Molecular cytogntic profiles of hepatitis C infection in patients at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

In this study, 40 paraffin blocks liver tissues from HCV-PCR positive patients [HBV seronegative] were examined using DNA image cytometry to evaluate its role in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] associated with hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. Fluorescent in situ hybridization [FISH] technique using LSIZNF 217 chromosome 20q 13.2 probe was applied. The results showed a high percentage of S- phase fraction in cases of G2S2 and G3S3 with DNA diploidy. Only two cases of G3S3 showed DNA aneuploidy with a severe amplification of chromosome 20q 13.2. Consequently, DNA imaging cytometry is considered a good approach in differentiating dysplasia from well- differentiated HCC on the top of HCV infection. In conclusion, HCV has an acquired role in the development of HCC through the amplification of the aggressive tumor behavior oncogene LSIZNF 217 at chromosome 20q 13.2

Does oxidant-antioxidant status and trace element profile relate to outcome in low-birth-weight neonates?

To determine if outcome of low-birth-weight infants is related to oxidant-antioxidant status and trace elements of cord blood. One hundred inborn healthy low-birth-weight neonates, from whom cord blood was available, were included. Newborns who died, in the first week of life or who had major congenital malformations were excluded. We determined cord blood serum Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, alpha-tocopherol [vitamin E], zinc, copper, and selenium, besides cord red blood cells content of superoxide dismutase, Significant oxygen radical diseases of prematurity was defined as the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage greater than grade 2, retinopathy of prematurity greater than stage 1. bronchopulmonary dysplasia at the post conceptional age of 36 weeks or necrotizing enterocolitis. Possible correlations between these parameters and perinatal factors were also tested. Cord serum antioxidant capacity correlated with gestational age but did not correlate with birth weight. Blood malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, vitamin E, zinc, copper and selenium did not correlate with birth weight for the entire sample of 100 neonates. Cord serum antioxidant capacity did not correlate with Apgar scores, or any of the oxygen radical diseases of prematurity. The level of malondialdehyde [a product of lipid peroxidation] is significantly higher in complicated low-birth- weight infants than in non-complicated ones. Meanwhile, a nonsignificant relationship between antioxidants [vitamin E, superoxide dismutase, selenium, zinc and copper] and outcome was identified. Cord serum antioxidant capacity correlate with gestational age, but does not correlate with birth weight. Malondialdehyde is significantly increased in low-birth-weight neonates suffering oxygen radical diseases of prematurity, which may indicate enhanced lipid peroxidation in these infants

Serum cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins in the early neonatal period

Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, lipoproteins [alpha, pre-beta, and beta] and apolipoproteins [A-1, B, C-111 and E] were investigated in 20 normal newborn infants at birth [cord blood] and 4 days after labour. For comparative purposes 20 samples from healthy adult male and female subjects were also analysed. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were significantly low in cord blood samples as compared to adult levels. Those concentrations observed at birth had increased so much during the first 4 days of life that they had practically reached adult values. With exception of apo-E, all serum apolipoproteins examined in cord blood samples were also significantly low as compared to adult levels. The increase observed in their concentrations -specially apo-B- 4 days after labour, was associated with obvious changes in the ratios of different lipoprotein fractions