Decrease In Red Blood Cells Research Articles

CD34+ selected stem cell boosts can improve poor graft function after paediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Poor graft function (PGF) is a severe complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and administration of donor stem cell boosts (SCBs) represents a therapeutic option. We report 50 paediatric patients with PGF who received 61 boosts with CD34+ selected peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) after transplantation from matched unrelated (n=25) or mismatched related (n=25) donors. Within 8weeks, a significant increase in median neutrophil counts (0·6 vs. 1·516×109 /l, P<0·05) and a decrease in red blood cell and platelet transfusion requirement (median frequencies 1 and 7 vs. 0, P<0·0001 and <0·001), were observed, and 78·8% of patients resolved one or two of their cytopenias. 36·5% had a complete haematological response. Median lymphocyte counts for CD3+ , CD3+ CD4+ , CD19+ and CD56+ increased 8·3-, 14·2-, 22.- and 1·6-fold. The rate of de novo acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) grade I-III was only 6% and resolved completely. No GvHD grade IV or chronic GvHD occurred. Patients who responded to SCB displayed a trend toward better overall survival (OS) (P=0·07). Thus, administration of CD34+ selected SCBs from alternative donors is safe and effective. Further studies are warranted to clarify the impact on immune reconstitution and survival.

Ameliorative effects of Nigella sativa and vitamin E on the toxicity induced by liver extract of Lagocephalus spadiceus in male Albino rats

This study was aimed to investigate the curative effect of some antioxidants such as Nigella sativa seeds and vitamin E on hematological, biochemical disorder and histopathological alteration induced by liver extract of puffer fish Lagocephalus spadiceus in male Albino rats. Five groups of adult male Albino rats were established (n= 10). Group 1: rats were administered normal saline for 10 days and served as normal group (1 ml / 100gm per b. w.) intraperitoneally for 10 days. Group 2: rats were injected intraperitoneally daily, for 10 days, with L. spadiceus liver extract and served as control group (1ml/100gm per b. w.). Group 3: rats were oral administration of Nigella sativa extract for 30 days after daily injected, with L. spadiceus liver extract for 10 days. Group 4: rats were oral administration of vitamin E daily for 30 days after daily injected with L. spadiceus liver extract for 10 days. Group 5: rats were daily oral administration of Nigella sativa extract + vitamin E for 30 days after daily injected with L. spadiceus liver extract for 10 days. In the control group (gp. 2) hematotoxicity was determined by a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin (Hb) and PCV value, with marked elevation in white blood cells (WBCs) and blood Platelets (PLTs), as well as there are an elevation in serum ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea and uric acid associated with reduction in albumin and Total protein. In addition to, degenerative and necrotic changes showed in liver and kidneys. It could be concluded that Nigella sativa and vitamin E, clarified a modulatory role against the cellular damage produced by free radicals induced by L. spadiceus liver extract.

Ameliorating Effects of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Zinc Supplementation on Physiological and Immunological Changes in γ-Irradiated Rats.

The present study was carried out to determine the prophylactic impact of zinc sulphate administration to irradiated rats treated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) as indicated by the hematological and immunologic response as well as oxidative stress. Rats were injected orally with zinc sulphate, 10 mg/ Kg body wt, daily for 2 weeks before whole body 5Gy gamma irradiation and intravenous injection of bone marrow cells, one hour post irradiation. The results revealed a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), glutathione (GSH) and zinc superoxide dismutase (Zn /SOD), splenocyte count as well as bone marrow lymphocyte count and viability of irradiated rats. Regarding immunological data: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) recorded a significant decrease while interleukin 6 (IL-6) and lipid peroxidation product (MDA) in the serum and spleen were conversely elevated. Zn supplementation before irradiation and BMT and showed significant decrease of serum and tissue MDA compared to the irradiated group. Lymphocytes, bone marrow viability percentage, splenocytes percentage, IL-2, IL-6 and GSH were significantly elevated compared to irradiated group. Conclusion: Protection with Zn, enforcing significant innate response, could trigger and augment adaptive immune response by BMT which suggests its use to protect against radiation hazards.

