Preventive effects of cannabis on neurotoxic and hepatotoxic activities of malathion in rat

Objective:To investigate the effect of Cannabis sativa extract on the development of neuro- and hepato-toxicity caused by malathion injection in rats.Methods:The extract of Cannabis sativa was obtained from the plant resin by chloroform treatment. Δ-Tetrahydrocannabinol content of the extract (20%) was quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The doses of cannabis extract were expressed as Δ -tetrahydrocannabinol content of 10 or 20 mg/kg. Malathion (150 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered followed after 30 min by the cannabis extract (10 or 20 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Rats were euthanized 4 h later. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity were determined in brain and liver. Brain 5-lipoxygenase and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity were measured as well. Histopathological examination of brain and liver tissue was also performed.Results:Compared to controls, malathion resulted in increased oxidative stress in brain and liver. MDA and nitric oxide concentrations were significantly increased (P<0.05) and GSH significantly decreased with respect to control levels (P<0.05). Malathion also significantly inhibited PON-1 and BChE activities but had no effect on brain 5-lipoxygenase. Brain MDA concentrations were not altered by cannabis treatment. Cannabis at 20 mg/kg, however, caused significant increase in nitric oxide and restored the GSH and PON-1 activity. Brain BChE activity significantly decreased by 26.1% (P<0.05) after treatment with 10 mg/kg cannabis. Cannabis showed no effect on brain 5-lipoxygenase. On the other hand, rats treated with cannabis exhibited significantly higher levels of liver MDA, nitric oxide and PON-1 activity compared with the malathion control group. Rats treated with only malathion exhibited spongiform changes, neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex and degeneration of some Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. There were also hepatic vacuolar degeneration and dilated and congested portal vein. These histopthological changes induced by malathion in brain and liver were reduced to great extent by cannabis administration at 20 mg/kg.Conclusions:Our data suggest that acute treatment with cannabis alleviates the malathion-induced brain and hepatic injury in rats possibly by maintaining the levels of GSH and PON-1 activity.

Neuroprotection by misoprostol against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in rat brain

Objective:To investigate the effect of the prostaglandin E1 analogue misoprostol on oxidative stress and neurodegeration caused by subcutaneous rotenone administration in rats.Methods:Rotenone was administered in a dose of 1.5 mg/kg every other day for 2 weeks. Starting from the 1st day of rotenone injection, rats were subcutaneously treated with misoprostol at doses of 10, 100 or 1 000 μ g/kg. Rats were evaluated for brain lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde: MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO) levels, and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity. The concentrations of the anti-apoptotic protein B cell/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were determined in the striatum. Histopathologic examination and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the cerebral cortex and striatum were also performed.Results:Compared with the vehicle-treated group, rotenone caused a significant increase in brain lipid proxidation (MDA) by 61% (P<0.05) accompanied by an increase in NO by 73.1% (P<0.05) and a decrease in GSH concentration by 29.4% (P<0.05). In addition, brain PON-1 activity significantly decreased by 63.0% (P<0.05) and striatal Bcl-2 significantly decreased by 27.9% (P<0.05) with respect to the corresponding control value. Brain sections from rotenone treated rats showed extensive dark pyknotic and apoptotic nuclei in neurons, shrunken cytoplasm and perineuronal vacuolation. Rotenone also caused pronounced expression of iNOS in the cerebral cortex and striatum. Treatment with misoprostol at doses of 100 and 1 000 μ g/kg resulted in decreased brain MDA (by 16.5%-23.0%) (P<0.05) and NO levels (by 37.1%-40.7%) (P<0.05) and increased GSH concentrations (by 18.8%-30.1%) (P<0.05). PON-1 activity was significantly increased by 80.0%-114.8% (P<0.05) by misoprostol at 100 and 1 000 μ g/kg, respectively. In addition, misoprostol treatment restored striatal Bcl-2 concentrations to its normal value. Misoprostol treatment resulted in markedly reduced brain injury and decreased iNOS expression in the cerebral cortex and striatum of rotenone intoxicated rats.Conclusions:These data suggest that misoprostol prevents the rotenone-induced neurodegeneration in rat brain by reducing brain oxidative stress.

