Immunogenicity assessment for lung-stage and biomphalaria Alexandrina cocktail vaccine in schistosoma mansoni infected mice

The availability of a new vaccine is usually needed as an additional component to chemotherapy for control of schistosomiasis. Different strategies of different types of vaccines were assessed to decrease morbidity but did not give the best protection. The study assessed the efficacy of BAAP, SLAP and their combined preparations together with BCG adjuvant as an effective anti-schistosomal vaccine. Methodology: Six groups of Swiss albino mice were used [Gi] as a control, [G2] infected non immunized; [G3] infected and supported by Adj.; [G4] infected; vaccinated with BAAP and supported by Adj.; [G5] infected, vaccinated with SLAP and supported by Adj. and the target group [G6] infected, vaccinated with combined antigens [BAAP + SLAP] arid supported by Adjuvant. Mice were sacrificed 8 weeks post infection for assessment the effect of our vaccine through parasitological, histopathological, serological and immunohistochemical study. The vaccination of mice with BAAP, SLAP and Adjuvant followed by challenge S. mansoni infection resulted in highest reduction percentages [92% and 86%] for mean numbers of adult burdens and fecal egg counts respectively,[82.4%, 81%] for granuloma number and diameter respectively compared with other groups. The improvement % of all measured enzymes as higher in G6 than other groups.IL10 was significantly increased in G6 than other groups; also. TNF was significantly decreased in G6 than other groups

Radioprotective role of some bacteria belonging to actinomycetales against gamma irradiation-induced oxidative stress in male albino rats

Background: Radiation protection concepts and philosophy have been evolving over the past several decades. The inadvertent exposure of human from various source of radiation causes ionization of molecules, setting off potentially damaging reactions via free radicals production. Development of radioprotectants and mitigators is the therapeutic approach to ameliorate the negative health impact of radiation exposure. The majority of substances with biological activity used in medicine are produced by actinomycetes and fungi

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the radioprotective role of the antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Rahman as antioxidant against gamma irradiation that induced some biochemical alterations in rats

Material and Methods: Animals were pretreated with antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Ab1 using suitable stomach tube for two weeks prior to radiation exposure. The levels of malondialdhyde [MDA], glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [ALT], glutamic aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] activities, also total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL- C] were estimated

Results: The results revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation resulted in significant elevation in the levels of MDA content, ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities and concentration of TC, TG and LDL-C, meanwhile, showed significant depletion in GSH content and SOD, CAT and GPx activities and HDL-C concentration

Conclusion: It could be concluded that, the administration of the antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Ab1 pre-whole body gamma irradiation resulted in sufficient amelioration against radiation effects on the biochemical aspects examined in the present study

Impact of sperm cryopreservation on child sex after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Sperm cryopreservation causes extensive damage to sperm membranes and its ultrastructural morphology, affecting the fertilization ability by decreasing the percentage of normal intact acrosomes and consequently the acrosine activity. This retrospective study aims at detecting the effect of sperm cryopreservation on the baby's sex after intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] in terms of the susceptibility of X versus Y chromosome baring spermatozoa to cryopreservation. This retrospective study included 87 ICSI cycles performed with post-thawed spermatozoa. The patients were classified into two groups [I and II] according to the total sperm count before freezing. This study included 87 ICSI cycles performed with post-thawed spermatozoa. Patients were classified into two groups [I and II] according to the total sperm count before freezing. Group I included 43 patients with a sperm count less than 0.1 × 10[6]/sample [countable samples]. Group II included 44 patients with a sperm count more than 0.1 × 10[6]/sample [uncountable samples]. The numbers of fertilized M II, good embryos, clinical pregnancy, and male babies were significantly higher in group I compared with group II. ICSI using post-thawed spermatozoa of countable samples yielded a higher male sex ratio [80.8%] compared with uncountable samples [28.6%]. Thus, spermatozoa that successfully survived the freeze-thaw procedure exhibited an improved chromatin structure and nuclear maturity. These data suggest that sperm cryopreservation may improve the fertilization rate, enhance early embryo development parameters, as well as pregnancy outcome after ICSI

Comparative Study of Calix-6-arene, 2-Hydroxy Propyl Beta Cyclodextrin and 18-Crown-6 as Ionophores in Potentiometric Ion-Selective Electrodes for Determination of Trigonelline in Trigonella foenum-graecum Seeds Extract and Plasma.

