The effect of endosulfan, an Organochlorine pesticide, on bluegill testes was studied. Endosulfan is aqua-toxic and has an immediate effect on fish and other aquatic life. In this experiment, we exposed the fish for 24-, 48-, 72-, 96-h, and 1- and 2-week periods. A second group of fish without exposure to endosulfan served as the control. The control testis appeared structurally normal. The seminiferous tubules were of round or oval shape and contained primary spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatozoa, spermatids, Sertoli cells, and interstitial cells of Leydig. Within the connective tissue that connected the seminiferous tubules were Leydig cells. After 24 h of exposure, there was evidence of slight signs of connective tissue splintering. The 48-h exposure resulted in breakage of primary spermatocyte walls and separation from the seminiferous tubules. The 72-h testis showed further connective tissue damage and migration of primary spermatogonia into the lumen. After 96 h, there was significant damage to connective tissue and the seminiferous tubules were less pronounced. After 1 and 2 weeks, the seminiferous tubule walls were disrupted and missing in places and the structure of the testis was very disorganized compared to the control testis. Biometric analysis indicated that the diameter of the primary spermatogonia decreased from 24 h to two weeks. There also appeared to be fewer Leydig cells, responsible for testosterone production, over the exposure period and damaged Sertoli cells, which support, protect, and nourish the spermatogenic cells, synthesize ABP, and assist in maintaining the necessary concentration of testosterone in the seminiferous tubules so that spermatogenesis can progress. These kinds of damage could affect the spermatids and spermatozoa and possibly have a negative impact on spermatogenesis and male fertility, affecting bluegill fish population.
Study ObjectiveThe purpose of this case study is to review the clinical presentation and medical workup of a young adult male presenting with rhabdomyolysis in the setting of suspected contributing factors, including treatment with mirtazapine and history of COVID-19 infection.MethodThis case study involves a 19-year-old male in a residential setting with a psychiatric history of major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder who had been stabilized on mirtazapine for 9 months. Then, the patient exhibited fever, sore throat, cough, nausea, diarrhea, and malaise and was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection; he did not require hospitalization, was treated with supportive care, and signs and symptoms resolved uneventfully. Approximately 2 months later, in the winter, the patient presented for clinical assessment due to hematuria and painful urination. History revealed that he had been exercising excessively exercising over the past 24 hours, completing hundreds of push-ups and sit-ups. The patient presented to a nearby community hospital and was found to have creatine kinase of over 500,000. He was transferred to a large Midwestern university hospital for further evaluation and management.ResultsThe patient’s serum creatine kinase level was found to be 510,000 U/L. Patient’s ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase were 283, 79, and 76 IU/L, respectively, while creatinine was 0.92. Patient received vigorous hydration, supportive care, and further evaluation. Treatment with mirtazapine was discontinued. The following week he developed severe nausea and vomiting; creatine kinase had decreased to 920, while hepatic function tests remained mildly elevated. Evaluation for hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus were negative, as was Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis. Further medical workup for other potential causes of rhabdomyolysis was negative. The patient recovered and is asymptomatic with return to normal lab values. He remains in psychiatric follow-up.ConclusionsThe patient’s presentation of rhabdomyolysis may have been attributable to multiple factors. Independently, sustained excessive physical activity, COVID-19 infection, and treatment with mirtazapine have all been implicated in the development of rhabdomyolysis. Caution should be taken when prescribing mirtazapine in individuals at higher risk of developing rhabdomyolysis, including those engaged in excessive exercise or who have had COVID-19 infection.FundingNo funding
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.