Evaluation of potential curative effects of curcumin versus metformin in experimentally-induced metabolic syndrome in rats

Metabolic syndrome [MetSyn] is an important public health concern that predisposes individuals to the development of cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes [T2D]. In the present study the curative effect of curcumin, the active ingredient of spice turmeric, was assessed in comparison with metformin, the antidiabetic agent, against fructose-fed rats [FFR] model of MetSyn. Seven groups of rats were fed with 10% fructose solution in drinking water for 8 weeks. At the beginning of 9[th] week, the groups of rats received respectively once daily the vehicle [2% carboxy methyl cellulose, CMC], curcumin [40 and 80 mg/kg], metformin [100 and 200 mg/kg] and their combinations for additional 2 weeks. Moreover, another group received plain tap water instead of fructose [normal control group]. The results of this study demonstrated that fructose-feeding was coupled with insulin resistance [IR], impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] together with elevation in body and visceral fat weights. This was associated with elevation of arterial blood pressure [ABP]. Meanwhile, fructose-feeding produced alterations in lipid profile [triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol [TC], High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C]] and both oxidative stress [malondialdehyde [MDA], 8-iso-prostaglandin F[2 alpha] [8-iso-PGF[2 alpha]] and superoxide dismutase [SOD]] and inflammatory status [tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] interleukin- 6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP] and adiponectin] parameters. Administration of curcumin and metformin significantly ameliorated, to variable extents, the development of most signs of MetSyn. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the two drugs was augmented upon their coadministration. These curative effects of curcumin and metformin may probably be relevant to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

Evaluation of potential protective effects of curcumin versus metformin in experimentally-induced metabolic syndrome in rats

Metabolic syndrome [MetSyn] is the clustering of various interrelated risk factors of metabolic origin that increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. In this study the effectiveness of curcumin was evaluated in comparison with metformin in fructose-induced MetSyn disease in rats. Fructose was fed [10% solution in drinking water] for 8 weeks during which groups of rats were administered once daily vehicle [2% carboxy methyl cellulose], curcumin [40 and 80 mg/kg], metformin [100 and 200 mg/kg], their combinations and compared with group received tap water instead of fructose. The results revealed that induction of MetSyn was associated with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance alongside with increased weights of body and visceral fats. This was accompanied with an elevation of arterial blood pressure. Meanwhile, it caused disturbances in lipid profile [triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C] and both oxidative stress [inalondialdehyde, 8-Iso-PGF[2alpha] and superoxide dismutase] and inflaminatory status [tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-6, C- reactive protein and adiponectin] parameters. Each of curcumin and metformin significantly prevents, to variable extents, the progression of most of these signs of MetSyn. Furthermore, the efficacy of each of the two drugs in question was significantly augmented upon their concurrent administration. These protective effects of the two drugs under investigation presumably may be relevant to their ability to reduce the oxidative stress and to ameliorate the inflammatory processes

Role of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in restoring ovarian function in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Chemotherapeutic treatment of breast cancer in women causes damage to the reproductive system, which might result in premature ovarian failure [OF]. The present study was carried out to examine the role of mesenchymal stem cell [MSC] transplantation on ovarian function using a rat model of chemotherapy-induced OF. Twenty-six adult female albino rats were divided into two groups. Group I served as the control group. In group II, OF was induced by injecting rats with cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally with an initial loading dose of 50 mg/kg, followed by a dose of 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks for two doses by an intrape-itoneal [IP.] injection. In subgroup I la, rats received cyclophosphamide therapy for 1 month. They were left untreated for a further 1 month [OF nontreated] and were sacrificed 2 months from the start of the experiment. The rats of subgroup lib were injected with MSCs after induction of OF and were sacrificed 1 month after stem cell therapy, that is 2 months from the start of the experiment. Vaginal smears were performed and hormonal profile of serum estradiol [E2], follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], and lutenizing hormone [LH] was measured. Ovarian sections were subjected to H and E, Masson's trichrome, MSC marker CD44, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] immunostaining. The mean number of primordial follicles, mean area% of collagen fibers, mean number of CD44 immunopositive cells, and the mean area% of positive immunoreactivity for PCNA were measured using image analysis. The results were compared statistically. After exposure to chemotherapy, depletion of primordial follicles was observed, with the presence of many atretic follicles, congested blood vessels, and marked cortical fibrosis. Only some of the surface epithelial cells showed PCNA immunoreactivity. After MSC therapy, several primordial follicles were found in addition to secondary follicles and several corpora lutea. PCNA immunoreactivity was detected on the surface epithelium, superficial cortical oocytes, and oocytes of primordial follicles. A significant decrease in the collagen fiber content was observed. MSC transplantation could ameliorate ovarian function in rats with chemotherapy-induced OF

