Biomedical subjects

Rima Naginiene

Publications and source records attributed to Rima Naginiene.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Today's epidemics in children: possible relations to environmental pollution and suggested preventive measures.

BACKGROUND: Facts and hypotheses on the relationship between some children's diseases or disorders and external stressors during the developmental stage of a child, both prenatally and postnatally are described in literature. In this paper the following changes in patterns and causes of the main childhood illnesses are summarized and recommendations for actions are made. Prematurity. Intra-uterine growth restriction. Testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Type I and Type II diabetes. Asthma, atopy and hay fever. Autism. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Learning disabilities. Cancer. Obesity. Hearing problems. RESULTS: Literature provides a growing amount of information on changing patterns in childhood diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The following recommendations for action are formulated: Immediate research on endocrine disrupters in relation to prematurity. Diabetes: avoid Maillard Compounds in liquid baby food and in food in general: promote breastfeeding. Asthma: avoid exposure to smoking, the use of chemical household products, dioxin and dioxin-like chemicals, and avoid air pollution with high levels of particulate matter, especially around conception, during pregnancy and in the first years of life. Autism: more research on incidence and causes. ADHD and learning disabilities: more research on prevalence and causes. Preventions: 1) preconception counselling to avoid potentially harmful substances; 2) controlling and further lowering levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, lead and methyl mercury. Cancer: promote breastfeeding, carry out research into effects of foetal exposure to internal fission-product radionuclides. Obesity: stop smoking in pregnancy, avoid parental obesity, longer night sleep. Hearing problems: lower noise levels in discothèques, promote the day-evening-night level to avoid noise (longer night sleep).

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗

PubMed2006

Cadmium and children: exposure and health effects.

Cadmium exposure and accumulation in the body start at young age. Exposure routes in children are mainly via food, environmental tobacco smoke and house dust. Excretion from the body is limited. Cadmium accumulation in the kidney is responsible for effects such as nephrotoxicity and osteoporosis which are observed at adult age. Cadmium exposure through inhalation is also associated with lung cancer in adulthood. Although transfer to the neonate through the placenta and through breast milk is limited, teratogenic and developmental effects were observed in experimental animals. The database on human studies involving children is limited, yet effects on motoric and perceptual behaviour in children have been associated with elevated in utero cadmium exposure. In school age children urinary cadmium levels were associated with immune suppressive effects. More studies are needed to confirm these results. Experimental data in vitro and in animals refer to effects of cadmium on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis at different levels. This may lead to disorders of the endocrine and/or immune system. Cadmium exposure at early age should be limited as much as possible to prevent direct effects on children and to prevent accumulation of cadmium which may have serious health effects only becoming manifest at older age.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Exposure to multiple environmental agents and their effect.

INTRODUCTION: All children are exposed to multiple physical, chemical and biological challenges that can result in adverse health effects before and after birth. In this context, the danger of multiple exposures cannot be assessed from a single-chemical approach as used in classical toxicology. AIM: To open up a 'negotiation space' for the problem of multiple exposure to environmental stressors, defined as any physical, chemical or biological entity that can induce an adverse response. In this context, two further questions obtain: to what extent can synergistic risks be assessed, and how far could potential adverse effects be prevented by enhanced regulation? METHODS: A discussion of two general approaches is taken: 1) the investigation of mixtures such as smoking or air pollution without specifying the individual agents, and 2) the investigation of individual substances with a focus on possible interactions in the context of dose to receptor. RESULTS: Although mixtures of compounds can have effects, it may not be possible to ascribe causation to a single compound. Furthermore, cumulative low-dose insult can, in some circumstances, be more toxic than a single high-dose exposure, e.g. endocrine disruptive effects of a combination of PCBs and dioxins which disrupt the thyroid hormone status; this tends to contradict elements of classical toxicology, . These cumulative insults may further combine with heavy metals and can disrupt the heme synthesis. It is possible that groups of pollutants could be used to test their cumulative capacity to multiple stress-susceptible receptor targets as is done in smoking and air pollution. This methodology could be used for further groups of potential pollutants, for example those associated with cleaning products, or cosmetics. Testing individual substances with a focus on interactions means that not only chemicals but also concurrent diseases should be taken into account. We suggest that the enhanced regulation of potential multiple stressors falls into two discrete categories. The first comprises a more precautionary approach (as demonstrated by the banning of chemicals such as some brominated flame retardants in Europe). The second comprises a more 'permissive' liberal approach involving the initial study of an individual compound, and subsequent interrogation of that compound in combination with another (as demonstrated by lowering the carcinogenicity of aflatoxin by vaccination against hepatitis B). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to define and study groups of multiple stressors as in US EPA's Framework for Cumulative Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA 2003). Recent increased knowledge of the greater sensitivity of the unborn baby, the infant and the child, has led to general recognition that a higher degree of precaution is now needed in regulating for multiple stressors on the young. The more liberal permissive approach proceeding from established effects of the individual exposures is becoming less acceptable now that we know that there is much we do not understand about chronic effects of stressors during the early development phases. Conflicts over which approach to take may have to be resolved through engagement and negotiation with a wide community of stakeholders. This "community of interest" may include fundamental research scientists, practicing clinical paediatricians, patient groups, and others concerned with the health and wellbeing of infants and children.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed2005

