Metformin treatment confers protection of the optic nerve following photoreceptor degeneration / 대한해부학회지

Acquired or inherited or photoreceptor loss causes retinal ganglion cell loss and ultimately axonal transport alteration. Thus, therapies should be applied early during photoreceptors degeneration before the remodeling process reaches the inner retina. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of metformin on the rat optic nerve following photoreceptors loss induced by N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). Eighteen adults male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Group I: normal vehicle control (n=6). Group II: ENU-induced photoreceptors degeneration (n=12) received a single intraperitoneal injection of ENU at a dose of 600 mg/kg. Rats in group II were equally divided into two subgroups:IIa: photoreceptor degeneration induced group and IIb: metformin treated group (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Specimens from the optic nerve were processed for light and electron microscopy. In ENU treated group, the optic nerve revealed reduction in the diameter of the optic nerve fibers and thinning of myelin sheath with morphological changes in the glia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia). Caspase-3 (apoptotic marker), iNOS (oxidative stress marker) and CD68 (macrophage marker) expression increased. In metformin-treated group, the diameter of optic nerve fibers and myelin sheath thickness increased with improvement of the deterioration in the glia. Caspase-3, iNOS and CD68 expression decreased. Metformin ameliorates the histological changes of the rat optic nerve following photoreceptors loss induced by ENU.

Metformin treatment confers protection of the optic nerve following photoreceptor degeneration / 대한해부학회지

Acquired or inherited or photoreceptor loss causes retinal ganglion cell loss and ultimately axonal transport alteration. Thus, therapies should be applied early during photoreceptors degeneration before the remodeling process reaches the inner retina. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of metformin on the rat optic nerve following photoreceptors loss induced by N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). Eighteen adults male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Group I: normal vehicle control (n=6). Group II: ENU-induced photoreceptors degeneration (n=12) received a single intraperitoneal injection of ENU at a dose of 600 mg/kg. Rats in group II were equally divided into two subgroups:IIa: photoreceptor degeneration induced group and IIb: metformin treated group (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Specimens from the optic nerve were processed for light and electron microscopy. In ENU treated group, the optic nerve revealed reduction in the diameter of the optic nerve fibers and thinning of myelin sheath with morphological changes in the glia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia). Caspase-3 (apoptotic marker), iNOS (oxidative stress marker) and CD68 (macrophage marker) expression increased. In metformin-treated group, the diameter of optic nerve fibers and myelin sheath thickness increased with improvement of the deterioration in the glia. Caspase-3, iNOS and CD68 expression decreased. Metformin ameliorates the histological changes of the rat optic nerve following photoreceptors loss induced by ENU.

Simultaneous isolation of gallotannins and a related phenolic from Mangifera indica kernels and assessment of their anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activities

Therapeutic alternatives are being searched for trichomoniasis as a result of the increased prevalence of metronidazoleresistant infections. Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) is an importanttree with a long history in medicine. Traditionally, ithas been used as an anti-diarrheal and anti-diabetic, and recently, its gallotannin-rich leaves and stem bark extracts have shownantiparasitic activities against various parasites. Aiming at exploring the anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of mango’sgallotannins, an aqueous ethanol extract of fresh kernels of M. indica was phytochemically investigated. Based on a simplegel chromatographic procedure, ethyl gallate (2), a group of five isomeric tetragalloyl-glucoses (3–7), and a pentagalloylglucose (8) were simultaneously isolated from a single fraction by a preparative Reversed-phase-high performance liquidchromatography. The isolates were identified based on spectroscopic analyses and comparison with reported data. Theyshowed structural-dependent inhibitory effects on the growth of T. vaginalis trophozoites in an in vitro investigation.Ethyl gallate and 1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (7) exhibited elevated anti-T. vaginalis activity (IC50 = 1.3, 2.4μg/ml, respectively). This is the first report exploring the potential of gallotannins as trichomonacidal agents.

