Histological study on the effect of metformin on high-fat-diet-induced liver injury in adult male albino rats

Changes in lifestyle and food habits increase the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. It is a chronic condition that has no or few symptoms. It may be accompanied by inflammation and insulin resistance. Moreover, it is closely linked to diabetes. Metformin is an antidiabetic agent that can improve insulin resistance. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of metformin on liver injury induced by a high-fat diet. The study lasted for 12 weeks. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were used and divided into four groups. Group I was the control group. Group II rats received metformin. Group III rats were fed a high-fat diet for induction of NAFLD. Group IV rats were fed a high-fat diet for induction of NAFLD and then administered metformin orally in the last 4 weeks of the study. Liver specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Moreover, liver weight index was determined, and biochemical, morphometric, and statistical studies were performed. Induction of NAFLD [group III] resulted in severe insulin resistance. Hepatocytes showed macrovesicular and microvesicular steatosis, ballooning, and lobular inflammation. The number of positive cells and the reaction for tumor necrosis factor-alpha in group III apparently increased as compared with group IV. Lipid droplets, loss of mitochondrial cristae, and dispersion of rER were detected in group III. Metformin improved insulin resistance, and liver histological changes were fewer than those in group III. Metformin can greatly improve liver histological changes associated with a model of NAFLD

association between nitrate contamination of drinking water and changes in methemoglobinemia and other hematological parameters in young and adult male rats

The objective of this investigation was to study the effect of prolonged exposure to nitrate polluted drinking water on blood methemoglobin [Met-Hb] level and other hematological parameters, as well as nitric oxide [NO] level in serum and urine [measured as indicator for nitrate toxicity] in male rats of two different ages, young [3 weeks-old] and adult [12 weeks-old]. Rats were administered sodium nitrate in drinking water at concentrations [100 mg/L = 8.7 mg/Kg, 250 mg/L=21.7 mg/Kg or 550 mg/L 47.7 mg/Kg] daily for four months. The obtained data showed a dose dependent reduction in the values of erythrocytes, leucocytes and platelets count, as well as jib content, Het%, MCV, NCH, MCHC and serum total iron in all nitrate exposed rats, with the marked decreases being occurred among the young animals. On contrary, nitrate exposure revealed a dose dependent increase in blood Met-Fib level, as well as NO production in serum and urine of all tested rats, however the young rats were more affected than the adult ones at different nitrate concentrations. This indicated that prolonged exposure to water nitrate pollution is a risk factor for developing increased Met-Hb level and the other hematological disorders in all the rats groups, particularly the when exposure started at young age which may contribute to the excess production of NO in response to nitrate exposure

Effect of moxonidine versus clonidine and lisinopril on blood pressure and expression of renin gene in two kidney/one clip [2K/1 C] hypertensive rats

