PerinataI compilcations and marker of infection: macrophage colony stimulating factor

Macrophage colony stimulating factor [M-CSF] is a hematopoietic growth factor produced by monocytes, granulocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. M-CSF augments the ability of mature macrophages and monocytes to kill microorganisms by enhancing their production of superoxides and cytokines. This study was designed to determine whether perinatal complications induce the production of M-CSF or sepsis, so we have compared M-CSF levels in the cord blood between group I normal neonates, group lla neonates with perinatal complications e.g., premature rupture of membranes [PROM], C.S., prematurity, post data, diabetic and hypertensive mothers and group lib neonates with complications after getting infected. As regard the results of MCSF among the studied groups it was found that M-CSF level was higher in group ha and group IIb than group I [2827.3 +/- 1391.3 pg/mi], [3840.3 +/- 806.9 pg/mI], [657.5 +/- 458,3 pg/mI] respectively, and this differences were highly statistically significant. it was found also non significant difference between M-CSF levels among the diverse perinatal complications what so ever, The level of M-CSF in group lib [who developed infection] was higher after developing sepsis [3993.9 +/- 983. 2pg/ml] than before [3840.3 +/- 806.9 pg/mI] but without significant statistical difference. M-CSF levels in the cord blood from neonates with perinatal complications were significantly higher than those in the cord blood sampled from normal neonates and determination of its level in the neonates with perinatal complication will not be of vulnerable clinical significance as an early marker of sepsis

Transforming growth factor alpha in various chronic liver diseases

TGF-alpha the 50 amino acid polypeptide chain is considered one of the growth factors that is heavily linked to epithelial neoplasia. Many researchers have documented the use of TGF-alpha as a valuable tumour marker for early diagnosis of hepatic neoplasia. However, its role in cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis remains uncertain. This study was carried out to uncover the role of TGF-alpha in chronic liver diseases. The study was carried out on 80 subjects divided into 4 groups, each consists of 20 individuals; control, hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis groups. All members of the four groups were prone to thorough history taking, careful general and local examination as well as laboratory tests which included: C.B.C., liver function tests [prothrombin concentration, total and direct bilirubin, serum albumin, total plasma protein level, GPT, GOT, ALP and Y GT], anti-HCV and HBsAg, immunoglobulins G and M, alpha-fetoprotein level and serum TGF-alpha. This study elucidated a unique pattern of liver affection as regard the classic liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein was significantly elevated in the 3 chronic liver disease groups. TGF was significantly elevated in the HCC group but insignificantly raised in the cirrhotic and chronic hepatitis groups. Thus, it could be concluded that TGF-alpha can be used as a valuable tumour marker for early diagnosis and management of HCC. However, its role in cases of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis remains uncertain, a point that needs thorough investigation