Determination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of cannabis seizures in Egypt

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of cannabis seizures in Egypt.@*METHODS@#Unheated and heated extracts of cannabis seizures were prepared from the dried flowering tops and leaves (marijuana) or from the resin (hashish) and subjected to analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).@*RESULTS@#The heated resin extract had the peak of THC in a relative ratio of 31.34%, while extracting the resin directly without heating contained only 18.34% of THC. On the other hand, marijuana showed minimum percentage of THC at 11.188% on heating and 9.55% without heating.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These results indicate the high potency of the abused cannabis plant in the illicit Egyptian market.

Determination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of cannabis seizures in Egypt

Objective To determine the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of cannabis seizures in Egypt. Methods Unheated and heated extracts of cannabis seizures were prepared from the dried flowering tops and leaves (marijuana) or from the resin (hashish) and subjected to analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The heated resin extract had the peak of THC in a relative ratio of 31.34%, while extracting the resin directly without heating contained only 18.34% of THC. On the other hand, marijuana showed minimum percentage of THC at 11.188% on heating and 9.55% without heating. Conclusions These results indicate the high potency of the abused cannabis plant in the illicit Egyptian market.

Formulation, evaluation and release rate characteristics of medicated jelly of vitamin C

Medicated jelly formulations are patient friendly dosage form for pediatric, geriatric and dysphagic patients. These formulations offer rapid dissolution and absorption of drugs through oral mucosa therefore show the early onset of action. The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate oral jelly formulations of vitamin C. Slurry method was adopted using glucose 103gm, sugar 67gm, gelatin 10gm and sorbitol 6.56gm. Preformulation studies were performed including the organoleptic profile, pH, and solubility of both drugs. The medicated jelly of Vitamin C was prepared and evaluated for physical characteristics, weight variation, syneresis, pH, taste and palatability, drug content, release rate characteristics and stability studies. All the jellies were found to have patient welcoming taste and were palatable. All formulations showed more than 50% drug release within 15 minutes, while 93% drug was released in 30 minutes. The results of release kinetics showed that the formulation followed the zero order release kinetics. Thus the drug was released at constant rate independent of the drug concentration involved in the process. All the medicated jellies were found to remain stable stored for 60 days at different temperatures. The present study revealed that medicated jellies of vitamin C could be employed orally in an effective form as an alternative solid oral dosage form for special population such as pediatrics, geriatrics and patients with dysphagia

Sex hormone-binding globulin in obese type 2 diabetics

Background: Obesity is one of risk factors for type 2 diabetes because of its association with insulin resistance and poor glycemic control. Sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG] and adipose tissue hormones have a role in development of insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes. Serum SHBG has a role in glucose homeostasis and low levels are associated with development of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia

Aim of work: To study the relationship between serum SHBG, obesity, and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes in both sex

Patients and Methods: forty obese type 2 diabetic patients and ten obese non-diabetic as controls were included in this study. Blood was taking from all subjects for estimation of glucose, Lipid profile, insulin and SHBG

Results: there was highly significant decrease in mean serum SHBG concentration in diabetic group compared with control non diabetic group. There were significant negative associations between serum SHBG and age, disease duration, BMI and glucose. On the other hand, there were non significant correlations between SHBG and waist circumference, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Conclusion: Low serum SHBG is associated with hyperglycemia in both sexes, independent of insulinemia

Pattern and barriers of physical activity among medical students of Al-Jouf university, Saudi Arabia

Background: physical inactivity is a public health problem in Saudi Arabia. Physical inactivity is associated with several chronic diseases, increased medical care costs and premature death

Objectives: to determine the pattern of physical activity, the predictors of physical inactivity and the perceived barriers of physical activity among students in College of Medicine at Al-Jouf University, Saudi Arabia

Methods: a cross sectional study was carried out among 283 medical students in the age group of 19- 33 years. The Arabic short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ] was used to measure physical activity. Analysis was done according to the guidelines for data processing and analysis of the IPAQ

Results: overall, 60.1% of the students were physically inactive. Only 38.2% of the students performed vigorous physical activity, 21.9% moderate-intensity physical activity and 33.2% walking activities, which met World Health Organization criteria of health-enhancing physical activities. The significant predictors of physical inactivity were low father education, dead or retired father, mothers not working for cash, families with five members or more and non-participation in sports clubs. The significant barriers of physical activity among physically inactive students were time limitations, lack of money, lack of safe sport places, not being interested in sports and body cannot tolerate physical activity

