Effect of sex hormones on progression of diabetic renal disease in experimental model of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

In diabetes there is a state of imbalance in the sex hormone levels However, whether these changes in sex hormone correlate with the decline in renal function associated with diabetes is unclear Was to study the effect of 17 beta estradiole in female and testosterone propionate in male diabetic or gonadectionzed diabetic animals on the progression of diabetic renal disease. This work was carried on 40 female and 40 male wistar rats each was furtherly divided into five groups 8 rats each, normal control, diabetic, gonadectomized diabetic, 17 beta estradiol is given to female and testosterone propionate to male diabetic and gonadectomized diabetic. In all groups 24 hours urine, albumin excretion, blood urea, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, fasting blood glucose, reduced glutathione, and malonaldelhyde were measured. Histopathological examination of the kidney of all animals studied were done. Evidence of deterioration of kidney function in diabetic compared to normal and this deterioration become worse with evidence of oxidative stress and hyperglycemia in gonadectomized diabetic of both sexes compared to diabetic alone. 17 beta estradiol, given to diabetic female or ovariectomizead diabetic causes improvement of all renal parameters, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effect. Testosterone propionate given to diabetic or castrated diabetic causes insignificant change in kidney function when compared to diabetic without testosterone. All these results was evidenced with histopathogical changes in the kidney of all groups studied, however castration causes hyperglycemia which is improved by testosterone also there is evidences of oxidative stress in diabetic male rats and insignificant changes in reduced glutathione and malonaldehyde in castrated male and when testosterone is given to diabetic or castrated diabetic. Estradiol, therapy is renoprotective which could be taken as effective regimen to attenuate the onset and progression of diabetic renal disease. Also caution should be taken when testosterone is considered as a treatment in diabetic with renal complication

Mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and related proteins in placenta of pregnant Egyptian women with pre-eclampsia

Apoptosis within the placenta is increased in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia [PE].This study aimed at evaluating the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in placenta of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and correlate it with severity and pregnancy outcome. Apoptosis was assessed by measuring DNA fragmentation%,Bcl-2, p53 and caspase-9 in placental tissues from 25 pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia, and 25 placentas of normal pregnancy [NP]. DNA fragmentation, p53 and caspase-9, were significantly increased while, Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the placenta of pre-eclampsia group compared to control. No significant difference between mild and severe pre-eclampsia subgroups regarding these parameters could be found. DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with Bcl-2 in PE group. Moreover, DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with maternal age in both PE and control groups. A significant positive correlation between placental DNA fragmentation and gestational age in the NP group was observed. A significant negative correlation between caspase9 activity, and fetal weight in PE group was found. It can be concluded that Hypoxia and ischemia induced by pre-eclampsia, up regulate p53 and reduce Bcl-2 expression with activation of caspase-9 and increasing DNA fragmentation in placental tissue. These results implicate the mitochondrial pathway in enhancing apoptosis in preeclamptic placenta and affecting fetal outcome but not the severity

Microwave mediated facile synthesis of some novel pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazole, pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidine and triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine pendant to pyrrole

The synthetic potency of E-3-[dimethylamino]-1-[1H-pyrrol-2-yl]prop-2-en-1-one towards some nitrogen nucleophiles was investigated under microwave irradiations as a convenient route for the synthesis of some novel pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazole, pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidine and Triazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine derivatives

