Investigating the informed consent process, therapeutic misconception and motivations of Egyptian research participants: a qualitative pilot study

Few studies have explored the informed consent process among research participants in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the informed consent process, therapeutic misconception and motivation for participation among Egyptians participating in clinical trials. In a cross-sectional qualitative pilot study 103 participants in 10 clinical trials responded to a questionnaire. Over 90% agreed they had time to ask questions and received adequate information about the risks prior to consenting. All participants thought the research and the drug would improve their condition; only 46.1% were aware of receiving a non-approved experimental drug and 21.3% of being randomized. Reasons for participation included: better treatment [100%], to benefit society and advance science [85.4%], to receive free drugs [42.6%] and medical care [43.6%], to get hospitalized [15.8%] and to receive money or gifts [4.9%]. Investigators need to emphasize the distinction between research and clinical care to address the high rate of therapeutic misconception

Qualitative and quantitative detection of Aflatoxin-M1 residues in white soft cheese

A total of 50 random samples of locally manufactured Egyptian soft cheese including [25 each of Damietta and fresh kariesh cheese] were collected from different markets and shopkeepers at Mansoura city, Egypt. Each sample was divided under complete hygienic measures with a clean sterile, knife into two parts; the first part was prepared for estimation of by qualitative lateral flow test [strip test] and the second one was subjected to quantitative estimation of by [Immune Affinity Column with Flurometric Assay]. The qualitative value for detection of Aflatoxine M1 revealed that 8[32%] and 12 [48%] of kareish and Damietta cheese were contaminated with Aflatoxin M1 respectively. Concerning the concentration of Aflatoxin M1 in examined fresh Kariesh cheese and Damietta cheese samples for the minimum was 1.95 and 1.54, the maximum were 6, 11 and 14.73 with a mean value 3.6 and 6.7 ppb, respectively. It had been emphasized that all results of this study exceeded the Egyptian regulations, European commission [EC] regulations and US regulations which recommend that cheese sample must be free from Aflatoxin M1, do not exceed 250 ng/L, and do not exceed 5 micro g/kg in milk, respectively. It was concluded that the qualitative method of detection of mycotoxin has great benefit in minimizing cost of regulations and monitoring and give a chance to easily set regulation for quality control. Also, quantitative methods with highly detectable limits give accurate results to estimate the level of impact

Haemostatic activation in acute coronary syndrome patients in relation to physical exercise

Thrombosis is regarded to be a key factor in the development of acute coronary syndromes in patients with coronary artery disease [CAD], Platelets are known to play a fundamental role in acute coronary syndromes [ACS]. After atherosclerotic plaque rupture, platelets can form pathogenic, occlusive thrombi leading to acute ischemic events. The precise mechanisms of platelet activation in acute coronary syndromes are still under investigation. Physical activity could regulate the development of ACS via effects on platelet function. Several studies have shown that acute physical exercise increases platelet reactivity, typically assessed by aggregation assays, in both healthy individuals and in patients with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigated the effect of moderate and strenuous exercise on arterial thrombus formation. Assay of some hemostatic marker as Platelet activation, thrombin generation [TF[pg/ml],TAT_ micro g/l and dimerand tPA concentration] von Willebrand factor, platelet aggregation tests, Coronary Angiography. haemostatic parameters in patients with ACS correlated with other clinical parameters under physical exercise Patients with ACS showed higher values for fibrinogen, tPA, TAT_, as indicators for a thrombin synthesis, and a marker for prothrombotic conditions, was elevated in patients with ACS,. Von Willebrand factor and D-dimer showed no statistical significant differences during rest., Exercise increased hemostatic parameters in an strenuous physical exercise in ACS Patients[< 0.05]. Exercise also increased plasma levels of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor ,but there was an increase in the generation of T-AT complexes,. [P < 0.05]. Exercise did not affect platelet aggregation regardless of its intensity when triggered by the agonists ADP or collagen. Strenuous but not moderate exercise increases the thrombotic tendency in healthy sedentary male volunteers

Production of a novel halophilic dextranase from a honey isolate, bacillus subtilis NRC-B233 under solid-state fermentation

