Tuberculosis/toxoplasmosis co-infection in Egyptian patients: A reciprocal impact

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the concurrent toxoplasmosis infection in Egyptian TB patients and the impact of each infection on the other in terms of increased severity of TB or reactivation of latent Toxoplasma infection.@*METHODS@#Three hundred suspected pulmonary TB cases were initially screened for TB using direct Ziehl Neelsen staining and Lowenstein Jensen culture of their sputa. Rifampicin resistance was detected by Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Control group of 30 age and sex-matched healthy individuals negative for TB was included for comparison. All subjects were further assessed for serum levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and malondialdehyde (MDA).@*RESULTS@#Forty three confirmed TB-infected patients including 10 (23.3%) rifampicin-resistant patients were detected. Associated toxoplasmosis was found to be significantly higher among TB patients (OR = 2.709; 95% CI: 1.034-7.099; P<0.05) and among rifampicin sensitive than rifampicin resistant TB patients (OR=0.213; 95% CI: 0.048-0.951; P < 0.05). Serum levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and MDA were significantly higher among TB patients than the control group. Furthermore, serum level of MDA was significantly higher among TB/Toxoplasma co-infected patients as compared to toxoplasmosis free-TB patients. Strong positive correlation was detected between serum levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and MDA in TB patients (r = 0.75, P = 0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Among pulmonary TB Egyptian patients, there is a considerable prevalence of toxoplasmosis. Severity of pulmonary tuberculosis could be increased by Toxoplasma co-infection.

Tuberculosis/toxoplasmosis co-infection in Egyptian patients: A reciprocal impact

Objective To assess the concurrent toxoplasmosis infection in Egyptian TB patients and the impact of each infection on the other in terms of increased severity of TB or reactivation of latent Toxoplasma infection. Methods Three hundred suspected pulmonary TB cases were initially screened for TB using direct Ziehl Neelsen staining and Lowenstein Jensen culture of their sputa. Rifampicin resistance was detected by Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Control group of 30 age and sex-matched healthy individuals negative for TB was included for comparison. All subjects were further assessed for serum levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results Forty three confirmed TB-infected patients including 10 (23.3%) rifampicin-resistant patients were detected. Associated toxoplasmosis was found to be significantly higher among TB patients (OR = 2.709; 95% CI: 1.034–7.099; P < 0.05) and among rifampicin sensitive than rifampicin resistant TB patients (OR=0.213; 95% CI: 0.048–0.951; P < 0.05). Serum levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and MDA were significantly higher among TB patients than the control group. Furthermore, serum level of MDA was significantly higher among TB/Toxoplasma co-infected patients as compared to toxoplasmosis free-TB patients. Strong positive correlation was detected between serum levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and MDA in TB patients (r = 0.75, P = 0.001). Conclusions Among pulmonary TB Egyptian patients, there is a considerable prevalence of toxoplasmosis. Severity of pulmonary tuberculosis could be increased by Toxoplasma co-infection.

Antiapototic effect of captopril in cisplatin-induced kidney injury in rats

Aim of the work: captopril protects against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicitity; however its potential modulatory effect on hemeoxygenase [HO]-1, antioxidants, as well as inflammatory and apoptotic markers has not yet been verified

Materials and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control [saline], cisplatin [5 mg/kg; i.p], and captopril [60 and 100 mg/kg] given 5 days before and after cisplatin [5 mg/kg; i.p] treatment

Results: Five-day pre- and post-treatment with captopril [60 and 100 mg/kg; i.p], for a total of 10 days, dose dependently, reduced blood urea nitrogen, as well as serum creatinine and gamma glutamyl transferase, but serum albumin and total protein levels were increased. Captopril restored renal pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance by activating glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and boosting the renal glutathione content. These effects were accompanied by the reduction in serum and/or renal HO-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, nitric oxide, endothelin-1 and caspase-3. Microscopically, captopril especially at 100 mg/kg dose level, prevented cisplatin-induced degenerative changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in the kidney

Conclusion: captopril protects against cisplatin nephrotoxicity by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic potentials