It has been suggested that imidazoline receptors rather than alpha-2 adrenoceptors are implicated in the sympathoinhibitory action of centrally acting antihypertensive drugs. I[1] Imdazoline receptors [I[1]Rs] are important for regulation of sympathetic drive. They are concentrated in the rostral ventrolateral medulla [RVLM], a part of the brainstem vasomotor center. The control of arterial blood pressure is mainly regulated via the sympathetic and angiotensin/ aldosterone cascades. The purpose of the present study was focused to assess the effect of oral administration and abrupt withdrawal of moxonidine versus clonidine and lisinopril on systolic pressure, to investigate the role of moxonidine versus clonidine and lisinopril on plasma noradrenaline level and plasma renin activity and to determine the genometric effect of moxonidine versus clonidine and lisinopril oral administration on renin gene expression in 2K1C renovascular hypertensive rats. Rats were made hypertensive with a clip on the left renal artery. The operation was conducted under light ether anesthesia. Three weeks after renal clipping. 2 series of experiments on male rats were conducted to evaluate the effect of the test drugs on the following parameters. 1- Effect of oral administration of the test drugs for a period of three weeks on the systolic pressure in 2K1C hypertensive rats measured via indirect rat-tail method. 2-Biochemical tests to estimate plasma norepiphrine level and plasma renin activity. 3- Renin gene expression measured by quantified RT-PCR. All test drugs elicited a remarkable significant reduction in systolic pressure of renovascular hypertensive rats. Discontinued administration of moxonidine did not trigger rebound hypertension observed with clonidine. These findings suggest that both imidazoline receptors and alpha 2- adrenoceptors are involved in the central antihypertensive effect of moxonidine, but that activation of imidazoline receptors is more important for its renal sympathinhibitory action. Additionally imidazoline derivatives and ACEIs are very effective agents for treatment of renovascular hypertension. The antihypertensive effect of moxonidine was accompanied by decrease in plasma norepinephrine, renin levels and renin gene expression in the renal tissue. Whereas lisinopril decreased plasma norepinephrine level but increased plasma renin activity in parallel with renin gene expression compared to the untreated 2K1C hypertensive control. The data presented in this report indicate that moxonidine is an orally effective antiypertensive agent in 2KIC hypertensive rats without an accompanying rebound hypertension on abrupt dicontinuation of the drug, which makes it advantageous over clonidine. Moxonidine therefore allies antihypertensive efficacy with excellent tolerance without triggering central side-effects as moxonidine selectively binds at therapeutic doses to I[1] imidazoline receptors. ACEI, lisinopril produced a significantly pronounced reduction in systolic pressure in 2K1C hypertensive rats. Lisinopril may be of greater benefit in management of renovascular hypertension. In light of these findings moxonidine represents a unique profile among centrally acting antihypertensive agents. Moxonidine offers an advantageous hemodynamic activity over clonidine and lisinopril and probably it exerts its strong antihypertensive effect through its affinity for I[1] imidazoline receptors rather than alpha[2] adrenergic receptors

Use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in management of thoracic spine disorders

In this study, 26 patients were treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic [VATS] techniques with a minimal follow up of six months. The patients included eight Rt idiopathic scoliosis, twelve vertebral osteomyelitis, four calcified thoracic disc prolapse and two burst dorsolumbar fracture. Single lung ventilation was used in the lateral decubitus position. Internal fixation was used in 18 cases. The mean correction of thoracic curve by anterior endoscopic release was 61%. All patients with neurological manifestations before surgery showed a marked improvement after the follow up period with no mortality

NM23-H1 gene protein as a prognostic factor in laryngeal carcinoma

Certain genes may be involved in suppressing metastatic or aggressive tumour behaviour, the non metastatic gene [NM 23H1] is one gene that has been showen to posses metastatic suppressing activity. The expression of NM 23 H1 gene protein was investigated in 60 patients with laryngeal lesions. The patients were divided into 2 groups:-Group [1] 40 cases with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma [21 cases of them with lymph nodes] and Group [2] 20 cases with laryngeal polyps as control group. The immunoreactivity of NM 23 H1 gene protein was assessed according to both pattern and intensity of immunostaining and the correlation of this immunoreactivity with clinicopathological parameters including grade of differentiation, incidence of Lymph node metastasis and the disease recurrence and/or distant metastasis. The immunoreactivity in the metastatic lymph nodes was investigated and ed with their primary tumours, Results of the study showed that most tumours and polyps expressed NM 23 H1 gene but high expression found in [55%] of laryngeal tumours [22 cases], while [45%] of cases [18 cases] showed reduced expression. Ten metastatic lymph nodes showed reduced expression and 1 with high expression from 11 cases of primary laryngeal tumours that had reduced expression, while 5 metastatic lymph nodes showed reduced expression and 5 showed high expression from 10 cases of primary laryngeal tumours that had high expression of NM 23 H1 gene product. Gene expression is inversely correlates with grade of differentiation. Primary tumours with high expression showed less distant metastasis whilst those with low expression reveald more aggressive behavior. From these data we concluded that the NM23 H1 gene may play a role in distant metastasis and/or disease recurrence and so could be used as a prognostic factor for metastatic in laryngeal carcinoma

