Morbidity Profile of Cases Attended Oncology Center of Mansoura University (OCMU), Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES: In Egypt, the National Cancer Registry Program integrates hospital-based data from multiple Egyptian governorates to obtain representative rates. Unfortunately, Dakahlia (one of the largest Egyptian governorates) was not integrated in the National Cancer Registry Program. This research aimed to acquire malignancy rates from the Oncology Center of Mansoura University, which is one of the two oncology centers present in Dakalia Governorate in Egypt. METHODS: Electronic records of patients who attended the Oncology Center of Mansoura University during 2016 were accessed with permission. Analysis was performed to extract diagnostic categories (age, gender, and geographic distribution of cases). RESULTS: Most commonly diagnosed malignancies were breast cancer which represented about 10% of cases in the Oncology Center of Mansoura University during 2016. This was followed by leukemia (3.80%), lymphoma (3.59%), and liver cancer (3.44%). Diagnoses encountered included benign and malignant tumors as well as non-tumor diagnoses. The Mansoura district had the highest proportionate rate of breast cancer cases. Females in the age group ≥ 35 < 60 years had the highest incidence of malignancy cases across all diagnoses. CONCLUSION: The burden of breast cancer in Mansoura district is high. Risk factors need further evaluation with a recommendation to perform an environmental risk assessment.

Immunomodulatory effect of garlic oil extract on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

Objective: To assess the effect potency, and the immunomodulatory response of garlic oil extract in enhancing the host's immune system against the disorders caused by Schistosoma mansoni ( S. mansoni) in mice at different stages of worm maturation. Methods: A total of 70 male CD-1 Swiss albino mice were divided into 7 groups. Group I: healthy control. Group II: garlic oil group orally administrating 100 mg garlic oil extract/kg b.wt. 3 d a week for 6 weeks. Group III: infected with S. mansoni cercariae and left untreated for 42 d. Group IV: treated with garlic oil extract from day 1 to day 7 post infection (PI). Group V: treated with garlic oil extract from day 14 till day 21 PI. Group VI: administrating garlic oil extract from day 35 until day 42 PI. Group VII received oil extract from the first day of infection for 42 d. Results: Garlic oil extract showed changes in the parasite tegument with a significant decrease in worm burden, hepatic and intestinal ova count with a decline in granuloma number and diameter. These alterations were accompanied with a reduction in serum TNF α, ICAM-1, IgG and IgM after 7 and 42 d post S. mansoni cercarial infection. Conclusions: Results obtained confirmed the effect of garlic oil extract on the larval and mature stage of the parasite and in enhancing the host's immune system against the disorders caused by S. mansoni in mice.

Immunomodulatory effect of garlic oil extract on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the effect potency, and the immunomodulatory response of garlic oil extract in enhancing the host's immune system against the disorders caused by Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) in mice at different stages of worm maturation.@*METHODS@#A total of 70 male CD-1 Swiss albino mice were divided into 7 groups. Group I: healthy control. Group II: garlic oil group orally administrating 100 mg garlic oil extract/kg b.wt. 3 d a week for 6 weeks. Group III: infected with S. mansoni cercariae and left untreated for 42 d. Group IV: treated with garlic oil extract from day 1 to day 7 post infection (PI). Group V: treated with garlic oil extract from day 14 till day 21 PI. Group VI: administrating garlic oil extract from day 35 until day 42 PI. Group VII received oil extract from the first day of infection for 42 d.@*RESULTS@#Garlic oil extract showed changes in the parasite tegument with a significant decrease in worm burden, hepatic and intestinal ova count with a decline in granuloma number and diameter. These alterations were accompanied with a reduction in serum TNF α, ICAM-1, IgG and IgM after 7 and 42 d post S. mansoni cercarial infection.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Results obtained confirmed the effect of garlic oil extract on the larval and mature stage of the parasite and in enhancing the host's immune system against the disorders caused by S. mansoni in mice.

