The Effect of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells on Lung Regeneration and Apoptosis in a Simple Model of Pulmonary Emphysema

BACKGROUND: In severe chronic stages of emphysema the only treatment is lung transplantation. SO, an urgent need exists for the development of effective treatments. Stem cells therapy arises as a new therapeutic approach. AIM OF THE WORK: To investigate whether bone marrow mononuclar cells (BMMNCs) can promote lung regeneration and decrease apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pulmonary emphysema in C57Bl/6 mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 weeks old female mice (C57Bl/6), weighing around 25 g were used in this study. The mice were divided into 4 groups (10 in each group): group A: mice received no treatment, group B: mice received intranasal instillation of LPS with no further treatment, group C: mice received intranasal instillation of LPS then given a dose of BMMNCs and evaluated 21 days later and group D: the mice that received intranasal instillation of LPS then given a dose of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and evaluated 21 days later. Imaging analysis was done using imagej program. To measure apoptotic index, Anti-caspase 3 polyclonal antibody staining was done. RESULTS: Analysis of the mean of airspace equivalent diameters (D0) and its statistical distribution (D1) for the different groups allowed to observe that group treated with BMMNCs (group C) showed the significant improvement in D0 and D1 than the group received LPS only (group B). Analysis of apoptotic index showed significant difference between BMMNCs treated group (group C) and that received LPS only (group B). CONCLUSIONS: BMMNCs effectively promote lung regeneration and reduction of apoptosis in pulmonary emphysema.

Stem Cells and Lung Regeneration

Tissues such as the lung, liver, and pancreas that have a low steady-state cell turnover yet can respond robustly after injury to replace damaged cells. The airway epithelium is exposed to inhaled particles and pathogens that may lead to the development of a many infectious and inflammatory respiratory diseases. Lung transplantation is an accepted modality of treatment for end-stage lung diseases. Since the early 1990 s, more than 26,000 lung transplants have been performed at centers worldwide. However, the availability of donor tissues and organs is limited, which presents a serious limitation for widespread transplantation surgery. The appearance of bioengineered lung and tracheal tissue transplants is considered a promising alternative to the classical transplantation of donor organ/tissue. Stem cells therapy arises as a new therapeutic approach, with a wide application potential.

Effect of sublethal doses of cadmium on the disposition of zinc and copper elements and liver function in common carp [Cyprinus carpio L.]

The present study was carried out to determine the levels of Zn and Cu in various organs and tissues of common carp as well as hepatic asperatate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] activities under the effect of low and high doses of cadmium [Cd]. Common carp; Cyprinus carpio L. of an average weight 60-70 g were exposed to sublethal doses of cadmium sulfate [8.75 and 17.5 mg/L] under controlled laboratory conditions. Analyses of the studied fish were carried out at intervals of 7, 15 and 30 days of exposure. The obtained results revealed that, Zn level in liver did not exhibit significant variation in fish exposed to low dose at all exposure periods, while its level in muscle in fish exposed to high dose decreased significantly [P<0.01] after 7 days. On the 15[th] day, Zn level in plasma and kidneys was decreased significantly [P<0.01] in fish subjected to high dose of Cd. Decrease was also recorded in plasma, liver, kidneys and gills in fish exposed to high dose of Cd at the end of experiment. Moreover, Cu level in plasma was increased significantly [P<0.05] in fish after prolonged exposure to high dose of Cd, while hepatic Cu was decreased significantly in fish exposed to low dose of Cd after 30 days. On the 7[th] day, the Cu level in gills of fish exposed to the both doses of Cd was significantly decreased. On the 15[th] and the 30[th] day, Cu reduction was also recorded in kidneys in fish intoxicated with high dose of Cd. The AST activity increased significantly [P<0.01] in fish exposed to high dose of Cd on the 7[th] day, while on the 30[th] day hepatic ALT activity was decreased significantly [P<0.01] in fish exposed to high dose of Cd. On the other hand, the hepatosomatic index [HIS] did not exhibit significant changes

Comparison of the effects of fish oil and olive oil on serum lipids in experimental dyslipidemia

Polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA] are thought to lower the serum cholesterol level more effectively than monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFA]. In this strictly controlled dietary experiment in senile male albino rats, we studied the effects of consumption of oil rich in MUFA [olive oil] or in PUFA [fish oil] on unfavorable alteration in blood lipid profiles exhibited in experimental dyslipidemia. Animals were divided into four groups, normal control, dyslipidemic control, dyslipidemic experimental group treated with olive oil and dyslipidemic experimental group treated with fish oil. Experimental dyslipidemia was induced to rats by injection intraperitonealy with adrenaline for 21 days. The rats in the dyslipidemic experimental groups received daily 1.5 ml/kg body weight of fish oil or olive oil by oral administration for 30 days. Data analysis revealed that, compared with the normal control animals, the adrenaline-induced dyslipidemic rats showed a highly significant increase in serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations. On the other hand, HDL-cholesterol concentration was highly significantly decreased. Compared to dyslipidaemic control group, fish oil treatment exhibited a significant decreasing effect on total cholesterol concentration, while, olive oil showed highly significant lowering effect. Both fish oil and olive oil lowered LDL-cholesterol highly significantly. Consumption of olive oil resulted in a significant protective increasing action on HDL-cholesterol concentration, while, the increasing effect of fish oil was non-significant. Administration of fish oil exhibited non-significant lowering action on serum triglycerides level, while, a highly significant decreasing effect was determined after administration of olive oil. The current study illustrate that both olive oil and fish oil could be regarded as a possible anti-atherogenic and anti-dyslipidemic agents and that therapeutic action of olive oil on impaired serum lipids is more effective than fish oil

Ectopic hormones secretion in cases of copd and cancer lung is it an index for malignant potential?

This work was undertaken to study the level of peptide hormones [ACTH, aldosterone and parathormone] in patients with lung cancer and different stages of COPD since lung cancers are the most common tumour associated with ectopic production of peptide hormones. Peptide production may be better correlated with the state of tumour differentiation than with the tumour mass, but changes in peptide concentration can signale changes in tumour metabolism or malignant potential. Results revealed an increase in the level of parathormone and ACTH while the level of aldosterone was decreased in about 10% of patients of lung cancer. The changes in hormone level were marked in smoker than non smoker which may be due to tobacco metabolites that alter oncogens and tumor suppression genes. The increase in hormones level occur also in cases of COPD and this increase was directly proportional with the stage of COPD and degree of malignancy. SO these cases of COPD with a high level of hormones considered potential for malignant transformation. Also there was an increase in calcium level in most of patients as a consequence of increase in parathormone. So All signs and symptoms of hormononal disturbance or electrolyte imbalance in cases of COPD should be taken with caustion as an alarming sign for malignancy

Thymic index as a parameter for evaluation of neonatal sepsis

In various stressful conditions, the thymus subjected to incidental involution, mostly due to the thymocytolytic effect of secreted glucocorticosteroids. The thymus gland play a key role in the body's defense against infection. this study aimed at assessing the variations of thymic size by ultrasonography in normal and diseased neonates with proven sepsis and to find whether there is a significant correlation between thymic index [Ti] and several variables. Study design: This cross-sectional, case-control study included 30 neonates with sepsis, 17 males and 13 females. Their mean gestational age was [38.93 +/- 1.91] weeks and their mean weight was [2.93 +/- 0.55] kg. Thirty cases of healthy neonates, 16 males and 14 females, their mean gestational age was [39.6 +/- 1.23] weeks and their mean weight was [3.25 +/- 0.55] kg., Served as controls. Every case underwent complete history taking and thorough physical examination with special emphasis on anthropometric measurements and a full evaluation for sepsis including complete blood count [CBC], C-reactive protein [CRP] and blood culture.Thymic sonography was done for every case to detect the thymic index [Ti] which indicates the size of thymus as a volume estimate. The results of this study showed a significantly lower value of Ti [P<0.001] and significantly higher level of CRP [P<0.001], in patients compared to controls. Also, the value of Ti was positively correlated with birth weight of healthy controls [P<0.05]. Ti showed positive predictive value of 87%, while that of CRP was 66%. A highly significantly increase was found, regarding Hb, platelet, immature neutrophils and I/T ratio, [p<0.001], and significantly increase as regards RBCs, [p<0.05], in patients compared to controls. While, no significant difference was found between the two groups as regard absolute neutrophils count [ANC] and total leucocytic count [TLC]. Also, there was no significant correlation between Ti and gestational age, body length, head circumference and different blood indices in both groups. We concluded that sonographic estimate of the thymus in infants less than one month of age seems to be an easy, reliable and safe diagnostic modality for assessment of thymic size. Thymic index could be considered as a sensitive predictor of neonatal sepsis and reflects the immune competence status of infants

Phytochemical and biological investigations of excelsa R. growing in Egypt Ailanthus

