Genetic polymorphism in growth hormone receptor gene [GHR] and its relationship with growth trait in pure and hybrid rabbit breeds

Nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] techniques were used to study the associate polymorphism in exon 1 of growth hormone receptor [GHR] gene and marketing body weights in three rabbit breeds: New Zealand White rabbit breed [pure breed], V-line [Hybrid breeds from New Zealand and California rabbit], and Alexandria breed [Hybrid from V-Line and black Egyptian Baladi rabbit]. DNA from blood samples of each kit of the three rabbit breeds were extracted to amplify 263-bp of the gene encoding GHRl. 1 he purified JCR products were sequenced in those had the highest and lowest body weight in each breed. Sixteen new SNPs were detected in GHRl gene in New Zealand rabbits. In V-line rabbits, three SNPs were detected. Also two SNPs were found in Alex. breed. All these SNPs were related to high body weight as they were reported in higher body weights in the three breeds, and were non synonymous, which led to amino acids substitution. Restriction analysis of PCR product using MSP1 do not produce restriction fragments. Statistically, the results indicated that there were significant correlation between growth performance and GHRl gene polymorphisms. The results were effective in selection for rabbits that have high growth performance [marker assisted selection]. Also, the analysis of this study confirmed that GHRl gene could be a candidate gene for application in marker assisted selection [MAS] in rabbits

relevance of Ki-67 and COX-2 immunoexpression in right-sided versus left-sided sporadic cancer colon in Egyptian patients

Cancer colon is one of the most common malignancies in Egypt. There are growing amount of data suggesting that carcinomas of the right and left colon should be considered as different tumor entities. Difference in tumor proliferation rates has been used as a prognostic tool. Ki-67 is a proliferation-associated nuclear and nucleolar protein antigen, which is expressed in all cycling cells, and it is an important marker to determine the degree of tumor malignance and invasion ability. Cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] is an important key enzyme required for the synthesis of prostaglandins, with high level seen in many cancers including colon cancer. A total of 167 colectomy specimens were reviewed during the period of 1 year. Fifty cases from the originally viewed 167 cases were chosen; 25 cases from the right-side colon and 25 from the left-side colon of comparable stages and grades. Each case was stained immunohistochemically for Ki-67 and COX-2 antibodies. The results of Ki-67 immunostaining showed that the difference between the right and left cases was significant [P < 0.05] in addition to the results of COX-2 immunostaining. We suggest that right and left cancer colon may be two different entities with possible different risk factors and different pathogenesis, and hence each may require different treatment polices as well. COX-2 expression in right-side tumors more than in left-side tumors may provide a chance for right-side cancers to benefit from COX-2 inhibitor therapy

Protective effect of fish liver oil and propolis on anticonvulsant drugs-induced osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major health problem and its prevalence increases the risk of bone fracture. It is classified into primary [postmenopausal or age related] and secondary [related to chronic diseases, drug therapy, or life style]. There is accumulating evidence that patients on antiepileptic drugs [AEDs] are at an increasing risk of developing osteoporosis. The present study aimed at investigating the protective effect of dietary natural products, fish liver oil, and propolis on osteoporosis caused by anticonvulsant drugs. A total of 105 albino rats were used, divided into seven groups of 15 rats each. Group 1 was used as a control group. In group 2, rats were injected intraperitoneally with pilocarpine [300 mg/kg body weight]. The pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats in the other five groups were orally treated with valproate [400 mg/kg body weight], a combination of valproate and fish liver oil [0.4 ml/kg body weight/day], a combination of valproate and propolis [50 mg/kg body weight/ day], fish liver oil, and propolis, respectively. At the end of the experiment [6 months treatment], animals were sacrificed, femur shafts were extracted, decalcified, and processed into paraffin blocks for histopathological and image analysis and morphometric studies. Rats treated with the antiepileptic valproate alone showed a decrease in the thickness of shaft cortical bone, with a marked decrease in the number of osteocytes, increase in Haversian canals, and decrease in bone trabeculae, disruption of normal architecture, and widening of bone marrow spaces compared with the control group. Treatment with the dietary natural products, fish liver oil, and propolis along with the AED valproate might improve histopathological changes and morphometric parameters in bone associated with AED-induced osteoporosis