[Assessing satisfaction, technology usability, and therapeutic alliance in Tele-psychotherapy from patients' and counselor's perspective]

Introduction: telemental health is one of the most successful aspects of telehealth. In this study, we focus on family therapy as a branch of psychotherapy and analyze its efficacy in telecommunication settings

Methods: this is a descriptive study conducted between October 2014 and February -2015. The sample of the study consisted of 30 patients having family therapy sessions via an internet based connection in a clinic in Mashhad. Data were collected by a questionnaire. The content validity of the questionnaire was established using a panel of 3 experts, and reliability was assured with internal consistency method. We also conducted a semi-structured interview with the psychotherapist in order to obtain his opinions on this method

Results: the findings on three indices examined in this research showed that 80 percent of participants were satisfied with the interviewee/interviewer interaction, 73.3 percent of participants rated usability of the technology as moderate to high, while 93.3 percent of the participants reported high satisfaction with this method of telecounseling. The open-ended questions and the debriefing interview with the psychotherapist were reviewed, and general features of responses were extracted and classified

Conclusion: Iran with the wide land area and considerable number of rural and deprived areas, has a good potential to benefit from telehealth advantages. As it is the first study examining the efficacy and acceptability of telepsychotherapy in Iran, further research is needed in order to examine other aspects of this field to find the best solution suitable for our country

Cytoprotective effect of silymarin against diabetes-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in diabetic rats / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The beneficial effects of silymarin have been extensively studied in the context of inflammation and cancer treatment, yet much less is known about its therapeutic effect on diabetes. The present study was aimed to investigate the cytoprotective activity of silymarin against diabetes-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were randomly divided into: control group, untreated diabetes group and diabetes group treated with silymarin (120 mg/kg•d) for 10 d. Rats were sacrificed, and the cardiac muscle specimens and blood samples were collected. The immunoreactivity of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in the cardiomyocytes was measured. Total proteins, glucose, insulin, creatinine, AST, ALT, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were estimated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Unlike the treated diabetes group, cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased in the untreated rats, as evidenced by enhanced caspase-3 and declined Bcl-2 activities. The levels of glucose, creatinine, AST, ALT, cholesterol, and triglycerides declined in the treated rats. The declined levels of insulin were enhanced again after treatment of diabetic rats with silymarin, reflecting a restoration of the pancreatic β-cells activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The findings of this study are of great importance, which confirmed for the first time that treatment of diabetic subjects with silymarin may protect cardiomyocytes against apoptosis and promote survival-restoration of the pancreatic β-cells.</p>

Role of Procalcitonin in the diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis

Objectives: Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and appropriate treatment decreases the mortality and morbidity of these infants. The aim of this study was to assess the role of procalcitonin [PCT] as a marker in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

Study design: 35 neonates with early onset sepsis [admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at El-Minia Children University Hospital [from August 2012 to August 2013] were included in the study. Another 35 healthy neonates with no clinical and biological data of infection were taken as control, they were subjected to thorough history taking, routine laboratory investigations and serum Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein [CRP] were determined by ELISA

Results: Mean levels of procalcitonin and CRP in neonates with sepsis were significantly higher than the control. There was a significant moderate positive correlation between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein and insignificant correlation between procalcitonin and total leukocytic count among the neonates with sepsis. Also procalcitonin had high sensitivity, specificity, high positive predictive value and high negative predictive value. PCT showed higher sensitivity in comparison to that of CRP

Conclusion: Procalcitonin is a sensitive, independent and useful biomarker than CRP in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

OUTCOMES OF APLASTIC ANEMIA PATIENTS IN ASSUIT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, ONE YEAR STUDY

Aplastic anemia is a disorder in which the bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells. to identify the various aetiological factors that stands behind aplastic anemia as a common hematological problem and the various outcomes of those patients along one year. The study included 80 patients with aplastic anemia who were admitted to the Clinical Hematology Unit of Assuit University Hospital from November 2011 to October 2012. All patients were recruited for careful history and meticulous investigations to detect predisposing factors. Results: 42.5% of all studied aplastic anemia patients had any definite etological or predesposing factor, so considered as idiopathic group while, 57.5% were secondry to chmicels and/or insecticides [22.5%], hepatitis C[15%], systemic lupus erythematosis[SLE] [12.5%] and rheumatoid arthritis[7.5%]. The observed outcomes showed that complete recovery in 39%t of the secondry aplastic anemia patients [P<0.001], chronicity in 22% while 39% died. However, none of the idiopathic aplastic anemia' patients reached recovry, 59% become chronic [P<0.001] and 41% died [P<0.05]. Secondary aplastic anemia patients have a chance for recovery by correcting the primary etiology that is not an option in idiopathic patients. The hope for not recovered aplastic anemia patients is dependency on transfusional support and immunosupressive therapy waiting for a chance in allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The expected outcome of most of unrecovered patients is death unless find early chance for transplantation.So, there is a very potential need for stem cell transplantation center in Assuit University as an important referral center in Upper Egypt

