or insomnia (OR(95%CI):2.69(1.53–4.75)). The evening type compared to morning type was also associated with being a current smoker (OR(95%CI):2.14(1.02–4.52)) and having poor sleep quality (OR(95%CI:2.35(1.27–4.37)) and long sleep onset latency (OR(95%CI:1.89(1.00–3.56)). In our cohort of women, evening chronotype was related to poor CVH, likely driven by its influence on health behaviors. These findings, although warranting confirmation prospectively in other populations, suggest chronotype is an important factor to consider and possibly target when designing lifestyle interventions for CVD prevention.     

Effect of Iodine Nutrition on Pregnancy Outcomes in an Iodine-Sufficient Area in China

Many studies focused on the association between thyroid disease and pregnancy outcomes. The present study explored the effect of iodine nutrition during the first trimester on pregnancy outcomes. One thousand five hundred sixty-nine pregnant, euthyroid women at ≤12 weeks of gestation in an iodine-sufficient area in China were recruited. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for iodine nutrition during pregnancy, participants were divided into four groups: adequate iodine (median urinary iodine concentration (UIC), 150–249 μg/L), mild deficiency (UIC, 100–150 μg/L), moderate and severe deficiency (UIC, <100 μg/L), and more than adequate and excessive (UIC, ≥250 μg/L) groups. Pregnancy outcomes, including abortion, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm labor, low birth weight infants, macrosomia, breech presentation, and cord entanglement, were obtained during follow-up. The results showed that there was no significant difference in general characteristics, including age, body mass index, abdominal circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, smoking rate, and drinking rate, among the four groups. In the more than adequate and excessive group, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was greater and free thyroxine (FT4) was lower than any other groups but still within normal range. The thyroglobulin (Tg) level was greater in the moderate and severe deficiency group. The incidence of GDM was significantly greater in women with mild iodine deficiency than in women with adequate iodine nutriture (18.38 vs. 13.70%, p < 0.05). Compared with the adequate group, incidence of macrosomia was significantly greater in the more than adequate and excessive group (12.42 vs. 9.79%, p < 0.05). Mild iodine deficiency was an independent risk factor for GDM (odds ratio = 1.566, 95% confidence interval = 1.060–2.313, p = 0.024); more than adequate and excessive iodine was an independent risk factor for macrosomia (OR = 1.917, CI = 1.128–3.256, p = 0.016). In summary, during 1st trimester, both mild iodine deficiency and excessive iodine intake had adverse impacts on pregnancy outcomes in an iodine-sufficient area.     

Hematology and recovery response in jacundá, Crenicichla saxatilis (Linnaeus, 1758) after short‐term handling stress

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological response of ringtail pike cichlid ornamental fish (Crenicichla saxatilis) during the recovery period after short‐term stress. The fish were previously submitted to the stress of chasing, capture and air exposure. Assayed were 24 C. saxatilis (85.2 ± 61.6 g) in three groups of eight fish; after 0.5, 6 and 24 h recovery, blood samples were collected. The total erythrocyte, relative thrombocyte and differential leukocyte counts as well as total hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, total plasma protein and the red blood cells (RBC) indices of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC) were determined. Stress responses were observed after 0.5 h, although hyperglycemia remained constant during the experiment. Total lymphocyte and hemoglobin values decreased after 0.5 h in the recovery period. An increase of neutrophils and monocytosis was observed after 0.5 and 6 h, respectively. The MCHC remained stable until after 0.5 h, then varied from this time forward. MCV, MCH and erythrocyte numbers oscillated throughout the experiment. Intense stress was observed in the studied C. saxatilis, with most hematological variables not returning to their initial levels after 24 h.     

Effects of exposure to electromagnetic field from mobile phone on serum hepcidin and iron status in male albino rats

Background: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) created by mobile phones during communication have harmful effects on different organs.

Objectives: To explore the effects of exposure to EMF of mobile phones for different durations on hematological parameters and serum hepcidin in male albino rats.

Methods: Three groups of eight rats: Sham group: rats were exposed to a mobile phone while it was switched off, Experimental group I: rats were exposed to microwave radiation from a mobile phone at 9 am for 30 min. Experimental group II: rats were exposed to microwave radiations from a mobile phone at 9 am for an hour. In all groups, the exposure was conducted daily for a total period of 5 months, followed by estimation of serum hepcidin, total leukocyte count (TLC), interleukin 6 (IL6), serum iron, serum ferritin, plasma hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and 1.25 dihydroxycholecalciferol levels.

