Morphological, ultrastructural, and biochemical changes induced by sodium fluoride in the tongue of adult male albino rat and the ameliorative effect of resveratrol / 대한해부학회지

Little knowledge is available about the effects of fluoride exposure on the tongue. This study evaluated the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the tongue ultrastructure and detected the ameliorative effects of resveratrol. Forty adult albino rats were separated into 4 groups: the control group was given a balanced diet and purified water. The NaF treated group: received 10 mg/kg/d dissolved in 2.5 ml distilled water once daily for 30 days orally. The NaF+resveratrol group: received NaF 10 mg/ kg/d orally together with resveratrol in a dose of 30 mg/kg daily for 30 days. The resveratrol group was subjected to resveratrol in a dose of 30 mg/kg/d by oral gavage for 30 days. Sections were stained with hematoxylin & eosin, and Masson’s trichrome. Tumor necrosis factor α immunohistochemical study and electron microscopic examinations were done. The oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde, antioxidant reduced glutathione, and the total antioxidant capacity were measured. The NaF group revealed ulceration, necrotic muscle fibers, distorted papillae and a significant increase in malondialdehyde level, and a significant decrease in glutathione and the total antioxidant levels. In the NaF+resveratrol group, pathological changes were less, and the oxidant levels were decreased by the administration of resveratrol with NaF. In conclusion, NaF adversely affects the ultrastructure of the adult rat tongue and resveratrol can ameliorate this effect.

Assessment of t-cell immunity in women suffering from chronic toxoplasmosis

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Toxoplasma gondii [T. gondii]on chosen indices of the immune response. This study involved 50 women infected with T. gondii[aged 20-45 years] proven have a chronic Toxoplasmosis [IgG positive and IgM negative]. The control group composed of 25 healthy women [aged 19 - 41 years][IgG and IgM negative] . All cases were subjected to the following :Full history taking, general and local Obstetrical and Gynecological examination, Complete blood picture, Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate [E.S.R],Renal function tests including blood urea and serum creatinine, Fasting and postprandial blood sugar, complete Liver function tests, abdominal ultrasonography and assess the rhesus factor[Rh] by agglutination test,Treponema palladium [Syphilis] by VDRLand by IHAT and agglutination test for Brucella abortus. Detection of specific anti-toxoplasma antibodies were assessed by IgG and IgM . Serum cytokines were quantitated using Sunrise ELISA reader M. code by commercially available ELISA kits for IFN y and for TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL:10 . The results of this study showed that patients infected with T. gondii had increased production of the Th-1 cytokines involved IFN y and TNF-alpha ,The mean level +/-SD of IFN y in T. gondii infection was 134.2 +/- 6.98 pg/ml.,on the other hand the mean level in healthy subjects was 24 +/- 2.99 pg/ml. [P < 0.0001] The mean level +/- SD of TNF-a in T .gondii infection was 49.1 +/- 4.1 pg/ml and in healthy subjects was 13.2 +/- 2.00 pg/ml.[P < 0 .001]. Also there is increased production of Th2 cytokines involved IL-4 and IL-10 that responsible for humoral response as compared to controls. The mean level +/- SD of IL-4 in T. gondii infection was 28.6 +/- 3.82 pg/ml and the mean level in healthy subjects was 16.1 +/- 2.4.5pg/ml. [P < 0.01]. The mean level +/- SD of IL-10 in T. gondii infection was 23.2 +/- 3.38 pg/ml .,on the other the mean level of IL-10 in healthy subjects was 11.8 +/- 2.1 pg/ml [P < 0.01] .,that responsible for the cellular response'as compared to controls group. All these subjects were living in the same geographical area with more or less similar social and economical standard

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on platelet count in patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

This study was carried out on 40 patients [14 men and 26 women] have Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura [cITP]; their ages ranged from 48 to 70 years in males and 46-62 years in females, mean age +/- SD[5 7.5 +/- 11.4 and 56.6 +/- 8] years respectively among those referred from the Outpatients clinic and inpatients Department of general and Tropical Medicine Departments, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University Hospitals, from April 2007 to July 2009 . Results showed: Of 40 cITP patients, H.pylori infection was found in 25 [62.5%] patients were noted between infected men [6 infected versus 8 uninfected] and women [19 infected versus 7 uninfected], no significant differences were found as regards ; age and gender, clinical factors between the responders amid the non responders. The eradication of H.pylori was achieved in 76.9% [10 of 13] of these patients. The platelet recovery was significantly different between the eradication group 61.5% [8 of 13] and the non-eradication group [zero% . 0 of 12].The eradication of H. pylori infection in patients with cITP was associated with a platelet response in 46.1% [6 of 13] in the eradication group [4 Complete Response and 2 Partial Response] and zero% in the non-eradication group [P<0.01]. The platelet response was also significantly more common in patients with infection sustained by CagA-positive strains of H .pylori [P=0.04]. H. pylori virulence factors and the urease activity were not associated with the response. cITP H. pylori positive patients showed significantly lower platelet counts compared to H. pylori negative patients. H. pylori eradication in patients with cITP is effective in increasing platelet count. The titers of anti-CagA antibodies in the responders were significantly higher than those in the non responders [p=0.04]