A GRAM-POSITIVE, sporulating halophilic bacteria, designated NRC-B233, was isolated from the honey produced in Saudi Arabia. It was identified by the 16-23S intergenic region as Bacillus subtilis NRC-B233. Screening of the wastes and agro-products for dextranase production under solid state fermentation showed that corn flour was the best substrate [61.323 U/g]. The optimum conditions for dextranase productions were 37°C, pH 9, 32 hr incubation period, and 200% moisture content. The most favorable nitrogen and carbon sources for enzyme production were 2% peptone and 5% starch [1076.768, 1553.364 U/g]. respectively. A unique character of this isolate is its ability to continuously produce dextranase in the absence and presence of NaCl 5-20 g/l. The addition of 0.175 Mm CrCl[3] increased the dextranase production about 4.5 fold. The enzyme has been partially purified about 112-fold from crude extract by only two purification steps involving ultra-filtration. The purified dextranase showed its maximum activity at pH 9.2 and 70°C. It retained fill activity [100%] at 75°C for one hour. Dextranase activity increased about four fold in the presence of 10% NaCl. On the other hand, CaCl[2] [0.050M], EDTA [0.100M], and KCI [0.100M] had great influence in enzyme activity. The enzyme showed variable degradation effects on different types of dextran and its derivatives. These results suggest that the dextranase secreted by Bacillus subtilis NRC-B233 is industrially important from the perspectives of its activity at across pH range [5.0-100], its thermo-activity in addition to its halophilic character and its ability to degrade different types of alpha-1,4 and alpha-1,6 glycosidic linkages

Serum biochemical parameters of Asian tortoise [Agrionemys horsfieldi]

At present, a great deal of attention is being focused on the tortoise as a domestic pet. Knowledge of the blood biochemical parameters in captivity of this animal would be helpful for evaluations of their health. In this regard, the serum biochemical values were measured in 12 Asian tortoises [6 males and 6 females] before hibernation. Serum values of total protein [TOP] 63.19 +/- 7.57 g/L, Albumin [Alb] 47.24 +/- 10.66 g/L, creatinine [Crea] 57.4 +/- 4.68 micrommol/L, glucose [Glc] 81.46 +/- 21.88 mmol/L, urea 7.52 +/- 2.74 mmol/L, uric acid [UA] 0.11 +/- 0.028 mmol/L, aspartate transaminase [AST] 0.46 +/- 0.017 microkal/L, alanine transaminase [ALT] 0.44 +/- 0.053 microkal/L, amylase 1,157 +/- 33.96 microkal/L, calcium [Ca] 2.74 +/- 0.65 mmol/L, magnesium [Mg] 1.98 +/- 0.24 mmol/L, and inorganic phosphorus [P] 1.26 +/- 0.101 mmol/L were determined respectively. There were no significant differences in TOP, Alb, Glc, Crea, urea, UA, AST, ALT, amylase, Ca and P, and also Mg levels between males and females

Assessment of proinflammatory th[1] cytokines [IL[18]-IFN gamma] and th[2] cytokine [IL[13]] concentrations in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases [systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid artharitis and systemic sclerosis]

Several cytokines play a role in the production of autoantibodies and the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and systemic sclerosis [SS]. This study investigated serum concentration of the proinflammatory Th[1] cytokine; IL[18] and its inducer IFN[gamma], the study also investigated serum concentration of proinflammatory Th[2] cytokine; IL[13], to explain the role of Th[1] and Th[2] in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases [SLE, RA and SS]. IL[18], IFN[gamma] and IL[13] levels were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Four groups were included in this study. Group I: Comprised [15] patients of SLE. Group II: Comprised [15] patients of RA. Group III: Comprised [15] patients with SS. Group IV: Control group consisted of [15] sex and age matched healthy controls. Serum levels of IL[18] was significantly higher in SLE [3138.200 +/- 1413.096 pg/ml] and RA [3336.667 +/- 921.839 pg/ml] than control group [86.647 +/- 35.370 pg/ml], while IL[18] in SS had no statistically significant difference between patients [103.634 +/- 50.593 pg/ml] and control group [86.647 +/- 35.370 pg/ml].The cut off level was 257.75 pg/ml. IFN[gamma] was significantly higher in SLE patients [5.439 +/- 1.430 lU/ml] and RA patients [2.973 +/- 0.598 lU/ml] than control group [0.580 +/- 0.234 lU/ml] ,while IFN[gamma] in SS had no statistically significant difference [0.592 +/- 0.245IU/ml] than control group [0.580 +/- 0.234 lU/ml] .The cut offlevelwasl.2IU/ml. As regard IL[13] it was significantly higher in SLE patients [55.673 +/- 6.892 pg/ml] ,RA patients [59.587 +/- 12.183 pg/ml] and SS [61.550 +/- 12.047 pg/ml] than control group [21.427 +/- 7.274 pg/ml] .The cut off level was 44.4 pg/ml .There was significant positive correlation of IL[18]/ IL[13] and IFN[gamma] / IL[13] ratio in SLE and RA, while significant negative correlation of IL[18]/IL[13] and IFN[gamma]/IL[13] ratio in SS. There was a significant increase of both Th[1] cytokines [IL[18] and IFNgamma and Th[2] cytokine [IL[13] in SLE and RA with Th[1] predominance,while predominance of Th[2] cytokine [IL[13] in SS than Th[1]i cytokine [IL[18] and IFN[gamma]. This result suggests that IL[18], INF[gamma] and IL[13] could be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Fasciola gigantica: parasitological and scanning electron microscopy study of the in vitro effects of ivermectin and/or artemethea

