• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.281-287
• /
• 2016

Earlier studies conducted on lead-exposed workers have determined the reticulocyte count (RC) (%), but the parameters of Absolute Reticulocyte Count (ARC), Reticulocyte Index (RI), and Reticulocyte Production Index (RPI) were not reported. This study assessed the effect of lead (Pb) exposure on the status of reticulocyte count indices in workers occupied in lead battery plants. The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 391 male lead battery workers. The blood lead levels (BLL) were determined by using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The RC (%) was estimated by using the supravital staining method. The parameters, such as ARC, RI, and RPI, were calculated by using the RC (%) with the red cell indices (RBC count and hematocrit). The levels of RBC count and hematocrit were determined by using an ABX Micros ES-60 hematology analyzer. The levels of reticulocyte count indices - RC (%), ARC, RI, and RPI significantly increased with elevated BLL. The association between BLL and reticulocyte count indices was positive and significant. The results of linear multiple regression analysis showed that the reticulocyte count (${\beta}=0.212$, P < 0.001), ARC (${\beta}=0.217$, P < 0.001), RI (${\beta}=0.194$, P < 0.001), and RPI (${\beta}=0.208$, P < 0.001) were positively associated with BLL. The variable, smoking habits, showed a significant positive association with reticulocyte count indices: RC (%) (${\beta}=0.188$, P < 0.001), ARC (${\beta}=0.174$, P < 0.001), RI (${\beta}=0.200$, P < 0.001), and RPI (${\beta}=0.151$, P < 0.005). The study results revealed that lead exposure may cause reticulocytosis with an increase of reticulocyte count indices.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.64 no.2
• /
• pp.9.1-9.7
• /
• 2024

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a degenerative disease of the valve leaflets, causing left atrial dilatation and eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle by hemodynamic instability. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a hematologic parameter that indicates the variation of red blood cell volume and size, reflecting anisocytosis. Human studies have found that anisocytosis is associated with poor prognosis in heart disease patients, and recent veterinary studies have also confirmed that the increase in RDW is associated with high mortality in MMVD patients. Medical records of 37 Maltese dogs with MMVD were retrospectively reviewed. When comparing RDW among the MMVD stage groups, there was a significant difference between stage B1, B2 and C. A significant and strong correlation between RDW and the left atrial-to-aortic ratio was identified. RDW was significantly correlated with the reticulocyte count independent of hematocrit, and the reticulocyte count exhibited a significant increase at stage C. This suggests that the congestive heart failure secondary to MMVD could be a contributory factor leading to an elevation in RDW. In conclusion, elevated RDW may associated with left atrial enlargement and progression of MMVD.