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Biomarkers are important parameters that are reliable, applicable, reproducible, and generally inexpensive. All biomarkers have a significant role in human health, especially mechanistic biomarkers, which are the most important for the prevention of toxic effects and diseases. They demonstrate the possibility of diagnosis, prognosis, recurrence, and spread of disease. Furthermore, they show the exposure levels to numerous chemical, biological, and physical agents. To date, the development and application of biomarkers require the knowledge of mechanisms underlying their production. Therefore, the present study focused on the possible mechanistic biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and herbal substances have an important place in veterinary phytotherapy and ethnoveterinary medicine applications. Some bioactive chemical compounds synthesized by plants have medical effects. However, the use of these plants and herbal materials can cause poisoning due to wrong identification, difficulty in adjusting its dosage, insufficiency of written records and scientific studies on their traditional use, poor hygienic conditions in preparation and variation in their chemical composition according to the region, where and the season when they are gathered, their used part, and their extraction method. In our study, it was aimed to determine the chemical compositions and to toxicologically evaluate the major compounds of T. spicata var. spicata L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Laurus nobilis L. grown in Hatay region and used in veterinary phytotherapy and ethnoveterinary medicine. Chemical compositions of plants contents obtained by solvent extraction method were determined by gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis. The major components of R. officinalis L. and L. nobilis L. were determined as 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol), in rates of 38.91%, and 33.70% respectively. The major component of T. spicata var. spicata L. was determined as carvacrol (48.82%). While these components have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, it has also been reported to cause undesirable and toxic effects such as organs damages (liver, kidney, pancreas and testes etc.), DNA thread breaks and respiratory problems. For this reason, it is thought that knowing the major components and their ratios of medicinal plants and materials used in animal health is important in terms of preventing potential toxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to evaluate genotoxic and toxicopathological effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in fresh water fish also known as Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). For the in vitro production of AFB1, Aspergillus flavus spores were grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and then rice was used as a substrate. The quantity of AFB1 was found 50ppb/g of rice using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. A total of n=150 Grass carp (42±5 g) were divided into 5 groups (A, B, C, D, E). Group A (kept as a control), while groups B, C, D and E were exposed to 25 ppb, 50 ppb, 75 ppb and 100 ppb AFB1 per kg of diet, respectively, for 49 days. The average weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish was significantly higher in group A (WG-15.35 g and SGR-0.63%) compared to group E (WG-6.55 g and SGR-0.28%). The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was significantly (P<0. 05) different between control group and groups D and E. No mortality was notice in any group of fish because of AFB1. However, increasing concentrations of AFB1 significantly lowered the red blood cells (RBC) count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC) count and lymphocytes as compared to the control group. Additionally, significant increase of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), glucose, urea and creatinine was determined in AFB1 treated groups by serum biochemistry. Total serum proteins and albumin level was found significantly higher in control group (6.05 and 4.2 g/dL), compared to AFB1 exposed groups including; group B (5.8 and 3.9 g/dL), group C (5.4 and 3.7 g/dL), group D (4.2 and 2.7 g/dL) and group E (3.8 and 2.06 g/dL). The genotoxicity of AFB1 was only recorded in fish of group D and E exhibiting micronuclei frequency percentage of 0.85 and 2.15% respectively. The histopathological study revealed that higher concentrations of AFB1 were causing pathological changes in liver, kidney, intestine and gills tissue. The present study concluded that AFB1 was responsible for reduction in fish production performance, alteration in fish hematological and serum biochemical profiles, structural and functional alteration in tissues and DNA of tissues of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this case report, acute methomyl poisoning in dogs is described by pathological and toxicological findings for the first time in Turkey. Five of the thirty stray dogs that were found dead within 1-2 days after eating the foodstuffs in an industrial area in Konya were necropsied. Grossly, undigested pieces of chicken meat with a mild insecticidal smell in stomach of all dogs were found and toxicological analysis by GC-MS revealed toxic levels of methomyl in the stomach contents (15.7-17.8 ppm) and, intestines, livers and kidneys (1.2-2.9 ppm) also. In addition, histopathologically degenerative and necrotic changes were observed in liver, brain, lung, kidneys and gastrointestinal