Cytogenetic and biochemical competency of chamomile essential oil against gamma-rays induced mutagenic effects in mice

Background: Chamomile essential oil [CEO] hauls out from Matricaria chamomilla L., is a well-known anti-oxidant. Oxidative stress induces clastogenic and biochemical disorders after gamma-irradiation of animals

Materials and Methods: Mice were divided into five groups. Control group received vehicle only.CEO-treated group received CEO. Irradiated group received vehicle and exposed to gamma-rays. Pre-treated group received CEO half h before gamma-rays exposure. Post-treated group received CEO half hour after gamma-rays exposure. Peripheral-blood micronucleus [PMN], bone-marrow micronucleus [BMN], frequency of chromosomal aberrations [CAs], reduced glutathione [GSH], malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [PGx] and myeloperoxidase [MPO], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] parameters were assessed

Results: In irradiated mice group, PMN score, BMN occurrence and CAs were increased when compared with control mice group. In addition, significant increases in levels of liver lipid peroxidation [LP]; expressed as MDA and TNF-alpha. In addition, activities of liver MPO and LDH were found. Besides, significant decreases in content of GSH, activities of SOD and PGx in liver tissues were recognized. CEO treatment [1.0 g/kg body weight] before- and after-irradiation ameliorated all these biochemical indices, as well as cytogenetic alterations induced by gamma-rays when compared with irradiated group, indicating that pre- or post-treatment with CEO significantly attenuates the acute hazards caused by gamma-rays exposure

Conclusion: The data suggest that CEO possesses a radioprotective potential against gamma-radiation induced cytogenetic and biochemical damages in mice

Anti-inflammatory role of piperine against rat lung tissue damage induced by gamma-rays

Background: Radiation induced acute lung damages are refractory side effects in lung cancer radiotherapy [RT]. Prospective study investigates the possible role of piperine [Pip] as anti-inflammatory agent against gamma-rays-induced lung tissue lesions in an applicable rat model

Materials and Methods: Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Control, rats were administered the vehicle by gastric tube for 6-weeks, Pip-treated, [each rat received 40mg Pip/kg body-weight; once daily, orally for 6weeks], irradiated, [animals subjected to a single dose of whole body gamma-rays [12Gy], and Pip-treated and irradiated, [each rat received the Pip-dosages, then one hour later after the last treatment, rats were exposed to 12Gy gamma-rays

Results: The administration of Pip to rats pre-irradiation was significantly abolish the radiation-induced alleviation in lungs catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [PGx] activities and reduced glutathione [GSH] content and significantly limited the elevation in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta] and interleukin-6 [IL-6] levels compared to irradiated group. The histopathological findings in lung tissues of irradiated group, showed partial desquamation of bronchiolar epithelial with peri-bronchiolar round cell infiltration and serous exudates, in some cases lung presented sero-fibrinous pneumonia with emphysema and collapse of some alveoli with thickness of inter-alveolar septa, while in Pip-treated and irradiated group, lung tissues showed minimum injury with or without few degenerative changes

Conclusion: Pip acts as a potent scavenger of free radicals to prevent and/or ameliorates the harmful effects of gamma-rays. To our knowledge, this is the preliminary report of Pip mediated gamma-rays induced lung inflammation in-vitro

Endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood of cardiac catheterization personnel