Detailed evaluation of a newly attained fungal pigment from Monascus purpureus

It is the purpose of current work to reveal the prosperity of that red pigment extracted from Monascus purpureus, when used as a natural coloring agent in some foodstuffs, as compared with a synthetic strawberry dye color. Before all, the attained pigment was evaluated for its moisture 9.45%, protein 9.30%, fat 3.90%, carbohydrates 73.37%, fiber 3.20%, and ash 0.78%, and essential amino acids content 34.38% of total proteins of every 100gm of this pigment produced energy was calculated as 365.78 kcal. Seeking a fuller imago the forthcoming conclusions were recorded when the attained pigment was applied in the those familiar foodstuffs. With the exception of ash%, other above stated chemical parameters did not vary widely. The effects of both used pigments on the Colony Forming Unit [CFU] of fresh product were clearly obvious on the reduction of values. Similar reductions were also noticed on Staphylococcus aureus and coliforms alike. Much more reductions in these estimates were further recorded by the progress of storage. The sensory judgment of ice cream was proved statistically as both used pigments were more prosperous than the natural ones. Beef burger treated with Mold pigment [MP] had a higher nutritional value than control that produced without any color additive. The nutritional value of MP samples were enhanced by increasing pigment concentration. Moreover, Synthetic Dye [SD] sample was the lowest values of the main nutrients. Data revealed that cooking loss% was lesser in all fresh pigment samples than control treatments. This characteristic was progressively increased in values by the extension of storage. However, that increase was lesser in magnitude in used fungal pigment than the corrosponding ones of control. Similar results were recorded for Water Holding Capacity [WHC]. Reversible conclusion was noticed for Plasticity. The initial total bacterial count [TBC], Staphylococcus aureus and coliform count ranged from 7.5 x 10[3] to 2.8 x 10[2] cfu /g; 2.0 x 10[2] to ND cfu /g and 3.2 x 10[3] to 2.1 x 10[1] cfu /g for control, and the different levels of the concerned pigment in the fresh samples, respectively. Extending of storage period up to 60 days the all tested total bacterial count [TBC], Staphylococcus aureus and coliform count moderately reduced. At the end of storage period for 90 days at -18°C obviously reductions for all tested bacteria. Finally, it could be concluded that the inhibition percentage of beef burger samples was increased with increasing the Monascus pigment concentration up to 0.8g / kg. With regard to color, control sample had significantly lower score compared to treated samples with Monascus or synthetic that were insignificantly different. Flavour and overall acceptability were insignificantly differed among all treatments. While, appearance of the samples was significantly changed. Monascus samples showed the highest significant score, followed by control sample and synthetic beef burgers. By increasing concentration of Monascus pigment, the color was significantly increased. Also, these treatments unsignificant differences in color was noticed. Flavour and body and texture scores were insignificantly different among all treatments

Cognitive functions changes in Egyptian sewage networks workers

Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic gas about which much has been written. It constitutes one of the most serious chemical hazards to which sewage network workers are exposed to. The current work aimed at assessment of cognitive dysfunctions among workers of sewer networks and the relation of these changes, if any, to the level of exposure to the biomarker, urinary thiosulfate. A trial for setting a screening test for cognitive function change. The work was conducted among 34 male workers involved in the maintenance of the sewage network and a matched unexposed control group [n = 21]. The participants were subjected to clinical neurological examination, estimation of urinary thiosulfate as hydrogen sulfide exposure biomarker, and assessment of cognitive functions changes by using neurophysiological [simple reaction time, P300 test] and neuropsychological tests [Wechsler Memory Scale] and frontal executive functions. Clinical neurological history revealed significantly higher neurological symptoms [headache, memory defects, lack of concentration] among exposed workers compared to their controls [P < 0.05]. Marked elevation of urinary thiosulfate was observed among the exposed workers [P < 0.001] although this elevation was not correlated with the duration of exposure. Exposed workers showed poor performance of most of neuropsychological tests compared to control subjects. Significantly prolonged simple reaction time and delayed P300 latency were found among sewer network workers. Most of exposed workers had significantly lower Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] scoring than that of the controls [P < 0.001]. MMSE was significantly correlated with other neuropsychological tests. Exposure of sewer network workers is associated with significant cognitive dysfunction which can be screened by applying MMSE annually as a screening test of the exposed workers

Main health problems among menopausal women at Nazlet El-Ashtar village [Giza governorate]