Phytochemical investigation of the root bark of Ailanthus excelsa R. revealed the presence of alkaloids and quassinoids. Two alkaloids, one furanocoumarin and two quassinoids were isolated by the chromatographic methods and identified using different spectral methods IR, UV, MS and 1HNMR. GLC analysis of the unsaponifiable matter revealed that cholesterol and hexacosane as the major constituents, hexadecane was the lowest known constituent. GLC analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters revealed that oleic acid is the maj or fatty acid. The unsaturated fatty acid fraction is composed mainly of oleic and linoleic acids. The alcoholic, chloroformic and aqueous extracts of the stem bark showed inhibitory effect on the motility of rabbit intestine. The chlorofonnic extract showed inhibitory effect while the alcoholic extract exhibited stimulatory effect on rat uterus and the aqueous extract showed a dual effect depending on concentration. Only the alcoholic extract showed moderate analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. The three extracts, as well as, one of the isolated quassinoids showed antileukemic activity. The alcoholic and chloroformic extracts showed activity against Gram positive bacteria

Polysomnography, a new modality in evaluating sleep disorders in children

Relatively, little is known about sleep disturbances among children, this descriptive study, examined a variety of common sleep behaviors in a group of 500 elementary school children aged from 4 to 10 years [median 7 years], using a battery of sleep questionnaires. The prevalence of parent-defined sleep problems ranged from head banging [3.2%] to teeth grinding [19.2%] and bed wetting [21.2%] with 94 children [/8.8%] of over all sample described as having significant sleep problems. Polysomnographic recordings were obtained from 21 children with severe sleep disturbances : rhythmic movement disorders [4 children], obstructive sleep apnea syndrome [OSAS] 5 children, nocturnal enuresis [5 children] and other parasomnias constitute 7 children. One of the four children with rhythmic movement disorders proved by polysomnographic records [EEG] to had nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, while 3 children out of the five children with clinically suspected OSAS met its polysomnographic criteria. We concluded from this study that sleep disturbances are common in school aged children and polysomnography is of great value in diagnosis of OSAS and violent nocturnal movements

Interleukin-one-beta, a possible role in some hormonal and metabolic changes in children with meningitis

To investigate the role of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin one-beta [IL1B] in the development of some endocrinal and metabolic changes that may accompany meningitis, 82 children with meningitis of different etiologies aged from 2 months to 12 years were included in this study. Lipid profile [Plasma cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein [HDL], Low Density Lipoprotein [LDL] and Triglycerides] and Hormonal assay [serum Triiodothyronin [T3], Tetraiodothyronin [T4], Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [TSH] and Cortisol] were evaluated in the morning, before any treatment was given and also two weeks later. Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid [CSF] levels of IL1B were also measured. Although thyroidal hormone levels were not altered during the infectious process, cortisol level was significantly increased in all studied groups [septic, viral and tuberculosis meningitis] then declines during convalescence. IL1B was significantly correlated with plasma cortisol level suggesting a possible role in the induction of these changes. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL were significantly increased in all studied groups compared to controls while a minimal non-significant decrease in serum HDL was elicited. Also, a positive correlation was noted between serum triglycerides and IL1B in plasma. These network of responses mediated by IL1B might explain the changes in lipid homeostasis. IL1B was detected in all CSF and plasma samples from different studied groups. It was higher in septic, tuberculosis, and aseptic groups respectively. IL1B seems to play an important role in the pathophysiological changes that accompany meningitis

Preliminary study on the prevalence and risk of mother-to-fetal transmission of hepatitis B and C in asymptomatic Egyptian women

The sera of 52 pregnant Egyptian women were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and anti-HCV antibodies [Ab] by ELISA. Neonatal cord blood sera were similarly tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV Ab. The results showed that HBsAg was detected in 28/52 women. Sixteen HBsAg positive babies were born vaginally to the 28 HBsAg- positive mothers. Anti-HCV Ab was detected in 6/52 women. Four anti- HCV Ab positive babies were born to the six anti-HCV Ab-positive mothers. The prevalence of HBV was significantly higher than that of HCV, but both were very high in Egyptian women. No significant difference was found between mother-to-fetal transmission of HBV and that of HCV

