Apelin rs2235306 polymorphism is not related to metabolic syndrome in Egyptian women

Apelin is an adipokine that was identified to play a role in the control of glucose homeostasis. Apelin rs2235306 gene polymorphism was linked to insulin resistance and poor glycemic control. To assess the relation of apelin rs2235306 polymorphism with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women from Suez Canal area. The study included 100 metabolic syndrome patients and 100 healthy female subjects. The component traits of metabolic syndrome were determined and the genotypes of the polymorphisms were assessed using tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymer-ase chain reaction [T-ARMS-PCR] technique. There was no significant difference in the allele frequencies between the metabolic syndrome and control groups [P = 0.841]. There was also no association of the different genotypes of this polymorphism with any of the component traits of metabolic syndrome. Apelin rs2235306 polymorphism is not associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome in the studied population

[Histomorphological study on silver carp ovary in two age groups]

Background: Maturity of silver carp [Hypophthalmichthys molitrix] ovary takes place at 2-8 years old and it is depends on photoperiod and environmental water temperature

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify macroscopical and microscopical structure of silver carp ovary in two categories of body weight, total body length and at 2 and 4 years old in Khuzestan province climatic conditions

Methods: 20 silver carp ovaries were studied in two groups: Group 1[G1]: 10 fish with total body length 46 +/- 1.33 Cm and weight 1050 +/- 0.09 grand approximately 2 years old. Group 2[G1]: 10 fish with total body length 86 +/- 3.64 Cm and weight 5460 +/- 800 gr and approximately 4 years old. For the histometrical studies, 5-6 micro sections were made by routine paraffin embedding method and stained by H and E and PAS

Results: Microscopic results showed that ovaries of G1 covered by a thin loose connective capsule which numerous of egg-bearingtrabecula extended from capsule into ovaries. These trabecula contained primary germ cells, oogonium, chromatin nocleolus, perinocleolus and cortical alveolus follicles. Ovaries of G1 do not have yolk and mature follicles. But in ovaries of G2, growth and mature follicles were observed and mature follicles were most follicles. Histometrical results showed that there are not a significant differences in diameter of follicles, oocytes and oocytes nucleolus in G1 and 2. The maximum and minimum diameter of follicles were seen in mature and chromatin nucleolus follicles respectively. The Zona plucida thickness was increased from corticalalveolus [1.53 +/- 1.11 mm] to mature follicles [6.88 +/- 0.21 mm] significantly [p<0.05]

Conclusions: The most interesting finding of this study is that in Khuzestan Province climate, the ovary of silver carp fish in G1, with average weight 1050 +/- 0.09 gr and total length 46 +/- 1.33 Cm and approximately of 2 years old is immature but ovary of G2 with average weight of 5460 +/- 800 gr and total length 86 +/- 3.64 Cm and approximately 4 years old is mature

Comparison of the effect of astaxanthin and dunaliella salina algae on skin carotenoid, lipid peroxidation and coloration of heros severus

Microalgae Dunaliella salina is a national source of carotenoids which can be used in aquaculture, meanwhile synthetic Astaxanthin is very expensive for use in aquaculture and several attempts have been made to find alternatives for Astaxanthin. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of oral administration of Astaxanthin and D.salina on skin carotenoid level, skin and fins coloration as well as lipid peroxidation of muscles in H.severus. One hundred and thirty five H.severus weighing 27 +/- 0.5g were randomly divided to three groups in triplicate: Groups 1 [G1] was fed with basal diet, group 2 [G2] and group 3 [G3] were fed with basal diet supplemented with 200 mg kg-1 D.salina or Astaxanthin respectively. After 6 weeks, digital photo were taken from 15 fishes of each group and skin and muscles samples were taken after euthanasia. Skin beta carotene rate, lipid peroxidation of muscle [based on Malondialdehyde activity] as well as skin and fins coloration pattern [a*, b*, Hue, L* and Chroma] were compared among groups. Skin beta-carotene rate significantly increased in G2 and G3 compare to G1 but, Lipid peroxidation rate were decreased in G2 and G3 compare to control [p<0.05]. Although some improvement in color quality were observed in trunk area, there was no significant difference in color indicators among the groups [p>0.05]. In the fin areas a* value significantly increased in G2 and G3 compare to control also Hue and b* value significantly decreased in G2 and G3 compare to control [p<0.05]. Chroma significantly increased in G3 compared with other [p<0.05]. No significant difference were observed in L* between the groups [p>0.05]. Although the effect of Astaxanthin on skin carotenoid level and skin and fins coloration was better compared with D. salina. However, because of reasonable price, wide availability and the production of Dunaliella salina, it can be used as an alternative for Astaxanthin