Protective effects of onion oil and selenium against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats

Nephrotoxicity is an inherent of certain anticancer drugs. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of onion oil and selenium against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Cisplatin [5 mg/kg, i.p.] caused significant increases in serum sodium, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, total sodium and potassium excreted in urine, urine volume and lipid peroxides measured as the malondialdehyde content of kidney, with significant decreases in serum total protein, creatinine clearance, reduced glutathione content of kidney and kidney superoxide dismutase activity as compared to the control group. On the other hand, administration of onion oil [100 mg/kg, p.o.] or selenium [1 mg/kg, p.o.] for 14 days with a single cisplatin dose on the 10[th] day ameliorated the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity as indicated by the restoration of kidney function and oxidative stress biomarkers. Onion oil and selenium showed protective effects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Isolation and characterisation of human gingival margin-derived STRO-1/MACS(+) and MACS(-) cell populations / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Recently, gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells isolated via STRO-1/magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) showed remarkable periodontal regenerative potential in vivo. As a second-stage investigation, the present study's aim was to perform in vitro characterisation and comparison of the stem/progenitor cell characteristics of sorted STRO-1-positive (MACS⁺) and STRO-1-negative (MACS⁻) cell populations from the human free gingival margin. Cells were isolated from the free gingiva using a minimally invasive technique and were magnetically sorted using anti-STRO-1 antibodies. Subsequently, the MACS⁺ and MACS⁻ cell fractions were characterized by flow cytometry for expression of CD14, CD34, CD45, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD146/MUC18 and STRO-1. Colony-forming unit (CFU) and multilineage differentiation potential were assayed for both cell fractions. Mineralisation marker expression was examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MACS⁺ and MACS(-) cell fractions showed plastic adherence. MACS⁺ cells, in contrast to MACS⁻ cells, showed all of the predefined mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell characteristics and a significantly higher number of CFUs (P<0.01). More than 95% of MACS⁺ cells expressed CD105, CD90 and CD73; lacked the haematopoietic markers CD45, CD34 and CD14, and expressed STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18. MACS⁻ cells showed a different surface marker expression profile, with almost no expression of CD14 or STRO-1, and more than 95% of these cells expressed CD73, CD90 and CD146/MUC18, as well as the haematopoietic markers CD34 and CD45 and CD105. MACS⁺ cells could be differentiated along osteoblastic, adipocytic and chondroblastic lineages. In contrast, MACS⁻ cells demonstrated slight osteogenic potential. Unstimulated MACS⁺ cells showed significantly higher expression of collagen I (P<0.05) and collagen III (P<0.01), whereas MACS⁻ cells demonstrated higher expression of osteonectin (P<0.05; Mann-Whitney). The present study is the first to compare gingival MACS⁺ and MACS⁻ cell populations demonstrating that MACS⁺ cells, in contrast to MACS⁻ cells, harbour stem/progenitor cell characteristics. This study also validates the effectiveness of the STRO-1/MACS⁺ technique for the isolation of gingival stem/progenitor cells. Human free gingival margin-derived STRO-1/MACS⁺ cells are a unique renewable source of multipotent stem/progenitor cells.

Corneal spherical aberration and its impact on choosing an intraocular lens for cataract surgery