Estrogen replacement therapy, and serum lipid values

To examine the effect of estrogen replacement therapy [ERT] on lipid values in postmenopausal women, lipid profiles were obtained in 50 postmenopausal women. Women were divided into two groups, group [1] [20 women] were not receiving any hormonal treatment and group [2] [30 women] were receiving unopposed ERT. Fifteen women [subgroup A] of the ERT users were receiving oral estrogen [0.625 mg daily] and fifteen women [sub group "B"] were receiving transdermal patches with estrogen [delivering 0.1 mg daily]. The two groups were matched for the same age group, years after menopause, socioeconomic class and body mass index. The Mean high-density liporotein [HDL] cholesterol level was significantly higher [70 +/- 5 vs 60 +/- 7 P< 0.05] and mean total / HDL cholesterol ratio significantly lower in women receiving estrogen than in those who were not [3.7 +/- 0.3 vs 4.9 +/- 0.6]. Total cholesterol level [263 +/- 35 vs 295 +/- 33] and LDL cholesterol level [169 +/- vs 200 +/- 25] were significantly lower in women receiving ERT than those who were not. These results are in agreement with those of Paganini et al [1996] and Hong et al [1992]. Triglycerides levels showed no significant differences between group [1] and group [2]. Women of subgroup [A] had a significant higher level of triglycerides than women in subgroup [B] [221 +/- 35 vs 189 +/- 25] and than women in group [1] [221 +/- 35 vs 194 +/- 23]. Denek [1995] and Hong et al [1992] reported the same results in their studies. With exception of triglycerides no significant difference in lipid values was found between the two subgroups. The study showed that women taking ERT have a more favorable lipid profile than those who were not. The triglyceride levels was augmented by oral ERT and not affected by transdermal estrogen

Antiestrogenic effect of induced cycles on endometrial growth and texture

The adequacy of the induced endometrial cycles were evaluated by hormonal, sonographic and histological studies. The study was under taken at Al-Zahraa University Hospital. It included 30 infertile women in whom anovulation was suspected and proved. Serum progesterone, premenstrual endometrial biopsy and vaginal ultrasonography were done to all patients before and after clomiphene citrate [CC] therapy. All patients received CC for induction of ovulation and followed for 6 consecuative months. Whilst CC was successful in inducing ovulation in 70% of women, pregnancy only occurred in 40% by 6 months of treatment. This can be explained by decreased receptivity of the endometrium as an antiestrogenic effect of CC. There was no statistically significant difference in the endometrial thickness in periovulatory period between the out-of-phase histologic endometrium and the in-phase endometruim during CC therapy [8.8 +/- 1.8 Vs 9.8 +/- l.5][p<0.05]. But there was a statistically significant difference in the endometrial thickness in the pen-implantation period between the two groups [11.0 +/- 1.9 Vs 12.9 +/- 2.1] [p<0.05]. No trilaminar pattern III endometrial texture was observed with endometrial thickness less than 10 mm in late luteal period. Serum progesterone level [at 21st day of the cycle] of 10 ng/ml is the cut off of normal corpus luteum function

Maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone levels in preterm labor

The level of corticotropin-releasing hormone [CRH] was studied in 20 women in preterm labor at 24-36 weeks gestation, 20 women with normal pregnancies at same gestational ages, and 13 women in the latent or active phase of normal term labor [37-40 weeks of gestation]. It was found that maternal CRH levels were higher in pregnancies complicated by preterm labor [mean 376.2 pg/ml] than in normal pregnancies [mean 29.6 pg/ml]. The mean maternal plasma CRH levels in women with preterm labor and associated infection was similar to that in cases without infections [370 pg/ml and 378 pg/ml respectively]. Also, there was no significant differences in the level of CRH between cases who were delivered of preterm infants and those who were treated for preterm labor and discharged undelivered [X' 391.4 pg/ml and 325.7 pg/ml respectively]. Mean plasma levels were similar in latent [65 pg/ml] and active [66.6 pg/ml] phases during labor at term

Effect of hyperinsulinemia and obesity on serum androgens levels and menstrual irregularity in Egyptian women

20 hyperinsulinemic and 20 non-hyperinsulinemic nondiabetic Egyptian women, age ranged between 20 to 45 years, were studied to determine menstrual irregularity and hyperandrogenemia associated with hyperinsulinemia. Reproductive history was obtained by review of medical records. Serum testosterone [S. T], androstaneione [ASD], and dehydroepiandrostarone sulfate [DHEAS] levels were measured in stored serum samples. 60% [12 out of 20] of high insulin women had irregular menses, as compared with none of low insulin women [10 out of 20]. While, high insulin women were significantly obese than low insulin women, S. T and ASD levels were similar in high and low insulin women [X S. T 1.5 and 1.15 nmol/L respectively and X' ADD 3.76 versus 3.25 nmol/L]. Serum DHEAS was lower in high insulin than in low insulin women [X' 2.83 versus 4.52 nmol/L]. High insulin women with irregular menses had significantly higher S. T levels than high insulin women with regular menses [X' 1.60 versus 0.67 nmol/L], while ASD had DHEAS level were found to be similar in both groups. It was concluded that there is an association between hyperinsulinemia, obesity, irregular menstruation and high testosterone concentration. Also, low concentrations of DHEAS are associated with hyperinsulinemia in those women

Gamma-glutamyl transferase as a biochemical marker of endothelial damage in gestational hypertension

