Stability, antioxidant activity, in vivo safety and efficacy of creams with standardized wild apple fruit extract: a comparison of conventional and biodegradable emulsifiers

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was in vitro and in vivo characterization of cosmetic cream with 6% of standardized wild apple fruit extract, stabilized by conventional non-ionic emulsifier-CEW, in order to determine the influence of emulsifiers (conventional vs. biodegradable) on the characteristics of creams and their effects on the skin.

METHODS

Organoleptic and physico-chemical (pH values and electrical conductivity) analysis was performed, determination of fruit acids-FAs content (using HPLC analysis) and estimation of its antioxidant activity-AA (using DPPH test) during 180 days. In vivo study included following examinations: screening of safety profile (after creams application under occlusion during 24 h at human skin); skin moisturizing potential, transepidermal water loss-TEWL, skin pH after 28 days of cream application and hypopigmentation efficacy 7 days of cream application at artificially induced skin hyperpigmentation.

RESULTS

Investigated cosmetic cream-CEW showed satisfactory organoleptic, physico-chemical characteristics, stability, FAs content (0.13%) and AA (19.25 ± 0.67 %RSC) after preparation, which remained unchanged over the study period. In vivo investigation revealed absence of skin irritation after CEW's application under occlusion. An increase of skin moisturization (after 14 days ΔEC was 18.52 ± 11.51 and after 28 days of applications 16.52 ± 9.36) during 28 day-study, with unchanged TEWL and skin pH values was shown. Decrease of melanin index was revealed, too (after 7 days ΔMI was -31.40 ± 16.50).

CONCLUSION

Cosmetic cream stabilized by conventional emulsifier showed better antioxidant potential and weaker moisturizing and hypopigmentation effects related to the cream with same composition but stabilized by biodegradable emulsifiers. Based on all mentioned above, investigated cosmetic cream might be considered for potential use as modern, stable, safe and efficient cosmetic product in the prevention and/or treatment of oxidative stress-related skin changes and/or damages, for moisturization of dry, even irritated skin as well as for lightening of hyperpigmented skin. RÉSUMÉ: OBJECTIF Le but de l'étude était la caractérisation in vitro et in vivo d'une crème cosmétique contenant 6 % d'extrait normalisé de pomme sauvage, stabilisée par un émulsifiant non ionique conventionnel-CEW, afin de déterminer l'influence des émulsifiants (conventionnels vs biodégradables) sur les caractéristiques des crèmes et les effets sur la peau. MÉTHODES: Des analyses organoleptiques et physico-chimiques (pH et conductivité électrique) ont été effectuées, la détermination de la teneur en acides de fruits et en acides gras polyinsaturés (par CLHP), et l'estimation de sa teneur en activité antioxydante (AA) (à l'aide du test DPPH) pendant 180 jours. L'étude in vivo comprenait les examens suivants : dépistage du profil d'innocuité (après application de crèmes sous occlusion pendant 24 h sur la peau humaine); potentiel d'hydratation de la peau, perte d'eau transépidermique (PETE), pH de la peau après 28 jours d'application de la crème et efficacité de l'hypopigmentation après 7 jours d'application de la crème sur une hyperpigmentation de la peau induite artificiellement. RÉSULTATS: La crème cosmétique-CEW étudiée a montré des caractéristiques organoleptiques, physico-chimiques, une stabilité, une teneur en AG (0,13 %) et en AA (19,25 ± 0,67 % RSC) satisfaisantes après préparation, qui sont demeurées inchangées au cours de la période de l'étude. L'étude in vivo a révélé l'absence d'irritation cutanée après l'application de CEW sous occlusion. Une augmentation de l'hydratation de la peau (après 14 jours de DEC était de 18,52 ± 11,51 et après 28 jours d'applications de 16,52 ± 9,36) pendant l'étude de 28 jours, avec une PETE et des valeurs de pH cutané inchangées, a été démontrée. Une diminution de l'indice de mélanine a été mise en évidence également (après 7 jours, ΔMI était de 31,40 ± 16,50).

