Abstract

The present study was undertaken to investigate the various health problems caused by water-borne fluoride in endemic villages of Mehsana and Banaskantha districts of Gujarat. The study revealed high levels of fluoride in serum samples of the villagers. Mottling of teeth and skeletal complications were common. Intake of fluoride caused a decrease in haemoglobin content and in the serum protein levels. Serum cholesterol levels were normal. Circulating levels of testosterone were decreased, but not significantly enough to indicate an effect on reproductive functions. The enhanced levels of serum transaminases, which are markers for liver function, indicated structural and functional changes in liver due to fluoride intake. Changes in the serum calcium, sodium and potassium levels revealed electrolyte imbalance in the fluorotic individuals. While levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) did not vary, a significant increase in the thyroxine (T4) levels suggested alteration in thyroid function. Thus the study revealed some harmful effects of fluoride in the soft tissue functions of the endemic population.

• Related Studies :

  • Induction of oxidative stress on reproductive and metabolic organs in sodium fluoride-treated male albino rats: protective effect of testosterone and vitamin E coadministration

    The present study was undertaken to search out the effect of sodium fluoride, a water pollutant noted throughout the world, including India, on oxidative stress induction in reproductive tissues, sperm pellet, and metabolic tissues like the liver and kidney. The protective effects of testosterone or vitamin-E coadministration were also observed

  • Studies on effects of fluoride in 36 villages of Mehsana District, North Gujurat"

    A survey was carried out in 36 fluoride endemic villages of Mehsana District of North Gujarat. Urine and blood samples of fluoride-afflicted human population and their drinking water were analysed for fluoride content and compared with samples from different parts of Ahmedabad city (control). The fluoride content in water samples

  • Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards.

    Excerpts: Summary Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to establish exposure standards for contaminants in public drinking-water systems that might cause any adverse effects on human health. These standards include the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG), the maximum contaminant level (MCL), and the secondary

  • Clinical and biochemical profile of deiodinase enzymes and thyroid function hormones in patients of fluorosis

    The thyroid involvement is very significant feature of fluorosis due to fluoride accumulation in soft tissues. The participation of long term consumption of fluoride in drinking water on thyroid hormone status and deiodinating enzymes in fluorotic patients selected randomly from various parts of fluoride endemic areas, was elucidated. Type I

  • Prevention & control of fluorosis & linked disorders: Developments in the 21st Century - Reaching out to patients in the community & hospital settings for recovery.

    The review on fluorosis addresses the genesis of the disease, diagnostic protocols developed, mitigation and recovery through nutritional interventions. It reveals the structural and functional damages caused to skeletal muscle and erythrocytes, leading to clinical manifestations in fluorosis. Hormonal derangements resulting in serious abnormalities in the health of children and

• Related FAN Content :

  • Fluoride's Impact on Thyroid Hormones

    Up through the 1950s, doctors in Europe and South America prescribed fluoride for this purpose in patients with hyperthyroidism. (Merck Index 1968). Fluoride was selected as a thyroid suppressant based on findings dating back to the mid-19th century that fluoride is a goitrogen (a substance that can cause goiter). When used as

  • Fluorine in the Aetiology of Endemic Goitre

    The distribution of endemic goitre in the Punjab and in England is related to the geological distribution of fluorine and to the distribution of human dental fluorosis (mottled enamel). Inquiry showed the presence of dental fluorosis among school-children in two areas of Somerset where two previous observers had recorded a high incidence of goitre, and the absence of dental fluorosis in an adjoining area selected as control where endemic goitre was absent.

  • Fluoride, Water Hardness, and Endemic Goitre

    Variations in goitre prevalence were found to correlate closely with the fluoride content (p=0-74; P<0-01) and with the hardness (p=0.77; P<0-01) of the water in each village. The effects of fluoride and water hardness seem to be independent.

  • Fluoride's Effect on Male Reproductive System: Animal Studies

    Over 60 studies on animals (including rats, mice, roosters, and rabbits) have found that fluoride adversely impacts the male reproductive system. These studies have repeatedly found the following effects: (1) decreases in testosterone levels; (2) reduced sperm motility; (3) altered sperm morphology; (4) reduced sperm quantity; (5) increased oxidative stress; (6) and reduced capacity to breed.

  • NRC (2006): Fluoride's Impact on the Thyroid Gland

    Several lines of information indicate an effect of fluoride exposure on thyroid function. It is difficult to predict exactly what effects on thyroid function are likely at what concentration of fluoride exposure and under what circumstances.