Urinary Excretion of 11 dehydrothromboxane B[2] in Diabetic Children Relation to Clinical and Biochemical Parameters

Diabetes is the 6th most important cause of disability burden in Egypt. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in diabetics. Oxidative stress is involved in p-cell destruction and is recognized as a mediator in the development of macrovascular or cardiovascular complications in type 1 diabetes meliitus. Products of arachidonic acid metabolism elicit inflammatory responses and diseases in diabetic children such as atherosclerosis. Hyperglycemia induced activation of thromboxane pathway evidenced by increase urinary excretion of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 [indicator of oxidative stress]. This study measured urinary excretion of 11 dehydro-thromboxane B2 in 40 type 1 diabetic children [12.38 +/- 2.75] years and 40, age and gender matched, healthy controls [10.88 + 3.23] years. Mean urinary 11 dehydrothromboxane B2 concentrations showed statistical significant difference between diabetic group [1884.8 + 826.86 pg/mg creatinine] and controls [601.95 + 229.24 pg/mg creatinine, p<0.001]. Also, total cholesterol [183.75 + 30.47 versus 112.6 + 27.07 mg/dl, p<0.001], triglycendes [147.45 + 29.91 versus 73.08 + 13.3, p<0.001], HDL [34.8 + 4.95 versus 45.6 + 8.25 mg/dl, p<0.001], LDL [120.9 + 30.5 versus 83.6 + 24.2 mg/dl, p<0.001], HbAlC [11.48 + 1.79 versus 5.37 + 0.59, p<0.001] and fasting C-peptide [0.33 + 0.14 versus 2.05 + 0.87, p<0.001] showed statistical significant difference between diabetic children and adolescents and healthy controls. Our results showed also significant positive correlation between urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 and HbAlc [r= 0.627, p= 0.012], tnglycerides [r= 0.520, p= 0.047] and total cholesterol [r= 0.668, p= 0.007]. In conclusion, the increase of triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels in our study confirmed the dyslipidemia pattern in pediatric type 1 DM patients. Our results confirmed that hyperglycemia induced activation of thromboxane pathway in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents as evidenced by increase urinary excretion of the indicator of oxidative stress status 11-dehydrothromboxane B2. Also, we showed a significant positive correlation between the urinary excretion of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 and the laboratory parameters of lipid metabolism. Therefore, urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 can be used as a potential non invasive biomarker of dyslipidemia in type 1 diabetic children

Expression of CD 44 and MIB-1 in serous and mucinous ovarian tumors

In ovarian cancer, alterations in the extracellular environment are critical for tumor Initiation, progression and intra-peritoneal dissemination. Some markers have been used to study the progression of ovarian tumors, one of them is CD44 which shown to play critical roles in ovarian ameer metastasis. Tumor proliferation is known to be important factor in tumor growth. This can be measured by assessment of expression of MIB-1 protein in the tumor cells. To examine the immunohistochemical expression of CD44 and MIB-1 in a spectrum of serous and mucinous ovarian tumors [benign, borderline and malignant tumors] and to evaluate the correlation between intensity of markers expression with relevant clinicopathological criteria [Age, size, hilaterality, gross picture and stage]. Immunohistochemical staining of 120 samples [65 benign, 10 borderline, 30 malignant and 15 metastatic deposits] of spectrum of serous and mucinous ovarian tumors for CD44 and MIB-1 was performed using tissue microarray [TMA] and statistical analyses was done with SPSS [chi-square test]. In whole tumors, expression of [1] 44 in tumor cells [CD-44-T] was low in 20[80%] and high in 5[20%] of benign tumors, low in [70%] and high in 3[30%] of borderline tumors, and low in 24 [83%] and high in 5[17%] of malignant tumors with no significant association in transition from benign to malignant tumours [P 0.70]. Stromal CD44 [CD-44-S] expression was low in 33[94%] and high in 2[6%] of benign mmors, low in 8[80%] and high in 2[20%] of borderline tumors and low in 23[77%] and high in [23%] of malignant tumors with significant association in transition from benign to borderline to 14[CD44-M] showed reactivity in 9[25%] of benign tumors,5[50%] of borderline tumors and 21[72%] of malignant tumors with high significant association in transition from benign to malignant tumors [P<0.001]. In whole tumors, twenty three specimens [31%] showed high PI. All benign tumors had low PI. High significant association was detected between high PI and transition from benign to borderline to malignant tumors [P<0.001] with significant positive correlation between MIB-1 and CD44-M [P 0.013]. Our findings indicates that stromal and membranous expression of with transition from benign to borderline to malignant tumor, so increase in CD44 may play an important role in tumor progression and can be a target of more effective therapies

