Analysis and remediation of phthalates in aquatic matrices: current perspectives

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are high production volume chemicals used extensively as plasticizers, to increase the flexibility of the main polymer. They are reported to leach into their surroundings from plastic products and are now a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Phthalate levels have been determined in several environmental matrices, especially in water. These levels serve as an indicator of plasticizer abuse and plastic pollution, and also serve as a route of exposure to different species including humans. Reports published on effects of different PAEs on experimental models demonstrate their carcinogenic, teratogenic, reproductive, and endocrine disruptive effects. Therefore, regular monitoring and remediation of environmental water samples is essential to ascertain their hazard quotient and daily exposure levels. This review summarises the extraction and detection techniques available for phthalate analysis in water samples such as chromatography, biosensors, immunoassays, and spectroscopy. Current remediation strategies for phthalate removal such as adsorption, advanced oxidation, and microbial degradation have also been highlighted.

Calotropis procera extract inhibits prostate cancer through regulation of autophagy

Current treatment options available for prostate cancer (PCa) patients have many adverse side effects and hence, new alternative therapies need to be explored. Anticancer potential of various phytochemicals derived from Calotropis procera has been studied in many cancers but no study has investigated the effect of leaf extract of C. procera on PCa cells. Hence, we investigated the effect of C. procera leaf extract (CPE) on cellular properties of androgen-independent PC-3 and androgen-sensitive 22Rv1 cells. A hydroalcoholic extract of C. procera was prepared and MTT assay was performed to study the effect of CPE on viability of PCa cells. The effect of CPE on cell division ability, migration capability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was studied using colony formation assay, wound-healing assay and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay, respectively. Caspase activity assay and LDH assay were performed to study the involvement of apoptosis and necrosis in CPE-mediated cell death. Protein levels of cell cycle, antioxidant, autophagy and apoptosis markers were measured by western blot. The composition of CPE was identified using untargeted LC-MS analysis. Results showed that CPE decreased the viability of both the PCa cells, PC-3 and 22Rv1, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Also, CPE significantly inhibited the colony-forming ability, migration and endogenous ROS production in both the cell lines. Furthermore, CPE significantly decreased NF-κB protein levels and increased the protein levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27. A significant increase in expression of autophagy markers was observed in CPE-treated PC-3 cells while autophagy markers were downregulated in 22Rv1 cells after CPE exposure. Hence, it can be concluded that CPE inhibits PCa cell viability possibly by regulating the autophagy pathway and/or altering the ROS levels. Thus, CPE can be explored as a possible alternative therapeutic agent for PCa.

Analysis of major histocompatibility complex class I folding: novel insights into intermediate forms

Folding around a peptide ligand is integral to the antigen presentation function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Several lines of evidence indicate that the broadly cross-reactive 34-1-2 antibody is sensitive to folding of the MHC class I peptide-binding groove. Here, we show that peptide-loading complex proteins associated with the murine MHC class I molecule K(d) are found primarily in association with the 34-1-2(+) form. This led us to hypothesize that the 34-1-2 antibody may recognize intermediately, as well as fully, folded MHC class I molecules. To further characterize the form(s) of MHC class I molecules recognized by 34-1-2, we took advantage of its cross-reactivity with L(d) . Recognition of the open and folded forms of L(d) by the 64-3-7 and 30-5-7 antibodies, respectively, has been extensively characterized, providing us with parameters against which to compare 34-1-2 reactivity. We found that the 34-1-2(+) L(d) molecules displayed characteristics indicative of incomplete folding, including increased tapasin association, endoplasmic reticulum retention, and instability at the cell surface. Moreover, we show that an L(d) -specific peptide induced folding of the 34-1-2(+) L(d) intermediate. Altogether, these results yield novel insights into the nature of MHC class I molecules recognized by the 34-1-2 antibody.

Physical and dental manifestations of oral-facial-digital syndrome type I

Oral-facial-digital (OFD) syndrome is the collective name of a group of rare inherited syndromes characterized by malformations of the face, oral cavity, hands and feet. OFD syndrome type I, also known as the Papillon-League-Psaume syndrome warrants our attention because early diagnosis from an odontologic viewpoint will minimize the sequalae of developing physical and dental abnormalities. The present article highlights the clinical as well as the radiographic findings and the treatment that was done of a 10-year-old girl child diagnosed with OFD I.