Fine needle aspiration cytology of solitary thyroid nodule: diagnostic accuracy and utility of cell block

The study included 61 patients aged 18-70 years, [13 males, and 48 females], having solitary thyroid nodule. After having clinical examination, each patient was subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] examination, and cell block preparation. For all cases, histopathological examination of the corresponding surgical samples, were also performed. FNAC preoperative diagnoses showed 25 cases with benign follicular nodules, 18 with follicular neoplasm, 1 Hurthle cell neoplasm, 4 suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma, 10 papillary thyroid carcinomas, 2 medullary carcinomas, and 1 anaplastic carcinoma. The number of true positive cases was 32, true negative 24, false positive 4, and one false negative result. Non-neoplastic to neoplastic lesions showed sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 85.7%, positive predictive value 88.8%, negative predictive value 96% and diagnostic accuracy 91.8%. The incidence of malignancy based on histopathologic diagnosis was 37.7%. Cell blocks were contributory in 35 cases [57.1%], and non-contributary in 26 cases [42.6%]. All cases of papillary carcinoma diagnosed by FNAC were proved to be papillary carcinoma on histopathological examination. In conclusion: FNAC is a simple, cost effective, and easy to perform procedure for the diagnosis of thyroid nodule. It is a highly sensitive with high accuracy rate, especially in diagnosing malignancy. Therefore, it is recommended as a first line investigation for the diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule, to avoid unnecessary thyroidectomy

Prevalence of Xmnl G[gamma] polymorphism in Egyptian patients with beta-thalassemia major

Beta-thalassemia results from a deficiency of beta-globin chains leading to an excess in alpha globin chains resulting in hypochromic microcytic red cells, ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolytic anemia. It is a result of a decline of HbF synthesis during the first year of life. F-cell levels are influenced by a sequence variant [C[right wards arrow] T] at position -158 upstream of the -globin gene, so the frequency of the Xmnl G[gamma] polymorphism in Egyptian patients with beta-thalassemia major needed evaluation to decide on the value of HbF augmentation drugs in treating Egyptian beta-thalessemia. A cross-sectional study including 30 beta-thalassemia major patients diagnosed and attending the Pediatric Hematology Unit, Children's University Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, in the period from October 2008 to October 2009. The 17 males and 13 females underwent a medical history and physical examination. Tests included a complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, serum ferritin, and detection of Xmnl G[gamma] polymorphism by PCR. The mean [SD] age was [2] 10.2 [6.9] years. The most frequent genotype observed was homozygosity for the absence of the site Xmnl [-/-] in 96% of cases. Heterozygosity [+/-] genotype was detected in 4% of cases, while homozygosity for the site Xmnl [+/+] genotype was absent. Genotype was not related to age at first transfusion, fetal hemoglobin level or transfusion frequency. Despite the small sample size, the study demonstrated that Egyptian beta-thalessemia patients have low frequency of positivity for the Xmnl polymorphism whether in heterozygous [+/-] or homozygous [+/+] state

Correlation between serum osteoprotegerin and atherosclerotic vascular disorders in rheumatoid arthritis patients

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of serum osteoprotegerin [OPG] level with the presence of angiographically documented asymptomatic coronary artery disease [CAD] in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and to evaluate its relationship with plasma thrombomodulin [TM], as a marker of endothelial dysfunction and with carotid artery intima media thickness [IMT], as a marker of atherosclerosis. The study included 20 rheumatoid patients without CAD [negative results on exercise ECG stress test] and other 20 rheumatoid patients with CAD [positive results on exercise ECG stress test and confirmed by coronary angiography]. In addition, 20 age and sex matched normal control subjects were studied. Serum OPG and plasma TM levels were measured and carotid artery IMT was determined. The study revealed that serum OPG levels were significantly higher in rheumatoid patients with and without CAD than in controls [P < 0.001,P < 0.01; respectively] and were positively correlated with age, duration of disease, Disease active score 28[DAS28], Erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP] and carotid IMT in rheumatoid patients with and without CAD. Serum OPG level was correlated significantly with plasma TM only in rheumatoid patients with CAD [P < 0.001]. Osteoprotegerin is a clinically important molecule independently associated with the presence of coronary artery disease and may be a good indicator of atherosclerotic vascular damage and macroangiopathy in asymptomatic rheumatoid patients. Hence, measurement of serum OPG merits further investigation as a simple test for improving early diagnosis of asymptomatic CAD in rheumatoid patients