Conclusion: the majority of medical students of Al-Jouf University in Saudi Arabia are physically inactive. Overcoming perceived barriers may increase physical activity among university students

Risk factors for cerebral palsy among children under five-years old in Assiut governorate, upper Egypt

Cerebral palsy [CP] is the most frequent cause of motor handicap among children. Many etiologies and risk factors for the non-progressive lesion in CP are considered to be antenatal, delivery or neonatal. The present case control study aims to investigate the risk factors of cerebral palsy among children under five years in Assiut Governorate. Three hundred children randomly selected; 150 children with CP matched in number, age and sex with normal children as controls. The mean age of cases and controls were 1.99 +/- 1.34 and 1.98 +/- 1.33, respectively. The results revealed that significantly higher percent of cases were left handed compared with controls. Artificial feeding was common among cases. Significant statistical differences were found between two study groups regarding, socioeconomic status, birth order, family history of CP, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, birth trauma, cyanosis at birth, and history of encephalitis. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in malpresentations, twin pregnancies, recurrent abortion, history of meningitis. In conclusion, birth trauma, low birth weight, artificial feeding and encephalitis are the most frequent risk factors in children with CP in Assiut Governorate. Therefore, antenatal, natal and postnatal health life styles reduce baby's chances of developing cerebral palsy

Validity of the dispersion of myocardial velocities in differentiation between ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy

Differentiation between ischemic and non ischemic cause for left ventricular dysfunction has important therapeutic implication in patients with chronic heart failure. Tissue Doppler imaging [TDI] has provided an objective means to quantify global and regional left ventricular [LV] function with improved accuracy and high reproducibility. The present study aimed to use tissue Doppler imaging of the left ventricle for differentiation between ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy. A total of 40 subjects were included in this study, 15 patients with ischemic cardiomyapathy [1CM], 15 patients with dilated cardiomyapathy [DCM] and 10 healthy subjects as a control group. All studied subjects underwent 12 lead electrocardiogram transthoracic echocardiographic examination and TDI. The following regional parameters were measured in the four basal LV myocardial segments [lateral, septal, anterior and inferior walls]: myocardial systolic [Sm], early diastolic [Em] and late diastolic [Am] velocities, with calculation of dispersion index of each TDI velocity. Both Sm and Em were significantly lower in patients group than in control group [P<0.05]. The mean dispersion index of Sm in control group was [8%+4%], in ICM group [28%+8.1%] and [14%+7.1%] in DCM group, the Sm dispersion index was higher in patients than in the control group and in 1CM group compared to DCM group [P=0.01]. The mean dispersion index of Em in control group was [14%+9%], in ICM group [31%+11.6%] and [19%+4.4%] in DCM group, the Em dispersion index was higher in ICM group in comparison to control group or DCM groups [P=0.001]. The mean dispersion index of Am in control group was [5%+3%]. in ICM group [28%+11.8%] and [19%+9.6%] in DCM group, the Am dispersion index was higher in both patients groups in comparison to control group [P=0.0001]. Receiver operating characteristic [ROC] analysis showed that Sm dispersion index cut off value of [14%] detected patients with ICM with a sensitivity [73%] and a specificity of [90%] while Em dispersion index cut off value of [22%] could detect ICM patients with a sensitivity [80%] and a specificity [90%]. Both systolic [Sm] and Early diastolic velocity [Em] and dispersion of myocardial velocities[Sm, Em and Am] measured by TDI can help for differentiation between ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy

Ghrelin levels in patients with post hepatitis "C" liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Anorexia is a problem of paramount importance that in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis contributes to malnutrition. In turn, malnutrition is a risk factor for the development of life-threatening complications and increased mortality. Ghrelin hormone is an important orexigenic agent that has been postulated to integrate anabolic changes in the body. To measure ghrelin level in Egyptian patients with post-hepatitis C liver cirrhosis with and without hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and its correlation with clinical staging. Ghrelin levels were determined in 25 patients with post-hepatitic [HCY] liver cirrhosis, 25 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 25 healthy subjects [control group]. Ghrelin levels were correlated with the clinical and biochemical parameters. Ghrelin levels were significantly reduced in patients with post-hepatitic liver cirrhosis [52.4 +/- 14 pg/ml], unlike patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who showed markedly elevated levels [453.8 +/- 36 pg/ml] compared to control group [183 +/- 35 .9 pg/ml]. Ghrelin levels were significantly higher in Child C patients in both groups. There was an inverse correlation of Ghrelin with BMI. In the present study, there was significant inverse correlation between ghrelin levels and BMI and significant low ghrelin levels in patients with post HCY liver cirrhosis. However, there was a significant high ghrelin level in HCC patients. Also, ghrelin levels increased markedly in stage C liver cirrhosis and with the development of complications as hematemesis, ascites and encephalopathy

