Impact of treatment with praziquantel supplemented by silymarin on schistosoma mansoni-induced fibrosis in mice

Schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni continues to be the most common fibrotic disease resulting from inflammation and deposition of scar tissue around parasite eggs trapped in the liver. Because of the hepatic importance and its ability to regenerate, treating liver fibrosis is of vital significance. Silymarin, a flavinoid complex of Silybum marianum from a plant of the family Asteracea, has received much attention as a potential anti-fibrotic and hepatoprotective agent. To investigate the effect of combining silymarin with praziquantel [PZQ] in the treatment of liver fibrosis in mice infected with S. mansoni. The study was carried out on 120 mice; 96 of which were infected with 100 S. mansoni cercariae and the rest served as non infected controls. Mice were classified into 5 groups, 24 each. G1: Normal control; G2: Infected untreated control; G3: Infected and treated with PZQ, started 6 weeks post infection [PI]; G4: Infected and treated with silymarin, started 4 weeks PI and G5: Infected and treated with silymarin, 4 weeks PI followed by PZQ 6 weeks PI Eight mice from each group were sacrificed on the 10[th], 14[th] and 18[th] week PI. Parasitological, histopathological and biochemical parameters that reflect the disease severity and morbidity were studied. Deposition of extra-cellular matrix [ECM] was determined by estimation of trans-4 hydroxy-L-proline [Hyp] in hepatic cells. PZQ alone showed a significantly high reduction in the mean egg count/gm stool, liver and intestines and was associated with significant increase in the percentage of dead eggs all over the period of the experiment. Silymarin administered alone resulted in slight improvement of parasitological parameters. All the treated groups revealed significant decrease in granuloma diameter especially those after 18[th] week PI Groups treated with silymarin or when combined with PZQ revealed the highest decrease in granuloma diameter at all periods of sacrifice. All treated groups revealed a significant decrease in the Hyp hepatic content. However, the groups treated with silymarin alone or combined with PZQ revealed the most significant decrease in Hyp levels at all periods of sacrifice.The best results obtained, with most of the parameters studied, were in the groups of mice treated with silymarin in combination with PZQ. The use of silymarin combined with PZQ did not affect the chemotherapeutic effect of the latter, and can be safely used with PZQ in patients infected with S. mansoni. Co-administration of silymarin with PZQ reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reactions in the acute and chronic stages of infection. It also had the ability to attenuate liver fibrosis induced by S. mansoni infection. Silymarin can be safely used as an adjuvant with PZQ in the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni

Protective effect of aminoguanidine against cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats: histological and biochemical study

Cyclosporine A [CsA] is a potent and effective immuno-suppressive agent used to prevent rejection in organ transplant surgery and autoimmune diseases. Its use is frequently accompanied by nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of aminoguanidine on Cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. A total of sixty healthy adult male albino rats were used divided into four equal groups in this study. Group I rats served as control treated with distilled water orally only, group II was treated with CsA in a dose of 25mg/kg orally daily for 21 days, group III treated with CsA concurrently with aminoguanidine in doses of 25 and 20mg/kg orally daily for 21 days respectively and group IV was treated with olive oil orally [vehicle for CsA]. Rats were sacrificed 24 hs after last dose, blood, kidney and liver samples were taken. Histopathological examination by light and electron microscopic, immunohistochemistry for active caspase-3 were done. Besides, biochemical measurement; serum nitric oxide level and kidney and liver functions tests were done. CsA oral administration for 21 days significantly increased serum nitric oxide level impaired the renal and hepatic function tests and markedly distorted the renal and hepatic morphology in light and electron microscopic examination. Aminoguanidine administration improved serum nitric oxide level, kidney and liver function tests and preserved renal and hepatic morphological structures. Aminoguanidine has a protective effect against Cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity

Effects of different environmental factors on the identification of fetal and adult hemoglobin in bloodstains