To evaluate the in vitro effects of different, concentrations of ivermectin and/or arteinether on Fasciola giganfica worms and to study the parasitological changes and tegumental alterations using scanning electron microscopy [SEM]. F. giganhica worms were incubated in vitro for 24 and 48 hrs with 3 concentrations of either ivermectin 01. artemether [10, 20 and 50 micro g/ml] or both in half the concentration of either of them [5, 10 and 25 micro g/ml]. Exposure of Fasciola worms to 25+25 micro g/ml of combined drug regimens or to 50 micro g/ml of either ivermectin or artemether for 48 hrs led to 100%, 41.7% and 75% worm killing which were accompanied by a significant reduction in egg laying capacity and significant increase in dead eggs which were maximally recorded in combined drug regimens. SEM of the flukes incubated for 48 hrs with combined drug regimens showed maximal tegumental disruption with swelling of the worm body, roughness, blebbing, sloughing and complete loss of spines. Disruption to the tegument of the flukes induced by artemether was more than that of ivermectin. Artemether alone or combined with ivermectin in half doses had potent fasciocidal activities. Besides, half doses of combined drug regimens had higher ovicidal effects than each drug alone, in vivo studies are recommended to furtherly explore the efficacy of combined regimens against Fasciola infection

Endocrine disorders in patients with sickle cell anemia

Red blood cell transfusions are a therapeutic mainstay in Sickle Cell Disease [SCD] and repeated transfusions can result in iron overload. Endocrine dysfunction is the most common and earliest organ toxicity seen in subjects with chronic iron-induced cellular oxidative damage. The aim of the present work is to investigate some of the endocrine functional disorders in patients with SCD. The present study consisted of 30 patients with SCD recruited from the Medical Department of King Fahd Hospital- Hofuf, Eastern Province - Saudi Arabia. Most of the patients had a history of repeated blood transfusions [5 times/year]. Patients were classified into two groups Group I [15 males] and Group 2 [15 females] with mean age for both sex [28.6 +/- 5.4 years]. Thirty age and sex matched normal subjects were, also, included in the study as a control group. Plasma level of testosterone, iron profile, FSH and LH as well as thyroid function tests were assessed. A total of 30 patients with SCD were recruited in the study [15 males and 15 females] with mean age 28.6 +/- 5.4 years. They were compared to a control group of 30 healthy subjects and showed significant difference between group 1 and the control group regarding the level of testosterone [5.03 +/- 3.37 vs 9.65 +/- 1.69; respectively, p=0.05]. Also the level of testosterone showed insignificant correlation with the serum iron level among group 1 [r=-0.18, p=0.5]. A significant lower level in T4 was detected in group 1 compared to the control group [5.17 +/- 3.41 vs 11.01 +/- 1.44; respectively, p=0.001]. There was insignificant correlation between testosterone level in group 1 and the T4 level in the same group [r=-0.01, p=0.89]. On the other hand, no significant difference was detected between group 1 and control group as regard TSH level [p=0.7]. Female patients with SCD [group 2] have a significant lower level of LH than the control group [8.7 +/- 5.44 us 16.2 +/- 2.74; respectively, p=0.001]. The present study revealed that there was no significant difference between the level of FSH among group 2 and the control group [6.19 +/- 3.60 vs 6.4 +/- 1.3; respectively, p=0.8], As regard the correlation between the LH level and the serum iron among group 2, there was no significant correlation [r= -0.35, p =0.18]. Also group 2 showed significant lower level of the T4 than the control group [6.58 +/- 6.3 vs 11.64 +/- 1.05; respectively, p= 0.005]. On the other hand no significant correlation was found between patients and control group as regard TSH level [p=0.1]. There was no significant correlation between the level of T4 and the serum iron level in both group 1 and group 2. The present study has demonstrated that SCD has a depressant effect on the hormone LH in female patients with SCD and T4 in both males and females with SCD irrespective of the serum iron level