Early childhood caries and oral rehabilitation. A treatment quandary

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a virulent form of dental caries that can destroy the primary dentition of toddlers and preschool children. It occurs worldwide, afflicting predominantly disadvantaged children. Although Streptococcus mutans is the most likely causative agent, diet also plays a critical role in the acquisition and clinical expression of this infection. Early acquisition of S. mutans via vertical or horizontal transmission is a key event in the natural history of the disease that coupled with caries promoting feeding behaviours results in accumulation of these organisms to levels exceeding 30% of the total cultivable plaque flora, which in turn leads to rapid demineralization of the tooth structure. Inflicted children may also have other associated health problems, ranging from local infections to oral pain that manifest as difficulty in eating and sleeping, reduced growth and altered behaviour. Oral rehabilitation usually consists of restoration or surgical removal of carious teeth along with recommendations regarding feeding habits. Although treatment can be instituted in the dental clinic, it becomes costly sometimes when cooperative capacity of babies and preschool children necessitates the use of general anaesthesia. Primary prevention of ECC has largely been restricted to counselling parents regarding proper feeding behaviour, oral hygiene measures and new strategies that address the infectious component through use of topical antimicrobial therapy in order to defeat this common oral affliction.

Monopolar diathermy used for correction of ankyloglossia

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia or ankyloglossia inferior, is a relatively common finding in pediatric surgical outpatient clinics. It occurs as a result of a short, tight, lingual frenum causing tethering of the tongue tip. It is a common oral finding in infants and children, which is often neglected. Although most cases resolve or are asymptomatic, some patients develop articulation problems and other concerns related to poor tongue-tip mobility. In this article, we report on a 5-year old girl with a tongue tie, who underwent frenectomy using monopolar diathermy under local anesthesia without any postoperative complication.

Comparative analysis of the impact of a free cysteine in tapasin on the maturation and surface expression of murine MHC class I allotypes

Tapasin is a key molecule in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I peptide-loading complex, interacting with several other proteins in the complex. An amino acid substitution at a free cysteine position in tapasin has been shown to disrupt the covalent association of tapasin with ERp57. In this study, we mutated the free cysteine in mouse tapasin, and analysed the effects on the cell surface expression of the mouse MHC class I molecules K(d) and K(b). The C95S substitution in mouse tapasin increased the proportion of open forms relative to folded forms for both types of MHC class I molecules at the cell surface. Furthermore, the C95S substitution resulted in increased association of tapasin with folded K(d). Overall, our studies with these mouse MHC class I allotypes have revealed that the free cysteine 95 in mouse tapasin influences stable expression at the plasma membrane for both MHC class I allotypes, and have shown that tapasin's interaction with folded K(d) is elevated by the C95S substitution in tapasin.

The effects of magnetic field on the biomechanics parameters of soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the magnetic field (MF) on the isometric contractile characteristics of the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles in rats both with and without diabetes.

METHODS

Biomechanical parameters were recorded in vitro from Wistar rats without diabetes (Group I, n=20), rats without diabetes exposed to MF (Group II, n=20), rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes (Group III, n=20), and rats with diabetes exposed to MF (Group IV, n=20). Muscle strips were taken from the distal tendon soleus and EDL muscles of rats killed by decapitation. The muscles were hung in organ baths containing Krebs solution (pH 7.4) with a gas mixture of 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Then the muscles were triggered to direct supramaximal stimulation with 0.05 Hz frequency square pulses for periods of 0.5 ms to obtain control values. The contractile parameters were also determined for two muscles of the four groups. Later, the tension-frequency relationship was determined by applying stimulating pulses of 10, 20, 50, and 100 Hz to the muscles.

RESULTS

Diabetes caused a certain amount of decrease in the contractile force of the two muscles compared with that of control values. However, MF increased the contractile force of the two muscles in rats both with and without diabetes. The isometric contraction forces obtained by different stimulating frequencies showed a significant linear increase in the tetanic contraction (P<0.05). Diabetes increased the contraction time of the isometric twitch tension compared with that of the control group with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). MF decreased the contraction time of the two muscles of rats without diabetes (P<0.05) but increased that of rats with diabetes (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

In our study, these results suggest that MF exposure regulates the isometric contractile characteristics of the soleus and EDL muscles of rats with diabetes, positively.

