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 exposure to electromagnetic field on some aspects of hepatic function in rats

Exposure to electromagnetic fields [EMF] may pose health risks and cell damage in various tissues, among the most susceptible tissues to EMF exposure being the liver. It was, thus, intriguing to investigate the possible effect of whole body exposure to EMF of mobile phones on some parameters reflecting the liver function. This study was performed on 111 albino rats of both sexes. Rats were divided into 2 main groups: 4 weeks exposure group [group I] and 8 weeks exposure group [group II]. Rats in each group were further subdivided into 4 subgroups, namely; rats not exposed to EMF of mobile phone [control groups, Ic and IIc], rats exposed to EMF of mobile phone for 1 hour/day [groups I[1] and II[1]], for 2 hours/day [groups I[2] and II[2]] and for 3 hours/day [groups I[3] and II[3]]. Exposure to EMF did not result in any significant change in plasma activities of both alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] in all exposed rats compared with their matched control. However, there was significant prolongation of both prothrombin time [PT] and activated partial thromboplastin time [PTT] accompained by significant elevation of hepatic malondialdehyde [MDA] content and reduction of nitric oxide [NO] content in hepatic tissue, the changes being more marked with increase in the duration of exposure. Microscopic examination of the liver tissue showed hepatocytic vacuolizations, irregular diameters of sinusoidal lumens, inflammatory cellular infiltrations and reduced glycogen content, the changes becoming intense with prolongation of the EMF exposure period. Exposure to EMF of mobile phones poses a risk factor for liver dysfunction, and, therefore, long term or excessive use of mobile phones better be avoided

Effect of changes in nitric level oxide on myometrial contractility in pregnant and non-pregnant rats

Nitric oxide [NO] has been recognized as a molecule that shares in regulation of the reproductive system physiology. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of NO excess and NO deficiency on spontaneous myometrial contractions and on myometrial responsiveness to oxytocin as well, in both non-pregnant and late pregnant rats. Female adult rats were divided into two main groups: estrogen-primed non-pregnant model and time-mated late pregnant model. Rats in each model were divided into three groups: a control group, L-arginine-treated group and L-NAME-treated group. Myometrial strips taken from the different groups were suspended in organ bath containing Krebs' solution, gassed with 95% O2 and 5% CO2 for recording of isometric contractions. Spontaneous uterine motility was recorded, followed by oxytocin addition for recording of myometrial responsiveness to this hormone. Serum nitrate level was determined in all rats. L-arginine supplementation caused a significant increase in serum nitrate levels in both rat models, accompanied by decreased spontaneous myometrial contractility and attenuation of the stimulatory effect of oxytocin in both non-pregnant and pregnant rats, compared to the control values. The predominating effect in the non-pregnant model was on the average force, and in the pregnant model on the frequency of contraction. Following treatment with L-NAME. serum nitrate was significantly decreased, yet the spontaneous myometrial contractility and its responsiveness to oxytocin were non-significantly changed in both non-pregnant and pregnant rats, compared to the control group. The NO donor L-arginine has proved to have an inhibitory effect on both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions, when administered in vivo, in both non-pregnant and late pregnant states, establishing the importance of the L-arginine/NO system as a uterine smooth muscle relaxant. L-arginine could, therefore, provide a useful therapeutic measure for conditions with pathological uterine contractility, like dysmenorrhea or preterm labor, taking into consideration that increased NO attenuates myometrial responsiveness to oxytocin

Attitudes to premarital counseling among females students of Abha health sciences college at kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to explore the attitudes of the female students of Health Sciences College in Abha. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] towards premarital counseling. This study was conducted among the females students of Health Sciences Colleges in Abha, KSA, during the 1st semester of the academic year of 2006-2007. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all available students who answered it under the direct supervision of the Heads of Departments. The questionnaire consisted of 3 main parts; the first part was regarding socio-demographic and scientific characteristics, the 2nd part concerned with attitudes towards premarital counseling while the 3rd part explored the preferred items to be included in premarital counseling. Data of the questionnaire were entered and analyzed by statistical package for social sciences. Association between categorical variables were tested by Chi-square test and considered significant if [P-value less than 0.05]. two hundred and twenty students responded, giving a response rate of 69%. Seventy percent of students showed acceptance of premarital counseling while 17% rejected it. Legalization of premarital counseling was agreed on by 19% compared to 41% who refused it. Family history and blood tests for hemoglobinopathies were the most common 2 items preferred to be included in premarital counseling by the respondents. This study showed that most of the students at Health Sciences College in Abha, KSA have good attitudes towards premarital counseling in spite of a few students who justify their refusal by the misunderstanding of Islamic rules. This misunderstanding needs intensification of health education in which religious leaders are involved to clarify and correct this misconception

Physiological and histological studies on glucan as modulator of hazardous effects in rats treated with cyclophosphamide and exposed to gamma radiation

beta-glucan which is known as biological response modifiers and immunostimulator was investigated in this study to minimize the toxicity of chemo-and radiotherapy induced by cyclophosphamide [CYP] and radiation exposure in rats. beta-glucan was orally administered in a dose of 10 mg/kg b.wt. daily against the hazardous impacts of gamma-irradiation [1 Gy daily up to 10 Gy] and/or CYP [50 mg/kg b.wt. every other day for 2 weeks]. Determination of some biochemical analysis was carried out including calcium, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase. Hematological analysis was performed on leucocytes and platelets counts. Additionally, histological study was also done on both lung and testis tissues. The experimental rats being sacrificed 1, 7 and 21 days post-treatment. Treatment with CYP induced significant decrease in WBCs, platelets counts and alkaline phosphatase activity and significant increase of creatine kinase and LDH activities accompanied by a significant increase in Ca level only at the end of experimental period. Similar results were recorded with irradiated group accompanied with a non significant change in Ca level allover the experimental periods. Combined treatment with both gamma-radiation and CYP intensified the effect of each other on most of the investigated parameters. Microscopic examination of the lung revealed that both gamma-irradiation and CYP showed disturbed structure of bronchioles, thickened alveolar walls together with scattered haemorrhagic areas. Signs of pneumonia and compensatory emphysema were also seen. Meanwhile, in testis, irregular seminiferous tubules with reduction in their sizes were observed. Besides, the intertubular spaces were fibrotic and devoid of Leyding cells. Bizarre-shaped spermatogenic cells were also prominent. In combined treatment, these lesions became much more progressed. However, glucan administration prior to treatment with CYP or gamma-radiation led to an improvement in most of biochemical, hematological and histological parameters under investigation. beta-glucan has a good protective role against the toxic effects associated with chemo-and radiotherapy

Some studies on the blood parasites infecting ducks in KalubyieGovesnorate

From the examination of blood films from 145 ducks, 25 were infected with Babesiosoma anserina. The rates of infection with B. anserina in ducks differed were 40%, 28.9% and 8.7% in Muscovy, Pekin and Native breeds, respectively. Native and Pekin breeds up to one year were more susceptible for Babesiosoma anserina. Muscovy breeds of 1-2 years old were more susceptible. The stages of the parasite were measured