Diagnosis, Treatment and Clinical Features of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been one of the most common parasitic diseases in Saudi Arabia. This study exhibits the clinical features, diagnosis, cytokine profile and treatment of CL patients in Al-Taif province. Ninety CL suspects at a tertiary care general hospital were enrolled in one-year study. Patients were interviewed, clinically-examined, and subjected to laboratory tests: skin scraping smear microscopy, OligoC-TesT commercial PCR (Coris BioConcept) and kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) PCR for Leishmania diagnosis. Interferon-gamma (RayBio; Human IFN-γ) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients' sera were evaluated before treatment with sodium stibogluconate (pentostam) with 20-day intramuscular drug regimen. Positive rates of microscopy, commercial PCR and kDNA PCR were 74.4%, 95.5% and 100%, respectively. Patients came to hospital mostly in winter (45.0%). CL was frequently exhibited in Saudi patients (78.8%), male gender (70.7%), age < 20 years (50.0%), rural-dwellers (75.5%) and patients with travel history (86.6%). Lesion was mostly single ulcer (93.3%), occurred in the face (67.7%). Upon pentostam treatment, 85.1% of ulcers showed rapid healing signs. Levels of IFN-γ and NO were significantly higher in the healing than the non-healing cases (P < 0.001). The kDNA PCR proved more sensitive than microscopy and OligoC-TesT commercial PCR. Our results open perspectives for IFN-γ use as a biomarker predicting treatment response.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effect of balanites aegyptiaca seeds [aqueous extract] on diabetic rats

Type II diabetes mellitus is increasing health problems that negatively affect health care systems worldwide. There is a constant urge to develop new therapies with better effects, lower side effects at lower prices to treat this disease. Therefore, the present study carried out to investigate whether Balanites aegyptiaca [seeds] could treat the hyperglycemic, dislipidemic, liver, and kidney toxicity and the pancreatic damage in diabetic rats. Fifteen adult male albino rats were divided into two groups; group 1: control group, group 2: alloxan induced diabetic rats that divided into two subgroups; subgroup1: diabetic untreated rats, subgroup2: diabetic treated with aqueous extract of B. aegyptiaca [seeds]. After thirty days of treatment, all rats were sacrificed. Blood sample were collected to estimate some hematological and biochemical parameters. Liver samples were collected to determine their glycogen content and pancreatic samples were obtained and processed for microscopic and quantitative evaluation of, alpha, beta and delta-cells number. Diabetic group recorded reduction in body weight's gained, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, significant increase in some parameters of liver and kidney functions, dislipidemia, changes in proteins level and decreased liver glycogen content. While, treatment with B. aegyptiaca [seeds] was ameliorated most of the toxic effects of alloxan and showed partially improvement in histological changes produced by alloxan. The aqueous extract of B. aegyptiaca [seeds] has hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic effects, increasing insulin level, and decreasing insulin resistance. Moreover, ameliorate the most complication associated with diabetes mellitus

Effect of Zingiber officinale on fatty liver induced by oxytetracycline in albino rats

Fatty liver causes were markedly increased in Egyptian people throughout last years. People prefer to use the medicinal plants instead of using chemical compounds because they are cheap and have few side effects compared to chemical compounds. Ginger is a natural dietary rhizome with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible potential therapeutic and protective effects of Zingiber officinale [ginger] against oxytetracyclininduced fatty liver in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Albino rats were divided into two major groups, 15 rats for each. The first group was divided into three sub-groups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120mg/kg] for three consecutive days and c] ginger treated group; which was treated with ginger water extract [125 mg/kg] for 30 days after fatty liver induction . All animals were scarified after 33 days of the beginning of the experiment. The second group was divided into three subgroups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120 mg/kg] for three consecutive days and c] ginger protective group; which received ginger for 15 days before induction of fatty liver, then sacrificed after induction of fatty liver [3 days]. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formalin for histological study. Fatty liver groups showed high significant increase in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, ALAT, ASAT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine and A/G ratio while total protein, albumin, globulin and HDL cholesterol were significantly decreased compared to control group. These biochemical changes were accompanied with histopathological alterations in fatty liver tissue. The treatment with ginger ameliorated most of the evaluated biochemical parameters and improved the induced degenerative histopathological changes. The pre-treatment with ginger before the induction of fatty liver gave some protection against factors that experimentally induced fatty liver. Ginger as diet additive is recommend for fatty liver patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history

