Serum Fluoride Concentrations Research Articles

Fluoride-related changes in the fetal cord blood proteome; a pilot study

BackgroundFluoride exposure during pregnancy has been associated with various effects on offspring, including changes in behavior and IQ. To provide clues to possible mechanisms by which fluoride may affect human fetal development, we completed proteomic analyses of cord blood serum collected from second-trimester pregnant women residing in northern California, USA.ObjectiveTo identify changes in cord blood proteins associated with maternal serum fluoride concentration in pregnant women.MethodsThe proteomes of 19 archived second-trimester cord blood samples from women living in northern California, USA, and having varied serum fluoride concentrations, were analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry. The 327 proteins that were quantified were characterized by their abundance relative to maternal serum fluoride concentration, and subjected to pathway analyses using PANTHER and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis processes.ResultsPathway analyses showed significant increases in process related to reactive oxygen species and cellular oxidant detoxification, associated with increasing maternal serum fluoride concentrations. Pathways showing significant decreases included complement cascade, suggesting alterations in alterations in process associated with inflammation.ConclusionMaternal fluoride exposure, as measured by serum fluoride concentrations in a small, but representative sample of women from northern California, USA, showed significant changes in the second trimester cord blood proteome relative to maternal serum fluoride concentration.

Association between drinking water fluoride and the serum alkaline phosphatase and phosphate levels in pregnant women and newborn infants.

Endemic fluorosis (skeletal and dental) is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world, especially in India. Age, sex, dietary calcium (Ca), the hormonal status, the dose and duration of the fluoride intake, and renal efficiency in handling fluoride all influence fluoride metabolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the fluoride present in drinking water on the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and phosphate levels in pregnant women and newborn infants. In the present cross-sectional study, the participants were categorized into 2 groups based on a fluoride concentration in their drinking water: the low/optimum-fluoride group (<1 ppm); and the high-fluoride group (≥1 ppm). Each group was comprised of 90 pregnant women who were recruited from the hospital at the time of admission for delivery. Fluoride was measured in their drinking water, urine, maternal serum, and cord blood. The ALP and phosphate levels were measured in serum using a fully automated analyzer. The drinking water consumed by the pregnant women contained fluoride, which was significantly positively correlated with the urine and blood serum fluoride levels. There were significant differences in the ALP levels between the 2 groups in both maternal serum and cord blood. The level of phosphate in maternal serum was significantly higher in the high-fluoride group. The results of both simple and multivariate regression analyses revealed that the fluoride content in drinking water was significantly associated with the ALP level in cord blood and the phosphate level in maternal serum. The ALP levels were negatively associated with drinking water fluoride concentrations in both maternal serum and cord blood. The phosphate levels in maternal serum were positively associated with drinking water fluoride concentrations.

Effect of Excess Fluoride Exposure on Radiographic and Histopathological Changes in Long Bones of Rabbit.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of excess fluoride exposure on long bones in young rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). New Zealand White rabbits (n = 30) were randomly divided into five equal groups and were provided drinking water containing 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400µg added fluoride per ml ad lib for a period of 90days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 45, and 90 of the experiment, and femur samples were collected for fluoride estimation on day 90 after radiography of long bone before sacrifice. Study revealed significant increase in serum fluoride concentration following oral intake of excess fluoride. Alterations in activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and concentrations of creatinine and urea nitrogen in blood plasma were also recorded in animals receiving excess fluoride, though changes revealed inconsistent pattern. Radiographic changes in long bones in fluoride exposed rabbits included widening of metaphysis, thinning of cortical region, and a variety of osteopenic changes like osteoporosis and osteomalacia that were more prominent in animals receiving 200ppm or more than 200ppm fluoride in drinking water. Important changes in histomorphology of growth plate in long bones recorded in excess fluoride (> 100ppm) exposed rabbits included irregular thickening of epiphyseal growth plate with haphazard orientation of chondrocytes forming nodular protrusion into metaphysis. Fluoride exposure induced both osteogenesis and osteoporosis to a degree varying with dose of fluoride exposure.

