comparative histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study of the effect of green tea extracts or chromium picolinate administration on the white visceral adipose tissue and liver in albino rats fed on high-fat diet

Obesity has become a major health problem, as a growing proportion of the population worldwide is overweight. The coincidence of obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis is commonly referred to as the 'metabolic syndrome'. The investigation of the antiobesity properties of food components is a popular field of research and one of these natural agents of interest is green tea extract [GTE]. Nevertheless, chromium picolinate [CP] is also postulated to have an effect on the body fat composition. The present study aimed to assess the changes in the visceral white adipose tissue and the liver of adult male albino rats that are fed on high-fat diet [HFD] following administration of GTE or CP supplements histologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically. A total of 60 adult male albino rats [120-150g] were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I [the control group] included 30 rats and were subdivided into three equal subgroups [Ia, Ib, Ic]; all were fed on standard rat chow. Groups Ib and Ic were given GTE and CP, respectively, orally through an orogastric tube. Group II included 10 rats that were allowed a free access to HFD. Group III [the GTE and HFD group] included 10 rats that received GTE orally [200 mg/kg body weight/day] in conjunction with HFD. Group IV [the CP and HFD group] included 10 rats that received CP orally [80 micro g/kg body weight/day] in conjunction with HFD. The experiment continued for 3 months. Perinephric white adipose tissue [PWAT] and liver specimens were dissected from all rats at the end of the experiment for histological and immunohistochemical examination. Blood samples were taken for estimation of fasting blood glucose [FBG] and fasting blood insulin [FBI] levels. Histologically, groups Ib and Ic revealed almost the control pattern of the liver and PWAT similar to group Ia. Group II showed focal areas of cellular infiltration and congestion of the blood vessels of the liver sections. Most hepatocytes appeared swollen with cytoplasmic vacuolation. PWAT revealed a marked increase in the amount and size of the adipocytes. Groups III and IV revealed almost the control pattern of the liver except for few areas of cellular infiltrations in group IV. Groups III and IV showed a marked decrease in the amount of PWAT, which was more remarkable in group IV. Decrease in the size of many adipocytes was more manifested in group IV. Immunohistochemically, increased expression of insulin receptors in the adipocytes of PWAT and to a lesser extent in the hepatocytes of group III was noticed. Group IV showed more noticeable increased expression of insulin receptors compared with group III. Biochemically, FBI in the obesity group was higher as compared with the control group. Groups III and IV revealed a significant decrease in the FBI level. Fasting blood glucose level showed significant increase in group II only. Supplementation with either GTE or CP may be useful as antiobesity agents and can be used to prevent the impact of obesity on the liver and to improve insulin resistance

Histological study of the femur and the lumbar vertebrae in ovariectomized adult albino rats following administration of collagen hydrosylate

Introduction: Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disorder that has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its prophylaxis and therapy are still unresolved challenges

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility that collagen hydrosylate [CH] can ameliorate osteoporotic bone loss in ovariectomized rats with special reference to bone mineral content [BMC], some biochemical parameters of bone turnover, and histology

Materials and methods: Forty adult female albino rats [180-200 g] were categorized into four equal groups: a sham-operated control group [group I], a sham-operated CH-treated group [group II], an ovariectomized group [group III], and a CH-treated ovariectomized group [group IV]. The experiment continued for 12 weeks. At its end, the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia. Blood samples were collected for estimation of serum calcium, osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [CTX]. The left femora and lumbar vertebrae were excised for histological examination by H and E and Gomori's trichrome stains. The area percentage of collagen was further assessed using an image analyzer. The right femur of each rat was used for BMC measurement by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis

Results: In sham-operated CH-treated rats [group II] there was no significant variation in bone turnover markers and BMC as compared with their respective controls. Normal bone microstructure was depicted as well. In group III rats, ovariectomy [OVX] was associated with enhanced bone turnover as depicted by significant decrease in the mean value of serum calcium, whereas osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and CTX revealed significant increase compared with controls. Moreover, an evident reduction in bone calcium content was depicted in the femora of this group. Histologically, evidence of bone resorption was manifested in the femoral diaphysis and lumbar vertebrae with multiple resorption cavities, irregularly eroded endosteal surface containing osteoclasts, and thinned out bone trabeculae along with wide bone marrow cavities. A significant decrease in bone collagen content of both cortical and trabecular bones was evidenced in trichrome-stained sections. In contrast, CH administration after OVX [in group IV] reduced bone turnover markers and improved BMC as well as histological characteristics of examined bones as compared with the OVX group

Conclusion: The study suggested that CH may be a potentially useful agent in preventing bone loss due to ovarian hormone deficiency

Breast cancer proliferative activity: is it the source of serum free DNA?

To study the relationship between serum DNA and breast cancer proliferative activity, then compare the diagnostic and prognostic values of serum DNA, TPS and CEA. A total of 100 breast cancer patients before surgery and 50 apparently healthy controls were analyzed for serum DNA, TPS and CEA. Serum DNA levels were nonsignificantly correlated with serum TPS levels. Serum DNA, TPS and CEA levels were significantly higher in patients than controls. Using ROC curve analysis, serum TPS and DNA had the highest AUC compared to serum CEA. Neither serum TPS, DNA nor CEA correlated with breast cancer clinicopathological data. Only serum CEA was significantly correlated with patients' disease-free survival. Neither Breast cancer mass nor proliferative activity is the source of serum free DNA. Serum TPS is superior to DNA and CEA as a diagnostic marker for breast cancer. Only preoperative serum CEA has a prognostic role in predicting relapse of breast cancer patients, but not serum TPS or DNA

Effect of epidermal growth factor on adrenaline induced effects in isolated rabbit heart

Acute psychological stressors induce damage in organs as heart. Catecholamines are responsible for acute stress effects. Adrenaline, through 1-adrenergic receptors; stimulates EOF release to the blood. Because plasma catecholamine concentration is high during the stress and afterwards, organs are exposed to combined effects of both catecholamines and EGF. Intermale fighting [IF stress model] does not raise plasma creatine kinase [CK] activity ,while increases plasma transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] activities, So the heart is protected. EGF may protect the heart against the harmful effects of epinephrine. The present research studied EGF administration on adrenaline induced effects in the rabbit heart [invitro] of 8 groups of male white New Zealand rabbits. Heart tissues were excised and incubated. revealed a significant decrease in heart rate, contractility and coronary flow rate in Epidermal growth factor gp. A non significant change in heart rate and coronary flow rate and heart contractility after infusion of alpha blocker and adrenaline.While a significant decrease in heart rate, heart contractility and coronary flow rate in either adrenaline with beta Blocker group and or EGF with adrenaline and a blocker group. EGF with adrenaline and beta Blocker group produced a significant increase in heart rate, heart contractility and coronary flow rate. In spite of EGF positive effects on heart properties, it interfered with the adrenaline positive effects through Beta receptors

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: contemporary results of a prospective study from a high-volume laparoscopy center

