Increased blood levels of persistent organic pollutants (POP) in obese individuals after weight loss-A review.

Lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POP) are stored in adipose tissue. Following rapid weight loss such as when induced by bariatric surgery, an increased release of potential harmful lipophilic compounds into the blood circulation may occur. Weight reduction is recommended for overweight and obese individuals in order to decrease risk of weight-related health problems.

Chelation in metal intoxication--Principles and paradigms.

The present review provides an update of the general principles for the investigation and use of chelating agents in the treatment of intoxications by metals. The clinical use of the old chelators EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetate) and BAL (2,3-dimercaptopropanol) is now limited due to the inconvenience of parenteral administration, their own toxicity and tendency to increase the neurotoxicity of several metals. The hydrophilic dithiol chelators DMSA (meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid) and DMPS (2,3-dimercapto-propanesulphonate) are less toxic and more efficient than BAL in the clinical treatment of heavy metal poisoning, and available as capsules for oral use.

Chelation therapy in intoxications with mercury, lead and copper.

In the present review we provide an update of the appropriate use of chelating agents in the treatment of intoxications with compounds of mercury, lead and copper. The relatively new chelators meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2,3-dimercapto-propanesulphonate (DMPS) can effectively mobilize deposits of mercury as well as of lead into the urine. These drugs can be administered orally and have relatively low toxicity compared to the classical antidote dimercaptopropanol (BAL).

Levels of ochratoxin A and IgG against conidia of Penicillium verrucosum in blood samples from healthy farm workers.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin frequently found in human blood and milk samples in the colder climatic zones. In addition to dietary intake, exposure may occur by inhalation of toxin containing fungal conidia. The purpose of this work was to investigate the level of OTA in blood samples from farm workers and non-farm working controls, and to examine if serum levels of OTA were related to inhalatory exposure to conidia of Penicillium verrucosum, the main OTA producer in temperate climates.