To analyze the post operative results of targeting zero spherical aberration by selecting the best-fit aspheric intraocular lens [IOL], based on preoperative corneal spherical aberration of patients with phacoemulsification surgery. AlHokama Eye Specialist Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. -Period: From the 1st of October 2012 until the 10th of April 2013. Fifty-three eyes, were subjected to phacoemulsification cataract surgery and divided into two groups, 34 eyes were implanted with aspheric lOLs based on their corneal spherical aberration targeting post operative zero total spherical aberration, whereas 19 eyes were implanted with neutral aspheric lOLs regardless of their corneal spherical aberrations [CSAs]. As a pre and post routine examination, patients underwent: slit lamp testing, intraocular pressure [IOP] measuring, fundus examination, best spectacle corrected visual acuity [BSCVA] manifest refraction, pupillometry, axial length, contrast sensitivity, and corneal aberration measurement using Pentacam HR [OCULUS, Germany] at the 6-mm optical zone. Post operatively, visual function questionnaire [VF-14] was asked to all patients. Fifty-three eyes of 45 patients, whose age ranged from 45 to 90 years old, were available for analysis, the selected group was implanted with Tecnis ZA9003 or ZCBOO [Abbott Medical Optics] lOLs in 17 eyes with corneal spherical aberration of more than 0.27 microm, AcrySof IQ SN60WF [Alcon Laboratories Inc.] lOLs were implanted in 4 eyes with CSA = [0.2-0.27] microm, and Rayner 970C, 920H or 620H lOLs with spherical aberration [SA] = 0 in 13 eyes with CSA less than 0.20 microm. The other group of 19 eyes was implanted with aspheric lOLs that have zero spherical aberration [Rayner 970C or 920H] regardless of their CSA. Root mean squars [RMS] of total corneal aberration positively correlates to the pupil diameter [P = 0.0031, r = 0.3989]. A low negative correlation was found between the corneal spherical aberration of the fourth ordered [Z40] and the axial length [r = -0.2009, P = 0.1492]. There was no significant difference between the selected and non-selected group in contrast sensitivity, best spectacle corrected visual acuity, and visual satisfaction [P= 0.5316, P = 0.3919, P = 0.7667]. Customized selection of aspheric lOLs based on the eyes' corneal spherical aberration has no significant importance comparing their results with the non-selected group

Corneal spherical aberration in Saudi population

To find out the mean corneal spherical aberration and its changes with age in Saudi population. AlHokama Eye Specialist Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Three hundred [300] eyes of 185 Saudi subjects [97 men and 88 women], whose age ranged from 15 to 85 years old, with matched refractive errors, were divided into three groups according to their age, 100 for each. All the subjects were included in measuring the spherical aberration [SA] using pentacam HR [OCULUS, Germany] at the 6-mm optical zone. The mean corneal spherical aberration [CSA] of the fourth order [4] of the whole groups was 0.252 +/- 0.1154 jam. Patients from 15 to 35 years old have root mean square [RMS] of CSA of 0.2068 +/- 0.07151 microm, 0.2370 +/- 0.08023 urn was the RMS of CSA of the patients from 35 to 50 years old, while those from 50 to 85 years old have a CSA-RMS of 0.31511 +/- 0.1503 microm [P < 0.0001]. A positive correlation was found between the spherical aberration [4] and the progress of age [r = 0.3429, P < 0.0001]. The high order aberration [HOA] presented 28.1% of the total corneal aberrations. While the fourth order corneal spherical aberration constituted 57% of the HOA and 16% of the total aberration. The pupil diameter shows a negative correlation with the increase in age [P = 0.0012]. Our results showed a CSA [4] that is varied among the population, comparable to other studies, and significantly correlates to the progress of age

Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with dyspnea

To identify the frequency of shrinking lung syndrome [SLS] in systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] with dyspnea and study the clinical characteristics and differences in disease activity and damage. The study included 47 SLE patients complaining of dyspnea. SLS was considered in those with exertional dyspnea, restrictive pulmonary function tests [PFTs] and elevated copula of the diaphragm. Full history taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory and relevant radiological investigations were performed for all the patients. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI] and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics [SLICC] indices were compared. High resolution CT chest was performed for patients with radiological findings consistent with SLS. The mean age of the patients was 29.43 +/- 7.45 years, mean disease duration 5.18 +/- 3.62 years. The SLS was present in 8 patients [17.02%]. There was bilateral elevation of the diaphragm copulae in 25% of SLS patients and two had associated basal atelectatic bands. The serum uric acid was significantly higher in those with SLS while the 24 h urine protein was significantly lower and C4 normalized. The levels of SLEDAI and SLICC tended to be lower in those with SLS, yet there was no significant difference from those without. The demographic features, clinical and laboratory manifestations, disease activity and damage scores, PFTs and radiological findings of the SLE patients are presented. In SLE patients with dyspnea, SLS should be looked for as it is present in a high proportion of cases