Fluid optimization with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 compared with modified fluid gelatin guided by esoph- ageal doppler during major abdominal surgeries

Perioperative fluid therapy has a direct bearing on patient outcome and accordingly should be tailored individually. Thus the efficacy of HES 130/0.4 was fied fluid gelatin for volume expansion during major abdominal surgery guided by transesophageal Doppler [TED]. Fifty adult patients ASA physical status I-II undergoing major abdominal surgery were anesthetized with standard technique. In addition to basal fluid requirement, patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups [25 patients ; each] to receive 200 cc of either 6% HES 130/0.4 [HES group] or 3% modified fluid gel [GEL group] as intraoperative colloid replacement guided by TED. Heart ratenmean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, and Doppler derived measurements were recorded at the following timings: Tl; after induction, T2; after skin incision, T3; two hours after that and T4; at the end of surgery. Fluid administration and transfusion requirements were recorded. Laboratory tests for hemostasis, hepatic and renal functions weie continued till the fifth postoperative day. Both groups were comparable regarding Doppler derived data and fluid balance. Platelet count showed a significant drop [p<0.05] in group GEL in all postoperative days compared with baseline and with the group HES. Prothrombin time and INR showed a significant increase while prothrombin concentration showed a significant drop, throughout 5 postoperative days in group HES while in the 3 postoperative days in group GEL [p<0.05] but comparable between groups. Both groups showed postoperative drop in creatinine level and postoperative rise of liver function tests. HES 130/0.4 and modified gelatin have comparable fluid optimization effect guided by TED in major abdominalsurgeries. HES 130/0.4 has a more favorable effect on platelet counts than modified gelatin

Enucleation/partial nephrectomy for large mixed epithelial stromal tumor and herniating into the pelvicalyceal system

Mixed Epithelial and Stromal Tumor of the kidney is an adult renal neoplasm. It is mostly benign in nature. Typically it is composed of a mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal components. We hereby report on the feasibility of performing partial nephrectomy/enucleation for Huge Mixed Epithelial Stromal Tumor of the kidney without sacrificing the involved renal unit even in the tumors herniating into the collecting system. Two female patients on long term hormonal therapy developed large enhancing multiloculated and septated renal masses. Kidney mass size was 18.5 cms in one patient and 11.5 in the second. In one patient, the mass was herniating into the collecting system. Both patients had enucleation/partial nephrectomy. Enucleation and partial nephrectomy were successfully performed in both patients. In the patient with the mass herniating into the collecting system, the horns of the mass herniating into the collecting system were easily enucleated with repair of the collecting system and salvage of the involved renal unit. Post op pathology revealed MEST in both patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Enucleation and partial nephrectomy for huge MEST is feasible. Mixed Epithelial Stromal Tumor herniating into the pelvicalyceal system may not warrant nephroureterectomy as previously reported

Digestive enzyme as benchmark for insecticide resistance development in culex pipiens larvae to chemical and bacteriologic insecticides