Isolation and biochemical identification of pathogenic burkholderia cepacia front human sources and related reactivity to different antibiotics

The aim of the present work is to isolate and identify Burkholderia species from different chest hospitalized patients .throat swap and sputum samples were considered. Reactivity of isolates to different antibiotics was considered using both Double Disc Synergy Test and Combined ESBL Test. Data revealed that 21/200 [10.5%] isolated from cystic flbrosis patients; samples were positive as Burkholderia isolation was more prevalent from sputum samples [55%] than throat swapping [45%]. Among the 21 bacterial isolates; 2/21[9.5%] children, 8/21[38.09%] females and 11/21[52.38%] males. The No of isolate was location related; El Sadr hospital [41%], Abbassia Chest hospital [24%], Al-Mattaria teaching hospital [21%] and health institute hospital [14%]. Also, isolation was gender related as male was more susceptible more than the other genders for infection by Burkholderia cepacia recording the highest value [52%] followed by female [38%] and children [10%]. Combined infection was recorded. Burkholderia cepacia was sensitive to Amlkacin, Gentamicin, Kanamycin, Neomycin, Ceftazidime, Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, while it were resistant to; Paromomycin, Spectinomycin, Fosfomycin, Cefixime, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin and Cefazolin. The most active antibiotic was Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid with mean diameter of inhibition zone 38.50 mm

Phylogenetic identification ofburkholderia cepacia isolates from human chest infection from different hospitals

Phylogenetic analysis of Burkholderia cepacia was achieved based on the variation of p-Lactamases production and antibacterial reactivity to different antibiotics. Sub inhibitory concentrations of augmentin down-regulates the production and/or release of exoprotein and this effect increase with increasing of the tested concentration. ESBLs was detected using double disc synergy test and combined ESBL test. Effect of reactivity of B. cepacia spp was influenced by antibiotic where Amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid showed the highest inhibitory effect and in turn clear zone dimension. Also, TEM-1 and SHV-1 genes electrophoretic pattern detected by both PFGE and RAPD. Different isolates showed a similarity to standard B. cepacia ranging from 94-95 %. Data recorded revealed the p-Lactamases genes showed a variable protein bands pattern revealing reactivity to antibiotics

Antibacterial effectiveness of low energy diode laser irradiation on management of periodontitis in Down syndrome

With the poor oral hygiene exhibited by patients with Down syndrome, the potential for a robust flora arises causing Periodontitis. Along with periodontal disease, the patient population has other medical conditions that limit treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness of an 870-nm diode laser on periodontitis in patients with Down syndrome. Thirty five patients with Down syndrome suffering from periodontitis were included in this study and divided into two groups, Group I [25 patients] laser was applied to one half of the mouth and the other half was considered as a control and Group II included [10 patients] basic periodontal treatment was applied to evaluate the systemic effect of laser. Quantification of A. actinomycetemconcomitans, P. Gingivalis and Capnocytophaga were carried out using real-time PCR technique at baseline and at 2 weeks, at 6 weeks and at 12 weeks post periodontal and laser treatment. A. Actinmycetcomitans and P. gingivalis were the most common organisms found in the studied patients and Capnocytophaga was the least common organisms. In group I the quantitative results of A. actinomycetemconcomitans, P. Gingivalis at 2 weeks were significantly lower in both sides of mouth than that of baseline level. After 6 week, it was still significantly lower than that of the baseline in the right side of the mouth, but at 12 weeks no significant difference was observed in both sides. In group II, quantitative results of A. actinomycetemconcomitans, P. Gingivalis at 2 weeks were also significantly lower than that of baseline but not at 6 and at 12 weeks. As regards, Capnocytophaga there was no significant difference at baseline, at 2 weeks, at 6 weeks and at 12 weeks post periodontal and laser treatment in both groups I and II. Scaling and root planning plus laser therapy was better than scaling and root planning alone in the chosen patients and this antibacterial effect continues to be significant up to 6 weeks after therapy. Based upon the results of the study, it was found that Laser therapy could be used for the treatment of periodontitis as a complementary therapy not to replace mechanical intervention