Menopause in a physiological event in the women's life; it marks the end of the reproductive capacity of the woman. With the increase in life expectancy, the women spend a significant of their lives [about one third or more] in the postmenopausal status [48]. To investigate the age and the common manifestations experienced by women at menopause, Questionnaire form [including Beck's Depression Scale] was filled and complete clinical examination was performed for a sample of 99 women aged from45-55 years live in a rural area to obtain socio demographic and socioeconomic data, menstrual history, age at menopause and menopausal symptoms prevalence and to assess physical and psychological health status. Analysis of data is based on grouping of the participants into 3 groups according to the menopausal status: Group 1 [premenopausal: Women with regular menstrual period or with any type of menstrual irregularity other than the change in the amount of flow], Group 2 [menopausal transition: Women with change in the amount of flow of menses], and Group 3 [postmenopausal: Women with 12 months or more of amenorrhea]. The study revealed a mean age at menopause of 46.177 +/- 4.104 years and a significant difference between the 3 studied groups in experiencing hot flushes while no significant difference was found between them in experiencing depression. Accordingly services for geriatric, premenopausal and postmenopausal women should be integrated to the primary health care facility including health education program for women about the physiological process of menopause, healthy life style, the possible associating symptoms, and the very simple measures of management

Effect of training programs on some pulmonary functions and physical work capacity of students of faculty of physical education of Assiut University

This study included 400 students of Faculty of Physical Education of Assuit University of both sexes. It was carried out to study the effect of the Faculty training program on some pulmonary function test, maximum oxygen consumption [VO[2max]], physical work capacity [PWC[170]], ratio and oxygen saturation. The study showed the following: Pulmonary function test values: at the start of the studying year, the mean values of pulmonary function test showed non-significant change in all studied groups after Karpman test on comparing with those before it [males and females]. The values of male and female students significantly increased with training progress [from the start of the training period till the end of twenty week]. The values of the fourth year [male and female] students were significantly higher than that of the first year students. The values of male students were higher than that of the female among all studied grades. Physical work capacity [PWC[170]] and VO[2max]: the mean values of [PWC[170]] and VO[2max] of all students [male and female] were progressively increased with training period from the start of the studying year to the period of ten weeks after the start. After that, no significant changes could be recorded on comparing with that after twenty week. The mean values of the fourth year students were the highest while the first year values are the lowest both in male and female students, The mean values of male were higher than that of the female in all studied groups. The ratio [PWC[170] to the weight]: the mean values of the ratio [PWC[170] to the weight] of both male and female students increased progressively with the training period till the end of the twenty weeks, The mean values of female ratio were higher than that of the male in all studied groups. Oxygen saturation: the mean values of both male and female students were not affected by training progress. The mean values of oxygen saturation of male students were significantly higher than that of female students. There was non-significance decrease in oxygen saturation in both male and female students after Karpman test

role of black seed and/or bees honey in modulating the heart disorder induced by food additives in male rats

The present study aimed to throw the light on the potential hazards of some food additives whether preservatives such as sodium nitrite or colors as sunset yellow on the heart disorders through their own effect or the interaction between them. The study also, investigated the possible protective role of black seed and/or bees honey against such risks. Herein, the mentioned food additives caused significant elevations in serum and cardiac total lipids [TL], total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG] and phospholipids [PL] levels as well as serum LDL-c, VLDL-c levels and LDL-c/HDL-c ratio. Meanwhile, significant decrements were shown in serum HDL-c level and HDL-c/TC ratio. Additionally, creatine kinase [CK] and aspartate transferase [AST] enzymes activity were increased significantly in serum and cardiac tissue. Moreover, oxidative stress markers; lipid peroxidation product [MDA] and protein carbonyl group [PC] were increased significantly in the cardiac tissue. Regarding, antioxidants glutathione [GSH] content, glutathione -S -transferase [GST] and catalase [CAT] enzymes activity were decreased significantly in the cardiac tissue. However, the use of black seed and/or bees honey ameliorated the disturbances observed indicating remarkable protection against the toxic effects of these food additives on the heart and offers more safety. Overall, here with the most pronounced effect was achieved by the combined treatment. In addition, the treatment by bees honey was more effective than black seed

