Age estimation and sex determination from lumbar vertebral morphometry by magnetic resonance image [MRI]

Estimation of age and determination of sex are very important in forensic medicine. The present study aimed to detect the reliability of age estimation and sex determination based on lumbar vertebral measurements of some Upper Egypt population. Evaluation of the lumbar indices in 121 cases [63 males, 58 females: 26 - 48 years old] was clone. For lumbar vertebrae [L2 and L4], anterior height, central height, posterior height and anieroposierior diameter measurements [H[a], H[c], H[p] and D respectively] were performed by MRI. These measurements were used to calculate the anterior wedge index [H[a]/ H[r] the biconcavity index [H[L]/ H[p]] and the compression index [H[r]/ D]. The values of each of the three indices far both lumbar vertebrae of females were higher than those of the same vertebrae in males. The H[t]/H[p] and H./H[]r] ratios were increased by increasing age for both L2 and L4 In males and females. While, Hp/D decreased with age at L2 and L4 in females only. Regarding to changes in these indices with age, in males for L2, the value of anterior wedge index [H[a]/H[p]] was statistically significant [p

Possible protective effect of camellia sinensis [green tea] against acrylamide induced testicular damage in albino rats

Acrylamide is a proved toxin for testicular function, found in food when heated for long period of time. Green tea [Camellia sinensis] is a potent antioxidant; the aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of green tea extract against the toxic effects of acrylamide in rat testes. acrylamide was administered orally by gastric gavage to rats in different doses and also the extract of green tea was administered orally to different groups of animals in combination with the acrylamide. The weight of animals, testosterone hormone level and histopathological effects upon testicles were evaluated. Testosterone hormone level in serum was significantly decreased in those with acrylamide toxicity either in low or high dose. The histopatological findings were in the form of thickening of the tubuler epithelium and degenerations of germ cells. All findings significantly improved with the co administration of green tea extract with the acrylamide. Green tea extract reversed all the toxic effects of acrylamide even in high dose for long period [90 days]. green tea extract is a potent antioxidant antidote for the acrylamide toxic effects upon testicular function

Protective effect of aminoguanidine against cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats: histological and biochemical study

Cyclosporine A [CsA] is a potent and effective immuno-suppressive agent used to prevent rejection in organ transplant surgery and autoimmune diseases. Its use is frequently accompanied by nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of aminoguanidine on Cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. A total of sixty healthy adult male albino rats were used divided into four equal groups in this study. Group I rats served as control treated with distilled water orally only, group II was treated with CsA in a dose of 25mg/kg orally daily for 21 days, group III treated with CsA concurrently with aminoguanidine in doses of 25 and 20mg/kg orally daily for 21 days respectively and group IV was treated with olive oil orally [vehicle for CsA]. Rats were sacrificed 24 hs after last dose, blood, kidney and liver samples were taken. Histopathological examination by light and electron microscopic, immunohistochemistry for active caspase-3 were done. Besides, biochemical measurement; serum nitric oxide level and kidney and liver functions tests were done. CsA oral administration for 21 days significantly increased serum nitric oxide level impaired the renal and hepatic function tests and markedly distorted the renal and hepatic morphology in light and electron microscopic examination. Aminoguanidine administration improved serum nitric oxide level, kidney and liver function tests and preserved renal and hepatic morphological structures. Aminoguanidine has a protective effect against Cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity

Study of single nucleotide polymorphism rs13266634 in zinc transporter solute carrier family 30, member 8 [SLC30AS] gene in type 2 diabetes patients resident in Ismailia city