This work monitored changes in some digestive enzymes [trypsin and aminopeptidase] associated with the building up of resistance in Cx. pipiens larvae to two chemical insecticides [methomyl and/or malathion] and one biological insecticide [Bacillus thuringiensis-H14 or B.t HI4]. The LC[50] value of methomyl for both field and the 12[th] generation [F12] of the selected strain was 1.789 ppm and 8.925 ppm respectively. The LC[50] value of malathion for both field and the F12 of the selected strain was 0.082 ppm and 0.156 ppm respectively, and those of B.t H14 of field strain and the F12 was 2.550ppm and 2.395ppm respectively. The specific activity of trypsin enzyme in control susceptible colony was 20.806 +/- 0.452[micromol/min/mg protein; but at F4 and F8 for malathion and methomyl treated larvae were 10.810 +/- 0.860 and 15.616 +/- 0.408 [micromol/min/mg protein, respectively. Trypsin activity of F12 in treated larvae with B.t.H14 was 2.097 +/- 0.587micromol/min/mg protein. Aminopeptidase specific activity for susceptible control larvae was 173.05 +/- 1.3111micromol/min/mg protein. This activity decreased to 145.15 +/- 4.12, 152.497 +/- 6.775 and 102.04 +/- 3.58 [a]micromol/min/mg protein after larval [F12] treatment with methomyl, malathion and B.t H14 respectively

Dot-Blot Immunoassay of Fasciola gigantica Infection using 27 kDa and Adult Worm Regurge Antigens in Egyptian Patients

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential role of the 27-Kilodalton (KDa) antigen versus Fasciola gigantica adult worm regurge antigens in a DOT-Blot assay and to assess this assay as a practical tool for diagnosis fascioliasis in Egyptian patients. Fasciola gigantica antigen of an approximate molecular mass 27-(KDa) was obtained from adult worms by a simple elution SDS-PAGE. A Dot-Blot was developed comparatively to adult worm regurge antigens for the detection of specific antibodies from patients infected with F. gigantica in Egypt. Control sera were obtained from patients with other parasitic infections and healthy volunteers to assess the test and compare between the antigens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Dot-Blot using the adult worm regurge were 80%, 90%, 94.1%, and 69.2% respectively, while those using 27-KDa were 100% which confirms the diagnostic potential of this antigen. All patients infected with Fasciola were positive, with cross reactivity reported with Schistosoma mansoni serum samples. This 27-KDa Dot-Blot assay showed to be a promising test which can be used for serodiagnosis of fascioliasis in Egyptian patients especially, those presenting with hepatic disease. It is specific, sensitive and easy to perform method for the rapid diagnosis particularly when more complex laboratory tests are unavailable.

Trends and challenges in pathology practice choices and necessities

The way we provide healthcare is influenced by ongoing experiences, increased knowledge, new discoveries and scientific as well as technological advances. The rapid pace of important developments that have taken place in recent years have significantly influenced our choices of the ways we provide our health service. Like other medical specialties, pathology and its practice have had to respond to the rising needs and challenges within the health service in general and those facing the specialty in particular. This article addresses some of the challenges, particularly those which are unique to pathology. It discusses the choices that are available to different pathology departments depending on their individual circumstances

Sub-antibiotic doses of erythromycin as a prokinetic in abdominal surgeries: reviving the old

All patients undergoing major abdominal procedures have some degree of gastric atony in the immediate postoperative period, presenting mainly with vomiting. Many prokinetic agents have been used in the past, but none is a universal remedy. Studies showed that subantibiotic doses of erythromycin, a macrolide. antibiotic and motilin agonist, accelerates gastric emptying. This study investigated whether preoperative subantibiotic dose oral erythromycin [250 mg], altered residual gastric volume and postoperative adverse effects in patients scheduled for abdominal surgeries. Erythromycin was compared with the commonly used prokinetic metoclopramide and antiemetic ondansetron, in terms of prokinetic efficacy, cost and adverse effects. In a double-blind study, eighty patients [20 each] were allocated randomly to receive orally, either erythromycin 250 mg [E250] or erythromycin 500 mg [E500], or 10 mg metoclopramide [M], or 4mg ondansetron [Z], an hour pre-induction of anesthesia. Preoperative oral erythromycin in subantibiotic dose 250mg elicited a significantly lower residual gastric volume [P<0.001] and a lower VAS for vomiting, compared with ondansetron. As for metoclopramide and erythromycin 500, residual gastric volume was comparable, but E 250 had a lower VAS for vomiting than both groups. Rescue remedy for vomiting was required for groups E500, M and Z [100, 10 and 10 %] compared to 0% in group E250. Ultimately, subantibiotic oral dose of erythromycin [250 mg], given1 hr preoperatively, is an inexpensive prokinetic alternative with a promising post-operative profile which may be superior to the inexpensive prokinetic metoclopramide with known adverse effects, and the expensive antiemetic ondansetron