Conveninent synthesis and antimicrobial activity of pyrazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidine derivatives

Pyrazole derivatives 3a,b were formed upon reacting phenylhydrazine with ketene S, S-acetal or tetracyanoethylene. The pyrazole derivatives 3a, b were in turn used as precursors for the preparation of pyrazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidines which are expected to possess considerable chemical and pharmacological activities. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared compounds was tested

Cytokine response to cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac performance in coronary artery bypass graft surgery

In this work, 20 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery were studied. Anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass were standardized. Monitoring consisted of an electrocardiogram, a pulmonary artery catheter and an intraarterial line. Ventricular performance was assessed with standard parameters including central venous pressure [CVP], pulmonary arterial pressure [PAP], pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP], cardiac output [CO], heart rate, systemic blood pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction [estimated by transthoracic echocardiography]. All parameters were measured pre bypass, three hours after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass and one day after the onset of bypass. Levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-8 were determined from blood samples collected from each patient before cardiopulmonary bypass and three hours and one day after the onset of bypass. TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 were increased by cardiopulmonary bypass. TNF-alpha and IL-8 were associated with tachycardia, hypotension, high PCWP, low CO and ejection fraction <50%, TNF-alpha was also associated with high CVP and high PAP. IL-6 was not associated with impaired hemodynamics. These results suggested an association between TNF-alpha and IL-8 and poor cardiac performance after coronary artery bypass graft with cardiopulmonary bypass

Plasma adhesion molecules levels in patients with chronic heart failure

This study was done on 30 male patients suffering from chronic heart failure. Fifteen patients have previous history of ischemic heart. Their ages ranged from 45 to 55 years and 15 patients with past history of rheumatic heart, their ages ranged from 45 to 55 years. Another 10 normal healthy volunteers were taken as control with ages ranged from 45 to 55 years. Plasma VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and TM were measured. Serum C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] were also measured in both patients and controls. There were significant increases in all parameters if compared with those of normal individuals. This indicated that plasma adhesion molecules were increased in patients with chronic heart failure of different causes

study of the possible effects of acute common bile duct ligation on some hepatorenal functions, some cytokines, free radicals and gastric secretion [an experimental study]

