ABSTRACT
Background: Neuropilins are transmembrane glycoproteins that act as receptors for vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and are involved in the process of tumor angiogenesis. Ceruloplasmin is a member of the multi copper oxidase family. It has antioxidant properties that play a central role in protection of the body against advanced oxidation protein products.Objective: This study was aimed to assess the expression of Neuropilin-1(NRP-1) on blasts of B-lineage precursor lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to be used in the diagnostic panel of this disease. We also aimed to assess the alteration of the levels of ceruloplasmin oxidase and copper as a compensatory mechanism to minimize the effects of reactive oxygen species resulting from leukemias.Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 40 children with newly diagnosed B-lineage precursor lymphoblastic leukemia. 40 age-matched controls were enrolled to serve as control. The expression of NRP-1 on peripheral blood samples was evaluated by flow cytometry as the proportion of positive cells expressing the marker. Ceruloplasmin oxidase and copper levels were assessed by immunoturbidimetric assay.Results: There was highly significant increase in the proportion of positivity of NRP -1 in patients compared with control group (P<0.001) Ceruloplasmin oxidase and copper levels were also higher in patients compared with control group (P<0.001).Conclusions: It could be concluded that NRP-1 is a valuable marker for diagnosis of B-lineage ALL. There is an increase in the levels of ceruloplasmin oxidase and copper which at the time of diagnosis of B-ALL
Subject(s)
Ceruloplasmin , Copper , Leukemia, Lymphoid , Precursor Cells, B-LymphoidABSTRACT
Background: Copper and selenium are important trace elements in man. They function as antioxidants and play roles in oxido-reductase reactions. Several imported multivitamin preparations are given to our women during pregnancy and lactation to correct possible deficiencies. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the serum level of these micronutrients (selenium and copper) in a cross section of pregnant women in Enugu; southeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross section of 130 healthy pregnant women at different trimesters of pregnancy and 30 non-pregnant controls were selected from two health facilities in Enugu; southeastern Nigeria. Serum from the samples collected was assayed for copper and selenium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The mean copper level increased (P = 0.018); while the selenium level decreased (P 0.0001) as pregnancy advanced. Conclusion: High copper levels indicate that supplementation should not be undertaken during normal pregnancy. Dietary intake should be modified to ensure optimal selenium levels during pregnancy
Subject(s)
Copper , Pregnant Women , SeleniumABSTRACT
This rep o rt describes 6 cases of Wi l s o n 's disease observed at the Unive rsity Hospital Center in Conakry; Guinea. P resenting symptoms invo l ved ex t rapy ramidal syndrome in 4 cases; p s y chomotor ep i l epsy in 1; and confusional syndrome in 1 c a s e. Diagnosis was based on neuro p s y chic manife s t ations; Kayser- F l e i cher corneal ring; liver failure; and impaired copper metabolism. Brain CT-scan depicted normal fe at u res in 3 cases; s y m m e t ric hypodensity of the lenticular nu cleus in one; discrete ve nt ricular dilat ation of in one a and cortico-subcoetical atro p hy in one