Several genome-wide association studies identified a strong association of SLC30A8 with type 2 diabetes in individuals of European ancestry The effect of the association of rs 13266634 with type 2 diabetes or related glycemic traits has not been fully extended to non-European populations, and a comprehensive examination of common variants in the gene has not yet been carned out in our population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association among the polymoiphisms of SLC30A8, and the risk of T2DM and to determine the presence and frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] rs13266634 in SLC30A8 gene in T2D patients resident in Ismailia city. SLC30A8 SNP was genotyped using real time PCR allelic discrimination TaqMan assay. A case control study was conducted in 68 cases of type 2 diabetes [51 women and 17 men] and 29 control subjects [13 women and 16 men] from out-patients diabetic clinic of Suez Canal hospital and age and gender were matched. The SNP rs13266634 was evaluated in SLC30A8 C > T genotype. The genotypes of control subjects were 27[93%, CIT], 1 normal homozygot [3.5% C/C] and 1 mutant homozygous [3.5%, T/T]. In diabetic subjects, there were 58 subjects carriers of heterozygous [C/T. 85%], 6 normal homozygots [C/C, 9%] and 4 mutant homozygous [T/T, 6%]. There was significant difference in fasting blood glucose levels in control subjects compared to diabetic subjects' P<0.05, and between control carriers of[CT] genotype compared to genotype [CT] diabetic subjects' P<0.05, also there was significant associations between polymorphisms and the risk of type 2 diabetes in women or men, as there were significant associations in lipids profile [serum high density lipoprotein between control carrier CT genotype compared to diabetic subjects' carrier CT P<0.005, also we found significant difference in body mass index [BMI] between control and diabetic subjects' P<0.05. In addition, none of the SLC30A8 polymorphisms was significantly associated with the age and sex in the control and diabetic subjects. Also, we found higher non significant difference in triglyceride levels, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in diabetic subjects carrying the C/T genotype comparing to control subjects carrying the C/T genotype. In summary, the data in this study support substantial associations between the common SLC30A8 polymorphisms in gene and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Our results may provide evidence that SLC30A8 is a susceptible locus for type 2 diabetes in our population, and its variant can influence insulin secretion

Genetic characterization of Giardia lamblia isolates from Egyptian patients with relation to clinical giardiasis

Investigators tried to correlate clinical presentation of giardiasis to the different genotypes, but controversial data were described through the last decade. The clinical manifestations of 89 Giardia patients were classified into:- GI: 52 symptomatic patients and GII: 37 asymptomatic patients. Genetic characterization of G. lamblia of the patients' fecal samples was performed by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] technique b using triose phosphate isomerase gene [tpi]. Forty-two patients had genotype Al [47.19%], 16 had genotype A2 [17.98%], 10 had genotype B [11.23%] and 19 had mixed genotype infection [21.35%]. However, PCR-RFLP failed to determine Giardia genotype of only two cases [2.25%]. The 20 control fecal samples obtained from healthy subjects showed negative results for G. lamblia by PCR-RFLP method. Of 52 cases in GI, the prevalence genotype Al was 44.23%, genotype A2 was 19.23%, genotype B was 13.46%, mixed genotype infection was 21.15% and undetermined genotype was 1.92% as compared to 51.35%, 16.21%, 8.11%, 21.62% and 2.70% in GII, respectively. There was no significant difference between both groups as regard the different Giardia genotypes [p>0.05]. Statistical analysis of each symptom in different genotypes revealed insignificant [p>0.05]. The results denied any correlation between G. lamblia genotype and the clinical presentation of giardiasis

Effect of vitamin E on the biochemical and haematological changes produced by cadmium toxicity in kidneys of albino rats

Kidneys are the main excretory organ of the body, performing its function through elimination of nephrotoxicants as Cadmium [Cd]. We carried out this study to investigate the effects of vitamin E "alpha tocopherol", as an antioxidant compound, on Cd induced toxicity in the kidneys of albino rats. In experimental albino rats, intraperitoneal administration of Cd [0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg/day] for 12 weeks induced renal damage, which was evident from the increased levels of serum urea and creatinine with significant decrease in total proteins, body weight and hematological parameters. This was associated with a significant rise in Cd concentration both in kidneys and blood. Co-administration of alpha tocopherol as antioxidant resulted in improvement of the kidney functions. The present study suggests that the physiological, biochemical and cytoprotective potential effects of vitamin E in Cd toxicity might be due to its antioxidant properties, which could be useful for achieving optimum effects in treating Cd induced renal damage