The present work evaluates the influence of Calix-6-arene, 2-hydroxy propyl β-cyclodextrin and 18-crown-6 as ionophores on the fabrication of trigonelline selective electrodes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The three proposed sensors showed Nernstian slopes of 59, 60 and 55.75 mV/concentration decades over pH range 4-9 for sensors 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Both sensors 1 and 2 covered the concentration range 10-3 – 10-5 M, while sensor 3 showed linear response over the range 10-2 – 10-4 M. The proposed sensors offer the advantages of fast response and moderate stability time. The selectivity coefficients of the developed sensors indicated excellent selectivity for trigonelline. The proposed electrodes were successfully applied for direct determination of trigonelline in pure form, Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds extract and plasma without prior separation or pretreatment steps. The proposed sensors can be used in quality control labs and in clinical trails for routine analysis of trigonelline in Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds extract and plasma.

Comparative Study of Calix-6-arene, 2-Hydroxy Propyl Beta Cyclodextrin and 18-Crown-6 as Ionophores in Potentiometric Ion-Selective Electrodes for Determination of Trigonelline in Trigonella foenum-graecum Seeds Extract and Plasma.

The present work evaluates the influence of Calix-6-arene, 2-hydroxy propyl β-cyclodextrin and 18-crown-6 as ionophores on the fabrication of trigonelline selective electrodes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The three proposed sensors showed Nernstian slopes of 59, 60 and 55.75 mV/concentration decades over pH range 4-9 for sensors 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Both sensors 1 and 2 covered the concentration range 10-3 – 10-5 M, while sensor 3 showed linear response over the range 10-2 – 10-4 M. The proposed sensors offer the advantages of fast response and moderate stability time. The selectivity coefficients of the developed sensors indicated excellent selectivity for trigonelline. The proposed electrodes were successfully applied for direct determination of trigonelline in pure form, Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds extract and plasma without prior separation or pretreatment steps. The proposed sensors can be used in quality control labs and in clinical trails for routine analysis of trigonelline in Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds extract and plasma.

Long-term outcome of transobturator suburethral tape procedure for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

The aim is to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of transobturator tape [TOT] procedure in the treatment of women with stress urinary incontinence [SUI] by subjective and objective measures. A total 48 women with SUI underwent the TOT procedure during the period from December 2005 to February 2008. The follow-up period ranged between 60 and 84 months [mean 71 months]. Mean age was 44.21 +/- 7.52 [range: 30-58]. Preoperative and early postoperative data were retrieved from the patient's medical files. Follow-up evaluation was carried out every 3 months during the 1st year and yearly afterwards by history taking [including incontinence and quality-of-life questionnaire], clinical examination, urine analysis, abdominopelvic ultrasonography, and urodynamic studies when indicated. At 12-month follow-up, the cure, improvement, and failure rates were 3[patients [81.25%], 5 [10.42%] and 4 [8.33%], respectively. The corresponding rates at the last follow-up were 38 [7[.15%], 5 [10.42%] and 5 [10.42%] respectively. The postvoid residual urine and peak flow rates did not differ significantly between the preoperative values and at the last follow-up. The complication rates after a mean 71-month included one patient with voiding difficulty and two patients with de novo urgency. No case was recorded with retention of urine or erosion. Transobturator tape procedure appeared to be effective minimally invasive procedure for SUI with low rate of complication and good long-term outcome

