Association of Plasma Ghrelin Levels with Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Saudi Subjects

BACKGROUND: Although the exact mechanism of insulin resistance (IR) has not yet been established, IR is the hallmark characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma ghrelin levels and IR in Saudi subjects with T2DM. METHODS: Patients with T2DM (n=107, cases) and non-diabetic apparently healthy subjects (n=101, controls) from Saudi Arabia were included in this study. The biochemical profiles and plasma insulin levels of all subjects were analyzed, and IR was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Active ghrelin levels in plasma were measured using the radioimmunoassay technique. RESULTS: Only 46.7% (50 of 107) of the T2DM subjects had IR, including 26% (28 of 107) with severe IR (HOMA-IR ≥5), while 5.9% (six of 101) of the controls had moderate IR (3 ≤HOMA-IR <5). HOMA-IR values were not associated with age, disease duration, or gender. Importantly, T2DM itself and the co-occurrence of IR with T2DM were significantly associated with low plasma ghrelin levels. However, ghrelin levels were inversely correlated with the HOMA-IR index, body weight, and fasting plasma insulin levels, mainly in the control subjects, which was indicative of the breakdown of metabolic homeostasis in T2DM. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IR was relatively low, and IR may be inversely associated with plasma ghrelin levels among Saudi patients with T2DM.

Leu72Met and Other Intronic Polymorphisms in the GHRL and GHSR Genes Are Not Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Resistance, or Serum Ghrelin Levels in a Saudi Population

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin (GHRL), a gastric peptide encoded by the GHRL gene, is known to be involved in energy homeostasis via its G protein receptor, encoded by the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) gene. Some studies have shown associations between plasma GHRL levels and GHRL single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely the Leu72Met polymorphism (rs696217 TG), with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR), while others have not. The controversies in these associations raise the issue of ‘which SNPs in which populations.’ The aim of this study was to investigate whether SNPs in GHRL and/or GHSR genes were associated with T2DM, IR, or plasma GHRL levels among Arab Saudis. METHODS: Blood was collected from 208 Saudi subjects with (n=107) and without (n=101) T2DM. DNA samples from these subjects were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction to genotype five intronic SNPs in the GHRL (rs696217 TG, rs27647 CT, rs2075356 CT, and rs4684677 AT) and GHSR (rs509030 GC) genes. In addition, plasma GHRL levels were measured by a radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: None of the SNPs were associated with T2DM, IR, or plasma GHRL levels. The frequencies of the alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of the five SNPs were comparable between the T2DM patients and the non-diabetic subjects. A large number of the GHRL haplotypes indicates the molecular heterogeneity of the preproghrelin gene in this region. CONCLUSION: Neither the Leu72Met polymorphism nor the other intronic GHRL and GHSR SNPs were associated with T2DM, IR, or GHRL levels. Further investigations should be carried out to explain the molecular basis of the association of the GHRL peptide with T2DM and IR.

In vitro effect against some types of cancer using turmeric powder

Tumeric is a perennial herb and member of Zingiberaceae [ ginger] family. The portion of the plant used as a yellow powder which is used as a flavor in many cuisines and as a traditional medicine to treat some diseases. In this study the cytotoxic activity of Turmeric against human liver tumor cell lines [HEPG2], colon carcinoma [HCT] and tumor breast carcinoma [MCF7] were evaluated. Total phenols contents [TPC] and fractionation of poly phenolic and flavonoids compounds in turmeric were determined. The scavenging effect of DPPH [2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl] radicals was evaluated. The organoleptic properties of wheat pie was tested with different levels [0%,5%,10% and 15%] of tumeric powder. The results showed that turmeric exhibited an efficient cytotoxicity against HEPG2, MCF7 and HCT carcinoma cell lines ; moreover turmeric extracts possess significant antioxidant properties and is rich in phenolic compound. Crust color in pie containing turmeric powder become darker, and it varied with increasing the quantity of turmeric powder. Substitution of wheat flour with 5% turmeric powder showed acceptable sensory scores comparable to wheat pie. Pie containing turmeric powder can be considered as a health-promoting functional food

Monocyte chemotactic protein and response to pegylated interferon-alpha-2A treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C [CHC] genotype 4