predictor of collateral formation in congenital heart diseases

Vascular endothelial growth factor is potent stimulators of angiogenesis. Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease often experience the development of widespread formation of collateral blood vessels, which may represent a from of abnormal angiogenesis resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. To determine whether children with cyanotic congenital heart disease have elevated serum levels is of vascular endothelial growth factor compared to children with acyanotic heart disease. Serum was obtained from 44 children with cyanotic congenital heart disease and 36 children with acyanotic heart disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels were measured in the serum of these patients by sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly elevated in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease compared to children with acyanotic heart disease [159.3 +/- 48.1pg/ml vs. 85.4 +/- 1 8.7pglml, respectively, p<0.001]. In the cyanotic group, oxygen saturation [Sa02] was negatively correlated with VEGF [r=-0.53 1, p<0.001] while hemoglobin was positively correlated [r=0.781, p=0.007]. No significant correlations were found in the acyanotic group. Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease have elevated systemic levels of vascular endothelial growth factor directly related to the degree of cyanosis [SaO2 and hemoglobin levels]. These findings suggest that the widespread formation of collateral vessels in these children may be mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor

Hepatocellular integrity during sevoflurane anesthesia with induced hypotension

The effect of sevoflurane anesthesia with or without induced hypotension on hepatocellular integrity was studied. Forty adult consented patients scheduled for various urological procedures were allocated randomly to either NTG group [nitroglycerin-induced hypotension] or a control group of twenty patients each. Anesthesia was induced and maintained by fentanyl, sevoflurane and vecuronium in both groups. In NTG group, nitro-glycerin infusion was adjusted to maintain mean arterial pressure [MAP] of 50-65 mm Hg. Specific and sensitive hepatic biomarkers; alpha [alpha] and pi [pi] glutathione S-transferases [GST] and hyaluronic acid [HA], also traditional liver enzymes; aspartate [AST] and alanine [ALT] aminotransferases were measured at: TO [pre-induction], T1, T2, T3 [15, 30 and 60 minutes after MAP stabilization respectively] and T4 [24 hours after anesthesia end]. Plasma alpha-GST significantly increased at T3 in control group [p < 0.05] and in NTG group [p < 0.01] compared to T0 in same group. In NTG group, hyaluronic acid con-centrations was significantly increased at T1, T2 [p < 0.05] and T3 [p < 0.01] from T0. Compared to control group, alpha- GST and HA concentrations showed significant increases in NTG group at T3 with p < 0.05 then returned back to normal range at T4. But, pi-GST, AST and ALT showed no significant changes throughout the study in both groups

non opioid fast track anesthetic regimen for colonic resection

Fast-tracking implies a preoperative patient care paradigm that reduces time to recovery and discharge. The current study adopted fast-track anesthetic techniques, comparing outcome of a multimodal non-opioid and another opioid regimen, on recovery profiles after colonic surgery, with standard anesthetic practice. Seventy five ASA II colectomy patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Control group for conventional general anesthetic technique and two fast-track anesthesia groups using combined light general anesthesia and epidural techniques. Epidural maintenance was by infusion cocktail of bupivacaine-fentanyl in opioid-based group, while in non-opioid group by bupivacaine-ketamine which were both continued postoperatively for pain in lower doses and concentrations. Postoperative analgesia in control group was achieved by morphine. Supplemental ketorolac and acetaminophen were added only to non-opioid group. Early and intermediate recovery profiles were compared among the three groups together with recorded side effects. All patients in fast-track groups had significant shorter times to: awakening, extubation, orientation, both PACU arrival and discharge, hospital stay with a significant lower mean VAS for pain at rest, and rescue analgesia, compared to control group. Control group had a significant higher rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting, drowsiness and pruritis. Non-opioid fast-track regimen had a significant shorter PACU and hospital stay with lower side-effects rate than opioid one. Fast-track anesthesia enhanced recovery profile. Non-opioid regimen was superior to opioid-based, having a better recovery profile and a lower rate of side-effects

regulation of murine schistosome granuloma formation and fibrosis by anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 immunotherapy