Neuroprotective effect of melatonin in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy: Light and electron microscopic study

Diabetes mellitus [DM] is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in most countries. Oxidative stress appears to be the most important pathogenic factor in underlying diabetic complications, including neuropathy. The present study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of melatonin [MLT] in a rat model of streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic neuropathy. Thirty-six [15 weeks old] adult male albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I [n=6] served as the control group. In group II [n=15], DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight and rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks. Rats in group III [n=15] were rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ, and immediately after confirmation of DM, that is, 48 h after STZ [random blood sugar > 200 mg/dl], rats received MLT at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks. Body weight and random blood sugar were measured for all groups. Sciatic nerves of all the sacrificed animals were subjected to light microscopic, electron microscopic, and morphometric studies. In group II, DM induction was associated with the occurrence of neuropathy manifested by marked thickening of the epineurium and perineurium. Nerve fibers exhibited marked axonal atrophy, axonal shrinkage, axon-myelin separation, and in some sections total axonal destruction. Severe demyelination with evidence of myelin destruction was observed in the form of splitting and decompaction of myelin sheath lamellae, as well as vacuolization of the myelin sheath, forming fermentation chambers. In the MLT-treated group, vacuolization of the myelin sheath decreased remarkably and mild local axon separation from myelin sheaths was detected. Morphometric analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of total and apparently normal fibers and decrease in the number of apparently degenerated fibers in the nerve sections of MLT-treated rats, compared with nontreated diabetic rats. This study showed that MLT, in early stages of DM induction, decreased the destructive progress of DM and provided neuroprotection against damage resulting from STZ-induced hyperglycemia. Thus, it is recommended to start MLT therapy as soon as diagnosis of DM is established and even earlier in individuals at high risk for developing DM

Immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors FIt1 and KDR in the endometrium during the estrus cycle in albino rats

Angiogenesis is an important process in endometrial development and embryonic implantation and is regulated through vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]; its receptors Flt1 and KDR. This work aimed to study the immunoexpression of VEGF receptors [VEGF-Rs] in the endometrium at different ages and reproductive phases and correlate them with the histological profiles in these phases. Seventy female albino rats were included in this study. They were divided into seven groups of 10 rats each: one group consisted of rats in the prepubertal period at age 4-6 weeks; five groups consisted of rats in the reproductive period at age 6-10 months, which were divided according to estrus cycle phases into proestrus, estrus, metestrus, diestrus, and pregnant groups; and the sixth group consisted of rats in the postmenopausal period at age 15-18 months. The uteri of all rats were removed and processed for staining with H and E and were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for Flt1 and KDR. For morphometric measurements, uterine wall thickness and Flt1 and KDR optical density in the endometrial surface epithelium, glandular epithelium, stromal cells, and endometrial endothelial cells were measured using image analysis. Results were statistically compared. The expression of VEGF-Rs was highest in the pubertal age group with marked expression of these receptors in the proestrus phase followed by the estrus phase. This supports the role of sex hormones, especially the estrogen hormone, in regulating VEGF-R expression. The Flt1 receptor was predominantly expressed in endometrial and stromal cells as well as in blastocysts, whereas the KDR receptor was predominantly expressed in endometrial endothelial cells. Comparison among all groups and then between each two groups revealed statistically significant differences in the measured morphometric parameters. The upregulation of Flt1 and KDR could be involved in the regulation of endometrial endothelial cell proliferation and in increase in endometrial vascular permeability, especially at implantation sites

Clinical Predictors of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases in Children