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection varies across the world, with the highest number of infections reported in Egypt. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [MCP-1] is a potent chemokine, and its hepatic expression is up-regulated during chronic HCV infection. Fifty naive patients with chronic hepatitis C in National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute and 20 healthy volunteers as controls were enrolled in a prospective study designed with strict inclusion criteria to nullify the effect of confounding variables and further minimize selection bias. Fifty naïve patients were treated with PEG-IFN-a2b, at a dose of 180lg/kg subcutaneously every week plus ribavirin at a dose of 1000- 1200 mg/day, according to the patient's body weight, for 48 weeks. Quantification of HCV-RNA by real-time PCR and MCP-1 by ELISA were performed for every patient and controls. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and control group as regards the quantity of MCP-1 [P <0.05] [Mann-Whitney test] [P =0.004]. There was a significant difference between responders and nonresponses regarding MCP-1 [P < 0.05], responders showed a higher percentage of cases with initial MCP-1< 306 [P < 0.05]. We conclude the importance of the detection of MCP-1 expression at the start of therapy as a factor for assessing the likelihood of HCV genotype 4 patients to achieving a sustained virological response to treatment with IFN-a2 in combination with ribavirin

Delayed diagnosis of leprosy in a Kuwaiti child

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease affecting primarily the skin, peripheral nerves, and some visceral tissues. The skin lesions take the form of macules, papules, plaques, nodules and diffuse infiltration. If hypo-pigmented macules are the only manifestation of leprosy in patients living in non-endemic areas, they may be misdiagnosed as other more common skin diseases. We report the case of an 8-year-old Kuwaiti boy who presented with hypo-pigmented macules for the last four years. He was given various diagnoses until neurologic manifestations set in. That was when the diagnosis of leprosy was suspected and confirmed by biopsy. Awareness of leprosy should be raised in non-endemic countries like Kuwait which have a sizeable expatriate work force coming from endemic areas

MDCT with multiplanar reformation in evaluation of malignant ovarian tumors

Purpose: 10 evaluate the accuracy of multidetector CT [MDCT] with multiplanar reformation in defection and evaluation of malignant ovarian masses and to correlate the findings with histopathological results and surgery

Patient and methods: MDCT was performed to 48 patients with clinically and sonographically suspected malignant ovarian masses. All scans were performed on a 16 row CT scanner at the South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University. The axial and reformatted images were evaluated for mass detection and the relationship to adjacent structures

Results: Surgical and histopathological examination demonstrated 45 malignant ovarian masses and 3 benign ovarian masses [which excluded from our results], MDCT detected 4 metastatic cases among the malignant masses, MDCT examination of the remaining 41cases shows 92.6% accuracy in detection of ovarian masses. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT as regared, detection of peritoneal deposits was [91.6%. 100% respectively], LN involvement was [100%, 90.6% respectively], and pelvic organ infiltration was [44%, 9.4% respectively]. Also MDCT reported 85.4% accuracy in tumor staging

Conclusion: MDCT is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic method in evaluation of malignant ovarian masses and successfully stage the tumor in consistent with surgery and histopathology

New perspectives in Klinefelter syndrome

Histopathology of the testes in Klinefelter syndrome [KS] [47, XXY- no mosaicism] is characterized by complete fibrosis and hyalinization of seminiferous tubules, resulting in azoospermia and failure of fatherhood. This occurs through a gradual process that begins in the fetus, progresses through infancy and accelerates dramatically at the time of puberty. But recently with amniocentesis and study of aborted fetuses in different stages, seminiferous tubules showed germ cells. Therefore, new salvages have been undertaken recently for gonosomes in these patients. One method involves cryopreservation of sperms in school-age boys at the age of 11 - 15 years having testicular volumes between 2 - 4 ml. Another salvage process attempts to pick patients with lowgrade mosaicism who may have normal cell line and isolated foci of spermatogenesis in their seminiferous tubules. This is done by analyzing 150 well-spread G-banded metaphases instead of the usual 20 or less metaphase spreads and increasing the number of cells analyzed either by karyotyping or by FISH in interphase nuclei. This is a good marker for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Another complication of KS is precocious osteoporosis which was believed to be due only to early onset of testosterone deficiency. However, reduced bone mass might be present also in KS men with normal testosterone levels and even with testosterone replacement therapy. Possible new determinants for osteoporosis in KS might be related to the androgen receptor [AR] function and insulin-like factor 3 [INSL3] levels