Evaluation of acute toxicity and effects of sub-acute concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on hematology, selected enzymes and histopathology of liver and kidney in Mus musculus

Industrial use of nanoparticles and their accumulation during the recent decade have created an urgent need to assess their environmental implications. The current study deals with the evaluation of acute toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in the albino mice (Mus musculus). Lethal dose of these nanoparticles in albino mice injected via intravenous route were found to be 550 mg/kg body weight (BW). Exposure of the albino mice to sub-lethal concentrations of these nanoparticles resulted in altered hematological parameters such as a significant increase in white blood cells (WBCs), a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets count. NPs significantly elevated the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea and creatinine. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney showed that sub-lethal doses of CuO-NPs, in liver, led to rupture of hepatocytes, dilation of sinusoid space, hemorrhaging in hepatic tissues, and congestion of the central vein with red blood cells leading towards ultimate rupture. On the other hand, the kidney showed ruptured renal capsule, loss of urinary space, swelling in glomerulus, degeneration in podocysts, and cytoplasmic vacuolization

Using the Zebrafish to Model the Tumour-Suppressor Effects of NUP98 in NUP98-NSD1 mediated AML

The NUP98-NSD1 (NND1) translocation is a fusion oncogene that causes high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in ~16% of pediatric AML patients. The presence of NND1 predicts a dismal prognosis, with a 4-year event-free survival of less than 10%. These high-risk patients often do not respond to current chemotherapy treatments, and would benefit from a targeted therapy approach. The zebrafish has served as a versatile in vivo model of human leukemia both for elucidating underlying disease pathogenesis and for preclinical drug discovery.We previously generated a transgenic zebrafish model expressing the human NUP98-HOXA9 fusion oncogene, which developed a myeloproliferative neoplasm and revealed DNA methyltransferase 1 as a novel downstream target amenable to epigenetic therapy (Forrester et al., BJH 2011; Deveau et al., Leukemia 2015). Like NUP98-HOXA9, NND1 is thought to induce AML through activation of HOXA9, as well as downstream epigenetic modification. In the case of NND1, sustained NSD1 expression induces tri-methylation of the activating H3K36 locus (Wang et al., Nat. Cell Biol. 2007). While the contribution of these NUP98 partner genes to leukemogenesis has been explored, the loss of normal NUP98 function that occurs in the context of these oncogenic fusions remains understudied. As NUP98 is a potential tumour suppressor (Singer et al., Mol. Cell 2012), further exploration of its role in leukemogenesis is required. With the advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the zebrafish is ideally suited to interrogate both elements of NUP98 gene modification in AML.Plasmid constructs containing the human NND1 oncogene driven by either the ubiquitous ubi promoter or the pan-leukocyte cd45 promoter have been incorporated into the zebrafish using the Tol2 system. Expression of NND1 is visualized via co-expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) at 24-48 hours post-fertilization. GFP expression appears strongest in the regions of embryonic hematopoiesis, such as the posterior blood island. Whole-mount in situ hybridization of plasmid-injected embryos expressing NND1 show a decrease in red blood cells and an increase in myeloid cells, indicating a disruption in hematopoiesis, suggesting a pre-leukemic state. Stable transgenic zebrafish lines are currently being screened. Simultaneously, we are generating transgenic zebrafish expressing a catalytically inactive Cas9 (dCas9) and two guide RNAs (sgRNAs) under the cd45 promoter, to create a leukocyte-specific knockdown of endogenous nup98. This novel dCas9 system will result in selective knockdown and reduce toxicity caused by off-target effects in other tissues.Our unique zebrafish model in which the NND1 oncogene is expressed and wild type NUP98 is functionally inhibited will exhibit greater fidelity to that which occurs in patients with NND1-induced AML, providing an unprecedented opportunity to determine the relative contributions of these lesions to disease pathogenesis. Moreover, given that NUP98-fusion oncogenes are common in multiple hematologic malignancies including AML, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), broader insights into leukemogenesis may be realized and new therapeutic targets identified. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Hematological and histopathological assessment of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) after treatment of pathogens with veterinary medicinal products

