Homocysteine in diabetic patients with and without microvascular complications

Homocysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid formed in the metabolism of methionine, which is not a normal part of the diet. Increased plasma total homocysteine concentrations is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. The putative mechanism whereby high homocysteine levels lead to vascular disease may be related to diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma level of homocysteine in diabetic patients with and without microvascular complications. Subjects and Sixty diabetic patients and thirty healthy control subjects were included in this work. The diabetic patients were divided into 2 groups: group I included thirty patients with microvascular complications and group II included thirty patients without microvascular complications. Each diabetic patient and control subject was subjected to the following: thorough history taking, complete clinical examination, ophthalmoscopic examination and tests for somatic and autonomic functions. Laboratory investigations including: glycaemic control parameters [fasting and 2 hours postprandial plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin], lipid profile parameters [serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and HDL-C] and plasma concentrations of homocysteine, folic acid as well as vitamin B12. Testing for urinary albumin excretion was done by ELISA. The plasma level of homocysteine was significantly higher in diabetic patients with microvascular complications than those without and still higher than controls [P < 0.05]. Also, the homocysteine level was significantly and positively correlated with duration of diabetes, fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum triglycerides, urinary albumin excretion, proliferative retinopathy and somatic neuropathy [P< 0.05], while there was a significant negative correlation between homocysteine level and plasma folic acid and vitamin B12 [P< 0.05]. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the fasting level of homocysteine is increased in diabetic patients and such level is influenced by the duration of diabetes, metabolic control and the microvascular diseases. So, these findings may add to the understanding of the increased frequency and mechanisms of vascular damage in diabetes and provide new link between hyperhomocysteinemia and the pathophysiology of microvascular complications in diabetes

Bait formulations from freshwater algae containing a potent molluscicide for control of schistosomiasis

Since freshwater algae are considered as naturally occurring dietery requirement for Biomphalaria alexandrina snails in their habitat, their content of proteins, amino acids and fatty acids were determined to elucidate the role of these materials as essential diets for adult snails and for their reproduction. Algae were used for preparation of bait formulations containing different concentrations of a potent molluscicide [baylucide] and the behavioural responses of snails towards these formulations were studied using clear plastic container bioassay. Efficacy of the desired bait formulations for control of snails was discussed. The present results revealed that snails showed more efficiency in locating bait formulations with low concentrations of the molluscicide. Moreover, the results pointed out that bait concentrations of the formulations technique using naturally occurring materials represents an efficient means for snail control

Protective effect of curcuma longa against oxidative stress in s mansoni infected mice

Lipid peroxides and the antioxidants glutathione [GSH], superoxide dismutase, vitamins C and E were measured in liver tissue of Swiss albino mice [CD 1] before and after 1, 2 and 3 months infection with S. mansoni. The same parameters were also measured after treatment of 1 month-infected mice with 70% alcoholic extract of Curcuma longa for 2 months 300 mg /kg body weight]. The results pointed out that S. mansoni infection induced an oxygen stress which resulted in a remarkable increase in lipid peroxides which was maximally observed one month post infection and also in superoxide dismutase two months post infection. In addition, the level of glutathione was gradually decreased throughout the infection period while vitamins C and E were moderately reduced by infection. On the other hand, administration of Curcuma longa extract caused reduction in lipid peroxides and in superoxide dismutase levels in infected mice compared to non- treated infected ones, and also resulted in normalizing the levels of glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E. These results demonstrate the potent antioxidant property of this plant extract which helps to maintain the defense mechanisms in the body during infections or during oxygen stresses

Diagnostic value of nucleolar organizer regions in benign and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors

Today the nucleolar organizer regions [NORS] have recently attracted much attention because of claims that frequency within the nuclei is significantly higher in malignant cells than in normal reactive or benign neoplastic cells. The present study included forty five cases. Eighteen cases were prospective and 27 were retrospective. They were grouped according to tile tumors 16 cases of mucinous tumors, 2 cases of Brenner tumors and 3 cases of endometroid carcinoma. The cases were stained by H and E and freshly prepared AgNORs solution. AgNORs appear as brown or black dots within the nucleus. There was no significant difference between benign and borderline serous tumors. But there was a significant difference between borderline and malignant serous carcinoma. Considering mucinous tumors, there was no significant difference in AgNOR count between benign and borderline mucinous tumors, however, a significant difference between benign and malignant mucinous tumors was demonstrated. Considering mucinous adenocarcinoma and endomatroid carcinomas after follow up of the cases, it was found that they had a better prognosis than those of serous adenocarcinomas. The AgNOR counts in these cases were also less than those of serous adenocarcinomas

Study of some coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters in schistosomal cases

Schistosomiasis is a major health problem in various parts of the world and Egypt. The disease is well known for the bleeding tendency that may result from diminished synthesis of coagulation factors, fibrinolytic system activation and consumption coagulopathy. This work attempted to evaluate the role of the ascitic fluid milieu in the hypercoagulability that may be observed in schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. Three parameters were assayed; prothrombin fragment 1+2[PF 1 + 2], thrombin-antithrombin complex [TAT] and fibrin monomers [FM]. These parameters were assayed both in the plasma and ascitic fluid simultaneously. The study was carried out on 18 schistosomal patients with hepatic fibrosis and tense ascites. The values of PF 1+2, TAT were significantly correlated both in plasma and ascitic fluid, while FM although was higher than the expected values yet was not significantly associated to either of the two other parameters. We concluded from this study that the ascitic fluid can be an important source of pro-coagulant material to the plasma in ascitic patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis

Assessment of nutritional status of preschool children in a rural community

This study aimed at screening the nutritional status of the preschool children in a rural community and identifying the common clinical signs suggestive or indicative of nutritional problems prevalent among preschool children. 793 children aged 2 to under 6 years were included in this study. A structured interviewing, questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, observation check list and 24-hour recall were used to collect the needed data. The study showed that malnutrition was found to be more prevalent than expected, representing 11.9% underweight, 34.3% stunting and 13.4% wasting. Moreover, signs indicative or suggestive of nutritional deficiencies were manifested in more than half of children. Such findings were a consequence of the intake of quantity and quality of foods that is below the recommended daily allowances. Regular growth monitoring in addition to teaching classes for mothers regarding nutrition of preschool children were recommended

Incidence and susceptibility to neoplasm among mice, born to neoplasm affected parents

The F1 progeny of BALB/c mice, suffering skin tumor, induced by DMBA and croton oil, showed increased incidence of skin tumors when exposed to such carcinogens. The percentages of tumors were higher in F1 generation [86 males and 98 females] than those of their parents [70 males, 90 females]. The susceptibility of F1 generation was also higher [0.94] than their parents [0.86]. These results indicated that there was an increased risk of tumor development among rodents which were born from parents suffering tumors. This could be due to the transmission of certain cancerogens from parents showing tumors to their offsprings

Health effects of automobile exhaust on garage workers

105 male workers were studied. All were comparable as regards age and socio-economic state. 42 of them were garage workers exposed to motor car exhaust gas. The rest, 63, were control group. They were all interviewed as regard the personal and occupational history. Special reference to symptoms of respiratory and urinary systems, general medical examination, and ventilatory function measurements using vicatest-4 were performed. A blood sample was obtained for laboratory tests [HB, SCOT and SGPT] and urine sample for cytological examination. It was found that there is a significantly higher rate of respiratory affection in exposed workers namely chronic bronchitis and impaired ventilatory function [FEV/VC percent <70 percent]. The percent reduction of FEV[1] and V.C. for exposed in relation to predicted values was significant. Hypertension and uninary troubles were significantly prevalent among exposed workers. No evidence of malignancy in urine cytology. However, the number of examined personal was thought to be small leading to s suggestion of screening cytology on a large scale for early detection. Also, filtering the exhaust should be done to reduce respiratory affection