CONCLUSION

La crème cosmétique stabilisée par un émulsifiant conventionnel a montré un meilleur potentiel antioxydant et des effets d'hydratation et d'hypopigmentation plus faibles par rapport à la crème de même composition mais stabilisée par des émulsifiants biodégradables. D'après les données précédentes, la crème cosmétique étudiée pourrait être considérée comme un produit cosmétique moderne, stable, sûr et efficace dans la prévention et/ou le traitement des changements et/ou dommages cutanés liés au stress oxydatif, pour l'hydratation de la peau sèche, voire irritée, ainsi que pour éclaircir la peau hyperpigmentée.

A new model to determine lipophilicity of 1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid and 1,3-propanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid derivatives with antiproliferative activity by combining shake flask procedure and UHPLC-MS method

Fourteen compounds representing ester derivatives of (S,S)-1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl) propanoic and (S,S)-1,3-propanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acids, expressing antiproliferative activity in vitro were examined. The objective of this study was to determinate their lipophilicity data, and also to ensure a mathematical model for prediction lipophilicity data of potential in vivo metabolites and new derivatives of (S,S)-1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid, based on chromatographic parameters. Experimentally, lipophilicity data were obtained by a traditional shake flask procedure and an ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) method. A correlation between the partition coefficient n-octanol/water (logD7,4) and chromatographic data (CHI, 0), and also, between logD7,4 and retention time was investigated. A very good correlation (r2=0.8969) was found between lipophilicity parameters 0 and logD7,4 obtained using UHPLC-MS and shake flask methods: logD7,4 = (0.11±0.01)×0 + (1.25±0.20)×Nc - (9.19±1.18); statistical parameter F=47.84; significance of F = 3.74×10-6, Nc=number of C atoms between two amino groups (Nc=2 for 1,2-ethanediamine derivatives and Nc=3 for 1,3-propanediamine derivatives). The model predictivity power was determined by cross validation leave one out (LOO) technique, and expressed by the term Q2, was 0.89. The developed model has good predictivity power for prediction lipophilicity data of potential in vivo metabolites of the investigated compounds, such as novel 1,2-ethanediamine and 1,3-propanediamine N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid derivatives. Also, the lipophilicity data obtained in the present study correlated with the antiproliferative activity of the investigated substances shown previously in in vitro studies.

Elevated serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity in patients with chronic tonsillitis

Background: Palatine tonsils represent the first place of contact for a variety of antigenic substances present in air and food. Upon antigen stimulation, the interactions between T and B lymphocytes in the tonsil are known to depend on the expression of different co-stimulatory molecules, including proteolytic ectoenzymes. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) and aminopeptidase N (APN), as T lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecules, participate in the regulation of the immune response during inflammation.

Methods: In this study, the serum and lymphocyte enzymatic activity of DPP IV and APN was investigated in 32 patients, 13 with recurrent tonsillitis (RT) and 19 with tonsillar hypertrophy (TH), before and one month after tonsillectomy. The enzymatic activity of DPP IV and APN in tonsillar lymphocytes and serum was determined kinetically at 37°C using Gly-Pro- p-nitroanilide (for DPP IV) and Ala- p-nitroanilide (for APN) as chromogenic substrates.

Results: Significantly higher serum DPP IV and APN activities ( P<0.001) were found in TH patients compared with those with RT before tonsillectomy. DPP IV activity in TH patients was also elevated compared with the control of the same age ( P<0.001), whereas the activity of APN was the same as the control group. The activity of both enzymes was the same as of controls after tonsillectomy. In addition, the results show that DPP IV and APN activities in serum decrease significantly with age. Tonsillar lymphocytes demonstrated a wide range of DPP IV and APN activities without significant differences between the investigated groups.

Conclusion: An increased serum DPP IV activity was observed in TH patients compared with both RT patients and controls before tonsillectomy. After tonsillectomy, all activities were similar. The results suggest that serum DPP IV activity may have potential as a diagnostic marker for patients with TH.

Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks and dogs in the province of Vojvodina, Serbia

Lyme disease is a tick borne zoonotic infection, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. bacteria. For the transmission of the disease, the presence of ticks is a prerequisite. Lyme borreliosis mostly occurs in people and dogs, but it may occur in other animals. Ticks which carry B. burgdorferi s.l. in Serbia are of the Ixodes ricinus specis. In Serbia, Lyme disease was detected for the first time in the late '80-es. In dogs, clinical symptoms may occur even months after a tick bite, and include weakness, lymphadenopathy, fever, lameness, arthritis, etc. In our survey, we have observed tick and dog populations in the province of Vojvodina (northern part of Serbia). I. ricinus ticks were collected and examined for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in several chosen locations. In addition, blood samples were collected from house dogs and pets from the same locations, and analyzed for the presence of antibodies specific for B. burgdorferi s.l. The results showed a mean infection of ticks of 22.12%, and a mean seroprevalence of Lyme disease in dogs of 25.81%. We conclude that in Vojvodina there is an actual risk of Lyme borreliosis for other animals and humans, because of the persistence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in both tick and dog populations.

Comparison of light and fluorescence microscopy for xylem analysis in tomato pedicels during fruit development

The xylem hydraulic connection between shoot and fruits has previously been investigated, but contradictory conclusions were drawn about the presence of a flow resistance barrier in the pedicel. In this paper we were studying effect of the drought on the functional xylem vessels in the pedicels of tomato fruit. Commercial tomato genotype was grown in cabinet conditions under two watering regimes (full and deficit irrigation). An aqueous solution of eosin Y were used to visualize the path of water movement through tomato fruit pedicel and fluorescence microscopy observations were done on transversal and longitudinal sections. Dye uptake studies suggested that in well watered plants and in plants exposed to drought, a large majority of xylem vessels are not functional in water transport. Reduced-irrigation treatment significantly altered number and width of functional xylem elements in the fruit pedicel, especially in the abscission zone. This indicates that drought modifies xylem architecture and, thus, environmentally produced change in the hydraulic property of pedicel may affect fruit development.

An alkylpolyglucoside surfactant as a prospective pharmaceutical excipient for topical formulations: The influence of oil polarity on the colloidal structure and hydrocortisone in vitro/in vivo permeation

There is a growing need for research into new skin- and environment-friendly surfactants. This paper focuses on a natural surfactant of an alkylpolyglucoside type, which can form both thermotropic and lyotropic liquid-crystalline phases. The aim of this study was to relate some physicochemical properties (characterised by polarisation and transmission electron microscopy, thermal analysis and rheology) of the three formulations based on cetearyl glucoside and cetearyl alcohol, to the results of in vitro and in vivo bioavailability of hydrocortisone (HC). The three formulations contained oils of different polarity (medium chain triglycerides: MG, isopropyl myristate: IPM and light liquid paraffin: LP), respectively. In vitro permeation was followed through the artificial skin constructs (ASC), while the parameters measured in vivo were erythema index: EI (using instrumental human skin blanching assay), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH). The vehicles based on cetearyl glucoside and cetearyl alcohol showed a complex colloidal structure of lamellar liquid-crystalline and lamellar gel-crystalline type, depending on oil polarity. Rheological profile of the vehicle was directly related to the in vitro profile of the HC permeation. In vivo results suggested that the vehicle with MG retarded the HC permeation, whereas less polar IPM and non-polar LP enhanced it. It is suggested that the enhancement is achieved either by a direct interaction with lipid lamellae of the SC or indirectly by improving skin hydration. There were no adverse effects during in vivo study, which indicates a good safety profile of this alkylpolyglucoside surfactant.

[The Mallory-Weiss syndrome as an unrecognized cause of death]

Longitudinal tears in the esophagus at the esophageogastric junction are termed Mallory-Weiss syndrome. They are encountered most commonly in alcoholics, attributed to episodes of excessive vomiting. These lacerations could be the cause of massive and severe external and/or internal fatal bleeding. Bleeding from upper gastrointestinal parts could be caused by this syndrome, as well as by ulcers, inflammations, esophageal varices, tumours, blunt abdominal injuries, etc. Such unclear deaths could be of interest to law authorities because they are suspicious, sudden and/or obscure. In daily forensic medical practice, this syndrome is relatively rare, and therefore it, it should be recognized. In this paper, the authors present the case of a single male, aged 54, a chronic drinker, who was found dead in his flat. During the previous day, he was observed medically in the Trauma Centre in Belgrade for nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea). The mucous tears of esophageogastric junction had been established by autopsy, as well as the massive internal gastrointestinal bleeding. On the basis of autopsy and microscopic findings, clinical data and circumstances, the established cause of natural death was fatal exsanguination from esophageogastric mucous tears due to Mallory-Weiss syndrome.