Health hazards resulting from occupational exposure to enfluran - overview of tests and analysis of admissible concentration values

The aim of this work is to analyze the health hazards of enflurane exposure and to analyze the occupational exposure limits (OEL). The method of obtaining evidence based on a review of online databases of scientific journals was used. Enflurane is an inhalation anesthetic. Malignant hyperthermia, seizures, arrhythmias, respiratory depression and hypotension have been observed in patients. Occupational exposure to enflurane may occur in healthcare professionals. The target organ for enflurane is the central nervous system with a critical consequence of deterioration in psychomotor performance. In studies on volunteers recruited from the medical staff of operating rooms exposed to enflurane, a significant deterioration in the results of the Simple Reaction Time Test was shown. World experts' groups assume that the LOAEC (lowest observed adverse effect concentration) value for the deterioration of psychomotor test results is 5-10% of the MAC value (minimal anesthetic concentration), i.e., 6342-12 684 mg/m3. Assessment of the nephrotoxic potential of enflurane has shown that it is unlikely to occur because biotransformation of enflurane in humans results in a low peak serum fluoride concentration of 15 μmol/l. Early reports about liver damage in patients were not be supported. Occupational exposure epidemiological studies have raised concerns about the effects of anesthetic gas mixtures on the abortion rate or on fetal development and birth defects in children, but none of these studies specifically determined the type and concentration of anesthetic gases used. The carcinogenicity and mutagenicity studies were negative. Occupational exposure to enflurane is not monitored in Poland, as no standard value has been established for it in the air of the working environment. It is necessary to quickly introduce this anesthetic along with the applicable limit value to the OEL list. Med Pr. 2022;73(1):51-69.

Serum fluoride levels in ambulance staff after commencement of methoxyflurane administration compared to meta-analysis results for the general public.

Ambulance officers administering methoxyflurane as an inhalational analgesic may be exposed to trace vapor. Fluoride is a methoxyflurane metabolite, and has been associated with acute renal failure in anesthesia patients and skeletal fluorosis with chronic elevated serum levels from other sources. However, there has been no direct measurement of serum fluoride in occupationally exposed ambulance officers. Thus, this study directly measures serum fluoride over a prolonged period in order to determine renal toxic and skeletal fluorosis risk to ambulance officers who are administering methoxyflurane. Serum inorganic fluoride concentrations were measured in a prospective observational study of 12 emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The study took 7 serum fluoride measurements over 24 months. A meta-analysis of healthy adult serum fluoride ranges was also conducted. The typical healthy adult serum fluoride range was determined to be 0.21-2.11 μmol/l (p < 0.001). The EMTs' baseline median (IQR) serum fluoride concentrations were 0.4 μmol/l (0.2; 1.0) with maximum 1.6 μmol/l. The EMTs' overall median serum fluoride was 0.4 μmol/l (0.2; 1.3) with maximum 4.0 μmol/l, usually within healthy reference ranges. All results were ≤10% of the suggested single-dose renal toxic threshold. One result was above a threshold for skeletal fluorosis. The highest measured serum fluoride was 24% of the lowest level associated with radiologic evidence of fluorosis. There was no evidence overall of increasing serum fluoride levels. There was no evidence that EMTs' exposure to methoxyflurane resulted in sustained increased serum fluoride. These results imply EMTs' occupational safety from acute renal toxicity when activated carbon filtration is used on patient exhalation. However, 1 serum fluoride result above a skeletal fluorosis threshold suggests that the risk of mild skeletal fluorosis cannot be excluded. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(6):767-77.

Normal Serum Fluoride Concentration in Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Fluoride (F) concentration in blood serum of healthy dromedary camel population was measured, and its relationship with age and sex was determined. In male animals, the level varied from 0.017 to 0.296ppm, with mean (± S.E.) value of 0.163 ± 0.013ppm. In females, the level varied from 0.036 to 0.372ppm with mean value of 0.157 ± 0.011ppm. The overall mean serum fluoride concentration in female was significantly lower than male. Mean fluoride concentrations did not differ significantly among different age groups (Gr. I: 1 to 5years; Gr. II: 5 to 10years; and Gr. III: > 10years). However, in comparison to male, serum F concentration in female was significantly lower in Gr. I and II, but higher in Gr. III animals. The overall, mean (± S.E.) serum fluoride concentration in camel, irrespective of age and sex, was 0.160 ± 0.008ppm. These values can be used as reference serum fluoride concentrations for monitoring fluoride exposure in dromedary camel.