Cost-benefit analysis of ergonomic program for management of low back problems among office workers

Low back problems are emerging as important work-related health disorders especially among computer office workers with substantial cost. The most prominent feature, of these conditions, is low back pain [LBP].The present study was designed to investigate low back problems among office workers in relation to ergonomic factors at work and to analyze cost-benefit of a suggested ergonomic program for management of this problem. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the office work department in a petroleum company in the Western desert. The study included 120 office workers. All participants were subjected to a predesigned questionnaire emphasizing occupational history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, and ergonomic checklist for subjective assessment. The LBP was defined whether non-specific, radiating, persistent specific, or chronic. A parallel objective assessment of the computer desk workstations [n = 62], which were shared by workers, was carried out by experienced ergonomists with the same previous checklist. Medical records were reviewed for assessment of the cost of low back problems in the years [2007-2009]. The cost of a suggested ergonomic program was calculated for 3 years according to the market price in order to calculate cost-benefit ratio of such a program in prevention of LBP. Results showed that 61% of the examined workers gave history of LBP within the previous 3 years and clinical signs were detected in 32% of the workers. There were no significant differences between subjective and objective assessments of the different items scores of the ergonomic checklist. The lowest mean scores were reported for the chair and the work habits and training; both were negatively correlated with LBP intensity and duration. The suggested ergonomic program entails correction of the defective items to meet the standard ergonomic healthy criteria, provision of 6 periodic ergonomic training programs and enforcement of healthy work and life style habits. The final cost-benefit ratio of the ergonomic program for management of LBP among office workers of the present study was 1: 3.67 which is considered cost beneficial. Properly designed ergonomic programs are cost beneficial in management of LBP among office workers

Subclinical atherosclerosis in obese adolescents with normal left ventricular function

To assess the impact of obesity on carotid intima media thickness and left ventricular [LV] mass in obese adolescents. The study included 52 obese adolescents [mean age 14.16 +/- 2.64 years] and 52 healthy adolescents who served as a control group [mean age 12 +/- 2.3 years], who were attended the outpatient clinic at Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. The study population was submitted for medical history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations [fasting blood sugar and lipid profile], and echocardiographic examination of LV mass and dimensions. Assessment of carotid intima-media thickness was carried out by using carotid duplex. All children had normal LV function. Obese adolescents had a significant increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, and low HDL-C compared to the control group. Also, there was a significant increase in blood pressure, carotid intima media thickness, LV mass, and LV mass index. There was a significant correlation between BMI and dyslipidemia, blood pressure, carotid intima/media thickness, LV mass, and posterior wall thickness. Carotid intima-media thickness had a significant correlation with increased LDL-C and low HDL-C, blood pressure, LV mass, and posterior wall thickness. Obesity in childhood and adolescents is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Although obese children had no LV dysfunction, yet there are LV structure changes

Effect of Cichorium intybus L. on fatty liver induced by oxytetracycline in albino rats

Fatty liver is now one of the most common diseases in Egypt. People prefer to use the medicinal plants instead of using chemical compounds because they are cheap and have few side effects compared to chemical compounds.The current investigation was carried out to examine the possible potential therapeutic and protective effects of Cichorium intybus [chicory] against oxytetracyclin-induced fatty liver in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Albino rats were divided into two major groups, 15 rats for each. The first group was divided into three sub-groups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120mg/kg] for three consecutive days resulting in steatosis and c] chicory treated group; which was treated with chicory water extract [70 mg/kg] for 30 days after fatty liver induction . All animals were scarified after 33 days of the beginning of the experiment. The second group was divided into three subgroups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120mg/kg] for three consecutive days and c] drug protection group; which received chicory for 15 days before induction of fatty liver, then sacrificed after induction of fatty liver [3 days]. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formalin for histological study. Fatty liver groups showed high significant increase in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, ALAT, ASAT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine and A/G ratio while total protein, albumin, globulin and HDL cholesterol were significantly decreased compared to control group. These biochemical changes were accompanied with histopathological alterations in fatty liver tissue. The treatment with chicory ameliorated most of the evaluated biochemical parameters and improved the induced degenerative histopathological changes. The pre-treatment with chicory before the induction of fatty liver gave some protection against factors that experimentally induced fatty liver. Chicory as diet additive is recommend for fatty liver patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history