system mucosa. Postmortem and histopathological examinations and toxicological analyses revealed that deaths were related to methomyl poisoning and it has been subsequently learned from the police officers and printed media that this poison had been deliberately infected to dog food for the purpose of theft committed in the industrial area. Publishing these intentional poisoning events, we have wanted to draw attention to that more serious measures and statutory regulations should be taken by governments about animal rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lead is a heavy metal that can affect virtually every organ system in the body, particularly the nervous, hematologic and gastrointestinal systems. Children are more sensitive to the health problems as a consequence of lead exposure than adults. Studies have shown that lead contamination on the ground of inexpensive toys, much of them imported from China, is widespread. The goal of this study was to develop a method for determination of the lead levels in plastic toys using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, and to evaluate whether or not these inexpensive toys are possible sources of toxic lead for children. Methods: This study involved 50 plastic toys. Turkish (n=19) and Chinese brands (n=31) of inexpensive plastic toys were purchased from the different places of Ankara in Turkey. Toys were classified as their color and origin of country. Samples were prepared by use of microwave acid digestion procedure. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy was utilized for quantification of lead in the samples which were examined. Results: The method showed linearity in the range of 0-4 mg/kg with a detection and quantification limit equal to 0.01 mg/kg and 0.03 mg/kg, respectively. Lead levels in toys ranged between 0.10 mg/kg and 384.40 mg/kg while median and mean (±SD) lead levels were calculated as 50.01 mg/kg and 68.66±59.72 mg/kg, respectively. Mean lead levels of Turkish brands toys and Chinese brand toys were found 41.44±46.33 mg/kg and 85.35±91.30 mg/kg, respectively. Samples were classified as their origin of country and colors. Hence, Chinese toys had statistically higher lead levels than Turkish brands toys (p=0.01; p< 0.05). In addition, black toys (144.01 ± 121.61 mg/kg) had statistically higher lead levels than other colored ones (54.31± 61.26 mg/kg) (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Thus, it is suggested that inexpensive plastic toys are the potential health risk in terms of lead toxicity for the children. This study can be considered as a preliminary step to examine the potential lead exposure hazard occurring in children through plastic toys. Nevertheless, further research is needed to determine if the high lead concentration in toys poses a serious risk to child health. In addition, the proposed method is applicable for forensic or custom analysis of lead contents in plastic toys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is rarely seen in Turkey and developed countries, aluminum phosphide poisoning is an important heath problem because of its high mortality rate. Aluminum phosphate tablets in 3 g weight which are sold in the market under the trade name "57% Fumiphos" include 57% aluminum phosphide and 43% ammonium carbonate. In the present report, it was aimed to define clinical, crime scene investigation and autopsy findings of a case of aluminum phosphide poisoning that was rarely seen in Turkey and comparatively discuss data of our case and literature knowledge. 20 years old male patient, hospitalized with an ambulance following intake of aluminum phosphide while he was in military service and he was accepted as exitus after intense cardio-pulmonary resuscitation efforts. From witness statements, it was learned that patient taken orally a poison; a pill box written "Fumiphos 57% aluminum phosphide" on it, was found in patient's jacket pocket; and it was learned that patient shared some words about death in social media before the event. In the performed medico-legal autopsy, macroscopic findings were defined and the tissue samples which obtained in autopsy were examined microscopically. In the results of toxicological analysis of samples which obtained in autopsy, it was reported the presence of 14184 ng/g aluminum in stomach contents and p-toluene sulfonic acid in visceral organ and muscle samples. Macroscopic and microscopic findings which obtained at autopsy was found compatible with non-specific findings which defined in the literature. In the result of evaluation of crime scene, autopsy and toxicological analysis findings, it was decided that the person's death occurred due to aluminum phosphide poisoning. In this case report, forensic-medicine procedures in cases died due to intoxications was emphasized, and a case who died due to aluminum phosphide poisoning that was a condition commonly seen in developing countries, but rarely seen in Turkey and developed countries was presented and precautions against aluminum phosphide poisoning were defined. Additionally, we suggest that macroscopic and microscopic autopsy findings of the present case which is rarely defined in classical literature will be a guide to medico-legal examiners for aluminum phosphide poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate whether Pb nanoparticle exposure affects the mesostructure, and osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factorkappaB ligand (OPG/RANKL) system in rats exposed to subchronic and chronic inhalation. Material and Methods: Forty eight rats