Summary Objectives Data on blood lead levels, sources of lead and health effects were reviewed among children in Pakistan. Methods A systematic review was conducted of published studies found through ...PubMed, an index of Pakistani medical journals PakMediNet and unpublished reports from governmental and non-governmental agencies in Pakistan. Results With the exception of a few studies that had adequate sample sizes and population-based samples, most studies were small and used convenience sampling methods to select study subjects. Overall, blood lead levels declined from 38 μg/dl in 1989 to 15 μg/dl in 2002. The major sources of lead that directly or indirectly resulted in lead exposure of children included: leaded petrol; father's occupation in lead-based industry; leaded paint; traditional cosmetics; and remedies. Apart from leaded petrol, there was no information regarding the level of lead in other sources such as paints and the household environment. Very little information was available regarding the adverse health effects of lead among children. Conclusion The phasing out of leaded petrol was a commendable mitigation measure undertaken in July 2001 in Pakistan. A comprehensive assessment is now needed urgently to explore other sources of lead contributing to adverse health effects, and to plan intervention options with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of disease due to lead exposure.
To estimate the umbilical cord blood lead levels (BLLs) of Pakistani neonates and to identify determinants for umbilical BLLs.
We conducted a cross-sectional study of mothers and infants at one of ...the two obstetric units of two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi during January–August 2005. Information from 540 mothers selected randomly from those registered for delivery was obtained about their pregnancy, diet, and current and past lead exposures. We collected umbilical cord blood for lead levels analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. We computed geometric and arithmetic means. We performed multiple linear regression analysis to identify factors associated with log-transformed umbilical cord BLLs. We also performed logistic regression analysis to identify determinants of high lead cord BLLs (⩾10
μg/dl).
The geometric mean cord BLL of the neonates was 9.6
μg/dl; arithmetic mean (S.D.) was 10.8
μg/dl (5.7) with a median of 9.7
μg/dl and a range of 1.8–48.9
μg/dl. Women who reported intake of less than 58.5
mg of elemental iron supplement per day during pregnancy had cord BLL of 10.0
μg/dl; in comparison those women who had higher iron intake had lower cord BLL (8.4
μg/dl). Those who used surma (an eye cosmetic) daily had higher cord BLL (11.5
μg/dl) as compared to those who used it less frequently (9.4
μg/dl). In multivariable linear regression model, higher iron intake, owning a car, and being in 2nd quartile of mid-arm circumference were associated with low lead levels while father's occupation in lead-based industry was associated with significantly higher umbilical cord BLLs. There was interaction of daily surma use and ethnicity. Geometric mean BLLs were varied among surma users by ethnicity.
Umbilical cord BLLs are high in Karachi, Pakistan, in comparison to those in developed countries such as United States. Measures are needed to reduce fetal lead exposure to prevent adverse affect on neurocognitive development. Association of low iron (below RDA of 60
mg per day) with high umbilical cord has implications for strengthening iron supplement intake during pregnancy. Umbilical cord BLLs differed among surma users by ethnicity.
Under different pathological conditions, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause substantial damage to multiple organs. To counter these ROS levels in multiple organs, we have engineered ...highly potent novel terpolymers. We found that combination of FDA-approved polyethylene glycol, fumaric acid moieties and electroactive tetra(aniline) by varying the content of tetra(aniline) results into a novel drug composition with biologically active and tunable intrinsic antioxidant properties. To test the intrinsic antioxidative properties of these novel terpolymers, we used alloxan to induce diabetes in rats where ROS generation is known to be higher. The systemic administration of terpolymers to the diabetic rats showed strong electroactive antioxidant behavior which not only normalized ROS levels, but also improved the levels of enzymatic antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). As a proof-of-principle, we here show TANI based novel drug composition of terpolymers with tunable intrinsic antioxidant properties in multiple organs.
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•Novel class of tuneable, biocompatible, and biodegradable electroactive tetra(aniline)-based terpolymers with intrinsic antioxidant properties .•The tested terpolymers showed high antioxidative activity in diabetic rats.•These terpolymers present a new strategy of drug development.
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