The forensic scientist is confronted with many problems in the identification of bloodstains. These problems may be due to the aging of the stain or some environmental factors to which the stain was exposed. The aim of this work is to determine the effects of different environmental factors [age, temperature, pH, light, dark, humidity, open air and burn] on fetal hemoglobin [HbF] and adult hemoglobin [HbA] identification. The study aims also to determine the recommended conditions for collection and preservation of bloodstains. The research was carried out on 20 blood samples of healthy adult volunteers and 20 fetal human blood samples. Fetal hemoglobin [HbF] was measured in fetal blood samples and total adult hemoglobin [HbA] was measured in adult blood samples by cyanomethemoglobin method and their patterns were detected by cellulose acetate electrophoresis method. The results demonstrated that fetal and adult hemoglobin concentration decreased with the advance of the age of the stain. The percent of decrease due to aging was more in fetal hemoglobin. The minimal effect of temperature was after exposure to -4°C [the percent of decrease was 29.49% for fetal and 21.99% for adult]. Fetal hemoglobin appeared to be more resistant to alkalis and acids; more affected by both light and dark than adult hemoglobin. The study of the pattern of cellulose acetate electrophoresis revealed that the studied environmental factors had great destructive effects on blood stains but fetal hemoglobin [HbF] was more affected than adult hemoglobin [HbA]. The study recommended that bloodstains must be preserved in a dry condition at -4°C without addition of any chemicals or just in open air where analysis must be done as early as possible

Synthesis and mass spectra of some new heterocyclic compounds containing thiophene moiety

Reaction of ethyl beta-[thiophen-2-yl]-alpha-cyanoacrylate I with guanidine hydrochloride and thiosemicarbazide gave the corresponding 2-aminopyrimidine derivative 2 and thiophen-2-yl carboxaldehvde thiosemicarbazone 4. Treatment of 4 with acetic anhydride, benzyl chloride, hydrazine hydrate and bromine solution afforded the corresponding N-diacetyl and N-benzylthiosemicarbazones 5, 6, hydrazone derivative [7] and 1, 2, 4-triazole derivative 8. Acylation of 2 and 8 with acetic anhydride yielded the corresponding N-acetyl derivatives 3 and 9. The mass spectral fragmentation patterns of the some compounds are described

Genetic studies of limb reduction defects

Limb reduction defects are an important group of congenital limb malformations that requires thorough assessment. They can be isolated or associated with other malformations as a part of syndrome. Causes of limb deficiencies include single gene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities or teratogens. However, the etiology remains unknown in many cases. The present study aimed at the proper diagnosis and classification of cases with limb defects referred to the Limb Malformations Clinic, NRC in order to provide accurate and efficient genetic counseling. The study included 22 cases [14 males, 8 females] with limb reduction defects, their ages at presentation ranged between 20 days and 16 years. Detailed history including teratogen exposure and affected family members, three generation pedigree analysis, complete examination of different body systems with specific studies of different parts of the limbs documented by radiological examination, photography and basic anthropometric measurements were conducted for all cases. Dermatoglyphic analysis, cytogenetic studies and other investigations were done whenever indicated. Cases were classified according to Temtamy and McKusick [1] based on both anatomical and genetic considerations into 8 groups; isolated terminal transverse defects [n=5, cases 1-5= 22.7%], terminal transverse defect as a part of syndrome [n=1, case 6= 4.54%], isolated radial defect [n=1, case 7= 4.54%], radial defect as a part of syndrome [n= 7, cases 8-14= 31.8%], isolated ulnar defect [n= 2, cases 15, 16= 9.09%], ulnar defect as a part of syndrome [n= 3, cases .17-19= 13.6%], pre and postaxial defect [n= 1, case 20= 4.54%] and axial defect as a part of syndrome [n=2, cases 21, 22= 9.09%]. The results of this study have shown that limb absence or reduction defects are not an uncommon malformation among Egyptian children. Delineation of the exact cause, correct classification and proper diagnosis are needed to face this disabling chronic problem. Molecular studies are recommended for proper diagnosis, genetic counseling and understanding of the pathogenesis

Serum paraoxonase activity and its relationship to the atherogenic mechanism in chronic renal failure patients