Consanguinity and disorders of sexual developments in the Sudan

Consanguinity is very common in the Sudanese society. There is a lack of studies on consanguinity and its impact on genetic diseases in Sudan. In this study we correlated Disorders of Sexual developments [DSDs], as an example of genetic conditions, in relation with consanguinity. A cohort of twenty six cases from 15 Sudanese families were diagnosed with DSD between the years 2008-2010, Diagnosis was done in Al-Neelian Medical Research Centre, Al-Neelain University, Sudan in collaboration with the University of L beck, Germany. Parental consanguinity was seen in 70%, 10% were not consanguineous while 20% did not provide a detailed family pedigree. There is strong association between consanguinity and inheritance of DSDs in the Sudan, which is expected to be higher than that reported in the literature about non-consanguineous DSDs from western countries

Epidemiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in primary school children in Egypt

To assess prevalence and identify subtypes and risk factors of ADHD among primary school children. A total of 635 school children [320 boys and 315 girls] within the primary school in Imbaba [Giza governorate] and 710 children [366 boys and 344] within the two primary schools of Abasia and Shobra in Cairo were interviewed. To identify risk factors for developing ADHD, a control group of school children [who are free of ADHD] of a sample size equal to the number of diagnosed cases were selected according to a simple random sample technique from the list of students at the corresponding study settings. The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher and Parents Rating Scales; the clinical sheet of psychiatric interview, history and mental state examination for clinical diagnosis of patients; and the ADHD Risk Factors Questionnaire were-used for diagnosis and data collection. Prevalence rates of ADHD among schoolchildren in Giza and Cairo were 6.3% and 8%, respectively. The most prevalent subtype in both study settings was the "combined subtype". ADHD cases comprised significantly more boys than girls. Other significant risk factors for ADHD included a positive family history of mental disorder [p=0.023] and the occurrence of perinatal complications to the mother of the ADHD child [p=0.014]. ADHD is a common mental disorder in Egyptian primary school children in Giza and Cairo. It affects more boys than girls. The combined subtype is the most common subtype. Positive family history of mental disorder and perinatal complications constitute significant risk factors for ADHD. School health programs should include screening of primary school children for ADHD. Diagnosed cases should be referred for psychiatric and educational management. Teachers, especially in primary schools should be aware that children with ADHD are not stupid or nasty, who should be helped not punished. Further research is needed to explore the prevalence and epidemiology of ADHD among children and adolescents in different geographical areas of Egypt

Expression of MIB-1 in prostatic carcinoma: An immunohistochemical study

Immunohistochemical assessment of MIB-1 expression in prostatic carcinoma as a proliferation marker and the correlation between the immunohistochemical findings and the most important prognostic factors of prostatic carcinoma. The specimens of 60 cases of prostatic carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. The study material included 20 [33%] radical prostatectomy specimens, 10 [17%] specimens from transurethral resection of the prostate [TURF] and 30 [50%] specimens of transrectal ultnasonography [TRUS]-guided biopsies. The archival formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded blocks were collected and immunohistochemically stained for Ki-67 [MIB-1]. The results of the immunohistochemical staining were correlated with Gleason score, tumor stage, Mostofi-WHO nuclear grade, perineural infiltration and pre-operative PSA level. There was a statistically significant correlation between MIB- I immunoneactivity and increasing Gleason score and Mostofi-WHO nuclear grade. MIB-1 positivity was significantly higher in patients with tumor stage C and in cases with a pre-operative PSA >10 ng/ml. Cases with evidence of perineural invasion showed a higher percentage of moderate and marked MIB- 1 immunoreactivity than cases without perineural invasion, but this difference was not statistically significant. The proliferative index measured by the expression of the Ki-67 protein [using the Ki-67 antibody clone MIB-1] correlated significantly with most of the well established prognostic factors in prostatic carcinoma. MIB-1 expression could serve as a prognostic factor in prostatic carcinoma using standardized immunohistochemical methods

