Despite an increasing surge in application of nanoparticles in industries, there is a serious lack of information concerning their impact on human health and the environment. The present study investigated effects of molybdenum nanoparticles (Mo NPs) injected intraperitoneally into Sprague-Dawley rats at different doses of Mo NPs (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg BW per day) during a period of 28 days. Hematological and biochemical parameters as well as sexual hormones and histopathological examinations of the liver and testis were assessed and compared with control group. The results showed that the serum levels of testosterone decreased significantly in both groups of 10 and 15 mg (Mo NPs)/kg BW in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). However, there were insignificant differences observed in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and hematological parameters when compared with the control group (p > 0.05). The results of liver enzymes showed that serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) decreased significantly in both dosage groups of 5 and 10 mg/kg BW (Mo NPs) when compared with the control group (p < 0.05), and significant decrease obtained in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels at dose of 5 mg/kg BW in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). The histopathological examination of testis showed a decrease in number of Leydig cells. Also, the number of chronic inflammatory cells increased in portal triad and parenchyma in liver tissue of rats exposed to Mo NPs.
Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) levels are increased in sepsis. In most previously conducted research, PCT levels were found to increase during septic shock. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare PCT levels with CRP and ESR levels in children with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, and septic shock. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2011 and December 2012 on 84 children between 3 months and 13 years old admitted in pediatric and PICU wards. The required venous samplings were taken during their hospitalization prior to antibiotic therapy. Urine and CSF fluid cultures were analyzed in specific cases. Patients treated with intravenous antibiotics during the week prior to admission were not included in the study. Results: Due to incomplete information, a total of 81 children were examined; of them, 31 were suffering from SIRS (36.9%), 27 had sepsis (32.1%), 10 had undergone septic shock (11.9%), and 13 had positive cultures (15.5%). PCT levels were higher than 0.5 ng/mL in 57.1% of the patients, CRP levels were higher than 10 mg/L in 71.4% of the patients, and ESR levels were higher than 20 mm/h in 69% of the patients. In our study, a moderate correlation was found between PCT and CRP levels. However, there was a poor correlation between PCT and ESR levels. Conclusions: PCT levels are a faster and more reliable marker of inflammation than ESR or CRP levels. However, since PCT tests are expensive, CRP levels are preferable to study in differentiating the three stages of infection.
SUMMARY: Special features of nanoparticles have resulted in their widespread use. Small molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ) nanoparticles can translocate from the entry portals into the circulatory and lymphatic systems and ultimately to body tissues and organs depending on their composition and size. In this research, sixty Wistar rats weighting 180-250 g were divided into 6 groups (n=10) randomly: Group 1 (Control) did not receive any medicine. Group 2 (Sham) received intraperitoneal normal saline for 35 days on a daily basis. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 received 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg MoO 3 , respectively, the same way in the sham group and at the same interval. At the end of the experiment, the rats were weighted again and anesthetised. Then blood samples were taken from their hearts to determine the serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropins. Their ovaries were removed and ovarian volume, follicular diameter, number of each follicle type, and oocyte volume were determined. Results indicated that MoO 3 nanoparticles strongly reduced body and ovarian weights in the rats. Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in ovarian volume, the number of follicle types, oocyte volume and follicular diameter. The nanoparticles increased the number of atretic follicles via ovarian tissue structure. MoO 3 nanoparticles decreased serum estrogen level and increased serum level of FSH that was associated with disruption in the regulation of progesterone and LH secretion. The findings showed that MoO 3 nanoparticles could bear negative effects on ovarian structure and function.
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