PURPOSE: To promote awareness of primary immunodeficiency (PID), the "10 warning signs" of PID and an immunodeficiency-related (IDR) score were developed. However, their efficiency in identifying PID cases was not sufficiently evaluated in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to test the validity of the 10 warning signs and IDR score in identifying PID among children with recurrent infections at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Egypt. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 204 patients was performed. Of these patients, 92 had defined PID diseases and 112 were considered non-PID cases because investigations were inconclusive. RESULTS: Demonstrating two warning signs and an IDR score of 6 led to sensitivities of 94 and 66%, respectively, and specificities of 64 and 75%, respectively, in identifying PID cases. The strongest predictor of PID was family history that, if combined with the need for intravenous antibiotics, recurrent deep-seated infections, and failure to thrive, could identify 81% of PID patients. A family history of PID, sibling death, and/or parental consanguinity would predict 92% of combined immunodeficiencies, 92% of phagocyte defects, 87% of well-identified immunodeficiency syndromes, and 84% of antibody deficiency if the need for intravenous antibiotics is considered in the latter. CONCLUSIONS: The 10 warning signs and IDR score do not aid in an early diagnosis of severe PID. Educational campaigns should target pediatricians aiming to increase PID awareness and to address family history of PID, parental consanguinity, and previous sibling death as key predictors of PID in communities with a high prevalence of consanguineous marriages.

Fungal populations and mycotoxins of wheat grains imported to Egypt

The fungal populations and mycotoxins were evaluated on 38 wheat grain samples imported to Egypt from different countries. The incidences, isolation frequencies and relative densities of both storage and field fungi were determined. 61 species and one unidentified species in addition to 3 species varieties appertaining to 21 genera were isolated on glucose-Czapek's agar medium [CZ], glucose-Czapek's agar containing 6% NaCl [CZ-Nacl] and malt agar medium [MA]. The most predominant mycobiota were, Aspergilus species [43.4%] followed by Eurotium species[13.7%], Rhizopus [13.2%], and Alternaria species [7.7%] of the total isolates. The most common species which contaminated samples were A. flavus [18.2%] followed by A. flavus var. columnaris [12.7%], Alternaria alternate [9.3%], and Eurotium amstelodami [3.8%] of the total isolates. Statistical analysis revealed a high significant correlation between, fungal total count, number of genera, and number of species on different media. Meanwhile, the mean number of genera and species on MA and CZ were significantly increased than CZ-NaCl. Evaluation of naturally occurance of mycotoxins in wheat grain, showed 10.5% of samples containing sterigmatocystin. The most predominant mycotoxigenic species were A. flavus var. columnaris and A. flavus. Nevertheless, the ability of Aspergillus of section Flavi to produce mycotoxins [aflatoxins B[1], B[2], G[1] and G[2] and sterigmatocystin] was 35.4% of isolates. These hazardous compounds are known to decrease the food quality and can cause acute of chronic intoxication to humans and animals

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in male albino rat retinal cells

Monosodium glutamate [MSG] has a flavor-enhancing effect; hence, it is added to processed food. It is known for its neurotoxicity. This study was conducted to demonstrate the possible protective effect of the natural antioxidant, Ginkgo biloba extract, against the neurotoxicity of MSG on the retinal cells of male albino rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were used. The animals were divided into the following groups: group I was the control group and group II was subdivided into subgroup IIa, which received MSG injections for 7 days, and subgroup IIb, which received Ginkgo biloba [EGb 761] orally for 7 days and then received MSG injections, in addition to EGb. Retinal sections were stained with H and E stain, toluidine blue stain, and immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]. Total retinal thickness, thickness of the outer nuclear layer, and the mean area% of GFAP were measured using an image analyzer. MSG caused complete loss of the outer and inner segments of the photoreceptors, a decrease in the thickness of the outer nuclear and plexiform layers, focal cytoplasmic vacuolation in the inner nuclear layer, and complete distortion of the ganglion cell layer. Such abnormalities were, to a large extent, prevented with the use of EGb 761. Statistically significant differences in the total retinal thickness, the thickness of the outer nuclear layer, and mean area% of GAP were found between the groups. MSG exposure was shown to induce deleterious morphological changes on the retina, many of which were prevented with the use of EGb 761. Thus, this natural extract could have further clinical implications in reducing glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in several ophthalmic diseases