In this study the availability of murine anti-interleukin-4 [anti IL-4] and anti-interleukin- 13[anti-Il- 13] monoclonal antibodies [mAbs] permited the intimate study of the direct role of IL-13 in a type -2-cytokine mediated infection. The present study demonstrates that blocking of IL-13 from the Th -2 response to Schistosoma mansoni infection is beneficial to host survival. This enhanced prognosis correlates with a reduction in hepatic collagen deposition and indicates the role for IL-13 in the development of hepatic fibrosis. In contrast, the study has also showed that blocking of IL-4 results in very high mortality characterized by a breakdown in intestinal integrity, indicating that IL-4- is a protective cytokine in schistosome infection. The combined blocking of both IL-4 and IL-13 demonstrates that the positive effects resulting from the ablation of IL- 13 were over-ridden by the detrimental pathology resulting from IL-4 blocking. In addition, combined cytokine blocking resulted in a condition that was considerably more severe than that observed in the IL-4 blocking group. These results indicate the potential benefits of anti- IL-13 as an antifibrogenic cytokine, but also show the dangers of blocking both IL-13 and IL-4 concurrently

Unexplained cardiac arrest during closure of craniotomy: case report and review of literature

Hypotension and bradycardia after application of suction to a subgaleal drain, or stimulus inside or outside the skull, have been reported in the medical literature. The commonly reported occurrence is stimulation of the Trigeminal nerve along its distribution and is the main factor that sets off the whole reflex arc through the Vagus nerve ending in a series of serious hemodynamic changes that institute severe bradycardia, asystole and severe hypotension. Another less common but possible pathology caused by a suction drain is Pseudo-Hypoxic Brain Swelling [PHBS]. We report a case of transient cardiac arrest after the application of theatre suction to a subgaleal drain at the closure of an uneventful craniotomy and discuss the possibilities as well as review the literature

Correlation of karyotype and immunophenotype in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia; experience at the national cancer institute, Cairo University, Egypt

To identify chromosomal pattern among the major immunophenotypic subgroups in Egyptian children with ALL, and its correlation with clinical presentation and disease free survival. Cytogenetic and immunophenotypic analysis were done for all patients. Patients received ALL-PNCI-III/98 chemotherapy protocol used at NCI, Cairo University. The frequency of pseudodiploidy and normal karyotype in the whole group was 42.9% and 33.3% respectively. The frequency of pseudodiploidy was 36.8% in CALLA positive early pre B, 30.7% in pre B cases, 71.4% in T cell cases and 100% in mature B cell cases. At 12 months, DFS was 50% for pseudodiploid group having pre B phenotype, compared to 16.6% for pseudodiploid group with CALLA positive early pre B ALL. Sixteen percent of the studied cases showed T cell phenotype, 71.4% of them showed pseudodiploid karyotype, all of them had high risk features. Hyperdiploidy was found in 31.5% of CALLA positive early pre B cases and was associated with favorable prognostic features and DFS of 66.6% at 12 months. Hyperdiploidy of >50 chromosome represented 62.5% of hyperdipoid cases, 80% of them were CALLA positive early pre B ALL carrying good risk features. Fifty percent of normal karyotypic patients showed pre B phenotype, while 42.8% showed CALLA positive early pre B ALL. Their age, TLC, DFS, were almost comparable. CALLA early pre B phenotype has a positive impact on chromosomal pattern having best outcome among patients with hyperdiploidy. The Pseudodiploid karyotype carries a better outcome with pre B phenotype

Study of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1[s1CAM-1] as a laboratory marker for grading hepatic fibrosis in patients suffering from schistosomiasis mansoni