Linear regression approach for predicting fluoride concentrations in maternal serum, urine and cord blood of pregnant women consuming fluoride containing drinking water

PurposeThe most common source of fluoride is from drinking water. Research comparing fluoride levels in maternal and cord blood have proved that fluoride crosses the placenta. But these results have not been correlated with the source of fluoride. ObjectiveFirstly, to assess and compare the fluoride concentrations in urine, serum and cord blood of pregnant women consuming low/optimum and high fluoride concentrations in drinking water. Secondly, application of the linear regression analysis model equation for the prediction of fluoride concentration in urine, maternal serum and cord blood of pregnant women. MethodsBased on the fluoride concentration in drinking water the subjects were divided into low/optimum and high fluoride groups. Each group consisted of 90 pregnant women. They were enrolled approximately one month prior to the due date. Fluoride was measured in their drinking water, urine, maternal serum, and cord blood. ResultsThe low/optimum fluoride concentration in drinking water as compared to urine, serum and cord blood correlated significantly (r = 0.458, 0.529, 0.473). The strength of the correlation was found to be high in high fluoride group when compared to low/optimum fluoride group (r = 0.868, 0.943, 0.695). The β values in urine, maternal serum and cord blood in low/optimum group was 0.247, 0.025, 0.017 respectively and in high fluoride group 0.773, 0.080, 0.060 respectively. ConclusionAs the fluoride concentration increases more than 1 ppm in drinking water the transfer of fluoride through urine, maternal serum and cord blood also increases. Linear regression analysis also displayed similar results.

The Influence of fluoride on chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka

Fluoride is an element that is widely distributed in the environment. The involvement of fluoride in pathogenesis of Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka is a much-debated topic. This study aimed to investigate the fluoride concentration in drinking water in CKDu affected areas in Sri Lanka and to evaluate the possible effect of renal impairment on serum fluoride levels in CKDu patients.Drinking water (n = 60) from the common water sources from two CKDu prevalent areas and serum samples of CKDu patients (n = 311) and healthy controls (n = 276) were collected. Both environmental and biological samples were analysed for the concentration of fluoride. The fluoride concentration in over 95% of drinking water samples was below the WHO guideline of 1.5 mg/L. Serum fluoride concentrations in majority of the unaffected and early-stage CKDu patients (stages 1 and 2, eGFR >60 ml/min/1.73m2) were below the normal upper concentration of 50 μg/l and significantly higher levels were observed in patients in late stages of CKDu compared to the healthy controls. The available guidelines for drinking water are solely based on healthy populations with normal renal function. But, it is evident that once the kidney function is impaired, patients enter a vicious cycle as fluoride gradually accumulates in the body, further damaging the kidney tissue. Thus, close monitoring of serum fluoride levels in CKDu patients and establishing health-based target guidelines for fluoride in drinking water for the CKDu patients are recommended to impede the progression to end stage renal disease.

Surface analysis and corrosion behavior of pure titanium under fluoride exposure

Statement of problemThe corrosive effects of oral fluoride products on titanium have been reported, and chronic fluorosis, which causes hyperfluoemia, is one of the world's health problems. Nevertheless, the relationship between high serum fluoride and corrosion on the titanium surface, which might have adverse effects on titanium implant osseointegration, has not been elucidated. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the corrosion behavior of pure titanium exposed to high serum fluoride with different pH values based on surface analysis. Material and methodsPure titanium specimens, exposed to different electrolytes with 0.04 and 0.4 ppm NaF at pH 7.3 and 5.0 values, were examined for surface microstructure by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and for surface element composition with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion behavior and metal ion release of specimens immersed in the Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS) containing 0.04 and 0.4 ppm serum fluoride concentrations (NaF) at 7.3 and 5.0 pH values were measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). ResultsPitting holes were observed on pure titanium surfaces exposed to high serum fluoride. The surfaces became rougher with the increase of serum fluoride concentration, especially under acidic conditions. XPS analysis revealed a reduction of dominant titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the pure titanium surface under serum fluoride exposure, corresponding to an increase in the relative level of F. EIS data showed an active corrosion behavior of pure titanium exposed to high serum fluoride and gradually decreased corrosion resistance with increasing concentration of serum fluoride, which was more severe under acidic conditions. The release of titanium ions was also induced by high serum fluoride and acidic conditions. ConclusionsHigh serum fluoride had a negative influence on the corrosion behavior of pure titanium. The titanium oxide film barrier could be broken down in the fluoride ions condition, and the corrosion resistance of pure titanium decreased with the increasing concentration of serum fluoride. The increased corrosion susceptibility of pure titanium accelerated the release of titanium ions after exposure to high serum fluoride; this was more pronounced in an acidic environment.