Oxidative stress and inflammatory marker: possible pathogenic role in acute coronary syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome [ACS], which comprise unstable angina [UA] and acute myocardial infarction [AMI] are multifactor diseases involving both thrombotic and inflammatory processes. C-reactive protein [CRP] has emerged as independent risk indicator of active atherosclerosis. Reactive oxygen species [ROS] are key mediators of signaling pathways that underlie vascular inflammation in atherogenesis starting from the initiation of fatty streak development through lesion progression to ultimate plaque rupture. CRP directly up-regulate AND[P]H oxidase p22 [phox] and enhance ROS generation. Recently it has been shown that 8-iso-prostaglandin F2 alpha [8-iso-PGF2_] is a specific, chemically stable and quantitative marker of oxidative stress in vivo. It is formed in situ in cell membranes following free radical attack on the arachidonic acid. To counteract the effect of ROS, cells are endowed with a complex antioxidant network that operates to prevent or limit oxidant damage. The present study was designed to investigate the changes of 8-iso-PGF2_, total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and CRP levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome in order to evaluate the role of oxidative stress as well as inflammation in pathogenesis and consequence of the disease. The present study included 30 patients with ACS and 15 healthy, age and sex-matched controls. The patients were divided into two groups; 15 patients with UA and 15 patients with AMI. Serum leuel of 8-iso-PGF2-_ was measured using an ELISA kit Serum CRP and TAC levels was measured by turbidimetric immunoassay and colorimetric methods respectively. Serum levels of both 8-iso-PGF2- _, and CRP were significantly increased in patients compared with control [p<0.05]. TAG showed significant decrease in patients with AMI when compared to controls [p<0.05]. It could be concluded that elevated levels of 8-iso-PGF2-_ and CRP together with decreased TAC level contribute directly and actively to the pathogenesis of ACS. The oxidative stress is likely to either induce or intensify the inflammatory action, and may co-affect with inflammatory factors to accelerate plaque rupture. The evaluation of oxidative stress would enable formulation of specific antioxidant therapy as promising strategy against atherogenesis for an early intervention and better management of the disease

[Systemic juvenile scleroderma: about 6 cases]

Introduction: The systemic juvenile scleroderma [SJS] is a rare acquired auto-immune disease. The aim of our study was to analyse the epidemiologic, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features

Patients and Methods: through a retrospective study, 6 patients were observed with SJS. We adopted the Barnett's classification. Results: The six patients were females, with a mean age of began on 9 +/- 3 years. Five patients were classified type II of Barnett and for 1 patient the classification was difficult. Raynaud's phenomen was observed in 4 cases. The cutaneous sclerosis was noted in the all cases. Five children presented oesophageal damage. Lung involvement was noted in 3 cases. No cardiac dysfunction was found at the clinical exam. Mild renal involvement was noted in 1 case. SJS was associated to systemic lupus in 2 cases and to dermatomyositis in 1 case

Discussion: Systemic juvenile scleroderma is rare. The cardiac involvement is a major concern in children; it appears to be a more common cause of death in SJS. The therapeutic problems were similar to those in adults

Levels of soluble adhesion molecule vcam-1 and icam-1 in the plasma of chronic transfused children with sickle cell disease

Increased adhesive events between the blood vessel endothelium and red and white cells play a central role in the initiation of vasoocclusive crisis. We examined endothelial functions and serum levels of inflammatory mediators in transfusion-dependent patients with sickle cell disease in stable asymptomatic stage and on crisis. The study population consisted of 40 patients with sickle cell disease [SCD] aged from 5 years to 13 years and 35 healthy normal individual with matched age and sex as control group .Serum levels of vascular cell adhesive molecules [sVCAM-1] and intercellular adhesive molecule [sICAM-1] with serum level of interleukin 6 [IL6] were determined with Enzyme -Link Immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Asymptomatic patients with sickle cell diseases had higher sVCAM-1 levels compared to normal controls [p<0.001]. Their levels were further elevated during acute episodes. Levels were significantly lower in chronic transfused child patients compared to acute crisis p= [<0.05].The reduction of adhesive molecule levels observed in our transfused SCD patients offers insight into the mechanism of the protective effect of transfusion against acute crisis especially painful and anemic crisis. SVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels inversely correlated with fetal hemoglobin in SCD patients. In conclusion, adhesive molecule expression uad cytokine production may also play a role in the disease outcome