Endoscopic evaluation for refractory cases of iron deficiency anemia in children: experience in Zagazig university hospital

Iron deficiency anemia [IDA] is the most frequently cause of anemia worldwide. Also, it may be a sign of underlying serious diseases especially if refractory to iron therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of GIT pathological findings in symptomatic infants and children with refractory iron deficiency anemia. This study was performed in Pediatric University Hospital during the period from October 2009 to February 2011 on children presented with symptomatic iron deficiency anemia. It included 31 children [18 males, 13 females] with mean age 3.87 +/- 2.3 years. Complete blood counts [CBC], serum iron and serum ferritin were tested. They were treated with iron for 3 months. Further studies were done after failed response. Endoscopic evaluation was done and the cases were treated and re investigated after another 3 months of etiological treatment. Nine patients had cow milk allergy, 8 with Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection, 5 had gastro esophageal reflux disease [GERD], 3 had diaphragmatic hernia, 3 had parasitic infestations, 2 had Celiac disease and 1 patient was diagnosed as peptic ulcer. All of them presented with pallor, 25 patients had abdominal pain, 13 had vomiting, 12 had failure to thrive,11 had abdominal distension,10 had chronic diarrhea,6 had wheezy chest and 5 patients presented with hematemesis. By endoscopic evaluation: 12 patients with non specific oesphagitis showed inflammatory changes in the lower end of oesphagus,5 Helicobacter infected subjects with antral nodularity with gastritis, 3 Helicobacter infected subjects with gastritis without nodularity. The three patients with parasitic infestations showed superficial colonic erosions, 2 patients of Celiac disease had duodenal mucosal abnormalities, while one patient showed duodenal ulceration. There was a highly significant difference in the studied patients before and after treatment of the cause regarding serum iron, ferritin level, hemoglobin, mean cell volume [MCV] and mean cell hemoglobin concentration [MCHC]. Anemic children should not be treated blindly with hematinics. They must be investigated to find out the cause and, type of anemia before starting treatment. GIT endoscopy should be considered in the evaluation of IDA expressing digestive complaints or in those with IDA refractory to iron supplementation

Is left atrial size related to left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensives?

The present study was specifically designed to identify the effects of systemic arterial hypertension on the left ventricular and left atrial function analyzed by 2D and M-mode echocardiographic images. The study included two groups: Patient group included 30 hypertensive patients with age ranging from 35-70 years [51.5 +/- 10.4]; 11 males [36.7%] and 19 females [63.3%], were subjected to echocardiographic study including 2-dimensional and M-mode. Control group included 15 healthy volunteers with age ranging 35-70 years [51.2 +/- 9.75]; 7 males [46.7%] and 8 females [53.3%]. Statistically, there was no significant difference as regard the age. All patients in the study were subjected to full history taking with special emphasis on valvular heart diseases, congenital heart diseases, ischemic heart disease, medical therapy; especially antiarrhythmic drugs, thorough clinical examination with special emphasis on pulse rate, rhythm, systolic and diastolic blood pressure excluding patients on congestive heart failure, standard 12-lead ECG and echocardiographic examination including 2D and M-mode imaging. The study showed systemic arterial hypertension lead to impairment of left ventricular diastolic function due to increased after load but also the changes of left ventricular geometry and structure producing left ventricular hypertrophy. Also, the left atrium involved in this process by structural abnormalities of the left atrial chamber as regarding by the echo imaging. Individual with systolic arterial hypertension had; 1-ECG finding of LVH. 2-Echoparameters showed increased LAD, LAV, IVS, PWT, RWT, LVM and diastolic dysfunction. 3-Hypertension patients may have LVH or not which may be due to recent incidence or lower level of blood pressure. Hypertension patients without LVH did not show increase in LAD and LAV. 4-Left ventricular hypertrophy could be divided into concentric or eccentric LVH according to present or absence of increase RWT. However LA size and volume were similar in patients with concentric and eccentric LVH. There were positive correlation between LAD and degree of LVH represented by LVM and RWT also LAD positively correlate with LV internal dimension and DT and negatively correlate with E/A ratio

