protective effect of black seed [Nigella sativa] against carbon tetrachloride-induced chromosomal aberrations and ultrastructural changes of bone marrow cells

The effect of the oral administration of aqueous suspension of Nigella sativa [50 mg/kg b.wt.] against chromosomal aberrations and ultrastructural changes of the bone marrow cells in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride CCl[4] was studied. CCl[4] was administered in two dose levels equivalent to[1/4] [1.9 ml/kg b.wt.] and [1/2] [3.8 ml/kg b.wt.] of the oral LD[50] in mice. The data indicated a significant dose-dependent decrease in the mitotic activity of bone marrow cells in animals treated with CCl[4]. Also a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of bone marrow cells with different types of chromosomal aberrations was recorded in these animals. Ultrastructural changes were also dose-dependent including both nucleus and cytoplasm of erythroid and myeloid elements of the bone marrow cells. Treatment of the animals with N. sativa improved both genotoxicity and ultrastructural changes induced by the two dose levels of CCl[4]

Oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus

Plasma levels of lipid peroxide [malondialdehyde] [MDA] and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity were measured in 15 diabetic patients without complications, 30 diabetic patients with microvascular complications [retinopathy and /or nephropathy] and in 10 healthy control subjects. Results showed a highly significant increase in plasma levels of MDA among the diabetic patients in comparison to the control subjects and in diabetic patients with complications in comparison to those without complications. Also, there was a highly significant decrease in erythrocyte SOD activity in the diabetic patients in comparison to the control subjects and in diabetic patients with complications in comparison to those without complications. A highly significant positive correlation was found between plasma levels of MDA and each of fasting blood glucose, duration of diabetes mellitus and microalbuminuria

Alpha2-Antiplasmin deficiency as a risk factor for bleeding from esophageal varices

The coagulation state and alpha [2] antiplasmin level and their relation to the degree of hepatic dysfunction were evaluated in 16 patients with bleeding esophageal varices and 10 healthy controls. Prothrombin time [P.T.], partial thromboplastin time [P.T.T.] and thrombin clotting time were significantly prolonged in bleeders compared to controls [P<0.01], P.T.T prolongation was more pronounced in ascitic than non-ascitic bleeders. Fibrinogen was normal in both bleeders and controls but its level was significantly lower in ascitic than non-ascitic bleeders [P<0.01]. Alpha [2] antiplasmin level was significantly lower in bleeders than controls [P<0.01] and within the bleeder group, it was significantly lower in ascitic than non-ascitic bleeders [P<0.01]. This low level was associated with positive fibrin degradation products and normal platelet count in 6 patients [4 with ascites] pointing to its responsibility for the hyperfibrinolytic state occurring in such patients. Alpha [2] antiplasmin level and fibrinogen were inversely correlated with liver function tests [SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin]. It is concluded that hepatic dysfunction adversely affects blood coagulation resulting in aggravation of bleeding from esophageal varices. The decrease of synthesis of alpha [2] antiplasmin may be responsible for aggravating bleeding. When associated with positive FDP's and normal platelet count, antifibrinolytic agents may be considered as potential therapeutic agents

Study of red cell deformability and homeostasis in chronic renal failure

Fourty subjects included in this study were divided into four groups : control healthy, non dialysed uraemia [ND], peritoneal dialysis [PD] and hemodialysis [HD] groups [10 of each]. This study aimed at elucidating the effect of uraemia on RBC deformability, platelet functions and some coagulation factors and the possible effect of dialysis on these parameters. The estimation of RBC deformability, blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, Platelet Factor 3 [PF2] availability, bleeding time, fibrinogen, factor VIII and Antithrombin III [AT III] were done for all subjects. The obtained results revealed that RBC deformability, platelet aggregation and platelet F3 availability were reduced and bleeding time was prolonged in both non dialysed and dialysed groups than control group, though these parameters partially improved by dialysis. Also platelet defects were improved more efficiently by PD than HD. Factor VIII coagulant activity was elevated significantly in both uraemic ND and PD patients with further elevation in HD patients. A significant increase in plasma fibrinogen level was found in ND and PD patients as compared with control, while no significant change was detected in HD patients. AT III was found to be significantly reduced in dialysed or non-dialysed uraemic patients than control, though it is significantly higher in HD than PD patients. We conclude that RBC deformability, platelet functions and bleeding time are impaired in end stage renal failure [ESRF] patients and partially improved with either haemo or peritoneal dialysis, while platelet defects are improved more efficiently by PD. Also, in conclusion plasma fibrinogen [in ND and PD], factor VIII are elevated and AT III level is lowered in ESRF patients, dialysis improved AT III partially to subnormal values with a better correction by HD than PD