[Annual variation of sex steroid hormones in female Barbus sharpeyi]

Barbus sharpeyi [Cyprinidae], locally known as benny is one of the most economically and nutritionally valuable fish species of Khuzestan Rivers. Due to the problems of artificial breeding of benny and different responses to induced spawning in different weight, acquiring knowledge of benny reproductive biology and determining the seasonal sex steroid hormones seem necessary. In this study, season samples of Barbus sharpeyi were examined during 4 seasons of 1390 [10 samples each season] in Center for Native Fishes in Khuzestan of Iran. A serum was separated from the blood samples and used for measurement of steroid hormones [T, p, E2] by ELISA method. The results indicated that highest level of steroid hormones was in winter as the levels of T, P, E2 were 20.16 +/- 0.738, 3.70 +/- 0.788 [ng/mL] and 2025.8 +/- 93.56 [pg/mL] respectively. According to the results of this research, it seems that the period of spawning in benny fish is in middle winter synchronize with ovarian development and the aquaculture procedure of this species could be performed in the above mentioned periods

[Immunostimulatory and growth stimulation effects of Ergosan, Levamisole and herbal extracts in Cyprinus carpio]

Enhancement of the immune system seems to be the most promising method of preventing fish diseases and increasing growth rate. Biodegradable and biocompatible immunostimulants obtained from natural sources [particularly herbal extracts] have received great attention for fish. In this study the immunostimulatory and growth stimulation effects of herbal extracts [Echinacea purpurea, Boswellia thurifera, Zataria multiflora], Ergosan and Levamisole were evaluated in common carp. 450 fish [11.12 +/- 1.22 g] were randomly divided into 6 groups in triplicate and fed with experimental diet for 6 weeks. Fish in groups I to 5 were fed by food supplemented with E. purpurea, B.thurifera, Z.multiflora, Ergosan and Levamisole, respectively. Group 6 was fed with basal food without supplementation. The Growth performance indices were evaluated at the end of study and blood samples were collected from 6 fish in each group. Packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were compared among the groups. In each group, thirty fish were challenged with live Aeromonas hydrophila on day 42 and mortality rate was studied. Mortality rate showed no significant difference among groups [p>0.05]. Specific growth rate [SGR] and food conversion rate [FCR] showed significant increase in all groups except [Zataria multiflora] compared to the control. Post challenge mortality rate decreased in all groups except [zataria multiflora] compared to the control [p<0.05]. WBC values in Ergosan, E.purpurea and levamisole groups were 7830 +/- 590, 7750 +/- 500 and 7380 +/- 810 per mL respectively which, showed significant [p<0.05] increased compared to the control goup [6380 +/- 123mL], However no significant changes were seen in the other haematological parameters [p>0.05]. It can be concluded that extract of E. purpurea and B.thurifera have immunostimulatory and growth stimulation effects in common carp which are comparable with the effects of two well documented fish immunostimulants, Ergosan and Levamisole

[Effects of Viscum album and Nigella sativa extracts on survival rate, growth factors and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in gold fish [Carassius auratus]]

Recently several types of herbal immune and growth stimulants have been used in aquaculture troughout the world. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of Viscum album and Nigella sativa extracts, on survival rate, growth factors and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in gold fish. 270 gold fishes were divided into 2 immune and non-immune groups and each group into 3 treatments; V.album, N.sativa and control [each with 3 repeats]. Each treatment groups fed for 7 weeks with food supplemented with 0.5% of V.album, N.sativa or water. At the end of treatment, survival rate, growth factors and resistance to A.hydrophila infection were compared among the groups. Percentage of mortality in different groups were 9.33 to 12% and prescription of either extracts has no significant effect on survival of groups [p>0.05]. Food conversion rate and percentage of weight gain were 2.56 +/- 0.31 and 131.6+/-25.05% in V.album treatment and 3.12 +/- 0.37 and 73.2 +/- 4.53% in control treatment, respectively which showed a significant increase [p<0.05], growth factors didn't show any significant difference between N.sativa and control treatments [p=0.15]. Mortality rate after bacterial infection showed a significant decrease in V.album treatment [p<0.05] in a way that mortality in V.album treatments of immune and nonimmune groups were 40 and 80% and in control treatment were 63.3 and 100%, respectively. N.sativa had no significant effect on mortality after challenge [p=0.45]. Oral administration of V.album in gold fish has similar effects on immune and growth stimulation as those reported in other warm-blooded animals but N. sativa didn't show such effects