Antidepressant-like effect of resveratrol in a subchronic model of depression

Depression is one of the most serious and common mental diseases with major negative social consequences. Transresveratrol [trans-3,5,4´-trihydroxystilbene] is a polyphenolic compound with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. It has been detected in some fruits and herbs, including the Asian plant Polygonum cuspidatum. The aim of this study was to assess the antidepressant-like effect of transresveratrol in a reserpine subchronic model of depression. Depression-like behaviours were induced in rats by reserpine injection [0.25 mg/kg, subcutaneously] every 48 h, for 20 days. Transresveratrol [60 and 120 mg/kg] and fluoxetine [10 mg/kg] were administered orally daily during the 20 days of the study. Behavioural tests, namely, open-field test and forced swimming test, as well as brain neurotransmitters levels and antioxidant contents and liver functions, were assessed. Data revealed that transresveratrol improved the rats' behaviour in both the open-field test and forced swimming test, and also elevated the brain's neurotransmitter content, normalized the liver enzymes level, and improved the antioxidant status of both the brain and liver, compared with those of fluoxetine. The present study provided a clear evidence for the antidepressant-like of transresveratrol in the experimental model of depression. Further investigations are required to investigate the mechanism of action of transresveratrol as well as its applicability to be used as an antidepressant

Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on fundic gastric mucosal damage induced by acetyl salicylic acid: a histological study

alpha-Lipoic acid [ALA], an endogenous agent, has been shown to combat oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of ALA on fundic gastric mucosal damage induced by acetyl salicylic acid [ASA]. Fifty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: group I [the control group], group II that received ALA for 2 weeks [subgroup IIa] and for 4 weeks [subgroup IIb], group III that received ASA for 2 weeks [subgroup IIIa] and for 4 weeks [subgroup IIIb], and group IV that received ALA 30 min before ASA for 2 weeks [subgroup IVa] and for 4 weeks [subgroup IVb]. At the end of the experiment, specimens from the fundus of the stomach were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. The mean number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]-positive cells, parietal cells, and the mean thickness of the fundic mucosa were measured and the results were statistically analyzed. Examination of sections revealed that ASA for 2 weeks induced widening of the gastric pits and focal mononuclear cellular infiltration. The mucous content of the mucosa was apparently increased and PCNA-positive cells were significantly decreased compared with the control group. ASA for 4 weeks resulted in extensive desquamation, thinning out of the mucosa, and diffuse mononuclear cellular infiltration. The collagen content of the lamina propria showed an apparent increase, whereas the mucous content showed an apparent decrease. The parietal cell count and the PCNA-positive cells were significantly decreased compared with the control group. In ultrathin sections, parietal cells showed cytoplasmic vacuoles, decreased intracellular canaliculi, and mitochondria, whereas the chief cells showed dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and decreased secretory granules. Concomitant use of ALA showed a histological profile nearly comparable with that of the control group in both subgroups IVa and IVb. ALA administration prevented the structural changes of the gastric mucosa induced by ASA

Effect of malathion on pars distalis of the pituitary gland and the possible protective role of vitamin C in adult female albino rats: a histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study

Malathion is one of the organophosphorus insecticides that are widely used in agriculture and have been reported to cause multiple organ damage. Vitamin C has been proposed as an antioxidant because it reduces oxidative stress. This work aimed to study the possible histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural changes of gonadotrophs and somatotrophs of the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary gland associated with chronic sublethal malathion administration and assess the possible beneficial role of vitamin C in ameliorating these possible changes. Forty adult female albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I served as the control group. Group II received vitamin C at a dose of 20 mg/100 g/day. Group III animals were treated with malathion at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. Groups IV animals received vitamin C and then malathion after 2 h at the previous doses. The treatments were given orally to the rats for 2 months. The rats were then sacrificed and specimens from the anterior pituitary gland were taken for light and electron microscopic examination. Light microscopic examination of rats treated with malathion revealed that gonadotrophs exhibited vacuolated degranulated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei, whereas somatotrophs appeared shrunken with dense nuclei. Immunohistochemically, there was a decrease in the immunoreactivity of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and growth hormone-secreting cells. Ultrastructurally, gonadotrophs and somatotrophs showed disintegration of cellular organelles and apoptosis of the nuclei. Coadministration of malathion with vitamin C showed a slight improvement in some gonadotrophs and somatotrophs that looked normal in both light microscopic and electron microscopic examination; however, still others were markedly affected, showing signs of degeneration and apoptosis. The results showed that malathion in chronic doses induces histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural changes in gonadotrophs and somatotrophs because of oxidative stress, and the use of vitamin C partially improves the malathion-induced toxicity

