Vitamin E Level in Buccal Cells of Arsenicosis Patients

Chronic consumption of arsenic through water (drinking and cooking) and food leads to accumulation of arsenic within the cell. We usually give emphasis on the skin manifestations (melanosis and keratosis) of arsenicosis that is diagnosed first. Other manifestations remain un-diagnosed or diagnosed later. The severe form is the development of cancer in different organs mainly skin, lungs and urinary bladder. To understand the pathophysiology of the development of clinical manifestations appearing in the skin first, we need to understand interior of cells other than skin. One of the dietary supplements, vitamin E is found to be effective in improving the clinical signs/symptoms of melanosis and keratosis. Buccal cells are also exposed to arsenic and easy to collect. To understand the pathogenesis, we need to know the levels of vitamin E in patients of arsenicosis and if changes, what happens when supplemented with vitamin E. The buccal cells and serum of 20 patients will be collected for the estimation of vitamin E both before and after supplementation with vitamin E (200 IU, caplet) daily orally for 20 weeks. Similar samples will be collected from 20 arsenic exposed controls and 20 healthy volunteers for comparison.

Inclusion criteria

For arsenicosis

• who drank arsenic contaminated water (>50 µg/L) for more than 6 months
• having physical signs of moderate degree of melanosis and keratosis

For arsenic exposed control

• relative or family member of the patient
• showing no physical signs of melanosis and keratosis
• share same tube well water for drinking purpose for more than 6 months

For healthy volunteers

• who drank arsenic safe water (<50 µg/L)
• live in the same Upazilla
• have no cutaneous manifestation
• who voluntarily agree to participate

Exclusion criteria

• tuberculosis, eczema psoriasis, contact dermatitis
• patients getting treatment of arsenicosis
• subject who voluntarily do not agree to participate