For the treatment of UPJO with success rates of up to 95%. Current reports of laparoscopic pyeloplasty showed success rates >95%. We aim at defining a new gold standard by evaluating the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a high volume laparoscopy center. The research done between October 2009 and March 2011, 26 patients having primary UPJO were operated using conventional laparoscopy in the department of Urology, Klinikum Dortmund hospital, Germany. Preoperative evaluation included clinical assessment, abdominal ultrasound, MAG3 diuretic renography and retrograde pyelography. Postoperative follow-up included assessment of pain, analgesic requirements, laboratory parameters, abdominal ultrasound and reflux retrograde pyelography. Long term follow-up included improvement of symptoms; and pelvi-calyceal decompression by ultrasound, retrograde pyelography and MAG3 diuretic renography. Results were as follow the age range of the 26 patients was 13-74 years [mean 42.2, SD 17.6], 13 males and 13 females. The cause of obstruction was intrinsic stenosis in 11[42.4%], crossing lower pole vessel[s] in 14[53.8%] and external adhesions in one patient [3.8%]. All cases had a unilateral lesion; with the 26 patients equally divided as regards the side of obstruction. Pain was the presenting symptom in 20 patients [76.9%]. Operative time ranged 135-300 min. [mean 211.5, SD 41.9]. Intraoperative blood loss was generally negligible and no intraoperative complication occurred. There was no conversion to open surgery in any case. The total hospital stay ranged 5-11 days [mean 7.8, SD 1.5]. Follow-up ranged 3-18 months. In 24 patients, there was a definite resolution of pain and other symptoms postoperatively. Postoperative evaluation showed a statistically significant improvement of the degree of hydronephrosis by both ultrasonography and retrograde pyelography [p = 0.0001]. In 2 patients with mild postoperative radiological improvement, despite the clinical resolution of symptoms, MAG3 scan showed a mild obstructive drainage pattern. Criteria of success, defined as relieve of symptoms and obstruction together with a half-time clearance of 10 min. or less, shown a short-term success rate of 96%. In conclusion laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a safe and effective treatment option; and it could be a reasonable replacement for open surgery as a new gold standard for treatment of UPJO

Association of body mass index and serum adipocytokines with breast cancer risk in Egyptian premenopausal females in Alexandria

To analyze the association between obesity and breast cancer risk among premenopausal females in Alexandria, Egypt. Blood samples were collected from 30 newly diagnosed, histologically-confirmed breast cancer patients before surgery and 30 age-and menstrual status-matched healthy controls. Standardized questionnaires concerning age at presentation, age at menarche, parity, body mass index [BMI], electromagnetic radiation [EMR] exposure, lactation and oral contraceptive intake were completed by the same researcher. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were assayed simultaneously. Univariate analysis showed that EMR exposure, age at presentation>30 years, nulliparity, artificial lactation and increased BMI were significantly associated with breast cancer risk [p<0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that EMR exposure [p=0.003] and age at presentation>30 years [p=0.02] both were significant independent risk factors. EMR exposure and female age>30 years are the most important risk factors in predicting breast cancer in Egyptian premenopausal females so we recommend them to do periodic breast self-examination specially during the fourth decade of life and to avoid overexposure to EMR

Enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in acute ischemic stroke [in-evolution type]. Differential effects of enoxaparin on von willebrand factor release and a possible relation to improved clinical outcomes

The significance of low-molecular-weight heparins [LMWHs] in the management of acute stroke remains controversial. Investigating the effect of early administration of Enoxaparin [ENOX] on risk reduction of early recurrent ischemic strokes compared with Unfractionated Heparin [UFH]. Besides, exploring whether these benefits of ENOX might lead to reduction in death and disability. One hundred patients with acute ischemic stroke in evolution were enrolled [with symptoms of stroke within eight hours randomization]. Patients were randomized to receive UFH or ENOX for ten days. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] and Computed Tomography [ct] scan were performed at the time of admission, and after 48 hours of randomization. The mean baseline of [NIHSS] were 9.14 +/- 0.62 and 7.86 +/- 0.54 among patients randomized to UFH and ENOX respectively [P-value 0.2]. At discharge, the mean NIHSS showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the ENOX group [7.9 +/- 0.82 vs 4.96 +/- 0.54 for ENOX and UFH respectively [P-value = 0.002]] The mean NIHSS after therapy in patients who demonstrated neurological improvement was 5.6 +/- 0.46 in the UFH arm compared to 3.65 +/- 0.39 in the ENOX arm [P-valne=0.001]. A deterioration in the clinical neurological condition [progressive stroke symptoms] inspite of treatment with anticoagulant therapy was seen in 20% [n=10] of the patients in the UFH treatment arm compared to none [n=0] in the ENOX treatment arm [P-value=0.005]. ENOX + aspirin was superior to UFH + aspirin in reducing adverse neurological disability after acute ischemic stroke in evolution

Association between estrogen receptor a gene polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer in a group of Egyptian women

