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PubMed1966

Substitution of germanium for boron in plant growth.

The observation was confirmed that the addition of germanium dioxide (soluble form) to the nutrient solution can delay for a short time the appearance of boron deficiency symptoms on the shoots of sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.). This appeared to be true, however, only under growing conditions in which the plants had a low boron requirement. The delay in the appearance of boron deficiency symptoms by administering germanium was demonstrated in sunflower plants ranging in age from 7 to 20 days. This effect was noted whether the germanium was administered prior to or at the time the plants were transferred to minus-boron nutrient solution.It is proposed that germanium does not truly substitute for boron in metabolic processes of the plant but rather functions through increasing the mobility of soluble boron within the plant and in binding nonmetabolic polyhydroxyl sites thus serving in a sparing role for the limited quantity of soluble boron in the growth centers.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Antireflection coating formed by plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition for terahertz-frequency germanium optics.

A method of manufacturing optical coatings for germanium optics used at terahertz frequencies has been developed. The various optical coatings used at terahertz frequencies are difficult to manufacture conventionally because these coatings must be as thick as several tens of micrometers, which is far thicker than those used in the optical region. One way to overcome this problem is to form a silicon oxide layer through plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition, with silane (SiH4) as a source gas. Using this method, I formed 21-microm-thick silicon oxide films as antireflection (AR) layers for germanium optics and obtained low reflection at 1.7 THz (wavelength, lambda = 175 microm). This method is easily applied to large-aperture optics and micro-optics as well as to optics with a complex surface form. The AR coatings can also be formed for photoconductive detectors made from germanium doped with gallium at a low temperature (160 degrees C); this low temperature ensures that the doped impurities in the germanium do not diffuse. Fabrication of optical coatings upon substrates that have refractive indices of 3.84-11.7 may also be possible by control of the refractive indices of the deposited layers.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1992

An experimental model of mitochondrial myopathy: germanium-induced myopathy and coenzyme Q10 administration.

In skeletal muscles from rats treated with germanium for 23 weeks, there were numerous ragged-red fibers and cytochrome-c oxidase (COX)-deficient fibers. Biochemically, germanium reduced the enzyme activities in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Rotenone-sensitive NADH-cytochrome-c reductase as well as COX activities were markedly reduced, while succinate-cytochrome-c reductase was less severely, but significantly, affected. The histopathological findings in these muscles were similar to those seen in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, suggesting that germanium-induced myopathy may be a useful experimental model. Coenzyme Q10 administration appeared to be ineffective in preventing this experimental myopathy.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Germanium myopathy: clinical and experimental pathological studies.

Pathological examinations were carried out on the skeletal muscle of a patient with germanium intoxication. The prominent histochemical finding was vacuolar myopathy with lipid excess, increased acid phosphatase activity and decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity. Ultrastructural lesions revealed a mitochondrial abnormality, autophagic vacuoles and accumulation of high electron-dense materials in deformed mitochondria and at the periphery of lipid droplets. Furthermore, the toxic effect of germanium on skeletal muscle was confirmed by the experimentally induced germanium myopathy, which showed autophagic degeneration, decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity and a mitochondrial abnormality with high electron-dense materials.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2003

Radiation exposure during transmission measurements: comparison between CT- and germanium-based techniques with a current PET scanner.

In positron emission tomographic (PET) scanning, transmission measurements for attenuation correction are commonly performed by using external germanium-68 rod sources. Recently, combined PET and computed tomographic (CT) scanners have been developed in which the CT data can be used for both anatomical-metabolic image formation and attenuation correction of the PET data. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference between germanium- and CT-based transmission scanning in terms of their radiation doses by using the same measurement technique and to compare the doses that patients receive during brain, cardiac and whole-body scans. Measurement of absorbed doses to organs was conducted by using a Rando Alderson phantom with thermoluminescent dosimeters. Effective doses were calculated according to the guidelines in the International Commission on Radiation Protection Publication Number 60. Compared with radionuclide doses used in routine 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose PET imaging, doses absorbed during germanium-based transmission scans were almost negligible. On the other hand, absorbed doses from CT-based transmission scans were significantly higher, particularly with a whole-body scanning protocol. Effective doses were 8.81 mSv in the high-speed mode and 18.97 mSv in the high-quality mode for whole-body CT-based transmission scans. These measurements revealed that the doses received by a patient during CT-based transmission scanning are more than those received in a typical PET examination. Therefore, the radiation doses represent a limitation to the generalised use of CT-based transmission measurements with current PET/CT scanner systems.

