Tehran University Medical Journal

Background: Vitamin C is a major antioxidant in lung airways and also functions against external insulting oxidant sources such as smoke and environmental contaminants. The aim of study was to assess the vitamin C in asthmatic patients, by it’s measurement in plasma and white blood cells (WBC).

Materials and Methods: In a case–control study 50 asthmatic patients and 50 healthy person were randomly selected. The data were obtained by utilizing socioeconomic questionnaire and 24 hour dietary recall. l0 c.c blood samples were drawn. Plasma and WBC vitamin C concentration were measured colorimetrically. The data were analyzed by FPI and SPSS software.

Results: The results indicate that 38 percent and 92 percent of patients had deficient plasma and WBC vitamin C concentrations respectively. There was a significant difference in plasma and WBC vitamin C concentrations among patients and control group (P<0.0001) Analysis of regression showed that a significant dependence was observed between the duration of asthma and plasma vitamin C status (P=0.03), though a positive significant correlation was obtained between plasma vitamin C status and dietary vitamin C intake (P=0.0001, r =0.56), The interaction of socioeconomic parameters and vitamin C concentration in asthmatic patients in this study was not significant .

Conclusion: Present study indicates that while there is an association between vitamin C status and asthma but WBC vitamin C status is more sensitive in this regard and deserves further study and consideration.

Background: Nowadays, nanomaterials are used in daily life extensively. One of the most common of these materials is nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) which is used to purify the air and also sunscreens, shampoos and other hygienic products. Although nano-particles are useful, can also have potential hazards. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of TiO2 on lung tissue in rabbits.
Methods: We divided 18 male rabbits into three groups randomly. The first group recei-ved 50 µl of TiO2 with dose of 50 mg/kg by intratracheal instillation. The second group received 50 µl of TiO2 with dose of 100 mg/kg and the third group received 50 µl of nor-mal saline by the same route. Chest X-rays were taken from all rabbits before injection and on days of 10, 17 and 24 after injection. Twenty four days after injection, rabbits anesthetized and histopathological assays, blood samples and biochemical factors were evaluated.
Results: Radiographic assays showed a progressive pulmonary fibrosis in rabbits recei-ved TiO2 rather than the control group and this lesion developed to maximum at 24th day of the experiment. We also showed pulmonary emphysema and inflammation in histo-pathologycal study of groups treated with TiO2. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the amount of liver enzymes, white blood cells and hematocrit in TiO2 treat-ed groups compared to control group (P≤0.05). There were no significant differences between plasma levels of creatinine in different groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Results showed that nanotitanium dioxide particles can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation and also increasing liver enzymes and inflammatory cells.