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

Role of semirigid thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion: Assiut University Hospital experience

The procedure of medical thoracoscopy provides a window into the pleural space to perform biopsy under direct visualization, particularly when thoracocentesis and closed pleural biopsy are inconclusive. The development of the semirigid thoracoscope, which is handled similarly to a bronchoscope, has made this procedure feasible and successful by most pulmonologists. It remains unknown whether certain pleural lesions, as visualized on thoracoscopy, has potential diagnostic value. We aimed to assess diagnostic value of the semirigid thoracoscope and correlate endoscopic finding with the histological diagnosis. From January 2010 to January 2012, 64 diagnostic medical thoracoscopies were performed to 64 patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion, in a tertiary care university hospital. All patients had thoracoscopy with visually directed biopsies and pleural lesion rating under local anaesthesia and mild sedation. Endoscopic findings were classified as: pleural thickening, nodules, adhesions and whitish lymphedema. The yield of the thoracoscopic biopsy in reaching final diagnosis was [98.4%]. Thoracoscopic diagnosis of malignancy in our study was [76.6%] whereas benign diagnosis was [23.4%]. Thoracoscopy was well tolerated under local anaesthesia and in most cases it was a one day procedure. Significant relations were found between endoscopic and pathology findings. Presence of nodules and lymphedema had a trend a positive relation with malignancy, p-value [0.002] and [0.009] respectively. Medical thoracoscopy is a simple relatively low-cost procedure. In the hands of experienced physicians it is generally safe, and highly effective at achieving a histological diagnosis. The presence of nodules and lymphedema, carries a high possibility of the effusion to be of a malignant etiology

Correlation of FXIII Val34Leu Polymorphism with Decreased Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Egypt.

Aim: Factor XIII is a transglutaminase that crosslinks fibrin in the last steps of the coagulation process. A few polymorphic sites have been identified in this gene, one of them being a point mutation (FXIII Val34Leu), leading to an amino acid change of valine to leucine. Several studies were published on the association between FXIII 34Leu allele and a decreased incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) with high controversy results dependent on the population. The aim of our study was to further investigate the possible protective role of the FXIII 34Leu allele polymorphism against acute MI in Egyptian patients. Study Design: Clinical examination by cardiologist specialists, blood test for biochemical markers and DNA genotyping using specific molecular sensing probes in Real Time PCR. Place and Duration of Study: Patients were recruited from consecutive admission to the coronary care unit, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. Material and Methods: Total 107 subjects were recruited and subdivided into two main groups; patients (82) and control group (25). On admission, the following data were fulfilled: age, smoking, history of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Hypertension (HTN), family history of MI. Clinical examination: Blood pressure and Body Mass Index calculation were done and for patients a short outcome prognosis was done using left ventricular Ejection Fraction (EF). Routine laboratory investigations for recruited groups including fasting and postprandial glucose level, Triglycerides, total Cholesterol, HDL-C and LDLC were carried out. Factor XIII Val34Leu was genotyped for all the recruited subjects using site specific molecular probes in real time PCR. Results: Obtained data were analyzed using OD and CI values, Pearson correlation coefficient Inter-correlations and Regression analysis model that showed insignificant association between FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism and MI patients. Conclusion: FXIII 34Leu variant has no association with reduced incidence of myocardial infarction in Egyptian patients.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of lower limb enthesis in patients with early spondyloarthropathies