Juvenile and adult onset systemic lupus erythematosus outcome in Egyptian patients

The aim was to study the outcome characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] in Egyptians according to the age at disease onset and gender. We studied 239 SLE patients [185 adult and 54 Juvenile onset] with a female to male ratio of 9.39-1 and a mean age of 28.23 +/- 8.91 years and disease duration of 5.45 +/- 4.25 years. Full history taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory and relevant radiological investigations were performed. Disease activity was assessed using SLEDAI and damage by SLICC. Renal biopsies were done in those with renal involvement. The clinical manifestations, disease activity and damage and laboratory investigations of the SLE patients varied according to the age at disease onset and gender. The prevalence of damage was obviously increased in juvenile patients and higher in males. Growth failure, delayed puberty and fibromyalgia were present more in Juvenile-onset patients. Adult onset SLE patients had a significantly higher secondary Sjogren syndrome especially in females. In the present study, there was a 2.5% mortality and the commonly involved kidneys were an important cause of death. Measuring organ damage in SLE is important with special concern to juvenile-onset patients to allow for designing new treatments that improve control of disease activity and minimize the development of irreversible damage. The kidney appeared to be commonly involved, especially in males, indicating the importance of regular screening for early and appropriate management

Sjogren syndrome and fibromyalgia after radioiodine therapy in cancer thyroid patients

Salivary and lacrimal gland dysfunction is relatively frequent after radioiodine therapy. An association of Sjogren's syndrome [SS] and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases as fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] has been reported. Thyroid autoimmunity in FMS patients is higher than normal subjects. To detect the occurrence of Sjogren syndrome [SS] and any rheumatologic association in cancer thyroid patients after radioactive iodine therapy [I -131] and evaluate the salivary and lacrimal glands function. Thirty-one patients with post-surgical differentiated thyroid carcinomas with a mean age 40.13 +/- 9.82 years, were referred for I-131 therapy [mean dose 212.9 +/- 101.63 mCi] and continued the follow-up study. All patients had no symptoms or signs of SS. Thorough rheumatological examination was performed for any musculoskeletal manifestation or associated fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS]. Before and 8-12 months after I-131 therapy, salivary glands function was estimated by sequential scintigraphy, while lacrimal gland function was assessed by Schirmer's test. Antinuclear antibody [ANA], anti-Ro [SS-A], anti-La [SS-B] and rheumatoid factor [RF] were performed. All patients had a normal salivary glands scintigraphy and Schirmer's test before I-131 therapy. On follow up, primary SS occurred in 8 patients [25.81%] while a significant decrease in salivary function occurred in 18 [58.1%] patients and significantly correlated with the I-131 dose. Schirmer's test was significantly abnormal in those with SS. Serum Anti Ro and Anti La levels became significantly higher in SS patients [18.25 +/- 11.61 and 25 +/- 13.06 U/ml] compared to the others [6.57 +/- 1.8 and 7.35 +/- 1.8 U/ml], respectively, [p 0.025 and 0.006]. Fibromyalgia syndrome was present in 12 patients [38.71%] and 6 of them developed SS. Assessment and follow up of salivary and lacrimal glands function is essential in patients receiving radioiodine therapy. Abnormal level of anti-Ro and Anti-La increase the risk for SS that should be closely monitored and fibromyalgia is a common association

Serum COMP and their correlations with various disease parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and osteoarthritis