Evaluation of oligochromatography dipstick as a simplified molecular diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis

The demonstration of Leishmania parasite by microscopic examination of samples taken from skin lesions is of low sensitivity and requires expert parasitologists. On the other hand, molecular methods to detect Leishinania parasites are considered specific and sensitive. However, detection of amplicons by the classical methods is complex, expensive and needs equipments and highly trained personnel. This raises the demand for a simplified method of amplification and product detection. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCR Leishmania Oligo C-test for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The diagnostic accuracy of the Leishniania Oligo C-test was estimated in 30 skin scraping samples from patients presented at El Quorea specialized hospital, Taif, KSA. On the basis of parasitological detection of amastigotes by direct microscopic examination of Geimsa stained smears from skin lesions, patients were classified into confirmed cutaneous Ieishmaniasis [group A] and negative cases [group B]. Twenty patients were proved positive for Leishmania amastigotes by microscopic examination of stained smears. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic efficacy of the Leishmania Oligo C-test were 90%, 90%, 95%, 82%, 90%, respectively. These results indicate that this simple molecular technique may be employed for rapid diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The Leishmania Oligo C-test showed high specificity and sensitivity when compared to results obtained by microscopic examination of skin scraping samples. The assay is a promising tool for simplified molecular detection of Leishmania parasites

Effect of androgen and schistosoniicide in murine schistomiasis mansoni: an experimental study

Impotence is aconsistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Testosterone administration in men with liver cirrhosis improves the sense of well-being, increase serum proteins and reduces edema without serious adverse effects. Oral, alkylated forms of testosterone can create a situation of liver toxicity. There is little evidence that other methods of administration cause liver dysfunction. Most doctors be indecisive on prescribing androgen preparations in patients with liver disease, so this work was designed to study the effect of androgen replacement [injectable form] on the murine diseased liver, and subsequently whether it can be used safely in men with chronic liver disease or not. To evaluate the effect of exogenous injectable androgen and praziquantel on the diseased liver of mice. National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute [NHTMRI]. Materials and methods: Forty male mouse [weighing 25-30 g] were infested subcutaneously with Schistosoma mansoni [100 cercariae/animal], and then they were divided into four groups. Mice in the first group were infected only and used as infected control group. Mice of group II and IV were given the Schistosomicide, praziquantel in a dose of 0.3 mg/mouse. Androgen [Sustarion] was injected intramuscularly in a "dose of 0.125 mg/mouse, [three doses, 3 weeks apart] in group III and IV. At the end of the trial all animals were then sacrificed to study histopathologically the possible effects of androgen on the liver tissue. Liver function tests were done in animals of group I, III, and IV, first prior to study and finally by the end of study. Results of assayed liver function tests and histopathological examination were tested for statistical significant association. there were marked elevation of the liver enzymes in mice of group IV compared to the corresponding control [p<0.01] and mice of the third group [p<0.01], which reflect deterioration of hepatic function in those mice received the antibilharzial drug praziquantel. On the other hand there was statistical difference between control group [group I] and androgen treated group III [P<0.05]. Histological examination of liver sections of mice in all groups revealed the presence of typical bilharzial granulomas. The mean diameter of bilharzial granulomas clearly dropped to 283.20 micrometer in group II compared to 392.55 in corresponding control. The difference between these two groups was statistically significant [p=0.0001]. In group III there was no statistical difference in the number of egg granulomas [P>0.05] compared to group I. There was a reduction of granulomas diameter in group III and IV [animals injected with androgen] in comparison to group I [P>0.05 and P<0.01] respectively. Also comparison between the four groups as regards the type of bilharzial granulomas, it is clearly evident that the predominant type of granulomas in the androgen treated groups is the cellular type [38% and 57.1%] in group III and IV respectively and this may reflect the possible beneficial effect of androgen on the diseased liver. Our results clearly indicate that androgen have no deleterious effects on tissues of the diseased liver and hence on liver functions. In conclusion androgen therapy [injectabi form] appears to be safe in the clinical management of erectile dysfunction patients with chronic liver disease

Clinical hypoglycemic effects of Allium cepa [red onion] in type 1 diabetic patients