Paraoxonase [PON] is an antioxidant high-density lipoprotein [HDL] linked enzyme; it is an esterase that hydrolyzes organophosphate compounds. HDL increases PON activity, while phospholipids and apo A-1 are necessary for its optimal activity and enzyme stability. This work is aimed to study the value of measurement of PON activity in chronic renal failure [CRF] patients hoping to find suitable therapeutic measures to prevent the occurrence of early atherosclerosis in these patients. This study included 50 subjects divided into 3 groups: Group A: 20 CRF patients received conservative treatment without dialysis. Group B: 20 CRF patients on regular haemodialysis for at least 3 months. Group C: 10 healthy volunteers served as controls. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDLc, apolipoprotein A-1, urea and creatinine were evaluated. The results of this study showed a highly significant decrease in the level of basal PON activity, salt- stimulated PON activity, arylesterase activity and Apo-A 1 in uremic patients [dialyzed and non-dialyzed] when compared with the control group [P0.05] . AA homozygous showed low activity phenotype, AB heterozygous intermediate activity phenotype, while BB homozygous showed high activity phenotype. In conclusion, the serum paraoxonase activity is decreased in CRF and in end stage renal diseases, with subsequent decrease of its antiatherogenic properties and this may provide a potential explanation for accelerated atherosclerosis in end stage renal disease

Identification of sex depending on radiological examination of foot and patella

The present work was carried out to investigate the possibility of the estimation of sex from some radiological measurements among a known cross section of Egyptian population. Lateral and anteroposterior radiographs of the right foot and knee were made on 160 living unfractured and non pathological individuals comprising 80 males and 80 females aged 25-65 years. Two measurements on right patella [maximum height and maximum width] and two measurements of metatarsal bones [length and mid shaft diameter] were used to determine sex by univariate and multivariate discriminant analysis. The study revealed significant sex differences, based on these measurements taken on patella or metatarsal bones. One function associating two parameters [length and mid shaft] of the third metatarsal bone obtained the highest value of correct sex determination with a rate of 100% accuracy. The study suggested that the radiographs of the knee and foot are convenient, rapid, cheap and noninvasive means for estimating sex

Role of psycoactive drugs in road traffic accidents in Assiut

Injuries and fatalities occur in all forms of transportation but numerically road traffic accidents account for the great majority world wide. It has become a social problem internationally constituting rapidly spreading epidemic from which no country is immune. For several years, it has been suggested that psychoactive drugs would be a causative factor of traffic accidents by decreasing alertness, degradation of motor skills, reduction of visual acuity, disinhibition with attendant increase in risk-taking, slowing reaction time, degradation of judgments and decision making. The present work aims to verify the presence of alcohol or psychoactive drugs: cannabis, trihexyphenidyl [parkinol]; diazepam, clonazepam, tramadol, codeine and dextromethorphen in urine of the drivers. The relationship between the use of these drugs and the severity of the injuries and the outcome of the drivers are also investigated. The study was carried out in the Casualty Department of Assiut University hospital. It was conducted on all the drivers of traffic accidents [RTAs] admitted to the hospital during the period between February and September 2001. Urine samples collected from drivers were used to search for presence of the abused drugs. Colour tests; and thin layer chromatography were used to identify these drugs

Study of nucleated red blood cells for evaluation of fetal asphyxia

Our purpose was to determine whether a relationship exists between the presence of nucleated red blood cells [NRBC], the timing of perinatal asphyxia and the severity of hypoxic insult. Nucleated red blood cells from 27 single full term asphyxiated neonates were compared with cord blood NRBC of 30 full term non-asphyxiated newborns. Our patients were classified into 3 groups according to the degree of neurological impairment suggestive of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy [mild: group I, moderate: group II and severe: group III]. The first and highest nucleated red blood cells value and the time to NRBC disappearance were assessed. Asphyxiated neonates exhibited a significantly higher number of nucleated red blood cells per 100 white blood cells [median=120 and range: 5-835] than did the control group [median=1 and range: 0-8] [P=0.001]. Newborns with severe neurological impairment [group III] had significantly higher cord blood nucleated red blood cells than group II and I [P=0.001 for each]. The time of clearance of nucleated red blood cells from the peripheral blood was significantly longer among patients of group III than in group II and I [median value of nucleated red blood cells on the 7[th] day was 0.0/range 0-10 in group I, 11/range: 0-80 in group II and 122/range 0-500 in group III]. Meconium stained amniotic fluid was significantly present more in group III than groups II, I [P=0.001]. Correlation studies revealed highly significant positive correlations between cord blood nucleated red blood cells, cord blood pH, and degree of neurological impairment [P=0.001 in both]. In this limited study, counting of nucleated red cells appear to identify the presence of fetal asphyxia and correlated well with the severity of asphyxia. The peak value of nucleated red blood cells and the time of clearance together with the presence of meconium stained amniotic fluid can help in determining the time of fetal injury. In general, the closer the birth was to the asphyxial event, the lower the number of nucleated red blood cells