Passive solar design approach for youth housing

Housing is a major glogal problem in most developing countries. In Egypt, it has been one of the main concerns of the government for the last few decades. Several low cost housing strategies have been applied, however, environmental considerations in general and thermal comfort,. in particular, have been partially neglected. Housing buildings were designed and implemented [in several hundreds of thousand units] without taking sufficient account of the climate and human comfort. Factors such as ventilation, opening sizes, shadings, orientation, etc. are not given enough importance. Accordingly, the dwelling units often have poor indoor climate, which affects comfort, health and efficiency. The paper evaluates the potential of inexpensive passive solar modifications in housing design, which contribute to improved living and environmental conditions. Consequently, a case study [of an Egyptian Governmental housing building] has been reevaluated and studied considering passive solar techniques. The energy efficiency of improvements were evaluated by means of computer simulations. It indicated the major effect of shading, night ventilation and wall construction details on improvement of the indoor climate of the building

Laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty for management of upper airway resistance

This study included 60 patients with snoring underwent laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty [LAUP]. Questionnaires ranking snoring symptoms were completed by the patient and bed partner before and after LAUP. Average follow up period was 14.5 months. The questionnaires showed significant improvements in snoring, quality of sleep and partner satisfaction. The symptomatic improvement persisted as assessed in the intermediate term. In conclusion, LAUP is an effective method for the management of snoring. The study demonstrated intermediate-term improvement in subjective measures

Rapid maxillary expansion for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with maxillary constriction

The precise role of maxillary constriction in the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] is becoming more understood. It is believed that subjects with maxillary constriction have increased nasal resistance leading to the classic features of OSA. Widening of the maxillary constriction by rapid maxillary expansion [RME] increases the width of the maxilla and reduces the nasal airway resistance. This is pillory study aimed at confirming the effect of RME on OSA in patients with maxillary constriction and no other recognized cause [s] of OSA. We studied 5 patients with mild-moderate OSA [apena/hypopna index-AHI 17 +/- 4 and min S[a]O[2] 89 +/- 1] and orthodontic evidence of maxillary constriction. All cases underwent RME [two requiring surgical assistance]. Polysomnography was repeated at the end of treatment. All patients showed improvement of symptoms of OSA. There was significant reduction in AHI and expansion in the transverse dimensions of the hard palate

Effect of psychotherapy on the quality of life in cancer larynx patients

To study the effect of psychotherapy the quality of life of cancer larynx patients treated by total laryngectomy. Prospective cohort study. 18 patients were divided into two groups, group A [10 patients] received psychotherapy pre and then post laryngectomy, while group B [8 patients] didn't receive any form of psychotherapy. Both groups were compared as regards psychological well being and quality of life using depression scale, anxiety scale, hopelessness scale, suicidal ideations scale QQL questionnaires. Psychotherapy has a positive effect on quality of life in cancer larynx patients

Operative management of chronic sialorrhoea by submandibular duct relocation plus sublingual gland excision

To report results of 29 patients who underwent surgical management of sialorrhoea in private practice referred from Erlanger Handicap Clinic afterfailure of all other forms of non-surgical treatment to control chronic sialorrhoea. Proactive case series. Twenty-nine patients underwent bilateral submandibular duct relocation with sub-lingual gland excision. At the tie of operation 3 [15%] were children aged < than 18 years, and 16 were neurological impaired adults. Post-operative follow up was for a mean of 4 months. For all those who underwent operation, the total drooling score' [drooling frequency' + 'drooling severity'] was reduced from a pre-operative mean of 7.4 [of a maximum possible 8] to a post-operative mean of 2.6. Best results were seen in children under 18 years old-'total drooling score' reduced from a mean of 7.4 to a mean of 2.2. sialorrhoea was reliably improved by submandibular duct relocation plus sublingual gland excision, with the better results obtained in children

