Casbases, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress: implications for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and relationship with the maternal risk factors and perinatal outcome

For preeclampsia [PE], no specific etiological factor has been defined until now. This study focused on the implication of some apoptotic and lipid peroxidation markers in PE. In addition to malondialdehyde [MDA] measurement in the serum, the MDA, caspases-8, -9 activities and % DNA fragmentation were measured in fifty human term normal and PE placentas. In vitro MDA formation was assessed in relation to time and the presence of prooxidants [FeCl2, low dose of aseorbate] and the antioxidant alpha- tocopherol. The MDA, % DNA fragmentation and craspase-9 activity were significantly increased in PE than control women. The serum MDA was significantly elevated in PE women delivered by cesarean section [C.S.] than vaginally delivered PE women. The addition of 0.5 mM Fe2+ , 0.1 mM ascorbate caused increase production sf MDA in PE than normal placentas [P < 0.015]. Vitamin E [100 micro M] caused significantly lower inhibition of in vitro lipid peroxidation in PE placentas. The % DNA fragmentation and caspase-9 activity were related to the severity of the PE [ANOVA test]. They could differentiate between PE and control women with 100%, 88% sensitivity and 100%, 96% specificity respectively. Caspases-8 and/or -9 activity positively correlates with the maternal age and negatively correlates with neonatal and placental weights

Conclusion: in preeclampsia, the placenta represents a considerable source of the elevated circulating MDA. The enhanced apoptosis correlates with the maternal age and perinatal outcome

Seroprevalence of GBV-C/hepatitis G virus RNA in polytransfused Egyptian children with thalassemia hemophilia and aplastic anemia

To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis G virus-RNA [HGV-RNA] in Egyptian polytransfused children and the role of blood transfusion in its transmission. Also, to investigate the impact of this virus on liver functions. RT-PCR was used to detect HGV-RNA in serum samples from 68 children with thalassemia, hemophilia, aplastic anemia and 14 normal controls. Transfusion histories and serology for Aspartate and Alanine aminotransferases [ALT, AST], and hepatitis markers were recorded. The prevalence of HGV-RNA among patients is lower than the prevalence of HBV and HCV. Although statistically insignificant, HGV-RNA is more frequent in children with HCV infection and hemophilia. The concentration of ALT, AST and the number of transfused units were insignificantly elevated in HGV-RNA positive cases than HGV negative cases. Infection with HGV is not uncommon in Egyptian children, which might have a public health implications. Transfusion of blood is not the sole way for its transmission. HGV may not cause acute liver disease. However, further studies are needed to detect the possibility of chronic liver disease and the possible genetic difference of this virus in HGV-RNA positive polytransfused children and their normal controls