Ultrastructural study on biomphalaria alexandrina haemocytes infected with schistosoma mansoni in Egypt and its correlation with nitric oxide level

Some snails of Biomphalaria alexandrina can resist the infection of Schistosoma mansoni so this study aimed to clearly this mechanism by using light and electron microscopy [EM] and determine the role of Nitric oxide in this mechanism. B. alexandrina snails used in this study were exposed individually to S. mansoni infection according to their response they were classified into susceptible group [shed cercariae] and resistant group [failed to shed cercariae]. Snails not exposed to infection were included in this study as control group. Nitric oxide [NO] level was assayed directly in the soluble fraction of B. alexandrina haemolymph supernatants collected from each group of B. alexandrina snails were subjected to NO assay by the Greiss reaction. The level of NO in haemolymph of infected snails was significantly increased [p<0.001] than both control and non infected snails groups, however, in non infected snails group had significantly [p<0.05] compared to control group. This study when correlated the changes recognized by EM with NO level the pro apoptotic effect of high level of NO on the haemocytes. Characterization and identification of cell shape of haemocytes in both haemolymph and tissue were examined by light and electron microscopy. Examination of B. alexandrina snail's haemocytes revealed three types of different cells classified according to their shape and granular contents. These cells are granulocytes, amoe-bocytes and hyalineocytes. Electron microscope Study also revealed the important role of granulocytes and amoebocytes as defense mechanism against snail infection. NO is considered an important anti parasite molecule; intra-molluscan stages of parasites switch off host NO defense response

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis in Egyptian psoriatic patients

Psoriasis [Ps] is a common, relapsing, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disorder of unknown etiology. Ps is not single organ disease confined to the skin but it is systematic inflammatory condition analogous to other inflammatory immune disorders which are known to have increased risk of heart disease. On other hand, inflammation plays also an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. So, there is striking similarity between molecular and inflammatory pathway in Ps and atherosclerosis. Was to assess the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with Ps by using carotid ultrasonography. 60 patients with Ps were enrolled in this study after exclusion of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases [CVD]. In addition, 20 age and gender matched healthy persons served as controls. Patients were classified according to Ps area and severity index [PASI] score into group I [20 mild patients], group II [20 moderate] and group III [20 severe]. The average common carotid artery [CCA] intima media thickness [IMT], internal diameter [ID] and arterial wall mass index [AWMI] were measured using high resolution B- mode ultrasound. Psoriatic patients showed statistically significant increase in CCA-IMT [P value 0.001], AWMI [P value 0.010] and significant decrease in ID [P value 0.001], as compared to controls. Psoriasis patients could be suggested as a group with an increased atherosclerotic risk especially in older ages with longer duration of Ps. The carotid IMT, ID and AWMI can identify patients with subclinical atherosclerosis who need special follow up to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality