Twisha Lahiri

Platelet activation, upregulation of CD11b/ CD18 expression on leukocytes and increase in circulating leukocyte-platelet aggregates in Indian women chronically exposed to biomass smoke

The majority of households in rural India still rely on unprocessed solid biomass for domestic energy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic exposure to biomass smoke causes activation of leukocytes and the formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates. We conducted flow cytometric analysis of β2 Mac-1 integrin (CD11b/CD18) expression on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes, and P-selectin (CD62P) expression on the platelets of 165 women from eastern India, who cook solely with wood, dung and agricultural wastes, and 155 age- and socio-economic condition-matched control subjects, who used relatively cleaner fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Leukocyte-platelet aggregates were defined as CD11b-positive PMN and monocytes co-expressing platelet-specific markers CD41 or CD62P. A significant increase in leukocyte-platelet aggregates was found in women who used biomass as cooking fuel. In addition, they showed increased surface expression of CD11b/CD18 in circulating PMN and monocytes and CD62P expression on platelets. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD11b on the surface of circulating monocytes and PMN of biomass users increased by 50 and 68%, respectively. Similarly, a 62 and 48% increase in MFI was observed in CD18 expression on the surface of these cells in biomass users. The results show that chronic biomass smoke exposure activates circulating platelets, PMN and monocytes, and increases the number of leukocyte-platelet aggregates, which are considered a risk factor for thrombosis.

Chronic Exposures to Cholinesterase-inhibiting Pesticides Adversely Affect Respiratory Health of Agricultural Workers in India

Chronic Exposures to Cholinesterase‐inhibiting Pesticides Adversely Affect Respiratory Health of Agricultural Workers in India: Sreeparna Chakraborty, et al. Department of Experimental Hematology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India

Uptake and biodistribution of dopamine in bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes of normal and tumor bearing mice

Significant labelled dopamine uptake was evident in bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes of normal murine hosts in vivo. On the contrary animals bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma, 3H-dopamine uptake was significantly reduced. The tumor tissue itself incorporated only insignificant amount of dopamine. Bone marrow cells, splenocytes and lymphocytes from lymph nodes showed specific uptake of this monoamine. At present the peripheral role of dopamine in the regulation of heart and kidney functions are well documented and utilized clinically for treatment of congestive heart and renal failure. The present result of specific dopamine uptake by bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes and alterations following tumor growth where hematopoesis and immune functions are disrupted, strengthens our previous idea that dopamine might also influence the functions of these peripheral organs. Knowledge of this possible effect of DA on these peripheral organs may be of future clinical significance in the management of hematological and immune abnormalities.

Immune cells and cardiovascular health in premenopausal women of rural India chronically exposed to biomass smoke during daily household cooking

Changes in cells of the immune system are important indicators of systemic response of the body to air pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunological changes in rural women who have been cooking exclusively with biomass for the past 5 years or more and compare the findings with women cooking exclusively with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the associations between indices of indoor air pollution (IAP) and a set of immune assays. Biomass users illustrated marked suppression in the total number of T-helper (CD4+) cells and B (CD19+) cells while appreciable rise was documented in the number of CD8+ T-cytotoxic cells and CD16+CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells. A consistent finding among biomass users was rise in regulatory T (Treg) cells. Among biomass users, peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations, Treg cells, and the number of typical monocytes (CD16-CD64+ cells), antigen presenting types (CD16+CD64- cells) and plasmacytoid cells (CD16-CD64- cells) were found to be significantly altered in those who daily cooked with dung in comparison to wood and crop residue users (p<0.05). Biomass users who cooked in kitchens adjacent to their living areas had significant changes in peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations, typical monocytes (CD16-CD64+) with high phagocytic activity and antigen presenting monocytes (CD16+CD64-) against women who cooked in separate kitchens (p<0.01). This study has shown that women who cooked exclusively with biomass fuel had alterations in immune defense compared with their neighbors who cooked with LPG.

Micronucleus Frequencies and Nuclear Anomalies in Exfoliated Buccal Epithelial Cells of Firefighters

Abstract To determine the genotoxic effects of combustion fumes on the target tissues, micronucleus (MN) assay was carried out in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells of 47 firefighters. Compared to a mean value of 1.25 MN per 1000 cells in 40 matched controls, the firefighters had 3.91 MN per 1000 epithelial cells in their oral cavity, thereby showing 3-fold rise over control. Besides MN, the firefighters exhibited higher prevalence for several other nuclear anomalies like ‘broken egg’ nuclei (5.69 vs. 1.73/1000 cells), pyknotic and condensed nuclei (2.86 vs. 0.62/1000 cells), karyorrhexis (24.12 vs. 6.45/1000 cells), and karyolysis (152.6 vs. 21.5/1000 cells). All these changes were statistically significant (p<0.05). The nuclear changes were more prevalent in firefighters with relatively longer duration of service. MN and other nuclear anomalies reflect genetic changes, events associated with carcinogenesis. Therefore the results unveil a high risk of developing cancer among firefighters.