The enthesopathy of seronegative spondyloarthropathies [SpA] is the hallmark of these diseases, the ultrasound examination of these entheses confirms the frequency of their involvement. To detect entheseal abnormalities with ultrasound [US] in the lower limb of patients with early Spondyloarthropathy [SpA] and to evaluate US as a valuable tool in detecting early enthesis. A total of 45 patients with early disease duration of 11.7 +/- 8.5 months, including 10 patients with psoriatic arthritis [PsA], 10 patients with ankylosing spondylitis [AS], 10 patients with reactive arthritis [ReA], eight patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] and seven patients with Crohn's disease and 20 healthy controls of matched age and sex underwent ultraso-nographic evaluation of Achilles, quadriceps, patellar entheses and plantar aponeurosis. Ultrasonographic findings were scored according to the Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesitis Scoring System [GUESS]. On US examination a total of 290/450 [64.4%] of the entheseal sites were abnormal. Mean GUESS score was significantly higher in patients with SpA as compared with controls[p < 0.001], with a higher mean value in patients with PsA, ReA and AS. The mean thickness of all tendons examined was significantly higher in SpA patients than in controls [p < 0.0001] as well as the mean number of enthesophytes and bursitis in all sites examined [p = 0.002, p = 0.003], with a higher prevalence amongst patients with PsA and ReA. The GUESS score was correlated to duration of the disease and the anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha medications. Enthesis involvement occurs early in spondyloarthritis, the enthesis US score appears to be reliable and useful for improving the diagnostic accuracy of early SpA, further studies are needed as US is an evolving technique

Histological study on the role of ginger against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in albino rats

Chemotherapy with cisplatin has adverse effects on spermatogenesis. Therefore, this work aimed at investigating the protective role of ginger against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in male albino rats. Twenty-four adult albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups. The first group served as the control group; the second group was injected with cisplatin [12 mg/kg once]; and the third group was injected with cisplatin [12 mg/kg once] and then given ginger [310 mg/kg orally] for 26 days. Testicular specimens were processed for light microscopic examination using H and E. Other specimens were processed for electron microscopic examination. Cisplatin had damaging effects on the seminiferous tubules. Some areas of the tubules showed complete depletion of germ cells. Other areas showed some spermatogonia or primary spermatocytes. Sertoli cells showed a variable degree of degenerative changes in the form of destruction of cellular processes and cell junction. Interruption of the nuclear envelope of spermatids and loss of intercellular bridges were noticed. Treating with ginger resulted in normal Sertoli cells and cell junctions. The germ cells lining the tubules were more or less normal except for some intercellular vacuolations. The use of ginger has some protective effects on the testicular structure; hence, a larger number of experiments with higher doses of ginger or longer administration period could be beneficial for patients taking chemotherapeutic drugs

Role of multislice dental CT in assessment of dental implants

The use of dental implants to restore missing teeth has become increasingly widespread over the past two decades. Dental MSCT plays an important role in the preoperative planning of dental implants because it provides accurate measurement of the width and depth of the edentulous ridge as well as the bone density. And postoperatively, dental MSCT images can show the failure of an endosseous implant to osseointegrate, improper placement of an implant, and violation of important structures. Is to determine the success of dental implants following pre-operative multi-slice dental CT planning and for early detection of post-operative complications. The study included 25 patients that were divided in to 2 groups, Group I included 14 partially edentulous patients who underwent pre and post- operative dental MSCT, while group II included 11patients that already have dental implants and underwent post-operative dental MSCT using16-slice helical CT scanner. There is highly significant [P < 0.001] relation between preoperative dental MSCT assessment and postoperative results and dental MSCT was very accurate in the evaluation of osseointegration and very sensitive in the detection of postoperative complications. Dental MSCT is a promising method that can be used as an imaging tool in the preoperative planning and postoperative assessment of dental implants