were randomly divided into eight groups. One group is a non-exposed group. While three groups were exposed to nanoparticles Pb at the following doses 6.25; 12.5; or 25 mg/m3 an hour daily for 28 days. Another three groups were exposed to nanoparticles Pb at following doses 6.25; 12.5; and 25 mg/m3 one hour daily for 6 months. Results: Subchronic and chronic Pb nanoparticles changed trabecular mesostructure. We found that subchronic exposure significantly increased the levels of OPG at the first and second dose exposure compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). In the chronic exposure, we found that the levels of OPG significantly increased at the first and second dose exposure compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In this study significant reduction in subchronic exposure to second and third doses compared to the first dose or exposure control (P < 0.05) were shown. In chronic exposure, no significant differences in RANKL levels were found between groups (P > 0.05). In subchronic exposure, the ratio of OPG/RANKL significantly increased between the third dose exposure compared to controls (P < 0.05), with not significant differences in chronic exposure. Conclusion: Pb nanoparticle induced trabecular bone neoformation at least a part via OPG stimulation and inhibition of RANKL by osteoblast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mad honey poisoning is a clinical state resulting from the ingestion of honey produced in the Black Sea region of Turkey. This honey is produced from the nectar of the Rhododendron Ponticum plant. Grayanotoxin is responsible for this cholinergic syndrome, presenting with either one or a combination of two or more of lightheadedness, weakness, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, salivation, depressed cognitive function, syncope, blurred vision, paresthesia in the perioral region or extremities, cyanosis and convulsions shortly following ingestion of mad honey. Hypotension and bradycardia are the most commonly seen signs of toxicity. Symptoms usually respond well to intravenous fluid replacement and atropine, and relieve within 24 hours. In this paper, we report a case of mad honey poisoning in a 67 years old patient who presented with weakness on his right side, mimicking transient ischemic attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The elderly population is rapidly growing in Turkey and in the world. The aim of our study is to investigate the features of acute poisonings which is a major health problem among the elderly. Materials and Method: Medical files of patients aged 65 years and over admitted to the emergency department of a university hospital for acute poisonings between January 2005 and December 2011 were reviewed. The demographic characteristics of patients, causes and origins of poisonings were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Among 3106 patients who presented with acute poisoning, 126 (4.06%) were geri-atric cases. The mean age of the patients was 73.36 ± 6.38. Sixty seven (53.2%) were male and 59 (46.8%) female. The most common causes of acute poisonings were as follows; 68 (54%) drug intoxication, 34 (27%) carbon monoxide and 16 (12.7%) pesticide poisoning. The origins of poisonings were as follows; 105 (83.3%) accidental, 16 (12.7%) suicidal. Fifty seven (45.2%) accidental poisonings occurred due to use of prescription drugs. The risk of suicidal death by using pesticides was significantly higher than the other causes (OR =4.09, p= 0.03). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it is concluded that inappropriate pre-scription drug use is the most common cause of poisonings in geriatric patients. We believe that public health programs for preventing drug poisonings among geriatric patients are necessary. For prevention of carbon monoxide and pesticide poisonings, security measures must be estab-lished in the living areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan has been used as an antibacterial agent in lots of commercial products for many years. Some of these products are; soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, cleansing lotions, plastics, toothpastes and antibacterial textile products. According to the new researches some part of triclosan decomposes with the effect of UV rays and toxic dioxin occurs. In this paper usage of triclosan in textile industry, effect mechanism and toxicology of triclosan are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of diazinon, an organic phosphoric insecticide, on some developmental features of Drosophila melanogaster. The aim was to determine if any developmental inhibition occurs when diazinon is applied and if so, to determine which developmental stages are affected. Therefore, diazinon was applied to Drosophila melanogaster eggs, larvae, and adults, and its effects were observed. During the experiments 3 concentrations with values lower than LC50 were utilized (6x10-5, 6x10-6, 6x10-7 ppm). Diazinon solution was applied to Drosophila melanogaster by means of nutrition, adding it to the culture medium. The results show that development from egg to third instar larva was significantly inhibited in the F1 and F2 generations. The development of larva to adult was only inhibited in the F2 generation. The application of diazinon to females did not cause any change in the rate of egg laying. The overall results show that diazinon's toxicity was strongest during the early stages of development; however, it also affected the F2 generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]