The cartilage oligomeric matrix protein [COMP] is a glycoprotein, which occurs mainly in an articular cartilage. The amount of this protein increases under the influence of cytokines and growth factors. As a result of various diseases that cause damage to cartilage, fragments of matrix protein are released into synovial fluid and then into blood. The assessment of matrix protein level in serum, for example COMP, permits the establishment of the degree of cartilage damage in inflammatory joint diseases, and permits observation of the effectiveness of the treatment. To assess serum COMP level, as a marker for cartilage degradation, in SLE and OA patients and to find a correlation between serum COMP level and other markers as well as activity of disease, disease duration and the age of the patients. Blood was collected from 40 systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] patients group I, [the patients were further subdivided into two subgroups, group [Ia] comprised 20 SLE patients received 1 g IV methylprednisolone [MP] daily for three successive days, group [Ib] comprised 20 SLE patients did not receive IV methylprednisolone [MP]], and from 20 patients with knee osteoarthritis [OA] group II who constituted the control group. Serum COMP level was determined using an inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The measured values of the serum COMP level in SLE patients ranged from 1.32 to 1.71 microg/ml with a mean of 1.51 +/- 0.13 microg/ml in group [Ia], and ranged from 2.43 to 3.56 microg/ml with a mean of 2.86 +/- 0.31 microg/ml in group [Ib]. While in OA group [II] the value of serum COMP ranged from 0.97 to 2.65 microg/ml with a mean of 1.25 +/- 0.37 microg/ml. We found significantly elevated COMP levels in the SLE group [Ib] compared to the SLE group [Ia] patients and OA group [II] [p < 0.001]. We found a statistically significant positive correlations with the number of tender joints [correlation coefficient Pearson's: r = 0.45, p < 0.01], the number of swollen joints [r = 0.55, p < 0.001], SLAM value [r = 0.56, p < 0.001]. A significant positive correlation was found between serum COMP level and the ESR value in the first hour [r = 0.35, p < 0.001]. While the serum COMP level was independent of the patients' age [r = 0.04, p = NS], disease duration [r = -0.03, p = NS] and morning stiffness duration [r = -0.05, p = NS]. Also a Negative correlation was found between the serum COMP level and haemoglobin value [r = -0.11, p = NS]. As regards the OA group, no correlation was found between the serum COMP level and patients' age [r = -0.05, p = NS] and disease duration [r = 0.24, p = NS]. There were positive correlations between serum COMP and WOMAC index score for the lower limbs [r = 0.64, p < 0.05]. The serum COMP level can be an important marker of disease activity and cartilage destruction in SLE and OA Patients, and that serum levels of COMP can be used as a parameter for monitoring the therapy response in SLE patients undergoing an intravenous bolus steroid therapy

Serum BAFF level and its correlations with various disease parameters in patients with systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Interest in B-cells has been revived due to the description of new functions. Supporting a role for B-cells in the genesis of autoimmune diseases is the fact that the B-cell-activating factor of the TNF ligand family [BAFF] is essential in their physiology. The role of BAFF, a new cytokine, in autoimmune diseases has been highlighted. To assess serum BAFF level in systemic sclerosis [SSc] and systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] to verify its role in these diseases and find any relation with the clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations, disease activity and damage. The study included 12 SSc and 40 SLE patients. The patients were subjected to full history taking and thorough clinical rheumatological and dermatological examinations and relevant investigations including autoantibodies and CT chest in SSc. In SSc, the total skin thickness score was scored according to the modified Rodnan skin score [MRSS] method. In SLE, the disease activity was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure [SLAM] and organ damage using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR [SLICC/ACR] index. The serum BAFF levels were measured using a specific ELISA. The BAFF level was remarkably elevated in SSc and SLE in a comparable percentage of patients, yet the level was highest in SLE and lower in the limited SSc subtype. The BAFF significantly correlated with the level with the MRSS in SSc and with both the SLAM and SLICC in SLE patients. The elevated level of BAFF in SSc further confirms the importance for new therapeutic targets for its inhibition to slow the disease progression, particularly skin fibrosis. The role of BAFF in the pathogenesis and disease activity in SLE is well-known and the novel noticeable correlation with the damage index high lightens on the utility of BAFF as an indicator of disease damage and predictor of poor outcome

Amelioration of carbendazim-induced testicular dysfunction by vitamin E and pumpkin seed oil in rats