[Chronic poisoning by metallic lead from locations of gunshot wound].

A patient injured by shooting to head and shoulder with lead pellets was treated. Fragments of lead pellets were lodged in areas of cheek, forehead and neck. After three months symptoms of lead intoxication occurred, however there was no accumulation of lead in hair. During surgical treatment, it was determined by methods of computed tomography and Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry that particles of metallic lead dissolved mostly in highly vascularized areas of tissues. The main intoxication occurred from the area of venter frontalis where lead particles were mostly deformed. Intoxication did not disappear as long as all fragments of lead pellets were removed surgically. Resorbed lead was partially accumulated in the bone, because amount of lead eliminated with urine was less than that resorbed into the blood.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2003

[Water treatment systems of hemodialysis centers in Lithuania and trace metals in purified water in 2002].

The objective of this survey was to obtain information on hemodialysis chemical water quality and on water treatment systems of hemodialysis centers in Lithuania. Five trace metals (Al, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu) were examined in the purified water (sample from a point after the water treatment system) of 28 hemodialysis centers. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was applied to measure water trace metals levels. All hemodialysis centers in Lithuania used treated water. Softeners were used by 100%, reverse osmosis by 86.2% of the centers. Concomitant use of sand filter, softeners, activated carbon, reverse osmosis was found in 72.4% of the centers. The age of the water treatment system varied from 1 to 117 months (mean=39.7+/-30.4). Concentrations of Al, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu in the purified water of 28 hemodialysis centers did not exceed standards of the European Pharmacopoeia. There was significant decrease in the mean levels of investigated trace elements in the treated water in Lithuania in 2002 compared with examined in 1998.

Aluminum↗

PubMed2003

[Aluminum concentration in blood of hemodialysis patients and its clinical importance].

UNLABELLED: A multicenter study was performed to investigate the prevalence of abnormal blood contents of aluminum in hemodialysis patients and to clarify the impact of aluminum level on the clinical status of such patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred sixty five patients with end-stage renal disease from 7 dialysis centers were enrolled in this study. All patients had undergone standard hemodialysis. Venous blood samples were collected from hemodialysis patients before hemodialysis sessions. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was applied to measure blood levels of aluminum. RESULTS: Out of hemodialysis patients 24.9% had high blood aluminum (>30 microg/l), and the mean was 27.4+/-43.8 microg/l in all subjects. The aluminum containing phosphate binder users had significantly higher blood aluminum levels (45.1+/-102.0 versus 15.4+/-18.9 microg/l, p<0.04). The hemodialysis subjects had low parathyroid hormone level more frequently when blood aluminum concentration was high (>30 microg/l).

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Influence of hemodialysis on changes of trace metals concentrations in blood of patients with end-stage renal failure].

