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Biomedical subjects

R Smolik

Publications and source records attributed to R Smolik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Blood lipid parameters in smelters chronically exposed to heavy metals].

A group of 120 male workers, employed in copperworks (mean age = 41.5 years; mean exposure duration = 17,9 years) at workposts with the highest level of exposure to lead, were covered by the study. Blood levels of the following heavy metals were measured in all workers: Pb, Cd, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg as well as concentrations of FEP and GSH, SOD activity in erythrocytes, parameters of lipid metabolism: total cholesterol, HDL2- HDL3-cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxides (LPO), and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity. Mean blood lead level accounted for 251,86 micrograms/l, and mean level of FEP was slightly above normal. That may indicate moderate lead deposits in smelters. Concentrations of other metals remained within normal limits. No significant disturbances in lipid metabolism were observed. Along with expected positive correlation between lead blood level and FEP, a significant negative correlation between lead and cholesterol levels as well as between FEP and serum cholesterol was found. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between FEP and serum LPO, as well as a significant positive correlation between concentration and HDL2-cholesterol level and between FEP concentration and SOD activity in erythrocytes were noted. We believe that unexpected outcome of our investigations could result from the adaptation of healthy smelters to the environmental conditions. It is assumed that further exposure could weak antioxidant mechanisms and lead, in consequence, to the manifestation of symptoms induced by harmful effect of free radicals.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Thyroid function in smelters after long-term exposure to heavy metals].

In the year 1995 in a group of 93 male workers of a copper smelter (mean age = 40,7 years, exposure time = 8,5 years) following parameters were measured: blood levels of: lead and cadmium; serum levels of copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium-with use of atomic absorption spectrophotometry; FEP-with Piomelli's method; and T3, T4 and TSH in serum with radioimmunometric method. Mean blood lead level was 38,2 micrograms/dl, and concentrations of other metals and hormones were within norm limits. Mean level of FEP was slightly above norm (FEP = 106,5 micrograms/100 ml E). We found no correlation between investigated hormones (T3, T4 and TSH) and age, length of exposure nor blood lead level. We found a significant inverse correlation between FEP and TSH (r = -0,207; p < 0,047). This correlation could point to the fact that lead burden (expressed not in the actual blood level but in the FEP concentration) could negatively influence endocrine functions through hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The effect of combined exposure to lead and cadmium on serum lipids and lipid peroxides level in rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the combined exposure to lead and cadmium on serum lipids and lipid peroxides level in rats and to compare the obtained results with the effects of a single metal. Experiments were performed on male Buffalo rats which were intragastrically administered of lead acetate in doses of 70 mg Pb/kg body wt. twice a week and/or cadmium chloride in doses of 20 mg Cd/kg body wt. once a week for a period of seven weeks. One day after the feeding was over, the following parameters were measured: serum lipids, serum lipid peroxides, blood superoxide dismutase activity, and plasma cholesterol-lecithin-acyltransferase activity. Metal content (lead, copper, cadmium and zinc) in blood and liver was determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. No clinical signs of lead or cadmium toxicity were observed. In comparison to controls, rats poisoned with cadmium and simultaneously with lead and cadmium displayed lower total, free, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations in serum. Rats poisoned with lead displayed lower total and HDL cholesterol levels in comparison to controls, but it was associated with increase of free cholesterol concentration and hypertriglyceridemia. Rats poisoned with cadmium displayed decrease of serum lipid peroxides level and increase of blood dismutase activity. It may be a consequence of redistribution of zinc and copper (increase of copper and decrease of zinc concentrations in blood). In rats treated with lead and cadmium jointly serum lipid peroxides level increased and superoxide dysmutase activity decreased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The effect of combined exposure to lead and cadmium on the concentration of zinc and copper in rat tissues.

To learn whether a combined exposure to lead and copper provokes disturbances in essential trace elements homeostasis the distribution of zinc and copper in tissues (blood, liver, kidney, heart and brain) after combined and single exposure to lead and/or cadmium was compared. In the same regimen, single or combined exposure accumulation of cadmium and lead in tissues was also measured. Experiments were performed on male Buffalo rats, 5-6 weeks old. Lead acetate (70 mg Pb/kg body wt twice a week) and cadmium chlorate (20 mg Cd/kg body wt once a week) were administered intragastrically for 7 weeks singly or in combination. During the experiment no clinical signs of toxic effect of lead or cadmium were observed. The animals were killed after administration of the last doses of cadmium and/or lead and the level of trace and heavy metals in tissues were measured. The results of this study shows that changes in the copper and zinc concentrations in tissues in the combined exposure to lead and cadmium are similar to those induced by a single lead (heart and brain) or single cadmium (liver and kidney) intoxication. Lead and cadmium concentrations in the liver and kidneys of rats administered with Pb and Cd jointly were significantly lower than those in rats exposed to single doses of Pb or Cd.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Lipid abnormalities in rats given small doses of lead.

