Adhesion molecules in newborns to mothers suffering from preeclampsia or gestational diabetes

Mother-fetus exchanges at the placental level are found to be altered in women affected by hypertensive or diabetic pregnancies. Endothelial dysfunction in the maternal uterine placental circulation is well recognized in preeclampsia, and is an early marker of macrovascular disease, present in pregnancies complicated by impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] and gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM].To evaluate the levels of adhesion molecules [1CAM-1, VCAM-1, sL-selectin] as markers of endothelial dysfunction in infants of preeclamptic or gestational diabetic mothers. 39 newborns were recruited in the present study and were divided into the following groups; group [1], comprised 13 newborn to mothers suffered from preeclampsia; group [2], consisted of 13 newborns to mothers suffered from gestational diabetes, another 13 healthy newborns to healthy mothers were chosen as controls. Adhesion molecules [ICAM-1, VCAM-1, sL-selectin] from umbilical cord were assayed using ELISA technique in all studied groups A significant high levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was observed in preeclamptic as well as gestational diabetic groups when compared to the controls [p<0.01, <0.001 respectively]. Interestingly, this increase was more pronounced in VCAM-1 level in group [1] when compared to group [2], [p<0.001]. On the other h and, ICAM-1 did not show any significance between group [1] and group [2], [p>0.05]. Regarding sL-selectin level, no difference was noted on comparing the preeclamptic group [1] and the control or gestational diabetic group [2], [p>0.05]. Meanwhile, sL-selectin was significantly higher in group [2] when compared to the controls [p<0.01]. Analysis of adhesion molecules, which are markers of endothelial dysregulation, in the fetal circulation at delivery might provide insights into the involvement of the fetal circulation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia as well as gestational diabetes

Early detection of renal disease in occupational hydrocarbon exposure by using non Invasive biomarkers

Early detection of renal dysfunction resulting from exposure to a nephrotoxin is important since this is the first step in the progressive loss of renal functions and ultimately progression to renal failure which are characteristic of the nephrotoxic cascade. Using modem technology, minute quantities of LMWP and urinary enzymes can be measured. Excretory patterns that are characteristic for site and mechanism of renal injury often can be found. This study was carried out to investigate the link between the occupational hydrocarbon exposure and nephrotoxicity by using the non invasive urinary markers for early detection of subclinical reversible conditions. Twenty adult men works as paint sprayer [chronic exposure] composing the first group and compared them to twenty adult males with a minimal exposure matched age, weight, height, blood pressure and residential ares, composing the second group as a control group. The results showed a significant increase in B2-microglobulin [B2 mic] p<0.003, Retinol binding protein [RBP] p<0.001, N-acetyl-B-D-glucosaminidas [NAG] p<0.0001 in the first group as compared to the normal control group. Serum creatinine shows no difference between the two groups, As a conclusion, by using non invasive methods our results are in keeping with the hypothesis that hydrocarbon exposure through paint spraying may result in active proximal tubular damage which may be reduced by improvement of protection at their work site as heavy duty overalls, thick gloves and more important air-fed mask for the airway and face protection. Follow up studies are necessary to assess the prognostic value of early changes detected in workers chronically exposed to organic solvents