Results: In Experimental group II, there was a significant increase in serum hepcidin, TLC, IL6 and serum ferritin; however, serum iron, TIBC, UIBC, 1.25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, plasma Hb, Hct, MCV and MCH were significantly lower in comparison to sham-exposed group. In Experimental group I, there was a significant increase in serum hepcidin, IL6 and TLC, along with non-significant changes in the remaining studied parameters in comparison to the sham-exposed group. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to EMF from mobile phones increases hepcidin level with subsequent impairment of iron parameters, in addition to negatively affecting both UIBC and TIBC.     

Changes in hematological parameters in free-living pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana) during the breeding cycle

The blood parameters—red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)—were studied for the first time in free ranging pigeons Columba livia f. urbana. The aim of the study was to establish a set of reference values for this ubiquitous urban species and to examine a potential influence of the factors such as sex and phase of the breeding cycle on the hematological parameters. Blood was sampled from the adult individuals of both sexes during the breeding cycle. Significant variations in Ht and Hb were observed, while RBC count remained unchanged. The lower hematocrit value and hemoglobin concentration found in both males and females during molt probably resulted from the increase of plasma volume not accompanied by an increase in RBC. On the other hand, a significant physiological stress of nutritional deficiency during this energy-consuming stage may manifest itself in the decreased Ht and Hb values. The higher values of Ht and Hb during the laying phase could be related to the dehydration status. There were no overall differences in MCV, MCH, and MCHC values in either of the breeding stage. A lack of sex dimorphism in the measured and calculated blood parameters was apparent. Data collected herein contribute to the better understanding of general physiology of the ubiquitous urban species. The knowledge of variation in the blood indexes with respect to sex and breeding stage is crucial before blood parameters can provide an useful information on physical condition of the bird.     

Trimester-specific thyroid hormone reference ranges in Sudanese women

Background

Trimester-specific reference ranges for T3, T4, and TSH need to be established in different communities. Neither Sudan nor other African countries have established trimester-specific reference ranges for TSH, free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4) in healthy pregnant women. This study aimed to establish trimester-specific reference ranges for TSH, FT3, and FT4 in healthy pregnant Sudanese women.

Results

We performed a longitudinal study, which included 63 women with singleton pregnancies who were followed since early pregnancy until the third trimester. The study was performed in Saad Abu-Alela Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan, during January to October 2014. An equal number of age- and parity-matched non-pregnant women were enrolled as a control group. Basic clinical and obstetrics data were gathered using questionnaires. TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels were measured. Median (5th–95th centile) values of TSH, FT3, and FT4 were 1.164 IU/ml (0.079–2.177 IU/ml), 4.639 nmol/l (3.843–6.562 nmol/l), and 16.86 pmol/l (13.02–31.48 pmol/l) in the first trimester. Median values of TSH, FT3, and FT4 were 1.364 IU/ml (0.540–2.521 IU/ml), 4.347 nmol/l (3.425–5.447 nmol/l), and 13.51 pmol/l (11.04–31.07 pmol/l) in the second trimester. These values were 1.445 IU/ml (0.588–2.460 IU/ml), 4.132 nmol/l (3.176–5.164 nmol/l), and 12.87 pmol/l (9.807–23.78 pmol/l) in the third trimester, respectively. TSH levels increased throughout the trimesters. FT3 and FT4 levels were significantly higher in the first trimester compared with the second and third trimesters. TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels were significantly lower in pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women (P?<?0.001).

Conclusions

The present study is the first to establish trimester-specific reference ranges of TSH, FT3, and FT4 in Sudanese women with normal pregnancies. Our results suggest that pregnancy is likely to suppress TSH, T3, and T4 levels in healthy women.

     

Age and gender related changes in hematological parameters of thoroughbred foals

Abstract

Hematological and biochemical profiles commonly are required in equine medicine. We studied hematological parameters including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (PCV), differential leukocyte counts, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in thoroughbred foals at different ages and for both sexes. Sixty healthy thoroughbred foals, 1 day, 3 days and 1 year old were used. Each age group consisted of 10 male and 10 female animals. We found significant differences related to age in RBC values of females, PCV, MCV values of males, WBC, neutrophil percentages, lymphocyte percentages, monocyte percentages of females, and eosinophil percentages and basophil percentages. Significant differences related to gender were found only with regard to PCV at 1 year and WBC at 1 day. The hematological parameters of thoroughbred foals up to one year old may be useful for evaluating and monitoring the health of these animals.