C-Reactive protein, Tumor Ncrosis Factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and cortisol in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Recently an abundance of evidence has emerged demonstrating a close link between immunity, inflammation, obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Activation of innate immunity with production of inflammatory markers was suggested to provide a new model for the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. This may result in new approaches for predicting and managing of type 2 diabetes and its complications. We evaluated the state of obesity and diabetes mellitus of thirty nine male type 2 diabetic patients and nineteen age-matched male healthy subjects as control. This evaluation was performed via assessment of the body mas index [BMI], fasting and postprandial [PP] blood glucose and insulin, insulin resistance and fasting C-peptide. Then we assessed the plasma levels of the most important inflammatory markers; C-reactive protein [C-RP], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin-6 [IL-6] and the total leucocytic count as well as the stress hormone cortisol. Our results showed BMI above 30 for both patients and controls which indicated obesity of the two groups. Both fasting and PP glucose were 167.9 +/- 10.3 and 289.8 +/- 16 mg/dl respectively for patients and 96.4 +/- 1.96 and 108.47 +/- 4.6 rng/dl respectively for the control whish confirmed the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The C-RP was significantly higher in diabetics. Although the difference did not reach statistical significance fasting and PP-insulin, insulin resistance levels were higher in the diabetic patients compared to the control. Regarding the results of the acute phase reactants and the biornarkers for inflammation, we found a significant increase in C-RP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and cortisol in the diabetic patients compared to the control. But no change could be detected in the total leucocytic count. This association between hyperglycemia and increased inflammatory markers may indicate a relationship between them. But the question which of them preceded and led to the other is still uncertain. Further studies with different approaches may be needed to solve this puzzle

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]

Preparation and characterization of some phosphoborosilicate glasses containing some micronutrients as plant fertilizers

Four phosphoborosilicate glasses containing one or more of the micronutrients: namely Cu, Zn, Fe, were prepared using analytical grade chemicals by melting in an electric furnace at about 1400°C for 2hr. The melts being calcined at about 450°C, were carefully crushed to grains of 2mm size. The release rate of the glass grains of 2mm size in 0.4%HC1 solution, 2% citric acid solution, and distilled water at room temperature was determined using a standard grain method for immersion time intervals varying between 1 to 4 weeks. The concentrations of K and P ions released into the leaching solutions were determined. The results obtained revealed that some of the prepared plant fertilizer samples led to a significant increase in the plant growth better than that observed in case of the traditional fertilizers. Furthermore, the extents of K and P ions released increased by increasing the time of immersion

Postmortem detection of methylphenidate [ritalin] in different tissues and organs of rats

In this study, methylphenidate [Ritalin] was detected and estimated in postmortem specimens at different time intervals after treatment of rats with a single toxic dose of the drug Albino Wistar rats of both sexes were injected with Ritalin I.P in a dose of 170 mg/kg.The animals were then divided into 2 groups. Rats of group A were sacrificed 30 min after injection and those of group B were sacrificed 3 hours after injection. Ritalin was detected and measured in rat tissues immediately after sacrification and after 2 weeks 2, 4, 6 and 7 months of putrefaction. By means of colour tests, the drug was detected in brain, liver and kidney tissues immediately after sacrification in both groups of animals. Also, the drug was detected in the brain tissue of group A after 2 weeks and in the kidney tissue of group B animals after 2 months of putrefaction. The drug was not detected in the heart and muscle tissues of both groups of animals at all postmortem intervals. In addition, thin layer analysis detected the drug in all tissues immediately after sacrification in both group of animals. The concentration of the drug in the brain tissues as measured by high performance liquid chromatography was found to be higher in group A than in group B animals immediately after sacrification and after 2 weeks of putrefaction. Through the whole interval of putrefaction, the concentration of the drug in kidney tissues was higher in group B and in the liver and heart tissues was similar in both groups. It is concluded that ritalin toxicity can be diagnosed by postmortem detection and measurements of the drug concentration in brain, liver, kidney, heart and muscle in a period less than 7 months after death

Ear configuration as a tool for identification and age determination in camel fetuses [with one table, 4 figures and 3 plates]

This study was conducted on 150 camel fetuses representing the whole prenatal life. The age was represented by months and crown vertebral rump length [CVRL], where they aged from 2.4 to 12.02 months and 2.8 cm to 108 cm CVRL. Several morphological measurements Head length [HL], Interear distance [IED], IED/HL%, Ear length [EL], Ear width [EW], ear-eye distance and ear-mouth distance were carried out. The results revealed that at age 2.4 months [2.8 cm CVRL] first branchial groove [the premordium of external ear] appeared as a growth of mesenchymal tissue surrounding oval opening. At 2.66 - 2.78 months [5.2 - 6.5 cm CVRL] the mesenchymal tissue increased in size to form, two longitudinal folds, rostal and caudal. At 2.91 - 3.55 [8.0 - 15.0 cm CVRL] the caudal fold gradually increased in size forming triangular flap covering almost the external ear opening. At 3.64 - 4.01 months [16 - 20 cm CVRL] the fold reflected caudally. Morphological and biometric studies were followed on ear till full term fetuses where the external ear reached nearly its mature form