Body Burden↗
PubMed1992

Germanium and silver resistance, accumulation, and toxicity in microorganisms.

Germanium is an inert metal with no known biological function in prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms. Its toxicity is low compared to that of silver. Germanium is accumulated in certain bacterial strains by either energy-independent passive binding or an energy-dependent mechanism. Little is known about the molecular aspects of silver resistance, toxicity, and accumulation in bacterial strains. This is surprising because silver has been used as an antimicrobial agent in the medical field for centuries. It is likely that silver ions are excluded (resulting in decreased silver accumulation) from certain bacterial strains or immobilized intracellularly to prevent toxic effects from being exerted. These mechanisms of silver resistance have not been fully elucidated. This review examines the toxicity and accumulation of germanium and silver in selected microbial species. In addition, resistance mechanisms to these biologically nonessential metals is discussed, with more emphasis placed on silver-resistant bacteria due to the knowledge available.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1990

Acute and sub-acute inhalation toxicity of germanium metal powder in rats.

An acute (4-hr) and a sub-acute (4-wk) inhalation toxicity study of germanium metal powder (purity 99.8%, mean particle size 2.0-2.4 microns) were carried out in young adult Wistar rats. Exposure of five male and five female rats to 3.86 or 5.34 g/m3 for 4 hr resulted in the death of one rat at each exposure level. Four groups of five male and five female rats were exposed to 0, 9.9, 65.1 or 251.4 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk for 30 days. Two additional (recovery) groups of five male and five female rats exposed to 0 or 251.4 mg/m3 were kept untreated for 31 days after exposure. At the end of the treatment period, fasting blood glucose was decreased in males exposed to the high concentration. In females of this group, blood creatinine and urea levels, and urine volumes were increased, but urine density was decreased. Increased blood creatinine levels and urine volume and decreased urine density were also observed in females exposed to 65.1 mg/m3. The absolute and relative lung weights were increased in rats in the mid-and high-concentration groups. Histopathological examination revealed: accumulation of particulate material in the lungs of all treated groups, accumulation of alveolar macrophages in the mid- and high-concentration groups, and alveolitis mainly in the high-concentration group. After the 4-wk recovery period, urine volume was increased in males that had been exposed to germanium. In exposed rats of both sexes, lung weights were still increased and histopathological changes were present, but to a lesser extent than at the end of the exposure period. It was concluded that the 4-hr LC50 value of germanium metal powder in rats is greater than 5.34 g/m3. The no-adverse-effect level in the 4-wk study was 9.9 mg/m3 air.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1995

Effect of germanium-132 on galactose cataracts and glycation in rats.

Germanium compounds have been shown to be effective in preventing the formation of advanced glycation end-products and for reversible solubilization of glycated proteins. As protein glycation has been proposed to play a role in lens opacification, we initiated studies to evaluate the effects of 2-carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide (germanium compound 132 or Ge-132) on galactose-induced cataractogenesis. For this study young Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a 50% galactose diet. One group of rats received topical saline and another group was administered Ge-132 in saline four times a day. The lenses were periodically examined with an ophthalmoscope and at desired intervals processed for light and scanning electron microscopy. Our observations, beginning at 3 days and continuing to 21 days of galactose feeding, exhibited the characteristic galactose-induced morphological alterations, which include the formation of vacuoles, cysts, membrane disruption and swelling of fibers and epithelial cells as well as disorganization of the bow in lenses of rats in both groups. However, in the majority of rats administered Ge-132 these alterations were delayed as compared to the lenses of rats administered saline. Our findings show that, although the initiation, progression and pattern of lens opacification in rats receiving saline and Ge-132 were similar, in the majority of lenses the progression and establishment of mature cataracts in the Ge-132 group of rats were delayed. Analysis of the water-soluble and water-insoluble lens-protein fractions for glycated proteins showed increased levels of the Amadori products and advanced glycation related fluorescent products in galactosemic rats treated with saline eye drops. In rats receiving the topical Ge-132 treatment the levels of these glycation products were substantially reduced to levels lower than control values. Prevention of glycation seems to be a mechanism by which cataract progression is delayed.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Germane facts about germanium sesquioxide: II. Scientific error and misrepresentation.

