Serum Br Research Articles

Environmental exposure of humans to bromide in the Dead Sea area: Measurement of genotoxicy and apoptosis biomarkers

Bromide (Br−) is a bromine atom with a negative charge which is released mainly in the production of pesticides and flame retardants. It is also found naturally in seawater. Br¯ has been associated with many detrimental effects such as respiratory problems, gastric hemorrhages, and dermal burns. The aim of the study was to monitor serum bromide in humans and to correlate its level with genotoxicity and apoptosis in human. The study utilized comet assay, to measure DNA damage in peripheral leukocytes (i.e. T%DNA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine fortilin level as an apoptosis marker, and spectrophotometry to measure serum Br¯ in two populations at the Dead Sea area, which are located close to and far from a local bromine factory: Ghor As-safi and Deir Alla, respectively. The biomarkers were compared with the correlating serum Br¯. A total of 397 individuals were involved in the study. The serum Br− and the genotoxicity biomarker were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in Ghor As-safi than in Deir Alla. In contrast, serum fortilin did not differ significantly between the two regions (p > 0.05). T%DNA was significantly correlated (r = 0.867, p < 0.01) to serum Br¯. In conclusion, residing near a bromide source site is increasing the bromide body burden, and enhancing genotoxicity with no detectible apoptosis. Furthermore, the selected biomarkers could serve as tools to assess the toxicity of bromide as a consequence of environmental exposure.

Serum bromine concentrations in horses in Japan.

This study investigates bromine (Br) concentration and its relationship with iodine concentration in serum samples of 86 horses. The mean serum Br concentration in horses pastured on green grass near the seashore was significantly higher (P<0.001) than that in horses pastured in a sand paddock. A significantly negative correlation (r=−0.479, P<0.01) between the serum Br and iodine concentrations was evident in the horses that pastured on green grass. The concentrations of several elements such as sodium and potassium were virtually constant in the serum. In addition, there were elements present below the detection limit of the analytical instruments used. In contrast, it was suggested that geological differences have a marked influence on serum Br concentrations in animals. Thus, we hypothesized that serum Br concentration in horses is a possible indicator reflecting geological differences.

Differences in automated analyzers for assessing the use of imprecise serum chloride concentrations as indirect predictors of serum bromide concentrations

Although bromide (Br) is used to treat intractable epilepsy, serum Br concentrations are not routinely analyzed. The present study measured serum Br(-) and Cl(-) concentrations in Br-treated epileptic patients, showing a significant correlation between Br(-) and imprecise Cl(-) concentrations, which suggested the use of a unique correlating equation for each diagnostic tool. Results indicated that imprecise Cl(-) concentrations are useful markers for measuring appropriate serum Br(-) levels in epileptic patients.

Serum sample levels of bromine, iron, scandium and zinc in preschool children of Atayal and Bunun aborigines living in central Taiwan

This study determined bromine, iron, scandium and zinc serum levels in Taiwanese aboriginal preschool children living in remote mountainous areas to increase the understanding of the social, cultural, nutrient and ethnic background of the Taiwanese children. Seventy-three serum samples were taken from two ethnic groups of preschool children, Atayal aborigines (AAPC) and Bunun aborigines (BAPC). Sera of these children were freeze dried. Trace elements in sera were identified by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The accuracy and precision of INAA was evaluated using certified reference materials: Tomato Leaves (NIST-SRM 1570a) and Lichen (IAEA-336). Statistical analysis identified several different patterns for ethnic groups, gender and age via the two-tailed Student's t-test. Analytical results showed that the ranges of Br, Fe, Sc and Zn in sera were somewhat wide. The Zn serum levels (p<0.05) and Br serum levels (p<0.01) in the AAPC were significantly lower than those in the BAPC. However, there were no significant differences in Fe or Sc serum levels between the two groups. Analytical results were compared to published data for different counties. This study is the first investigating trace elements in Taiwanese aborigines and can be used to establish a much-needed serum element database.