Factor VIII related antigen in childhood vascular disease

To evaluate the Role of VWF factor VIII related Ag as a marker of activity in different childhood collagen vascular disorders, to study the relation between factor VIII and vasculitic manifestations in different collagen vascular disorders and to emphasise the relation between VWF and different clinicolaboratory manifestations in collagen diseases. Factor VIII Related Ag [VWF] is produced in megakaryocytes and endothelial cells, and present in plasma vascular subendothelium. It is stored in the alpha - granules of platelets and the Weibel-Palade body of the endothelial cells, it plays a pivotal role in hemostasis and pathological intravascular thrombosis: Patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura [HSP], SLE, JRA and Juvenile dermatomyositis [JDM] had significantly high levels of VWF, indicating that high level may reflect the presence of vascular especially endothelial damage in patients with connective tissue diseases. The study included 65 patients attending the rheumatology clinic at Cairo University Pediatric Hospital aged from 4 to 10 years with different collagen disorders together with 20 age and sex matched controls. All patients and controls were subjected to full history taking, laboratory investingations including complete blood picture, ESR, CRP, ASOT, Renal function tests, C[3], C[4], 24 hour protein in urine, ANA and measuring serum levels VWF by ELISA. VWF was significantly higher in the four groups of patients with collagen vascular disease than in the control groups. The highest level of VWF was in HSP patients. The VWF showed higher levels in SLE patients with severe rash and renal involvement. It was also higher in JRA and dermatomyositis patients with vasculitic manifestations. The VWF levels were directly related to disease activity in both SLE and RA patients. The elevated level of VWF are most likely a reflection of the existence of outgoing vascular damage [Active vasculitis]. The VWF can be particularly helpful in assessing degree of systemic involvement as well as disease activity in patients with severe vasculitic form of JRA

Assessment of chromium toxicity on pregnant mice and their fetal development

Chromium is a naturally occurring element, present in several valence states. Hexavalent chromium compounds [Cr VI] have been known to be more toxic than trivalent [Cr III] compounds. Exposure to chromium could be environmental due to its natural occurrence in rocks and soil as well as due to water, air and soil pollution resulting in high chromium concentrations in plants and food. On the other hand, industrial exposure could also occur as chromium enters into many industries leading to occupational hazards. The aim of the present work was to study the potential developmental toxicity of hexavalent chromium [potassium dichromate] in female mice exposed to chromium during gestation. The study was conducted on one hundred and twenty female mice which were mated with adult males. The day the vaginal plug was seen was considered day 0 of gestation. Mice were divided into four equal groups, each group consisted of thirty mice. Group I[controls], group II [treated with 10 ppm Cr VI], group III [treated with 25 ppm Cr VI], and group IV [treated with 50 ppm Cr VI]. All types of treatment were given via drinking water and started on day 6 through day 15 of gestation [period of organogenesis]. The parameters investigated in this study were maternal and fetal parameters. Maternal parameters included clinical signs of toxicity, food consumption. body weight, as well as absolute and relative organ weights. Fetal parameters included number of implantation sites, number of live and dead fetuses, number of resorptions [early and late], and fetal body weight. Gross external fetal examination, skeletal examination as well as visceral examination were done to detect any fetal malformations. The present study revealed that low concentration [10 ppm] of potassium dichromate [Cr VI] caused few signs of maternal and fetal toxicity while concentrations of 25 ppm and 50 ppm resulted in maternal and fetal toxicity, which was pronounced with the 50 ppm concentration. Maternal toxicity included general signs of toxicity [diminished activity, excessive salivation and hair loss], significant decrease in food consumption, in body weight and in absolute organ weights. Fetal toxicity included significant increase in number of dead fetuses. as well as early and late resorptions; significant decrease in fetal body weight i.e. growth retardation; and significant increase in fetal skeletal malformations in the form of cranial retardation, -absence of sacrum, shortening of long bones and absence of phalanges. No significant gross external fetal or visceral abnormalities were detected in any of the treated groups of mice compared to the control group

Identification of sex depending on radiological examination of foot and patella

The present work was carried out to investigate the possibility of the estimation of sex from some radiological measurements among a known cross section of Egyptian population. Lateral and anteroposterior radiographs of the right foot and knee were made on 160 living unfractured and non pathological individuals comprising 80 males and 80 females aged 25-65 years. Two measurements on right patella [maximum height and maximum width] and two measurements of metatarsal bones [length and mid shaft diameter] were used to determine sex by univariate and multivariate discriminant analysis. The study revealed significant sex differences, based on these measurements taken on patella or metatarsal bones. One function associating two parameters [length and mid shaft] of the third metatarsal bone obtained the highest value of correct sex determination with a rate of 100% accuracy. The study suggested that the radiographs of the knee and foot are convenient, rapid, cheap and noninvasive means for estimating sex

