Fas and BCL-2 oncoprotein as an apoptotic markers in HCV- positive blood donors

To study the factor of apoptotic signal [FAS] amid B-cell leukemia lymphoma [BCL-2] oncoprotein as markers of apoptosis in blood donors. The study included 121 voluntary blood donors attending the Blood Bank of El-Minia University Hospital. They were divided into three groups according to HCV antibodies and qualitative HCV-RNA PCR: Group I: HCV antibodies and RNA- PCR negative [n =40], Group II: HCV antibodies positive and- RNA- PCR positive without liver cirrhosis [n=70] and Group III: HCV antibodies positive and- RNA- PCR positive with liver cirrhosis [n=11]. Each subject was submitted for the following investigations: Complete blood count, liver function tests, alpha fetoprotein assay by ELISA method, FAS [CD95] antigen, and intracellular BCL-2 oncoprotein on lymphocytes by flow cytometry. FAS is significantly higher in group II and group III when compared with that in group I [P=0.0 for both]. On comparing group III with group II, also FAS is significantly higher in group III [P=0.021]. Significant positive correlation between FAS and both ALT, AST, and AFP was found [r =0.39, 0.47and 0.39 respectively and P = 0.0 for all] while there was significant negative correlation between FAS and both platelets and albumin [r= -0.52 and -0.46 respectively and P = 0.0 for both] in the total diseased group [group II + III]. BCL-2 is significantly higher in group II and group Ill when compared with that in group I [P=0.001 and 0.0 respectively]. On comparing group Ill with group II, also BCL-2 is significantly higher in group III [P= 0.0]. Significant positive correlation was found between BCL-2 and ALT, AST, and AFP [r= 0.29, 0.39and 0.41 respectively and P= 0.0 for all], while there was a significant negative correlation between BCL-2 and both platelets and albumin in the total diseased group [r= -0.53 and -0.41 respectively and P= 0.0 for both]. A significant positive correlation was found between FAS and BCL-2 in the diseased group [r=0.321 and p=0.007]. FAS and BCL-2 as an apoptotic markers play an important role in the pathogenesis and further outcome of chronic liver diseases

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity: its correlation with vomiting disorders during pregnancy

To evaluate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection and vomiting disorders during pregnancy. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies were determined in three groups of pregnant women by ELISA. Group I included 25 pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum [HG], group II included 60 pregnant women with emesis gravidarum [EG] and group III included 60 asymptomatic pregnant women [NP] of matched age and parity. The percentage of IgG seropositivity and the mean IgG liter in each group were determined and analysed. El-Minia University Hospital. The prevalence of seropositivity for H. pylori IgG antibodies among patients with [HG] [21 out of 25 = 84%] was higher than those with [EG] [34 out of 60 = 56.67%] and also higher than that in asymptomatic pregnant women [32 out of 60 = 53.33%]. This difference was statistically significant [P < 0.05]. Also the mean liter in the first group was [55.64 +/- 7.2 Au/ml] compared to [40.41 +/- 18.2 Au/ml] and [31.52 +/- 11.34 An/ml] in the second and third groups respectively. This difference in the mean titer was statistically significant [P < 0.05]. Helicobacter pylori infection appears to be significantly associated with [HG] and accordingly, serologic testing for this infection will be of great help in the management of these patients

Hemostatic changes and autoantibody formation in otherwise healthy children with acute varicella infection

In this study, blood samples were obtained from 20 children with varicella without thrombosis during acute varicella infection. The study included as well 20 healthy controls. Coagulation tests included determination of the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, prothrombin fragment 1+2 and free protein S. Blood was assayed also for the D-dimer, antibody binding to protein S, lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid antibody and anticardiolipin antibody. The results revealed that the mean free protein S concentration in children with acute varicella was significantly decreased compared to the controls. Thrombin time, D- dimer and prothrombin fragment 1+2 were significantly increased in children with acute varicella compared to that of the controls. There was a significantly increased prevalence of lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid antibody, anticardiolipin antibody and antibody binding to protein S in children with acute varicella. Elevated protein S IgG antibody in children with acute varicella showed statistically significant negative correlation with free protein S and positive correlation with prothrombin fragment 1+2. Plasma concentrations of free protein S were reduced and plasma levels of D- dimer and prothrombin fragment 1+2 were elevated in otherwise healthy children with acute varicella infection. Also, these children showed increased prevalence of lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid antibody and anticardiolipin antibody

Plasma thrombomodulin level in newborn infants whith respiratory distress syndrome

This study was conducted on 40 newborn infants [20 preterm and 20 full term] with respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] and 30 apparently healthy newborn infants [15 preterm and 15 full term] chosen as controls. Both cases and controls were subjected to thorough history taking, complete clinical examination and laboratory investigations including complete blood count, C-reactive protein, serum creatinine, and plasma thrombomodulin The mean plasma thrombomodulin level of the normal preterm infants did not significantly differ from that of normal full term infants. Newborn infants with RDS has a significantly higher plasma thrombomodulin level than controls [P <0.05]. Newborn infants with RDS, who were asphyxiated at birth, had a significantly higher plasma thrombomodulin level than non-asphyxiated cases [P<0.05]. There were significant negative correlations between plasma thrombomodulin levels and Apgar scores at 1 minute [r = -0.42, P<0.05], Apgar scores at 5 minutes [r= -0.46, p< 0.01] and platelet count [r=-0.34, p< 0.05] in cases with RDS. Mean plasma thrombomodulin level of the cases who died did not differ significantly from that of survivors. In conclusion: vascular endothelial damage may occur in newborn infants with RDS particularly in those with perinatal asphyxia and plasma thrombomodulin level may be an indicator of this complication. Recommendation: Further studies with larger samples and serial measurements of plasma thrombomodulin during the course of the disease may be more informative about prognosis and outcome of newborn infants with RDS