Fish species are impacted by multiple pathogens, and they are exposed to the chemicals used to treat these diseases at several stages during the aquaculture production cycle. This study performed hematological and histopathological evaluations of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) that had been naturally infected with Aeromonas sp., Streptococcus sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina heterodentata, and Anacanthorus penilabiatus and treated with enrofloxacin and toltrazuril or with florfenicol and thiamethoxam. After 7 days of treatment from nine fishes were collected blood, via caudal puncture, and samples of the gills, liver, and kidneys. Following toltrazuril and enrofloxacin treatment, fish exhibited leukocytosis with lymphocytosis. With thiamethoxam and florfenicol treatment, the fish showed an increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and a decrease in red blood cells. The infected control fish presented aneurysms and a disruption of the secondary lamellae, which can cause death. The drugs used in this study stimulated the immune systems in the fish or caused electrolyte imbalances, which were temporary.

Exposure to sub-acute doses of fipronil and buprofezin in combination or alone induces biochemical, hematological, histopathological and genotoxic damage in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Use of pesticides or insecticides can be highly toxic to aquatic life forms due to leaching and agricultural runoff, rains or flood. Fipronil (FP) is a GABA receptor inhibitor, while buprofezin (BPFN) is an insect growth regulator. Presently, we exposed groups of aquaria acclimated carp fish (Cyprinus carpio) for 96h to sub-lethal concentrations of fipronil (400μgL−1; 9.15×10−7molL−1) and buprofezin (BPFN, 100mgL−1; 1.072×10−6molL−1) singly or in combination. The extent of damage was assessed at biochemical, hematological, molecular biological and histopathological level. Results obtained in treated fish were compared statistically with those of control non-treated fish and also among treatment groups. Significance level was p<0.05. Compared to control, serum total protein and globulin concentrations decreased significantly (p<0.0001) in fish treated with FP; while albumin concentration remained unaltered with all treatments. Glucose concentration decreased significantly (p<0.002) in fish treated with FP. In contrast, combined FP+BPFN treatment and BPFN treatment caused insignificant elevation of glucose concentration. Hematological assessment demonstrated significant decrease in red blood cell and thrombocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit percent; while white blood cell count showed an increase in all treatment groups (p<0.0001). Blood smears from pesticide treated fish revealed aberrant erythrocyte morphologies which included necrosis, micronuclear formation and hyperchromatosis. DNA laddering assay carried out on whole blood demonstrated excessive smear formation in combined FP+BPFN and BPFN treatment groups but no smear formation was noticeable in FP treated fish. Compared to control, whole blood DNA content increased significantly in the combined FP+BPFN and BPFN treatment groups (p<0.001 and p<0.009). With all treatments histopathological changes observed in the gills were: epithelial uplifting and necrosis of lamellae, lamellar atrophy, disruption of cartilaginous core, fusion and disorganization of lamellae and telangiectasia. In liver these were: karyorrhexis, hepatocellular hypertrophy, nuclear hypertrophy, melanomacrophage aggregates and central vein contraction, while in the kidney: deterioration of glomerulus and dilatation of Bowman’s space, dilatation of renal tubules, thyroidisation, altered tubular lumen, nuclear hypertrophy, cellular atrophy, and cellular necrosis were the outcome. Our study revealed that FP and BPFN produce highly toxic effects on fish when given in combination or singly. To our knowledge, this is the first report on toxicity caused by FP and BPFN in single and combined state.

Effects of Capillary Microsampling on Toxicological Endpoints in Juvenile Rats.

Blood sampling during juvenile rat toxicology studies is required to determine the toxicokinetic (TK) profile of compounds. Juvenile rats are too small to undergo repeated blood sampling using conventional methods, which collect 200-300 μl blood at each time point. Recently, capillary microsampling (CMS) gained interest because sample sizes are almost 10 times smaller enabling multi-sample collection from 1 rat. Here, we evaluated the use of CMS in juvenile rats in support of reduced animal usage. Juvenile rats at postnatal day (PND) 4, 10, and 17 underwent CMS via the submandibular, tail, and jugular veins. The CMS methods for pups at different ages were evaluated based on sample quality and technical practicality as well as on acute and chronic changes of toxicological parameters. The best location for CMS was the submandibular vein for PND 4 and 10 pups and the tail vein for PND 17 pups. No effects were found on clinical signs, body and organ weights and biochemistry parameters when 2 × 32 μl of blood was withdrawn from PND 4 pups or when 3 × 32 μl was taken from PND 10 and 17 pups within 24 h. Significant changes in several hematology parameters were observed 24 h after CMS due to a decrease of red blood cells and renewed production. These values had recovered to normal 7 days after CMS. CMS is feasible in juvenile rats for TK assessment. Utilizing this method could decrease the number of additional animals by 75%.