Molecular detection of Epstein-Barr Virus in breast cancer

The association of Epstein Barr virus [EBV] with breast carcinomas [BCs] is still in controversy. The aim of this study was to clarify the association of EBV and BC in Egyptian females and to assess its role as potential contributor to the development and behavioral alteration of BC. EBV-DNA was detected using PCR on breast tissue from 40 female patients with primary invasive BC; ductal [n=32] and lobular [n=8] and 20 age matched females undergoing reduction mammoplasties as control. EBV-DNA was detected in 8/40 [20%] BC specimens. On the other hand all control specimens were negative As regards prognostic factors, no association was observed between EBV-DNA and patients' age, menopausal status and steroid receptor expression. However, significant associations were detected between the presence of EBV-DNA and other poor prognostic factors. All of the EBV-DNA positive BC were significantly associated with positive nodal status, where 7/8 cases showed more than three tumor-positive LN involvement. In spite of the small number of invasive lobular carcinoma included in this study there was a significant correlation between this histological type of poor prognosis and EBV-DNA detection rate where 4/8 [50%] of them were positive for EBV-DNA compared to 4/32 [12.5%] detection rate in invasive ductal carcinoma. A significant correlation was found between EBV-DNA detection rate in BC and high tumor grade of invasive ductal carcinoma; [100%, 1/1] association with grade III versus [9.67%; 3/ 31] with grade II. Our results demonstrated the presence of the EBV genome in a considerable subset of BC in Egyptian patients. The virus was more frequently associated with bad prognostic factors. This indicates that EBV may play a role in the development and behavioral alteration of some aggressive BC

Detection of a point mutation at codon 12 of the Kirsten-Ras [K-ras] oncogen in myelodysplastic syndrome

Mutations in ras genes have been observed in a variety of cancers and were found to play an important role in human leukemogenesis and in preleukemic disease as myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS]. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of mutated K-ras oncogene in myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS]; with a special emphasis on their possible role in affecting clinical status, relation to karyotypic pattern; response to therapeutic measures; its impact on the fate of the disease and overall survival. Detection of point mutation of Kirsten-ras [K-ras] gene in 30 patients suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome was carried out using quantitative enriched polymerase chain reaction [QEPCR] and was confirmed by sequencing. QEPCR is a two- stage PCR procedure with modified primers that enriches mutant alleles, via restriction endonuclease digestion of normal alleles and enables identification of one mutant allele among 100,000 normal alleles. Activating mutations of the codon 12 of K-ras gene were detected in 7/30 [23.3%] cases of MDS, the most common mutation involved a substitution of aspartic acid for glycine [GGTGAT]. The incidence of K-ras mutations was found to be significantly associated with refractory anemia with excess blasts type II [RAEBII] and unclassified [UC] MDS than other subtypes [p=0.005], and was significantly associated with hypercellular bone marrow [p=0.04] showing marked dyserythropoitic changes. Furthermore, mutant K-ras gene was found to be significantly associated with abnormal karyotypes [p=0.04]. Patients with mutated K-ras gene were significantly associated with either high or intermediate risk according to International Prognostic Scoring System [IPSS] [p=0.001]. 6/7[85.7%] of those carrying the mutation showed poor response to treatment compared to non carriers with a statistical significant difference [p=0.009]. Five out of eight [62.5%] patients who were transformed to AML carried the mutant K-ras gene, their subtypes were RAEBII and unclassified MDS with abnormal cytogenetics mainly Monosomy 7. Overall survival was detected using Kaplan-Meier curve and the mean survival time of patients who carried K-ras mutations were significantly lower than those without the mutation [Log rank test=12.7; p=0.0004]. MDS patients bearing an mutated K-ras oncogene frequently showed poor response to treatment; leukemic progression of the disease and shorter overall survival, suggesting that an activated K-ras oncogene is a critical factor for prognostic evaluation; therapeutic decision and monitoring of response to treatment of MDS patients

Role of the quantiferon-TB gold in tube in ruling out tuberculosis in end stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis

It is difficult to diagnose tuberculosis [TB] in dialysis patients because of the high rate of extrapulmonary TB in these patients compared with the general population. Recently, a new diagnostic test called QuantiFERON[QFT] has been developed and shown promise as a diagnostic tool for active TB diseases and latent TB infection. The aim of the present study was to analyze the performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold in tube [QFT-G] in end stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis. QuantiFERON Gold in tube [QFT-GIT] were prospectively performed in 50 end stage renal disease [ESRD] cases undergoing hemodialysis [HD], including 6 patients with active TB and evaluated the utility of this test in dialysis patients. Among 50 dialysis patients, positive QFT results occurred in 10 [20%], negative QFT results occurred in 25 [50%] and indeterminate QFT results occurred in 15 [30%]. All six active TB patients had positive QFT results, and none of the 25 patients with negative results had active TB. Among 7 patients with a history of active TB, 2 [28.5%] had positive results. Although the indeterminate rate was relatively high, no patient with an indeterminate result had active TB. Among 30 cases after excluding the patients with previous TB and indeterminate results, the sensitivity of the QFT is 100% [6 of 6] and the specificity is 91.6% [22 of 24 cases]. Our data suggest that the QFT test is a useful supplementary tool for the diagnosis of active TB even in dialysis patients. Negative and indeterminate results on this test may be used to exclude the presence of active TB

Procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker in acute exacerbation of COPD

Rational prescription of antibiotics in acute exacerbations of COPD [AECOPD] requires predictive markers. Acute phase reactants are capable of demonstrating the inflammation; however, they cannot be employed to make a difference between bacterial and nonbacterial causes of the inflammation. Recently, measurement of procalcitonin [PCT] levels appears to be useful in order to minimize this problem. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of procalcitonin in [AECOPD]. A total of 50 patients with AECOPD and 10 of apparently healthy individuals [control group] were studied. On presentation, serum PCT concentrations were measured, and quantitative sputum culture was performed for AECOPD. The patients were reevaluated when they had returned to their stable clinical state. Pathogenic bacterial microorganism [PBM] was only regarded as significant if they reached a growth 105CFU/ml, indicating the presence of bacterial exacerbation of COPD. The patients were classified into two subgroups: group A included patients with bacterial AECOPD [n = 20], group B included patients with nonbacterial AECOPD [n = 30]. On presentation, the levels of PCT for patients of group A [2.69 +/- 0.62 ng/mL] were significantly higher than group B [0.07 +/- 0.02 ng/mL] and control group [0.05 +/- 0.02 ng/mL] [p < 0.001]. When they had returned to their stable state, the levels of PCT for patients of group A decreased to [0.06 +/- 0.03 ng/mL], which was significantly lower than that in exacerbation [2.69 +/- 0.62 ng/mL] [p < 0.001]; But in patients of group B compared with exacerbation the levels of PCT did not changed [0.068 +/- 0.02 ng/mL] [p > 0.05]. In the stable state, there were no differences in the PCT measurement between the two subgroups as well as between patients and control. Furthermore, a significant correlation was recorded between PCT levels in group A at time of presentation and temperature [r = 0.898, p < 0.05], leucocytic count [r = 0.889, p < 0.05], FEV1% of predicted [r = 0.898, p < 0.05], ESR [r = 0.899, p < 0.05], CRP [r = 0.895, p < 0.05] and duration of hospital stay [r = 0.897, p < 0.05]. Procalcitonin is a good marker for differentiation between bacterial and nonbacterial AECOPD and could be used to guide antibiotic therapy and reduce antibiotic overuse in hospitalized patients with AECOPD

Anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: Relationship with disease activity and renal involvement in Sharkia governorate, Egypt

Renal involvement is one of the main determinants of poor prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. Kidney biopsy is an invasive procedure and accompanied by potential risks. Thus defining a reliable biomarker of kidney involvement in SLE is highly desirable. To assess the role of anti-C1q Ab in combination with anti-dsDNA Ab in detection of SLE disease activity and renal involvement [lupus nephritis]. Anti-C1q Ab and anti-dsDNA antibodies were determined in 60 randomly selected adult SLE patients one of them refused the biopsy and those who completed the study were 59. The control group included 25 age and sex matched volunteers. According to lupus nephritis [LN] and SLEDAI score, patients were divided into four groups: group 1, 11 patients had active disease with LN; group 2, 20 patients had inactive disease with LN; Group3, six patients had active disease without LN; group 4, 22 patients had inactive disease without LN. A significant association of active lupus nephritis detection and the presence of either one or both of the studied antibodies [anti-C1q Ab or anti-dsDNA]. None of the patients of group 1 had anti-C1q Ab only, and none was negative for anti-C1q Ab and anti-dsDNA Ab together. Levels of anti-C1q Ab and anti-dsDNA Ab were significantly higher in more active LN than less active LN. Anti-dsDNA and anti-C1q antibodies sensitivity and specificity for detection of more active LN was 85.0% and 64.0% and 70.0% and 55.0%, respectively, and 75.0% and 91.0% for both. Both antibodies had a positive correlation with SLEDAI score and proteinuria and a negative correlation with C3 reduction. A high significant positive correlation was detected between anti-C1q Ab and anti-dsDNA Ab. Anti-C1q Ab, in combination with anti-dsDNA Ab may serve as potential reliable and none invasive markers of SLE disease activity and renal involvement to avoid unnecessary renal biopsies