Unusual features associated with cranial openings of optic canal in dry adult human skulls

One hundred and eighty six dry adult human skulls (372 sides) were studied in order to reveal the presence of unusual features--such as recess, fissure and notch--in the cranial opening of the optic canal. Recess, an extension of the lateral wall, was found in 229 (61.5%) sides. Fissure, an irregular discontinuity above the lateral recess, was observed in 158 (42.4%) sides. Notch, a gap in the posterior-most limit of the roof, was seen in 66 (17.7%) sides. These were commonly seen bilaterally. The etiology of these was attributed to the development of the optic canal. During intrauterine life the optic canal is in the form of a large keyhole shaped foramen, which slowly transforms into the adult canal. A developmental arrest at an early stage may lead to the formation of recesses and fissures.

Effect of melatonin on the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin

This study was designed to investigate the preventive effect of melatonin on doxorubicin's most important side effect, cardiotoxicity. Forty male albino Wistar rats were utilized and the rats were divided into five groups: group I, 0.9% NaCl for 4 days; group II, doxorubicin 3 mg/kg/day for 4 days; group III, 2.5 % ethanol for 15 days; group IV, melatonin 6 mg/kg/day for 15 days; and group V, a doxorubicin and melatonin combination were administered intraperitoneally. At the end of the experiment, tissue samples obtained from the cardiac muscle of the left ventricle of the rats were processed for measurement of malondialdehyde and for electron microscopic examination. Malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, was found to be significantly higher in the doxorubicin group. However, in the doxorubicin and melatonin combination group the level of malondialdehyde was decreased statistical significant. The histological examination revealed destruction of myofibrils, disorganization of sarcomeres, mitochondrial degeneration and formation of giant mitochondria and lipid accumulation in the doxorubicin group. Also, accumulation of filamentous structures in the sarcoplasma in some of the cells, structural changes in capillaries and an increase in collagen fibers forming bundles were observed. When melatonin was added to the doxorubicin treatment all structural changes were reduced. The cardiotoxic side effect of doxorubicin used as a chemotherapeutic agent and was probably developed as a result of suppression of the antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation. Therefore, it could be assumed that the addition of melatonin in the treatment of doxorubicin could prevent the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin.

Morphological description of combined variation of distal attachments of fibulares in a foot

An interesting case of peculiarity of the distal attachment of the three fibular muscles is reported in the left foot of a male adult cadaver of Indian origin. The fibularis brevis, just inferior to the fibular malleolus, gave off an additional slender tendon anteromedial to its main tendon. This was attached to the dorsal digital expansion of the little toe while its main tendon was inserted to the customary bone. The tendon of fibularis longus on the plantar aspect just medial to the cuboid tunnel received a prominent slip of attachment of the tendon of tibialis posterior. The fibularis tertius had two parallel-running tendons attached to the bases of the fourth metatarsal and the fourth and fifth metatarsals respectively. The combined variation of the three fibulares in a single foot has not been reported previously. The more distal attachment of the fibularis brevis in this case is a regression in evolution. Weakness of both the fibularis brevis and fibularis longus is found in pes cavovarus. The former can be used as a rotational graft in soft tissue loss of the leg.

Imaging and morphology of the paracondylar process in a dry adult human skull: a case report

An unusually long paracondylar process (PCP) was found articulating with the transverse atlantal process in a dry adult male skull. It was 13 mm long and 19 mm in circumference at its middle and projected to a lower plane than the styloid process of the same side. A radiograph revealed the structure of spongiosa of the PCP to be like mastoid cells. PCP can lead to clinical symptoms due to alterations in posture and functional limitations in neck movements. Thus awareness of this process, its topographical relations and its attendant problems is of importance to clinicians, radiologists, surgeons and chiropractors. In symptomatic cases surgical resection of this process can be attempted to relieve the symptoms. The craniovertebral junction constitutes a unique part of the somite-derived axial skeleton; the lowest part of the basioccipital component including this process develops from occipital sclerotomes. Developmental variations in this region can resemble deformities.