Obstructive Jaundice is a clinical manifestation of a disease of biliary system. Jaundiced patients have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality compared with those without jaundice. Renal impairment is extremely common in the presence of obstructive jaundice with 60-75% of patients develop a drop in post operative glomerular filtration rate with the development of postoperative renal failure. Several important features appear to be important in the development of reticuloendothelial dysfunction and allows endotoxin to spill over into the systemic circulation causing impairment of immune function leading to systemic complications. In addition to the oxidative stress caused by the oxygen free radicals, the pro-inflammatory cytokines play a role in obstructive jaundice as well as in the pathogenesis of renal impairment in jaundiced patients. Gastric secretion is impaired with obstructive jaundice and the resulting uremia. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of common bile duct ligation on some hepatic and renal functions experimentally in dog, [Part I], some cytokines, nitric oxide and free radicals [Part II] and gastric secretion [Part III]. The study group consisted of 8 dogs of average weight 14.5kg. Biochemical analysis of total serum bilirubin [TSB], alkaline phosphatase [ALP]aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], albumin, creatinine, urea, sodium [Na[+]] and potassium [k[+]], [part I] tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interlukine one beta [IL-1 beta], nitric oxide [NO], and malondialdhyde [MDA], [part II], were estimated before common bile duct ligation [CBDL] and on the 2[nd], 5[th] and 8[th]day from ligation. Basal gastric secretion was collected simultaneously and measured for volume with determination of the free and total acidity and pepsin activity [part III] In part I of this study the results showed that CBDL resulted in highly significant increase in TSB, AST, ALT and ALP, on the 5[th] and 8[th] day from ligation [P<0.001]. Only ALP showed a significant increase on the 2[nd] day of ligation [P<0.05], while the other parameters showed insignificant increases [P>0.05]. Blood urea, serum creatinine, Na[+] and k[+] levels and the total proteins in urine were insignificantly increased in the sample taken on the 2[nd] day from ligation [P>0.05] whereas all these parameters showed significant increases in the samples taken on the 5[th] and 8[th] day from ligation [P<0.05]. In part II of this study the results showed highly significant increases of NO and MDA from the first sample on the 2[nd] day from ligation [P<0.001] and still high throughout the study. As regards TNF-alpha and IL-1-beta both showed insignificant changes on the 2[nd] day from ligation while they showed significant increases of both levels on the 5[th] and 8[th] day from ligation [P<0.05]. In part III of this study the results showed a highly significant reduction of the volume of gastric secretion and a highly significant increase in the concentration of both free and total acidity as well as pepsin activity [P<0.001] on the 5[th] and 8[th] day from ligation.During the first 48 hours of ligation significant increases of the volume of gastric secretion, concentration of both free and total acidities and in pepsin activity [P<0.05]. In conclusion at the end of part I of this study we concluded that during the first 48 hours of acute common bile duct obstruction, the hepatic and renal functions show no impairment which worsen later on.So early surgical interference in obstructive jaundice should take place as early as possible before the liver and kidney functions start to be impaired. At the end of part II of this study we concluded that pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals have to be considered in dealing with obstructive Jaundiced patients with enhancement of the role of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents as a part of the management. At the end of part III of this study we concluded that gastric hypersecretion occurs early in acute obstructive jaundice while gastric hyposecretion occurs in prolonged period of obstruction. This is of benefit during the management of obstructive Jaundiced patients according to the period of obstruction as each condition has its own medication to prevent gastric troubles. Correlation of the parameters measured in these three parts of this study is of great value to evaluate the condition of the patient according to the period of obstruction and giving him an appropriate dealing either medically or surgically

Effect of ultrasound on the ultrastructure of rat skin and on the concentration of zinc and iron

This work deals with the use of ultrasound waves of frequency 20 KHz and average intensity 1.5 W/Cm[2], to study its effect on the cellular ultrastructure and the concentration of the zinc and iron on the rat skin. This study was conducted on 20 rats. They were divided into four groups: control, and three experimental groups exposed to ultrasound radiation for 15, 20 and 30 minutes respectively. Skin samples were taken to study thefr ultrastructure by a transmission electron microscope and their zinc and iron content by an atomic absorption spectrophotometry. There were evident on ultrastructural changes in rat skin, exposed to ultrasound at different intervals when compared with the normal tissue. As regard to the trace elements there was a significant decrease in concentration of Zn and increase in Fe concentration in comparison with the control group

Efficacy of praziquantel against Giardia lamblia in rats: parasitological, pathological and therapeutic study

Four-five weeks old rats were included in this study and divided into two experimental groups received single or split doses of praziquantel [PZQ] as well as two control groups, one infected untreated and the other normal healthy rats. The effect of infection on rat growth as well as the jejunal and duodenal architecture was histopathologically studied after H and E staining. The jejunal ultrastructure was examined by SEM and TEM. The effect of PZQ was evaluated using the same techniques. It was observed that infected as well as infected treated animals had less weight than the healthy controls. The intensity of infection decreased gradually after treatment. The cure rate was 100% after split dose and 80% after a single dose. Altered villus height and cryptic depth were the characteristic changes in the architecture of the duodenum and jejunum, more pronounced in the latter. The split dose of PZQ revealed a more improvement of the histopathological findings than the single dose. By SEM, circular imprints representing defects in the villi were observed in the jejunum. By TEM deformation of microvillar architecture was observed together with organellar changes in the RER and the mitochondria after PZQ treatment