Estrogen receptor [ER] is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates estrogen actions in target tissues. Several common polymorphisms of the ER-alpha gene have been reported to be associated with alterations in receptor expression and function. We evaluated the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms in the ER-alpha gene may be associated with breast cancer risk in Egyptians. In this study the involvement of two RFLPs at the ER-alpha gene locus, denoted as PvuII and XbaI in breast cancer were examined in 40 breast cancer cases and 33 age frequency-matched controls. A case-control comparison was performed and the genotype distributions examined according to different tumor and population parameters. PvuII polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer [OR = 5.14, P=0.01], while there was no significant difference in genotype frequency of the XbaI polymorphism between controls and cases. The PvuII polymorphism was also associated with elevated breast cancer risk in premenopausal cases [OR=7.00, p=0.049]. In addition, significant association was found in patients with LN metastasis carrying the ER-alpha PvuII T allele [OR=7.14, p=0.013]. These results suggest that biomarkers for genetic polymorphisms could be used for the identification of breast cancer risk among Egyptian women

Circulating levees of proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, soluble FAS and angiotensin converting enzyme in patients with congestive heart failure

Objective: [1] to determine serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor [sIL-2R], tumor necrosis factor- alpha [TNF-alpha], nitric oxide [NO], soluble Fas [sFas], and angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] activity in patients with congestive heart failure [CHF] of different etiologies. [2] to investigate the correlations between these bioindices with the severity of heart failure and with echocardiographic assessment of cardiac geometry and function

Patients and Methods: forty-five patients with clinical CHF were classified according to the etiology of heart failure into: 15 patients [33.3%] with rheumatic valvular heart disease [RHD], 17 patients [37.8%] with ischemic heart disease [IHD] and 13 patients [28.9%] with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy [DCM]. They were compared with 18 normal healthy subjects as controls. Furthermore, patients were classified according to New York Heart Association, NYHA, concerning with severity of heart failure into: NYHA class II [n= 7], NYHA class III [n=20] and NYHA class IV [n=18]. Serum sIL-2R, TNF-alpha and sFas levels were determined by ELISA assays while serum NO and ACE levels were measured by colorimetric methods. Doppler Echocardiography was performed for all participants

Results: levels of sIL-2R, TNF-alpha, NO, sFas and ACE were significantly higher in CHF patients and in their subgroups [RHD, IHD and DCM] than controls. The highest levels of the studied bioindices were varied according to the CHF etiology. TNF-alpha level was the only one that had significant differences among different groups [RHD, LHD and DCM]. The levels of sIL-2R, TNF-alpha, NO and sFas in patients with NYHA class IV were significantly higher than either class II or III. Moreover, sIL-2R, TNF-alpha and NO levels were significantly higher in patients with diastolic dysfunction than patients with normal diastolic function. In patients with CHF, significant positive correlations were found between sFas and both TNF-alpha and sIL-2R as well as between TNF-alpha and both NO and diastolic function. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between TNF-alpha and sIL-2R in both IHD and RHD patients as well as between sIL-2R and both ACE in IHD patients and diastolic function in DCM patients

Conclusion: the highest levels of sIL-2R and ACE in RHD patients as well as TNF-alpha and sFas in IHD patients may be due to differences in their pathogenesis. Serum levels of sIL-2R, TNF-alpha, NO and sFas were increased in proportion to the severity of heart failure. Some relationship existed between immune system activation, apoptosis and renin- angiotensin system in CHF and this may play a significant role in the pathophysiology and prognosis of the disease

Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1] and its binding protein 3 [IGFBP3] in relation to estrogen in postmenopausal patients with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen with and without vitamin A