Previous human and experimental studies have demonstrated that lead exposure may modify the metabolism of lipids. Several studies have indicated that exposure to lead produces an increase in lipid peroxidation and inhibits blood superoxide dismutase activity. Recently, lipid peroxides have been shown to impair tissue membranes and to be a risk factor for vascular diseases. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the impact of subclinical lead poisoning on rat lipids in the context of atherosclerosis. The degree of poisoning was analogous to that in populations exposed to lead in a contaminated environment. Experiments were performed on male Buffalo rats with body weights of 150-200 g. The experimental animals received lead acetate intragastrically in doses of 35 mg lead/kg body wt. (Pb/kg) once weekly or 70 mg Pb/kg twice weekly for 7 weeks. Control rats were fed in the same manner with sodium acetate equimolar to the acetate in the lead acetate solution. One day after the feeding was over, venous blood samples, under ether anesthesia, were collected. The animals were killed by exsanguination and the liver was excised for determination of the metal (lead, copper, and zinc) content. A segment of the abdominal aorta was excised for histological examination. In venous blood the following were estimated: triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol fraction, serum lipid peroxides, and blood superoxide dismutase activity. Metal content (lead, copper, and zinc) in blood and liver was determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In rats poisoned with small doses of lead, decreases in the plasma cholesterol level and the HDL-cholesterol fraction were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Lead and cadmium concentrations in blood of people living near a copper smelter in Legnica, Poland.

Examination of 60 inhabitants (including 28 children) of a village 900 m from a copper smelter with concurrent monitoring of air pollution was performed. Blood levels of lead and cadmium were measured three times in five years. At the same time dust amounts and air-dust concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Cr, Zn, Ni and As were measured. In the first phase of the investigation, for nearly 60% of days Pb and Cu air concentrations exceeded 2-5 times the norm. In the third stage, after significant reductions of gas-dust emissions (copper from 992 to 47 tons/year, lead from 1720 to 30 tons/year) no excessive metal air concentrations are noted. In the first examination the average blood lead concentration was 0.766 +/- 0.14 microgram/ml (in the group of children 0.52 +/- 0.07 microgram/ml). After five years, there was a statistically significant decrease in the blood concentrations of lead, to 0.44 +/- 0.14 microgram/ml (children 0.31 +/- 0.05 microgram/ml), and cadmium, to 0.028 +/- 0.007 microgram/ml (children 0.019 +/- 0.004 microgram/ml). A big lead and cadmium load in the villagers, despite the substantial reduction of gas and dust emission, points to the contamination of the surroundings of the cooper smelter.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Effect of combined exposure (noise, dust, nitrogen oxides) on health status of metal workers in heavy industry. Evaluation of erythrocyte metabolism].

This paper presents the effects of combined exposure (noise, dust, nitrogen oxides) on the health condition of industrial workers, with special regard to red blood cell metabolism. 208 male industrial plant workers of the average age of 38.5 +/- 8.27 years and the average work period of 14.7 +/- 8.22 years were examined. The statistically significant increase of methemoglobin level was detected as well as some changes in erythrocyte metabolism in terms of increased activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase and in vitro production of lactic acid in erythrocytes. The observed changes indicate the influence of exposure to nitrogen oxides and the resulting cellular adaptation to unfavourable working conditions (activation of the pentose cycle and of the final stage of anaerobic glycolysis cycle).

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Prospective examinations concerning the effect of exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons on health status].

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the general and toxicological status of footwear factory workers exposed to toluene, benzene and trace amounts of chromium. The subjects were 80 persons who worked with the glue, and were professionally exposed to aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and benzene AT amounts not exceeding the TLVs. The mean age of the subjects was 46.89 years and the mean period of work 20.26 years. Complete internal and neurological examinations were carried out. The following parameters were determined: hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, reticulocytes, chromium, copper, zinc in serum and hippuric acid in urine (in 30 persons). In the examined group no changes in the leukocyte system were found. Two women had a lower hemoglobin level and erythrocyte count. In three persons thrombocytopenia was observed (3.75%). The mean metal levels in serum were within normal values. Only in 4 persons (5.0%) elevated levels of phenol in urine were found which indicated exposure to benzene. In 30 subjects (18 women and 12 men) (most exposed to toluene) the hippuric acid level in urine was examined. It was found to range from 130 mg/l to 2080 mg/l. In the control group not exposed to either of the solvents the level of hippuric acid in urine varied from 190 to 330 mg/l. There was little effect of aromatic hydrocarbons on hematopoiesis. The increased absorption of benzene or toluene found in the examined persons would indicate a necessity for biological monitoring of this group.

Benzene↗
PubMed1992

[Effects of selected factors on the degree of psychomotor efficiency of welders in a railroad car factory with automated work stations (robots)].

The study of 64 welders employed at automated work stands in the railway car factory conducted in 1989 and 1990 has shown that the psychomotor efficiency level in the examined workers (except for a few cases) was normal. The psychomotor efficiency of the welders studied depended on their age, work day phase and, to a small degree, on the detected biochemical and toxicological disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Levels of trace elements in the serum and erythrocytes and some parameters of erythrocyte heme metabolism (FEP, ALA-D, ALA-U) in copper foundry workers.