A multi-component spectrophotometric method for simultaneous determination of total bilirubin, oxyhemoglobin, and methemalbumin in human sera

A new multi-component spectrophotometric method was developed experimentally and theoreticallyto determine the accurate serum concentrations of the total bilirubin (TB), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), andmethemalbumin (Mha) in healthy human adults and neonates with hemolytic jaundice. With respect to theexperimental technique, the method of preparation of serum solution has been developed, like the use ofdistilled water as a solvent and centrifugation of serum solutions to clear the sample turbidity. The resultsof TB were compared to the diazo-assay. Theoretically, the formulas used for the calculation of the majorcomponents (TB, HbO2, and Mha) in human sera have been derived based on the theory of multi-componentspectrophotometric analysis and the mathematical Gaussian elimination method for matrix calculation. Themethod of multi-component spectrophotometry, suggested in this study for determination of TB, showed% error (3.1%–4.9%), indicating the high accuracy of the method. The small coefficients of variation(CV = 3.65%–5.1%) indicate the high precision of the method. The results showed higher values of serum TB(p < 0.00005), HbO2 (p < 0.001), and Mha concentrations (p < 0.00005) in neonates, when compared to adults.The method is highly sensitive and accurate. It is inexpensive, precise, reproducible, and has the advantages ofsimplicity, speed, and can be computerized.

prevalence of celiac disease in patients fulfilling Rome III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome

Background and study aims: the clinical presentation of coeliac disease can vary from a classical malabsorption syndrome to more subtle atypical gastrointestinal manifestations similar to irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of coeliac disease in Egyptian patients with clinically diagnosed diarrhoea-predominant IBS [according to Rome III criteria]

Patients and methods: this study was conducted on 100 patients with clinically diagnosed diarrhoea-predominant IBS [fulfilling Rome III criteria]. They were subjected to complete clinical evaluation, routine laboratory investigations, abdominal ultrasonography and serum anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody [anti-tTG] test as a predictor marker for coeliac disease. All patients who tested positive for serum anti-tTG underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with four to eight biopsy sample collected from the second part of the duodenum

Results: all of the studied 100 patients presented with abdominal pain or discomfort, flatulence and diarrhoea. Eight patients [8%] exhibited high levels of serum anti-tTG, and their duodenal biopsy samples satisfied the histopathological criteria of coeliac disease. The studied patients were divided into two group: Group I comprising 92 patients with IBS and negative anti-tTG results and Group II comprising eight patients with IBS and positive anti-tTG results. A non-significant difference was noted between the two groups in age, gender and duration of abdominal pain [p>0.05]. The haemoglobin level was found to be significantly reduced in anti-tTG-positive patients [p<0.01], as was the Na level in anti-tTG-negative patients [p<0.05]. A highly statistically significant inverse correlation was noted between anti-tTG and both serum total protien and serum albumin

Conclusion: some symptoms overlap between coeliac disease and IBS. A lack of awareness may lead to a diagnostic delay in these patients

Work-related hand injuries treated at a tertiary care hospital

The hands are known to be the most commonly injured body parts in traumatic occupational injuries. They can be disabling, leading to major adverse social and economic consequences for the worker and for his or her family. The aim of the study was to describe work-related hand injuries and their potential risk factors and also investigate lines of management in relation to the type of injury. Patients who presented to the emergency room of a tertiary hospital over a 6-month period with occupational hand injuries were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire. It included questions pertaining to the sociodemographic, occupational, and medical aspects related to the injury. A total of 163 patients were interviewed. More than 50% had injuries from cuts. Almost 60% of work-related hand injuries occurred in the absence of machines. The most common causes of hand injuries mentioned by workers were lack of concentration [68.7%], wearing no or ill-fitting gloves [63.2%], and a defect in the work place [51.5%]. On examination, fingers were the most affected site [66.7%]. About half of the cases were managed in the emergency room, 28.8% were managed with minor procedures, and 21.9% were managed with major procedures. Work-related hand injuries have multifactorial causes; lack of concentration was the most common in this study. Injuries from cuts were the most common and fingers were the most affected part. Modifications of the possible risk factors may reduce the incidence of acute hand injury at work