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease caused by destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells and characterized by defect in insulin secretion. The present study was carried out to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Allium cepa in patients with type 1 diabetic patients. In the assessment of the hypoglycaemic activity of Allium cepa in type 1 diabetic patients [n=21], crude Allium cepa [100 g] caused a considerably lowered value in the fasting blood glucose levels by about 89 mg/dl in relation to insulin [145 mg/dl] after 4 hours. Also the ingestion of crude Allium cepa by type 1 diabetic patients produced a significant reduction in the induced hyperglycemia [GTT] by about 120 mg/dl in relation to water [77 mg/dl] and the standard drug insulin [153 mg/dl]. Crude Allium cepa produced hypoglycemic effects, thus it could be used as a dietary supplement in management of diabetes

Reproductive effects of human interferon-alpha-2b administration on male albino mice testes. An experimental study

Recombinant human interferon alpha [rh-IFN-alpha] is used therapeutically in malignant disorders and chronic hepatitis. The phenotypic effects of this drug at the structural levels on testicular tissue were hardly ever addressed. Hence, this work was designed in adult male albino mice to study the phenotypic effects of rh-INF-alpha-2b on testicular tissue as well as assessing its effects on serum testosterone and gonadotropins levels. This research was planned to through light on the effects of interferon-alpha-2b [IFN-alpha-2b] on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular [HPT] axis of the adult male albino mice. Experimental study. National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute [NHTMRI]. The study was conducted from November [2004] to February [2005]. Thirty sexually mature male mice were divided into three groups [10 mice in each group], namely: the control, the experimental and the recovery groups. Mice in the experimental and recovery groups were administered recombinant human interferon alpha intraperitoneally at a dose of 3000 U / mouse weekly for 12 weeks in a volume of 1.0-microliter isotonic normal' saline, then animals in the recovery group were left to recover for a further period of two months. At the end of the experiment, serum concentrations of gonadotropins and testosterone were measured and then all animals were then sacrificed to study histopathologically the possible effects of interferon on the testicular tissue. rh-IFN-alpha-2b induced remarkable decline in the serum levels of both follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] in mice of the experimental group compared to the corresponding control and mice of recovery group. At the same time, testosterone was moderately increased in the experimental group, and then returned to its normal levels within 2 months after cessation of treatment. Histopathologically, in the experimental group, there were focal thickening of the basement membrane, degenerative changes and clumping of the germinal epithelial cells in the center of seminiferous tubules, partial desquamation of the germinal epithelium from basement membrane, reduction in the germ cell height, partial arrest of maturation and increased number of Sertoli cells. Increased number of leydig's cells and hypervascularity were detected in the interstitial spaces. In the recovery group, there was lessening of the germ cell hypoplasia manifested by restoration of spermatogenic cells and accidental disruption in the basement membrane. Most of the spermatogenic and Sertoli cells restored their polarity, height and maturation. Our results suggest that rh-INF-alpha-2b temporally affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis [HPT], both centrally and peripherally [at the testicular level], through the lessening of FSH, LH, raise of testosterone serum levels and direct phenotypic effect on the testicular tissue

Cardiovascular risk profile as related to type of work in Siwa

A cross-sectional study was carried out to study the conventional cardiovascular risk profile with special emphasis on hypertension and the relation to physical activity type of work, in Siwa community, as an example of underserved locations. A community based study targeting adult population of Siwa [25 years old and above] was conducted by members of the health convoy prepared by HIPH to Siwa Oasis. A cluster sampling technique was adopted randomly covering all districts of Siwa. The study included 202 respondents. The participants were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire including personal and long term enquiry of medical data, and dietary habits. Using standard methods, blood pressure was measured and blood samples were taken to test for the levels of cholesterol and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH]. Results showed that 48% of the studied population were hypertensives and 64% had less active work. Multiple regression models, with systolic blood pressure [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] as quantitative dependent variables, showed that the physical type of work was a significant independent factor in both models [p=0.003]. Significant higher percents of smokers, overweight and obese, hyper-cholesterolemics, and hypothyroid cases were reported among less active work, in comparison to active work [p= 0.006, 0.0001, 0.002, and 0.004, respectively]. In conclusion, cardiovascular risk factors are emerging at high rates in this community. Type of work physical activity seems to be an important risk factor that should be considered in preventive programs