Evaluation of quality of life in kidney transplantation patients in Bahrain

To evaluate the quality of life [QOL] in patients who had undergone kidney transplantation in Bahrain. Forty two subjects living in Bahrain who had received primary kidney transplant for end stage renal disease and 40 healthy controls were studied. Data was collected by personal interview and from medical records using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data and psychometry implementing the General Health Questionnaire and the Psychological General Wellbeing Schedule. Both groups were age- and gender-matched. No significant differences were detected between the groups in the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity, although the control group experienced greater morbidity than the transplant group. No significant differences were detected between the transplant and the controls in the mean scores of the General Well-being Schedule or its subscales. The QOL of the renal transplant and the matched healthy controls are almost similar. The effectiveness, acceptability and economic impact of renal transplantation should take into consideration the QOL dimensions of the kidney transplant recipients

Polarity specific segregation of the primary vestibular afferent fibers in mice

One of the striking features of the vestibular hair cells is the polarized arrangement of their stereocilia and their consequent characteristic of best activation/deactivation directions. Furthermore each of the vestibular end organs is characterized by a distinct organization of these polarized cells. Specifically, all the hair cells in the crista of an individual canal have the same polarity, and the macula are each divided in halves along the striola where the polarities of the hair cells show mirror image symmetry. We utilized the technique of post-fixation transganglionic neuronal tracing with immunofluorescent lipid soluble dyes in new born and 8 day old mice to investigate whether these polarity characteristics influence the pattern of connections between the end organs and their central targets: the vestibular nuclei and cerebellum. We found the cerebellar projection originates preferentially from the medial and superomedial half of the utricular and saccular macula, respectively, while the vestibular projection originates primarily from their lateral and superolateral half respectively. This indicates that striola defines almost mutually exclusive central projections, as well as opposing hair cell polarities. It is suggested that, this macular organization provides an inhibitory side loop through the cerebellum to produce synergetic tuning effects in the vestibular nuclei. In the canals, the entire crista projects to the vestibular nuclei, but the projection to the vestibulocerebellum originates preferentially from the medial half of each of the cristae. The reason for this pattern is not clear, but it may compensate for unequal activation of crista hair cells

[Programme for improving emotional and cognitive changes in patients under renal dialysis in Egypt]

We investigated the effect of chronic renal failure on the emotional status, social and psychological adaptation and the cognitive status of patients and the effect of a programme to improve the psychosocial state of the patients; 40 renal dialysis patients and 40 healthy controls were included. We used the Emotional Status Scale, Psychosocial Adaptation Scale, the Primary Mental Abilities Test and the Memory Processes Scale for assessment of the participants. The controls had better emotional/ cognitive status and psychosocial adaptation than the dialysis patients, a statistically significant difference. There were also statistically significant differences between the patients before and after the application of the programme

Evaluation of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein [Comp], soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor-II[sTNF-RII] and interleukin-6 [IL-6] levels in relation to serum estradiol, functional and radiologic findings in postmenopausal females with knee joint osteoarthritis