Chronic schistosomiasis mansoni is a serious disease that ends by periportal fibrosis with various degrees. In the present work, finding serum sICAM-1 level as an accessible laboratory method to measure the degree of pathogenecity was done to cases with different stages of Schistosoma mansoni infection. Different degrees of pathogenecity was first assessed by kato-Katz stool examination in-group I and ultrasonographic grading of periportal fibrosis in group II By sonagraphic grading, patients in group II were classified to grade I [incipient fibrosis], grade II [moderate] and grade Ill [severe] fibrosis. Results of the present work revealed high significant increase of sICAM-l serum level [P<0.005]from grade I [incipient periportal fibrosis] to grade III [serve fibrosis]. Positive correlation [R= 0.65] between portal vein diameter and sICAM-l level was also detected. These findings could suggest serum level of sICAM-1 as a good laboratory indicator for grading hepatic peripotal fibrosis in parallel with sonography in a patient suffering from chronic schistosomiasis mansoni

Application and evaluation of the immunofiltration assay in the diagnosis of human schistosomiasis

In a trial to reach fast, simple and efficient diagnostic assay for schistosomiasis, Dot Dye Immunofiltration assay using protein A conjugated gold colloid was applied and evaluated in comparison to Dipstick assay and Enzyme Immunoelectrotransfer Blot Assay [EITB], Both soluble egg antigen [SEA] of Schistosorna mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium were used as capture antigens in each assay. Dot Dye Immunofiltration assay, Dipstick assay and EITB were found to be more efficient by using SEA of S. mansoni, than by using SEA of S. haeinatobium. Using SEA of S. mansoni, Dipstick assay was found to be the most efficient [82.2%] among all performed assays followed by Dot Immunofiltration assay and EITB [80.5%] for each. On the other hand Dot Dye Immunofiltration assay was found to be simpler and faster than Dipstick assay and EITB

Assessment of CD44S and CD44V6 in colorectal carcinoma [immunohistochemical study]

The last few years showed an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in our country. From 20% to 50% of patients are susceptible to death within 5 years of diagnosis, usually as a result of metastasis. Tumor growth, invasion and metastasis may be enhanced by alteration in the expression of certain adhesion molecules such as CD44s and CD44 v6. In an effort to detect the difference in the immunohistochemical expression of CD44s and CD44 v6 glycoproteins in colorectal carcinomas and correlating this expression with other clinicopathological parameters, we studied 55 cases of colorectal carcinomas resected from patients who underwent surgery at Assuit university Hospital in the period from 2003 to 2004. Forty five cases were conventional adenocarcinoma and 10 cases were of mucinous carcinoma type. The mean age was [44.9 +/- 2.5] with male predominance in cases of conventional adenocarcinoma, while the mean age was [33.4 +/- 2.67] in mucinous carcinoma with female predominance. Most of the cases were of stage B with only 11 cases of stage C and no cases of stage A. Positive staining for CD44s was detected in 81.8% of cases, in contrast to 69% positive cases for CD44v6. CD44s showed statistically significant higher mean of IRS [immunoreactivity score] in mucinous carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma while the opposite was noticed for CD44v6 but without statistical significance. There was inverse relation between IRS for CD44s and tumor grade, while IRS of CD44v6 showed direct relation with the grade. CD44v6 IRS exhibited upregulation with increasing stage and statistically significant higher level in tumors with infiltrating borders. In conclusion, CD44s had a significant relation to the type of colorectal cancer as its mean of IRS increased in mucinous carcinoma than in conventional adenocarcinoma which may indicate their better prognosis. CD44v6 may be an indicator for the metastatic potential of the tumor as its expression showed upregulation with progression of the stage and grade of the tumor and increased in tumors with infiltrating border