Maternal and fetal exposures to fluoride during mid-gestation among pregnant women in northern California

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown a correlation between fluoride concentrations in urine and community water fluoride concentrations. However, there are no studies of the relationship between community water fluoridation, urine, serum, and amniotic fluid fluoride concentrations in pregnant women in the US. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal urine fluoride (MUF), maternal urine fluoride adjusted for specific gravity (MUFSG), maternal serum fluoride (MSF), amniotic fluid fluoride (AFF) concentrations during pregnancy, and community water fluoridation in Northern California.MethodsArchived samples of urine, serum and amniotic fluid collected from second trimester pregnant women in Northern California from 47 different communities in Northern California and one from Montana (n = 48), were analyzed for fluoride using an ion specific electrode following acid microdiffusion. Women’s addresses were matched to publicly reported water fluoride concentrations. We examined whether fluoride concentrations in biospecimens differed by fluoridation status of the community water, and determined the association between water fluoride concentrations and biospecimen fluoride concentrations using linear regression models adjusted for maternal age, smoking, Body Mass Index (BMI), race/ethnicity, and gestational age at sample collection.ResultsFluoride concentrations in the community water supplies ranged from 0.02 to 1.00 mg/L. MUF, MSF , and AFF concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant women living in communities adhering to the U.S. recommended water fluoride concentration (0.7 mg/L), as compared with communities with less than 0.7 mg/L fluoride in drinking water. When adjusted for maternal age, smoking status, BMI, race/ethnicity, and gestational age at sample collection, a 0.1 mg/L increase in community water fluoride concentration was positively associated with higher concentrations of MUF (B = 0.052, 95% CI:0.019,0.085), MUFSG (B = 0.028, 95% CI: -0.006, 0.062), MSF (B = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.000, 0.003) and AFF (B = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.000, 0.002).ConclusionsWe found universal exposure to fluoride in pregnant women and to the fetus via the amniotic fluid. Fluoride concentrations in urine, serum, and amniotic fluid from women were positively correlated to public records of community water fluoridation. Community water fluoridation remains a major source of fluoride exposure for pregnant women living in Northern California.

Serum and urine fluoride levels in populations of high environmental fluoride exposure with endemic CKDu: a case-control study from Sri Lanka.

Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is a common health issue among farming communities in the dry zone of Sri Lanka where groundwater fluoride is known to be higher than recommended levels. Excessive environmental ingestion of fluoride is widely considered as a possible factor for the onset of CKDu. This study was carried out to evaluate the serum and urine fluoride levels in biopsy-proven, non-dialysis CKDu patients. Control subjects were selected from the same area without any deteriorated kidney functions. Serum and urine fluoride levels were determined by ion-selective electrode method. Higher content of serum and urine fluoride levels were observed in patients with chronic renal failures. In CKDu cases, the serum fluoride concentrations ranged between 0.47 and 9.58mg/L (mean 1.39 ± 1.1mg/L), while urine levels were varied between 0.45 and 6.92mg/L (mean 1.53 ± 0.8mg/L). In patients, urine fluoride levels showed a significant difference with the CKDu stage; however, no difference was obtained between genders and age. In endemic controls, serum and urine fluoride levels ranged between 0.51 and 1.92mg/L (mean = 1.07 ± 0.3mg/L) and 0.36 and 3.80mg/L (mean = 1.26 ± 0.6mg/L), respectively. Significantly higher fluoride in serum and urine was noted in CKDu patients compared to endemic control groups. Higher fluoride exposure via drinking water is possibly the reason for higher fluoride in serum, while excessive urinary excretion would be due to deterioration of the kidney, suggesting a possible nephrotoxic role of environmental fluoride exposure.