Environmental education and its effect on the knowledge and attitudes of preparatory school students

Considering the serious environmental threats facing Egypt, environmental education [EE] that provides the knowledge, skills, and motivation to take individual or collective action is needed to create a sustainable quality of life. This study was carried out aiming at measuring the level of environmental knowledge among preparatory school students in Alexandria, determining their attitudes towards some environmental concepts, and assessing the effect of EE on these knowledge and attitudes. The study sample was selected by stratified random method, and the assessment was conducted using a questionnaire. Results of the study revealed that 77% of the students had poor level of environmental knowledge and that 23% had fair level. In addition, 80% of the students were found to have negative attitude toward the environment and the remainder 20% were indifferent. Such knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated to their socio-economic levels. Following six EE sessions, an improvement in their knowledge and attitudes was observed where 69% of the students had a satisfactory level of knowledge and 88% had positive attitude toward the environment. Attitude was found to be positively correlated to their level of knowledge prior to and following the EE sessions. These results support the need for development and implementation of environmental education programs as part of the regular school curriculum

Salivary anti-Helicobacter pylori positivity among endoscopy patients with chronic liver disease

In this study, endoscopy patients with and without chronic liver disease [CLD] were examined and tested for Helicobacter pylori infection by detecting the presence of serum and salivary anti-H. pylori antibody. The validity of these measures was compared with Campylobacter-like organism analysis [gold standard] performed on patients requiring gastric biopsy. Among 114 patients with CLD and 50 without, the commonest endoscopy diagnosis was gastritis [27.2%]. Salivary H. pylori positivity was significantly associated with older age. Salivary anti-H. pylori antibody positivity showed low sensitivity [36.6%] and high specificity [75.8%] in CLD patients

Characterization of two isolates of prunus necrotic ringspot virus [PNRSV] from peach and apricot in Egypt

Two isolates of PNRSV were isolated from peach and apricot trees at the Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. The peach isolate of PNRSV [PNRSV-PF] was differentiated from the apricot isolate [PNRSV-AP] by ten differential host species. Both isolates were purified successfully with the electro-elution technique. Both isolates had A[max] and A[min] at 260 and 240 nm respectively. The A260/280 ratios were 1.55 and 1.60 for the AP and the PF isolates, respectively. Electron microscopy examination showed spherical virions with ca 27-29 nm in diameter. Both isolates had molecular weight of coat protein subunits of 29 kDa, determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE]. Antisera raised against the two isolates detected their counter antigens in peach and apricot trees. Both antisera cross reacted with their homologous and heterologous antigens in dot blot immunoassay [DBIA] and agar-double diffusion [ADD] tests. The two virus isolates appeared to belong to the same sero-group and represent two different pathotypes. PNRSV-AP varied in sero-grouping of that of beet necrotic ringspot ilarvirus, a tentative isolate of PNRSV, when examined in ADD test. Indirect ELISA showed that 64.2% of 210 tested apricot trees were infected, while 150-inspected peach trees showed 29.5% infection. Four sets of primers were used to amplify both movement protein [MP] and coat protein [CP] genes of the two Egyptian isolates of PNRSV isolated from apricot and peach trees. Amplicons of the correct size [ 894 bp] for the MP gene and [ 704 bp] for the CP gene were obtained from the two examined isolates of PNRSV. Nested PCR using specific primers for both the MP and the CP genes confirmed the authenticity of the PCR amplified products. RT-PCR detected successfully the presence of PNRSV in the pollen grains of infected apricot and peach trees. Nucleotide sequences of the MP genes of the two isolates were revised by the GenBank and given the accession # EU100388 for the peach isolate and EU106649 for apricot isolate. Phylogenetic analysis of RNA 3-MP showed ca 65% similarity between PNRSV-AP and PNRSV-PF; indicating that the two isolates of PNRSV are distantly related. The relatedness between the two isolates and other PNRSV isolates is discussed

Biological, serological and molecular studies on prunus necrotic ring spot virus infecting Rosa hybrida L. in Egypt

