Study of some minerals, trace elements and antioxidants in refractory childhood epilepsy

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of some minerals, trace elements and anti-oxidants in children with intractable epilepsy compared to healthy children. In a case control study, 45 epileptic patients [24 male and 21 female] with age range between 3 to 14.5 years presented to Assiut pediatric university hospital, suffering from various types of refractory epileptic seizures compared with 20 healthy sex- and age-matched children served as controls. Serum Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, Glutathione peroxidase [GSH-PX] and Superoxide dismutase [SOD] were measured. The mean age of the patients +/- SD was 8.4 +/- 3.1y. The serum levels of Zn, Mg and Se are significant lower in patients in comparison with control, p value < 0.001 for each, with no significant difference between both groups in serum Cu. Glutathione peroxidase [GSH-PX] was significantly lower in patients in comparison with control group [p value < 0.001] with no significant difference between both groups in SOD. Some minerals [Mg], trace elements [Zn, Se] and antioxidants [GSHúPX] may play an important role in the pathogenesis of intractable epilepsy

protective effect of nigella sativa seeds against ethanol-induced liver damage in rats: physiological and pathological studies

Various mechanisms are involved in the process of ethanol-induced tissue impairment. Oxidative stress and its effects are among the most important. In this study, the mechanism of action of Nigella sativa seeds [N. sativa] against ethanol-induced liver damage was examined. LA total of 60 healthy male rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups [15 animal each]. A control group received only distilled water [D.W] for 4 weeks. N. sativa treated group received No. sativa seeds suspension orally in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Ethanol treated group received ethanol 20% [7 ml] orally daily for 4 weeks. Ethanol-N. sativa treated group received both ethanol and N. sativa simultaneously daily for 4 weeks. In ethanol treated group, histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes in hepatic tissue. Also, ethanol caused significant increase in the serum activities of transaminases [ALT, AST] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] enzymes. Also, a significant increase of free radicals [lipid peroxide products] and a significant decrease of antioxidant [total glutathione] levels in serum and liver tissue were observed in ethanol treated rats as compared to control. Concomitant administration of N. sativa seeds. Along with ethanol decreased degenerative changes in liver tissue, prevented the leakage of enzymes into the circulation, decreased free radicals generation and restored total glutathione levels nearly to normal. This emphases the protective role of N. sativa seeds against ethanol-induced liver damage. In conclusion, ethanol-induced liver damage was associated with oxidative stress, and co-administration of N. sativa seeds attenuates this damage effectively in rat model through decreasing free radicals production and increase antioxidant defense system activity