Carbendazim, a carbamate fungicide, is one of the most widespread environmental contaminant of major concern to human and animal reproductive health. The present study was undertaken to investigate the ameliorating effect of vitamin E and Pumpkin seed oil on carbendazim-induced testicular toxicity in male rats. Safety profile of vitamin E and pumpkin seed oil was firstly examined on normal rats and found to be safe on all the examined parameters. Adult Sprague dawley male rats were used in this study. Carbendazim [100 mg/ kg] was administered alone or combined with either vitamin E [200 mg/ kg] or pumpkin seed oil [40 mg/ kg] for 48 successive days. Carbendazim exposure significantly reduced the weights of testes, prostates and seminal vesicles. Also, serum testosterone, sperm count, motility and viability were diminished. The incidence of sperm abnormalities and testicular cholesterol content, were markedly elevated. In addition, carbendazim caused oxidative stress as observed by elevation of malondialdehyde [MDA] and lactate dehydrogense [LDH]. The antioxidant system including superoxide dismutase [-SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSHPX] and glutathione [GSH] were also reduced. Carbendazim also produced marked histopathological changes including degeneration of most seminiferous tubules with absence of spermatogenic series in tubular lumen in the testis. Co-administration of either vitamin E or pumpkin seed oil with carbendazim significantly ameliorated most of these deleterious effects where weights of testes, prostates and seminal vesicles were regained. They also elevated serum testosterone level, sperm count, sperm motility and sperm viability. Furthermore, administration of vitamin E and pumpkin seed oil with carbendazim reduced the incidence of sperm abnormalities and nearly normalized the testicular cholesterol content, They also reduced the oxidative stress caused by carbendazim which was associated with normal histopathological features of the testis

Influence of pre-exposure to chlorpyrifos on the experimentally induced hyperlipidemia and its management with an antihyperlipidemic drug

Hyperlipidemia has long been suspected to contribute to atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis related diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Tyloxapol [Triton WR 1339] is anon-ionic detergent. It blocks plasma lipolytic activity, and thus the breakdown of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Fenofibrate is mainly used to reduce cholesterol levels in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease. Chiorpyrifos is a toxic crystalline organophosphate insecticide that inhibits acetylcholinesterase and is used to control insects and pests. This work aimed for studying the influence of short term daily oral administration of a chlrorpyrifos insecticide on the induction of experimental model of hyperlipidemia induced by tyloxapol [triton WR 1339]. 80 Sprague Dawley female rats of 110-200 gm body weight were used in this study. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were withdrawn after fasting for 18 hour for the analysis of total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein. The results showed that Tyloxapol single oral dose induced significant increase in the total lipids, and high density lipoprotein, while it caused a significant decrease in the low density lipoprotein level. Repeated oral administration of chlorpyrifos caused significant increase of the triglycerides level and significant decrease of low density lipoprotein. Treatment of rats by single oral dose of fenofibrate caused a significant decrease in triglycerides value and an insignificant decrease in the low density lipoprotein level. Tyloxapol [surfactant] and chlorpyrifos [insecticide] altered lipid content and lipoprotein composition and consequently dramatic and sharp changes in the levels of lipid profiles were obtained. Treatment by hypolipidemic fenofibrate single oral dose was found to decrease each of total lipids. triglycerides. cholesterol. HDL and LDL cholesterols. Compared to insecticide plus tyloxapol mixed treatment. Attention should be paid to the possible toxic interaction between organophosphate insecticide and persons who are at high risk of blood lipids abnormalities

possible effect of ginger against Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in male rats