Prunus necrotic ring spot virus [PNRSV] was isolated for the first time in Egypt from naturally infected rose plants collected from the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University. Observed symptoms circumvented necrotic ring spots on leaves, bud failure, and color breaking of petals. The virus was transmitted mechanically. The purified virus had Amax and A min at 260 and 240 nm respectively. The 260/280 ratio was 1.56. Yield of purified virus from infected Gompherina globosa was 0.182 mg/g tissue. Electron micrograph of the purified virus showed spherical [23-nm] as well as bacilliform virus particles [42x23 nm]. The induced antiserum from the purified virus was successfully used to detect PNRSV in rose plants in several locations in Egypt. The full length of the replicase gene of PNRSV was successfully amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] using different sets of specific primers. A sensitive and specific IC-RT-PCR protocol was used for the detection of PNRSV from rose tissues. Sequence analysis of PNRSV/rep gene of the rose isolate indicated 60% similarity to that of PNRSV-AF278534 and NC-004362

Adiponectin and resistin in essential hypertension: association with cardiovascular disease

Hypertension is a well established risk factor for vascular diseases, with wide ranging implications on morbidity and mortality. High prevalence of arterial hypertension in obese humans seems to suggest that adipose tissue may influence blood pressure. Adiponectih and resistin, an adipocyte-derived proteins, may play roles in the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease. The present study was aimed to study adiponectin and resistin levels in essential hypertension [EH] and their association with development of cardiovascular disease [CVD]. Thirty EH patients were subclassified into two groups; 17 EH patients without CVD and 13 EH patients with CVD. 15 apparently healthy subjects were studied as control group. All participants were subjected to the following laboratory investigations: fasting glucose, insulin, calculation of homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], lipid profile, high sensitivity CRP [hs-CRP]. Adiponectin and resistin were done by ELISA technique. Adiponectin was significantly decreased in both EH groups compared to controls and in EH patients with CVD compared to those without CVD. Hypoadiponectinemia was associated with significant increased risk of hypertension [OR 7.3, 95% CI 1.2-42.8] and CVD [OR 7.6, 95% CI 1.2-48.0], where OR is odds ratio and CI is confidence interval. Resistin was significantly increased in EH patients with CVD compared to those without CVD and control groups, while no significant difference in resistin was found between EH patients without CVD and controls. Hyperresistinemia was significantly associated with increased risk of CVD [OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.2-34.6] in hypertensive patients. Hypoadiponectinemia and hyperresistenemia were correlated with other risk factors of CVD as elevated blood pressure, atherogenic lipid profile and hs-CRP. Decreased adiponectin and increased resistin were associated with CVD in EH patients. Therapeutic strategies that maintain higher adiponectin and lower resistin may be helpful to lower cardiovascular risk in those patients

Quality of bottled water brands in Egypt part I: physico-chemical analyses

Consumers are reacting to the water quality problems by buying bottled water which is an expensive solution and only partially addresses the problem. Subsequently, sales of bottled water have increased dramatically in the last ten years. To assess the quality of bottled water in Egypt, samples of 14 Egyptian brands of uncarbonated natural bottled water were evaluated within 6 months. Physico-chemical parameters of a total of 84 samples were tested using standard methods comparing them with those reported on their manufacturer's labeling and/or with government-issued production licenses. A comparison between the water composition and the maximum contaminant levels imposed by the Egyptian standards and several other international guidelines for all parameters was reported and discussed. They varied in composition among the brands and from lot to lot for a particular brand. The results obtained showed that a significant number of bottled water brands contain some elements [e.g. fluoride and several heavy metals] above the maximum concentration allowed for bottled waters by the Egyptian standards and several other international organizations. These results suggest the need for more stringent standardization of the bottled water market, with particular attention to quality control, labeling, and continuous monitoring