relevance of image analysis in differentiating computed tomography guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung adenocarcinoma versus pleural mesothelioma in Egypt

Mesothelioma is a very serious illness that can have dangerous, long-term health effects. Catching the disease early on is often the best way to combat it, knowing the signs and process for diagnosis of the disease can help make it easier. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. This is because there are many different types of cells that can make up a mesothelioma tumor. Sometimes it can be very difficult for a pathologist to diagnose pleural mesothelioma as it can look like other types of lung cancer. The differentiation of mesothelioma and lung adenocarcinoma can be challenging, as proper classification is essential for determination of treatment regimen for these diseases. The present work aim to clarify if the use of image analysis can replace the more expensive immunohistochemical technique in differentiating lung adenocarcinoma from malignant mesothelioma [epithelial type] of the pleura. In our study we investigated computed tomography guided fine needle biopsy [CT-guided FNA] from 20 cases of pleural mesothelioma and 20 cases of lung adenocarcinoma. The pleural mesothelioma cases were confirmed by specific immunohistochemical panel then were investigated by image analysis. These data showed insignificant variation [p value <0.05] in the nuclear area and cell area in pleural mesotheliomas and lung adenocarcinomas. From the cytological morphology, the malignant pleural mesothelioma in fine needle aspiration has somehow a special pattern for arrangement with nuclear crowding then those of the peripheral lung adenocarcinoma. The results were not significant enough for the substitution of immunohistochemistry technique by image analysis on cytological specimens yet it may give different results when applied on tissue specimen which need further investigation

Histopathological, morphometric and quantitative study on the effect of garlic against PCBs-induced hepatic toxicity in rats

Olychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs] are widespread persistent residual environmental contaminants, which have been widely used for various industrial applications. The present study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of garlic against the hepatic toxicity of PCBs in rats. Four groups of animals were used in this study [control, garlic, PCBs and PCBs plus gartic] for 15 days. Histopathological and histochemical changes in the liver were investigated. In addition, nuclear area, nuclear volume, the ratio of nuclear volume/cellular volume and fibrotic areas were measured in the liver. Histopathological and histochemical observations showed severe damage in the liver. Garlic co-treatment to the PCBs-administered rats attenuated the increase of the mean values of nuclear area, nuclear volume, the ratio of nuclear volume/cellular volume and fibrotic area. Also, the morphological damage in the liver was reduced and the tissues appeared more or less normal. The present study suggests that garlic may be useful in combating damage due to PCBs toxicity

Selection of microencapsulation method to improve antimicrobial agents production by some lactobacillus species and propionibacterium thoenii in dairy products

The aim of this research is to select the agreeable encapsulation method to improve antimicrobial production from Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Propionibacterium thoenii. The effect of different organic acid concentrations [1 and 2 w/v], different pH values [3, 4, 5, 6. 7 and 8], different temperature degrees [0, 7, 25, 37 and 45°C] and storage temperature on viability of encapsulated bacteria were investigated. Also, the efficiency of microencapsulated methods [alginate + NaCI, alginate + oil and K-carrageenan] on enhancement of antimicrobial production were studied. Microencapsulation with alginate + NaCI offered greater production in extreme conditions [low pH, low temperature and in the presence of organic acids]. In addition, this method was more effective against pathogenic bacteria by enhancement of antimicrobial production, thus it may be effectively used to increase the safety and the shelf- life of dairy products

Effect of marinating solutions on quality attributes of reheated cooked beef slices during cold storage