[Post-traumatic pulmonary and systemic fat embolism in forensic practice. Prospective histological study]

INTRODUCTION

The more or less subclinical presence of fat emboli in the lungs and other vital organs, without ischaemic changes in them, whose presence could be postmortem established only by microscopic examination, is termed in forensic medicine systemic fat embolism. On the other hand, Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) is a clinical manifestation of the presence and influence of fat emboli in organs, with clearly defined neurological, respiratory and cutaneous signs and various symptoms, grouped in the so called major and minor signs [8-11].

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to establish the frequency of post-traumatic occurrence of fat emboli in capillaries of the lungs and other organs in cases where the cause of death was not related to pulmonary or systemic fat embolism, but where the typical fat depot injury was established.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A prospective autopsy histological study was carried out. The sample included 56 cases. The clinical and autopsy data were analyzed and compared in order to establish the value of injury Severity Score--ISS. Histological samples of all vital organs were stained by special technique (Sudan III) and the findings in the lungs and kidneys were graded according to Sevitt's criteria [12]. All data were statistically analyzed (chi 2 test, ANOVA).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The sample included 38 males (average age 53.10 years) and 18 females (average age 54.84 years). The older (ANOVA; p = 0.0017) males (chi 2 = 7.14; p < 0.01), injured as pedestrians (ANOVA, p-->0) were statistically significantly more represented. The most common determined causes of death were: cerebral contusions (30), exsanguination (22), respiratory disorders (9), combustion (6), spinal cord contusions (1), and others (complication of injuries, such as inflammations or sepsis--4). These causes were singular or competitive plural. The average value of ISS was 34.59 (SD = 13.16) and that of outliving period 3.70 days (SD = 5.88). The distribution of outliving period was log-normal. Pulmonary fat embolism was established in all cases: in 14 cases pulmonary fat embolism of the first degree; in 16 of the second grade and in 26 of the third degree. Pulmonary fat embolism of the third degree could be the precipitate singular or concurrent cause of death. The presence of fat emboli in glomeruli was established in 39 cases: in 30 cases the kidney fat embolism of the first degree was established, in 6 of the second degree and in 3 cases of the third degree. In 11 cases the presence of fat globules in brain capillaries was established and in 3 cases in the capillaries of other organs (heart, liver, spleen). By analyzing the clinical and autopsy data, as well as microscopic findings, we concluded that in four cases the cause of death was associated with systemic fat embolism, what previously had been missed.

CONCLUSION

In all our sample cases pulmonary fat embolism was verified, and in a great number of them systemic fat embolism. According to medicolegal principles, pulmonary and systemic fat embolism that develop a few hours after trauma can be considered as a consequence of typical body fat depot injury. The later developed FES could be considered as the complication of such an injury. Pulmonary and systemic fat embolism could complicate the basic trauma, e.g. craniocerebral, abdominal or thoracic, and could be considered as the precipitating cause of death. Because of non-specific and non-characteristic macroscopic autopsy findings, pulmonary and systemic fat embolism could be missed as the cause of death.

[Post-traumatic systemic fat embolism syndrome. Retrospective autopsy study]

INTRODUCTION

The obstruction of blood vessels or heart chambers with fat globules, reached by circulation, is fat embolism [1, 2]. Clinical manifestation of the presence of fat emboli in vital organs is Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES). This syndrome is characterized by neurologic, respiratory and cutaneous signs and different symptoms [5-8], grouped in major and minor signs by Gurd and Wilson.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the autopsy findings and clinical data in cases where FES is emphasized as the single or concurrent cause of death after performed autopsy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This retrospective study includes the autopsy material of the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Belgrade, over the period 1985-1998 when FES is pointed out as a cause of death. The severity of trauma for each case was determinated by Injury Severity Score (ISS). The microscopical findings, which are incorporated in autopsy reports, were separately analyzed. The sample was statistically prepared (chi 2 test, ANOVA).