Effect of retinoic acid on type I diabetes: Streptozotocin-induced rat model

To evaluate the effect of all trans retinoic acid [atRA] on differentiation/transdifferentiation of pancreatic duct/acinar cells into insulin secreting beta-cells in diabetic rats. 64 adult male rats divided into four groups. Normal control, diabetic control, atRA-I: diabetic rats treated with atRA [0.1 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously] and atRA-II: diabetic rats treated with atRA [2.5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously] for 1, 2 and 4 weeks. The levels of glucose and insulin were measured. Histopathological, immunohistochemical examination of pancreas and RT-PCR of insulin mRNA were done. atRA led to an improvement in the level of glucose and insulin in both doses and at the different time points when compared with diabetic control. Histopathological examination of the pancreas revealed that atRA in both doses and at different time points nearly restored the normal appearance of the islets of Langerhans. Interestingly, some islets of Langerhans were found closely related to the interlobular ducts and the acinar epithelium. Mitotic figures were observed in the epithelium of the interlobular ducts and acinar cells and inside the islets of Langerhans especially with high dose. The immunohistochemical revealed strong insulin-immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of the beta-cells and in the cytoplasm of the isolated cells which are closely related to the acini. Also, insulin mRNA expression showed dense band illumination similar to normal control. Retinoic acid may induced significant increase in insulin level and its mRNA, decrease glucose level and increased beta-cells regeneration through increased pancreatic duct and/or acinar cells differentian/transdifferentiation and increased proliferation of fbeta-cells in diabetic rats

TGF-B1 IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HBV INFECTION

The transforming growth factor-beta[1] is an important cytokine with anti-inflammatory properties may have a role in pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The main purpose of this study was to compare the serum levels of TGF- beta[1] in a group of chronic HBV infected [CHB] patients as well as healthy individuals and to determine the correlation between the TOF- beta[1] and stages of fibrosis in CHB patients. A case control study using forty patients with CHB as well as forty healthy individuals. ELISA technique was applied to measure the serum level of TGF- beta[1] in both patient and control groups. We used the data of the liver biopsy of CHB patients to make a correlation between TGF- beta[1] and stages of fibrosis. Our results revealed that the serum levels of TGF- beta[1] -were significantly increased in CHB patients [1958.0 +/- 730.26pg/ml] in comparison to healthy controls [944.4 +/- 5 73.24 pg/ml] [P<0.0001]. Serum levels of TGF- beta[1] -was significantly increased in F2-F3 [2600.0 +/- 472.69pg/ml] in comparison to FO-F1[1483.5 +/- 478.54 pg/ml] [P < 0.0001]. The sludy concluded that high serum levels of TGF-fl may be a mechanism by which immune response against IIBV is suppressed. The serum level of TGF- beta[1] is a potential noninvasive marker for diagnosis of liver fibrosis in CHB patients

contribution on Coliforms causing mastitis in cows with reference to serotypes and virulence factors of E. coli isolates

Escherichia coli [E. coli] is the predominant coliform species causing intramammary infections. Where in the present study, E. coll isolates were 1.8 strains [17.82%] followed by Enterobacter aerogenes 3 strains [2.97%] and Klebsiella pneumoniae one strain [0.99%] from 101 clinical mastitic milk samples of cows. Eighteen E. coli isolates were serotyped to nine different serogroups; O111:H4 [3], O127:H6 [3], O26 [2], O126 [2], O119:H6 [1], O114:H21 [1], O55:H7 [1], O44:H18 [1], O124[1] and [3] untyped. Virulence tests were performed on the 18 isolated E. coll, it was found that 15 isolates [83.3%] were serum resistant, 13 isolates [72.2%] had Congo Red binding activity, 6 isolates [33.3%] were invasive and one isolate [5.6%] had haemolytic activity. PCR was applied to detect the presence of Shiga like toxin producing E. coll [stxl and stx2 genes] on the nine different strains[one strain for each serogroup], where stxl and stx2 were found in 8 [88.9%] and 4 [44.4%] of the nine examined strains, respectively. While stxl and stx2 genes were found together in 3 strains [33.3%]. Conclusions: E. coli isolates usually posses one or more virulence factors that may help in establishment at the infection site and subsequently causing clinical bovine mastitis