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the rejuvenation capacity among cardiac catheterization technicians occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. The individual annual collective dose information was measured by thermoluminscent personal dosimeters [TLD] for those technicians and found to be ranging between 2.16 and 8.44 mSv/y. Venous blood samples were obtained from 30 cardiac catheterization technicians exposed to X-ray during fluoroscopy procedures at the National Heart Institute in Embaba. The control group involved 25 persons not exposed to ionizing radiation and not working in hospitals in addition to 20 persons not exposed to ionizing radiation and working in hospitals. Blood samples were assayed for total and differential blood counts, micronucleus formation [FMN] plasma stromal derived growth factor-1alpha [SDF-1 alpha] and cell phenotype of circulating endothelial progenitor cells [EPCs], whose surface markers were identified as the CD34, CD133 and kinase domain receptors [KDR]. SDF-1alpha [2650 +/- 270 vs. 2170 +/- 430 pg/ml] and FMN [19.9 +/- 5.5 vs. 2.8 +/- 1.4/1000 cells] were significantly higher among cardiac catheterization staff compared to those of the controls respectively. Similarly, EPCs: CD34 [53 +/- 3.9 vs. 48 +/- 8.5/10[5] mononuclear cells], CD133 [62.4 +/- 4.8 vs. 54.2 +/- 10.6 /10[5] mononuclear cells] KDR [52.7 +/- 10.6 vs.43.5 +/- 8.2 /10[5] mononuclear cells] were also significantly higher among cardiac catheterization staff compared to the values of controls respectively. Smoking seemed to have a positive effect on the FMN and SDF-1 but had a negative effect on EPCs. It was found that among cardiac catheterization staff, the numbers of circulating progenitor cells had increased and accordingly there was an increased capacity for tissue repair. In conclusion, the present work shows that occupational exposure to radiation, well within permissible levels, leaves a genetic mark on the somatic DNA of the cardiac catheterization technician. On the other hand, exposure of workers to ionizing radiation stimulates regenerative processes as indicated by the increase in EPCs numbers and SDF-1 levels. This regenerative process is decreased by smoking as evidenced by increased levels of SDF-1 and decreased numbers of EPCs. The technicians who work in cardiac catheterization laboratories should therefore carefully follow radiation protection procedures and should minimize radiation exposure to avoid possible genotoxic effects

Apoptosis, cytogenetic and endothelial progenitor cells in the peripheral blood of industrial radiographers

Radioactive sources and fixed or mobile X-ray equipment are used for both process and quality control in the metallurgical and fertilizer industries. Workers in the nuclear industry are a suitable sector of the populace for the direct estimation of radiation effects at low doses as they are typically monitored and restricted to effective doses of 100 mSv every 5 years. A dose-related increased mortality from circulatory diseases has been observed in some studies of nuclear industry workers, but it is unclear whether this reflects a real effect of radiation exposure or a spurious one. The aim of the present study was to detect the circulating endothelial progenitor cells [EPCs] in the peripheral blood and the frequency of micronuclei [FMN] among industrial radiographers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation at the Steamer's Welding Company and EL Nasr Company for the manufacture of Fertilizers and Chemicals in Suez and Talkha, Egypt. Venous blood samples were obtained from 30 industrial radiographers exposed to x-rays during industrial procedures vs. 20 persons not exposed to ionizing radiation as control subjects. Blood samples were assayed for total and differential blood counts and cell phenotype of circulating EPCs, whose surface markers were identified as CD34, CD133 and kinase domain receptor [KDR], frequency of chromosomal aberrations [FCA], apoptosis percentage in circulating lymphocytes together with plasma stromal cell derived factor-1alpha [SDF-1alpha] and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]. Results: The results of this study revealed a significant increase in FCA with respect to total number of dicentrics [0.09 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.0005 +/- 0.0001] and rings [0.01 +/- 0.0012 vs. 0] together with apoptosis percentage [7.3 +/- 2.8 % vs. 2.4 +/- 1.5 %] among industrial radiographers compared to control subjects respectively, indicating radiation exposure among such workers. Also a significant increase was observed in plasma SDF-1alpha [2750 +/- 370 vs. 2270 +/- 430 pg/ml], VEGF [157.9 +/- 16.9 vs. 137.5 +/- 12.6 pg/ml] among industrial radiographers compared to control subjects. Percentage of circulating mononuclear cells expressing CD34 [53 +/- 3.9 vs. 54.2 +/- 10.6/ 10[5] mononuclear cells], CD133 [82.4 +/- 4.8 vs. 54.2 +/- 10.6/ 10[5] mononuclear cells] and KDR [48.7 +/- 12.5 vs. 43.5 +/- 8.2/ 10[5] mononuclear cells] was significantly higher among industrial radiographers compared to control subjects. It is concluded that the industrial radiographers have increased numbers of circulating EPCs and increased levels of SDF-1 and VEGF, which denotes an increased capacity for tissue repair