Gamma-glutamil transferase [GGT] and serum alkaline phosphatase, serum electrolytes and uric acid were measured in the study and control women. 13 women met strict criteria for the diagnosis of preeclampsia [PET], 7 women with gestational hypertension alone [PIH] and 20 normal pregnant women were selected from the same cohort and matched according to race, age, parity and gestational age [32-36 weeks]. There was a significant difference between the GGT concentration in PET [mean 27.3 +/- 1.65] and control [mean 15.76 +/- 0.721] women. Also, significant difference between PIH patients [mean 23.6 +/- 0.93] and control women. Uric acid concentration, serum sodium [S. Na] and serum potassium [S. K] concentrations differ significantly between PET patients [mean 3.9 +/- 0.34, 147 +/- 1.82, 4.64 +/- 0.18, respectively] and the control women [mean 2.52 +/- 0.216, 138.9 +/- 0.77, 4.1 +/- 0.04, respectively]. No significant difference was found in the concentration of S. uric acid, S. Na, S. K in the PIH patients and control women. It was found that, there is no difference in the serum alkaline phosphatase between either groups of gestational hypertension and the control group

role of amalgam mix and corrosion upon the edge strength of some dental amalgams

The purpose of the present work was to study the effect of time ofcondensation and corrosion upon the edge strength of some amalgam alloys. Theangle of amalgam margins for all the samples has measured 70C and it wassubjected to a load of 500 gm. Amalgam condensation was made at 1, 2, 4 and 5min. after the end of trituration. Corrosion of amalgam samples was done bystoring the samples in 0.01 M lactic acid buffered with NaCl 0.02% adjusted topH 4. For the corroded samples, it was found that conventional amalgam showeda severe deterioration of the edge strength. While, for the non-gamma II, therewas a decrease in edge strength, but not statistically significant. For allthe investigated amalgam alloys, it was found that a triturated mix when kept5 min in air before condensation showed a marked reduction in the edgestrength

In-vitro study: the effect of plasticity, time of condensation upon surface roughness of some amalgam alloys

The present work was performed to evaluate the role of some variables that mayaffect the surface roughness of dental amalgam. Three different types ofcommercial amalgams were used in this study. The combination of variablesincluded in this work were plasticity of the triturated mix, and time elapsingfrom the end of trituration up to start of condensation. The results showedthat the surface roughness of the investigated amalgams was affected markedlyby the studied variables

Curing contraction of some elastomeric impression materials

The curing contraction in% [%] of seven elastomeric impressionmaterials, available on the Egyptian market, was measured by means of amercury bath technique. Measurements were done at different time intervalsafter mixing for 15 min, 60 min and 24 hr. Four of the elastomeric impressionmaterials tested in the present study [Coltex, Impregum, Brovil and Reproisl]showed a curing contraction of 0.08% after 24 hr. Although the presenttechnique is a simple test compared to ADA No. 19 for measuring thedimensional changes of elastic impression materials, yet the effectivecontraction determined as the accuracy of stone dies produced by dentalimpressions perhaps is more realistic than the free contraction of theimpression by either mercury bath technique or by the ADA No. 19

In-vitro study on dimensional changes of composite cores

Dimensional changes for the composite cores, after using two types ofcomposite resin, caused by water sorption were measured. Three differenttechniques for the retention of composite cores were followed. Thesetechniques were slot technique, T.M.S. pins applied vertically on the dentinefloor and T.M.S. pins as before but were then bended. Measurements ofdimensional changes were done using a stereomicroscope for 1 day, 3 days and 7days after water immersion. The results of the present study showed that forboth types of composite resin investigated, bending the pin after beingapplied vertically on dentine floor showed the least values of dimensionalchanges. For all the variables included in this study, it was found thatafter three days storage in water, there were no dimensional changes. It isadvocated from the findings of this study to delay crown preparation in caseof composite cores a few days later to avoid discrepancy due to hygroscopicexpansion caused by water sorption

role of some cleansing agents upon removal of dentinal-smeared layer: a scanning electron microscope study

The purpose of this paper was to study the role of some cleansing agents uponthe removal of smeared layer formed on the cut dentin surface. The differentcleansers used in the present study were EDTA, phosphoric acid, citric acid,ascorbic acid, sodium chloride and deionized water. The results of thepresent study showed that the application of EDTA, phosphoric acid andascorbic acid for one minute has removed the smeared layer formed onto the cutdentin surface. On the other hand, washing the cut dentin surface withdeionized water or NaCl for one minute did not remove the smeared layer. Theapplication time, upon the removal of the dentinal smeared layer, of thevarious inorganic acids used in the present work was also studied