study of neuropsychological disorders - among aluminum foundry workers

For 63 aluminum foundry workers and 58 matched construction workers, aluminum concentrations in plasma and urine were measured. The exposed workers were classified into low-exposure and high-exposure groups according to ambient aluminum dust concentrations. For referents, low exposure and high exposure groups, the mean plasma aluminum levels were 4.1, 29.5, 48.4 micro g/L respectively, and the corresponding values for urinary aluminum being 10.1, 46.3, 70.8 micro g/L, respectively. In the exposed group, there was a statistically significant linear correlation between aluminum concentrations in the plasma and urine [r = 0.95]. Central nervous system functions were assessed with a neuropsychological symptoms questionnaire, and a neuropsychological test battery. There was an exposure-related increase in memory and concentration problems, tremors, fatigue and dizziness as well as impairment of the results of manual and finger dexterity test and attention test. The correlation between aluminum exposure indices and the used neuropsychological test performance could indicate effects from exposure to aluminum

study of the effects of garlic [Allium Sativum] and black seed [Nigella Sativa] on some liver functions and histopathology in nerium oleander induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

The aim of the present study is the evaluation of possible hepatoprotective effects of Garlic and Nigella extract in albino rats. Nerium oleander plant is widely cultivated in Egypt and is considered the major cause of children's admission to hospital after accidental ingestion. Previous studies indicated that the plant produced impairment of hepatic and renal function. In the present study we investigated the possible effects of both oily extracts of garlic [Allium sativum, 6.6 mg/kg, orally] and black seed [Nigella sativa oil [NSO] 100 mg/kg, orally] on some hepatic toxic effects that were induced by intraperitoneal injection [i.p.] of Nerium oleander dried leaves extract [10 mg/kg] for 10 and 20 days. The results of this study were divided into three parts as follows: The first one of study showed that daily intraperitoneal injection [i.p.] of Nerium oleander leaves extract, sublethal dose [10 mg/kg] for 10 and 20 days produced a significant increase in liver enzymes activities [AST, ALT and ALP] whereas, albumin and albumin / globulin ratio were significantly decreased in 20 days while total proteins, globulin were not significantly increased in both 10 and 20 days. Histopathology of liver showed marked toxic manifestation on hepatocytes in the form of nuclear fragmentation [pyknotic]. The second one of the study showed that the simultaneous daily supplementation of garlic oily extract [6.6 mg/kg,orally] with [i.p] Nerium oleander extract [10 mg/kg, b.wt.] for 10 and 20 days produced significant reductions of liver enzymes AST and ALT whereas ALP was significantly reduced in 20 days. Albumin was significantly increased in 20 days. Total protein, globulin, albumin/globulin [ratio] were not significantly changed. Histopathology of liver showed marked improvement of hepatocytes and recovery changes are more marked in hepatic tissues. The third one showed that simultaneous daily supplementation of higella saliva oil [100 mg/kg] with [i.p.] Nerium oleander extract [10 mg /kg] for 10 and 20 days produced a significant reduction of alkaline phosphatase while all other parameters of the study were not significantly changed [10 days]. However, 20 days NSO produced significant reduction of AST, ALT, ALP, while albumin was significantly increased. As regards total proteins, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, they were not significantly changed. Histopathology of the liver showed recovery manifestation of liver cells less than that observed with garlic extract. These results allow us to recommend the supplementation of either garlic or NSO or both in toxic liver affection disorders

Environmental and respiratory health assessment of workers chronically exposed to coal dust in an Egyptian Coal-Mine at North Sinai