Effect of low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia on early postoperative renal function

Objective To evaluate the effect of low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia on the early postoperative renal function in patients. Methods Sixty patients of both sexes, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, aged 18-64 yr, scheduled for elective non-urological surgery with general anesthesia, with an expected surgical duration>4 h, were divided into 2 groups (n=30 each) using a random number table method: middle-flow anesthesia group (groupⅠ) and low-flow anesthesia group (group Ⅱ). Anesthesia was induced with IV midazolam, sufentanil, propofol and cisatracurium besylate.Mechanical ventilation was performed after tracheal intubation.Pure oxygen served as carrier, the fresh gas flow of oxygen was set at 4-5 L/min, sevoflurane was inhaled for 10-15 min, and then fresh gas flow was decreased to 2 L/min(groupⅠ) and 0.5 L/min (group Ⅱ). End-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide was maintained at 35-45 mmHg.The end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane was set at 2.0%-2.4%, remifentanil and cisatracurium besylate were infused intravenously, and sufentanill or propofol was injected intermittently to maintain anesthesia.Bispectral index value was maintained at 40-60 during operation.Before anesthesia induction (T0), at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after anesthesia induction (T1-4), immediately after operation (T5) and at 24 h after operation (T6), peripheral venous blood samples were collected for determination of serum fluoride ion concentrations.Peripheral venous blood samples and urine specimens were collected at T0, T5, T6, 48 h after operation (T7) and 72 h after operation (T8) for determination of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and cystatin C (Cys C) and serum and urine β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) concentrations. Results Compared with the baseline at T0, serum fluoride ion concentrations were significantly increased at T1-6 in two groups, the serum Cys C concentration was increased at T5, and serum and urine β2-MG concentrations were increased at T5 and T6 in groupⅠ, serum Cr and BUN concentrations and serum and urine β2-MG concentrations were increased at T5 and T6, and the serum Cys C concentration was increased at T5-T7 in groupⅡ (P<0.05). Compared with groupⅠ, serum fluoride concentrations were significantly increased at T1-6, serum Cr and BUN concentrations and serum and urine β2-MG concentrations were increased at T5, and serum Cys C concentrations at T5-T7 and urine β2-MG concentrations at T5 and T6 were increased in groupⅡ (P<0.05). Conclusion Low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia produces no marked effect on early postoperative renal function in patients. Key words: Anesthetics, inhalation; Kidney function tests; Fresh gas flow

Long-term exposure to low level of fluoride induces apoptosis via p53 pathway in lymphocytes of aluminum smelter workers.

Long-term occupational exposure to low level of fluoride can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in many cells, including lymphocyte. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Hence, this study was designed to explore the potential oxidative stress and apoptosis of long-term occupational exposure to low level of fluoride in aluminum smelter workers. A total of 120 aluminum smelter workers were recruited in control, low-, middle-, and high-fluoride exposure groups with 30 workers for each group. The peripheral blood samples were collected, centrifuged, and isolated to obtain serum and lymphocyte suspensions. The air and serum fluoride concentrations were detected by fluoride ion-selective electrode method. The lymphocytic apoptosis rate, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mRNA levels of p53, Bcl-2, and Bax were assessed by Annexin V/PI staining, comet assay, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results showed that the air and serum fluoride concentrations of fluoride-exposed groups were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Fluoride exposure might induce apoptosis, DNA damage and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner in lymphocytes (p < 0.05). The expression levels of p53 and Bax were increased with fluoride exposure in lymphocytes (p < 0.05), whereas the Bcl-2 expression was decreased but not significantly. Taken together, these observations indicate that long-term occupational exposure to low level of fluoride may lead to oxidative stress and induce apoptosis through the p53-dependent pathway in peripheral blood lymphocytes of aluminum smelter workers. Serum fluoride level may be the potential biomarker of fluoride exposure.

Investigation of Acanthocephalan parasites in some marine fishes as a bio-indicator for heavy metals pollution

The effect of deliberate hypotension induced by labetalol on renal function, was studied in 25 patients undergoing middle-ear surgery. The patients were randomized into three groups, one enflurane (E) group and two isoflurane (I and F) groups. Group F received frusemide 0.5 mg kg-1 at the onset of hypotension. The mean arterial pressure was 50 mmHg (6.7 kPa) in Groups E and I, and 49 mmHg (6.5 kPa) in Group F during hypotension. During hypotension, urine flow rate, effective renal blood flow, endogenous creatinine clearance, and osmolar clearance decreased. Free-water clearance and fractional electrolyte excretions also indicated deterioration of renal function during hypotension, but it returned to normal after anaesthesia. The effects of frusemide appeared mainly after anaesthesia. Frusemide reduced the amount of labetalol and isoflurane needed to maintain hypotension. Serum fluoride concentration did not increase to a potentially nephrotoxic level.

