1
|
Yamagishi Y, Iwase H, Ogra Y. Effects of human serum albumin on post-mortem changes of malathion. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11573. [PMID: 34079008 PMCID: PMC8172840 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91145-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malathion, diethyl 2-[(dimethoxyphosphinothioyl)thio]butanedioate, is one of most widely used organophosphoryl pesticide, and it has been detected in several clinical cases of accidental exposure and suicide. It is reported that the observed malathion concentration in blood of persons who suffer from malathion poisoning is smaller than the expected concentration. Because malathion is bound to human serum albumin (HSA), recovery of malathion in the free form is insufficient. We detected malathion adducts in HSA by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF–MS). The mass spectra showed that malathion was preferably bound to the lysine (K) and cysteinylproline (CP) residues of HSA. The K- and CP-adducts of malathion were increased in vitro with a dose-dependent fashion when its concentration was smaller than the lethal dose. Further, the K-adduct was also detected in post-mortem blood of an autopsied subject suffering from intentional malathion ingestion. These results suggest that the K-adduct seems to be available to use a biomarker of malathion poisoning, and the determination of the K-adduct could make possible to estimate the amount of malathion ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Yamagishi
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan.,Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hirotaro Iwase
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yasumitsu Ogra
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan. .,Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tjoncke JA, Goncalves R, Castaing N, Molimard M, Tovagliaro F, Titier K. Death related to nicotine replacement therapy: A case report. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 309:110223. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
3
|
Caffeine-Related Deaths: Manner of Deaths and Categories at Risk. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10050611. [PMID: 29757951 PMCID: PMC5986491 DOI: 10.3390/nu10050611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive compound worldwide. It is mostly found in coffee, tea, energizing drinks and in some drugs. However, it has become really easy to obtain pure caffeine (powder or tablets) on the Internet markets. Mechanisms of action are dose-dependent. Serious toxicities such as seizure and cardiac arrhythmias, seen with caffeine plasma concentrations of 15 mg/L or higher, have caused poisoning or, rarely, death; otherwise concentrations of 3–6 mg/kg are considered safe. Caffeine concentrations of 80–100 mg/L are considered lethal. The aim of this systematic review, performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for the identification and selection of studies, is to review fatal cases in which caffeine has been recognized as the only cause of death in order to identify potential categories at risk. A total of 92 cases have been identified. These events happened more frequently in infants, psychiatric patients, and athletes. Although caffeine intoxication is relatively uncommon, raising awareness about its lethal consequences could be useful for both clinicians and pathologists to identify possible unrecognized cases and prevent related severe health conditions and deaths.
Collapse
|
4
|
Magni PA, Pazzi M, Vincenti M, Alladio E, Brandimarte M, Dadour IR. Development and validation of a GC–MS method for nicotine detection in Calliphora vomitoria (L.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Forensic Sci Int 2016; 261:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
5
|
Cappelletti S, Piacentino D, Daria P, Sani G, Aromatario M. Caffeine: cognitive and physical performance enhancer or psychoactive drug? Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 13:71-88. [PMID: 26074744 PMCID: PMC4462044 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666141210215655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine use is increasing worldwide. The underlying motivations are mainly concentration
and memory enhancement and physical performance improvement. Coffee and caffeine-containing
products affect the cardiovascular system, with their positive inotropic and chronotropic effects, and
the central nervous system, with their locomotor activity stimulation and anxiogenic-like effects.