The preceding paper reviewed the anticancer properties and safety of bis (2-carboxyethylgermanium) sesquioxide (CEGS). An examination of those data leads one to question why this information has not stimulated clinical trials in patients with cancer. The answer is discussed in this paper, which traces the history to an error published in the scientific literature in 1987. The reliance by subsequent authors on secondary sources, citing only the error and not the correction published in 1988, constitutes part of the explanation of why CEGS has been neglected. A second factor is also considered: careless reporting about any germanium-based compound as if the many thousands of germanium compounds were all the same. This combination of a publication error, careless writing, and the reliance on secondary sources appears to be responsible for the neglect of the potential clinical use of this unique germanium compound.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Synthesis of germanium oxide nanoparticles in low-pressure premixed flames.

Germanium oxide (GeOx) nanoparticles in the size range from 1 nm to 5 nm were synthesized in a low-pressure premixed H2/O2/Ar flat flame of 30 mbar. The premixed flame was doped with different amounts of tetramethyl germanium (Ge(CH3)4) ranging from 250 ppm to 2000 ppm. The influence of process parameters such as the amount of oxygen in the reaction gas, the condensation and reaction time, standoff, and precursor concentration with respect to growth of germanium oxide particles were investigated. The particles formed were analyzed in situ according to their mass and charge with a particle mass spectrometer. The specific surface area was determined ex situ by the BET method. The crystal form and chemical composition of produced nanopowders were characterized by EDX analysis and X-ray diffraction measurements.

Crystallization↗
PubMed1991

Nephrotoxicity in humans by the ultratrace element germanium.

Acute renal failure (ARF) or renal dysfunction (RD) associated with germanium-induced nephrotoxicity has been reported in 18 patients since 1982. In 2 of these cases the patients died of acute renal and cardiogenic failure. In 17 of 18 cases biopsies showed vacuolar degeneration in renal tubular epithelial cells in the absence of glomerular changes, without proteinuria or hematuria. Accumulated elemental Ge intake in 17 patients over a period of 4 to 36 months ranged between 16 and 328 g, or more than 100 to 2000 times the average estimated dietary intake of Ge for man (1.5 mg/d; range 0.40 to 3.40 mg/d). The biological half-life of Ge is 4.5 days for kidneys, the highest retention level of any organ. The mean concentration of Ge in healthy adult kidneys is 9.0 mg/kg wet weight. In 3 patients studied with Ge-induced RD or ARF, urinary Ge excretion was 9, 15, and 60 ng/mL, compared to greater than 5 ng/mL in healthy controls, and remained elevated even 12 months after discontinuing supplemental Ge intake. The mechanism for Ge-induced nephrotoxicity remains unknown, although the suspected cause is the inorganic Ge salts, such as germanium dioxide. Sufficient evidence for a role of organogermanium compounds, such as carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide or citrate-lactate germanate, in Ge-induced nephrotoxicity remains lacking. The recent introduction of over-the-counter Ge "nutritional" supplements in some countries increases the risk of additional cases of Ge-induced nephrotoxicity, especially if appreciable levels of inorganic Ge salts are present and consumed for long periods (greater than 3 months) at levels above the average daily estimated dietary intake for Ge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of coordinational germanium compounds on enzyme synthesis and activity].

Germanium complexes (IV) with succinic (H2Suc), oxyethyliminodiacetic (H2Oeida) and iminodisuccinic (H4Ids) acids as well as homo- and heteroligand germanium complexes (IV)--products of interaction of triammonium salt of oxyethylidendiphosphonic acid ((NH4)3HL) and oxyacids: tartaric (H4Tart), citric (H4Citr), trioxyglutaric (H4Toglut) acids have been synthesized. Composition of the obtained complexes: [Ge(OH)2(NaSuc)2].2H2O (I); [Ge(OH) (Oeida).H2O].H2O (II); [Ge(OH)2(NaHIds)2] (III); [Ge(OH)2(NH4)3HL) (H2Tart)] (IV); [Ge(OH)2(NH4)3HL) (H2Citr)] (V); [Ge(OH)2(NH4)3HL) (H2Toglut)] (VI); [Ge(OH)2((NH4)2HL)2] (VII); [Ge (OH)2((NH4)2HL)2] (VII); [Ge(OH)2 (H2O)2(NH4) HL] (VIII) has been determined. The capability of the synthesized compounds has been studied to affect synthesis and activity of the following enzymes: collagenase, alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (alpha-GalNAc-ase) and alpha-galactosidase (alpha-Gal-ase). It has been established that the complexes II-VIII activate biosynthesis of alpha-Gal-ase and alpha-GalNAc-ase, while germanium dioxide (IX) and complex I possess considerable inhibiting effect on synthesis of the above enzymes. It has been also established that all the compounds except for IV increased the activity of both alpha-Gal-ase and alpha-GalNAc-ase. All the considered complexes demonstrated similar reaction with respect to collagenase: they inhibited both synthesis and activity.

