Forum for Science, Industry and Business
Sponsored by:     Siemens  n-tv 
Search our Site:

Topic (optional):

 

Home Reports Studies and Analyses Content

Link Possible Between Pet Food Contamination and Baby Formula Contamination

next article
15.10.2008

A study[1] published in the November issue of a scientific journal, Toxicological Sciences, which is published by Oxford Journals on behalf of the Society of Toxicology, describes the kidney toxicity of melamine and cyanuric acid based on research that was done to characterize the toxicity of the compounds that contaminated pet food in North America in 2007.

 

This research points to a possible link between the pet food contamination that occurred in North America in 2007 and the recent adulteration of milk protein and resultant intoxication of thousands of babies from Asia.


The research described in the paper identifies the principal contaminants as melamine and cyanuric acid. Neither of these compounds is very toxic when administered alone; however, when given in combination, the two compounds form a virtually insoluble complex. This complex forms in the tubules of the kidney, blocking urine flow and causing renal failure.

The research in the paper was done in rats, but because the toxicity depends only on the two compounds being present in the kidney at the same time, is relevant to other species, including humans. The research presented in the paper also shows that the melamine-cyanuric acid complex is soluble in acid, suggesting that acidification of the urine in the distal tubules of the kidney may be a reasonable treatment option.

[1] Identification and Characterization of Toxicity of Contaminants in Pet Food Leading to an Outbreak of Renal Toxicity in Cats and Dogs, 106, no.1 (November 2008): 251-262, Roy L. M. Dobson*, Safa Motlagh*, Mike Quijano*, R. Thomas Cambron*, Timothy R. Baker*, Aletha M. Pullen*, Brian T. Regg*, Adrienne S. Bigalow-Kern*, Thomas Vennard*, Andrew Fix*, Renate Reimschuessel , Gary Overmann*, Yuching Shan* and George P. Daston*

Kirsty Luff | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.toxicology.org

next article

More articles from Studies and Analyses:

nachricht Airborne nitrogen shifts aquatic nutrient limitation in pristine lakes
06.11.2009 | Arizona State University

nachricht Why Nice Guys Usually Get the Girls
06.11.2009 | University of Arizona

All articles from Studies and Analyses >>>

B2B Search

Product / Service
Company / Organisation

Latest News

Airborne nitrogen shifts aquatic nutrient limitation in pristine lakes

06.11.2009 | Studies and Analyses

Genome sequence for the domestic horse to be unveiled

06.11.2009 | Life Sciences

New Study in Geology Uses Satellite Imagery to Identify Active Magma Systems in East Africa’s Rift Valley

06.11.2009 | Earth Sciences

VideoLinks

Event News

Texas Tech University Hosts Major Textile Conference in India

06.11.2009 | Event News

Brief Highlights of the Fluid Dynamics Conference, Minneapolis

30.10.2009 | Event News

EUROSAFE Forum 2009 Brussels: "Safety Implications of an Increased Demand for Nuclear Energy"

29.10.2009 | Event News