International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine

Background: Bronchial asthma (BA) is a chronic airway disease. Its prevalence has been increased in a few past decades. The role of trace elements of zinc, magnesium and calcium have evaluated on the pathophysiology of asthma in the early decades. The purpose of present study was to assess status of zinc, magnesium and calcium in serum of patients with chronic bronchial asthma in Tehran. Material and methods: Patients with chronic persistent asthma enrolled sequentially based on the GINA guideline. Zinc, magnesium and calcium in serum measured with the recommendation's manufacturer protocols. Results: A total of 137 subjects participated in the present study. Of them, females were 58.4%and males 41.6%. The mean age was 33.77 ± 8.33 SD years. The frequency of zinc, magnesium and calcium deficiency detected 10.2%, 8%, 5.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Hypozincemia hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia found in selected patients with stable chronic persistent asthma. Noticeable of entire current trace elements deficiency observed in the female sex.  However, significant differences of Ca deficiency between genders revealed effects of sex on the calcium homeostasis. Detection and improvement of trace elements, and electrolyte abnormalities should be beneficial in the outcome of asthma management.

Background: Cadmium is one of the most toxic heavy metals in our environments having a very strong ability to accumulate in body organs especially in kidney. Our aim of this study is to determine of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in mice kidneys exposed to cadmium. Material and Method: In this study we sacrificed 30 male mice and randomly divided into 2 different groups (control& case). Every 5 mice remained in one cage at the same standard conditions. After a week, the mice were exposed to Cd (300µm/Kg.b.wt) on 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hrs by peritoneal injections. After 24hrs from the latest injection, the mice were killed and obtained their kidneys, and then the oxidative stress markers (malondialdehide (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were assayed on homogenized kidneys in order to study of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and DNA damage. We used Comet assay on separated kidney cells. Finally, for analyzing statistical data, we used T-test and ANOVA using SPSS15 software. Results: In treated group, MDA and GSH concentration and also SOD (ρ<0.05) activity significantly increased in comparison with control group. Conclusion: The comet assay results obviously showed DNA breakage stimulated by Cd in treated group it was not seen in the control group.

Background: Insecticide poisoning is a major public health problem in the world, particularly in developing nations, its usage has increased in recent and past thus increased even its misuse to commit suicide. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at department of  Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College  Hospital  Salem, Tamil Nadu, India with the insecticide poisoning cases from the year of 2008 and 2009. Age from 6 months old foetus to 80 years. All collected data was analyzed in SPSS software. Results: During this study period a total 2871 Medico legal autopsies were conducted, amongst them poisoning cases constitutes 372 (12.9%) cases, out of these 93 (25%) other poisoning cases, 279 (75%) cases were due to fatal insecticide poisoning. Conclusion: During the period of 2008 & 2009 there are 260 number of cases were reported as suicidal poisoning by insecticides out of 279 cases. Males were outnumbered with 170 cases and females were 109 cases. More number of the cases were found in the age group of 21–30 years(82) followed by 31-40 years (68). Peak period of deaths by poisoning more in nos. in the month of May & June. Most victims were from rural area, married population outnumbering the married. There are 212 (74.98%) victims were from rural area while 67(24.01%) were from urban area and 223 (79.92%) were married, 56 (20.07%) were unmarried.

Key words :

Insecticide poisoning; organophosphates; chemical report; Tik-20; follidol, suicide;

Background: A cross-sectional study of pattern of injuries in road traffic accidents was conducted over a period of one year involving 179 victims. Material and methods: Males (143) were more commonly involved than females (36) and majority of the victims (56) were in the age group of 21-30 years. Results: Rural victims(151) outnumbered the urban (28).One third of the victims were illiterates.  36 accidents took place in an interval of 2-4PM. Two wheeler occupants (71) were commonly involved than other vehicles and collision between two wheelers and between two wheeler and four wheeler was most common mode of accident. Conclusion: The head and neck region showed more number of fractures and other injuries compared to other body parts and in the limbs right side limbs show more injuries than left side limbs.

Background: Now a day’s, high risk habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, stress and sedentary life Prone to develop diabetes mellitus leading to cardiovascular diseases. Material and methods: These are common factors in medical students hence we have taken up this Study. Students of SS Institute of Medical Science and Research Center, Davanagere, Karnataka, were assessed with their consent for anthropometric measures, fasting blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Results: Among 257 students 130 male and female were 127. In 130 male students 11 were underweight with BMI < 19 Kg/m², 94 were of normal that is their BMI was between 19 Kg/m² – 26 Kg/m² and 25 were overweight with BMI of >26 Kg/m². In 127 female students 21 were underweight with BMI less than 19 Kg/m², 82 were of normal weight group of BMI between 19 Kg/m² – 26 Kg/m² and 24 were in overweight group of BMI more than 26 Kg/m². Mean BMI of the three groups in the 130 male students was 22.66±3.36 and that of 127 female is 21.36±3.49. Mean fasting blood sugar level in male is 82.25±9.48 mg/dl and in Female 83.03±10.62 mg/dl. Their mean Triglyceride level was in male 95±39.65 mg/dl and in female 96.08±29.66 mg/dl. Conlusion: Present study shows females and males having overweighted and the fasting blood sugar and triglycerides are more in females than males. From Present study we can say that females are more prone to develop CVD and diabetes mellitus than males even though the risk factors are very high in males.

Introduction and case report: An interesting case of shot gun injury fired from a near range of 1.0 to 2.0 meter distance as per the eye witnesses is presented here which on examination revealed that the dispersion of pellets on the body indicates that the range of fire has occurred from a distance of 4 meters to 7 meters. Further the presence of wad in the wound adds to the confusion that the firing would have occurred within a distance of 5.0 meters. Conclusion: This case report reiterates the importance of examination of the crime weapon, test firing the similar cartridges with the same weapon and proper analysis of the wound ballistics is a must for a forensic expert to arrive at a proper opinion in fire arm injury cases.