RESULTS

The sample included 56 patients: 43 males (average age 51.65 years) and 13 females (average age 65.07 years). The proportion of men was more significant (chi 2 test = 8.98; p < 0.01) as well as the persons aged 60-80 years (ANOVA, p = 0.0017). In our sample there were more pedestrians (32 patients) (Anova, p-->0) than other injured persons. Fractures of the femur, tibia and/or pelvic bones were typical injuries in each examined patient. The authors combined the clinical and autopsy data in order to get the ISS value. The mean ISS value was 20.65 (SD = 7.47). The mean value of the surviving period was 5.8 days (SD = 3.6). The sample distribution of surviving period was normal (Gauss distribution). The latent period from injury to the onset of the first major FES signs was about 24 hours (32 patients had one of the major FES signs during the first 24 hours after admission; 8 patients after 24-48 hours and 10 after 48 hours after admission). Six patients who were admitted in deep coma were not analyzed.

DISCUSSION

The most common first major FES sign refers to the sudden onset and rapid progressive qualitative or/and quantitative disturbance of conciousness (deep coma developed after a short period, without obvious causes) in 40 cases. In six patients ophthalmological characteristic retinal blood vessels changes were found: they pointed to FES. The second major FES sign was respiratory disturbance alone (manifested at first as chest pain and spitting of blood, and later as disturbances in artery blood gas analysis), or in combination with disturbed conciousness--in 15 cases The characteristic later developed cutaneous chest and axillary rush as the only specific FES sign was established in 11 cases (surviving period was from 5 to 12 days), but clinically only in one case. In addition to objective difficulties, in most cases, one of the minor FES signs was established: in 22 cases haematological disturbances (i. g. low value of haematocrit, haemoglobin, number of platelets or/and coagulation factors); in 13 cases hyperpirexia, and other minor FES signs only occasionally. The postmortem diagnosis of FES could be established only microscopically (Sudan III staining). Bronchopneumonia (24 cases), hyaline membranes (7 cases), as well as lung oedema and alveolar haemorrhages (in almost two thirds of the sample) were the most common microscopical findings in the lung as complications of FES. The most characteristic postmortem brain findings in FES are dotted perivascular haemorrhages, mostly in the white matter. These changes were not established in 7 cases (surviving period was 1 to 2 days), but the especially stained sections pointed to FES as the cause of death. In addition to various chronic pathological changes, only intestinal haemorrhages and/or oedema of solid organs could be established microscopically.

CONCLUSION

In the analyzed sample of 56 patients who died of FES, FES was clinically established onl

[The important role of professor doctor Milovan Milovanovitsh in contemporary suicidology]

The paper deals with the important role of professor Milovan Milovanovitsh in contemporary suicidology. His monograph "Suicide", published in 1929, is a classical and excellent book in which medicolegal, psychosocial, statistical and preventive aspects of suicide are analyzed. His visionary ideas characterize this suicidologic manual, and many of his statements are widely accepted in modern science, e.g. definition of suicide, necessity of multidisciplinary approach in suicidological studies, analysis of suicidal predisposition and motives, concept of "appeal" phenomenon in suicidal behaviour, importance of suicidal announcements and attempts, characteristics of suicides in different periods and social conditions, making of the autopsy-anamnestic method for diagnosis of suicide, problems of prevention of suicide, etc. The work of Milovan Milovanovitsh was the important and primary basis for further suicidologic studies.

[Disorders of consciousness in trauma patients]

238 patients with multiple trauma hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of the Zagreb General Hospital during 1993 and 1994 were analyzed. They were grouped with respect to the type of their injury. The first group was composed of patients with isolated head injury. The second group was made up of patients with multiple trauma and head injury. Patients with multiple trauma but without head injury were inserted into group three. 138 patients were comatose (GCS < 8) and had to be reanimated. 143 patients underwent an urgent surgical procedure. Assisted ventilation over 24 hours needed 180 patients (average of 11,4 days). The most common complications were respiratory: pneumonia developed 60 and ARDS five patients. The rate of mortality was 35,9% (65 patients died.