Thus, it is of interest to examine whether these effects could be detrimental for health. Furthermore,
caffeine abuse and dependence are becoming more and more common and can lead to caffeine
intoxication, which puts individuals at risk for premature and unnatural death. The present review summarizes the main
findings concerning caffeine’s mechanisms of action (focusing on adenosine antagonism, intracellular calcium
mobilization, and phosphodiesterases inhibition), use, abuse, dependence, intoxication, and lethal effects. It also suggests
that the concepts of toxic and lethal doses are relative, since doses below the toxic and/or lethal range may play a causal
role in intoxication or death. This could be due to caffeine’s interaction with other substances or to the individuals' preexisting
metabolism alterations or diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cappelletti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Piacentino Daria
- NESMOS (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- NESMOS (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Aromatario
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chaturvedi AK. Aerospace toxicology overview: aerial application and cabin air quality. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2011; 214:15-40. [PMID: 21913123 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0668-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Aerospace toxicology is a rather recent development and is closely related to aerospace medicine. Aerospace toxicology can be defined as a field of study designed to address the adverse effects of medications, chemicals, and contaminants on humans who fly within or outside the atmosphere in aviation or on space flights. The environment extending above and beyond the surface of the Earth is referred to as aerospace. The term aviation is frequently used interchangeably with aerospace. The focus of the literature review performed to prepare this paper was on aerospace toxicology-related subject matters, aerial application and aircraft cabin air quality. Among the important topics addressed are the following: · Aerial applications of agricultural chemicals, pesticidal toxicity, and exposures to aerially applied mixtures of chemicals and their associated formulating solvents/surfactants The safety of aerially encountered chemicals and the bioanalytical methods used to monitor exposures to some of them · The presence of fumes and smoke, as well as other contaminants that may generally be present in aircraft/space vehicle cabin air · And importantly, the toxic effects of aerially encountered contaminants, with emphasis on the degradation products of oils, fluids, and lubricants used in aircraft, and finally · Analytical methods used for monitoring human exposure to CO and HCN are addressed in the review, as are the signs and symptoms associated with exposures to these combustion gases. Although many agricultural chemical monitoring studies have been published, few have dealt with the occurrence of such chemicals in aircraft cabin air. However, agricultural chemicals do appear in cabin air; indeed, attempts have been made to establish maximum allowable concentrations for several of the more potentially toxic ones that are found in aircraft cabin air. In this article, I emphasize the need for precautionary measures to be taken to minimize exposures to aerially encountered chemicals, or aircraft cabin air contaminants and point out the need for future research to better address toxicological evaluation of aircraft-engine oil additives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arvind K Chaturvedi
- Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory (AAM-610), Aerospace Medical Research Division, Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Federal Aviation Administration, US Department of Transportation, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-5066, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Takase I, Yamamoto Y, Nakagawa T, Nishi K. A fatal case of potential chronic overdoses of prescribed and proprietary remedies. Hum Exp Toxicol 2010; 29:695-9. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327109360116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A 33-year-old man was found in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest. He was transported to an emergency hospital but was pronounced dead. He had suffered from depression for about 8 years and had attempted suicide repeatedly. A search by the police found 645 empty Press Through Package (PTP) sheets. They had included neuroleptics, antidepressants, hypnotics, proprietary antitussives containing caffeine, proprietary cold remedies containing caffeine, and other unidentified drugs. An autopsy showed higher rectal temperature (38°C), severe pulmonary edema (left: 681 g, right: 821 g), and a large amount of urine in the bladder (about 760 mL). Toxicological analyses using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrated that doses of clomipramine hydrochloride (a tricyclic antidepressant), chlorpromazine (a phenothiazine), and caffeine (a methylxanthine derivative) were within the toxic range (0.68, 0.64, and 34.24 [μg/mL], respectively). Histological examination showed centrilobular necrosis of the liver with small fat droplets. We concluded that he had died of pulmonary edema due to combined drug intoxication including proprietary antitussives and cold remedies. Furthermore, there was a strong possibility that he had habitually taken overdoses of those drugs. Herein, the risk of misuse of prescribed and proprietary drugs, especially for people with psychological problems, should be reemphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Takase
- Department of Legal Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan, , Department of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Setatsukinowa, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yoshio Yamamoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Setatsukinowa, Otsu, Shiga, Japan, Social Cooperation Research Center, Mie University, Kurimamachima-cho, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Tokiko Nakagawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Setatsukinowa, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Katsuji Nishi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Setatsukinowa, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Multidrug poisoning involving nicotine and tramadol. Forensic Sci Int 2010; 194:e17-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
9
|