To evaluate the possible relation between serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein COMP, sTNF-RII, IL-6 and estradiol in post-menopausal females with clinically and radiologically documented osteoarthritic changes in the knee joint. Twenty post-menopausal females [PMOA] -with clinically and radiologically documented knee joint osteoarthritis were compared to a control group of ten post-menopausal females [control group [I]] and ten pre-menopausal females [control group [2]] "who were clinically and radiologically free of knee joint osteoarthritis. To all the studied subjects, a complete clinical examination was performed, including body mass index calculation, as well as scoring .systems for functional assessment of joint. Plain X-ray of both knee joints was performed. Serum samples were obtained for analysis of urea, creatinine, uric acid, total calcium, inorganic phosphates, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor COMP, sTNF-fUI, IL-6, and estradiol levels. The mean serum estradiol values in the PMOA, and control group [I] were significantly lower than their corresponding value in control group [2], and slightly lower in the PMOA than control group [1]. The mean serum COMP value was slightly higher in the PMOA group than its corresponding value in control group [1], and both mean sera values were significantly higher than their corresponding mean value in control group [2]. The mean serum sTNF-RII value was significantly higher in the PMOA group than its corresponding values in control group [1] and control group [2]. As regards mean serum IL-6 value, it was significantly higher in control group [1] than its corresponding values in the both PMOA and control group [2]. Based on ROC curve analysis in PMOA and control group [1], both serum COMP and sTNF-RII yitld a diagnostic specificity of 90% each, while the diagnostic sensitivity was 45% and 50% respectively. By using the combined approach, we were able to increase the diagnostic sensitivity of serum COMP and sTNF-RII to 90% and 83% respectively. On the other hand, the receiver operating characteristics [ROC] curve analysis of the same parameters in PMOA and control group [2], revealed a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% for each of serum COMP and s TNF-PJI as well as a diagnostic specificity of 90% for serum COMP and 70% for sTNF-RII. The fact that radiographic evidence of OA usually appears in advanced stages of the disease led to the need of identifying possible serum biochemical markers that could reflect the joint tissue status. From the above mentioned results, it could be concluded that the combined measurement of serum levels of the biochemical markers COMP and sTNF-RII may be used in identifying osteoarthritis in post-menopausal females. Furthermore, menopausal state per-se could play a role in the limitation of the diagnostic sensitivity of either of the two parameters if one of both analytes was chosen alone for measurement

effect of human umbilical cord blood stem cells on liver regenerative activity in mice

Liver fibrosis is seen as scar formation and considered as a sign of hepatic injury in many chronic liver diseases. Currently there is no effective treatment available. Human umbilical cord blood [HUCB] contains stem / progenitor cells, which can differentiate into a variety of cell types. They can differentiate into hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo and can ameliorate fives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HUCB stem cells on fibrosis formation induced by carbon tetrachloride [CC14] and on liver function in mice. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by CC14. HLCB stem cells were infused systemically through the tail vein immediately [group 1] or after one week of receiving CC14 [group 2]. Group 3 received only CC14. Administration of CC14 was continued for 10 weeks in G1, G2 and G3, while group 4 [control mice] received only saline infusion for 10 weeks. After that blood from all groups was collected for assessment of the liver function, then all mice were sacrificed under anesthesia, and the liver was taken for histopathological examination. It was found that the level of alanine aminotransferase [ALT] in mice treated with stem cells alter CC14 administration was significantly lower while s. albumin was significantly higher compared to group 3 animals who received CC14 without stem cell treatment [P=0.001], whereas serum total and direct bilirubin levels were similar among all groups. Histological examination revealed that hepatic damage was less in the stem cell treated mice [G1 and G2] than in the non treated group [as regards the liver cell changes, portal tract inflammation, piecemeal necrosis, portal tract fibrosis and bridging fibrosis]. The results were statistically significant. However, liver inflammation and fibrosis were more in mice treated after 1 week than in immediately treated mice. The results suggest that HUCB stem cells can improve liver function and ameliorate liver fibrosis in mice

Evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and B cell lymphocyte/ leukemia 2 [Bcl-2] protein levels in vitreous humor and serum of patients with proliferate diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy [DR] is one of the most common microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the proliferative stage of DR, neovascularization on the retina and the posterior surface of the vitreous occur. Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] is considered to be the most potent factor for retinal neovascularization. Several hypotheses were thought to be involved in the endothelial cell survival activity of VEGF; among them is its ability to induce antiapoptotic proteins like B-cell Lymphocyte/ Leukemia 2 [Bcl-2]. Aim of the study was evaluating the levels of VEGF and Bcl-2 protein in the vitreous humor and sera of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]. The patients group included twenty five type 2 diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy and subjected to vitrectomy, and fifteen non-diabetic individuals subjected to vitrectomy for various non proliferative ocular diseases were taken as a control group. All the participants were subjected to a thorough physical examination and full ophthalmologic evaluation. Laboratory investigations included measurement of serum levels and activities of glucose, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases [ALT and AST], as well as the percentage of whole blood glycated hemoglobin [HbA[1c]. The VEGF and Bcl-2 were measured in the vitreous humor and sera of all studied subjects using enzyme immunoassays. The VEGF and Bcl-2 levels were found to be significantly increased in the vitreous humor of patients with proliferative DR when compared to their corresponding control group [p=0.001 andp-0.003 respectively]. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was noted between both groups regarding serum values of both VEGF and Bcl-2 [p> 0.05]. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between serum Bcl-2 and serum VEGF in the patients group [r= 0.463, p= 0.020]. The significantly higher values of VEGF and Bcl-2 in the vitreous humor of patients with PDR, with the lack of such findings in their sera, suggest that both factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease, and support the hypothesis that their increased levels in the vitreous is attributed to intraocular synthesis, in response to retinal hypoxia and ischemia, rather than to serum filtration. Furthermore, the significant correlation between both VEGF and Bcl-2 in serum of PDR patients could be related to the VEGF ability to induce pathological angiogenesis in PDR through the up regulation of the anti apoptotic protein Bcl-2 that promotes new vessels survival rendering their vitreous levels high which would probably be reflected on their serum levels as neovascularization is the main pathology in the PDR