[Effects of dietary Silybum marianum extract on immune parameters of the common carp [cyprinus carpio]]

In this study the effects of Silybum. marianum extract on some immune responses and hematological parameters of the common carp [Cyprinus carpio] were investigated. A total of 280 fish weighing 65.12 +/- 8.22 g were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group1 was immunized with Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria and fed with a diet containing 0.5% S. marianum extract. Group 2 was non-immunized and fed with a diet containing 0.5% S. marianum. Group 3 was immunized with A. hydrophila and was fed with a S. marianum-free diet. Group 4was neither immunized nor fed with S. marianum. Blood samples were taken every 10 days for 40 days. Sera samples were analysed for lysozyme activity, serum bactericidal activity, alternative complement activity, total protein, IgM concentration and anti-A. hydrophila antibodies. Blood samples were also used for hematological parameters, PCV, Hb, WBC, RBC, MCV, MCH, and MCHC. 30 fish in triplicates were challenged with A. hydrophila. The results showed that the values for WBC, PCV, total protein, IgM levels, and lysozyme activity were significantly increased in the serum of S. marianum-treated fish [p<0.05]. No significant differences were recorded in anti-A. hydrophila antibody levels, complement activity, or other hematological parameters in S. marianum-treated fish compared to controls [p>0.05]. The RPS and serum bactericidal activity was only increased in the non-immunized, S. marianum-fed group when compared to non-immunized, S. marianumfree group. This study indicates that oral administration of S. marianum enhances some nonspecific immune responses in C. carpio, and therefore it can be recommended as an herbal immunostimulant in fish

Identification of a cDNA sequence coding for kruppel-like factor 2b [Klf2b] from the skin mucosa of common carp [Cyprinus carpio]

Kruppel-like factors [Klfs] are highly related zinc-finder family of transcription factors implicated in the regulation of the eukaryotic cellular growth and differentiation of a diverse set of cells in mammal. Using RT-PCR technique, a 456 bp cDNA fragment encoding N-terminus part of a Klf2b was isolated from the skin mucosa of common carp [Cypritnus carpio] using two degenerative oligonucleotide primers. Use of this fragment as a probe allowed the isolation of a larger cDNA clone through the searching of the GenBank expressed sequence tag database. The size of the amplified product is 1157 bp, which encodes a polypeptide of 274 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 30.359 kDa and theoretical pI of 4.88. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited 79, 54, and 53% identity to the homologous Klf2b identified from zebrafish Anio rerio, Spotted Green Pufferfish Tetraodon nigroviridis and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, respectively. The common carp protein is 50% similar to Klf2 orthologues in African clawed frog Xenopus laevis, 44% in chicken Gallus gallus and is 30% similar to the mammalian Klf in house mouse Mus musculus

Effects of dietary Aloe vera on some specific and nonspecific immunity in the common carp [Cyprinus carpio]

In this study, the immunostimulatory effect of dietary Aloe vera crude extract was investigated in Cyprinus carpio. Three hundred fish were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was immunized with Aeromonas hydrophila bacterin [A.h] and was fed a diet contained 0.5% Aloe vera. The second group was immunized with A.h and fed a diet without Aloe vera. The third group was not immunized and fed with a diet that contained 0.5% Aloe vera. The fourth group remained as the control group and was neither immunized nor fed with Aloe vera supplements. Blood samples were taken every 14 d for eight weeks and samples were analyzed for hematological and immunological parameters. White blood count [WBC], red blood count [RBC], packed cell volume [PCV], lysozyme activity, serum bactericidal activity, complement activity, total protein, IgM concentration and specific A. hydrophila antibody were assessed. At the end of treatment, 20 fish from each group were challenged with A. hydrophila. WBC value, antibody level, lysozyme and bactericidal activity were significantly increased in the serum of fish treated with Aloe vera [p<0.05]. No significant differences were seen in the RBC, PCV or complement activity among the groups. The relative percent survival [RPS] was found to be increased in fish fed with Aloe vera. This study indicates that the oral administration of Aloe vera is able to enhance some specific and non-specific immune responses in the common carp

[Effect of sex on the haematological parameters of reared Shirboat fish [Barbus grypus]]

