Biomedical subjects

R Raghunath

Publications and source records attributed to R Raghunath.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Dietary intake of metals by Mumbai adult population.

Daily intake of 12 metals (Na, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Mg, Pb, Cd, Co and Ni) by Mumbai adult population were assessed by analysing duplicate diet samples. These metals were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and stripping voltammetric techniques. A total of 250 diet samples containing 170 vegetarian diet and 80 non-vegetarian diet collected during April 2003 to March 2004 were analysed during this study. Daily dietary intakes of 2.4 g Na and 1.2 g K were observed for Mumbai adults. Daily dietary intakes of Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Mg were 367, 1.0, 6.3, 6.7, 2.0 and 304 mg, respectively. Pb, Cd, Co and Ni intakes by Mumbai adults were 32.3, 2.2, 2.2 and 108 microg/day, respectively. From this study it has been observed that the intake of toxic metals such as Pb, Cd and Ni is much lower than the tolerable daily intake derived from PTWI given by FAO/WHO and could not be considered harmful in this group of subjects. Daily intake of the studied 12 metals was found to be higher in non-vegetarian diet compared to the vegetarian diet (P<0.02, 0.01).

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Daily intake of aluminium by adult population of Mumbai, India.

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ET-AAS) has been used for the determination of Al in environmental and food samples with a detection limit of 0.3 ng ml(-1). The reliability of estimation is assessed through the analysis of Standard Reference Materials (IAEA SRMs) of Soil-7, SL-3, SD-M2/TM and Hay (V-10). The results indicate that the average concentration of aluminium in air particulate samples is 5.3 microg m(-3). The daily intake of Al by the adult population of Mumbai is 6.4 mg day(-1).

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Selenium levels in biological matrices in adult population of Mumbai, India.

Selenium (Se) levels in whole blood, serum, urine, muscle and saliva of Mumbai adults have been estimated by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPCSV); the detection limit of Se is 0.05 ng ml(-1). The reliability of estimation is further assessed through the analysis of Standard Reference Materials. The Se levels in whole blood (n = 35) and blood serum (n = 201) of the Mumbai adult population is 99.6 and 100 ng ml(-1); approximately 34.8% of the population have serum Se levels between 80 and 100 ng ml(-1). The blood serum levels of Se for Mumbai adults are comparable to those of whole blood. The mean concentration of Se in urine on a 24-h basis is 5.2 ng ml(-1). Muscle and saliva of the Mumbai adult population contain 195.4 ng g(-1) and 2 ng ml(-1) of Se, respectively. A good correlation between serum Se and dietary Se is observed with a correlation coefficient of 0.89.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Blood lead and its effect on Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe and hemoglobin levels of children.

The levels of heavy metals, such as Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe, in whole blood samples of Mumbai and Hyderabad children have been determined. In the present study, 576 blood samples of children (3-6 years old) were collected during 1996-1998 and analyzed for heavy metal contents by anodic stripping voltammetry and atomic absorption spectrometry. The geometric mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in blood of Mumbai children were 8.0, 0.10, 86.5 and 398.9 microg dl(-1), while those for Hyderabad children were 13.3, 0.13, 100.6 and 483.4 microg dl(-1) respectively. The geometric mean concentrations of Fe in the blood of Mumbai and Hyderabad children were 21.9 and 34.5 mg dl(-1), respectively. Of the Mumbai children, 61.8% were found to have a blood lead concentration lcss than 10 microg dl(-1), while the corresponding proportion of Hyderabad children was 27.4%. Higher concentrations of Pb in the children's blood were observed at high traffic areas in both cities. A decreasing trend in the hemoglobin content with increasing blood lead levels was observed for Mumbai children. A good negative correlation (-0.61) between the blood lead and iron has been observed for Mumbai children The hemoglobin content of 85% of the study population was found to vary between 8 and 14 g%.

Child↗

PubMed2001

Daily intake of Se by adult population of Mumbai, India.

The atmospheric Se levels in Mumbai varied between 0.02 and 1.92 ng m(-3) with a mean concentration of 0.21 ng m(-3). The daily intake of Se by the adult population of Mumbai is 61.9 microg day(-1). Differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DP-CSV) has been used for the determination of Se in air particulate and food samples. The detection limit of Se using DPCSV was found to be 0.05 ng ml(-1). The reliability of estimation was further assessed through the analysis of standard reference materials (SRMs), tuna fish, animal blood, milk powder and fish tissue obtained from IAEA. The frequency distribution of dietary intake levels of selenium for Mumbai adults showed that approximately 61% of the studied population have a dietary intake of 30-90 microg day(-1). Ingestion was found to be the main route of Se exposure for Mumbai adults. The turn over time of Se through blood is 17 days.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed2001

Atmospheric and children's blood lead as indicators of vehicular traffic and other emission sources in Mumbai, India.