Collagenases↗
PubMed2004

[Determination of germanium in aloe vera by spectrophotometric method].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the organic germanium in aloe vera from different localities. METHODS: The method was based on germanium forms a stable complex with phenylfluorone in the acidified solution and CTMAB as solubilization agent. The contents of the organic germanium in Aloe vera from different localities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: The linear range of determination is 0-0.7 microg/ml. The recovery is 98.1%-99.0% and the coefficient of variation is 1.8%.

Aloe↗
PubMed2004

[Determination of germanium in A. arborescens by spectrophotometric method].

A new spectrophotometric method for the determination of germanium in A. arborescens was developed. The method was based on the fact that germanium forms a stable complex with phenylfluorone in the acidified solution with CTMAB as solubilization agent. The maximum absorption of association complex is at 530 nm, the linear range is 0.1-0.7 microg x mL(-1), the regression equation is A = 0.0817 + 0.8677c530, (microg x mL(-1)) the correlation coefficient r=0.9177, and the limit of detection is 0.65 microg x mL(-1). The leaves and stems of A. arborescens were determined by the proposed method. The total amount of germanium is 697.0-1219.5 ng x g(-1), and the content of organic Ge is 95.45%-98.99%. The method is suitable for the analysis of samples which contain both organic Ge and inorganic Ge.

Fluoresceins↗
PubMed1991

[Subacute and subchronic oral toxicity of beta-bis carboxyethyl sesquioxide of germanium in the rat].

After a brief recall of toxicological data about germanium compounds, the authors relate subacute and subchronic oral toxicities of beta bis carboxyethyl-germanium sesquioxide in rats. During 28 days and six months, male and female animals have received 1 mg/kg/day. No particular toxic symptoms, no behaviour trouble except a small decrease of body weight, in male rats, at the end of the 6-month experimentation, were observed. A light decrease of erythropoiesis and a general stimulation of cellular metabolism has been noticed after 28 days. The only marked effect was a moderate renal deficiency characterized by a tubular disease with presence of cylinders, swelling of tubulus cells and floculus amounts after 6 months. Germanium urinary excretion was constant and linked to the received dose. Six months later, no preferential accumulation in organs was observed.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1991

[Toxic damage of kidney, liver and muscle attributed to the administration of germanium-lactate-citrate].

The case history is described of a woman aged 57 years with renal, hepatic and muscular damage attributed to intake of germanium lactate-citrate (a cumulative dose of 32.1 g germanium) over at least one year, as alternative treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Histological examination of biopsies showed highly vacuolated cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of the distal renal tubules and micro- and macrovesicular steatosis of centrilobular hepatocytes. After discontinuation of the germanium, serum aminotransferases and creatine kinase values returned to normal, but moderately severe renal impairment persisted.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of allyl sulfide, germanium and NaCl on the development of glutathion S-transferase P-positive rat hepatic foci initiated by diethylnitrosamine.

The modification potentials of allyl sulfide, germanium and NaCl on the development of preneoplastic hepatic enzyme altered foci were examined in an in vivo mid-term assay system. Rats were initially given a single dose (200 mg/kg), intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and, starting 2 weeks later, were treated with allyl sulfide, germanium and NaCl at a concentration of 0.5%, 0.05% and 5%, respectively, in the diet for 6 weeks and then killed. All rats were subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy at week 3. The modifying potential was scored by comparing the number and area per cm2 of induced glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive (GST-P+) foci in the liver with those of the corresponding control group given DEN alone. Allyl sulfide exerted an obvious inhibition of the development of GST-P+ foci as regards both number and area. On the contrary, germanium showed a significant increase in the number of GST-P+ foci, although the data for area were not altered. NaCl had no modifying effect on their development.

Allyl Compounds↗
PubMed1997

[Fatal multiple organ system dysfunction associated with germanium metal used in complementary therapy].

The element germanium is widely distributed in nature. It is used in industry as a semiconductor and there have been a few attempts to use it in medicine. In the past few years 20 patients have been described in the literature as suffering from germanium overdosage. Like laboratory animals affected by the element, they suffer from renal failure and injury to other organs. We describe a 52-year old man given germanium to prevent recurrence of a brain tumor. He developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and died of intractable hyperdynamic shock. We call for caution regarding morbidity resulting from treatments believed safe.

Animals↗