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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Effects of addition of fluorine in diets differing in protein content on urinary fluoride excretion, clinical chemistry and thyroid hormones in calves

    In order to compare the effects of addition of fluorine (F) in diets differing in protein content on the urinary F excretion, blood profile and thyroid hormones, 30 crossbred calves (6-8 months) initially exposed to different protein levels were allotted into six groups in a 3 × 2 factorial design. The factors

  • Influence of sodium fluoride and caffeine on the concentration of fluoride ions, glucose, and urea in blood serum and activity of protein metabolism enzymes in rat liver.

    The aim of the study was examining the effect of fluoride ions and caffeine administration on glucose and urea concentration in blood serum and the activity of protein metabolism enzymes and selected enzymes of the urea cycle in rat liver. The study was carried out using 18 male Sprague-Daowley rats

• 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

  • Is fluoride-induced hyperthyroidism a cause of psychosis among East African immigrants to Scandinavia?

    When people with a compensated fluoride-induced hypothyroidism move to a low-fluoride area, the fluoride-induced inhibition of the production of thyroid hormones ceases. In Scandinavia, the dietary intake of iodine is usually quite high due to iodized table salt and easy access to marine fish. Under these conditions, the elevated capacity for production of thyroid hormones may result in hyperthyroidism.

  • 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 Exposure Aggravates the Impact of Iodine Deficiency

    A consistent body of animal and human research shows that fluoride exposure worsens the impact of an iodine deficiency. Iodine is the basic building block of the T3 and T4 hormones and thus an adequate iodine intake is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. When iodine intake is inadequate during infancy and

  • Fluoride's Effect on Male Reproductive System - Human Studies

    Consistent with in vitro and animal research, studies of human populations have reported associations between fluoride exposure and damage to the male reproductive system. Most notably, a scientist at the Food & Drug Administration reported in 1994 that populations in the United States with more than 3 ppm fluoride in their water had lower "total fertility rates" than populations with lower fluoride levels.