The possible anti-inflammatory role of the blue green algae ,Aphanizomenon flos-aquae on adult male rats.

Aphanizomenon flose-aquae (AFA) is a fresh water unicellular blue green microalgae like Spirulina, but most AFA is harvested from the wild in volcanic regions leading to high levels of trace minerals. Aphanizomenon flos- aquae have been traditionally used for over 25 years for its health-enhancing properties. To investigate the possible anti-inflammatory role of Aphanizomenon flose-aquae, rats were injected with carrageenan. Results obtained in the present study showed that injection of rats with carrageenan led to significant decreases in red blood cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit value (Hct) as compared to the control group. In contrast, the levels of white blood cells (WBCs) count, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were significantly increased; this was accompanied by histopathological and histochemical changes. Meanwhile, treatment of rats with AFA for 5 and twenty one days did not exhibit a toxic effect on the liver. Also, treatment of rats with AFA postcarrageenan injection exhibited anti-inflammatory activity and improved hematological parameters and liver function profile. In conclusion, using Aphanizomenon flos- aquae as a natural agent showed a strong anti-inflammatory role.

Protective effects of pomegranate peel against hematotoxicity, chromosomal aberrations, and genotoxicity induced by barium chloride in adult rats

Context Pomegranate peel (PP) has health benefits including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic properties. Objective This study investigated the biochemical composition and protective effects of PP against hematotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by barium chloride (BaCl2) in adult rats. Materials and methods Adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each: control, barium (67 ppm via drinking water), PP (5% via diet), and their combination during 21 d. Oxidative stress was determined by MDA, AOPP, and antioxidant status: CAT, GPx, GSH, Vit C. Osmotic fragility (OF), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and micronucleus (MN) assays were also studied. Results PP showed a rich composition of antioxidant compounds. DPPH test found IC50 value= 5.3 μg/mL and a high polysaccharides content (315 ± 5 mg/g of extract). In vivo study showed a decrease in red blood cells (70%) and platelet counts (46%), hemoglobin content (8%), hematocrit percent (7%), and an 80% increase of white blood cells in Ba-treated rats. A reduction in antioxidant status: catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, glutathione, and vitamin C levels by 31, 21, 28, and 29%, respectively, and an increase in MDA (46%) and AOPP levels (72%) were also observed compared with controls. BaCl2-treatment showed a significant increase in the frequencies of total chromosomal aberrations with abnormal metaphases and micronucleus in bone-marrow cells. Oxidative stress induced by BaCl2 might be the major cause for chromosomal abnormalities leading to DNA damage. Discussion and conclusion A decrease in hematotoxic and genotoxic effects induced by PP is due to its powerful antioxidant capacity.

Toxicopathic changes and genotoxic effects in liver of rat following exposure to diazinon.

In general, people may come in contact with mixtures of insecticides through domestic use, consumption of contaminated food or drinks, and/or living close to treated areas. We analyzed the toxic effects of diazinon on histological structure of liver and hematological parameters in male rats. DNA-damaging potential of diazinon was also investigated using the comet assay in blood cells and the micronucleus test in bone marrow. Two groups of six male rats orally received different amounts of diazinon: 1/50 and 1/25 LD 50 for 4weeks (5day/week). The present study showed that diazinon caused hypertrophy of sinusoids, central vein, and portal triad, in addition to the formation of oedema, vacuoles, hemorrhage, necrosis, and lymphoid infiltration in rats' liver. A significant decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrite levels, and platelet counts was observed in the treated groups. However, the white blood cell count increased. Micronucleus test results revealed aneugenic effects of diazinon. Furthermore, we noticed an increase in comet tail length in treated groups. So, the comet assay confirmed the genotoxic potential of diazinon in vivo. On the assumption that all alterations observed in rats could be observed in human, it is necessary to raise the awareness about the health risk posed by this insecticide.

