Pattern of plasma gastrointestinal hormones in some gut diseases

The present work was conducted on 47 patients as well as 12 healthy controls aiming to investigate the plasma patterns of some gastrointestinal peptides including gastrin, cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and beta- endorphin in patients with some gastrointestinal disorders including gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, mild reflux esophagitis and severe reflux esophagitis for the evaluation of the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of these peptides in the diseased states of the gut. The statistical analysis of the results revealed a highly significant increase in the plasma gastrin and VIP levels and a highly significant decrease in the plasma beta-endorphin and CCK levels in gastric ulcer group when compared with the control group

Parathormone, calcitonin and osteocalcin in chronic renal failure with and without schistosomiasis

The present study was conducted on 28 male patients suffering from chronic renal failure aged from 20-40 years, 16 of them were bilharzial and 12 were non bilharzial. Healthy 14 males matching for age were selected as control, 8 of them were bilharzial and 6 were non bilharzial. Serum parathormone, calcitonin and osteocalcin levels were estimated. Serum levels of parathormone and osteocalcin showed significant increase in uremic patients while calcitonin level showed insignificant changes. On the other hand, parathormone, osteocalcin and calcitonin levels in chronic renal failure on top of schistosomal infestation showed insignificant results. It is concluded that the significant increased levels of parathormone and osteocalcin in chronic renal failure can be attributed to disturbance in renal functions due to chronic renal failure

methodological approach to beta-endorphin assay in biological samples

In this study, a methodological approach to B-endorphin in biological fluids [seminal plasma, blood plasma and serum] was done. Measurement of beta-endorphin was performed by immunoassay method [immunoradiometric assay [IRMA] and radioimmunoassay [RIA]], either directly or proceeded by extraction procedures, e.g. Sep Pak [C18], affinity columns of sepharose particles and HPLC. A recovery study of B-endorphin was done to assess the binding effect of endogenous proteins in test samples on assay performance. It can be concluded that measurement of B-endorphin in peripheral blood samples [plasma and serum] can be performed by a direct immunoradiometric assay without extraction methods. As regards the measurement of B-endorphin in seminal plasma by IRMA and RIA, it must be proceeded by acidification of the sample, boiling and extraction by Sep Pak [C18] cartridges

Effect of opioids and opioid receptors antagonists on the anterior pituitary hormone secretions in man

The effects of morphine and nafloxone [Opioid receptor antagonist] on secretion of LH, FSH, GH and prolactin hormone were studied in twenty male subjects aged 35-45 years. The results revealed that morphine injection increased FSH, GH and prolactin hormone secretion without a significant effect on LH release, while naloxone injection increased LH and decreased prolactin hormone release without a significant change on FSH and GH release. These data show that both opioids and opioid receptors antagonists exert a rariety of effects on the anterior pituitary secretions in man and this is due to the multiplicity of opiate receptors in pituitary gland cells

Normal lipoprotein profile of adolescent students

We planned this work to establish the arbitrary normal values of total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoprotein [LDL-C], high density lipoprotein - cholesterol [HDL-C], and triglycerides [TG] among school adolescents, [aged 14 - 21 years] in Mansoura district, 341 normal adolescent students were enrolled in the study through a related questionare including their socio-demographic data.Out of them 201 were sampled for laboratory studies after their constant. The mean values of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG in males were 155.4, 85.8, 51.3 and 79.6 mg/dl respectively. Their 5th to 95th percentiles were [108.2-219.5], [38.1-138.0], [36.0-70.9] and [32.5-161.7] mg-dl respectively. In females, the corresponding mean values were [123.3-233.8], [57.6-187.2], [32.073.8] and [40.3-134.2] mg/dl respectively. Our levels were compared with the western levels. There were no significant difference regarding variations of these parameters related to their sex, residence, social class or smoking.We hope such data to be of benefit in the determination of the preliminary cut -off values at which the risk of coronary artery disease [CAD] is increased. This will be clearly of help for the ultimate purpose of preventing such disorder later on in life

Effect of chronic oral zinc administration on serum-prolactin level in chronic renal failure patients

Hyperprolactinaemia and low serum zinc levels are common findings in chronic renal failure patients. In this study, fourteen chronic renal failure men on chronic haemodialysis were given 400 mg zinc sulphate [equivalent to 5 mEq zinc] per day for four months. Serum prolactin and zinc levels were measured before and after oral zinc administration. Statistical analysis of the results revealed a highly significant decrease [P < 0.001] in serum prolactin level after zinc administration [20.01 +/- 1 6 vs 31.74 +/- 2.61 ng/ml]. On the other hand, a highly significant increase [P < 0.001] in serum zinc level was found after zinc administration [16.96 +/- 0.86 vs 10.03 +/- 0.47 mEq/L]. Also, a marked improvement in sexual function was found. So, chronic oral zinc administration may be important in the treatment at hyperprolactinaemia in chronic renal failure men with its sequele as impotence, diminished libido, gynaecomastia and infertility since zinc may play an important role in inhibition of prolactin secretion by pituitary lactotrophes. On conclusion, this study suggests that chronic zinc administration in chronic renal failure patients may be of importance in treatment of hyperprolactinaemia with its sequele of sexual dysfunctoin as diminished libido, impotence. gynaecomastia and infertility