This study included 30 postmenopausal women with breast cancer stages II and III. They were divided into two groups according to the line of adjuvant treatment [tamoxifen, oral tables of 10 mg twice daily or tamoxifen with vitamin A, oral tables 200 mg daily of vitamin A] as well as 15 normal healthy postmenopausal women matched in age with the patients group. The study aimed to investigate the effect of an antioxidant [vitamin A] besides tamoxifen as an adjuvant treatment in postmenopausal females with breast cancer as a reflection of change on the serum levels of IGF-I, its binding protein 3 [IGFBP3] and estrogen which were determined by immunoradiometric assay [IRMA] and radioimmunoassay [RIA]. After six months of adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen or tamoxifen with vitamin A, a statistically significant decrease in serum IGF-I and estrogen and a statistically significant increase in serum IGFBP3 level were observed

Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], soluble P-selectin [sP-selectin], gammaglutamyl transferase [GGT], Glutathione S-tranferase Pi [GST-Pi] and alphafetoprotein [AFP] in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and during chemotherapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is an environmentally related cancer, with both viral and chemical carcinogens involved in multistage process. Up now, it is difficult to detect the asymptomatic precursor lesions in early stages of HCC. Therefore, the majority of HCC patients are not amenable to curative therapy as they are detected at late stages. To evaluate the significance of TNFa, sP-selectin, GOT, GST-Pi and AFP in the diagnosis and follow up of HCC patients during chemotherapy with adriamycin, 45 subjects were studied [15 healthy volunteers as control group, 15 with benign liver diseases [SHF], and 15 HCC patients before and during chemotherapy [3 cycles of intravenous adriamycin]. HCC patients had significantly higher serum level of TNF alpha, sP-selectin, GGT, GST-Pi and AFP. Serum levels of GGT and GST-Pi were significantly higher in HCC patients with poorly differentiated tumors than in patients with well and moderately differentiated tumors. Treatment with adriamycin for three cycles forced a significant decrease in TNF alpha, sP-selectin and GST-Pi. We conclude that GST-Pi is superior as a diagnostic and may be a prognostic marker in HCC patients

Evaluation of erythropoiesis in protein energy malnutrition

This study evaluated erythropoiesis in 50 infants hospitalized with protein energy malnutrition and in 50 control infants. The red cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and reticulocyte index were significantly lower, while the white blood cell count, median corpuscular fragility and red cell distribution width were significantly higher on admission than in controls. Total serum protein, albumin, fasting blood glucose, and serum folate were significantly lower on admission than in controls. Serum ferritin was significantly higher and total iron-binding capacity was significantly lower on discharge compared to controls. The serum erythropoietin was significantly higher on admission and discharge than in controls. The anaemia of protein energy malnutrition is due to mixed deficiencies resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis despite an increased level of erythropoietin

Alterations of erythrocyte membrane lipids and adenosine triphosphatases in breast cancer patients treated with CMF: a role of antioxidant supplementation

This study was carried out on 20 premenopausal females with breast cancer submitted to modified radical mastectomy, divided into two groups: the first received cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil [CMF] as adjuvant chemotherapy and the second was given antioxidant together with the same dose of CMF for 6 cycles. Ten healthy females were served as controls. The effect of CMF with and without antioxidant supplementation on etythrocyte membrane lipids, [Na[+]/K[+]] and [Ca[2+]-Mg[2+]] adenosine triphosphatases [ATPases] in premenopausal breast cancer patients was tudied. There were significant alterations in erythrocyte membrane lipids including holesterol, phospholipids and fatty acid pattern as well as a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, in CMF-treated breast cancer patients as compared with controls was observed. These results could be explained on the basis of increased hydrolysis of fatty acyl chains of membrane phospholipids induced by increased free radical formation. Regarding the activities of erythrocyte membrane [Na[+]/K[+] and [Ca[2]-Mg[2]]-APases, both were significantly lower in cancer patients after surgery and after CMF treatment as compared with controls. After antioxidant supplementation to CMF-treated breast cancer patients, significant alterations in most of studied parameters, approaching normal values, were observed when compared with those of patients receiving CMF alone. This could be explained on the basis of a reduction in lipid peroxide levels due to the decrease n free radical stress. Accordingly, antioxidant supplementation during treatment with CMF may be of benefit in protection against the toxic effect of CMF and its metabolites among breast cancer patients