Average concentration of Pb in atmospheric air particulates in different suburbs of Mumbai was studied for almost a decade and its spatial and temporal profiles are discussed in relation to emission sources. In general the concentration of Pb in all the residential suburban atmosphere is well below the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, 1994) prescribed limit of 1.5 microg m(-3) barring a few exceptions for some residential/industrial sites, such as those of Thane and Kurla scrap yards. The correlation between blood lead of children and air lead reveals that the blood Pb level in children could increase by 3.6 microg dl(-1) for an incremental rise of 1.0 microg Pb m(-3) of air. The temporal profile of air Pb values indicates a decreasing trend in residential suburbs (Khar: 1984, 0.39 microg m(-3); 1996, 0.17 microg m(-3)) as well as in suburban residential areas with low traffic (Goregaon: 1984, 0.53 microg m(-3); 1996, 0.30 microg m(-3)).

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2000

Daily intake of manganese by the adult population of Mumbai.

The daily intake of manganese (Mn) estimated through air, water and duplicate dietary analysis is found to range from 0.67 to 4.99 mg with a mean value of 2.21 mg. Ingestion through food contributed to the predominant fraction of the intake. The turnover rate of Mn through blood is approximately 2 h, based on the mean concentration of Mn in blood of 1.54 microg l(-1). The average concentrations of Mn in water and air were approximately 1.42 microg l(-1) and 37 ng m(-3), respectively. The daily intake of Mn by the adult population of Mumbai is closer to the lower bound of the recommended limit of 2-5 mg. Electro Thermal Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ET-AAS), has been used for the determination of Mn in a variety of environmental and human biological fluids. The detection limit of Mn for a volume injection of 20 microl is 2 pg absolute. The precision of the method is established by analyzing a synthetic mixture containing various elements in different quantities (0.5-10 ppm) and is found to be within +/- 8%. The reliability of estimation is further assessed through the analysis of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) of soil, hay, milk powder and fish tissue obtained from IAEA.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Heavy metals in maternal and cord blood.

Heavy metal concentrations have been determined in maternal and cord blood samples collected from mothers in the age group 20-25 years with full-term neonates (37-40 weeks). The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn were found to be low in cord blood as compared to mother's blood and the ratio between cord blood and maternal blood for the respective elements was found to be approximately 0.80, 0.86, 0.47 and 0.40. On the other hand, the concentrations of Fe and Mg in the mother's blood were found to be lower than those in the cord blood. Prenatal exposure to lead in Mumbai, though low (5.1 microg/dl), is approximately 2-3 times higher than that observed in Canada or Italy. A strong correlation (r = 0.79) between the maternal and cord blood lead levels has been observed during the present study.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Daily intake of heavy metals by infants through milk and milk products.

Concentrations of the essential elements Zn and Cu and potentially toxic elements Pb and Cd in different milk samples and baby food materials were measured, primarily to assess whether the intakes comply with recommended desired levels for essential and permissible levels for toxic elements. The geometric mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in different types of milk were found to vary from 1.70 to 3.35, 0.07 to 0.10, 43.2 to 195 and 1772 to 4230 micrograms/l, while the same in different baby foods had values from 39.5 to 77.7, 0.45 to 17.7, 1106.3 to 3157.3 and 9367 to 34,592 micrograms/kg, respectively. The concentration of Cd was found to be very low (0.1 microgram/l) and fairly constant in all types of milk. The lead content in cow milk was observed to be lowest even in comparison with breast milk. Concentrations of all these metals are approximately one order of magnitude higher in baby food products than those observed in different types of milk owing to higher fat content. The infant baby food Amul Spray contains low concentrations of toxic (Pb and Cd) and high concentrations of essential (Cu and Zn) elements. The daily intakes of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn by infants through milk and baby foods marketed in Mumbai city have also been estimated. The daily intakes of Pb (1.1 micrograms/kg) and Cd (0.01 microgram/kg) for infants through baby foods are well below the recommended tolerable levels of 3.57 micrograms/kg and 0.8-1.0 microgram/kg, respectively. Similarly the daily intake levels of essential elements are also significantly lower than the recommended desirable levels of 3-5 mg and 0.5-1.0 mg for Zn and Cu, respectively. Milk from an Indian mother also does not provide adequate levels of essential elements to the infants and children.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Assessment of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn exposures of 6- to 10-year-old children in Mumbai.

Population exposures to toxic trace metals are of great concern due to their nonbiodegradable nature and long biological half-lives for elimination from the body. Response to a toxic metal varies with age group; children are more sensitive and hence more at risk than others. The present study was therefore undertaken on 6- to 10-year-old children residing in various localities of Greater Mumbai and Thane. Blood samples from 566 children residing in 13 locations in Mumbai along with 410 air particulate samples and 64 "duplicate diet" samples were collected for this study. Levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in these samples were estimated by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric technique. Intake of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn for 6- to 10-year-old children through ingestion and inhalation pathways have also been assessed. A correlation coefficient of 0.88 is observed between air lead and blood lead. It is also seen that every microgram increase in the Pb concentration in air (m-3) results in 3.56 microg increase in the blood Pb concentration (dl-1) in children. Similar correlation, however, was not observed in cases of Cd, Cu, and Zn.

