Cardioprotective effect of simvastatin on doxorubicin-induced oxidative cardiotoxicity in rats

The usefulness of doxorubicin [DOX], a highly effective antitumor drug, is limited by the risk of developing cardiomyopathy. Subcellular changes leading to this toxicity are suggested to be mediated through a drug-induced increase in free radicals and lipid peroxidation. The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible protection that simvastatin [SIM], a lipid-lowering drug, can offer against DOX induced cardiotoxicity. DOX was administered to male Swiss albino rats in 6 equal interaperitoneal injections over a period of 2 weeks [cumulative dose, 15 mg/kg]. Protection from doxorubicin-oxidative injury was investigated by administration of SIM [cumulative dose, 60 mg /kg] in 12 equal oral doses over a period of 4 weeks [2 weeks before and 2 weeks concurrent with doxorubicin]. At the end of treatment, ECG was performed; myocardial antioxidants and lipid peroxidation were assayed. In addition, body weight changes during the experiment, mortality%, and histopathological examination of the heart tissue were performed. DOX treatment increased peritoneal fluid, myocardial oxidative damage and decreased survival. Myocardial antioxidants including reduced glutathione [GSH], glutathione-S-transferase [GST], and DT-diaphorase activities were reduced, while lipid peroxidation was increased. Administration of SIM before and concurrent with DOX significantly reduced the oxidative myocardial changes-induced by DOX treatment. It also decreased mortality, and eliminated ascites. Histopathological observations were in correlation with the biochemical parameters. This indicates that SIM provide protection from DOX-induced cardiac injury in terms of oxidative stress

Effect of adding cardamom, thyme and clove essential oils on some properties of white soft cheese made from goats' milk

This study aimed to improve the properties of white soft cheese made from goats' milk by adding spice essential oils at concentrations of 75 and 90 ppm cardamom, 50 and 75 ppm thyme and 40 and 60 ppm clove to goats' milk. All resultant cheeses were compared aganist that made from buffalos' milk [control I] and goats' milk [control II]. The quality of resultant cheeses was evaluated for their chemical composition, microbiological and organoleptic properties during storage at 6 +/- 1°C for 45 days. The results revealed that additives at two concentrations of essential oils insignificantly affected percentages of moisture, salt/ moisture and fat/dry matter. Moisture% significantly decreased [P

Engaging undergraduate medical students in health research: students perceptions and attitudes, and evaluation of a training workshop on research methodology

Study objectives: As a preliminary step before incorporating basics of health research methodology and students' research projects, in medical curricula of Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, the present study was conducted to [1] explore students' perceptions of engaging undergraduate medical students in research, and to [2] evaluate a training workshop on Health Research Methodology. In phase 1, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 644 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th years' students, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine. Students showed high levels of interest in research, and positive attitudes towards integrating research activities into undergraduate medical curricula. However, a considerable proportion of students were not fully aware of the benefits of engaging undergraduate students in research. Students believed that the main problems facing students' research are: curriculum overload, time restriction, inadequate training in research, lack of staff guidance and cooperation, lack of interest and motivation, and lack of incentives. Several solutions were suggested by students to increase their motivation and engagement in research activities. These included: decreasing the curriculum overload, more training workshops on research methodology, integration of research methodology into undergraduate curriculum, engaging students in mentored research projects, more staff guidance and cooperation, and the incorporation of research activities to be a part of students' final assessment. Students, as young promising researchers, need to be encouraged and awarded. Others suggested increasing funds to support students' research projects, training on data processing, analysis and interpretation, and applying innovative teaching methods that stimulate active learning and critical thinking. Other suggestions included: establishment of a mentored 'Student Research Committee', 'Student Research Journal' and organization of 'Student Conferences' with the subsequent publication of their research papers. In phase 2, a total of 27 students attended a one-day training workshop on research methodology. Students showed high levels of satisfaction and gain from the workshop. The great majority regarded it as valuable, enjoyable experience, providing them with both research skills and sensitization to the benefits of undergraduate medical students' engagement in research activities, as well as its crucial importance to their future medical practice. At our medical school, we believe that medical students are becoming more enthusiastic about getting involved in research, which is encouraging. Given the right amount of support, medical students' interest in research can be successfully nurtured