Some antibiotic resistant bacteria of public health hazard isolated from raw milk sold in some Assiut City markets

A total of 50 raw milk samples were collected in this study from some Assiut City markets, Egypt, and examined for isolation of some human hazard pathogens. The percentages of the isolated pathogens were 46, 76, 78, 4 and 24% for Staph. aureus. Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli, Citrobacter freundii and Yersinia enterocolitica respectively. In vitro Antibiogram was carried out on all isolates against [8] different antimicrobial agents; moreover, ail of these isolates showed multi-drug resistance against tow or more of the tested antibiotics. The public heath hazards of the isolated pathogens were alsfrtliscussed

impact of cytomegalovirus infection on mechanically ventilated patients in the respiratory and geriatric intensive care units

Reactivation of cytomegalovirus [CMV] has been reported in critically ill patients [especially elderly] lying in the intensive care units. So identifying such patients to treat is important. To detect the frequency of CMV infection in mechanically ventilated patients, and its correlation with patients' risk factors, and outcomes. The present study was carried out on 51 mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the Respiratory [20] and Geriatric ICU [31] of the Ain Shams University hospitals over a 3 month period. Serum CMV load was measured by real-time PCR. The overall rate of active CMV infection by RT-PCR among the studied populations was [68.6%], [77.4%] in patients of geriatric ICU versus [55%] in respiratory ICU patients. Comparison between CMV positive and negative cases showed a significant difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality rate. A statistically higher CMV load was recorded in respiratory ICU patients admitted due to exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease or stroke and developing ventilator associated pneumonia [VAP] or septic shock. Also there was a significant direct correlation between CMV load and age of the patient, duration of mechanical ventilation and duration of ICU stay CMV infection is frequent in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients especially the elderly. It is associated with poor outcomes, leads to increased mortality and morbidity in terms of increased ICU stay, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, and higher rates of nosocomial infections

Studies on some factors affecting metacercarial inefctions in African sharp-tooth catfish [claris gariepinus] in Assiut Governorate

This work aims to study the effect of some environmental and biological factors on spread encysted metacorcarse [EMC] in catfish [Claris gariepinus] at Assuit, Egypt. Out of 240 African carfish were examined, the total prevalence of encysted metacercarie was 56.3%. The high prevalence was observed in young fish [<300 gm] with prevalence 59.2 and, while the highest infection rate was recorded in lengths [25-35 cm.] at a rate of 62.3%. the maximum infestation rate was appeared In summer [78.3%], while the lowest one was detected in spring [36.7%]. Males had slightly higher prevlance rate [57.5%] than females [54.9%]. Two types of E.M.C were detected in present work: Cynodipiostonum E.M.C. [macroscopic cyts]. Prohemistomum E.M.C. [microscopic cyst]. Cynodipiostonum E.M.C. was detected in muscular tissue only and their prevalence was 2.5%. while Prohemistomum E.M.C. was detected in muscular tissue, liver, kidney and gills of examined fish and their prevalence was 53.8%, 26.2%, 9.2% and 7.5% respectively. Present study reflects the sensitivity of different metacercariae in infection in African catfish the factors tested

Design and synthesis of some new 1,2,4-triazole derivatives as potential antibacterial agents

Triazoles with different substituent groups are found to possess diverse applications in the field of medicinal chemistry. A new series of novel 1, 3, 5-trisubstituted[1, 2, 4]triazole derivatives, their Schiff bases and their amide derivatives were synthesized. Schiff bases [6-10] were prepared by the reaction of the triazoles amine 5 with equimolar amounts of the appropriate substituted benzaldehydes. The amide derivatives [25-39] were obtained by condensation of triazole amines [21-24] with the appropriate acid chloride. Chemical structures were confirmed by IR, [1]H-NMR, [13]C-NMR, FAB-MS, EI-HRMS spectra and elemental analyses. All the newly synthesized compounds were tested for in vitro activity against certain strains of bacteria such as Staph. aureus, Staph. saprophyticus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. Most of the tested new compounds exhibited promissing antibacterial activity. Some of them showed antibacterial activity more significant than the reference drugs. Compounds 6-10, 33, 36 and 39 were the most potent derivatives

Effect of low level laser therapy on neurovascular function of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication and greatest source of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Thirty male and female patients with painful diabetic neuropathy and abnormal results from nerve conduction studies participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 45 to 60 years with a mean of 52.1 +/- SD 4.7 years. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups of 15, an active laser group [laser group] and a placebo laser group [control group]. The laser group received scanning helium neon [He-Ne] infrared laser with wavelength 850 nm and density of 5.7 J/cm[2], applied to the lumbosacral area and the plantar surface of the foot for 15 min each site/session three times per week for four weeks [i.e. 12 sessions]. Pain intensity via visual analogue scale, bilateral peroneal motor nerves, sural sensory nerves conduction velocity and amplitude and foot skin microcirculation, were measured pre- and post-treatment for both groups. Pain was significantly decreased [p

Germination of three wheat varieties under equipotential levels of matric [vm] and osmotic [vs] stress

Choice of a crop plant to be suitable for cultivation in desert areas must be within some considerations. Desert areas are generally characterized by: [I] lack of water, [2] climatic extremes, [3] several wide deficiencies in nutrient elements, [4] salinity and ion toxicity problems and [5] interaction between one or more of such previous factors. In this work, the response of three wheat varieties [Sids 1, Sakha 93 and Glza 168] to major environmental hazards existing in desert habitats is accounted for. Besides, the combined effects of temperature, matric or osmotic water potentials under different temperatures on different germination characteristics are studied. The study is concerned with both the germination stage and the early seedling stage to ensure success of the vegetative growth later. In most cases, temperature as a single factor had the dominant effect on germination characteristics

Macro- and micromorphology of the root, stem leaf, infloresence and fruit of Euphorbia peplus L. growing in Egypt

Euphorbia peplus L. belongs to Family Euphorbiaceae which includes about 283 genera with almost 7500 species. They are distributed all over the world mainly tropical countries. Some species of the genus Euphorbia showed antiviral and anticancer activities. It was reported to be used in folkloric medicine as purgative and in treatment of skin diseases, gonorrhea, liver disorders, chest diseases, and gout. Some phytochemical studies have been carried out abroad on different species. The authors carried out phytochemical and biological studies on the studied plant and here in we undertake macro- and micromorphological studies with the aim of finding out the diagnostic features by which the plant could be identified in both entire and powdered forms

Toxopathological studies on the effect of heavy metals emitted from superphosphate factory on the reproductive performance of male goats

The present study was designed to evaluate toxopathological effects of heavy metals emitted from superphosphate factory on the reproductive performance of male goats. Thirty male goats were selected from Gaz. El-Akrad area adjacent to factory [group 1] and five male goats from Dairut area [group 2] served as control. Serum samples were used for determination of cadmium, fluorine, testosterone and prostatic acid phosphatase. Tissue specimens were obtained from testes, epididymis and prostate for histopathological examination. It was observed that the level of cadmium and fluorine was significantly increased in the serum of exposed group when compared with control group. It was observed that the mean level of testosterone in group 1 was extremely significantly decreased while the level of prostatic acid phosphatase was significantly increased when compared with control group. Histopathological findings in the testicle of male goat of the group 1 revealed testicular degeneration with formation of spermatid giant cells. Congestion of the blood vessel, edema and fibrosis of the interstitial tissue with formation of sperm granuloma were noticed. The epididymis showed edema, fibrosis and necrosis of the epididymal tubules. The prostate gland showed edema, fibrosis and hyperplasia. Our results strongly suggest that cadmium and fluorine intoxication produces adverse effects on sexual fertility with hormonal and pathological alterations in male goats

Sheep caseous lymphadenitis: causative bacterial agents and their in vitro some antimicrobial susceptibility