Combined Effect of Tamarindus indica and Emblica officinalis on enzyme profile and lipid profile after fluoride intoxication in albino rats

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the combined effect of Tamarindus indica and Emblica officinalis on serum enzyme profile and lipid profile after fluoride intoxication in albino rats. Both these medicinal plants have been used as a valuable ingredient of various medicines in India. Three groups of ten adult male albino rats were administered 14.29 mg/L fluoride drinking water (collected from the fluoride zone in Agra region) for 30, 45 and 60 days and another three groups of ten rats were treated first with fluoride water in the same way as mentioned above and then treated with combined T indica (1 Ogm/Kg body weight) and E. officinalis (500 mg/Kg body weight) fruit extract (mixed in ratio of 1:2) orally for 15, 30 and 45 days, respectively. Results showed a very highly significant (p 0.05) increase in LDH after fluoride water intoxication; while a very highly significant (p 0.05) decrease in LDH after combined T indica and E. officinalis treatment, respectively There were observed highly significant (p<0.01) increase in serum total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, very highly significant (p<0.001) increase in TG and a very highly significant (p<0.001) decrease in HDL after fluoride intoxication; whiles very highly significant (p<0.001) decrease in serum total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, TG and a very highly significant (p<0.001) increase in HDL after combined T indica and E. officinalis treatment, respectively. T indica reduces the serum fluoride concentration through chelation bio-mechanism and provides nutrients; while E. officinalis acts as a strong antioxidant We concluded that T indica and E. officinalis have compensated the fluoride toxicity that affects the body metabolism.

Relationship between water, urine and serum fluoride and fluorosis in school children of Jhajjar District, Haryana, India

The present study was undertaken to determine the relationship between fluoride in water, urine and serum and dental fluorosis. The fluoride level in water and urine were measured spectrophotometrically by using acid zirconyl and SPADNS reagents, while the fluoride level in serum was determined by ion selective electrode meter. Dental fluorosis survey was conducted with the help of Performa prescribed by Rajiv Gandhi Drinking Water Mission and the use of Tooth Surface Index for Fluorosis. Mean fluoride values in water samples of Jhajjar City and Dadanpur and Dariyapur villages of Jhajjar District were measured to be 2.17 (range from 1.92 to 2.60 mg/L), 2.81 (range from 2.53 to 3.14 mg/L) and 2.22 mg/L (range from 1.63 to 3.33 mg/L), respectively. The mean fluoride values in the urine samples of children were found to be 1.51 (range from 0.05 to 2.64 mg/L), 1.71 (range from 0.69 to 2.80 mg/L) and 1.45 mg/L (range from 0.31 to 2.50 mg/L) at Jhajjar City and Dadanpur and Dariyapur sites, respectively. Serum fluoride was detected in the blood samples of children, who have high urinary fluoride at these three sites. The mean serum fluoride level was reported to be 0.15, 0.34 and 0.17 mg/L, respectively. A total of 842 children were also analyzed for dental fluorosis. The mean values of fluorosis-affected children in Jhajjar, Dadanpur and Dariyapur were 51.90, 94.63 and 36.84 %, respectively. A significantly positive correlation between water, urine, serum fluoride concentration and fluorosis was seen.

Protective Effect ofMoringa oleiferaon Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Cattle from Industrial Fluoride Polluted Area

In the present study forty cattle were divided into four groups of ten cattle in each. Group I and II served as healthy and diseased control, respectively. Group III was treated with Moringa oleifera fruit powder and group IV was treated with standard chemical antidote i.e. calcium and boron. Blood, urine and faeces were collected from the animals of all the groups on day 0, 30 and 60 of the experiment for estimation of fluoride and haemato-biochemical parameters to evaluate the efficacy of Moringa oleifera fruit powder. Fluoride affected cattle revealed significantly higher level of fluoride in serum as compared to normal cattle at different observation periods of the experiment. Significant reduction in fluoride concentration in serum was recorded in group III and group IV animals from day 30 onwards. Altered haemato-biochemical parameters were restored after the supplementation of Moringa oleifera fruit powder in fluorotic cows. It is concluded that, dried fruit powder of Moringa oleifera had ameliorative potential against industrial fluorosis in cattle and can be used as a fluoride alleviator for control of fluorosis.