Comparative study of cardiovascular effects of losartan and captopril in rabbits

Drugs that interfere with renin - angiotensin system [RAS] play a prominent role in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. These drugs include two groups, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors e.g. captopril and angiotensin II receptor blockers e.g. losartan. This work was performed to investigate the effects of chronic administration [60 days] of each of losartan and captopril on the progression of atherosclerosis, serum lipids, glutathione peroxidase activity and on arterial blood pressure in rabbits fed with 1% cholesterol enriched diet. Specimens from different levels of aorta, heart, liver and kidneys of each rabbit were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and Verhoff's stains. The serum lipids were estimated by enzymatic colorimetric tests. The glutathione peroxidase activity in the aortic tissues was determined by a modified spectrophotometric method. Our results showed that administration of each of losartan and captopril had the ability to attenuate the progression of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The antiatherogenic effect of losartan was more pronounced than that of captopril. Both drugs also prevented the effect of hypercholesterolemia on the heart and liver compared to the non-medicated hypercholesterolemia rabbits. On the other hand, cholesterol-fed rabbits treated with each of losartan and captopril demonstrated significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein with an insignificant increase in high density lipoprotein compared to untreated hypercholesterolemia rabbits. However, the intensity of changes produced by losartan was of greater extent than that produced by captopril. This study revealed an increase in the glutathione peroxidase activity in aortic tissues of groups of atherosclerotic animals treated with either losartan or captopril in comparison with the non-mediated atherosclerotic rabbits. Moreover, a lowering in the blood pressure was recorded in cholesterol-fed rabbits treated with either losartan or captopril. In conclusion, these results are encouraging and the beneficial antiatherosclerotic effects of both drugs are presumably attributed to then ability to interrupt influences on the RAS. In addition, their contributory role of the possible antioxidant properties of these drugs must not be ruled out. Besides, the documented ability of these drugs to accumulate kinins and nitric oxide as well as prevention of the vascular endothelial dysfunction can not be neglected

Histological and immunohistochemical studies of effect of fenugreek seeds on the pituitary, mammary glands and ovary of lactating rabbits

The present work was done to study the effect of fenugreek seeds on the structure of the pars distalis, ovary and mammary gland of lactating rabbit. A total number of 24 lactating rabbits was used. The animals were divided into two groups. One served as a control lactating group [8 rabbits] and the other group was lactating rabbits treated with the seeds [16 rabbits]. The control and treated rabbits were sacrificed after two weeks and four weeks. Specimens of the pituitary gland were prepared for electron microscopy [E/M]. Mammary gland was prepared for light and electron microscopy while the ovary was prepared for light microscopy. Another specimens of the pituitary, mammary glands and ovary were prepared and processed for immunohistochemical application of mouse monocolonal prolactin [PRL] receptor antibody to detect the prolactin receptors in these tissues. This study cleared that, there was apparent increase in the number, size and signs of activity of mammotrophs. The mammary gland showed an increase in the activity of the alveolar cells and in the amount of milk secretion. As regard the ovary, there was an apparent increase in the number of primary follicles. There was progressive increase in the amount of atretic follicles. Corpus luteum showed progressive decrease in size and degeneration. The number of healthy growing follicle was reduced. The immunohistochemical study demonstrated a progressive increase in the number and size of mammotrophs that showing positive reaction for PRL receptor antibody. The mammary gland showed positive reaction in the alveolar cells and in the stroma cells. The ovary showed strong positive reaction for PRL receptor antibody. It becomes obvious that the treatment with fenugreek seeds leads to stimulation of the mammotrophs and mammary gland. At the same time it causes suppression of the ovary. In conclusion, the use of fenugreek seeds has a double advantageous effects as its ingestion by lactating females increases the milk production and in the mean time it suppresses the ovary which may decrease the possibility of pregnancy during lactation. So, we recommend the use of fenugreek seeds instead of the hormones or chemical drugs for more milk production and as a partial ovulation inhibitor

Epstein-Barr virus in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

We compared 50 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas [cases] and 45 matched healthy controls. Biopsy specimens were taken from tumours and normal tissue of the cases and controls respectively and serial paraffin embedded sections were processed to detect Epstein-Barr [EB] viral antigen. We found EB viral proteins in 38% of cases and none in controls, which suggests a positive correlation. Serum samples were also tested for the presence of EB virus IgG by ELISA for comparison with immunohistochemical findings. Patients with positive immunohistochemical staining results had significantly higher mean antibody titres compared with those with negative results. ELISA may be useful in determining the etiology of head and neck cancers, but the results are not unequivocally reliable