The study was designed to investigate the usefulness of some biochemical indices for determination of lead toxicity. In exposed and control groups, the following parameters were measured: concentration of lead in the blood, level of free erythrocyte protoporphyrins and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity of erythrocytes. Levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc in the serum and erythrocytes as well as of iron in the serum were determined. The chelation test was performed and excretion of lead, coproporphyrins and delta-aminolevulinic acid (in 24 hour urine sample before and after EDTA injection) identified only in the exposed group. Absorption of lead was significantly higher in the exposed group (increased blood lead level (Pb-B), free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) and decreased erythrocyte ALA-dehydratase (ALA-D) activity. Levels of copper and calcium in the serum and red blood cells were significantly lower in comparison with the controls. Iron and sodium concentration in the serum as well as levels of potassium, magnesium and calcium in erythrocytes were significantly higher in the exposed group. The chelation test in the exposed group showed a significantly increased excretion of lead in 24 hour urine sample. Concentration of delta-aminolevulinic acid in 24 hour urine sample was lower after EDTA injection.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Influence of heavy metal mixtures on erythrocyte metabolism.

Exposure of foundry workers to mixtures of different heavy metals is a very important toxicological problem. In this paper the estimation of the effects of lead, zinc, and copper on erythrocyte metabolism is presented. Concentrations of copper and zinc at work posts of the group examined did not exceed TLV, while lead concentration was 1.5 to 4 times higher than TLV. Erythrocyte metabolism was measured through activities of such glycolytic pathway enzymes as PFK, PGI, PK, aldolase and G6-PD from the hexose monophosphate pathway. Additionally the free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) level, D-ALA activity, serum GSH level, 2,3 DPG level in erythrocytes and lactic acid production during a 2-h incubation of red blood cells (RBC) was estimated. The blood-lead level, FEP level, copper concentration in erythrocytes in exposed group were significantly higher than in control group while the zinc level in erythrocytes was significantly lower. Measuring erythrocyte metabolism we showed that the activity of PGI, PFK, aldolase, lactic production and 2,3 DPG levels was significantly higher in the exposed group, probably as a result of anaerobic glycolysis activation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Localization of breakpoints in the karyotype of workers professionally exposed to benzene.

Cytogenetic analysis was carried out on peripheral blood lymphocytes of 33 workers professionally exposed to benzene for 10-26 years. In the examined group structural chromosome aberrations were found in 147 metaphases (4.7%). Statistical analysis has shown that the distribution of breakpoints was not random. Chromosomes 2, 4 and 9 are almost twice as susceptible to breaks, while chromosomes 1 and 2 are almost twice as susceptible to gaps, as would be expected based on a random distribution of damage among chromosomes.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Application of the Minnesota Code in evaluating electrocardiographic features of ischemic heart disease in patients exposed to carbon disulphide.

We examined 81 men exposed for a long time to carbon disulphide (CS2) and tested the possible electrocardiographic (ECG) changes of ischemic heart disease (I.H.D.). The subjects were examined twice in two years. In order to make the ECG evaluation more objective, the Minnesota Code was applied. Two obligatory ECG examinations and only one submaximal effort test were carried out. For comparative evaluation, the control group was examined once. We proved that, in spite of the accepted opinion concerning the atheromatous action of CS2, this compound does not cause ECG symptoms of I.H.D. in a higher percentage of exposed persons. It also does not cause any significant increase in I.H.D. symptoms in dynamic ECG observations.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Carotid sinus reflexes in rats given small doses of lead.

The effect of low level lead poisoning on the carotid sinus reflex in rats was studied. The reflex was evoked by carotid artery clamping, in control and lead-poisoned animals. Wistar rats were given lead acetate trihydrate (50 mg/kg) via stomach tube once weekly for 5 weeks; control animals were given equimolar amounts of sodium acetate. Both groups were fed a regular animal food diet. At the end of the 6th week, and under urethane anesthesia, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were continuously recorded for both groups, before and after clamping, and after unclamping the left common carotid artery. In other experiments, some animals were pre-treated with dopamine, 0.040 mg/kg; practolol, 3 mg/kg; propranolol, 0.1 mg/kg; or atropine, 0.1 mg/kg. In animals not given drugs, lead produced a less pronounced rise in mean arterial blood pressure after clamping, and a more pronounced decrease in heart rate after unclamping, compared to control animals. Some drugs altered this response pattern. Atropine led to a more pronounced tachycardia in the lead-poisoned rats, whereas practolol led to a more pronounced bradycardia in the lead-poisoned rats. Propranolol pretreatment led to a less pronounced decrease in heart rate for lead-poisoned rats, again as compared to the controls. Atropine and beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents produced similar carotid sinus reflex responses in control and lead-poisoned animals.

Animals↗