For intensive rearing of fish with minimal losses, it is necessary to be aware of health status of fish. Blood variables are useful criteria for showing physiological disturbances in intensively farmed fishes and can provide important information for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The aim of the present study was to show hematological parameters in haematological evaluation is gradually becoming a routine practice for Shirbout fish when intensively bred. In this study, 60 clinically healthy Barbus grypus, were caught from culturing pools in Khuzestan province. Blood samples were taken from caudal vein and the levels of hematological parameters were determined. Comparison between sexes were done using student t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient with Fisher's test. In this study the overall mean of total red blood cells, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin, mean cell volume [MCV], mean cell hemoglobin [MCH], mean cell hemoglobin concentration [MCHC], hematocrit, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and monocyte were [1.41 +/- 0.035][x]10[6], [12.5+.-0.57][x]10[3] cell/1, 6.5 +/- 0.1 g/dl, 261 +/- 4.87fl, 45.7 +/- 0.88pg, 17.6 +/- 0.27, 36.9 +/- 0.7, 56.2 +/- 0.59, 40 +/- 0.52, 1.1 +/- 0.15 and 2.8 +/- 0.22%, respectively. In terms of these parameters, there was not significant difference between sexes

Pituitary primary cell culture of Common carp [Cyprinus Carpio] and evaluation of its secretion effect on endocrine activity of incubated ovarian follicles

In this study, five carp pituitary glands were collected and dispersed enzymatically and mechanically. Then, the cells were cultivated as monolayer in MEM [minimum essential medium Eagle]. The culture media were collected after 72 h and frozen at -20°C. Carp ovarian follicles also were separated mechanically and incubated in BSS [basic salt solution] Cortland medium in 24-well microplates for 48 h at 20°C. Then, they were divided into two groups: control group which were incubated in BSS medium and experimental group which subdivided into three subgroups according to treatment with different concentration of collected pituitary secretion [50, 100 and 200 micro 1/ml]. Follicles culture media were collected 24 h later and were analyzed for 17-beta-oestradiol [E[2]] and 17-alpha-hydroxy progesterone [P[4]] content by radioimmunoassay [RIA]. The results showed that adding low concentration [50 micro 1/ml] of collected pituitary secretion [CPS] increased steroid hormones [E[2] and P[4]] secretion of incubated ovarian follicles significantly [P<0.05] but the high concentration of CPS [200 micro 1/ml] significantly decreased the secretion of E[2] and P[4] [P<0.05]. Collected pituitary secretion at the concentration of 100 micro 1/ml had no significant effect on steroid hormones [P>0.05]

Pattern and outcome of neonatal admissions due to respiratory distress in the neonatal unit of Suez canal university hospital

To determine the prevalence, disease pattern and outcome of admitted newborns presented with respiratory distress to Neonatal unit of Suez Canal University Hospital [SCUH], Ismailia, Egypt. This descriptive study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] of Suez Canal University Hospital. Data of all neonatal admissions during the period from January 2007 to December 2007 was recorded and analyzed for age, weight at the time of admission, sex, and reason for admission [diagnosis], duration of hospital stay, course during stay and final outcome of these patients. This study included 330 Neonates admitted to the Neonatal unit of S.C.U.H because of respiratory distress during a period of one year [2007]. One hundred thirty five patients were preterm [40.9%] and 195 patients [59.1%] were full term. The male to female ratio was 1.3:1. The mean postnatal age of the patients on admission was 3.2 days and their body weights ranged from 950 grams to 4560 grains with mean of 2880 grams. The most common diagnosis was respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] [40.9%] then Transient tachypnea of newborn [TTN] [24.5%]. The majority of them had mild respiratory distress [66.7%] while 17.3% had severe RD. Sixty three patients [19%] needed ventilatory support. Most of them required both of synchronized intermittent mechanical ventilation [SIMV] and continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] [66.6%]. Regarding the outcome of these patients, it was found that 75.5% of them were discharged well while death occurred in 20.9%. The most common cause of death was RDS [30.3%]. Respiratory distress is a very common problem in the neonatal intensive care units and it is a serious condition needs efficient intervention at a proper time, Respiratory distress can be prevented by better antenatal care to reduce the incidence of prematurity, which causes respiratory distress syndrome that is the commonest cause of respiratory distress in the newborns

Severe preterm preeclampsia: Aggressive or expectant management?