Toxoplasma antibodies in complicated and uncomplicated pregnancy

This study was performed to evaluate the level of anti-toxoplasma antibodies among patients with miscarriage due to different causes as compared to un-complicated pregnant controls. It was carried out on 70 female patients with a history of complicated pregnancies and 30 ones with normal pregnancy as a control were selected, among those referred from Obstetrics and Gynaecology out-patient clinics and in-patient departments, AL-Azhar University Hospitals. Their ages ranged from 19 to 34 years . They were all Rh positive and free from brucellosis, syphilis and malignancy. Results showed that all controls [uncomplicated pregnancy] were IHA-IgG and ELISA-IgM negative. However, three of the controls [10%] were ELISA. IgG positive. As to the women with complicated pregnancy 59% were IHAT positive. When using ELISA, 57% were IgG positive and 43% were IgM positive. The results revealed a significant difference between the complicated cases and controls. The diagnosis of abortion, stillbirth, premature labour, or neonatal death due to toxoplasma infection needs careful and laborious evaluation. ELISA [IgG and IgM] is more sensitive and specific than IHAT. All premature born babies showed no signs of congenital toxoplasmosis. All these subjects were living in the same geographical area with more or less similar social and economical standard

Stability - indicating methods for the determination of lorazepam, delorazepam and tetrazepam

Two simple, rapid and accurate techniques have been developed for the determination of lorazepam, delorazepam and tetrazepam in the presence of their degradation products. The first one depends on the derivative ratio spectrophotometry while the second depends on spectrodensitometry. The validity of the proposed procedures was proved using standard addition technique and laboratory-prepared mixtures of the drugs and their degradation products. The proposed procedures were successfully applied for the drugs analysis in their tablet dosage form

Plasma level of soluble thrombomodulin in acute myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus

The present study was carried out on 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction [AMI] or acute ischemic stroke [AIS]. The patients were divided into four groups [each group comprised ten patients]: Group I included nondiabetic patients with AMI, group II included diabetic patients with AMI, group III included nondiabetic patients with AIS and group IV included diabetic patients with AIS. In addition, ten healthy subjects were taken as a control group. Mean plasma soluble thrombomodulin [sTM] level was significantly lower in patients with AMI [group I + group II] [3.88 ng/ml + 3.8] and in patients with AIS [group III + IV] [3.75 ng/ml + 2.8] compared with the control group [6.64 ng/ml + 2.33] with no significant difference between patients with AMI and AIS. Acute myocardial infarction [AMI] and acute ischemic stroke [AIS] were associated with decreased plasma sTM, reflecting the decreased expression of endothelial TM, thus disturbing the balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors towards a pro-coagulant state. In patients with AIS, diabetics have lower plasma sTM than non-diabetics

Smoking as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] in patients with chronic hepatitis in Egypt

Incidence of primary liver cancer has increased in the last two decades and many risk factors that lead to this type of cancers known, as regards chronic viral hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, aflatoxines, oral contraceptive pills, alcohol and smoking. This study is applied to evaluate whether smoking is a risk factor for hepatocelluar carcinoma [HCC] in patients with chronic hepatitis in Egypt or not. A case control study was conducted on 95 patients with HCC and 105 patients as a control subjects matched for sex, age +/- 3 years were interviewed in the general medical and surgical wards of same hospitals in which the HCC patients were seen. A full history with special emphasis on special habits especially smoking either cigarette or tobacco and classified into light, moderate and heavy smokers. Routine laboratory tests, viral hepatitis markers, Alfa feto protein, abdominal U/S and liver biopsy were conducted for every each patient. The study revealed that chronic hepatitis B and C infection, cirrhosis and heavy smoking are common etiologies for HCC among Egyptians. Also the study revealed the importance of repeated follow up for patients with chronic hepatitis by abdominal US, for detection of hepatic tumors in early stages

Effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on pregnancy rate after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