Relation between antioxidants and pollution on experimental animals

The aim of the present work is to study the protective effect of some antioxidants and trace elements against the hazardous effects of carbon tetrachloride [CCI[4]] on hamsters for the possibility of further application on humans. One hundred twenty hamsters weighing 104-128g were divided into 13 groups as follows: 1-Negative Control group fed standard diet, 2-positive control group given carbon tetrachloride CCI[4] only, 3-CC1[4] + zinc, 4 - CCI[4] + beta-carotene,9- CCI[4] + alpha- tocopherol, 6- CCI[4] + selenium. 7- CCI[4] + vitamin C,8- CCI[4] + zinc + beta - carotene, 9- CCI[4] + zinc + vitamin C, 10- CCI[4] + zinc + alpha-tocopheral, 11- CCI[4] + selenium + beta-carotene, 12- CCI[4] + selenium + vitamin C and 13- CCI[4] + selenium + alpha-tocopheral. Carbon tetrachloride [CCI[4] has a direct toxic effect on liver and kidney. Depending on biochemical results, the more antioxidants of liver protection against [CCI[4] toxicity are a tocopherol, followed by selenium, selenium + beta - carotene, vitamin C, zinc + beta - carotene and selenium + alpha tocopherol. The more antioxidant for kidney protection against CCI[4] toxicity is beta -carotene followed by selenium, zinc + beta - carotene, zinc + alpha tocopherol, and zinc + vitamin C. Trace elements should not be given individually especially zinc or selenium as deleterious effects, in spite of its protective effect

Correlation of serum leptin, follicle stimulating hormone and leutinizing hormone levels among beta-thalassemic females during puberty

Despite medical advances in management of beta.Thalassemia, growth failure, pubertal delay and hypogonadism remain significant clinical problems in thalassemic patients in adolescence. Leptin levels were significantly lower in females with thalassemia major compared with normal females. This study was designed to assess serum leptin level and anterior pituitary gland hormones [F.S.H. and L.H] among thalassemic females during puberty and to correlate serum leptin level and S.ferritin level. Twenty eight female patients with P thalassemia major aged 10-18 years and 28 matched normal females were included. Anthropometric measures; assessment of puberty, Hb%, ALT, AST, S.creat., FSH, LH, S.Ferritin, S. Leptin levels were performed for the two groups. There was significant positive correlation between Serum leptin hormone level and FSH and LH in thalassemic group. A significant number of thalas-semics had delayed puberty, low FSH and LH and low serum leptin levels

Effect of geranium [P-elargonium graveolens] leaf extract on hepatic and renal functions in mice

Pelargonium graveolens L'Herit is a perennial herb used for many medicinal treatments as staunch bleeding, heal wounds and antibacterial properties. Its common English name is geranium. In this study we follow up the effect of a high dose of this plant extract on two vital organs [liver and kidney] following treated and recovery period. Animals were divided into two major groups, a control and an experimental group. Animals of the experimental group received geranium extract orally day by day in a dose of 869 Amg/ kg/ day for 20 days. Animals were sacrificed after treated [20 days] and recovery periods [10 and 20 days]. Blood samples were collected for hematological tests and biochemical analysis. Liver and kidney specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological and histochemical study. AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, urea, createnine, total lipid and cholesterol were significantly increased after treated and recovery period of 10 days. However, glucose level, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly decreased in animals after treated period. Histological changes in treated sections of the liver showed evidence of degeneration, necrosis and mononuclear cellular infiltration and in kidney sections, tubular degeneration and glomerular atrophy were observed. Degenerative changes in both proximal [WBCs casts] and medullary tubules [hyaline casts] were also observed at recovery periods. Masson's trichrome stained sections in liver showed increased collagen fibers around congested central veins, blood sinusoids and portal areas. While in kidney sections, the extract could not induce any change in the collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Some parameters of the previous physiological and histological changes which were observed after treatment disappeared after a recovery period of 20 days. Histochemical studies revealed a significant decrease in PAS positive material in liver aft the recovery periods. However DNA content showed non-significant difference in all the experimental periods. The over dose of geranium extract caused liver and kidney damage. So, it is well recommended to use this plant at a suitable dose for clinical therapy and if it is used for long time, kidney and liver functions must be tested periodically

Effect of prion protein extract on the morphology of chick embryos with special reference to the cerebellum