Air↗

PubMed1998

Lead leaching from pressure cookers.

Leachability of lead by tap water and tamarind solution from Indian pressure cookers while cooking with and without a safety valve is studied. Lead contamination of food by cookers is not very high when compared to the daily intake of lead from various food items consumed by the Indian community. However, looking at the very wide range of lead levels leached from various brands of pressure cookers, it certainly seems possible to keep the lead contamination to the minimum by proper choice of the materials used in the manufacture of these pressure cookers. The rubber gasket, which is a very important component of any pressure cooker, contains the maximum lead concentration; the safety valve is another important source leading to lead contamination of cooked food.

Cooking and Eating Utensils↗

PubMed1997

Dietary intake of heavy metals in Bombay city, India.

Concentrations of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn have been estimated in air particulates, water and food samples collected from different suburbs in Bombay during 1991-1994. The concentrations of these metals are translated into intake rates through inhalation and ingestion pathways. Results indicate the highest concentration of Pb and Cu are in pulses (green gram), Cd in leafy vegetables (amaranth) and Zn in meat. Root vegetables and fruits contained a lower concentration of these metals. Total intakes of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd through air, water and food were 10,500 micrograms/day, 1500 micrograms/day, 30 micrograms/day and 4.3 micrograms/day, respectively. Although the major contribution for the daily intake is the ingestion route, eventual uptake in the body stream is contributed through inhalation for Pb (41%) and Cd (16%) and ingestion for Cu (98.8%) and Zn (99.6%). The total intake of these elements through the duplicate diet study is 9500 micrograms/day for Zn, 1770 micrograms/day for Cu, 27 micrograms/day for Pb and 2.5 micrograms/day for Cd, respectively. The daily intake of these metals by the population of Bombay is well below the recommended dietary values.

Amaranthus↗

PubMed1997

Arsenic intake by the adult population in Bombay city.

Hydride generator atomic absorption spectrophotometry (HG-AAS) is employed for the determination of arsenic in air, duplicate diet and body fluids. The detection limit for arsenic is 0.02 ppb. The reliability of the analysis is assessed through analysis of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) of soil and fish tissue obtained from IAEA. The concentration of arsenic in atmospheric air particulates collected from different suburbs showed geometric means in the range of 1.9-5.6 ng/m3. The total intake of arsenic through air and duplicate diet is approximately 10 micrograms/day for the adult population of Bombay (Mumbai) City. The dietary intake through food is the major contributor to the total intake. The turnover time of arsenic in blood is estimated to be approximately 33 days based on the observed mean concentration of arsenic in blood of 1 microgram/dl. The daily intake of arsenic by the adult population of Bombay is much lower than the WHO recommended value of 140 micrograms.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Retention times of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in children's blood.

Retention times of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in blood of 6- to 10-year-old children are estimated by measurements of levels of these metals in air particulate, duplicate diet and blood of 19 children residing in different locations in Mumbai (previously, Bombay) city. Retention times of 20.3, 9.1, 2.3 and 2.3 days for Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn, respectively are observed.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed1994

Cadmium and hypertension.

Hypertension is a very common and important disease of modern civilised life. There are comflicting reports about cadmium, a trace element in the genesis of essential hypertension. The present study was conducted to estimate the cadmium levels in whole blood in the normal group of thirty subjects who were normotensive and the same was compared to that of thirty hypertensive patients and the levels were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Sources of lead exposure in urban slum school children.

A school based study was undertaken to trace various sources of lead exposure in urban slum children. Two cases with elevated venous blood lead (PbB) levels were detected and confirmed in 100 consecutive Bombay school children, referred to a hospital school clinic for clinical pallor. A common source of lead exposure in one suburb, was implied by the significantly higher PbB levels here. Systematic family and environmental studies identified the source was a nearby factory manufacturing lead storage batteries. Similar studies for the other index case traced the source to the dust produced by small scale foundries and secondary lead smelters. This study indicates that large scale screening studies are necessary to establish the magnitude and epidemiology of this problem in Bombay.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

Levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in the blood of an urban population.

Levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were measured in the blood of normal children and adults of Greater Bombay, India using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The median concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in the whole blood of children and adults were 11.54, 0.21, 484.2 and 86.2 micrograms dl-1, respectively. The blood lead concentration showed an increase with age. Children living in industrial zones with high vehicular traffic have significantly higher blood lead concentrations than their counterparts living in the cleaner suburban parts of the city. The mean levels of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in blood of Bombay children and adults are compared with those from other countries.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

Lead levels in teeth of an urban Indian population.

The lead content of teeth of Bombay residents has been determined using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The median tooth lead concentrations for adults and children in Bombay are estimated to be 8.31 and 3.01 micrograms/g of tooth, respectively. The data indicate that the lead concentration of a tooth increases with the age of the donor. For children the tooth lead content varies with the type of tooth. Further, children living in industrial areas have a higher tooth lead content than children living in the cleaner suburbs of Greater Bombay.

Adult↗