Introducing a new model for studying retinal detachment/replacement: an electron microscopic study

Retinal detachment, separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, is a sight threatening condition that is considered one of the few ocular emergencies. In the current experiment, electron microscopic study of the retina of toad buffo marienes was done to evaluate the morphological changes due to retinal detachment and the possibility of spontaneous reattachment and to confirm the possibility of the use of the toad retina as a model for retinal detachment studies in mammals. The study focused on the retinal pigment epithelium and the outer segment of the neural retina. The retinal pigment epithelium of the control retina expressed the main features of the cells including the apical processes, the melanin granules and the phagosomes. The apical processes were firmly interdigitating with the neural retina outer segment and the melanin granules appear near the apical part of the cells. The outer segment of the neural retina appeared with parallel plates of flattened membranous desks. At 30 minutes after retinal detachment, a subretinal space appeared and the interdigitation between the processes of retinal pigment epithelium and the outer segment of the neural retina was lost. Two hours after retinal detachment, no continuity appeared between the retinal pigment epithelium and the outer segment of the neural retina. At 5 and 10 hours after retinal detachment, the interdigitation between the retinal pigment epithelium and the outer segment of the neural retina was restored. The tight junctions between different neural retina outer segments appeared to be not affected. In the current experiment, a simple model for experimental study of retinal pigment epithelium, neural retina and retinal detachment has been introduced. Due to the ultrastructural similarities of toad retinal pigment epithelium with that of mammals, the toad can serve as an excellent model for the study of retinal detachment/reattachment and their cellular and molecular mechanisms

effect of oral administration of formadehyde on the liver of the albino rat: an electron microscopic study

Formaldehyde is an electrophilic molecule able to crosslink DNA and protein which leads to its claim for cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity. It is used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, in the manufacture of plastic and resins and in cheese production to give the cheese the firm consistency. Previous studies have focused on the direct acute harmful effects of formaldehyde on the skin, eye and respiratory system while less efforts have been made to evaluate its possible harmful effects on different body systems after long period of oral administration of a reasonably low dose. The possible toxic effect of formalin [40% solution of formaldehyde in water] on the ultrastructure of the liver of albino rat has been evaluated in the current study as the liver is the main site for formaldehyde metabolism in the body. Two groups of albino rats of 10 animals each were used where the first group received 25 mg/kg/day of formalin orally by gavages for three weeks while the second group received an equivalent volume of distilled water orally by gavages and used as control. The results showed that formalin markedly affected liver ultrastructure at the levels of hepatocytes, intrahepatic biliary system and portal tracts. Hepatocytes showed nuclear degeneration, mitochondrial degeneration, shortening and fragmentation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisomal alteration. Intrahepatic biliary system affection appeared in the form of dilatation of the bile canaliculi with shortening or complete loss of microvilli and degeneration of the covering epithelium of bile ductules. Infiltration of the portal tracts with neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells were also observed which indicated an inflammatory process in the portal tract. The results, which suggest a marked toxic effect of formalin on the liver after oral administration of small doses for a long period, have been discussed. A recommendation for properly avoiding the harmful effect of this chemical substance has been offered especially the proper application of its prohibition in cheese and dairy production

Histogenesis of human renal cell carcinoma using electron microscopy and immunohistochemical techniques