Inhibitory Effect of Fluoride on Na+,K+ ATPase Activity in Human Erythrocyte Membrane.

The present study was performed to evaluate the role of long-term consumption of excessive fluoride on electrolyte homeostasis and their transporting mechanisms in erythrocytes of subjects afflicted with dental and skeletal fluorosis. A total of 620 adult (20-50 years) Indian residents participated in this study: 258 men and 242 women exposed to high concentrations of fluoride and 120 age and gender-matched control subjects. Erythrocytes were isolated from blood samples, washed, and used for the estimation of intraerythrocyte sodium and potassium concentrations. Na+,K+ ATPase activity was determined spectrophotometrically from a ghost erythrocyte membrane prepared by osmotic lysis. Erythrocyte analytes were correlated with the water and serum fluoride concentrations by Pearson's bivariate correlation and regression analysis. Results indicated a significant increase in intraerythrocyte sodium (F=14306.265, P<0.0001) in subjects from endemic fluorosis study groups as compared to controls. A significant (P<0.05) positive correlation of intracellular sodium was found with water and serum fluoride concentrations. Mean concentration of intraerythrocytic potassium ions showed significant reduction (F=9136.318, P<0.0001) in subjects exposed to fluoride. A significant (P<0.05) negative correlation of potassium ions was noted with water and serum fluoride concentrations. Na+,K+ ATPase activity was significantly declined (F=1572.763, P<0.0001) in subjects exposed to fluoride. A significant (P<0.05) inverse relationship of Na+,K+ ATPase activity was revealed with water and serum fluoride concentrations.

Chronic fluorosis in buffaloes: Clinico-pathological studies

Five villages each from Kunkavav, Lathi and Liliya talukas from the Amreli district of Gujarat State were selected in the present study. A total of 336 blood and urine samples each were collected randomly from buffaloes exhibiting clinical signs of dental fluorosis in areas where water fluoride level was above 1.12 ppm. Hemoglobin and total erythrocyte count were significantly reduced in buffaloes exposed to higher concentrations of fluoride in the water whereas higher eosinophil count was reported in affected buffaloes as compared to control animals in all three talukas. Significantly reduced concentration of calcium, phosphorus, total protein and increased activity of alkaline phosphatase was found in serum samples of affected buffaloes as compare to controls. The fluoride concentration in urine, serum and bone samples was higher in affected buffaloes. Grossly ankylosis of knee joint was evident in one of the affected buffaloes which died during the course of the study. Microscopically sections of bones revealed dilated and irregular haversian canals with thick trabaculae having sharp heavy outlines. It was concluded that higher serum/urine fluoride level and increased serum ALP activity might be used as screening parameter for chronic fluorosis in buffaloes maintained in fluoride affected zones.

A comparative study of fluoride ingestion levels, serum thyroid hormone &amp; TSH level derangements, dental fluorosis status among school children from endemic and non-endemic fluorosis areas

The study was undertaken to determine serum/urinary fluoride status and comparison of free T4, free T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone levels of 8 to 15 years old children with and without dental fluorosis living in an endemic and non-endemic fluorosis area. A sample group of 60 male and female school children, with or without dental fluorosis, consuming fluoride-contaminated water in endemic fluoride area of Udaipur district, Rajasthan were selected through a school dental fluorosis survey. The sample of 10 children of same age and socio-economic status residing in non endemic areas who did not have dental fluorosis form controls. Fluoride determination in drinking water, urine and blood was done with Ion 85 Ion Analyzer Radiometer with Hall et al. method. The thyroid gland functional test was done by Immonu Chemiluminiscence Micropartical Assay with Bayer Centaur Autoanalyzer.The significantly altered FT3, FT4 and TSH hormones level in both group1A and 1B school children were noted. The serum and urine fluoride levels were found to be increased in both the groups. A significant relationship of water fluoride to urine and serum fluoride concentration was seen. The serum fluoride concentration also had significant relationship with thyroid hormone (FT3/FT4) and TSH concentrations. The testing of drinking water and body fluids for fluoride content, along with FT3, FT4, and TSH in children with dental fluorosis is desirable for recognizing underlying thyroid derangements and its impact on fluorosis.