Effects of reduced glutathion and vitamin c on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Cisplatin [CDDP] is a widely used anticancer drug, however it can produce undesirable side effects such as hepatotoxicity when used at high doses. The aim of the present work to evaluate the protective effect of reduced glutathione [GSH] and vitamin C on CDDP-induced hepatotoxicity. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups, 10 rats each. Group I, control group. Group II received Cisplatin [7.5 mg /kg, i.p] for 5 consecutive days. Group III received GSH [600 mg/kg /day, i.p]. Group IV received vitamin C [250 mg/kg/day, orally]. Group V received GSH for 15 days then CDDP for 5 days. Group VI administered vitamin C for 15 days then CDDP for 5 days. Group VII administered both GSH and CDDP for 5 days. The last Group [VIII] administered both vitamin C and CDDP for 5 days. Serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] activities [markers of hepatotoxicity], antioxidants [superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSHPx], catalase [CAT], glutathione reductase [GSHR] activities and gene expression, glutathione [GSH] content] and lipid peroxidation products [malondialdehyde, MDA] in rat liver tissue were measured. CDDP hepatotoxicity was manifested by an increase in serum ALT and AST, elevation of MDA as well as a decrease in GSH and the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes [SOD, GSHPx, CAT, GSHR] in liver tissues. Serum ALT, AST and hepatic MDA decreased in the combination groups in comparison with the CDDP group. The activities and gene expression of SOD, GSHPx, CAT and GSHR and the GSH concentration increased in the combination groups as compared to the CDDP group. Reduced glutathione and vitamin C either taken before or concomitant with cisplatin attenuated the CDDP hepatotoxicity

Domestic violence and its impact on married women's health in Eastern Saudi Arabia

To identify the prevalence of domestic violence [DV] in Al-Ahsa, and its impact on married women's health. This study is a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from January to June 2010 in Al-Ahsa oasis in the Eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It included 2000 evermarried women, 15-60 years old, and selected by a 2-stage proportionate cluster random sample. Data was gathered through structured interviews. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15. The prevalence of lifetime DV was 39.3%, 35.9% for mental, 17.9% for physical, and 6.9% for sexual violence. Lower rates of recent [within one month prior to the interview] violence were encountered, that is: overall [32.7%]; mental [29.1%]; physical [22.8%]; and sexual [11.8%]. Eleven percent of women were beaten, and 7% were kicked on the abdomen during pregnancy. Lifetime violence was significantly associated with perceived bad general health, disease, abortion, hemorrhage, and body mass index. Recent violence increased the number of doctor visits, and the odds of feeling dizzy [OR=1.93], vaginal bleeding [OR=1.83], movement and activity problems, pain, taking drugs [OR=1.95], and stress significantly during the last 4 weeks before the interview. A large proportion of women tolerated violence without seeking help [41.4%]. Common reactions included complaining to own family, treating the perpetrator violently, and complaining to a friend. We found that DV is prevalent in Al-Ahsa. We recommend awareness programs aiming at educating current and future couples, and proper training of health care providers in assisting the cases of DV

A Rare Association Between Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type I and Psoriasis in Humans

The beta2 integrins are expressed exclusively on leukocytes and participate in many immune and inflammatory processes. This subfamily comprises four heterodimeric glycoproteins with a common beta-subunit, designated beta2 (CD18). Spontaneous mutations of the CD18 gene result in leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD-I). Low level of CD18 expression has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. We here describe a child with recurrent skin infections without pus formation, persistent gingivitis and periodontitis. His blood counts showed persistent leukocytosis (neutrophilia). CD11b expression was defective on neutrophils, while that of CD18 was normal. So, our patient represents a mild variant of LAD-I with possible dysfunctional CD18. Moreover, he developed psoriasis with reduced CD18 expression on CD4+ T-cells. Psoriasiform dermatitis has been described before in association with LAD-I, however, clinically and histologically confirmed psoriasis in association with LAD-I has been described only in CD18 hypomorphic mice. Therefore, our patient represents the first clinically and histopathologically documented association between LAD-I and psoriasis in humans. It lends support to the role of beta2 integrins in the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis.