Manganese induced hematological alteration in Wistar rats

Aim: Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace metal that act as cofactor in many cellular enzymes. The present study was designed to evaluate toxic effects of manganese chloride (MnCl2.4H2O) on marker hematological parameters in rats after sub chronic exposure and after 60 days of treatment withdrawal. Method: Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. In group I, the rats were treated with vehicle (0.5 ml distilled water) and served as control. The rats in group II, III and IV were exposed to MnCl2 (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg b.wt./day, p.o. respectively) for 120 days. Half of the rats of group IV were followed by 60 days post exposure recovery period and served as group V. Results: The results of the study showed significant dose dependent decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) value, platelet count and significant increase in white blood cell (WBC) count after MnCl2 exposure, Whereas no significant changes were observed in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) after treatment. Scanning electron microscopic study of blood showed a dose dependent increase in abnormal shaped RBCs in MnCl2 treated rats. Most of the effects in these parameters were recovered after 60 days of treatment withdrawal. Conclusion: The results of the study reveals that MnCl2 exposure resulted in hematological toxicity in rats and most of the changes in these parameters recovered when Mn exposure was ceased.

Subacute static magnetic field exposure in rat induces a pseudoanemia status with increase in MCT4 and Glut4 proteins in glycolytic muscle

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of subacute exposure to static magnetic fields (SMF) on hematological and muscle biochemical parameters in rats. Male Wistar rats, daily exposed to SMF, were exposed to SMF (128mT, 1h/day) during 15 consecutive days. SMF-exposed rats showed a significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Ht) values compared to sham-exposed rats (p < 0.05). Concomitant decreases of plasma iron level against increase in transferrin amount were also observed after SMF exposure (p < 0.0.05). In postprandial condition, SMF-exposed rats presented higher plasma lactate (p < 0.01). Additionally, SMF exposure increased monocarboxylate transporters (MCT4) and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4)'s contents only in glycolytic muscle (p < 0.05). SMF exposure induced alteration of hematological parameters; importantly, we noticed a pseudoanemia status, which seems to affect tissue oxygen delivery. Additionally, SMF exposure seems to favor the extrusion of lactate from the cell to the blood compartment. Given that, these arguments advocate for an adaptive response to a hypoxia status following SMF exposure.

Impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on hematological indices among HIV-1 infected children at Kenyatta National Hospital-Kenya: retrospective study.

BackgroundHIV infected children experience a range of hematological complications which show marked improvement within 6 months of initiating anti-retroviral therapy. The Objectives of the study was to describe the changes in hematological indices of HIV-1 infected children following 6 months of treatment with first line antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) regimen.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted between September and November 2008. During this period medical records of children attending Comprehensive Care Clinic at Kenyatta National hospital were reviewed daily. HIV infected children aged 5–144 months were enrolled if they had received antiretroviral drugs for at least 6 months with available and complete laboratory results.ResultsMedical records of 337 children meeting enrollment criteria were included in the study. The median age was 63 months with equal male to female ratio. Following 6 months of HAART, prevalence of anemia (Hemoglobin (Hb) <10 g/dl) declined significantly from 35.9 to 16.6 % a nearly 50 % reduction in the risk of anemia RR = 0.56 [(95 % CI 0.44, 0.70) p < 0.001]. There was significant increase in Hb, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and platelets above the baseline measurements (p < 0.0001) and a significant decline in total white blood cell counts >11,000 cell/mm3 but a none significant decrease in red blood cells (RBC). Pre-HAART, World Health Organization (WHO) stage 3 and 4 was associated with a ten-fold increased likelihood of anemia. Chronic malnutrition was associated with anemia but not wasting and immunologic staging of disease.ConclusionHematological abnormalities changed significantly within 6 months of antiretroviral therapy with significant increase in hemoglobin level, MCV, MCH and platelet and decrease in WBC and RBC.

Possible modulating impact of glutathione disulfide mimetic on physiological changes in irradiated rats.