This randomized controlled trial was done to determine whether aggressive or expectant management of severe preeclampsia at 28-33 weeks is more beneficial to maternal and fetal outcome. Forty-one women with severe preeclampsia between 28-33 weeks of gestation were recruited initially. After 24-hour observation, only 30 women were eligible for randomization into either aggressive or expectant management. Aggressive management patients were prepared for delivery, either by cesarean or induction, 48 hours after the administration of glucocorticoids. Expectant management patients were managed with bed rest, oral antihypertensive and intensive maternal and fetal monitoring. The study concluded that in a properly selected group of patients with severe preeclampsia between 28-33 weeks of gestation, expectant management with intensive maternal and fetal monitoring is more beneficial for the fetus without jeopardizing maternal safety

Uncertain post-term pregnancy: induction or surveillance?

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of unlimited fetal surveillance in women with uncertain post-term pregnancy compared with routine induction of labor at 42 weeks apparent gestation. This study included 120 women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies at 42 weeks apparent gestation. Women were allocated randomly into two groups: Group I fetal surveillance for unlimited duration suing standard cardiotocography, amniotic fluid maximum pool depth and fetal kick count and group II routine induction at 42 weeks. The main outcome measures were antepartum fetal death, intrapartum management, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome. The results showed that women in surveillance group had shorter duration of labor [mean +/- SE, 6.5 +/- 0.4 hours vs 9.1 +/- 0.4 hours] and lower incidence of oxytocin use [42% vs 80% OR 0.2, 99% CI = 0.07-0.6]. There was also significantly less cesarean section rate in the fetal surveillance group [10% vs. 28%, OR 0.3, 99% CI = 0.2 - 0.6]. Meanwhile, there was no difference in the perinatal outcome. The results suggested that in women with uncertain post-term pregnancy, fetal surveillance yield easier labor [shorter duration and less use of oxytocin] and more chance for vaginal delivery than routine induction at 42 weeks without clear impact on the perinatal outcome

Intravaginal misoprostol versus oxytocin infusion for induction of labour with pre-labour rupture of membranes near term

To compare stimulation of laour by oxytocin infusion versus misoprostol [PGE[1]] in women near term with pre-labour rupture of membranes [PROM]. A prospective randomized study. Labour ward El Galaa Maternity Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. 72 women with PROM near term [>/= 35 weeks] for more than 24 hours were randomized into two groups. One groups received oxtocin infusion. The second group receved intravaginal misoprostol 100 micro g and if contraction had not commenced a further dose of 100 micro g was inserted 8 hours later. Oxytocin infusion was started if the women was not in establishe labour after another 8 hours or if augmentation was necessary after labour was stimulated by misoprostol. Length of labour, mode of delivery and incidence of maternal and neonatal infection. The use of misoprostol led to a significant reduction in the man length of labour [ +/- standard error of the mean]: 6.8 [ +/- 0.42] hours in the misoprostol group versus 8.5 [ +/- 0.60] hours in the oxtocin group. The caesarean delivery rate in the misoprotol group was 5.6% compared with 16.7% in the oxytocin group [not significantly different]. All caesarean sections were for failedstimulation of labour. Neonatal Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were similar in the two group and there was no admission to the special care baby unit [SCBU]. The incidence of maternal infection was small and was the same the in the two group [2.8%]. Misoprostol vaginal tables was effective in stimulating labour in women with PROM near term. It use was associated with significantly shorter labour without significant influence on the caesarean rate or fetal-maternal infective morbidity when compared with oxytocin infusion

Ultrasound hysterosalpingography as a preliminary infertility investigation

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of transvaginal sonographic hysterosalpingography [HSG] for detection of tubal patency. Thirty-two women with unknown tubal patency undergoing routine infertility investigations were included in this study. Isotonic saline was injected into the uterine cavity through an endocervical catheter in the preovulatory phase of the cycle. X-ray HSG was performed on the next day and laparoscopy was carried out in the late secretory phase. Complete consistency with laparoscopic findings was found in 75% of cases using US-HSG compared with 81% by X-ray HSG [difference not significant]. Partial consistency was also demonstrated in insignificantly different proportions by the two techniques [12.5% versus 6.25%, respectively]. Complete inconsistency was found in similar proportions of cases [12.5%]. All parameters of diagnostic efficiency for US-HSG and X-ray HSG were not significantly different. It was concluded that ultrasound hysterosalpingography using isotonic saline with its safety and diagnostic efficiency is a promising technique for preliminary assessment of tubal patency in infertility patients. Its use may reduce the need for X-ray HSG and laparoscopy, particularly in case of demonstrating tubal patency