Nebulized magnesium sulphate versus nebulized sallbutomol in acute bronchial asthma

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of nebulized magnesium sulphate as a bronchodilator in acute asthma as compared to nebulized salbutamol. This was a randomized controlled study conducted in El-Giza Chest Hospital Emergency Department between January 2010 and June 2011. Randomization was achieved by closed envelope technique. This study involved 48 known bronchial asthma patients presenting with acute or subacute exacerbations. Patients were divided into Control group [A] and Study group [B]. Initial assessment of all patients included history, clinical examination [auscultation, respiratory rate [RR], heart rate [HR] and working of accessory muscles]. In addition to measurement of peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] and oxygen saturation [SO2]. Patients received standard treatment for their acute attacks in the form of Sodium hydrocortisone hemisuccinate 100 mg every 6 hours, Supplemental oxygen and nebulized bronchodilator which was salbutamol in group [A] in the form of 4 doses of nebulized solution 0.5 gm% [each dose 1 ml containing 5 mg salbutamol] twenty minutes apart and Magnesium sulphate in group [B] in the form of 4 doses of nebulized solution 10 gm% [each dose 1 ml containing 100 mg magnesium sulphate] twenty minutes apart. Reassessment of the patients was performed after 2 hours to detect improvement. The percent change in PEFR in Group A was significantly higher than that in Group B [58.90% and 13.92% respectively, p value 0.00]. There was a statistically significant reduction in the final mean HR in Group B compared to Group A [85 bpm and 96.1 bpm respectively, p value 0.011]. There was a significant reduction in mean final RR in Group A compared to Group B [22.17 bpm. and 25 bpm respectively, p value 0.002].There was a significant increase in oxygen saturation [SO2] in both groups. The use of MgSO4 by nebulization in patients with acute asthma attacks results in improvement of clinical condition, increase in peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR], reduction in heart rate [HR], reduction in respiratory rate [RR] and improvement in oxygen saturation [SO2]. The increase in PEFR [bronchodilatory effect] was significantly less than that achieved in patients receiving the usual treatment with Short acting beta 2 agonists, e.g. salbutamol, when either agents were used alone

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among females in rural areas, Qalubeya governorate, Egypt

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite of significant public health importance, being a major cause of congenital infection and abortion as well as a significant and often fatal infection in the immuno-compromised hosts. Infection by T gondii is usually asymptomatic, but it can be life threatening in fetuses whose mothers are acutely infected during pregnancy. 10 determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies and the frequency of assumed associated complications among females in childbearing period in the rural community surrounding Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Qalubeya Governorate, Egypt. A total of 338 females were randomly selected from two villages scheduled in the routine Community Service Campaign Program [CSCP] of Benha Faculty of Medicine and from those attending Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Benha University Hospital. Sera were screened for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM using enzyme immunoassay. One hundred and fifty females in the child bearing period aged from 15 to 49 years who fulfilled detailed history data, were chosen for assessment of the assumed associated risk of Toxoplasma complications, regarding unfavorable outcome of pregnancy. Of 338 sampled females, 165 [46.2%] and 17[5%] were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM, respectively, while out of 150 females in the childbearing period, corresponding results were 87 [58%] and 7 [4.7%], respectively. In the latter group, there was an observable difference in the age prevalence with peaks among 25-29 and 40-49 age groups for IgG positive females and among 25-29 and 45-49 years for IgM positive females, but this difference was statistically insignificant. There was a significant positive correlation between IgG positivity amid number of labors and also between IgM positivity amid history of congenital anomalies. The risk of abortion, congenital anomalies and stillbirth were insignificantly higher among IgG positive females. In IgM positive group, only an insignificant increased risk of congenital anomalies was observed. The IgG seroprevalence of T gondii among females in the childbearing age is relatively high [58%] indicating persistent favoring ecological circunistances. IgM seroprevalence [4.7%] suggested a potential considerable risk of primary infection during pregnancy with the subsequent risk of Toxoplasma congenital infection. Hence, it is worth considering routine antenatal screening of females as a mandatory measure, with follow up of seronegative case for possible seroconversion due to infection during pregnancy amid prompt treatment for sero-converted cases