Incidence and morphological study of zygomaticofacial and zygomatico-orbital foramina in dry adult human skulls: the non-metrical variants

Morphological diversity in the form of multiple zygomaticofacial (ZF) foramina was studied in 165 dry, unsexed adult human skulls. Zygomatic bones revealed variation in the number of foramina on their orbital and facial aspects. These were absent in 72 (21.8%) sides. A single ZF foramen was seen in 148 (44.9%) sides. Two ZF foramina were found in 92 (27.9%) sides, out of which 29 (8.8%) sides had one zygomatico-orbital (ZO) foramen, while 63 (19.1%) sides had two ZO foramina. Three ZF foramina, a relatively uncommon occurrence, were found in 17 (5.1%) sides, which included eight (2.4%) sides with one less and nine (2.7%) sides with the same number of ZO foramina. Four ZF foramina were seen in one (0.3%) side with three on the orbital aspect, a feature not reported before. The zygomatic nerve may be disrupted on elevating periorbita from the lateral wall during orbital surgery, and care should be taken to prevent injury to the nerve during the lateral orbitotomy approach to access intraorbital soft tissue tumors.

Morphology and imaging of bony projections on sigmoid sulcus with clinical implication

Morphologically diverse osseous projections were observed on the anterior lip of the sigmoid sulcus in a study conducted on 318 dry unsexed adult human skulls belonging to the Indian race. For convenience of description, this lip was divided into a longer lateral part, a shorter medial part and a junctional angular part having bony attributes characterized into three types, crests (42.9%), plates (22.3%) and bridges (13.5%). The bridges were subtyped into incomplete (11.8%) and complete (1.7%). Crests and plates were present anywhere along this lip, while bridges were confined to the angle. Right and left differences were analyzed, which showed that the above findings were more frequent on the right than the left. Plates showed a higher incidence of variation between right and left sides as compared to crests and bridges. Five cadavers were studied, which showed retinacular bands attached to the projections blending with dura mater over the foramen magnum. It is postulated that these projections are caused by the traction of the fibrous dural bands. Axial CT scan revealed partial and complete osseous bridges spanning the sulcus. These projections are of relevance to surgeons working at the cerebellopontine angle. Their presence has not been reported previously.

Facial vein draining into external jugular vein in humans: its variations, phylogenetic retention and clinical relevance

The superficial veins, especially the external jugular vein (EJV), are increasingly being utilized for cannulation to conduct diagnostic procedures or intravenous therapies. Ultrasound-guided venipuncture is a viable possibility in cases of variations in the patterns of superficial veins, and their knowledge is also important for surgeons doing reconstructive surgery. This study was done on 89 dissected adult cadavers (178 sides) and variations in patterns of termination of the facial vein (FV) into the EJV were studied. The FV in 16 sides (9%) was found to drain into the EJV, in two main patterns: type I and type II. Type I had the FV draining into the EJV with varying degrees of obliquity in a Y-shaped (6 cases, 37.5%), U-shaped (3 cases, 18.7%), tuning-fork-shaped (2 cases, 12.5%) or N-shaped (1 case, 6.2%) pattern. Type II showed an inverted A-shaped pattern (2 cases, 12.5%) or a stepladder-shaped pattern (2 cases, 12.5%) depending on the presence of one or more connecting conduits between the FV and EJV respectively. In Macaca mulatta(rhesus monkey) a pair of vertically disposed, subcutaneous veins placed nearly side by side and of equal caliber were seen on each side of the neck. The lateral vein was the EJV while the medial one took the course of the FV in the upper oblique segment and ran parallel to the EJV in the lower segment over the sternocleidomastoid, with one or two transverse communications. The anomalous patterns found in our study could be explained in terms of the regression and retention of various parts of the veins found in the rhesus monkey, or the drainage pattern found in horse, ox and dog, where the vein from the face drain into the external jugular vein, the internal jugular vein being either absent or a small vessel accompanying the carotid artery.

Unusual facets on the acetabulum in dry adult human coxal bones: a morphological and radiological study

A smooth facet was found antero-inferior to lunate surface of 48 acetabula, in a study conducted on 315 dry adult coxal bones, 26 of which (13 pairs) were of articulated pelves. Three different shapes of the facet were oval (56.3%), piriform (22.9%) and elongated (20.8%). The prevalence of the oval facet was higher in both sexes. In 37.5% bones it extended to superior ramus of pubis and in 62.5% it was limited within the acetabular margin. They were either discrete (58.3%) or continuous with the lunate surface (41.7%). The surface configuration was flat (29.2%), concave (43.7%) or grooved (27.1%). One male articulated pelvis showed a bilateral presentation. Measured along the long axis the size varied between 11 to 17 mm. The radiographs showed notching, antero-inferior to acetabular margin in grooved facets whereas concave and flat facets were seen as areas of rarefaction. It is postulated that this facet could be a consequence of a particular posture which results in traction of the ligaments attached to this area. This unusual feature has not been reported earlier.