Ginger, a herbal product with broad anti inflammatory actions, is used as an alternative medicine in a number of inflammatory conditions. Confirmation of this contribution was sought in this study in Sprague-Dawley rats [140 +/- 30 g] treated with a single injection [0.1 ml of 0.5mg/ml of a commercial preparation of Freund's complete Adjuvant [FCA] to induce mono-arthritis in intra-planters in right hind paw. Before induction of arthritis by one week, each rat [in the prophylactic group] received a daily oral dose of ginger tea with a dose of 500mg/Kg, and after induction of arthritis by two days, each rat [in the treatment group] received a daily oral dose of ginger tea with a dose of 500mg/Kg. This confirmation was done by evaluating RBCs count, WBCs count, platelets count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit%, albumin level, alkaline phosphatase concentration, reduced glutathione concentration [GSH], plasma malondialdehyde concentration [MDA], superoxide dismutase concentration [SOD], body weight change, paw thickness, serum level of immunoglobulin G and Histopathological study of the soft tissue and the hard bony tissue. Within 2 days of FCA injection, the control group produced maximum edematous swelling of the paw that was sustained nearly up to the end of the investigation period. But, ginger, both in prophylactic and treated groups, significantly lower magnitudes of unsustained swelling of the paw during the investigation period. Also in ginger prophylactic and treated groups significant increase in body weight compared to arthritic group. Here, ginger prophylactic and treated groups showed remarkable improvement in the haematolgical parameters compared to arthritic group. There was significant increase in albumin level, significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase concentration, significant increase in reduced glutathione concentration, superoxide dismutase concentration and significant decrease in plasma malondialdehyde concentration in ginger prophylactic and treated groups compared to arthritic group. Histological results showed moderate improvement, against arthritic effect of FCA, either as treatment or as prophylactic. From these results, it is concluded that ginger can protect and reduce the inflammatory and oxidative responses produced in a FCA mono-arthritic model of rats

Influence of linolenic [omega 3] and linoleic [omega 6] poly unsaturated fatty acid containing oils on an experimentally induced model of atopy

Atopy or atopic syndrome is an allergic hypersensitivity reaction affecting nose, eyes, skin, and lungs. In the typical Western diet, 20-25-fold more omega-6 [linoleic acid] than omega-3 [linolenic] polyunsaturated fats are consumed. The Mediterranean-style diet high in alpha linolenic acid [ALA] has been shown to markedly reduce the recurrence rate after a first myocardial infarction. Epidemiologic studies have also shown that a higher intake of ALA protects against fatal ischemic heart disease and is associated with a reduced prevalence of coronary artery disease in both men and women. The aim of this work is to study the effect of short term daily oral feeding with diet containing linseed oil [omega-3, alpha linolenic acid] or sunflower [omega-6, linoleic acid] on the experimentally induced model of atopy in rats. 60 male Sprague Dawlley rats were divided into three equal groups. The first group is the control group where the animals were fed with normal diet, the second group was fed with diet containing 5% linseed oil for 28 days and the third group was fed with diet contains 5% sunflower oil for 28 days. Blood samples were taken at the day for the determination of the total number of oesinophils. While the animals were under the same condition of diet feeding, animals of each group were vaccinated by i.p. injection with 0.1 ml sterile saline solution containing 150 ng of Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine five times! week for another 28 days. Blood samples were withdrawn two times per week from each group of animals to follow up the changes in the eosinophils number. The results showed that linseed containing diet sharply decreased the peripheral number of circulating eosinophils, while sunflower containing diet significantly increased this number. Also the observed changes in the eosinophils number, due to repeated allergen challenge by Hiberix vaccine in the linseed group of animals, were always below the free fat diet control values, and in some cases the decrease was significant while sunflower oil containing diet can increase their numbers. This work showed that manipulation of dietary fat can modulate the clinical response of atopic disorders

Growth measures, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 before and after adenotonsillectomy

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy [ATH] is associated with growth interruption during childhood. Its pathophysiological mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate whether surgical treatment of adenotonsillar hypertrophy affects the circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] and IGF-binding protein 3 [IGFBP-3] along with their standard deviation scores [SDS] adjusted to age which are more important in evaluating growth in childhood. Prepubertal children [15 males and 10 females] aged 4-10 years [mean age 6.2 +/- 3.2 years] who had chronic recurrent hypertrophic adenotonsillitis with obstructive symptoms and 25 healthy children [12 boys and 13 girls] [range 3-10 years] with a mean age of 7.4 +/- 2.5 years as control had the same measurements including Weight, height, body mass index BMI [kg/m2], IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels and their standard deviation scores were evaluated before and 12 months after adenotonsillectomy but once during the first examination in the control group. All parameters showed significant difference between control and studied group except weight, BMI and IGFBP-3. Both weight and height SD scores of healthy children were higher than those of children with ATH before adenotonsillectomy [P < 0.05 for both], and were also significant after adenotonsillectomy. The preoperative and postoperative serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were compared. There was highly significant increase in IGF-I. The mean serum IGF-1 level increased from 273.1 +/- 301.3 to 659.3 +/- 402 ng/ml [p < 0.001]. Mean pre- and postoperative IGFBP-3 levels did not differ between the control and study groups. Adenotonsillectomy is a curative way to treat children with faltering growth caused by ATH