Orbital Rosai-Dorfman disease in a five-year-old boy

Rosai-Dorfman disease [RDD] is characterized by histiocytic proliferation and massive cervical lymphadenopathy, although some patients have extra-nodal involvement. We report a case of extranodal RDD in a five-year-old child, initially misdiagnosed as orbital inflammatory disease and treated with oral steroids. A subsequent orbital biopsy three years later confirmed the diagnosis of Rosai Dorfman disease

Effect of quinine therapy on plasma glucose and plasma insulin levels in pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Gezira state

To determine if quinine has a metabolic effect during treatment of severe or complicated malaria, we studied its effects on plasma glucose and plasma insulin levels in 150 pregnant women with malaria referred to Madani maternity teaching hospital, Gezira state and 50 healthy pregnant controls. Levels were determined at baseline [day 0] before the start of quinine treatment, after 2 days of treatment [2 hours after the 4th dose] and after 7 days of treatment [day 8]. There was a statistically significant increase in plasma insulin concentrations during the quinine infusion and fall in plasma glucose concentration [P<0.001]. Quinine administered at the recommended dose and rate can disrupt plasma glucose homeostasis although it is still the drug of choice for severe and complicated malaria in Sudan

Effect of cryopreservation on human sperm motility, vitality and DNA integrity in fresh and processed sperms

To investigate The effects of cryopreservation on sperm motility, vitality and DNA integrity in fresh and processed sperms. Pre-cryopreservation and post-cryopreservation analysis of sperm vitality, motility and DNA integrity in fresh and processed semen. Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, in coordination with the Department of Clinical Pathology Assiut University Hospital. Patients: 50 fertile men [within the last year] who are clinically free and with normal semen parameters the, semen samples collected by masturbation into sterile containers after at least 3 days of sexual abstinence. Semen evaluation for, conventional semen analysis, sperm vitality with Hypo-Osmotic Swelling test [HOS], sperm DNA integrity by flowcytometry. Each sample was divided into 2 halves: The first half was cryoperserved without processing. The second half of the sample was processed by swim up technique. HOS test, percentage of progressive motility and DNA integrity after processing. Cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for at least 24 hours for all samples [fresh and processed,] was done. HOS test, percentage of progressive motility and DNA integrity after thawing for all samples [fresh and processed]. Sperm DNA fragmentation index was determined using flowcytometry, sperm vitality was determined using HOS test and percentage of progressive sperm motility was determined using light microscopic examination according to criteria of WHO [1999]. Sperm frozen after processing had higher resistance to freezing damage as regards vitality and motility when compared with sperm frozen without processing however, sperm DNA fragmentation index was more in frozen processed than unprocessed sperms. Cryopreservation results in decreased sperm vitality, motility and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Freezing processed sperm give better post-thawing vitality and motility but, increased sperm DNA fragmentation when compared with unprocessed sperm

Biochemical and molecular evaluation of some Egyptian oils as antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents

The Antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of black seed oil, sesame oil and olive oil were evaluated. The in vitro scavenging activities of the three oils on H[2]O[2] and DPPH radicals, microsomal lipid peroxidation, and the iron-chelating ability were studied. In addition, the anticancer activity; cytotoxicity of the three oils on liver [HEP G2], breast [MCF7] and colon [HCTI 16] human tumor cell lines were also tested using sulphorhodamine B [SRB] assay, DNA fragmentation by two methods: agarose gel electrophoresis and diphenylamine assays and two lysosomal enzymes: DNase II and cathepsin D. Caspase-3 activity was also determined. Furthermore, we have investigated alterations in the glutathione [GSH] and lipid peroxidation [LPO] level and the activities of antioxidative enzymes, catalase [CAT] and glutathione-s-transferase [GST] as markers of acute inflammation, following oral administration of the three oils and indomethacin in rats treated with carrageerian-induced paw oedema. The results showed that all of these oils by three concentrations: 25, 50 and 100 micro g ml[-1] scavenged H[2]O[2] and DPPH radicals and inhibited the lipid peroxidation process. The iron ions were chelated by the three oils. Moreover, the black seed oil and olive oil exhibited an efficient cytotoxicity against HEPG2, MCF7 and HCTI 16 carcinoma cell lines, while sesame oil did not maintain any cytotoxic property against all tumor cell lines under our experimental conditions. The cytotoxicity was confirmed by increase the activity of caspase-3 activity, DNase II and cathepsin D and DNA fragmentation. Also, the three oils at 50 and 100 mg kg[-1] orally produced significant anti-inflammatory effect after I hours of carrgeenan injection till 4 hours. The three oils alleviated increases in.the activities of CAT and GST enzymes and lipid peroxidation content resulting from oedema. Also they ameliorated depressions in the GSH level caused by carrageenan injection. Our results concluded that these oils can be used as a source of natural antioxidants and dietary supplements to prevent free radical diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis, diabetes and inflammation