Effects of apolipoprotein E genotypes and other risk factors on the development of coronary artery disease in Southern Turkey

BACKGROUND

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a major role in lipoprotein metabolism and lipid transport. Associations between apoE genotypes, coronary artery disease (CAD) and other risk factors have been described by many investigators. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of apoE gene polymorphism and other risk factors in the development of CAD in subjects whose coronary arteries were evaluated by means of coronary angiography.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 199 subjects (114 male and 55 female). Of the total, 107 had CAD. The apoE gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then digested by CfoI restriction enzyme. The plasma lipid levels and other risk factors were also determined in all subjects.

RESULTS

The epsilon2 and epsilon4 allele frequencies and genotypes carrying epsilon4 allele were significantly higher in CAD (+) patients. Plasma lipids except triglycerides were increased in CAD (+) cases. We found that apoE genotypes, HT, DM, male gender, age and smoking were the independent predictors of CAD. There was no association between apoE alleles and lipids.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that apoE polymorphism (presence of epsilon4 allele) is associated with the development of CAD in Southern Turkey. In our study, we did not observe any effect of apoE alleles on lipid levels.

Genetic heterogeneity of beta-thalassemia at Cukurova in southern Turkey

Beta-thalassemia is the most common genetic abnormality causing health problems worldwide. Cukurova, in the southern part of Turkey, being on the Mediterranean, is in the thalassemic belt. Since there is no cure for the disease at present, the frequency of the mutation types of beta-thalassemia must first be identified to aid in clinical follow-up and prenatal diagnosis. Carriers identified during a screening survey and patients referred to our laboratory were studied for this purpose. After routine hematological analysis molecular screening was performed by the amplification refractory mutation system and DNA sequencing. The frequency of the common mutations were: IVS-I-110 (G-->A) 57.3%, IVS-I-1 (G-->A) 8.3%, codon 39 (C-->T) 6.4%, IVS-I-6 (T-->C) 5.7%, frameshift codon 8 (-AA) 5.7%, -30 (T-->A) 4.7%, IVS-II-1 (G-->A) 3.4%, IVS-II-745 (G-->C) 2.8%, and frameshift codon 5 (-CT) 1.1%. Some rare mutations (1%) such as frameshift codon 44 (-C) 0.7%, frameshift codons 74/75 (-C) 0.7%, IVS-1-5 (G-->C) 0.7%, frameshift codons 8/9 (+G) 0.4%, frameshift codons 36/37 (-T) 0.4%, frameshift codons 22/23/24 (-AAGTTGG) 0.4%, IVS-1-130 (G-->C) 0.4%, IVS-1-5 (G-->T) 0.2%, -28 (A-->C) 0.2%, codon 15 (TGG-->TGA) 0.2%, and frameshift codons 82/83 (-G) 0.2%, were detected by sequence analysis. The codon 15 (TGG-->TGA) and frameshift codons 82/83 (-G) mutations were seen in Turkey for the first time.

An unusual case of groin discomfort

Groin complications after cardiac catheterizations are common. With the increasing use of mechanical hemostatic devices, cardiologists must be alert to a wide array of potential problems. We report an unusual complication after the use of a closure device.

Anatomical description and frequencies of bony projections on the cerebral aspect of the petromastoid part of the temporal bone in dry adult human skulls

A morphological peculiarity was observed in the form of bony projections on the upper part of the medial border of the groove for the sigmoid sulcus on the internal surface of the mastoid part of the temporal bones. In a study on 636 temporal regions of 318 dry unsexed adult human skulls of Indian origin, 101 (15.9%) temporal bones exhibited these elevations. These ranged from being inconspicuous tubercles to well-defined sharp spines. In 73 (72.3%) cases, a projection was present unilaterally, more commonly on the right side and in 28 (27.7%) it was bilateral. A subjective assessment of the size showed the projections to be small (70; 69.3%), medium (16; 15.8%) and large (15; 14.8%).