DNA damage in leukocytes of workers occupationally exposed to 1-bromopropane

1-Bromopropane (1-BP; n-propyl bromide) (CAS No. 106-94-5) is an alternative to ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons that has a variety of potential applications as a degreasing agent for metals and electronics, and as a solvent vehicle for spray adhesives. Its isomer, 2-brompropane (2-BP; isopropyl bromide) (CAS No. 75-26-3) impairs antioxidant cellular defenses, enhances lipid peroxidation, and causes DNA damage in vitro. The present study had two aims. The first was to assess DNA damage in human leukocytes exposed in vitro to 1- or 2-BP. DNA damage was also assessed in peripheral leukocytes from workers with occupational exposure to 1-BP. In the latter assessment, start-of- and end-of-work week blood and urine samples were collected from 41 and 22 workers at two facilities where 1-BP was used as a solvent for spray adhesives in foam cushion fabrication. Exposure to 1-BP was assessed from personal-breathing zone samples collected for 1–3 days up to 8 h per day for calculation of 8 h time weighted average (TWA) 1-BP concentrations. Bromide (Br) was measured in blood and urine as a biomarker of exposure. Overall, 1-BP TWA concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 271 parts per million (ppm) at facility A, and from 4 to 27 ppm at facility B. The highest exposures were to workers classified as sprayers. 1-BP TWA concentrations were statistically significantly correlated with blood and urine Br concentrations. The comet assay was used to estimate DNA damage. In vitro, 1- or 2-BP induced a statistically significant increase in DNA damage at 1 mM. In 1-BP exposed workers, start-of- and end-of-workweek comet endpoints were stratified based on job classification. There were no significant differences in DNA damage in leukocytes between workers classified as sprayers (high 1-BP exposure) and those classified as non-sprayers (low 1-BP exposure). At the facility with the high exposures, comparison of end-of-week values with start-of-week values using paired analysis revealed non-sprayers had significantly increased comet tail moments, and sprayers had significantly increased comet tail moment dispersion coefficients. A multivariate analysis included combining the data sets from both facilities, log transformation of 1-BP exposure indices, and the use of multiple linear regression models for each combination of DNA damage and exposure indices including exposure quartiles. The covariates were gender, age, smoking status, facility, and glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1, GSTT1) polymorphisms. In the regression models, start-of-week comet tail moment in leukocytes was significantly associated with serum Br quartiles. End-of-week comet tail moment was significantly associated with 1-BP TWA quartiles, and serum Br quartiles. Gender, facility, and GSTM1 had a significant effect in one or more models. Additional associations were not identified from assessment of dispersion coefficients. In vitro and in vivo results provide limited evidence that 1-BP exposure may pose a small risk for increasing DNA damage.

てんかん患者における臭素（Ｂｒ）電極を用いた血清中Ｂｒ濃度測定とその動態

てんかん患者における臭素（Ｂｒ）電極を用いた血清中Ｂｒ濃度測定とその動態

Systemic effects of inhalational methyl bromide poisoning: a study of nine cases occupationally exposed due to inadvertent spread during fumigation.

Systemic methyl bromide (CH3Br) poisoning with signs and symptoms of varying severity developed in nine greenhouse workers after acute inhalational exposure on two consecutive days. Measurements of CH3Br, carried out at the site within hours after the accident, suggest that exposure on the second day may have been in excess of 200 ppm (800 mg/m3) CH3Br. All workers were admitted for observation. Seven of them were discharged after an uneventful overnight observation and residual symptoms, if any, subsided within three weeks of the accident. Two patients needed intensive care for several weeks because of severe reactive myoclonus and tonic-clonic generalised convulsions. These conditions were unresponsive to repeated doses of diazepam, clonazepam, and diphenylhydantoin but could be suppressed effectively by induction of a thiopental coma that had to be continued for three weeks. In some of the patients prior subchronic exposure to CH3Br, as shown by their occupational histories and high serum bromide (Br-) concentrations, is likely to have been a factor contributing to the severity of their symptoms. A direct association between serum Br- concentrations and the severity of neurological symptoms, however, seemed to be absent. An on site investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident showed the presence of an empty and out of use drainage system that covered both sections of the greenhouse. This was probably the most important factor contributing to the rapid and inadvertent spread of CH3Br.