Echocardiographic findings in professional wrestlers

Cardiac changes caused by different types of physical exercise have been reported by many studies. The aim of this study was to compare the cardiac parameters among wrestlers and control subjects by two-dimensional echocardiography. In this study, 32 wrestlers registered in an adult team of a wrestling club and competed in national wrestling league were selected. The control group included 30 age-matched students with normal level of activity. All subjects underwent at rest M-Mode echocardiography. The parameters determined and compared consisted of the interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular internal diameter [LVID] in diastole, ejection fraction [EF], left ventricular mass [LVM], posterior wall thickness [PWT], and left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH]. The mean values of LVID [50.3 +/- 5.3 VS. 46.8 +/- 5.3 mm], LVM [219.7 +/- 50.7 VS. 166.8 +/- 44.2 gr], PWT [10.1 +/- 1.4 vs. 8.6 +/- 1.3 mm], and the frequency of LVH [34.4%vs.13.3%] were significantly higher in wrestlers compared with those of the control group; however, there was no significant difference between interventricular septal thickness and ejection fraction in either groups. The present study showed that LVID, LVM, PWT and the frequency of LVH were significantly higher in wrestlers than in control subjects. This can result from regular exercise and physical activity. Increase in LVID was probably due to types of exercises in wrestlers that beside of strength training emphasis on endurance training. However, there was no significant difference between interventricular septal thicknesses

Distribution of different metals in coastal waters of Alexandria, Egypt

Seasonal variation of some heavy metals [Fe, MN, Cu, Cd, Pb, Co, Ni, Cr, Sn and Al] are estimated at surface and bottom waters from 10 stations at near-shore, Alexandria coast during 2004. Salinity [16.20-39.10] and pH values [alkaline side] were also measured. The concentrations of heavy metals are at high levels in regions receiving different effluents from wastes of El-Mex region. A comparative study between the different stations was carried out to evaluate the effect of sewage, agricultural and industrial wastes discharged into some regions of Alexandria coast. Different statistical treatments were carried out to calculate the correlation coefficients between metals and the annual average variation

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome [Pickwickian syndrome] obstructive sleep apnoea

A 65 year old obese female with symptoms of obesity hypoventilation syndrome [Pickwickian syndrome] and obstructive sleep apnoea was admitted to our department. She was put on non invasive pressure ventilation [BIPAP] and showed dramatic clinical response

health status and genetic variations of the bivalve, pinctada radiate affected by environmental pollution

The bivalve shellfish Pinctada radiate is a popular edible food for Alexandria local communities. In an attempt to track the quality of marine water of two different locations along Alexandria coast of Egypt we measured the RNA/DNA ratio and acetyl cholinesterase [AChE] activity in the haemolymph of this organism. The study showed an average ratio for RNA/DNA of 3.3, arranged as follows; 4.34 at El-Max > 2.8 at Miami localities. These results suggest that the coastal water of Alexandria is considered as unpolluted with examined insecticides in this research

Ninety degree conjunctival rotation autograft versus zero and 180 degree rotation autograft for pterygium surgery

