Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as an early predictor of acute hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) poisoning

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety Vol. 256; p. 114847
• Main Authors: Rezk, Meriam N.N., Beshreda, Gerges M., Meshref, Dalia Abdelrahman, Abdelzaher, Walaa Yehia, Batiha, Gaber El-Saber, Hafiz, Amin A., Althumairy, Duaa, Aljarba, Nada H., Welson, Nermeen N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.05.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cyanamide; Dormex; Follow up; Humans; Hydrogen cyanamide; Hypoxia; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α); Dormex; Follow up; Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α); Hydrogen cyanamide
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114847

Hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) is a plant growth regulator that is classified as a highly toxic poison. There are no definite investigations to help in its diagnosis and follow-up. This study aimed to investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the diagnosis, prediction, and follow-up of Dormex-intoxicated patients. Sixty subjects were equally divided into two groups: group A, the control group, and group B, the Dormex group. Clinical and laboratory evaluations, including arterial blood gases (ABG), prothrombin concentration (PC), the international normalized ratio (INR), a complete blood count (CBC), and HIF-1α, were done on admission. CBC and HIF-1α were repeated for group B 24 and 48 h after admission to track abnormalities. Group B also had brain computed tomography (CT). Patients with abnormal CT scans were referred for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Significant differences in levels of HB, WBCs, and platelets were also detected in group B up to 48 h after admission, as white blood cells (WBCs) rose with time and hemoglobin (HB) and platelets diminished. The results described a highly significant difference in HIF-1α between the groups, and it depended on the clinical condition; therefore, it can be used in the prediction and follow-up of patients up to 24 h after admission. •Hypoxia inducible factor-1α level ≥ 2.75 IU is an indicator of severe Dormex poisoning.•HIF-1α is beneficial for patient follow up in the first 24 h.•HIF-1α can differentiate the presence of Dormex toxicity in doubted cases.•Platelet measurements decline and WBCs rise even if the first readings are normal in Dormex toxicity.