In vivo effect of [50Hz] magnetic Filed on concentration of trace elements concerned with hemoglobin formation

The present in vivo experiment was designed to establish whether the exposure to 50 Hz magnetic field induces changes in blood and organs store of trace elements concentrations possibly associated with changes in hemoglobin level and induction of anemia. Rats were exposed to a high magnetic field strength of 0.5 T for one hour daily, the experiment was conducted for 30 days. Thirty-six rats were divided into control and magnetic field exposed rats. Iron, copper and zinc concentrations in blood, liver, kidney and spleen were estimated to assess the magnetic field effect on trace element storage in these tissues. MF exposure resulted in a depletion of the organs store of trace elements. A highly significant increase in blood copper and a decrease in zinc and iron levels were detected. A significant decrease was found in the hematological parameters, ceruloplasmin and ferritin [iron metabolism parameters]. The changes observed were associated with anemia during the first 14 days of MF exposure. The magnitude of anemia increased with increasing the exposure time

Synthesis, molecular modeling and antitiumor activity of some substituted acridine derivatives

Nine series of new acridine derivatives of anticipated antineoplastic activity were synthesized. The first series consists of N,N'-1, 2-bis [9-[4-substituted sulfamoylphenyl] amino-acridine-4-carboxamide] ethylenediamine. The second comprises of N,N'-1,4-bis [9-[4- substituted sulfamoylphenyl] aminoacridine-4-carboxamide] phenylenediamine. The third and fourth are 1-[4-substituted sulfamoylphenyl] aminoacridine-4-carboxylic acid [4-substituted sulfamoylphenyl] amide. The fifth and sixth are 9-ox-1-[4-substituted amino sulfamoylphenyl]-9-10- dihydroacridine-4-carboxylic acid [4- substituted sulfamoylphenyl] amide. The seventh is 2-substituted phenyl-2,6-dihydropyrazolo [3,4,5-kl] acridine-5-carboxylic acid [4- substituted sulfamoylphenyl] amide. The eighth is 4-[5-[N'- phenylhydrazinocarbonyl-6H-pyrazolo [3,4,5-kl acridine-2-yl]-N- substituted benzene sulfonamide. The last one belongs to 2- substituted phenyl-2,6-dihydropyrazolo [3,4,5-kl] acridine-5-carboxyli acid [4-substituted sulfamoylphenyl] hydrazide

extensive posterior pelvic approach

A modified posterior pelvic approach is described. It can be used for surgical management of complex posterior pelvic ring fractures. Through this approach open reduction can be performed for dislocation of the sacroiliac joint, fractures of posterior iliac wing and sacral fractures particularly for the bilateral injuries. Fixation by iliosacral screws and by transiliac plate is also possible. The authors used this approach in treating ten patients with type [C] vertically unstable posterior pelvic fractures. Manipulation, reduction and fixation of those fractures were relatively easy. Little skin and soft tissue morbidity was encountered. The authors feel that this approach is more extensile than the current approaches that deal with most posterior pelvic ring fractures particularly the complex ones

Comparison between the effect of cimetidine and ranitidine on serum prolactin and testosterone levels and testicular structure in male albino rats

The effect of cimetidine and ranitidine [as H[2] receptor antagonists] on serum prolactin and testosterone levels and testicular structure in albino rats were investigated. Thirty healthy male adult Albino rats were used, they were divided into three groups, ten animals each, a control group, and 2 experimental groups [cimetidine and ranitidine groups]. Long term administration of doses equivalent to human therapeutic dose range of both cimetidine and ranitidine were used. In cimetidine group, a dose of 8 mg/Rat was administered intraperitoneally daily for one month. It produced highly significant increase in serum prolactin level [P < 0.001] and also highly significant decrease in serum testosterone level [P < 0.001]. Microscopically the testis showed a decrease in size of the seminiferous tubules and reduction in germinal layers with arrest of spermatogenesis in level of spermatid. Neither Sertoli cells nor Leydig cells showed any significant changes as compared with the control group. In ranitidine group a dose of 3 mg/Rat was administered intraperitoneally daily for one month. This group showed normal serum prolactin and testosterone level, and normal microscopic structure of the testis as compared with the control group