Cytokine patterns, neutrophil chemotactic activity, complement component-3 and circulating immune complexes relationship to clinical staging and treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer cell behaviour from growth to spread may be regulated by cytokines. The exact role of these cytokines however is not fully understood. We aimed to study the level of IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, CI, C3 and CIC in premenopausal breast cancer females in relation to different clinical stages before and after 3 and 6 cycles of CMF and CAF. The study included 36 premenopausal females; twenty four were with recently detected breast cancer of clinical stages II, III, IV and twelve were normal healthy control. Breast cancer group was divided into two subgroups. The results revealed a remarkable statistical significant decrease [P<0.001] in the level of cytokines, C1 and C3 in both malignant subgroups before chemotherapy when compared to control group. On the other hand, there was a statistical significant increase [P<0.001] in the level of CIC in both malignant subgroups before chemotherapy when compared to control group. Also, there was a statistical significant increase [P<0.001] in the level of CIC in patients with clinical stage IV when compared with patients of clinical stages II and III before chemotherapy. There was no statistical significant difference in all studied immunological parameters between both malignant subgroups after 3 and 6 cycles of chemotherapy. There was positive correlation between the different immunological parameters after 6 cycles of chemotherapy in both malignant subgroups. In conclusion, the suppressive immune response may have a role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs may improve the immune response in some breast cancer patients while in other cases they may cause more impairment of the immunity. The suppressive immune effect is more pronounced by CAF regimen than CMF and in advanced clinical stage IV than in clinical stages II and III breast cancer patients

Interferon gamma [IFN-gamma] production in malignant lymphomas before and after treatment

Homan interferon-gamma [IFN- gamma] is an important immunomodulatory protein produced predominantly by T-cells. This study investigated the relation between serum level of IFN-gamma and different clinical stages and pathological types of Hodgkin's disease [HD] and Non-Hodgkin' Lymphoma [NHL] patients before and after treatment. The serum level of IFN- gamma was estimated in a total of 18 patients with NHL and 20 with HD, as well as 24 healthy individuals of matched age and sex. There was a statistically significant decrease in IFN-gamma production in untreated NHL and HD patients regardless of their clinical stages or pathological types as compared to the control group. The level of IFN- gamma in patients with NHL was significantly decreased in clinical stages III and IV as compared to clinical stages I and II. Moreover, the lowest production of IFN- gamma was encountered in high pathological grades as compared to low and intermediate grades. Also, there was a significant decrease in the IFN- gamma production in HD patients with late clinical stages III and IV and advanced pathological types [mixed cellularity and lymphocytic depletion] than in patients with early clinical stages I and II and pathological types [lymphocytic predominance and nodular sclerosis]. Effective chemo- or radio-therapy increased the serum level of IFN- gamma significantly. The results point out to the significance of measuring the serum level of IFN- gamma in NHL and HD patients for monitoring the response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy and the possible clinical use of IFN- gamma as an immunopotentiating agent in the treatment of malignant lymphomas

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-I [ICAM-1] in tissues and serum before and after treatment of colon carcinoma

Cellular adhesion molecules have been demonstrated to play an important role in the progression and metastasis of malignancy. The aim of our study was to correlate the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1] in normal colonic tissues versus cancer tissues and its serum levels before treatment as well as the correlation of sICAM-1 before and after surgery and 6 cycles of chemotherapy and its relation to clinical staging and pathological grades in an attempt to find its role in diagnosis and prognosis of colon carcinoma. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 in 30 primary colon carcinomas. The normal colonic tissue from the same patients served as tissue control. We studied the serum concentration of circulating ICAM-1 in these patients before and after surgery and 6 cycles of chemotherapy together with 30 controls. Strong to moderate immunostaining was found in cancerous cases and was restricted to intercellular matrix and vascular endothelial cells. ICAM-1 was more intense in well differentiated carcinomas. sICAM-1 levels were increased in all colon carcinoma before treatment compared to control and were directly proportional to the advancement of clinical stage and tumour pathological grade. sICAM-1 levels were significantly decreased after surgery and chemotherapy. Patients who did not respond to chemotherapy showed progressive increase in sICAM-1 level. Over expression of ICAM-1 might prevent cell-cell disruption and tumour dissemination. The serum level of sICAM-1 correlates well with the clinical stage and pathological grade of the disease and may be used to predict the patient response to treatment. It may be of diagnostic and prognostic significance in colon carcinoma

