In a group of Egyptian lead tank welders who were exposed to lead fumes for periods to 22 years the changes in serum lipids and some of the liver function tests which may elucidate the effect of lead on the liver were investigated. The results revealed increased blood lead level associated with decreased blood haemoglobin and increased urinary excretion of delta amino levulinic acid. However, no clinical abnormalities were recorded in the exposed group of the present work. Thus the increase in serum triglycerides and B-lipoprotein together with the lowering of the phospholipid/cholesterol ratio which were found may indicate premature development of atherosclerosis. Indirect evidence of the beginning of liver fattening was also provided by the increase in serum GOT, GPT, LDH enzymes and decreased albumin/globulin ratio besides the changes in serum lipid values. It is concluded therefore that lead poisoning may have a vascular as well as hepato-toxic action.
This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of diazepam in the presence and absence of glibenclamide, metformin or their combination on serum levels of glucose, insulin and chromium in rats. Results indicated that diazepam (10 mg/kg i.p.) induced marked hyperglycaemic effects in hyperglycaemic rats. This effect was associated with significant reductions in serum chromium levels and insignificant reduction in serum insulin levels. Diazepam-induced hyperglycaemia was counteracted by concurrent administration of glibenclamide (5 mg/kg orally), metformin (500 mg/kg orally) or their combination. The effect of diazepam on serum chromium level was counteracted partially by administration of glibenclamide and augmented in the presence of metformin or its combination with glibenclamide. It is concluded that the diazepam-induced hyperglycaemia, as well as the hypoglycaemic effect of glibenclamide, might be related to changes in serum chromium levels.
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