Distribution of P53 and mdm2 genes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

50 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 36 males and 14 females 14-73 years old were studied in this work. Abnormal values of s.. bilirubin. AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase were found in 52, 64 and 76% of cases respectively. 70%of cases had AFP levels between 50 and 150ng/dl while 6/had levels below 10ng/dl. 46.had stage 1:36 stage II and 18/had stage III disease. P53 was overexpressed in 46% of cases not related to age or sex. A statistically significant relationship was found between mdm2 overexpression and the stage of the tumor. 42% of cases were P53 positive and mdm2 negative and 24% of cases were P53 negative and mdm2 positive that may indicate that mdm2 overexpression and P53 mutation represent alternative mechanisms for inactivating the same regulatory pathway for suppressing cell growth. Concomitant overexpression of either P53 or mdm2 or both was found to have statistically significant relation with tumour stage indicating that P53 mutation and mdm2 overexpression are alternative mechanisms for inactivating the same pathway for suppressing cell growth. It can be concluded that P53 in activation may be involved in the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and its mutation is late in HCC and its frequency is related to tumour progression mdm2 overexpression has the same significance. Tumors with mdm2 overexpression were devoid of P53 mutations and vice verca; indicating that they represent alternative mechanisms for inactivating the same regulatory pathway for suppressing cell growth

Nosocomial bacterial infection in Menoufyia University Hospital

This study was performed to assess the bacterial nosocomial infection in the Menoufyia University Hospital as a step in evaluating the strategies carried by the infection control committee. The study was conducted on 31 patients from medical and surgical departments. For patients [12.9%] developed fever. The result of blood culture showed gram negative bacilli in 2 out of the 4 patients who got nosocomial infection, Staphylococcus aureus in 2 patients and Pseudomonas in one patient mixed with Staphylococcus aureus. The patients, who developed nosocomial infection were free from specific symptoms or localised signs of any infectious disease, denoting that it is a bacterial blood stream nosocomial infection. Older patients were more susceptible to bacterial nosocomial infection. The study declares that bacterial nosocomial infection is present in the hospital [12.9%] and this necessitates more accurate strategies for controlling such infection

effects of a hemodialysis session on left ventricular function in patients with chronic renal failure under maintainance hemodialysis

The effects of a haemodialysis session [D. S] on the left ventricular function [LVF] were studied in 31 patients [77% males and 23% females] with end stage renal failure. Their mean age was 30. 4 +/- 7 83 years [17- 42 years] and they have been on maintainance haemodialysis for 2 months to 5 years [mean duration 19. 9 +/- 13. 61 months]. Echocardiograhic study revealed that the D. S. resulted in significant decrease [P< 0.05] in the mean end systolic diameter and volume; mean end diastolic diameter, end diastolic volume and volume index. Similarly, there was a significant decrease in the mean stroke volume and mean left ventricular ejection time. In the mean time, there was a significant increase in the mean ejection fraction and the mean circumferential fiber shortening velocity. It was evident from our work that, the D. S resulted in partial correction of serum electrolytes imbalance and metabolic abnormalities. There was a consequent improvement in the echocardiographicaly determined L VF [as reflected by decrease in left ventricular dimensions and volumes] with better contractility. Accordingly, it can be assumed that, the disturbed left ventricular cardiac functions found prior to dialysis are mainly due to functional rather than structural changes