Comparative evaluation between rapid antigen detection test for streptococcal pharyngitis and throat culture in children

Acute upper respiratory tract infections in children may result in overuse of antibiotics as throat culture cannot be performed in every setting and results cannot be obtained early. The sensitivity of a rapid antigen-detection test [RADT] for group A streptococcal [GAS] pharyngitis is critical to whether the test is cost-effective arid to whether a confirmatory throat culture is needed. To assess the diagnostic value of rapid antigen detection test [RADT] for streptococcal pharyngitis in children and to compare it with throat culture. 600 children with signs and symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections were included in the study. Throat culture and RADT were performed and prevalence of GAS pharyngitis was assessed. Diagnostic value of RADT was determined. Their mean ages was 5.4 +/- 4.1 years [ranges: 8 months-18 years, median: 8 years]. The patients were subdivided into four groups according to their ages-group 1: 0-4 years [n = 152]; group 2: 5-9 years [n = 236] and group 3: 10-14 years [n = 157] and group 4: 15 years and older [n = 55]. The prevalence of GAS pharyngitis was 45.1% [n = 270/600] with RADT, and was 34.1% [n = 205/600] with throat culture. With respect to the distribution of positive cases by age, the greatest level of occurrence was between 10-14 [51%] years of age and lowest in children between 0-4 [22.1%] years. Considering the culture as the "gold standard" and considering all patients, the RADT showed a sensitivity of 87.9%, a specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value or 90.9% and a negative predictive value of 90.7%. Symptoms like scarletiform rash, tonsiller exudate and absence of cough were more frequent among the subset of children with positive RADT, with statistical significance [p < 0.001]. Diagnostic value of RADT is high and can be used safely in populations where streptococcal pharyngitis is common and a negative RADT result in our pediatric practice still requires a confirmatory throat culture

Different modalities in early diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children

Acute appendicitis [AA] is a common surgical problem that is associated with an acute-phase reaction. Previous studies have shown that cytokines and acute-phase proteins are activated and may serve as indicators for the severity of appendicitis. During inflammation, enterochromaffin cells in the appendix secrete serotonin, and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid [5-HIAA]; a serotonin metabolite excreted in urine, has been found to be elevated in patients presenting with acute appendicitis. As there is no reliable single laboratory marker to assist in diagnosis of acute appendicitis so the aim of this study was to compare diagnostic values of different serum inflammatory markers in acute appendicitis in children. A total of 90 children were admitted in the emergency unit with suspected acute appendicitis. Fourteen children were excluded as they were diagnosed with pneumonia [4], urinary tract infection [3], tonsillopharyngitis [5] and gastroenteritis [2]. According to required treatment, patients were divided into two groups. One group comprised 46 children with acute appendicitis who had surgical intervention while the other group comprised 30 children with non-specific abdominal pain. All patients were subjected to history, clinical examination, abdominal ultrasound, white cell count, C- reactive protein, interleukin-6 and urinary 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid. Ultrasonography and urinary 5-HIAA showed the highest diagnostic accuracy [91.1% and 87.8% respectively], followed by serum IL-6 concentration [70%], white blood cell count [67.8%], clinical signs [66.7%], and serum C-reactive protein concentration [61%]. Ultrasonography and 5-HIAA achieved also the highest specificity [90.9%] and positive [91.1% and 90.7%] and negative [88.9% and 85.1%] predictive values, whereas clinical signs showed the highest sensitivity [91.3%] followed by ultrasonography [89.1%] and urinary 5-HIAA [84.8%]. Combination of ultrasonography and urinary 5-HIAA increase the diagnostic accuracy of acute appendicitis and provide surgeons with complementary information in discerning the necessity for urgent operation