Study of the possible cardioprotective effects of insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present study was carried out to investigate the possible protective effects of insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine on cardiac dysfunction in experimental isoproterenol [ISO]-induced myocardial infarction [MI], aiming at achieving useful means for protection and therapy against MI. Wistar rats of both sexes were allocated into five groups: the control group, the untreated MI group, and MI groups treated with insulin, ATP, or [L]-arginine. All rats were subjected to ECG recording, and plasma levels of troponin I and triglycerides were determined. The isolated perfused hearts, according to Langendorff's preparation, were studied; the left ventricular weight [LV] was determined, and the LV per body weight ratio [LV/BW] was calculated. The percentage mortality and total arrhythmia were significantly reduced upon treatment with ATP and [L]-arginine. The ST segment elevation was significantly reduced in insulin-treated rats. The QRS duration and QT[o] intervals were significantly decreased in ATP-treated and [L]-arginine-treated rats, and the QT[c] interval was significantly shortened in all three treated groups. The levels of plasma triglycerides significantly reduced on treatment with insulin and ATP. In the three treated groups, the peak developed tension baseline value and maximal response were significantly increased when compared with the untreated group. In addition, the half-relaxation time baseline value was significantly decreased in the treated groups when compared with the control group. The myocardial flow rate baseline value and maximal response were significantly increased on [L]-arginine treatment. The LV weights and LV/BW ratios were significantly increased in all three treated groups. Insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine were variably effective in partially modifying the ISO-induced MI insults and offered partial protection against ISO-induced myocardial damage

Effect of excess iodide on the structure of the thyroid gland of prepubertal male albino rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Excessive iodine intake is emerging as a new healthcare-related concern. Excess iodine is associated with a spectrum of effects on the thyroid. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of excess potassium iodide [KI] on the histological and immunohistochemical structure of the thyroid gland and evaluate the biochemical changes in thyroid hormones. Forty prepubertal male albino rats aged between 4 and 6 weeks were classified into two equal groups: group 1 [the control group], which was given distilled water, and group 2 [the KI-treated group], which was further subdivided into two equal subgroups. Subgroup 1a was given 0.1 mg KI/kg/day for 4 successive weeks and subgroup 1b was given 0.1 mg KI/kg/day for 8 successive weeks. At the end of the period, the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were collected for measurement of serum T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Thyroid glands were dissected out and processed for examination using light and electron microscopes. For light microscopic examination, the sections were stained with H and E and immunohistochemical analysis was carried out for localization of Fas. H and E-stained sections of the KI-treated subgroups showed highly significantly enlarged follicular cavities that were distended with vacuolated colloid. Most of the follicles were lined with flattened follicular cells with flattened nuclei. Follicular epithelial height was highly significantly decreased. Ultrastructurally, follicular cells showed dilatation of the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial swelling, many electron-lucent zones, and collagen fibers in the interstitial spaces. Also, most of the nuclei were heterochromatic. Immunohistochemically, there was a highly significant increase in staining for Fas in the follicular cells of the treated subgroups. Biochemical assessment detected a nonsignificant decrease in T3 and T4 and a highly significant increase in the thyroid-stimulating hormone levels of the treated group. Excessive iodine intake affects thyroid structure and function. Hence, public iodine intake should be regulated to make sure that it is within optimal levels. Proper monitoring of the salt iodization program is essential. Also, drugs with high iodine content should be administered with caution

Estrogenic activity of Citrus medica L. leaves growing in Egypt.

The estrogenic activity of petroleum ether extract of Citrus medica L. leaves as well as the chemical constituents responsible for the biological activity was studied. The petroleum ether extract proved to retain high estrogenic activity in immature female rats. The extract was saponified and its components (saponifiable part 23% and the unsaponifiable matter 77%) were identified using GC/MS technique. The extract proved to be safe (LD50< 2g/kg.bw). Oral administration of petroleum ether extract of C. medica in ovariectomized immature female Wistar rats for 7 days in a dose of 400 mg/kg resulted in significant increase in the uterine weight (g) (1.7±0.11) when compared with ovariectomized control rats (1.3±0.07). GC/MS analysis of both saponifiable and unsaponifiable matters revealed the presence of thirty three components (28 hydrocarbons and 5 sterols) in the unsaponifiable fraction, the major hydrocarbon was n- Heneicosane (16.7%) while the major sterol was β-sitosterol (4.03%) and 15 components in the saponifiable matter it's major component was hexadecanoic acid (19.93%). As a conclusion petroleum ether extract of Citrus medica L. leaves possess a significant estrogenic activity.