Effect of electron beam on prepared hap-gel composition

Polyvinyl alcohol liquid PVA1 was used as the organic carrier for Hydroxylapatite-gel [Hap-gel] composite. PVA1 has the ability to form a nano- hydroxylapatite polyvinyl alcohol composite gel which has a wide range of uses in different environmental and medical applications. Prepared Hap-gel is known to have a very similar composition to human bone and is used as a substitute for bones in compound fractures and artificial dentures. In this work prepared HAP- gel was exposed to a high ionizing radiation electron beam [5 kilo Gray] and an aqueous solution containing aluminum ions [Al[+]]. Some investigations were done to illustrate the effect of radiation exposure and aluminum contamination on prepared Hap-gel. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis [EDx] showed that the electron beam used caused an obvious increase in the calcium ions [Ca[++] content of the prepared Hap-gel from 60% to 65.69% with a prominent decrease in phosphorus ions [P[+] content from 40% to 34.31% in addition to an increase in the Ca/P ratio from 1.5 to 1.91. Exposure of the pre-irradiated Hap-gel samples to aluminium ions [Al[+] resulted in a noticeable decrease in Ca[+] content from 65.69 atomic% to 32.14% atomic% and a further noticeable decrease in P+content from 34.31% atomic% to 13 atomic% as well as an increase in the Ca/P ratio from 1.91 to 2.47. The levels for the original prepared Hap-gel were Ca[++]; 60 atomic% and P+; 40 atomic%. It was deduced that exposure of the Hap-gel to Al+had a further damaging effect on the pre-irradiated Hap-gel composition in addition to the damaging effect that the electron beam used induced on the samples. it could be concluded that electron beams and Al+ have an injurious effect on human bone tissue taking into consideration the similarity in composition between Hap-gel and bones. Therefore, this study could be beneficial in the field of osteoporosis research and assist the understanding of the effects of radiation such as that of electron beams and some pollutants such as aluminium present in running water on the health of human bone tissue

Effect of microcytic hypochromic anemia and parasitic infestations on stature in adolescents

Microcytic hypochromic anemia is the commonest form of iron deficiency anemia in adolescents. The occurrence of this type of anemia among adolescents is around 27% in developing countries. Clinical management should be based on a full knowledge of the prevalence of this disease in the age group mentioned. The present study reported the distribution of this type of anemia across age, anthropometric guides, and parasitic infestations in a sample of 300 adolescents attending various schools in Giza region, Egypt. Red blood cell size and iron concentration were assessed by mean corpuscular volume, hemoglobin levels, serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity from a venous blood sample. The adolescent was considered to have the microcytic form of anemia when their mean corpuscular volume was below 80 femtoliters [fL]. An adolescent with hypochromic anemia was defined as any subject with hemoglobin [Hb] below the WHO cutoff for age and sex: 12.0 g/dl for girls and for boys aged 12.5-14.99 years and 13.0 g/dl for boys aged > 15 years. Also, hypochromic anemia included every subject having either serum iron < 50 microg/dL, or a serum total iron binding capacity [TIBC]> 400 microg/dL. The incidence of microcytic hypochromic anemia in this study was 53%. There were highly statistically significant differences between anemic and non-anemic groups as regards age and height [P 0.05]. Anemic adolescents also had significantly lower values for weight [P < 0.01], BMI [P < 0.01] and hemoglobin concentration [P<0.01] compared to non-anemic adolescents. Also, microcytic hypochromic anemia was more common in adolescents who did not have lunch regularly. Adolescents with current parasitic infestations showed a higher frequency of anemia compared to those who did not. There were no statistically significant differences between adolescents with parasitic infestation and adolescents without parasitic infestation as regards age, weight, height and BMI [P >0.05]. Signs of pallor were more common in adolescents suffering from microcytic hypochromic anemia. Subjects with a history of chronic conditions such as cardiac diseases, renal failure or cancer had a significantly higher incidence of anemia than adolescents who did not. It was concluded that the anemic group of adolescents enrolled in the study were susceptible to growth retardation. This type of anemia is more common in adolescents who do not have lunch, have a chronic disease or a parasitic infestation