Value of two dimensional echo-cardiography and color doppler flow imaging in the decision of tricuspid valve repair

This study included forty patients with rheumatic heart disease in whom tricuspid regurgitation was proven by pulsed and color Doppler echocardiography and associated with mitral, aortic or both valve lesions. All patients were subjected to, careful history, clinical examination, ECG, plain chest x-ray, two dimensional, pulsed Doppler echo-cardiography, color Doppler flow imaging and right ventriculography. The results obtained by pulsed Doppler echo-cardiography and color Doppler flow imaging were tabulated and correlated with those of right ventriculography, which was considered as standard[2] Both techniques correlated well with the results of right ventriculography. However, the correlation coefficient calculated for color Doppler, using the ratio of maximal regurgitant jet area over the right atrial area of [0.95] was higher than that of maximal regurgitant area alone [0.88] and that of pulsed wove Doppler [0. 92]. Twenty nine of the previously evaluated patients underwent aortic or mitral valve surgery "open cardiac surgery" after one to six weeks from the date of cardiac catheterization. Twenty four hours before surgery, the 29 patients were re-evaluated using two dimensional echocardiography for measurements of the maximal tricuspid annular diameter, the minimal tricuspid annular diameter, and the percent of shortening of tricuspid annular was calculated. Doppler color flow measurements of tricuspid maximal regurgitant jet area and ratio of maximal regurgitant jet area over right atrial area were done. The results obtained by the two dimensional echo, cardiography and color Doppler imaging correlated well with operative grading of tricuspid regurgitation according to the jet width palpated by the surgeon's index finger. It was found that both two dimensional echo-cardiography and color Doppler flow imaging could predict those patients who were considered to have severe tricuspid regurgitation by the surgeon and hence required tricuspid valveannuloplasty

Fine structure of spermiogenesis in the coccid insect aspidiouts perniciosus: late stages of differentiation and structure of the mature sperm bundles

Spermatids of A. perniciosus are organized into bundles each containing 32 cells. During the process of differentiation, nuclear elongation and chromatin condensation take place. The mature sperm bundles are finally surrounded by the secondary sheath which is composed of a trilaminar membrane. The mature sperm is not differentiated into head, mid piece or tail, but has two tapering ends and an electron dense central core. Centrioles, the nuclear membrane, mitochondria and a flagellum appear to be lacking. Microtubules are arranged in a spiral pattern forming the enveloping microtubular sheath

freeze etching study in the distribution of the nuclear pores during spermatogenesis in ticks

In this study, the freeze-fracturing and freeze-etching techniques were used to study pore distribution during spermatogenesis in ticks. Three species of Ixodid ticks were studied: Hyalomma dromedarii, H. marginatum and Amblyomma hebraeum. In all three species of the ticks examined, the nuclei of the early stages of male germ cells showed varying degrees of aggregation into pore-rich and pore-poor areas. Spermatocytes demonstrated significant pore clustering in pore-rich areas, leaving areas almost devoid of pores. On the other hand, spermatids displayed a random distribution of nuclear pores. This random distribution was soon modified in the course of nuclear differentiation. Nuclear pores disappeared in the nuclei of mature spermatozoa of the ticks examined

Growth performance of chlorella vulgaris in response to the interaction of salinity and natural nitrogen source

Some experiments had been carried out to trace the effect of salinity, cow waste extract and their interaction on the growth and growth rate of chlorella vulgaris under controlled laboratory conditions. The algal growth decreased with the increase in salinization levels. While the reverse trend was observed regarding the growth response of the lest organism to the different concentrations of the waste extract. Under interactive effects of both salinity and waste extract [as a natural nitrogen source], the maximum concentration of the waste extract [1.4] and the minimum salinity applied [50 mM] supported the maximum growth and growth rate of Chlorella. However, the increasing levels of salinity with waste extract were accompanied by gradually decreasing growth values. The presence of the waste in combination with salinity not only delimits the stress of salinity but also promotes the growth of chlorella. The growth variations of Chlorella under the different treatments were highly significant in most cases as had been evaluated by the F-test