Prion disease is transmitted under natural conditions and involves a variety of mechanism through multiple routes. Prion protein peptides were generated according to amino acid sequences. To study the effect of prion protein extract on the embryo using egg as a model. Thirty chickens, one-day old from Arbor acre strain were used in this study and divided into three groups. The 1[st] group was fed on basal diets and served as a control. The 2[nd] and 3[rd] groups were fed on hyperproteinized diets which contained 50% and 80% concentrates respectively. After four months of feeding, brain, spleen, heart and lung were obtained for the isolation and purification of prion protein [PrP]. The result of SDS-PAGE gel electrophoretic separation of the PrP showed that, all organs contained a major band around 29 - 30 kdt. But purification of the PrP indicated that, the only fraction contained one band in the lung, two bands in the spleen and heart and four bands in the brain. In addition, the normal sequence of isolated PrP was contained 209 amino acids. Chicken fertilized eggs from Arbor acre strain were used in this study and divided into five groups. Group A was a control group. Groups B, C, D, and E that injected with 50 micro L PrP extracted from brain, spleen, heart and lung, respectively of the adult chicken fed on diets containing 80% protein for four months. The eggs were incubated at 37.8°C for 22 days and the injection was performed in the albumin on the 1[st] day of incubation. The eggs were opened on days 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15 and 21. Embryos were collected for the morphological examination. On day 15 of incubation, the eggs were opened and the cerebellum was processed for light microscopic study. Indicated that, PrP caused delay in hatching, decreased body weight and reduced body length. The percentages of malformations in embryos were 31.5, 25, 23 and 37% post injection with PrP extracted from brain, spleen, heart and lung respectively. The congenital malformations were malformed eyes, twisting legs, syndactylia and unformed abdominal wall. Cerebellar sections of chick embryos from injected eggs with any source of tissue PrP extracts showed vacuolar degeneration of cerebellar layers. Purkinje cells lost their normal flask-shaped appearance with eccentric nuclei. It was concluded that, a single injection of PrP which was extracted from hyperproteinized fed chicken caused congenital anomalies as well as histopathological changes independent on the source of tissue PrP

Effect of alocasia macrorrhiza extract on hepatorenal functions in mice

Alocasia macrorrhiza [L] Schott and Endl is an ornamental perennial herbaceous plant which grows in coastal wetlands and valleys. Its common English name is Giant Elephant's Ear. The study planned to follow up the effect of the plant extract of Alocasia macrorrhiza on hepatorenal functions in mice following treated and recovery periods. Animals were divided into two major groups, a control and an experimental group. Animals of the experimental group received Alocasia extract orally day by day in a dose of 144.6mg / kg /day for 20 days. Animals were sacrificed after treated and recovery periods of 10 and 20 days respectively, blood samples were collected for hematological tests and biochemical analysis. Liver and kidney specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological and histochemical study. RBCs, Hb were significantly decreased after treated period. Total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly decreased, while, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine, total lipid and cholesterol were significantly increased after treated and recovery period of 10 days. Histological changes in treated sections of the liver showed evidence of cellular degeneration and necrosis and in Kidney sections, tubular necrosis, glomerular shrinkage and atrophied glomerular tuft of capillaries were prominent. Mallory stained sections in liver showed increased collagen fibers around congested central veins, blood sinusoids and portal areas. While in kidney sections, the extract could not induce any change in the collagen fibers in the connective tissue. The changes which were observed after treatment disappeared after a recovery period of 20 days. However, the vascular congestion persisted. Histochemical studies revealed a significant decrease in PAS positive material in kidney after treated and a recovery period of 10 days. However DNA content showed non significant difference in all the experimental periods. The high LD[50] of the reversible action of the plant need more studies in different suitable doses before recommendation to use it safety as medicinal plant

Cytogenetic abnormalities and herdetiry thrombophilias among the abortees: study of 1000 couples

Recurrent miscarriage affects only 1% of all couples. It is one of the most frustrating experiences for both patients and clinicians. The present study aimed at studying: the role of cytogenetic abnormalities and hereditary thrombophilias in repeated pregnancy losses [RPL], and the associated risk factors. Kuwait Medical Genetics Centre A cross section study for cytogenetic abnormalities followed by a nested case control was conducted for 1000 couples referred because of RPL. A control group was selected at random from female patients attending the outpatient clinics for a reason other than abortion for comparison with those who were proved to have chromosomal abnormalities. Asubgroup of 100 female partners, who had no cytogenetic abnormalities, were further tested for the presence of factor V Leiden [FVL; Arg506Gln] and prothrombin [FII] gene mutations [G20210A]. the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities was 4.4%; most of them were structural aberrations [79.5%] represented mainly by inversion and translocation. Carriers of FVL mutation [G1691A] among the patient's group was significantly higher than that of the control group [10% vs. 2% respectively].One patient was heterozygous for FII G20210A mutations. This was nearly the same like that found in controls. The percentage of consanguineous marriages among patient group was less than that among the control group. Chromosome study for couple who have had RPL must be carried out. For complete and proper workup we have to investigate the presence of FVL, and FII G20210A mutations among patients with normal karyotype