Serum leptin hormone as an indicator of bad prognosis in colon cancer patients

Leptin has been linked to the pathology of several types of cancers related to obesity, particularly colon cancer. This could be related to leptin' s influence on the equilibrium of specific intracellular mechanisms that control cellular growth, differentiation, apoptosis, neovascularization and invasiveness thus participating in the pathophysiology of colon cancer growth and metastasis. Additionally, ghrelin is a gut peptide secreted from the fundus of gastric mucosa and adiponectin is an adipocytokine released from adipose tissue and their low levels in obese subjects have been linked to an increased risk of development of colon cancer. Forty [40] patients were enrolled from Cairo University hospitals and included in this study beside the control group which comprised 20 age and sex-matched healthy subjects. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: Included 20 patients suffering from colon cancer [stage II-A] without lymph node involvement or distant metastasis. Group 2: Included 20 patients suffering from colon cancer [stage III-C] with lymph node involvement but no distant metastasis. Serum Leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin were measured in all patients using a radioimmunoassy technique. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in colon cancer patients compared to that of control subjects [p<0.00l]. Serum leptin levels were also significantly higher in stage II-A patients as compared to stage III-C [p<0.00l]. Serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels were found to be significantly lower in colon cancer patients compared to the control subjects [p<0.00l]. Moreover, serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels were found to be significantly lower in patients belonging to stage III-C compared to stage II-A [p<0.001]. A negative correlation was noted between seum leptin levels and both serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels in colon cancer patients enrolled. Serum leptin levels could serve as a good prognostic marker in colon cancer patients in addition to serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels to predict the severity and the development of colon cancer

Phytotherapeutic effects of Echinacea purpurea in gamma-irradiated mice

Echinacea (E.) purpurea herb is commonly known as the purple coneflower, red sunflower and rudbeckia. In this paper, we report the curative efficacy of an Echinacea extract in gamma-irradiated mice. E. purpurea was given to male mice that were divided into five groups (control, treated, irradiated, treated before irradiation & treated after irradiation) at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight for 2 weeks before and after irradiation with 3 Gy of gamma-rays. The results reflected the detrimental reduction effects of gamma-rays on peripheral blood hemoglobin and the levels of red blood cells, differential white blood cells, and bone marrow cells. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) level, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSPx) activities and DNA fragmentation were also investigated. FT-Raman spectroscopy was used to explore the structural changes in liver tissues. Significant changes were observed in the microenvironment of the major constituents, including tyrosine and protein secondary structures. E. purpurea administration significantly ameliorated all estimated parameters. The radio-protection effectiveness was similar to the radio-recovery curativeness in comparison to the control group in most of the tested parameters. The radio-protection efficiency was greater than the radio-recovery in hemoglobin level during the first two weeks, in lymphoid cell count and TBARs level at the fourth week and in SOD activity during the first two weeks, as compared to the levels of these parameters in the control group.

Possible role of nuclear factor kB in detected by in situ hybridization in the pathogenesis of transitions cell carcinoma of the bladder

Transitional cell carcinoma [TCC] of the bladder remains a significant health problem worldwide. The molecular mechanisms of tumor development and progression are complicated but likely involve the interaction of tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, cell cycle regulatory proteins and other factors. Hence, this study attempts to explore the role of nuclear factor-kB [NF-KB] in the TCC of the bladder in correlation with different clinicopathological criteria which are tumor grade, muscle invasion by the tumor, schistosomiasis and presentation whether primary or recurrent tumor. Twenty patients with TCC of the bladder were included in the study from June 2003 to June 2004, and were diagnosed by histopathology. The expressions of the transcription factor NF-kB were studied by in situ hybridization technique [ISH]. The results showed that there was a significant correlation [p<0.05] with muscle invasion and schistosomiasis but not with other criteria. The current study showed the possible role of the transcription factor [NF-kB] in TCC of the bladder