[Multidisciplinary investigations in dead persons suspicious of AIDS]

The background of AIDS is the deregulation of the cellular immune system caused by HIV infection. AIDS has proved to be entirely different from any previous known diseases. It affects practically all the tissues and organs of the human body. Clinical and autopsy diagnoses are confronted with an incomparable diversity of inflammatory, vascular, degenerative and neoplastic changes. Thanks to clinical and pathological researshes, the medical knowledge of AIDS has rapidly progressed. The Institute of Forensic Medicine is, for now, the unique medical institution organized to perform obligatory autopsies of drug-addicts, to detect the other cases suspect of HIV infection or some AIDS indicative diseases. The aim of this study is to establish the basis for multidisciplinary investigations of AIDS and to solve very important problems such as: a) to accept the diagnostic criteria for correct diagnosis of AIDS, with or without laboratory evidence of HIV infection; b) to recognize the early stadium of clinico-pathological entities associated with HIV infection; c) to improve the "indicator" of AIDS disease for daily medical practice.

EEG arousal and cardiovascular reactivity in professional drivers: the glare pressor test

Patterns of electroencephalographic (EEG) and polygraphically recorded cardiovascular (CV) reactivity to the glare pressor test (GPT) were compared in 19 healthy, young male professional drivers and eight non-driver controls. After the first headlight impulse, 15 drivers showed persistent blockade of spontaneous alpha activity or complete desynchronization. This was accompanied by a significant fall in digital pulse amplitude and a significant rise in diastolic blood pressure (BP) (7.3 +/- 9.5 mmHg). Most drivers recovered baseline alpha activity and showed milder diastolic BP and digital pulse changes after the final (5th) glare impulse. However, in two drivers this last glare stimulus elicited the most pronounced changes: in one case a rapid onset of ventricular extrasystoles and in the other, maximal rise in diastolic BP, together with a persistently desynchronized EEG. No significant effects of the GPT upon central and CV indices were found in the control group. These results indicate that drivers show cardiovascular hyperreactivity to the GPT, with strong central arousal as expected during night driving when an on-coming headlight can represent impending danger and the need for accurate and timely responses to avoid a collision. Once optimal stimulus parameters for routine application are determined, the glare pressor test with EEG and polygraphic recording will offer a clinically useful, standardizable method for evaluating the connection between central mechanisms and CV reactivity in professional drivers, a cohort of patients whose occupational activity epitomizes mentally stressful work, and who are at high cardiac risk.

Blood pressure and electrocardiographic changes elicited by the glare pressor test

The glare and cold pressor tests with blood pressure and ECG recording were administered to 47 young, healthy men. Both stimuli increased mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly. However, cold was more powerful than glare as a diastolic pressor stimulus. Heart rate and corrected QT interval increased significantly during both tests. Professional and nonprofessional drivers who drove at night showed significantly greater diastolic BP responses to the glare pressor test than did non-driver subjects. Ventricular extrasystoles (VES) were recorded exclusively during the glare pressor test in two of six professional drivers with night driving exposure. The heart rate and QT responses reflect the individual's reactivity to sensory stress, regardless of modality or glare exposure. On the other hand, the greater diastolic response and appearance of VES in night driving subgroups during glare suggest a greater sensitivity to the glare pressor test in these subjects.

[Ophthalmological and angiographic findings in workers exposed to carbon disulfide (author's transl)]

Microaneurysms are important in the diagnosis of vascular changes caused by carbon disulfide. They can be diagnosed by ophtholmoscopy, angiography or angioscopy. In our opinion even a careful ophthalmoscopic investigation is sufficient for diagnosis, so that angiography is not absolutely necessary for any mass survey. The incidence of microaneurysms correlates with the duration (both daily and total) as well as with the intensity of exposure to carbon disulfide. The quantity correlates closely with the intensity of exposure. The incidence of microaneurysms is not correlated to age; however it was found to be highest in 40-50-year-old men working with staple fibers, whereas in the spinning department it occurred in 50-55-old men. Microaneurysms are found equally frequently in active workers and invalids. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to degenerative changes of the macula. However, the changes found in the eyes of men from the staple fiber department were more pronounced than in those from the spinning department.