Detection of cyclospora cayetanensis infections among diarrheal children attending Suez Canal University Hospital

The objective of the present study is to detect the occurrence of Cyclospora cayetanensis among diarrheal children with or without immunosuppressant conditions. Stool samples were collected and examined for identification of the parasite using different concentration methods [Formaline ethely acetate, Potassium hydroxide and Sheather's floatation] and different stains [acid fast, modified Ziehl Neelsen, modified Kinyoun and modified safranin]. Confirmation of the results was performed using autofluorescence technique. Cyclospora oocysts were detected in 19.6% of 230 diarrheal children without immunosuppressant conditions and 34.6% of 230 diarrheal children with immunosuppressant conditions with significant difference between the two groups. Sheather's floatation method was significantly more sensitive than direct smear, FEA and KOH sedimentation methods [with sensitivities of 93.6%, 63.7%, 75.8% and 79.8%, respectively]. Additionally, the modified safranin was the best staining method as it was significantly more sensitive than the acid fast and the modified Ziehl Neelsen staining. On the other hand, no significant differences were found between the acid fast, the modified Ziehl Neelsen or the modified Kinyoun staining. Cyclosporiasis predominated in the age group 1-4 years compared to other age groups. There was a significant association between infection with Cyclospora and low socioeconomic level, living in rural areas and using tap water. Cyclospora was found as a sole parasite in 55 out of 124 [44.4%] infected children. Co-infection with other pathogenic parasites occurred in 69 cases; most commonly Cryptosporidium [30/124]. It was concluded that cyclosporiasis is common among diarrheal children especially if it is associated with immunosuppressant conditions. Feces examination for oocysts using Sheather's floatation and the modified safranin staining are recommended for diagnosis

Effect of garlic on tumor invasion and metastatic potential in induced colon carcinogenesis in rats: histopathological and immunohistochemical study

Preventive intervention of colorectal cancer has become essential as a major portion of the population may develop the disease at some points during their lives. Diet and nutrition play an important role during this multi-step colon carcinogenic process. Inhibitory activity of garlic was tested on Dimethylhydrasin [DMH] induced colon carcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Experimental study was done to investigate the mechanism of garlic action on occurrence of colon neoplasia and liver metastasis as well as the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], matrix metalloproteinase [MMP-2] and CD34 was analyzed in the colonic mucosa. On histopathological examination of colon and liver of the investigated animals, the first [normal control] as well as the fourth group [receiving garlic only] revealed no pathological lesions. In the 2nd group [taking DMH only], colon neoplasia was detected in 21/21 [100%] of animals and liver metastasis in 10/21 [47.6%] while, in the 3rd group [receiving DMH and garlic], the tumor occurrence was detected in 16/32 [50%] of animals with no liver metastasis. Following treatment with garlic, significant suppression of COX-2, MMP-2 expressions [p<0.01] was detected with respect to the carcinogen group. As regards angiogenesis in DMH treated animals, CD34 expression was mostly of grades III and IV compared to grades 1 and II in combined DMH and garlic treated group. It could be concluded that the observed modulatory influences of garlic at the level of suppression of COX-2, MMP-2 and CD34 during DMH induced colon carcinogenesis suggest that the dietary intake of garlic has a chemopreventive and inhibitory effects through the multi-step carcinogenesis

Flavonoids of Lotus hebranicus and ulceroprotective effect of Lotus hebranicus and Lotus corniculatus

From the aerial parts of Lotus hebranicus L. Hochst ex Brand a total of seven flavonoid compounds were isolated and identified as: Kaempferol- 3-0- sophoroside -7-0-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-0-sophoroside, isorhamnetin-3-0-glucoside-7-0-rhamnoside kaempferol-3,7-di-0-rhamnoside, kaempferol-7-0-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin and kaempferol. A study of toxicological and ulceroprotective effects was performed for both Lotus hebranicus L. Hochst ex Brand and Lotus corniculatus L