Environmental impacts of cooling system on Abou Qir bay

This study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of cooling water on cooling system of Abou Qir Power Plant and on the receiving Abou Qir Bay. Abou Qir Power Plant is a conventional steam electric power plant located in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. Water and biota samples were collected monthly from cooling water and Abou Qir Bay over a year. Heavy metals, radionuclide, anions and total hydrocarbons were analyzed in the samples using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis [INAA], Gamma-ray Spectrometry [GS], Ion Selective Electrodes [ISE] and Gas Chromatography [GC]. The results revealed that the characteristics of inlet cooling water had a tendency to be corrosive to the cooling system. The outlet cooling water complied with Environmental Law 4/1994 in all measured parameters except phosphate, ammonia and total petroleum hydrocarbons. On the other hand, samples from all sites had the lowest annual total count of algae in winter and highest count during summer. There are -ve correlation's between algae and heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and radioactivity. Algae correlated highly significantly [p<0.01] with Pb, Cu, Ni, total petroleum hydrocarbons, dissolved petroleum hydrocarbon and uranium. Anabaena Sp. [blue green algae] and Euglina Sp.[flagellate] had highly significant [p<0.01] -ve correlation with heavy metals and natural radioactivity. The accumulation percentage of heavy metals by algae ranged from 22% to 37%, and the highest percent was for uranium and the lowest was for chromium. It is recommended to optimize the addition of polyphosphate inhibitor at inlet cooling water to inhibit corrosion in the cooling system and to avoid increase of Anabaena Sp. in the outlet, and to avoid enhancing algae growth that has a great tendency to accumulate heavy metals, and good housekeeping to avoid oil spills containing hydrocarbons from the power plant to sea water

Oxidation, characterization of leucaena gum with Sodium Chlorite and its utilization as thickener in textile printing

Leucaena gum, which is mainly galactomannan, was isolated from leucaena seeds and subjected to oxidation using sodium chlorite under variable conditions. Variables investigated were the concentration of the oxidizing agent and the pH of the medium. The products were analyzed for acidic and reducing expressed as carboxyl and carbonyl contents, respectively. The rheological properties as well as the utilization of the oxidized products as thickening agents in printing polyester fabric with disperse dye were investigated. The results indicated that both acidic and/or reducing properties increased by increasing the concentration of sodium chlorite. The carboxyl content exhibits the highest value at pH 4. Pastes of the oxidized gum are characterized by a non-Newtonian pseudo plastic behavior and their apparent viscosity depends on the concentration of the oxidizing agent. Oxidized gum prepared using a concentration ranging from 1 to 3 g chlorite/100 g gum either alone or in a mixture with sodium alginate can be used successfully in printing polyester fabrics with disperse dyes

Operable breast cancer: is there a role for sentinel lymph node biopsy in management of axilla?

It has been suggested that intraoperative dye injection of a breast cancer lesion may opacify the first [sentinal] axillary lymph node [SLN] encountered in the lymphatic pathway of this lesion and that its status could accurately reflect that of the axilla. This information would allow selective axillary dissection or sparing. Thus reducing unnecessary surgery, morbidity, and cost. Forty-eight women who were undergoing mastectomy and axillary clearance of operable breast cancer [T1-3, NO-1, MO] were investigated. Some 10 ml methylene blue dye was injected into the tumour after induction of anaesthesia. During axillary dissection the SLN, if found, was marked by a long black silk stich and then the axilla was cleared. The frequency of SLN involvement was correlated with total axillary gland involvement. The SLN was identified at operation in 40 cases [83.3%] in many cases, this necessitated extensive axillary dissection. SLN locations were at level I, 28; level II 6; level III 1. in 5 cases SLN was found during bench dissection [level not specified]. In 8 cases [16.7%] no dye was demonstrated in any gland. There was malignant axillary node involvement in 26 specimens. The SLN was involved in 21 [52.5%] [true positive] and not involved in 1 [2.5%] [false negative] all nodes were metastatic free in 14 cases [35%] [true negative]. SLN is not easily identified by methylene blue dye injection. However if found it can predict the axillary nodal status with reliable accuracy