Alpha fetoprotein and hepatitis B virus markers in relation to liver cirrhosis and to hepatocellular carcinoma during chemotherapy

To find the relation between hepatitis B infection [HBV] and schistosomal hepatic fibrosis [SHF] in hepatocellular carcinoma patients [HCC] and cirrhotic patients, and study the usefulness of AFP and other serological tests in diagnosis of HCC patients and during treatment with 50 mg/m 2 adriamycin intravenously every 3 weeks for 3 and 6 cycles. This study included 25 normal healthy volunteers as control, 25 patients with liver cirrhosis and 25 hepatocellular carcinoma patients. AFP, HBsAg, anti-HBc values were determined by RIA. Needle liver biopsy under ultrasound guidance was made to establish the histological diagnosis. HBV infection developed HCC in 44% of HCC cases, the combination of HBV and SHF developed HCC in only 24% of HCC cases. Positive relation between the tumor size and the level of serum AFP was observed [X 2 = 11.4]. There was a statistically significant increase in serum AFP levels of HCC patient group when compared with the AFP level of cirrhotic and control groups [P2, P1 = 0.0], and also as regards ALP levels [P2, P1 = 0.003]. There was a statistically significant decrease in serum AFP values after treatment by intravenous adriamycin [P = 0.001, 0.04] as well as marked reduction in tumor size

Interleukin-2 production and expression of interleukin-2 receptor by activated peripheral blood T-lymphocytes in hodgkin's disease

Patients with Hodgkin's disease [HD] often show. T-cell dysfunction irrespective of the stage and grade of the disease. This study investigated the relationship between peripheral blood lymphocytic interleukin-2 [IL-2] production and IL-2 receptor [IL-2R] expression and the clinical stage and pathological type of the disease before and after treatment in patients with Hodgkin's disease. Interleukin-2 production and IL-2R expression were estimated in total of 20 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma and 15 apparently healthy individuals of matched age and sex. The patients group was selected to represent the various clinical stages and the different pathological types. There was a statistically significant decrease in IL-2 production [P<0.001] and IL-2R expression [P <0.001] after stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin [PHA] in untreated Hodgkin's lymphoma patients regardless of their clinical stage or pathological type as compared to the normal control group. There were significant decrease in the IL-2R expression and IL-2 production in patients with late clinical stages [III and IV] and pathological types [mixed cellularity and lymphocytic depletion] than in patients with early clinical stages [I and II] and pathological types [lymphocytic predominance and nodular sclerosis]. This may be due to expansion of the malignant cell clones and reduction in normal T cell mass. The improvement in the expression of IL-2R and the production of IL-2 after effective treatment suggests a regression in the mass of malignant cell clones with replacement of normal cell clones. The detection of IL-2 production and IL-2R expression in HD seems to be of some value in clinical management and monitoring of individual patients

Assessment of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in fish species reared in treated Sewage effluents in Suez city

Levels of the heavy metals Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in 8 organs of each of 2 reared fish species; namely, Oreochromis niloticus and Mugil seheli were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed that the level of the heavy metal concentrations is varying according to the fish species and to the examined organs. The order of abundance of these metals in these two fishes is: Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd, i.e. there is a pronounced elevation in Pb level in most organs of the two fish species, while cadmium recorded the lowest values. Zn and Cu are of higher values than Cd, but both are less than Pb. On the other hand, M. seheli accumulates all the heavy metals with the exception of Pb to greater extent than those in O. niloticus. Generally, muscles of both fishes consistently contain the low values of the metals