Variation in shape of the lingula in the adult human mandible

The lingulae of both sides of 165 dry adult human mandibles, 131 males and 34 females of Indian origin, were classified by their shape into 4 types: 1, triangular; 2, truncated; 3, nodular; and 4, assimilated. Triangular lingulae were found in 226 (68.5%) sides, truncated in 52 (15.8%), nodular in 36 (10.9%) and assimilated in 16 (4.8%) sides. Triangular lingulae were found bilaterally in 110, truncated in 23, nodular in 17 and assimilated in 7 mandibles. Of the remaining 8 mandibles with different appearances on the 2 sides, 6 had a combination of triangular and truncated and 2 had nodular and assimilated. The incidence of triangular and assimilated types in the male and female mandibles are almost equal. In the truncated type it was double in the male mandibles while the nodular type was a little less than double in the female mandibles.

Morphologic and imaging studies of duplicate optic canals in dry adult human skulls

Three dry adult human skulls, two with bilateral and one with unilateral duplication of the optic canal were found. Their gross morphologic features were studied. Optic canals were separated by a septum of variable thickness dividing the posterior part of the canal into a large canal in the usual position and a smaller one inferior to it. The skull with unilateral duplication of the right side had a bony bar forming the carotico-clinoid canal. One of the skulls was disarticulated and its sphenoid had bilaterally duplicated optic canals divided by thin septa, both having a slit. Conventional radiography and CT scans for the optic canal were performed on two of these skulls but not on the disarticulated bone, and the imaging representations of these features were correlated with the anatomic findings on the dry skull.

Os capitatotrapezoid: a case report

A case of fused capitate and trapezoid, the os capitatotrapezoid (OCT), was found in an articulated right hand of a male skeleton. Fusion was almost complete except for shallow grooves demarcating the line of fusion on the proximal and distal aspects. Radiology revealed a normal trabecular pattern and no joint cavity within these fused bones. The styloid process of the third metacarpal was absent.

Facial vein terminating in the external jugular vein. An embryologic interpretation

The external jugular v. (EJV) is increasingly being used for therapeutic procedures and monitoring by clinicians. In view of this clinical relevance, dissection was done on the head and neck regions in 40 adult cadavers of Indian origin to detect variations of the EJV. Though several patterns of tributaries were found, a facial v. (FV) of considerable size was observed coursing obliquely to join the EJV in the neck in four cases (5%). The distance of the junction of the FV and the EJV from the angle of the mandible ranged between 55 and 104 mm. This may represent a persistent communication of the primitive linguofacial v. with the secondarily developing EJV. This anastomotic channel is present for some time in the fetus but later undergoes retrogression. Its persistence in some individuals results in this variation.

Evaluation of reference values for erythrocyte glutathione

The analytical, intra-individual and inter-individual variations as well as the best storage conditions were determined for erythrocyte glutathione, and the reference values were established. A total of 396 apparently healthy people, 206 male, and 190 female, were randomly selected from villages and cities of the southern part of Turkey. The distribution was Gaussian and no significant difference was observed between the male and the female subjects. The mean (standard deviation) of the population investigated for glutathione was 6.9 (1.0) mumol/gHb. The analytical, intra-individual and inter-individual variations were assessed in 20 apparently healthy subjects and were found to be 4.63%, 13.67% and 11.16%, respectively. Whole blood stored at -70 degrees C for up to 10 days was shown to be the best storage condition for erythrocyte glutathione determination. The results of the index of individuality showed that glutathione reference values could be used for diagnostic purposes.

Studies on red cell glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase: evaluation of reference values

The analytical, intra-individual, inter-individual variation and reference values were determined for red cell glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Different procedures for the conditions for storage of red blood cells and the preparation of haemolysates were investigated. A total of 2170 samples of blood were taken from apparently healthy persons-1212 males and 958 females--from randomly selected villages and city centres in the southern part of Turkey. Analytical variation, intra-individual variation and inter-individual variation were 8.67%, 32.8% and 31.8%, respectively. The mean (SD) for G6PD was 8.6 (3.3) IU/gHb. The index of individuality, 1.03, showed that the reference intervals could be used for diagnostic purposes. Whole blood or a red cell pellet could be stored in physiological saline for one week at 4 degrees C or -20 degrees with little loss of activity. Two of three different procedures for the preparation of haemolysate gave data that showed no statistical difference and were equally satisfactory.