Determination of the tissue of origin of either normal or abnormal tissues in the body is usually reforred as histogenesis. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemical techniques have been used in the current experiment for histogenesis of one of the most agonizing kidney diseases, namely the renal cell carcinoma.40 kidneys were subjected after radical nephrectomy to immunohistochemical detection of the presence of intermediate filament cytokeratin, which is normally expressed in epithelial tissue and intermediate filament vimentin, which is normally expressed in mesenchymal non-myogenic cells. The kidneys were also examined by electron microscopy for detection of ultrastructure features that help determination the tissue of origin. From each kidney, two specimens were taken, one from the diseased area and another from far beyond the safety margin to serve as control. Additional control specimens were taken from nephrectomized kidneys for traumatic causes. Immunohistochemical study of the control specimens revealed expression of vimentin in the glomerular capillaries and expression of cytokeratin along the tubular epithelium. In cases of renal cell carcinoma, cytokeratin was expressed alone in 45% of cases, vimentin was expressed alone in 10% of cases and coexpression of both cytokeratin and vimentin was observed in 40% of cases while 5% of cases showed no expression. Electron microscopic study of the control specimens revealed the basic ultrastructure of the normal kidneys while the ultrastructure study of the diseased specimens revealed the basic features of the tumor. Expression of desmosomes was observed in almost all tumor specimens. The expression of the vimentin in some cases either alone or with cytokeratin was interpreted as a change in the characters of some tumor cells which indicates the need for additional techniques in such cases to get the proper interpretation. The prevalence of the expression of cytokeratin and the persistence existence of desmosomes indicate the epithelial origin of the tumor. The result of the current study is very beneficial for determining the line of therapy and follow up the patients. Moreover, it confirms the power of combined use of both immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy in histogenesis of any tissue with undetermined origin

Electron microscopic study of the effect of Aflatoxin B1 on the kidney: an experimental study

Aflatoxin Bl is the most toxic among aflatoxins which are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. It is best known as hepatocarcinogen although other organs affection was found. To study the possible toxic effect of aflatoxin Bl on the kidney at the ultrastructural level, six groups of adult ad-libidum albino rats were used. The first group served as control and the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth groups received a single oral dose of aflatoxin Bl by gavage at doses of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 micro gm/kg body weight respectively. Electron microscopic changes were only discovered in the last group. Cortical changes included cellular degenerative changes indicated by fragmented nuclei and infiltration with inflammatory cells namely lymphocytes and neutrophils. Proliferation of mesangeal cells was also noted. Changes in proximal convoluted tubules included degenerative changes in the epithelial lining cells manifested by pyknotic nuclei and mitochondrial degeneration with swollen and disrupted cristae. Lysosomes and cytoplasmic vacuoles appeared increased. Apical degeneration with partial loss of microvilli was noted and the cellular contents were partially evacuated into the lumen. Changes in the distal convoluted tubules included apical degeneration of epithelial lining cells and degenerative changes in some basal mitochondria. The results suggest the toxic effect of aflatoxin Bl on the kidney. Recommendation of proper eradication of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus and their toxins from all sources of the food was offered

Electron microscopic study of the effect of theophylline on the myocardium of albino rat

Theophylline intoxication is one of the most common causes of both acute toxicity and chronic unintentional overmedication. The possible toxic effects of theophylline on the ultrastructure of the myocardium have been studied in this current experiment. Two groups of male adult albino rats were used in this study. The first group served as control. The rats of the second group received intraperitoneal injection of theophylline at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 5 days. All animals were sacrificed in the 6th day and parts of the myocardium were quickly removed and processed for electron microscopic study. The results showed that theophylline led to multiple ultrastructural changes of the myocardium in the form of myofibrillar degeneration, mitochondrial degeneration, intracellular fluid accumulation and intercalated discs degeneration. Myofibrillar degeneration, mitochondrial degeneration and intracellular fluid accumulation could be considered as ischemic changes. The destruction of the intercalated discs indicates dysfunction in both cardiomyocytes conductivity and contractility. It is concluded that theophylline, the worldwide used bronchodilator, can cause damage to the myocardium at subcellular level. This leads to the recommendation of respecting different factors which can increase the drug safety including limitation of its use only when indicated, proper calculation of its dose and avoiding drug-drug interaction which may increase the possibility of theophylline toxicity

Up-regulation of the tumor suppressor gene P53 and WAF1 gene by IP6 in CP-3 human prostatic carcinoma cell line

This study investigated the effects of IP6 on the expression of p53 and WAF1/p21 in PC-3 human prostate carcinoma by immunocytochemistry. The immunocytochemical studies with anti p53 antibodies [wide type- PAb246 and Pab1620] and anti p21 WAF1 [EA10] antibodies demonstrated an increased level of p53 and p21 WAF1 after 3 and 6 days of treatment with 3.3 and 5 mM IP6. This increase was dose-dependent; however, a definite time-dependent increase was not observed. These data demonstrated that IP6 up-regulates the expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and p21 WAF1 gene and their modulation may be one of the mechanisms of the anti-neoplastic action of IP6 since loss of p53 function enhances cancer cells resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, the stimulating function of IP6 on p53 makes it an attractive adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent as well