Cell proliferation of esophageal squamous epithelium in erosive and nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a major public health problem that may cause erosive or nonerosive esophagitis in symptomatic patients. The severity of esophagitis in GERD seems to be correlated not only to the amount of reflux and altered motor activity but also to the ability of the mucosa to resist injury and repair the damage. This study aimed to evaluate the cell proliferation status of esophageal epithelium in both normal individuals and patients with GERD with or without erosions and its correlation with the degree of inflammation of the esophagus. This study was carried out on 33 individuals; their ages ranged between 17 and 74 years. All participants were subjected to a clinical assessment and an endoscopic evaluation. Four biopsies were taken using an endoscope at 5 cm from the Z-line; histological esophagitis was identified and graded. Cell proliferation was evaluated by Ki-67 immunostaining. The prevalence of GERD was the highest in the 15-29 years age group [46.43%] and decreased with age. Cell proliferation [estimated by the Ki-67-labeling index [Ki-67 LI]] was reduced in esophageal epithelium in erosive [13.44%] and nonerosive [36.83%] reflux disease in relation to normal individuals [68%]. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between cell proliferation [Ki-67 LI] and the endoscopic grade of esophagitis among patients with erosive disease. However, there was no significant correlation between cell proliferation [Ki-67 LI] and the histological grade of esophagitis in both erosive and nonerosive reflux disease. The ability of the mucosa to resist injury and to repair the damage should be considered a key factor in the development of GERD. Esophageal mucosa exposed to chronic acid insult show reduced cell replication, estimated by the Ki-67 LI. Erosive esophagitis in GERD seems to be related to a low cell proliferation rate of esophageal epithelium rather than the amount of reflux

Microhabitat and surface ultrastructure of neothoracocotyle commersoni and pricea multae [monogenea: microcotyloidea] from gills of scombrid fish, scomberomorus commerson

The microhabitat and surface topography of microcotylid monogenean parasites Neothoracocotyle commersoni and Pricea multae from gills of Spanish mackerels, Scomberomorus commerson, was investigated. The results showed that N. commersoni was aggregated at the first gill sector, while P. Multae was aggregated at both first and second sectors in single infestation. On contrary, in mixed infestation, N. commersoni occupied the first sector of gills and P. Multae was restricted only at the fourth sector with a high intensity of infestation compared with N. commersoni. The aggregation of single species of monogenea in restricted habitat may aid in the cross- fertilization, hence produce hybrids strains of parasites which might be more potent and vicious causing severe damage to the host. The surface ultrastructure of the representative monogenea showed that the tegument was provided with microvillus-like projections that suggested metabolic exchange and absorption of micromolecular nutrients from the surrounding environment. The architecture of clamps of N. Commersoni differed from that of P. Multae in possessing microvillous-like projections, which may act as an organ of nutrition, beside its principle attachment function. The ultrastructure of the clamps of both species provided an aid in understanding of the parasite habitat and survival

Biochemical study of children with grand mal epilepsy treated with either carbamazepine or valproate sodium

The present study was conducted on 40 children with grand mal epilepsy attending the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of El-Shatby Children's Hospital [Alexandria]. They were divided into two groups Group [A]: those patients receiving valproate sodium as the sole drug therapy and Group [B]: those patients receiving carbamazepine as the sole drug therapy. Twenty patients from each group were investigated at three stages: Before starting treatment, after four weeks of treatment and after control of the attacks. Twenty healthy, age-matched children were studied as controls. Serum and CSF electrolytes,liver transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase were studied