Demyelinating disorders in children

The study designed for early detection of demyelinating disorders in children through clinical, neuroimaging and laboratory study for proper differentiation between different types of demyelinating disorders [multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis] The present study included 15 patients with demyelinating. disorders, were selected from the pediatric neurology clinic in Al Azhar University hospitals in Cairo at the period from January, 2007 to December, 2008. All consecutive children with neurological abnormalities and evidence of demyelinating affection in brain MRI were included in this study and each one was subjected to the following detailed medical and neurological history, full general and neurological examination, brain MRI, Visual Evoked Potential, and laboratory assessment [Oligoclonal bands]. According to the clinical pictures, the most frequent clinical manifestations in demyelinating patients were motor dysfunction[93%], brain stem dysfunction[60%], altered mental status[46.5%], ataxia [46.5%], preceding illness[flu like symptoms][46.5%]. As regarding MRI findings, periventricular plaques [86.5%], brain stem plaques [73%], cortical grey matter [46.5%], subcortical white matter[46.5%], and cerebellar plaques [40%]. Visual Evoked potential was abnormal in all cases of multiple sclerosis, and normal in cases of ADEM. Oligoclonal Bands[OCB] was present in 80% of MS cases and 40% in patients with ADEM. Our results gives evidence that there are different clinical pictures for each disorder of demyelinating diseases and through the most frequent symptoms and initial presenting symptoms we can reach the diagnosis early. All the studied cases have abnormal MRI findings, thus MRI considered a high valuable tool for diagnosing both MS and ADEM. Selective laboratory assessments [e.g. OCB and VEP] are used to help and confirm the diagnosis of these different types of demyelinating disease

Prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among adolescents of some schools of Misr El-Kadema, Cairo, Egypt

The study was conducted on adolescent students in 4 schools of Misr El-Kadema educational directorate, the total number of students in these schools was 3482 according to data from the Ministry of Education for the academic year 2003-2004 [Ministry of Education, 2004]. The study passed through two stage the 1[st] stage was case finding survey [1551 students] to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the studied group. The 2[nd] stage was case control study [151 excess weight cases and 151 normal weight controls]. Cases represented a random sample of students with excess weight, and controls were random sample of normal weight students. Cases and controls were subjected to a thorough questionnaire for determinants of excess weight. They were physically examined, anthropometrically assessed and a blood sample was withdrawn. We find that overall prevalence of obesity was 11.6% and that for overweight was 18.6%. Cases had significant higher mean weight, waist, BMI, fat%, duration of TV watching and using computer than controls. They had significant higher monthly per capita income and consumed significant more fat and fast foods than controls. By logistic regression, the most significant predictors of excess weight were lack of regular physical activity, positive family history of obesity, daily intake of fried potatoes, more daily sleeping hours, lower educational level of mothers, more daily computer using and TV watching hours. Also our results showed that; the odds of regular exercising and having a higher than illiterate/read and write levels of education of mothers were lower among excess weight adolescents. The odds of dissatisfaction with current weight, eating when bothered, eating lots of snacks, having family history of obesity, hypertension and diabetes, taking total energy >/= 100% RDA [Recommended daily allowance], eating daily baladi bread, feno bread, ghee, hydrogenated oils, fried potatoes and drinking carbonated beverages were higher among those with excess weight compared to normal weight ones

[Pseudotumoral form of abdominal tuberculosis in child, about 4 cases]

The primary infection is the major form of infantile tuberculosis. The pseudo-tumoral form of tuberculosis is very rare in the child. It often poses a problem of positive diagnosis. Four cases were diagnosed over a four years period, in the paediatric service of surgery of the CHU Hassan II of Fez. All children were admitted initially for abdominal tumours and whose diagnosis was made in per operational

Mechanism of food additive [monosodium glutamate]- induced obesity a molecular study

There is no question that there is an obesity epidemic in our country, as well as in some other countries. Obesity during pregnancy increases maternal and fetal morbidity and is a risk factor for gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. There are many causes of obesity from them the bad use of food additives, the monosodium glutamate is considered one of the most popular food additives. The results of previous studies on the role of monosodium glutamate in developing of obesity are controversial so the aim of this paper is to determine the role of MSG in developing obesity through studying its effect on Ob gene expression and leptin receptor-b gene expression and to determine its effect on some cardiac disease indicators as apo-A[1] and apo-B. We used in this study 60 pregnant female rats which were divided into 2 groups, control group and group supplemented with monosodium glutamate. In all rats, determination of biochemical parameters as serum glucose, insulin, leptin, total lipids, cholesterol HDL, LDL, VLDL, apo A1, apo B, as well as determination of Ob and leptin receptor-b gene expression were done. Our results indicated that the administration of monosodium glutamate is accompanied with increase of Ob gene expression, leptin, insulin, lipoprotein B, lipogram, glucose and decrease of brain leptin receptor-b gene expression, lipoprotein lipase activity and HDL concentrations. It can be concluded that the administration of MSG may be considered as one of the main causes of obesity by increasing of leptin and insulin resistance and so developing of hyperphagia. Also it is accompanied by increasing the risk of atherosclerosis through development of diabetes mellitus type II and increasing total cholesterol and LDL. Moreover, maternal obesity is a serious condition that significantly impacts health of mothers and their children