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and recurrence of pterygium following 90 degrees versus zero degrees and 180 degrees rotation autograft for treating primary pterygium. We included in this observational, prospective, and comparative study, 74 patients [47 males, 27 females] with advanced primary pterygium, with a mean age of 47.5 years [range 19-79 years]. This study was conducted in Kuwait University Hospital between February 2004 to March 2006. The excision was under local anesthesia using an operating microscope with rotation autograft taken from upper temporal bulbar conjunctiva by total excision, and free transposition to the bare sclera. We treated 38 eyes by 90 degrees rotation, 15 eyes by 0 degree rotation, and 21 eyes by 180 degrees rotation. With a one-year follow-up, the recurrence rates [regrowth of the pterygium more than 1 mm over the cornea] were 3% in 90 degrees rotation, 28.6% in 0 degree rotation, and 15.8% in 180 degrees rotation [p=0.033]. The overall recurrence rate for all rotation autograft surgeries was 10.8%. In this study, all techniques were effective, and 90 degrees rotation autograft is safe and an easy procedure to perform for management of pterygium, with a lower recurrence rate compared with the 0 degree and 180 degrees rotation autograft [p=0.033]. The position or the presence of stem cells of the corneal epithelium is not important in the outcome of the pterygium surgery

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the lungs: CD[+4] T cells and CD[+8] T cells in peripheral blood and their relation to disease outcome

To determine the frequency of CD[+4] and CD[+8] T-cells in peripheral blood [Pb] in the patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the lungs and to assess their roles in disease recovery. Flow cytometric analysis of the Pb from 41 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and 20 healthy individuals as controls for determination the frequency of CD[+4] and CD[+8] T-cells in Pb. the frequency of CD[+4] and CD[+8] T-cells in Pb from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was higher than controls [p<0.001 and 0.05 respectively]. The frequency of CD[+4] T-cells was higher than CD[+8] T-cells in Pb of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The rate of recovery from active pulmonary tuberculosis was inversely related to the frequency of CD[+4] and CD[+8] T-cells being higher in SR, but less in RR and IR. More CD[+8] T-cells producing IFN-y, while more CD[+4] T-cells producing IL-10. there was a higher frequency of CD[+4] T cells in Pb of active pulmonary tuberculosis. The recovery from this disease requires fine balance between CD[+4] c CD[+8] T cells in Pb

Milk yield and growth performance of baladi and crossbred cows under north of nile delta conditions

Twenty four healthy lactating Baladi cows [local breed] and Friesian x Baladi cows [1[st] group] and their calves [2[nd] group] were studied during summer and winter seasons in North of Nile Delta of Egypt to investigate the effects of summer and winter conditions on the production efficiency. Milk yield [kg] during summer was lowest in the two breeds of cows when compared to values observed during winter. Lactating period was longer in crossbred than Baladi cows. Milk yield/day was higher in Friesian x Baladi than that in Baladi cows during both summer and winter. Milk components [fat, protein and total solids] were higher during winter than during summer at all times of testing, while an opposite trend was observed in milk lactose and solid non-fat [SNF] in the two breeds. Birth weight of calf and calf/dam percentage in Baladi breed was lower than the crossbreds during the two seasons. Breed of dam exerted a pronounced effect on birth weight, where purebred Baladi calves averaged 22.2, 24.8 kg which were lower than that crossbreds [31.0, 31.5 kg] during summer and winter, respectively that is not a maternal effect only it included the individual genetic effect as well. The calf/dam weight percentage in crossbred scored the highest percentage [7.36 and 7.32%] while the purebred Baladi calves means were 6.04 and 6.48% during summer and winter, respectively. The average weight of the animals in the two breeds increased as the animal grew with age; the increased weight during winter was greater than that during summer. The daily average growth rates during winter and summer were [0.487 vs 0.563 kg] and [0.475 vs 0.515 kg] in Baladi and crossbreds, respectively. In both breeds, live weight of calves at six months of age showed that, the calves which were heavier at birth [crossbred calves] were also heavier at six months of age. The means of calf weight at six months which were born during winter were greater than those born during summer. On the other hand, dam weight at calving, birth weight of calf, weaning weight for calf, average daily gain, lactation period and total milk yield were studied using records for Baladi and their crossbred cows covering the period from 1998 till 2007. Data were analysed for the effect of season and breed on milk production and growth performance