Solarino B, Rosenbaum F, Riesselmann B, Buschmann CT, Tsokos M. Death due to ingestion of nicotine-containing solution: case report and review of the literature. Forensic Sci Int 2009; 195:e19-22. [PMID: 19954906 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Revised: 10/28/2009] [Accepted: 11/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine, a lipid-soluble alkaloid obtained from the dried leaves of Nicotiana, is most frequently encountered in tobacco products for smoking, chewing or sniffing as well as in a limited number of pesticides. Though nicotine is one of the most toxic drugs of abuse, it has rarely led to fatalities. Sudden death can be caused by cardiovascular arrest, respiratory muscle paralysis and/or central respiratory failure. A 42-year-old man was found dead by his wife. He was lying on the floor, next to a box containing many empty bottles of beer and vodka. Some labeled chemical bottles found at the scene contained various substances, including nicotine and brucine. Gross examination of the organs at autopsy revealed no specific findings. The toxicological examination failed to disclose any lethal toxic agents other than a high concentration of nicotine and its primary metabolite cotinine in femoral venous blood (2.2 microg/mL). Blood alcohol was determined to be 2.1 g/L in femoral venous blood. Only a paucity of fatal cases of nicotine poisoning has been reported in the literature so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Solarino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Urakawa N, Nagata T, Kudo K, Kimura K, Imamura T. Simultaneous determination of nicotine and cotinine in various human tissues using capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Int J Legal Med 1994; 106:232-6. [PMID: 8068568 DOI: 10.1007/bf01225411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A reliable and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of nicotine and cotinine concentrations in various human tissues was developed using capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Nicotine and cotinine were extracted using a 3-step solvent extraction procedure and quinoline as an internal standard. Quantification was carried out by single ion monitoring using ions of m/z 133 for nicotine, m/z 176 for cotinine and m/z 129 for quinoline. The lower limit of detection was 5 ng/g for nicotine and 10 ng/g for cotinine, in each tissue sample. The calibration curves of various tissues were linear in the concentration range from 5-1,200 ng/g for nicotine and 10-1,500 ng/g for cotinine. The accuracy and precision of this method were examined using human tissues and the results were satisfactory. The distribution of nicotine and cotinine was measured in tissues from 10 human autopsies. Nicotine was detected in every tissue examined at a level seen in habitual smokers. The nicotine concentration was high in the liver, kidney, spleen and lung, and low in adipose tissue. The cotinine level was highest in the liver. The tissue/blood concentration ratios of nicotine and cotinine were most stable in skeletal muscle, where the level of these drugs was close to that in whole blood. Skeletal muscle is, therefore, considered to be the most suitable tissue sample for toxicological examination, when acquisition of blood samples is not feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Urakawa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Detection of Organophosphate Poisoning in a Putrefying Body by Analyzing Arthropod Larvae. J Forensic Sci 1989. [DOI: 10.1520/jfs12698j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
12
|
Chaturvedi AK, Singh G, Rao NG, Parker TM. Toxicological evaluation of a poisoning attributed to ingestion of malathion insect spray and correlation with in vitro inhibition of cholinesterases. HUMAN TOXICOLOGY 1989; 8:11-8. [PMID: 2714804 DOI: 10.1177/096032718900800103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A 24-year-old Caucasian male was found dead from unknown causes at his farm home. At the scene, partially filled bottles of ORTHO Malathion 50 Insect Spray and CLOROX bleach were found. At the time of autopsy, a strong odour of a petroleum based product was prominent in the small intestine and in the liquid stool. A similar odour was also present in the liquids of both bottles. Generalized visceral and vascular congestion with oedema in various tissues was markedly present. Toxicological analysis of the gastric contents, intestinal contents, bile and liquid samples from the malathion and bleach bottles revealed the presence of malathion in the concentrations of 2.1 g/kg, 98 g/kg, 570 mg/l, 54% and 11%, respectively. In the blood and urine, malathion was not detected. Xylenes and other common volatile components of the spray were detected in the liquids from the bottles and in the gastric and intestinal contents. The ability of the blood and bile samples to inhibit, in vitro, rat serum cholinesterase and electric eel acetylcholinesterase was consistent with their malathion concentrations as the bile inhibited both enzymes, while the blood did not. These findings conclude that the death was associated with the ingestion of a commercial malathion insect spray.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A K Chaturvedi
- Office of the State Toxicologist, North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, Fargo 58105
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chaturvedi AK, Hidding JT, Rao NG, Smith JC, Bredehoeft SJ. Two tricyclic antidepressant poisonings: levels of amitriptyline, nortriptyline and desipramine in post-mortem biological samples. Forensic Sci Int 1987; 33:93-101. [PMID: 3557245 DOI: 10.1016/0379-0738(87)90145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Two deaths due to amitriptyline and desipramine overdoses are reported. The first case deals with a 20-year-old Caucasian male who was found dead at his residence. Toxicological analysis of the blood, urine, liver and kidney revealed the presence of amitriptyline (1.7 mg/l, 0.13 mg/l, 36.0 mg/kg and 98.0 mg/kg) and nortriptyline (0.66 mg/l, 0.74 mg/l, 12.0 mg/kg and 37.0 mg/kg). The gastric content contained only 220 mg of amitriptyline. The urine also contained norverapamil, which was consistent with previous verapamil therapy. The second case involved a 19-year-old Caucasian male who attempted suicide earlier and was on desipramine medication. The blood, urine, liver and gastric content disclosed the presence of desipramine in the concentrations of 14.2 mg/l, 33.7 mg/l, 112.5 mg/kg and 180 mg, respectively. The levels of these tricyclics analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography were in agreement with the levels reported in the literature. Though with the amitriptyline poisoning no significant anatomic changes were noted, the desipramine-caused death was further supported by the multisystem vascular congestion and ischemic changes consistent with cardiopulmonary failure.
Collapse
|