Plasma Catecholamine Levels and Neurobehavioral Problems in Indian Firefighters

Plasma Catecholamine Levels and Neurobehavioral Problems in Indian Firefighters: Manas R. Ray, et al. Experimental Hematology Unit, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India— Firefighting is a stressful and hazardous job. Persons engaged in firefighting are highly exposed to workrelated stress as well as to smoke containing a host of chemicals potentially harmful to human health. In order to elucidate whether firefighting affects neuroendocrine and behavioral responses of firefighters, plasma catecholamine (CA) levels and the prevalence of neurobehavioral symptoms in 62 firefighters (all males, mean age 43 yr) and 52 control subjects matched for age and sex were examined in this study. Self‐reported neurobehavioral symptoms data were obtained from a questionnaire survey and personal interview. Concentrations of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in plasma were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Compared with matched controls, the firefighters showed higher prevalence (p<0.05) of neurobehavioral symptoms such as burning sensation in the extremities, tingling and numbness, transient loss of memory, and depression, but no significant difference was recorded in the prevalences of anxiety, vertigo and dizziness. The firefighters demonstrated a more than two‐fold (p<0.05) rise in plasma levels of E and NE, but the plasma DA level was relatively unchanged. Controlling age and smoking as possible confounders, firefighting was found to be associated with raised E (OR=2.15; 95% CI, 0.98– 4.52), and NE levels (OR=2.24 95% CI, 1.22–3.61). In conclusion, the job of firefighting appears to be associated with stimulation of sympathetic activity and a rise in the prevalence of neurobehavioral symptoms.

Effects of air pollution on the respiratory health of children: a study in the capital city of India

Urban air pollutants cause a wide range of acute and chronic effects on the respiratory system of children that can be devastating. In this study, the respiratory health of children was assessed in the capital city of India where the level of air pollution is much above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The study was carried out in Delhi, and the findings were compared with those of rural West Bengal and Uttaranchal. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was determined through a structured respiratory symptomlogy questionnaire and personal interviews. Air quality data were collected from Central and State Pollution Control Boards and also obtained by direct measurements using a portable aerosol monitor. Based on the data collected on the cohort of children participating in this study, 32.1% of children in Delhi suffered from respiratory problems in contrast to 18.2% of rural children (control). The respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in girls than in boys. A strong, statistically significant positive association was observed between PM10 level in Delhi’s air and the prevalence of lower respiratory tract symptoms.

Abundance of siderophages in sputum: indicator of an adverse lung reaction to air pollution.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the lung response to traffic-related air pollution by enumerating hemosiderin-laden alveolar macrophages (AM) in sputum. STUDY DESIGN Sputum samples were collected from 103 urban adult males from Calcutta chronically exposed to automobile exhaust. Forty-nine rural individuals served as controls. AM were identified by nonspecific esterase staining. Perls Prussian blue technique was employed for the detection of hemosiderin-laden AM (siderophages). RESULTS The urban group, consisting of 31 traffic officers, 25 automobile service station workers and 47 street hawkers, had seven times more AM in their sputum than did the matched controls. Besides, a remarkable rise (27-fold) in the number of siderophages in sputum was observed in urban individuals. Smoking further elevated the AM count and number of siderophages. CONCLUSION Abundant siderophages in the urban group may indicate the toxic effect of airborne pollutants on the lung, leading to phagocytosis of destroyed cells, including erythrocytes, and accumulation of iron in AM. Enumeration of siderophages in sputum appears to be a simple, noninvasive, inexpensive cytochemical technique well suited to preliminary assessment of the adverse effects of air pollution on the lungs in large, population-based studies, especially in developing countries.

Hematological, immunological, and cardiovascular changes in individuals residing in a polluted city of India: A study in Delhi

Exposure to poor air quality is associated with a multitude of hematological and immunological alterations. Cardio vascular diseases, rather than respiratory ailments, are the most important cause of death from air pollution exposure. Thus, hematological, immunological and cardiovascular alterations in healthy individuals exposed to vehicular pollution (one of the leading source of air pollution in growing metropolitan cities) are investigated in this study. A total number of 2218 (21-65 years old) adults residing in Delhi participated in this study. As control, 642 age and sex matched healthy subjects from the rural areas of Uttaranchal were enrolled. Arterial blood pressure (BP) was measured by a sphygmomanometer. Blood samples were collected and routine hematology was done. Lymphocyte subset analysis and platelet P-selectin expression was measured by flow cytometry. Air quality data was collected from Central and State Pollution Control Boards and was also measured onsite by portable, battery-operated laser photometer. The prevalence of hypertension was nearly 4-times higher in Delhi when compared to the control. Platelet P-selectin was remarkably upregulated in residents of Delhi. They had depleted number of CD4+ T-helper cells and CD19+ B cells but elevated level of CD56+ natural killer cells. Altered lymphocyte subtypes and increased number of P-selectin-positive platelets suggest altered immunity (that may compromise bodys defense against infections) and hypercoagulable state, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The current study has identified poor air quality of Delhi as a key contributor to several adverse health conditions experienced by the general population of the city, which not only makes the quality of life compromised but also put them at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular ailments later in life.

Antitumor effect of i.p. dopamine in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

SummaryThe cancer chemotherapeutic efficacy of dopamine (DA) was evaluated in female strain A mice bearing transplantable Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. The results demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth with appreciable increase in the host survival time following DA treatment. Diminished activity of the growth-related respiratory enzyme succinate dehydrogenase along with stimulated activity of the lysosomal enzyme, β-glucuronidase in DA-treated tumor cells indicated inhibition of tumor growth as well as active lysis of the tumor cells. The direct effect of this compound on tumor proliferation was demonstrated by marked inhibition of DNA synthesis. RNA synthesis was only marginally inhibited.