Environmental and Nutritional Diseases Flashcards
(34 cards)
Lead
Binds to sulfhydryl groups and interferes with calcium metabolism. Most commonly found in paint.
kids: interferes with the normal remodeling of cartilage and primary bone trabeculae in the epiphyses
adults: neuropathies- food and wrist drop
Inhibits the activity of d-aminolevulinic acid and dehydrtase and ferrochelatase involved in heme synthesis. –> microcytic hypochromic anemia stems from the suppression of hemoglobin synthesis
Mercury
Like lead, binds to sulfhydryl groups. Leads to damage in the CNS and kidney.
Contaminated fish
In utero exposure –> Minamata disease: cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness
Arsenic
Found in soil, water, wood preservatives, herbicides.
Interferes with cellular metabolism.
Mechanism: defects in nucleotide excision repair in damaged DNA
2-8 wks post exposure- sensorimotor neuropathy
Chronic exposure to arsenic causes skin changes- hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis, usually on palms and soles. Can also develop lung, bladder, and skin cancers.
Exposure in water- respiratory disease
Cadmium
From batteries, fertilizers, and soil
Toxic to kidneys and lungs through the increased production of free radicals
Adverse affects of smoking
- Cancer of lung
- Chronic bronchitis emphysema
- Myocardial infarction
- Systemic atherosclerosis
Acute alcoholism
Depressant: affects reticular formations that modulate cerebral cortical activity –> disordered cortical, motor, and intellectual behavior
Higher blood levels- respiratory arrest
Hepatic steatosis: Fat droplets accumulate in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes.
Gastric changes-acute gastritis and ulceration
Chronic alcoholism
Affects all organs.
Chronic alcoholics suffer significant morbidity and have a shortened life span, related to damage in the liver, GI tract, CNS, cardiovascular system, and pancreas
Aspirin
Blocks the production of thromboxane A1 which may produce gastric ulceration and bleeding
Warfarin
Anticoagulant
Antagonist to vitamin K
Disorders associated w exogenous estrogen without progestin (unopposed estrogen)
Breast cancer, stroke, and venous thromboembolism- risk if higher in first 2 years of treatment and hypercoagulable states caused by prothrombin or factor V Leiden mutations
menopausal hormone therapy benefits
Protective effect against atherosclerosis and coronary disease in women younger than 60
Therapeutic window on the cardiovascular system
OCs on breast carcinoma
Do not increase breast cancer risk
OCs on endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer
Have a protective effect against these tumors
OCs on cervical cancer
May increase risk in women infected with HPV, but the increased risk may reflect greater sexual activity in women
OCs on thromboembolism
3-6 fold increased risk of venous thrmbosis and pulmonary thromboembolism due to a hypercoagulable state induced by elevated hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors
OCs on cardiovascular disease
Risk doubles in women older than 35 who smoke
OCs on hepatic adenoma
There is an association b/w OCs and the tumor- appears as a large, solitary, and well-encapsulated mass
Cocaine
Inhibits reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Acts as a stimulant.
Cardio effects: tachycardia, hypertension, vasoconstriction
CNS: Hyperpyrexia- controls body temp and seizures
Pregnancy: causes decreases in blood flow to the placenta- hypoxia and abortion
Contusion
Due to blunt force injury to blood vessels w subsequent escape of blood into tissue
Abrasion
Superficial excoriation of the epidermis
Laceration
Jagged tear of skin w intact bridging blood vessels, nerves, and CT
Usually caused byt he force of a blunt object (baseball bat)
Incision
Skin wound produced by a sharp object (knife, razor)
- Sharp margins and severed bridging blood vessels
Heat exhaustion
- Moist and clammy skin
- Pupils dilated
- Normal or subnormal temp
Heat stroke
- Dry, hot skin
- Pupils constricted
- Very high body temp