Health locus of control and depressive symptoms among adolescents in Alexandria, Egypt

The aim of this work was to investigate the association of health locus of control with depression among adolescents in Alexandria, Egypt. The tools used were a self-report questionnaire covering demographic data and some factors associated with depression, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale and the Child Depression Inventory. Adolescents with low internal health locus of control and high chance external health locus of control were more likely to have depressive symptoms than others in bivariate and multivariate analysis. The study findings demonstrated an association between health locus of control and adolescent depression

Anatomical variations of the circle of Willis in males and females on 3D MR angiograms

The objective of the present work was to study the anatomical variations of the circle of Willis as regard its component vessels and their average diameters in a sample of adult Egyptians and to detect any sex-related differences in these variations. One hundred and twenty adult patients were observed [60 males and 60 females]. They all had problems unrelated to any ischemic or vascular diseases, so they were considered as healthy control, concerning the morphology of the circle of Willis. In addition, ten cadavers' brains were obtained from the Anatomy department, Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams University for examination of the circle of Willis and for detection of any variations. The anatomical variations of the anterior part, posterior part and completeness of the circle were inspected. Also, the diameters of all component vessels were assessed. The results indicated that, the anterior part of the circle was completed in 70% males and 75% females of the study sample. No statistically significant difference was detected between sexes. The most common variant of the anterior part was the single anterior communicating artery followed by the hypoplastic or absent anterior communicating artery. The posterior part of the circle was completed in 48% males and 58% females. The most common variant was the bilateral posterior communicating arteries, followed by the unilateral posterior communicating artery. An entirely complete circle was found only in 45% of the entire population; and it was higher in the females than in males. The vessels diameters were smaller in the females than in the males, except for the diameter of the posterior communicating artery. Cadavers' examination revealed six cases with complete circle, 3 cases of unilateral fetal posterior communicating and one case of absent posterior communicating artery. The present study showed the amazing great variability of the anatomy of the circle of Willis in asymptomatic persons. Nevertheless, there were no marked differences between both sexes in most of the components and the mean diameters of the circle. Therefore, these anatomical variations have to be considered during radiological interpretation and would be reported in the current anatomy text to be aware of all these normal variations

experimental study of the effects of nicotine on the intervertebral disc

Clinically it had been noticed that a large proportion of patients presenting with low back pain are smokers. Therefore, in this experimental study the histological effects of nicotine on the lumbar intervertebral discs of the rabbits was investigated. Eighteen rabbits were divided equally into 3 groups, Group I [a and b]; as control. Group 2 injected intraperitoneally by 5000 ng/kg nicotine daily for 4 weeks. Group 3 injected intraperitoneally by 5000 ng/kg nicotine daily for 8 weeks. The selected dose produced blood nicotine levels equivalent to those found in heavy smokers [30 cigarettes / day]. Light and electron microscopic studies revealed that nicotine injection showed a variety of histological changes, which were not observed in the control group. This includes appearance of spaces within the nucleus pulposus and separation from the adjacent fibrous lamellae in the annulus fibrosus. Also loss of the regularity of the multilayered structure of the annulus fibrosus, and excessive inclusions associated with vacuoles which continue with the rough endoplasmic reticulum within the chondrocytes. Disc degeneration was more marked in rabbits injected with nicotine for 8 weeks [G3] than in those injected for 4 weeks [G2]. It could be concluded that the disc degeneration is more common among smokers and is correlated with the duration of exposure to nicotine

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of secondary-school pupils in Oman: I. Health-compromising behaviours

We investigated the practice of some of health-compromising behaviors among Omani adolescents and their correlates in a nationally representative secondary school-based sample of 1670 boys and 1675 girls. The mean age of the sample was 17.13 [SD 1.35] years. Through a self-administrated questionnaire the adolescents were asked about 6 risky behaviors: current smoking, ever use of alcohol, succumbing to peer pressure to take illicit drugs, driving without a licence, speeding while driving and being involved in a physical fight in the month prior to the survey. Demographic and psychosocial variables related to their risk behaviors were also assessed. The results indicated that 4.6% were current smokers, 4.3% had drunk alcohol and 4.6% had taken drugs. About 20% had been involved in a physical fight in the month prior to the survey, 33.4% drove without a licence and 33.9% liked to speed. Male sex and low self-esteem were the strongest predictors of risky behavior