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic pattern of urinary and serum proteins in some chronic renal diseases

In this study, urinary and serum proteins in control, CRF and nephrotic groups are fractionated into 11 fractions arranged from the anodal side on polyacrylamide gel electrophoressis. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that: 1- In chronic renal failure group, both quantitative and qualitative changes in serum and urinary proteins occur. There is a very highly significant increase in urinary total proteins, F1[1] F[5] and F[6] as well as a highly significant increase in urinary F4 and a significant increase in urinary F[2]. On the other hand there is a highly significant decrease in serum total proteins and F6. Also, there is a highly significant decrease in F[2] and F[6]. On the other hand, there is a highIy significant increase in serum F1 and F9. F10 and F11 are present only in CRF group but not in control or nephrotic groups. 2- In nephrotic group, there is a very highly significant increase in urinary total proteins, F1, F3, F5 and F6 as well as a highly significant increase in F[2]. The urinary protein F7, F8 and F9 are present in nephrotic group but F[10] and F[11] are absent. As for serum, there is a very highly significant decrease in serum total proteins. F[2] and F[6]. a highly significant decrease in F[5] and a significant increase in F9 and absence of F[10] and F11 which are present in CRF group only. 3 In CRF group, there is a highly significant increase in serum F 1, which may be B2 microglobulin and may be of value in the genesis of symptoms in CRF. 4 Considering urinary F3, which is most probably transferrin, it showed a very highly significant increase in nephrotic group, but insignificant change in CRF group. So, it may be considered as an indicator for pathological glomerular proteinuria. 5 As regards urinary F4 which is most probably B-globulin, it showed a highly significant increase in CRF group but insignificant change in nephrotic group. This may be of value in diagnosis and differntiation between CRF and nephrotic syndrome.6- F7, F8 and F9 are most probably IgM. These fractions are present in urine of CRF and nephrotic group, but absent in urine of control group because they can not pass through the normal glomerular membrane. 7- There is a highly significant increase in serum F9 in CRF group. This fraction is of a large molecular weight and essentially unfilterable and may have a role in the genesis of renal failure symptoms. It is concluded that fraction of urinary as well as serum proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis may be of high value in diagnosis and prognosis of renal disease status. The increase in urinary F3 is an indicator of glomerular proteinuria which occurs in nephrotic syndrome and the increase in urinary F4 is an indicator of tubular proteinuria and may be of diagnostic value in chronic renal failure

Correlation between copper, zinc and sorbitol dehydrogenase activity in seminal plasma as a biological marker for spermatogenesis in male infertility

It is pointed out that some profound disorders developing in the infertile testis affect mainly the germinal cells. Degeneration of these cells, as recently reported, was associated with affection of sorbitol dehydrogenase [SDH] activity in seminal plasma. The objective of this study was to identify the alterations of SDH activities as well as the possible relationship between zinc and copper level versus SDH activities in human semen specimens with different sperm parameters. Our data show that the decrease of spermatozoal count and reduce motility in infertile specimens was accompanied by a significant decrease [<0.001] in both SDH activities and zinc levels. A significant increase [<0.001] was also noted in copper levels when compared to normospermic group. A positive correlation was found between SDH activity and zinc level [+ 0.61] and between SDH activity and copper levels [+0.51] in normospermic population. At the same time no correlation was found between SDH activity and trace elements studied in infertile men [Oligoathenoatheno and azospermia]. We can conclude that SDH could serve as a useful biochemical make for assessing testicular function and spermatogenesis in infertile men. Also this enzyme has no relation with zinc, copper levels in seminal plasma, of such population

Effect of exogenous calcium ions on prostaglandin output from rat hepatic tissue slices

This vitro study was an attempt to study the possible role of Ca[++] ions on metabolism of prostaglandins in hepatic tissue of albino rats. Addition of calcium ions in the form of calcium gluconate 10% ampule in a dose of 29 ug/gm wet tissues to the Kreb's Ringer phosphate media cause a high significant increasre in PGE[2] output from hepatic tissue slices. This is associated with a significant decrease in PGF[2]. These fingings may give an additional information of the possible role of Ca[++] ions on catabolism of prostaglandins. From the present study, it is concluded that addition of extracellular Ca[++] ions to the incubation media resulted in increase PGE2 synthesis and efflux with decrease PGE2 synthesis and efflux from hepatioc tissue of albino rats. The effect of Ca[++] ions on prostaglandins synthesis and release must be put in mind on using drugs which alter PG synthesis, efflux or both. An example of these drugs are calcium channel blockers, beta adrenergic receptor stimulator as well as alpha adrenergic receptor stimulator, which are commonly used in the treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. Their use must be put under observation to avoid undesirable effects as a result of increase or decrease prostaglandins formation