Protective effect of simvastatin against adriamycin-induced nepherotoxicity in rats; biochemical and histological study

The usefulness of adriamycin [ADR], a potent anti-tumor antibiotic, is limited by the development of life-threatening cardiomyopathy and nephropathy. The cellular changes leading to these toxicities are suggested to be mediated by increased free radicals and lipid peroxidation. The current study was aimed to investigate the protective role of simvastatin [SIM] on adriamycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat using biochemical, and histological approaches. Twenty eight healthy male Swiss albino rats were used and divided into four groups : CONT [control], ADR [adriamycin treated], SIM [simvastatin treated], and SIM+ADR [simvastatin plus adriamycin treated]. Blood samples were collected and used to determine the serum urea, creatinine, albumin, and total protein levels. Both kidneys were removed, one of them was prepared for histological examinations and the other was stored at -70 °C for subsequent measurement of malondialdehyde [MDA], glutathione [GSH] contents and phase II antioxidants enzymes activities. Glutathione [GSH] level, glutathione-s-transferase [GST] and DT-diphorase activities were decreased, while the lipid peroxidation was increased in kidney tissue. Administration of SIM [cumulative dose, 60mg/kg body wt] in 12 equal injections [PO], before and concurrent with ADR, more or less prevented these nephropathic changes, normalized kidney function, and eliminated ascitis. Treatment with SIM was also accompanied by an increase in kidney GSH level as well as DT-diphorase activities with a concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation. Histological examination revealed extensive and marked tubular necrosis in the ADR-treated kidney. Administration of Simvastatin reversed kidney damage with a marked reduction in tubular damage induced by ADR. These data show that SIM can provide coma protection against ADR nephropathy. This protective effect of SIM may be related to the antioxidant status on the kidney

Neonatal screening program in Dakahlia: hypothyroidism in clinically suspected cases

In the line with the priorities of the national health services towards preventive medicine early diagnosis and treatment of CH is emphasized. The aim was to assess thyroid status in clinically suspected cases. Subjects and The present study included two groups, the first is a set of neonates [800] attending the general health units in some villages in Dakahlia complaining of prolonged jaundice, constipation, abdominal distention, chocking and/or umbilical hernia. Neonatal TSH levels in filter paper spots taken from heels were assessed for this group. The second group included 114 infants suspected clinically as congenital hypothyroidism by pediatricians. Serum TSH and T4 were estimated for this second group. In the first group 690 neonates [86.25%] had TSH less than 20 micro IU/ml, 88 neonates [11%] had TSH of between 20 and less than 40 micro IU/ml and 22 [2.75%] has TSH more than 40 micro IU/ml. All neonates [110] with TSH more than 20 micro IU/ml [13.75%] had to be recalled after two weeks for reevaluation by serum TSH and T4 levels estimation. Transient hypothyroidism were detected in 70 cases [8.8%] and their serum T4 and TSH levels two weeks after, were normal. Forty neonates [36.4%] were missed and did not respond to our call. Effect of storage on neonatal TSH levels were evaluated in blood spots collected on preserved filter papers. The results revealed that there were gradual increases in the missed cases as zero when estimated with prolonged period of preservation. The results of the second group: Ninety cases [79%] were euthyroid with normal serum TSH and serum T4,17 cases [15%] were with mild elevated serum TSH [7-20 micro IU/ml] and normal serum T4. 7 cases [6.0%] were with elevated serum TSH [more than 20 micro IU/ml] and low serum T4 [less than 96 nmol/L]. second samples, two weeks after the first revealed normalized serum TSH and T4 in 23/24 case. One case presented with prolonged jaundice was diagnosed as overt congenital hypothyroidism. Prolonged jaundice is the presenting complain among 53/114 infants referred by pediatricians as suspected CH [46.49%]. One case Out of 114 studied infants was detected as true CH, while no case of true CH was detected among the neonatal cases. Serum confirmation tests [TSH and T4 levels] should be done in any infant who is suspected to have congenital hypothyroidism. The study assures the importance of public education and awareness in contributing to the cost effectiveness of screening program using filter paper blood spotting and supports the necessity of the rapid assay of filter paper spots within few days in large common collecting center for screening

Exploring beta-2 microglobulin-related amyloidosis in pediatric end stage renal disease patients on regular hemodialysis

This study aimed at exploration of dialysis-related amyloidosis [DRA] as a medical problem in end stage renal disease patients [ESRD] on regular hemodialysis [HD], as well as estimation of s. beta-2 microglobulin [B2M] changes in those patients. It comprised 55 patients with ESRD on regular HD therapy, 36 males and 19 females, with a mean age of 11.45 +/- 3.22 years. They were compared to 20 healthy subjects. The patients were subjected to clinical evaluation, biochemical investigations included serum B2M, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and blood urea nitrogen. S. B2M estimation was repeated after changing the dialyzer membrane from unsubstituted cellulose to synthetic polysulfone in 10 patients. Radiographic examination for cervical and lumbar vertebrae and big joints, M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiography were done. Pathologic examination for DRA was performed in subcutaneous fat biopsy from 25out of the 55 studied patients. There was a significant higher concentration of s. B 2M in patients 10280 +/- 647 ng/ml compared to the control group 1570 +/- 710 ng/ml p<0.001. A significantly better clearance was achieved by using the synthetic polysulfone membrane dialyzer [14181 +/- 378 dropped to 3 590 +/- 590 ng/ml] p<0.001. Radiographic and echocardiographic findings correlated positively with s. B2M. Four of the biopsied patients [16%] had positive amyloid deposits. Their median duration of dialysis was 33 months and all of them had clinical manifestations of carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS] and bilobed interatrial septal thickening in the echocardiography. To conclude, the ESRD patients receiving regular HD are vulnerable to DRA. S. B 2M as a potential precursor for DRA is significantly elevated in those patients. Better clearance of B 2M can be achieved by using synthetic polysulfone dialyzers

Immunobiochemical studies in rhinoscleroma

In this study, 50 rhinoscleroma patients and 30 controls [15 healthy control and 15 patients with allergic nasal polypi] were studied for cellular mediated immunity and the levels of three important trace elements [zinc, copper and iron]. Cell mediated immunity has been studied by erythrocyte resetting and leucocyte migration inhibition tests being significantly affected [i.e. Diminished] in the 50 rhinoscleroma patients as compared with the 15 healthy controls. Zinc and iron levels in serum and tissue of rhinoscleroma patients were significantly decreased as compared with their levels in the 30 control subjects. The copper levels in serum and tissues of the 50 scleroma patients were significantly increased when compared with the levels of the 30 control subjects. Correlations were done between the three trace elements levels and the active erythrocyte resetting test

paracervical block for evacuation of retained products of conception effective?

Complications from general anaesthesia are now the leading cause of death from first trimester abortions. Although paracervical block has been instituted as an alternative for general anaesthesia for ERPC [evacuation of retained products of conception]. Almost all cases in Egypt are still currently done under general anaesthesia. The objective of this study was to quantitate pain relief associated with paracervical local anaesthesia during ERPC. Among 48 patients who underwent the procedure under paracervical block, 11 patients [22.9%] reported grade 1 pain [minimal discomfort], 23 patients [47.9%] grade 2 pain [mild pain but not uncomfortable] and 9 patients [18.7%] needed extradoses of intravenous sedation [diazepam/pethidine]. Only 5 patients [10.4%] could not cope with the pain and needed general anesthesia to complete the procedure. 81% of the patients were generally satisfied with the procedure. Pain score tended to decrease with lower body weight and higher parity, older age and shorter duration of the procedure. In conclusion, local paracervical block is a simple safe and effective option for ERPC operation and should replace general anaesthesia in all but few cases