Rhinoplasty without splints or packing

To present our experience of rhinoplasty without nasal or packing. Prospective case series. Thirty cases presenting to Aston Hospital, Al Khobar, K.S.A. during the period of May 2000 to January 2003 were subjected to rhinoplasty due to either traumatic "13" or congenital "17" causes. Rhinotherapy was performed using small instruments to reduce trauma to nasal tissues and to eliminate nasal packing and external immobilization. No significant complications occurred n our series. Of the 30 cases only 3 cases required merocil packing for one day only. One case required secondary proteomics because of late bony displacement, which occurred after 2 months. Patients performed well on the GBI questionnaire with an average score of 86%. By using hyponasty without splints or packing, there is less risk of headache, rhinitis, sinusitis and otitis. Unpleasant dour doesn't occur; general edema and ecchymosis of the eyelids are decreased significantly

Cauterization of inferior nasal turbinate for idiopathic headache

Idiopathic headache is a stressful complaint, whose treatment is not well established. Our study is an attempt to examine the relationship between idiopathic headache and inferior turbinate cauterization as a surgical treatment, and to explain the central physiological effect of cauterization. Thirty-four patients, 15 females and 19 males complaining of idiopathic headache were treated by inferior turbinate cauterization. Cauterization of the inferior-medial aspect of the turbinate was carried out once under local anesthesia for few seconds. This study was performed between November 1993 and December 1996, a joint project of the Zarka Government Hospital, Zarka and Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. More than 82% of the patients showed significant improvement in the sense of decreased headache. Cautery of the nasal turbinate could be a novel method for treatment of idiopathic headache

Time to stone free status of fragmented stones after ESWL

To determine time to clearance of fragmented renal and ureteric stones after extra corporeal lithotripsy. A prospective study of consecutive 186 and 117 fragmented renal and ureteric stones were done and had been followed up at first [W1], Second [W2], Fourth [W4], eighth [8] and twelfth weeks [W12] using KUB and ultrasound to asses clearance. Descriptive, regression and confidence interval statistics was used to analyze the results. The mean [standard deviation] M [SD] of age were 41.5 [11.4] and 39.3 [9.6] years for kidney and ureteric stone patients respectively. They included 236 males and 67 females. For kidney stones, the cumulative% of cleared cases were 30%, 40%, 63%, 78%, and 92% at the end of W1, W2, W4, W8 and W12 respectively. Time to clearance depends on size of the stones, while clearance status [yes/no] depends on location, with lower calix [LC] as unfavorable site. Non-cleared stones were located at LC and had larger size compared to cleared stones... For ureteric stones the median time to clearance was I week. The cumulative% of cleared cases were 67%, 91%, 98%, 98%, and 98% at the end of W1, W2, W4, W8 and W12 respectively. The non- cleared stones [2] were removed by ureteroscopy. Ureteric stricture was the cause of non-clearance in both cases. Time to clearance was dependent on stone size. This results indicate that upper, middle caliceal and renal pelvic stones may need up to 12 weeks for clearance. In contrast 37% of LC stones had residual fragments at 12 weeks and they need more time for follow up. 98% of ureteric stones were cleared at 4[th] week. This may be the due time to assess clearance

Effects of ICRF-187 and L-carnitine on bleomycin-induced lung toxicity in rats

The possible modulatory effects of ICRF-187 and L-carnitine against bleomycin -induced pulmonary toxicity in male rats were investigated. Repeated administration of bleomycin [10mg/kg, twice weekly for 6 consecutive weeks] produced significant lung toxicity. The toxicity was manifested by significant increase in normal contents of lipid peroxide [LPO. 91.7%], reduced glutathione [GSH, 73.2%] and oxidised glutathione [GSSG, 135,4%] as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD, 222.7%]. Thirty minutes prior to bleomycin treatment, other groups of rats were received either ICRF-187 [95 mg/kg] or L-carnitine [500 mg/kg] adopting the same schedule of treatment as in bleomycin-treated group. L-carnitine decreased bleomycin-induced elevations in SOD activity, GSH and GSSG contents, however, it failed to suppress the increase in LPO level. On the other hand,. treatment with ICRF-187 returned back all the elevated biochemical parameters induced by bleomycin to nearly normal levels. In conclusion, the results of this study showed a potential capability of ICRF-187 to mitigate the bleomycin-induced lung injury. Moreover, despite the inability of L-carnitine to change the elevated LPO content, it was able however, to decrease the elevated endogenous antioxidant parameters