Biochemical effects of some commonly used legumes on alloxan diabetic rats

The present work was undertaken in an attempt to investigate the effect of long use of some selected legumes on fasting blood glucose level and blood lipid pattern in alloxan diabetic rats. Feeding diet containing termis and helba to diabetic rats for one month induced significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein levels with a high significant increase in high density lipoprotein level. From the present study, it is concluded that eating termis and helba mixture before breakfast every morning leads to improvement of fasting blood glucose level and blood lipid pattern of alloxan diabetic rats. And it is a good habit for the diabetic patients to take a mixture of termis and helba everymorning before breakfast

Biochemical studies on human cervical mucous in infertility

We studied 25 infertile women in whomn in whom cervical hostility was the only known cause of infertility, and 10 fertile women. Total soluble proteins, IgG, IgA and IgM togeter with zinc, copper manganese and lead were measured in mid-menstrual cycle cervical mucus. IgG and IgA were present in the cervical mucus of all the women. But IgM was detected only in 20% of samples of fertile women and in 36% of samples of infertile women. Levels of IgA and total soluble proteins were significantly higher in the infertile group. Zinc, Copper and manganese were present in cervical mucus and the concentrations found did not differ significantly in the tow groups. Lead was not detected in all cervical mucus samples in the two groups

Immunoglobulins, peptides and trace metals in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile males

The biochemical characteristics of human seminal plasma and the possible role of these parameters in relation to infertility problems were the aim of this study. In the present work semen samples were collected from 64 males attending the infertility Clinic and Family Planing Unit of Mansoura University Hospital, for problems concerning infertility and fertility regulation. Semen samples were subdivided into normo, astheno, oligoastheno and azoospermic groups according to the recommendation of the European Androlgy Club 1970. The seminal plasma samples were analysed for total plasma proteins, immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM, fractionation of peptides and the trace metals Zn, Cu, Mn and Pb. It has been concluded from the present work that the essential trace elements, zinc, copper and manganese are always present in seminal plasma, zinc may be positivly correlated with spermatozoa count and to less extent with motility. Lead which is non-essential metal, and a toxic cumulative environmental pollutant was not detected in semen. The decrease in total seminal plasma proteins observed in azoospermic semen may reflect endocrine imbalance or anatomical abnormality. The peptides-types and concentrations-in the seminal plasma were variable in the different groups of semen. It is of value to call for more detailed studies aiming at identification of chemical nature, and source of these peptides, and to study their effects in spermatozoa metabolism, motility and fertilizing capacity. Immunoglobulins G and A are normaly present in the seminal plasma and may play a role in protection against infections by bacteria or viruses, but under certain abnormal conditions the level of IgG and IgA [in particular] significantly increase either by transudation from blood and/or local production, and an altered immune response may occur leading to auto-antibody in the male against spermatozoa which results in sperm agglutination or immotility. IgM is not present in seminal fluid of both normal and abnormal semen groups as it is a macromolecule and non-diffusible through the blood-prostate barrier

Seminal plasma lipid pattern in male infertility

The asthenospermic, oligoasthenospermic and azoospermic groups showed significant decrease in total phospholipids, lecithin, sphingomyelin and lecithin/ sphingomyelin ratio in comparison with the normospermic group. This decrease may be attributed to the dysfunction of the epididymal epithelial cells which are the chief site of phospholipid synthesis and /or secretion. The dysfunction of the epididymal epithelial cells may be caused by male genital tract infection, decreased androgenic activity or chromosomal anomalies which are the common causes of asthenospermia, oligoasthenospermia and azoospermia. Also, there were significan increase in human seminal plasma triglycerides level and fructose content in asthenospermic, oligoasthenospermic, and azoospermic groups in comparison with the normospermic group. The inverse relationship between fructose level and triglyceride content of human seminal plasma, and the sperm count may be attributed to the decreased utilization by the decreased number of the asthenic spermatozoa, also, there may be a concomitent increase in the triglyceride synthesis by the epididymal epithelial cells at the expense of the decreased phospholipid synthesis. Total lipids, cholesterol, and free fatty acids levels in human seminal plasma showed insignificant differences between normospermic, asthenospermic, oligoasthenospermic, and azoospermic groups

Comparative biochemical studies of human seminal plasma from normospermic, oligospermic, asthenospermic and azoospermic men

Seminal plasma proteins were separated by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and were stained with Ponceau - S - for proteins and Schiff periodic acid stain for glycoproteins, lactic acid dehydrogenase activity, lactate/pyruvate concentration were also determined. Results obtained were analysed and discussed