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis [C. pseudotuberculosis] is the etiologic agent of caseous lymphadenitis. It is a serious, economically important disease for sheep production. This study was carried out on 762 sheep reared in private flocks [616 females and 146 males] with different ages at different localities in Assiut Governorate. The prevalence of the disease in sheep was 22.7% on the basis of clinical signs and 20.1% on the basis of bacteriological examination. The disease prevalence was significantly higher in females'sheep [25.3%] than that in males [11.6%]. Caseous lymphadenitis was highly significantly different among age groups. The high prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis was recorded in sheep of 1-2 years old [37.34], followed by animals of 2-3 years old [25.77%] and the low prevalence was in sheep under one year old [8.33%], this may be due to occurrence of maternal antibodies from colostrums. Parotid lymph nodes were the most common affected lymph node [11.81%], followed by superficial cervical lymph nodes [7.87%], while prefemoral lymph node was less affected [0.39%]. The superficial lymph nodes of the anterior body half showed the highest rate of infection then the posterior body half. C. pseudotuberculosis was the main causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep, where it was isolated either in pure form or in combination with Staph. aureus from 142 cases [82.1%] and 7 cases [4%] of the clinically infected sheep, respectively. On the other hand Staph. aureus was isolated as a sole pathogen from 4 cases representing 2.3%. All isolated strains of C. pseudotuberculosis were highly virulent to Guinea pigs and 97.3% of them were nitrate reduction negative. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test of C. pseudotuberculosis strains showed that Enrofloxactin and Ciprofloxatin had strong inhibitory effect on the isolates, while the most strains were highly resistant to Lincomyctin, Streptomycin, Amoxycillin and Penicillin. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that C. pseudotuberculosis is the main causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep. The superficial lymph nodes of the anterior body half show the highest rate of infection than the posterior body half. Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin are the most effective drugs during in vitro tests

Seroprevalence study on brucellosis in native and imported camels

Seroprevalence study was carried out on 470 camels [123 native camels in contact with other farm animals in Assiut and El-Wadi El Gadid Governorates and 347 imported camels from Sudan, through Daraw, Aswan Governorate] these camels with different ages and sexes were examined for detection of brucella antibodies. A high incidence of seroreactive cases was observed among native camels [2.43%, 12.19%, 4.87% and 2.43%] while it was [0.57%; 0.86%; 0.29% and 0.29%] among imported camels using Rose Bengal plate Test, Buffered Acidified plate Antigen Test, Tube Agglutination Test and Rivanol test, respectively. Quantitatively, four serum samples were true seropositive - without any clinical signs - with a titer ranged from 1/25 to 1/400 using Rivanol test, while 3 serum samples were seroreactors with a titer of 1/40, 1/80 and 1/320 using TAT. Three [1.07%] of positive camels were adult over 4 years old and the remaining 1[0.52%] was young under 4 years old. It can be concluded that brucella seroprevelance in native camels was significantly different [P<0.05] than in imported ones, however no significant differences could be recorded based on the sex of the age. The study proved that Rose Bengal plate Test followed by Tube Agglutination. Test agreed with Rivanol test in the rapid diagnosis of brucellosis in camels

Immune-regulation in chronic hepatitis B virus infected patients

To assess the percentage of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of chronic hepatits B [CHB] virus infected patients in comparison with that in healthy controls and to evaluate their suppressive activity on gamma-IFN production by T cells. The percentages of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T [Treg] cells were quantified in the peripheral blood of 59 chronic hepatitis B patients in comparison with that of 32 controls. And to assess Treg suppressive activity, the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs secreting interleukin-10 [IL-10] were evaluated together with the percentage of gamma interferon [gamma-IFN] secreting T cells. This study showed that the percentage of CD4+CD25+Tcells was significantly higher in CHB patients in comparison with healthy controls [mean, 11 +/- 1.7 vs. 36 +/- 4.0 P= 0.007]. A weak positive correlation was observed only between the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells and serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels [r=0.3, P=0.02]. These findings suggest that Tregs are capable of inhibiting the HBV immune response, which could contribute to persistence of HBV infection. Manipulating these regulatory cells represent an important objective in order to develop new anti-microbial immunotherapies, particularly for chronic infections