Blood bromine levels in a pacific atoll population

Serum and red cells from 20 Marshallese on two atolls and from 10 subjects in New York were compared for their elemental composition employing an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. The elements analyzed in serum included Cl, Zn, and Br, whereas red cells were analyzed for Cl, K, Fe, Zn, Br, and Rb. Both Marshallese groups showed statistically significant (P less than 0.01) elevations in serum Br (51 and 96%) and in red cell Br (393 and 478%) as compared to the New York group. The Marshallese Br/Cl ratio in serum and in red cells was elevated when compared to that of the New York group, whereas the Rb/K ratios were equivalent. The red cell Br/serum Br ratio was also elevated in the Marshallese subjects. There were no similar differences noted among the other elements tested. Drinking liquids in the Marshall Islands were analyzed for Br but did not provide a clear source for the elevated Br levels.

Skin penetration of minerals in psoriatics and guinea-pigs bathing in hypertonic salt solutions

Penetration of electrolytes through the human skin was measured in healthy volunteers and in psoriatic patients after bathing in the Dead-Sea or in simulated bath-salt solutions. Significant increases in the levels of serum Br, Rb, Ca and Zn were noticed only in the psoriatic patients after daily bathing in the Dead-Sea for a 4-week regimen. Guinea-pigs “bathed” in simulated Dead-Sea bath-salt solutions containing radionuclides of Ca, Mg, K and Br. Traces of each radionuclide were detected in the blood and in some internal organs after 60 minutes of bathing. The radionuclides showed a physiological pattern in their organ distribution. Even though the whole investigation was carried out in hypertonic solutions, there is a definite penetration of salts through healthy (human and guinea-pigs) and damaged (psoriatic) epidermis. This finding suggests that improvement of the psoriatic condition after bathing in the Dead-Sea, may be partly attributed (in addition to ultraviolet irradiation) to the minerals' effect on the psoriatic skin.

1350 THE EFFECT OF BILIRUBIN (BR) ON CEREBRAL CORTEX (CE) O2 AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM IN PIGLETS (P)

BR inhibits in vitro oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. This study investigated the in vivo effect of BR on O2 consumption (VO2), O2 extraction (O2-Ex), glucose consumption (VGlu), and glucose extraction (GluEx) in the CE. Sixteen 2-4 day old P were studied in 3 groups: 1) control (C) 2) control with sulfisoxazole (CS) and 3) experimental (E). CS and E received sulfisoxazole. E was infused with BR for 4 hrs to maintain the serum BR of 13.2±1.8 mg% (M±SEM). CE BR in E was 6.7±.8 μg/gm of CE (M±SEM). CE blood flow (microsphere method) and aorta-superior sagittal sinus differences in O2, content and glucose were measured to calculate VO2, O2Ex, VGlu, and GluEx. No changes were noted in VO2 or O2Ex. VGlu was increased in CS, but not in E. The mean reduction in arterial glucose of 53.3 mg/dl in all groups (p<0.05), over the four hours of study, was associated with increased GluEx in CS and C, but not in E. We speculate that BR may alter GluEx, but has no major effect on VO2 or O2Ex.

EXTRACELLULAR FLUID IN CARDIAC EDEMA AND ASCITES

THE IMPORTANCE of determining quantitatively the amount of extracellular fluid deposited as edema or ascites in pathologic states is well appreciated. Previous laboratory methods for this determination were open to criticisms and objections. Experimental work showed that the chloride ion is confined principally to the extracellular area. 1 In 1939, Wallace and Brodie 2 compared the tissue Br to tissue Cl and conr serum Br serum Cl cluded that the ratio of distribution of these ions is similar in all tissues of the body with the exception of the brain. Later, Brodie, Brand and Leshin 3 proposed a quantitative test for extracellular fluid by injection of sodium bromide intravenously and determination of its level in the serum and urine. Bromide was selected for this purpose since it is nontoxic in the doses administered, rapidly distributed throughout the body, slowly excreted and capable of accurate analysis. It is also dispersed