The effect of some marinating solutious to prevent the warmed over flavor development and increase the oxidative stability and other quality attributes of reheated cooked beef slices during refrigerated storage was investigated. Beef slices samples were soaked into seven solutions 1:3 [W: V] for 15 mm. each. These solutions consisted of one or more of the following: Soya sauce, lime juice, propionic acid were used; spices mixture and smoking liquid was added to each solution. The marinated beef slices were cooked and then stored in refrigerator at 4 +/- 1°C. Refrigerated samples divided into two groups, first group stored for one day and second group stored for four days. Then all samples were reheated in an oven. The obtained results showed that, T.B.A. value, peroxide value and acid value were the lowest values in sample soaked into lime juice. The same sample contained the lowest counts of psychrophilic bacteria and yeasts and molds. The sample soaked in lime juice and the sample soaked in lime juice, propionic acid and soya sauce had the highest scores in organoleptic evaluation. It was concluded that the best treatment was sample soaked in solution consisted of lime juice

Role of fast-ELISA and western blot in diagnosis of human fascioliasis using crude adult worm and excretory/secretory fasciola antigens

Human fascioliasis is becoming one of the public health problems in Egypt. Because of the similarity of fascioliasis manifestations and other hepatobiiary diseases, the clinical diagnosis of this disease is usually difficult. Diagnosis of human fascioliasis using different worm antigens [crude worm antigen [CW] and excretory/secretory antigen [EIS]] and different methods [Falcon assay screening test enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [FAST-ELISA] and immnoelectrotransfer blot [Western Blot]]. The second objective is to compare between FAST-ELISA and Western Blot using the same antigen, also to compare between the use of [CW] antigen and [E/S] antigen in each method aiming to evaluate the immunodiagnostic potential of both techniques and both antigens. The third objective is to detect the most specific and sensitive immunoreactive bands in both CW and E/S Fasciola antigens by western blot technique. One hundred and fifteen individuals [40 with chronic fascioliasis, 15 with suspected acute fascioliasis, 40 infected with other parasites and 20 apparently healthy] were included in this study. Sera, urine samples and repeated stool samples were collected from all cases. The stool samples were examined for presence of different parasites and Fasciola eggs were counted by Kato-Katz technique. Fasciola [CW] and [E/S] antigens were prepared. Sera were tested by [FAST-ELISA] and [Western Blot] techniques using [CW] and [E/S] antigens. FAST-ELISA using [E/S] gave better results than that using CW antigen, as the recorded sensitivities and specificities were 97.5% and 98.3% with E/S antigen and 92.5% and 86.7% with crude antigen respectively. By using each of CW antigen and E/S antigen, Western blot was more sensitive and specific than FAST-ELISA in diagnosis of human fascioliasis. After fractionation of both antigens by electrophoresis and immunoblotting, it was found that 27 KDa of Fasciola E/S antigen was the best fraction [100% sensitive and specific]. Immnoelectrotransfer blot [western blot] is more sensitive and specific than FAST-ELISA. In immnoelectrotransfer blot, 27 KDa of E/S antigen was the most specific, sensitive and accurate band that could detect Fasciola antibodies in all Fasciola infected patients

Insulin resistance and its fibrogenic effect in chronic hepatitis C virus patients: role of tumor necrosis factor alpha activation

Insulin resistance [IR] is one of the extrahepatic complications that occur in chronic hepatitis C virus infection [HCV], and is claimed as one of the fibrogenic factors which cause more rapid fibrosis progression. We examined the effect of HCV infection on insulin resistance states, and the possible link between IR, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] activation and development of hepatic fibrosis. Thirty patients with chronic hepatitis C infection divided into 2 groups according to presence or absence of fibrosis, 15 apparently healthy volunteer and 15 patients with hepatic fibrosis due to causes other than HCV were studied. Laboratory assessment of liver functions, fasting glucose, insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 2 [sTNFR2] were done. HOMA-IR and sTNFR2 levels were significantly increased in patients with chronic HCV without fibrosis as compared with healthy control [p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively], and in patients with HCV induced fibrosis compared to HCV patients without fibrosis [p<0.001], and non HCV fibrosis [p<0.001, p< 0.05, respectively]. HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with sTNFR2 and fibrosis stage [p< 0.001]. IR was associated with increased risk of developing hepatic fibrosis in chronic HCV infection [OR 8.0, 95% CI 1.5-42]. Insulin resistance can be induced by chronic HCV infection per se and is correlated to fibrosis stages. Its fibrogenic role may be mediated by TNF-alpha activation

