Specificity and possible origin of anti-N antibodies developed by patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis

Beneficial effects of polyherbal formulation (Bronco-T) on formaldehyde-induced lung toxicity in male Wistar rats

Polyherbal compound (Bronco-T) has been extensively used as a traditional medicine for various therapies. However, very few report studies on anti-inflammatory and lung regeneration properties are evidenced. In the present study, we evaluated the beneficial actions and anti-inflammatory properties of polyherbal medicine, Bronco-T, exhibited by treating the lungs of rats exposed to formaldehyde to evaluate the beneficial properties. For this study, we divided into five groups': i.e. Group-I served as a control and the other four groups such as II, III, IV, and V are experimental. All animals maintained by regular feed and water ad libitum during the study. Formaldehyde vapors exposure at a single period of time (1 hour) daily (40%formaldehyde at room temperature) for 21 days period exposed all groups. The Bronco-T extracts about 50 mg/kg BW administered to experimental groups and group IV rats treated with 500μ grams/Kg BW salbutamol. To understand the impact of formaldehyde exposure on the beneficial effects of Bronco-T, we evaluated hematological parameters, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), histamine levels, and histological alterations of lung architecture. Formaldehyde-induced adverse effects in lung and increased histamine levels in BAL compared to Bronco-T-treated rats act as a preventive immunological role in blood toxicity and recovery of lung architecture in Bronco-T-treated rats. This study showed the evaluation of antihistamine levels through HPLC analysis. Bronco-T has antioxidant and anti-histamine properties as the widest therapeutic window, and we continue to evaluate the pharmacological evaluations needed in our further studies.

A study of the effects of treating platelets with paraformaldehyde for use in the platelet suspension immunofluorescence test

Discrepant results when paraformaldehyde (PFA) treated and untreated platelets were used in parallel in the platelet suspension immunofluorescence test (PSIFT) (von dem Borne et al, 1978) prompted further investigation of the sera of a group of patients suffering from chronic renal failure (CRF). The demonstration of a positive result in the PSIFT when only PFA treated platelets were used appears to be linked to the N like red cell antibody described in some patients suffering from CRF.

Formaldehyde and hepatotoxicity: a review

Exposure to formaldehyde appears to be associated with hepatoxicity in many species, including humans, following injection, ingestion, or inhalation. Macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical manifestations in the liver include alterations in weight, centrilobular vacuolization, focal cellular necrosis, and increased alkaline phosphatase concentrations. Time-related changes in the pattern of the effects are suggested as one goes from acute exposure by inhalation at greater concentrations to repeated exposure at lesser concentrations. Although the hepatic changes are generally not extensive and can be reversible following acute exposure, the potential exists for them to progressively become more serious with repeated exposures. There are several possible mechanisms for the toxicity. Depending on the route of exposure could include direct effects on hepatocytes and/or indirect effects through the circulatory and immune systems. The catabolism of formaldehyde includes conversion to CO2 by reactions involving glutathione. Many hepatotoxic chemicals require glutathione for detoxification. Formaldehyde may then have the potential to cause additive toxicity with such chemicals in some circumstances.

Characterization of formaldehyde-related antibodies encountered in hemodialysis patients at different stages of immunization

In hemodialysis patients who reuse formaldehyde-sterilized dialysers we found that antibodies agglutinating native NN red cells belonged exclusively to the IgM fraction of immunoglobulins. In the same patients antibodies directed against formaldehyde-altered NN red cells proved to be mainly IgG in addition to IgM. Three stages of formaldehyde-dependent RBC immunization could be distinguished serologically. The production of these antibodies was dependent on the time of hemodialysis treatment. We found antibodies which could bind complement in the presence of soluble antigen. These antibodies are supposed to damage the patient's red cells immediately after contact to minute amounts of formaldehyde during hemodialysis.

Relationship between formaldehyde-related antibodies and cross-reacting anti-N-like antibodies in patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis

An attempt was made to determine the sequence of events leading to the production of two distinct antibodies in patients with chronic renal failure who regularly undergo haemodialysis with formaldehyde-resterilizable dialysis units by Multipoint (UK) or Cordis (USA). A distinct pattern emerged-namely, the production of anti-formaldehyde red cells started about six months after the beginning of haemodialysis treatment. Only when the titre of these antibodies reached 64 or 128 another, apparently cross-reacting, antibody appeared which reacted like an anti-N antibody. A strong direct antiglobulin reaction was found to be positive for formalin-treated red cells after five minutes' contact with specific antibody, indicating a high affinity of the antibody fo the formalin-altered red cell.

Auto anti-M antibody following renal transplantation

A 25-year-old man with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis developed an autoantibody with anti-M specificity following haemodialysis and renal transplantation. The patient's red cells typed as MN. The antibody was an IgM globulin which displayed marked dosage effect and variable pH dependence. The thermal range of reactivity extended to 37 degrees C. The stimulus for the production of the antibody is uncertain.