This study on blood levels of trace metals in hemodialysis patients was carried out with an aim to clarify the impact of hemodialysis therapy on the trace metals status in such patients. Two hundred sixty six hemodialysis patients were enrolled. All patients underwent standard hemodialysis. Blood was collected before and after hemodialysis sessions. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was applied to measure blood levels of aluminum, lead, cadmium, mercury as well as plasma levels of copper, and zinc. Aluminum, lead, mercury, and cadmium level in blood significant by increased after hemodialysis. The patients treated with acetate hemodialysis had significantly higher blood aluminum levels than the patients treated with bicarbonate hemodialysis (38.4+/-44.6 versus 25.9+/-43.5 microg/l, p=0.03). We observed negative correlation between copper concentration (n=60) in plasma and ultrafiltration (r=-0.4, p=0.003). The zinc and cadmium level increased with dialysis duration (r=0.2, p<0.001; r=0.2, p<0.02). Low plasma zinc levels, that is, <800 microg/l, was more often found in patients with <12 hour/week and <12 months hemodialysis duration. After 3 years of dialysis treatment blood lead, cadmium level (n=30) increased and plasma copper level decreased.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Influence of cadmium and zinc on the mice resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of chronic exposure to cadmium and zinc on the mice resistance to experimental Listeria monocytogenes infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the day beginning of experiment outbred mice were injected with suspension of bacteria and 8 weeks were given the following oral intake treatment: control group (n=28) deionized drinking water, Cd- group (n=37) water containing CdCl2 10 mg/l and Cd+Zn- group (n=33) water containing CdCl2 10 mg/l and ZnSO4 100 mg/l. The delayed type hypersensitivity was evaluated by the inflammatory response during so-called "foot" test. Listerial proteins solution was injected under plantare of lower aponeurosis of rear foot of experimental animals. Survival of L. monocytogenes in organs of experimental animals was evaluated by the presence of bacteria colonies after 30 days incubation of livers homogenates in broth medium at +4 degrees C and inoculation on CASO-agar. Kidneys, liver and spleen were used for metals analysis. Differences were significant if the P value was below 0.05. RESULTS: Chronic exposure to Cd or to Cd with Zn for 8 weeks caused influence on survival of mice: Cd- and Cd+Zn groups mice died more rapidly than control group ones. Bacterial growth in organs was observed for all groups until fourth week. From sixth-week, control and Cd+Zn- group's mice more rapidly eliminated bacteria from organs, demonstrating that Zn- treated mice were more resistant to listerial infection than Cd- intoxicated ones. On the other hand, mice from Cd+Zn- group had significantly decreased spleen index (up to 74%, p<0.01) as compared to control group. Chronic poisoning of mice with low doses cadmium and zinc during infection significantly affected (p<0.05) their growth rate from fourth week in both experimental groups. Cadmium and zinc insignificantly decreased the delayed type hypersensitivity response to L. monocytogenes allergens in Cd+Zn- group of mice, and no differences were observed in Cd- group, as compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Cadmium-exposed mice are more susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes and to other opportunistic infections than not intoxicated mice. 2. Zinc significantly reduces the negative effect of cadmium on the antimicrobial defense of mice. 3. Cadmium and zinc no significantly decrease the delayed type hypersensitivity response to L. monocytogenes allergens as compared with control.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

[Poisoning by chromium and its long lasting detoxication].

Long lasting influence of cumulated Cr provide irreversible damages of vascular walls, organs and their systems. During long lasting treatment most of Cr is removed during the first 20 days through bileric tract and at the same time through the renal tract the Cr amounts decreases because chromium-d-penicilamin complex in hepatocytes induces synthesis of specific chromium-d-penicilamin binding labile protein and they are removed with bile. The levels of essential microelements (Cu and Zn) are maintained at the level of the physiological tolerance during treatment. Cr removes very slowly (about a year) from human body, and after treatment patients health do not improve because Cr-inducted damages of vascullars, organs and their systems are not recovered. The treatment must be evaluated continuously by controlling concentrations' of Cr, Cu, Zn and other microelements in the blood, plasma and urine by electrothermal atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry methods.

Chelating Agents↗