The present work aims at evaluating the respiratory effects among a group of Egyptian coalworkers chronically exposed to coal dust. The present work comprised 228 coal workers employed for durations ranging from 0.2 to 33 years in various sections of a coal mine, located at north Sinai of Egypt. The workers were subjected to a questionnaire comprising full personal, present, past, family and occupational histories, clinical examination, chest X-ray, ventilatory function tests, and assay of immunoglobulins M, G, and E. Total, respirable and non-respirable dust samples were collected and analysed from different workplace air. Personal total, respirable and non-respirable dust samples being collected from different workplace air proved to exceed the TLV, especially at the feeding tunnel and the washing box. The clinical study revealed mild to moderate affection of the ventilatory function parameters, especially for those related to small and medium size airways. Clinically, positive cases were about 40% of the studied workers, and radiologically, abnormal chest X-rays affected about 25% of the surveyed personnel. An increased incidence of obstructive and combined ventilatory defects was noticed with longer duration of employment. The same was noticed with abnormal findings elicited by the chest X-rays, especially mentioning suspected interstitial pulmonary fibrosis [IPF]. Workers at the underground sites had significant higher incidence of chest symptoms, abnormally higher values of IgG and IgE, more cases with broncho-vascular markings and JPF than their colleagues working on the ground. Clinically positive workers had more abnormal chest X ray findings and about 71% of them had COPD, irrespective to the place of work. Positive cases were also correlated well with abnormal IgG and IgE. The study pointed out the presence of definite exposure to coal dust, higher than the recommended TLV, in different sections at Maghara coal mine. The clinical study revealed adverse respiratory effects among coal-workers, which strongly suggest the relation with chronic coal dust exposure. Smoking has significant influence on the development of chest symptoms elicited among the studied workers. Adopting pre-placement and periodic medical examinations, provision of training, and supplying coal-workers with suitable protective equipment. Addition of "Coal dust Exposure and Consequent Effects" to the Egyptian list of occupational diseases. Continuous monitoring of coal dust should be a routine procedure

Effect of passive smoking on thyroid function in neonates

To evaluate the effect of passive smoking on thyroid function in infants. Cord serum Tri-iodothyronine [T3], Thyroxine [T4], Serum thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], Thyroglobulin [Tg], and cord plasma thiocyanate [SCN] were measured at birth in 43 infants born to smoking fathers, and in 40 infants whose both parents were non-smokers. No significant differences were observed in cord serum concentrations of T3, T4 and TSH among the two groups. Tg and SCN concentrations were significantly higher in the study group than in controls [p<0.0001]. T3, T4, TSH were not correlated with SCN values, while there was strong [+ve] correlation between Tg and SCN [r=0.97]. Birth weight was significantly higher in controls than in the study group and, by regression, it was affected mainly by gestational age, and was not affected by SCN. Passive smoking during pregnancy may be responsible for elevated serum levels of thyroglobulin due to a direct effect of thiocyanate on the thyroid gland

Effect of mercury on the immune response and mean intensity of Hymenolepis Nana infection in mice

The effect of mercury on selected immunological parameters was studied in mice with experimental H. nana infection. T-lymphocytes and serum protein changes in mice treated for varying duration with mercuric chloride [HgCl2] and subsequently infected with 1000 H. nana eggs were compared with their counterpart controls: an only treated and an only infected groups. Decreased values of T-lymphocytes beta and gamma globulins in the mercury-treated control group indicate suppression of immune response by mercury. The subsequent infection of HgCl2-intoxicated animals elevated the studied immunological parameters along with higher worm recoveries in comparison with infected non-intoxicated mice, but these immunological parameters remained significantly suppressed

Matrix-metallo proteinase-9 [MMP-9] [gelatinase B] levels in rheumatoid arthritis useful laboratory marker

In an attempt to find a potentially useful serum markers in rheumatoid arthritis which reflect the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, we measured the circulating levels of matrix degrading metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9] also termed gelatinase B in sera and synovial fluids [SF] from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The levels of MMP-9 in sera were measured in 20 females patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and in 15 female healthy control subjects, while the levels of MMP-9 in synovial fluid were measured in the same 20 female individuals with active rheumatoid arthritis and compared to 10 patients with noninflammatory joint diseases as a control. There was significant elevation in the levels of MMP-9 in sera of patients compared to controls. There was also significant elevation in the levels of MMP-9 in SF in patients compared to controls. So Matrix Mettalloproteinase-9 can be used as a good marker in cases of rheumatoid arthritis