Comparison of Biochemical Parameters between Mouse Model and Human after Paraquat Poisoning

Abstract

Background. This study was designed to investigate differences in biochemical parameters between mouse and humans after paraquat (PQ) poisoning and develop a suitable animal model for studying organ damage after PQ poisoning. The prognostic factors of PQ-poisoned patients were further analyzed. Methods. Thirty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups (control, sham, and 3 PQ doses), and the mouse model was established by intragastric administration of PQ. Physiological indexes such as the body weight, mental state, and mortality rate were observed. Biochemical parameters were analyzed 24 h after PQ poisoning. We also performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 29 patients with PQ poisoning admitted to the Emergency Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical College between April 2016 and February 2018. Biochemical parameters were compared between the mouse model and patients with PQ poisoning. Results. In the PQ poisoning mouse model, the lethal dose group PQ360 showed remarkable increases in serum levels of potassium (K+), carbon dioxide (CO2), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) compared with the nonlethal dose PQ100 and PQ200 groups. The biochemical results of the patients showed that K+ and Cl- levels were significantly reduced in the death group compared to the survival group. Levels of ALT, AST, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and amylase were higher, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was increased in the death group compared with the survival group. Conclusions. The combination of age, PQ dosage, K+, Cl-, BUN, ALT, AST, amylase, and NLR can be used to more accurately predict the outcome of patients with PQ poisoning. C57 mice are an appropriate animal model to study liver and kidney functions following PQ exposure.

Therapeutic Potential of Pentoxifylline in Paraquat-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity: Role of the Phosphodiesterase Enzymes

“…Following PQ administration, there was a notable increase in blood potassium levels alongside a significant decrease in hematocrit levels. Consistent with our findings, Yu et al noted that the elevation in serum potassium after acute PQ exposure could be attributed to renal failure and impaired potassium excretion 26 . Moreover, Okolonkwo et al showed that the substantial decline in blood hemoglobin levels might be associated with red blood cell destruction 27 .…”

Prognosis prediction of procalcitonin within 24 h for acute diquat poisoning

“…The study also included 29 human patients with diquat poisoning, who showed decreased levels of potassium and chloride, which led to death. The dead patients had higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and amylase, and high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [ 37 ]. These studies suggest that a combination of certain factors could accurately predict the outcomes of patient in diquat poisoning.…”