Effects of oxymetazoline on the nasal mucosa of rats: an ultrastructural study

It is recommended that decongestant nasal drops should not be used for more than 10 days. However, overuse or misuse of these medications occurs commonly, which may lead to injurious effects on the nasal mucosa. Ten male rats receiving either oxymetazoline or saline nasal drops were killed after 8 weeks. Respiratory and olfactory nasal mucosae were dissected and processed for light and electron microscopic study. Nasal respiratory mucosa showed multi-focal areas of proliferation, metaplasia and degeneration accompanied by ciliary loss. The olfactory mucosa revealed disorganization, degenerative changes with atypical nuclei. Prolonged administration of oxymetazoline topical nasal drops can result in structural and functional alterations in the rat nasal respiratory and olfactory mucosae, presumably due to the combination of the chronic hypoxic effect of the reduced blood flow and the impairment of the mucociliary clearance

rapid diagnostic test for trichomonas vaginalis infection

The applicability of the quantitative buffy coat tube test [QBC] for diagnosis of T. vaginalis was studied. The results of the QBC tube test were compared with that of the wet mount examination in 60 women having genital infection. The cases were selected from Outpatient Clinic of El-Shatby University Hospital. T. vaginalis was identified by QBC tube test in 24 cases out of 60; while with the wet mount smear, it was detected in 21 cases. The sensitivity of the QBC tube test was 100% and the specificity was 92.3%. It was found that the QBC tube test seems to have a role in the routine diagnosis of T. vaginalis

Re-estimation of gamma irradiation sterilizing dose of locally produced gloves

This work aimed to re-estimate the value of sterilizing dose of the locally produced gloves. Also, the scope of this work was limited by isolation, purification and identification of bacterial flora of gloves locally manufactured in Egypt. The bacterial flora of the locally produced gloves were found to be sporeforming bacteria, mainly Bacillus firmus, B. alvei, B. subtilis, B. circulans and B. pantothenticus. These isolates were resistant to radiation and thermal treatment. The D10- value for the isolated strains was estimated in the range of 2.7 to 3.2 kGy. The most radioresistant isolate was B. circulans with D10 value 3.2 kGy when the cells were irradiated in a form of dry test pieces [108 colony forming units]. When B. circulans 108 colony forming units] were used to deliberately contaminate the gloves materials, D10- value was 1.8 kGy. In order to confirm these results standard strain B. pumilus E601 was used instead of B. circulans. The D10-value of B. pumilus was determined to be 3.2 and 2.5 kGy under the previously mentioned conditions respectively. The results indicated that the sensitivity of the isolated and the reference strains increased when the gloves materials were used as a substrate during the process of irradiation. Accordingly, it was proved that the material of the substrate affects the value of the sterilizing dose

Ulcerative dermal necrosis [UDN] a freshwater fish disease VI. biochemical investigations

The Nile Tilapia [Oreochromis niloticus] has been infected for four weeks with Saprolegnia. The fish showed white necrotic areas on skin which finally leads to fish death. During the time of infection, the biochemical analysis showed an obvious depletion in the protein content in both muscles and blood serum, while the liver protein content showed a fluctuated behaviour. The liver and muscle glycogen decreased irregulary. The lipids content decreased greatly in the liver while increased in muscles and blood serum. The study showed a reverse relation, allover the time period of infection between glucose level of liver on one side and glucose levels of muscle and serum on the other. The UDN disease has an economic significance since it causes the death of fish stocks in fish culture units and the River Nile