Histopathological changes in some organs of Japanese quail after different levels of jojoba meal

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different jojoba meal as a replace of soybean protein and to detect the histopathological changes in some organs of Japanese quail [one week old] for 5 weeks. The present study included two experiments, the first aimed to investigate the incorporation of treated jojoba meal seed [bentonite + autoclaving + fungus] in Japanese quail diets as replacer to soybean meal protein and to detect the histopathological changes in some organs of the Japanese quail. The treated jojoba meal was incorporated in the experimental diets to replace 0 [control]; 4 [T[1]]; 8 [T[2]] and 12% [T[3]] of soybean meal protein. The second experiment, dietary treatment included the control diet [The same control of experiment I] and groups 2 [UT[1]], 3[UT[2]], 4 [UT[3]], 5 [UT[4]], which were supplied with untreated jojoba meal at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8% levels, respectively. Observations of the present study showed that liver of T[2] group revealed ruptured endothelial lining of the central vein, and T[3] group showed elongated walls of the bile ducts. Ileum of T[2] group showed highly thickened muscle layer and ileum of T[3] group showed distorted tissue. Kidney of T[2] group showed congested inters tubular spaces and T[3] group showed normal convoluted tubules with congested and dilated blood vessels. Testis of T[2] and T[3] groups showed hypocellularity of cells of the spermatognic layers with absence of mature sperms. Ovary of T[3] group showed somewhat normal mature ovum with reduced internal content. Results of experiment II showed that the liver tissue was normal.Ileum of birds of UT[3] and UT[4] groups showed somewhat normal appearance. Kidney of UT[3] group showed that some cells of the convoluted tubules were faintly stained with hemorrhagic areas. Testis of UT[3] and UT[4] groups showed decreased Leydig cells with absence of mature sperms and increased number of primary spermatocytes. Ovary of UT[3] group showed reduced stroma, and those of UT[4] showed highly reduced storma in the cortex and medulla of the ovary with malformed mature follicles and irregular membranes, but somewhat normal growing follicles. It is clear that 4% [At the level 1.55] of the treated jojoba meal and 0.4% untreated meal give the best results

Serum visfatin in relation to some parameters of iron metabolism in egyptian subjects with altered glucose tolerance

Visfatin is an adipokine mainly synthesized and secreted in visceral fat. Visfatin was found to have important proinflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The aim of the present work was to clarify the relation between plasma visfatin, some parameters of iron metabolism and insulin resistance in altered glucose tolerance patients and its relation to obesity. Eighty subjects were included in this study; 60 diabetic patients, and 20 healthy subjects, sex and age matched, used as controls [Gr.I]. The patients were divided into: Gr. II impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]; Gr. Ill [type I]; Gr. IVa [obese type II] and Gr.IVb[non obese type II]. The following biochemical parameters were estimated in this study: serum visfatin, plasma fasting and postprandial glucose, glycated hemoglobin [HbAlc], serum insulin, HOMA, HOMAp, QUICKI, serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triacylglycerols [TGs],as well as serum ferritin, sTFR and TNF-alpha Results indicated a significant positive correlation between serum visfatin and each of FPG [in IGT patients] and serum ferritin [in type I], but it was correlated negatively with sTFR/log ferritin [in type I] and serum sTFR [in obese type II diabetics]. Serum ferritin level showed a significant positive correlation with BMI, waist to hipratio, HDL-C [in non obese type II], and with TNF-alpha [in type Idiabetics]. No correlation was detected between ferritin and HOMAall patients. I As a conclusion, serum visfatin was correlated to some parameters of iron metabolism in type I and in obese type II diabetics. Visfatin was also correlated with FPG in IGT group, its increase may be due to hyperglycemia itself and at the same time it may induce progression of inflammatory condition. This study did not show an association of serum visfatin with insulin resistance or obesity. This as adapted from Ph.D thes is submitted to Ain Shams University by Doaa M. Ibrahim