Quality of bottled water brands in Egypt part II: Biological water examination

People can survive several days without food, but just a few days without water. People buy bottled water for a variety of reasons, including convenience, fashion, and taste or because they think it is safer than tap water. The taste of the water has to do with the way it is treated and the quality of its source, including its natural mineral content. However, taste does not always indicate safeness. Refrigeration has a significant effect on the bacteriological quality of the purchased bottle. To asses the quality of bottled water in Egypt, samples of 14 Egyptian brands of uncarbonated natural bottled water were evaluated within 6 months. Biological examinations of a total of 84 samples were carried out using standard methods comparing them with the Egyptian standards No. 1589/2005. Also bacteriological examinations of 56 samples were carried out after "1-3" months and "3-6" months storage time at room temperature to detect the effect of storage on their quality. More than half [54.8%] of biological parameters were violated the Egyptian standards. A percentage of 28.6% of all bottled water samples were contaminated with coliform, but surprisingly fecal coliforms and E.coli were not detected. Moreover, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from 5.95% and 3.6%, respectively of all samples. Giardia lamblia cysts has been found in 2.4% of samples, while absence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in all samples was reported. More than half [52%] of the unrefrigerated samples were unacceptable compared to only 19.4% of the refrigerated bottles. These results suggest the need for continuous monitoring for evidence of contamination at source or during the bottling process

Prognostic relevance of telomerase and Bcl-2 in acute myeloid leukemia

Prognosis of AML patients is influenced by both clinical and genetic markers. As therapy and supportive care improves, the intrinsic biologic characteristics of the patient's leukemia become the dominant factor in determining prognosis. Some reports suggest that telomerase and Bcl-2 may have a prognostic relevance in AML. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of Telomerase activity and serum level of Bcl-2 in correlation with the disease outcome of AML patients. The study included 63 newly diagnosed cases of acute myeloid leukemia who presented to the Medical Oncology department at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. All patients were adults below the age of 60 years. Blood samples were taken from all patients to assess telomerase activity and Bcl-2 levels prior to the administration of anti-neoplastic treatment as well as from ten healthy controls. Assessment of telomerase activity was done using PCR-ELISA technique and evaluation of Bcl-2 serum level was done using ELISA. Patients were followed up for 3 years. Assessment of prognostic factors in the present study included three main independent parameters: cytogenetics abnormalities [20 cases], immunophenotyping [63 cases] and hyperleukocytosis [63 cases]. Patients were also grouped according to the presence of independent prognostic factors into a poor prognosis group and a non-poor prognosis group. Using this classification half the patients [29 patients: 46%] were categorized in the poor prognosis group. Thirty six percent of patients had hyperleukocytosis [TLC >/= 100,000/micro l], 38% expressed unfavorable immunophenotypic markers [CD34 positivity and/or biphenotypic leukemia's markers], while 3 patients had a poor karyotypic profile [11q23, t [9; 22], del 5q]. The complete remission rate was 57% and the overall median time to CR was 31 days. The 2-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 32.5% and 23.5% respectively. While the 2 and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 21.6% and 18% respectively. We found no correlation between the presence of adverse prognostic factors and time to CR, overall survival or disease-tree survival rates. However, patients in the poor prognosis group showed an inferior 2-year disease-free survival [12% versus 34%; p=0.02]. The median level of telomerase activity for AML patients was 0.40 U [0.38 to 0.56]. We found a significant negative correlation between CR rate and telomerase activity [p=0.019] but not with time to CR, or the 2-year overall survival. Lower levels of telomerase activity were associated with a significantly better disease free survival at 1 year when compared to higher levels [34% versus 10%; p=0.012]. There was also a highly significant correlation between telomerase activity and the poor prognosis group [p=0.0001]. The median serum level of Bcl-2 for patients in the present study was 204 U/mL. Bcl-2 levels correlated negatively with CR rate [p=0.06]; but did not correlate with time to CR. Bcl-2 levels less than 200 U/mL were associated with better 2-year overall survival and 1-year disease-free survival [p=0.07 and p=0.005]. There was a highly significant correlation between Bcl-2 and prognosis group [p=0.0001], the presence of hyperleukocytosis [p=0.0001] and CD 34 positivity [p= 0.011]. Patients with more than one poor prognostic criterion had a tendency for lower overall survival rate at 1 year [24% versus 42%; p=0.094] and significantly lower disease-free survival rate at 1 year [24% versus 50%; p=0.036]. There was a significant correlation between telomerase activity levels and Bcl-2 level in the serum of AML patients [r=0.623, p< 0.0001]. Telomerase activity levels and Bcl-2 levels correlate significantly with disease-free survival in AML patients. Further studies would be needed to establish their role in the prognosis of this disease and to determine if an association between telomerase activity and the anti-apoptotic pathway exists