Glutathione disulfide mimetic (NOV-002) is a complex of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) formulated with cisplatin at approximately 1000:1 molar ratio. Cisplatin serves to stabilize GSSG but does not assert any therapeutic effect. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of NOV-002 on hematological suppression, excessive free radical damage and DNA fragmentation in splenocytes, and metabolite disorders in whole-body γ-irradiated rats. The obtained data revealed that rats treated with 25 mg kg(-1) NOV-002 injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 5 days after whole-body γ-irradiation (IR) at 6.5 Gy attenuated the decrease of red blood cells, platelets, total white blood cells, absolute lymphocytes and neutrophils counts, hematocrit value, and hemoglobin content. NOV-002 treatment inhibits serum advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde concentrations as well as cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine levels, while enhances glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity and improves DNA fragmentation in splenocytes. These findings provide a better understanding of the NOV-002 modulating impact in whole-body γ-rays-induced hematological toxicities, oxidative stress, and biological disturbances in γ-irradiated rats and could enhance the tolerance to high doses of ionizing IR utilized in radiotherapy.

Tratamiento de la púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica mediante aféresis terapeútica en paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico

La púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica (PTT) es una entidad englobada en el concepto de microangiopatía trombótica1 consistente en la aparición de trombos en la microcirculación que provocan hemólisis, dando lugar a un descenso de hematíes y plaquetas. Las causas que provocan la PTT son múltiples2, encontrándose entre ellas enfermedades autoinmunes como el Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) aunque también se han descritos casos hereditarios dentro de la misma familia3. En los niños puede aparecer un proceso infeccioso dos o tres semanas antes de desencadenar el proceso de PTT. La causa del lupus ( LES )4 es desconocida y su incidencia es diez veces más frecuente en mujeres que en hombres, pero englobada en una enfermedad autoinmune influenciada por factores de genética o ambiental, dando síntomas como inflamación de articulaciones, riñones, piel, etc. El tratamiento de la PTT y LES consiste en la resolución de la causa precipitante (corticoides e inmunosupresores) asociado a tratamiento con plasmaféresis.

The children with microcytosis

Microcytosis is decrease of red blood cells (RBCs) size. The RBCs size is measured by the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). In the children, MCV varies by age and sex and so it must be always compared with sex and age-based norms. A MCV less than the 5th percentile defines the children microcytosis . The most frequent causes of microcytosis are iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and haemoglobinopathies [1]. IDA is the most prevalent acquired anemia, due to iron deficiency (ID), resulting from negative iron balance. Three are the commonest causes of ID: low dietary iron intake, malabsorption and blood losses. Children are particularly vulnerable to ID because of their increased iron requirements in the periods of rapid growth. IDA causes delay in cognitive development and poor motor and sensory system functioning. Therefore, it is very important to detect ID at its earliest stage in children and replenish the iron stores by proper supplementation [1]. Hemoglobinopathies constitute a major health problem worldwide with a high carrier frequency particularly in regions where malaria has been endemic. These disorders are characterized by a clinical and hematological phenotypic heterogeneity. Differentiation between thalassemic and non thalassemic microcytosis has important clinical implications, because each has an entirely different pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment [1-3]. Differential diagnosis requires hematological marker measurement (RBCs, MCV, RBC distribution width or RDW, which measures RBC size variance. An elevated RDW indicates RBCs of multiple sizes), quantification of HbA2 and HbF, detection of Hb variants by HPLC and valuation of iron status (measurement of ferritin, which reflects iron stores, and transferring or total iron-binding capacity, which indicates the body’s ability to transport iron for use in RBC production) [2,3]. In β thalassemia trait (βTT), the RBC count is generally higher than in IDA patients , whereas MCV value is lower. RDW is increased in anemic patients with respect to the healthy subjects, higher in IDA than βTT. The negative iron balance is a marker of ID, while the increase of HbA2 is a marker of βTT[2,3].In recent years, the identification of new proteins involved in iron trafficking and regulation have led to the discovery of new forms of hereditary microcytosis, sharing features with the classic IDA. A careful patient history and evaluation of laboratory tests may enable these rare conditions to be distinguished from the more common IDA. Molecular studies allow distinction of the different types, a prerequisite for differentiated therapy [4,5].

Development of simple equations for effective screening of spurious hemolysis in whole-blood specimens.