Study of serum osteoprotegrin [OPG], tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand [Trail] and fetuin-A in patients with chronic renal failure

Vascular and valvular calcifications are strong prognostic markers of cardiovascular disease mortality in chronic kidney disease [CKD] patients especially those on hemodialysis. It has been demonstrated that CKD patients with osteodystrophy have increased atherosclerosis and, more recently, increased coronary artery calcification. Was to evaluate the link between renal failure, atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and inflammation by determining the role of serum osteoprotegrin [OPG], tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand [TRAIL], and Fetuin A in the development of vascular calcification in patients with End stage renal failure disease [ESRD]. The study included, thirty patients on maintenance hemodialysis [HD] and fifteen patients with conservatively managed chronic renal failure [CRF] for whom dialysis was not performed. Both groups were compared to fifteen age and sex matched healthy individuals who constituted the control group. To all the subjects clinical examination, and 12 lead electro-cardiography were done. To all subjects the following investigations were performed: routine biochemical analysis, serum OPG, Fetuin A and plasma TRAIL Also serum parathyroid hormone [PTH], Calcium [total and ionized], phosphorus [Ph], and C- reactive protein [CRP] were measured. Finaly carotid ultra sonography of the pelvis and hand, and calculation of vascular calcification score were done. Carotid intima media thickness [CIMT] was found to be significantly higher in both undialyzed [CRF] patients and dialyzed [HD] patients when compared to controls [p<0.001 leach]. Also the difference between both groups of patients was statistically significant [p: 0.014]. Calcification score was found to be significantly higher in CRF and HD patients when compared to controls [p: 0.047 and < 0.001 respectively] Serum OPG level was significantly higher in both undialyzed CRF and dialyzed HD patients when compared to the control group [p: 0.041 and < 0.001 respectively].The level was also found to be significantly higher in the HD group when compared to CRF patients [p< 0.001]. Serum fetuin A level was found to be significantly lower in both CRF and HD patients when compared to the control group [p: 0.02, 0.05 respectively]. As regards TRAIL levels, no significant difference was found between the three studied groups. The level of the PTH was significantly higher in CRF undialyzed and HD patients when compared to control group [p: 0.021 and < 0.001 respectively]. CRP level was significantly higher in both patients groups when compared to controls [p< 0.001, 0.04 respectively].In the total patients group: there was a positive significant correlation between VC score and both PTH and AP. There was a positive significant correlation between OPG and [CIMT, Fetuin, AP and total Ca]. There was also a positive significant correlation between Fetuin A and both TRAIL and Albumin. By performing multiple logistic regression, only serum PTH was significant independent predictor of vascular calcification [p=0.006] and serum OPG was significant independent predictor of inflammation. [p=0.029]. The only parameter with significant ROC curve was PTH. It could be finally concluded that the increased level of OPG in CRF and HD patients might be a compensatory self defensive response against other factors that promote vascular calcification, or may possess potentially damaging properties, while the decreased level of Fetuin A reflects an inadequate response against the development of VC. Also the increase level of CRP denotes an ongoing inflammatory state and this causes down regulation of fetuin A which may represent the essential link between chronic inflammation and vascular calcification. PTH was found to be the best diagnostic marker of VC of all studied parameters, and was also the most independent predictor of VC, while OPG was the most independent predictor of inflammation