Relaibility of salivary testosterone measurements in diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a non-invasive method [saliva] for determination or testosterone level in diagnosing cases of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [PCOS], and comparing it with serum free testosterone. Fifty women with PCOS and 20 normal women as control group were selected for the study. They all aged between 23-35 years. For all patients serum follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and lutinizing hormone [LH] were assessed by chemiluminscent assay. Serum free testosterone [FT] was assayed by Radioimmunoassay [RIA] and salivary testosterone [ST] by ELISA technique. BMI was calculated for all participants and transvaginal sonography to determine ovarian morophology and ovarian volume. The present study showed a significant positive correlation between salivary testosterone, as measured by ELISA, and serum free testosterone measured by RIA [P=0.001 and r=0.52]. Using the receiver operator curve, salivary testosterone was found to be more sensitive than serum [FT] [84% VS 66%] in diagnosing PCOS patients. Determination of salivary testosterone is a reliable method to detect changes in the concentration of available biologically active testosterone in the serum. Salivary testosterone provides a sensitive, simple, reliable, non-invasive and uncomplicated diagnostic approach for PCOS

Paraoxonase 1 activity and genotyping in systemic lupus erythematosus and their relationships with cardiovascular complications

Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is characterized by an enhanced risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases [CVD]. Human serum paraoxonase 1 [PON1], an antioxidant enzyme closely associated with high density lipoprotein [HDL], has been implicated in the prevention of low density lipoprotein [LDL] oxidation, and these may provide HDL-associated protection against atherosclerosis. Our objective was to evaluate PON1 activity and genotypes in SLE patients and their relationships to cardiovascular complications and some other risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in those patients. Thirty SLE patients, subdivided into patients with CVD and without CVD, and fifteen matched healthy control subjects were studied. Laboratory investigations included lipid profile, lupus anticoagulants [LA], anticardiolipin antibodies [aCL]. PON1 activity was determined by paraoxon substrate. PON1 genotyping was conducted by PCR amplification, followed by polymorphism-specific restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. Our study revealed that PON1 activity was significantly decreased in SLE patients groups compared to controls and in SLE patients with CVD compared to those without CVD [p<0.001]. PON1 activity was significantly negatively correlated with total cholesterol, LDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, positively correlated with HDL-C but not significantly correlated with triglycerides, disease activity, LA or a CL antibodies. As regard PON1 192 gene polymorphism, there was significant increase in B allele frequency in SLE patients with CVD compared to those without CVD and control groups, while no significant difference was found between SLE patients without CVD and control group. As regard PON1 55 gene polymorphism, there was no significant difference in genotype distribution or allele frequency between the three groups. The Odds ratio of development of CVD in SLE patients who carry PON1 192B allele was 6 [95% CI 1.2-30.7, p<0.05]. PON1 activity determined by paraoxon substrate was significantly higher in BB and LL, intermediates in AB and LM, and lower in AA and MM genotypes

Application of morphometry as a new diagnostic determinant in differentiating mucinous and non-mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma in Egypt

Many different techniques, today, such as morphometry, sterology and flowcytometry are well established and routinely used in diagnostic quantitative pathology yet not popular in Egypt. The potential significance of these techniques includes the objective distinction between bordecline and malignant lesions. objective grading of tumor invasion and prediction of prognosis. Primary tumors from fifty patients both mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma in different grades [Nuclear Grade I. II, III] including metastatic and non-metastatic types were analyzed using an image analysis system for the following size variables: Nuclear area, cellular areas, thickness of the cell membrane and the ratio of nuclear area/cellular area. maximum and minimum Diameter and form features. Seven colonic adenomas were only used as control for measurement. The results revealed a significant difference in cellular areas, thickness of the cell membrane and the ratio of nuclear area/cellular area in mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma but there is no significant difference in nuclear area between mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma. Quantitative measurements of the nuclear variables are useful in accurately discriminate the patients with different colonic cancer types with better staging and better follow-up and treatment