We aimed to identify simple but reliable indices for effective screening of spurious hemolysis in whole-blood specimens. Thirteen inpatient whole-blood samples were divided in two aliquots. The former was left untreated, whereas the latter was mechanically hemolyzed by forced aspiration with an insulin syringe. All aliquots were tested on Siemens Advia 2120 and Sysmex XE-2100. The hemolysis index (HI) was also assessed in centrifuged plasma. The mechanical hemolysis generated a 4-40% decrease in red blood cells (RBCs). A statistically significant decrease was observed for hematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count were increased. The values of hemoglobin (Hb) and white blood cells remained substantially unchanged. Two specific equations ([Ht/Hb] × √MCV and [Ht/Hb] × 100) were developed. Both equations displayed an area under the curve of ≥0.99 for identifying spurious hemolysis, much greater than that of both RBC ghosts and immature platelet fraction. A highly significant correlation was also observed between results of these equations and percentage reduction in RBCs or HI increase. Provided that these results will be confirmed in further studies, these equations may provide a reliable means for screening spurious hemolysis in whole-blood samples.

The curative effect of Bee Venom and Propolis on oxidative stress induced by γ-irradiation on blood and tissues of rats

The biological effects of ionizing radiationresult in the formation of free radicals which are the main cause of cellulardamage. This study was aimed to detect the curative effect of some antioxidantsdrugs (Bee venom and Propolis) on the hematological, biochemical and histologicalparameters after exposed to γ-irradiation on the rats. Five groups of adultmale albino rats were established (n= 11). The first group (Gp. 1) was servedas normal group. Gp. 2 was exposed the whole body of rats to a single shot doseof gamma radiation (5Gy) and served as control group. Gp. 3 was injectedintraperitoneal (i.p.) daily with Bee venomat dose (5ml/kgbody weight). Gp. 4 was given orally Propolis daily at dose 300 mg/kg body weight (B.wt). Gp. 5 was administered of (5ml/kgbody weight) of Beevenom injected i.p. plus orally 300 mg/kg (B.wt) of Propolis, daily. All groups were treated after 8 hours exposure,for 40 day. Whole blood, serum and biopsy from liver and kidneys were collectedfor hematological, biochemical and histopathological examinations,respectivetly. In the irradiated group (gp. 2), hematotoxicity was determinedby a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs),blood Platelets (PLTs), haemoglobin (Hb) and PCV value, as well as there are an elevation in serumALT, AST, ALP, LDH, creatinine and urea, associated with reduction in albuminand uric acid. Hepatotoxicity was recorded in a highly significant increasemalondialdehyde (MDA) with marked reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels,superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. In addition to,degenerative and necrotic changes showed in liver and kidneys. It could beconcluded that Bee venom and Propolis, clarified a modulatory role against thecellular damage produced by free radicals induced by ionizing radiation.

Acute and Sub-acute Toxicity Studies of Ethanol Seed Extract of Raphia hookeri on Swiss Albino Rats

Aim: To evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicities of Raphia hookeri (Rh) seed hydroethanolic extract on experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity study was evaluated on Swiss albino mice of both sexes. Administration of a single dose of 4000mg/kg of Rh seed extract by gavages to five mice showed no mortality, hence, its 1/20th dose was used as the highest therapeutic dose. The intra-peritoneal administration produced dose dependent mortality with median lethal dose (LD50) of approximately 323.6mg/kg body weight (bwt). In sub-acute toxicity study, Wistar rats received daily administration of the extract in the dose range of 50 to 200mg/kgbwt for 30 days. The effects on biochemical, histological and haematological parameters were evaluated. Results: The animals exhibited dose dependent body weight changes. There were some organs weight gains with the exception of the liver and testes which showed comparably lower weight compared to the control. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and albumin levels compared to the control while bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decreased appreciably at the highest extract dose. The urea level decreased while the creatinine level increased in dose dependent manner. In lipid profile study, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) levels showed significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in value. There was significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). Marked decrease in red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit occurred. The white blood cells also decreased while neutrophil and lymphocytes increased appreciably. The extract caused marked deleterious effect on the testes leading to drastic reduction in sperm cells. Conclusion: The extract caused undesirable effect on the male reproductive organ of the animals making it unsafe for consumption by males of reproductive age.