Study of the nutritional status of primary school children in rural area in Egypt

This study was done on 159 school children [100 boys and 59 girls] aged 8-12 years in rural area of Egypt. Results showed that great majority of them came from families characterized by high crowding index, large size and illiteracy, which significantly affected their nutritional status. 49.68% of these children had parasitic infestations [mainly Schistosoma mansoni], which exerted a significant adverse effect on their nutritional status. Height, weight measurements were all below Sarhan's Egyptian local standards and Frisancho's norms, except for girls at the age of over 11 years, who showed higher due to the earlier pubertal changes occurring in rural communities than in urban areas. Also, girls showed significant higher arm anthropometric measurements than boys, which was attributed to the more deposition of fat in them. Hb% was below 12 g% in nearly 40% of cases indicating anemia, while the albumin concentration was within normal limits pointing to its hyposensitivity in evaluation of the protein status of children

Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus of camel origin with particular reference to protein A

Staphylococcus aureus strains originating from Camels were characterized according to the proposed Scheme of Sneath et al. [1986]. Characteristics of 16 isolates secured from 85 septic wound swabs showed that, coagulase test, acetone production from glucose, mannitol and mannose fermentation, novobiocin sensitivity and lysozyme activity were uniformly positive, accordingly these tests were regarded as essential features for staphylococcus aureus originated from camels. Determination of the occurrence of cell wall protein A [SPA] in S.aureus by a new latex agglutination system showed that, only 4 strains [25.0%] produced cell bound protein A. Concordance between coagulase test results and other criteria was 100%, acetone production, mannitol and mannose fermentation, novobiocin sensitivity and lysozyme production, 87.5% [tellurite reduction], 75.0% [egg-yolk precipitation, 37.5% [DNase], 37.5% [fibrinolysin] 25% [SPA] and 6.3% [lipase]

Studies on certain reproductive aspects of Friesian holstein cows under farm conditions in Libya 2 Factors affecting the lifetime performance

The factors affecting the reproductive performance of local Friesian Holstein dairy herd near Tripoli on the north west of Libya were evaluated with respect to age at first calving, herd life, gestation period length, throughout the 5th parities. In addition, the correlation between the gestation period and both the calves's weight and dam's age within the different seasons as well as the average weight of the born calves during the 5th parities was also studied. The first calving age and the herd life averaged 30.31 and 89.28 months respectively. The average gestation period length during the first parity was the shortest [277.43 days] in comparison with the subsequent parities. The averages of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th parities were 278.80, 279.39, 280.03 and 281.74 days, respectively. Investigation of the relationship between the length of gestation period and the weights of the new borns within season basis showed unclear pattern; Exceptionally, the weight of the male calves of the 4th parity in winter, 1st parity in spring and during the 5th parities of summer and autumn showed positive strong correlations. The female calves weights showed also strong positive correlations during 2nd parity of winter and the 4th parity of summer only. Neither positive nor negative correlation between gestation period length against the dam's age was obtained in this data. Males were consistently heavier than females for all parities

Comparative ultrastructure of the spermatids and spermatozoa of the tick hyalomma dromedarii and amblyomma hebraeum [acari: ixodidae]

Spermatids and spermatozoa of Hyalomma dromedarii were studied and compared to those of Amblyomma hebraeum, by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as by freeze-etch and freeze-fracture techniques

phagocytotic process in the sperm of the tick hyalomma dromedarii [acari: ixodidae]

The genital tract of the female tick Hyalomma dromedarii is the site of the completion of the maturation of sperm cells from spermatids to spermatozoa. In the genital tract, the breaking up of aging spermatozoa and their disintegration also take place. This is done by the action of two processes: 1] Intra-cellular related to the action of the tract wall cells. 2] The autophagic process involving the intra-cellular digestion of cellular components. The present study is based on results obtained with scanning TEM and cytochemical methods