To evaluate the degree of DNA fragmentation in human sperm used for ICSI to determine the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on fertilization rate, embryo cleavage rate, embryo quality and biochemical pregnancy rates after ICSI. Design: Prospective, analytic descriptive study. Settings: Tertiary care fertility clinic. Patient[s]: Fifty couples undergoing ICSI treatment due to male factor infertility. Intervention[s]: The percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation was determined using the method f terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated UTP- biotin end- labeling [TUNEL] Main Outcome Measure[s]: The percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation was correlated with semen analysis parameters, ICSI fertilization rate, embryo cleavage rate, embryo grades and biochemical pregnancy rate. Result[s]: The mean [ +/- SD] percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation was 30.2 +/- 13.8%. A significant negative correlation was found between the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation and the concentration and motility of the ejaculated sperm. In addition, a significant negative association was found between the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation and fertilization rate, embryo cleavage rate, embryo quality and biochemical pregnancy rate. Conclusion[s]: Detection of DNA fragmentation in human sperm could provide additional information about the biochemical integrity of sperm and may explain fertilization failure after ICSI. By learning more about the fundamental mechanisms that cause sperm DNA fragmentation, it should be possible to develop more precise tests to describe defects and then to develop new therapeutic modalities designed to overcome these specific defects

Excimer retreatment for undercorrection of regression after laser in situ keratomileusis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of excimer retreatment for undercorrection or regression after laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK]. Forty-six eyes received retreatment for undercorrection or regression after first LASIK. The mean manifest spherical equivalent was -2.67 +/- 0.76 D [range -1.0 to -3.75 D]. Retreatment was performed 3 to 16 months after primary LASIK [mean 5.7 +/- 2.9 months]. Retreatment was performed either by lifting the previously created flap or when this was not possible, cutting a new flap. The mean follow up after retreatment was 12.8 +/- 5.1 months. The mean age of the patients was 39 +/- 7.3 years. Proper evaluation of the patients, pre and post-operative, was done. This evaluation included UCVA, BCVA, manifest refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, keratometry, tonometry, pachymetry, fundus examination and corneal topography. The study concluded that retreatment of residual myopia or regression was relatively safe and predictable, with a low risk of sight-threatening complications. However, longer- term studies may be required to detect late complications

Surgical results of combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy for congenital glaucoma

Combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy was used in 40 eyes of 32 patients with primary congenital glaucoma [20 patients were females and 12 were males, their ages ranged between 7 months and 3 years with a mean of 1.42 years]. Primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy was the chosen intervention. No previous surgical intervention was done to any patient. All patients underwent thorough history taking and ophthalmic examination. The average follow up period was 8.9 months [6-12 months]. The main outcome measures were postoperative intraocular pressure [IOP], corneal clarity and diameter, bleb characteristics, time of surgical failure and complications. The success criteria included intraocular pressure inferior to 16 mm Hg under general anesthesia. The mean preoperative IOP was improved from 28.9 mm Hg to 14.1 mm Hg at 12 months postoperatively. A progressive improvement of the outcome parameters was observed in 37 out of 40 eyes. None of the patients had any sight-threatening intra or postoperative complications

Three different techniques for the analysis of chlordesmethyldiazepam

Three simple, rapid and accurate different techniques have been developed for the determination of chlordesmethyldiazepam. The first one depends on the spectrophotometric determination of the orange azodye resulting from the coupling of thymol with the acid-induced hydrolysis product of chlordesmethyldiazepam after conversion to the corresponding diazonium salt in alkaline medium. The second is the application of quantitative densitometry for the determination of chlordesmethyldiazepam in the presence of its degradation benzophenone product. While, the third technique implies HPLC resolution efficiency in the determination of chlordesmethyldiazepam in the determination of chlordesmethyldiazepam in the presence of its degradation benzophenone product

Stability indicating methods for the determination of bromazepam

Three simple, accurate and stability indicating methods were developed for the determination of bromazepam in the presence of its degradation product. The first method depends on measuring the peak height of the first derivative difference absorbance after complete acid hydrolysis at 420 nm. The second method utilizes densitometry after separation on precoated TLC plates, while the third implies HPLC using RP 18 column, acetonitrile/water [40:60] as a mobile phase and diode array detector

Spectrophotometric determination of midazolam using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-P-benzoquinone

In the present work, substituted quinines such as 2,3-dichloro-5,6- dicyano-p-benzoquinone [DDQ] is utilized in spectrophotometric determination of midazolam through the formation of orange-red colored charge transfer complex. The color is characterized by a maximum absorbance at 462.5 nm. Different reaction parameters were investigated. The proposed procedure was successfully applied for the determination of midazolam in bulk powder over a concentration range of 66-330 mug ml-1 and in different pharmaceutical preparations

Study of circulating progenitor cells and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor in preeclamptic pregnancies

To study the circulating progenitor cells in preeclampsia, 20 patients with preeclampsia, 24 healthy pregnant females in the 3rd trimester and ten nonpregnant healthy age matched females were included in this work. For all subjects, number of circulating progenitor cells, serum level of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor [GM-CSF] and total and absolute leukocytic count were investigated. It was concluded that the number of circulating progenitors decreased in preeclamptic patients due to a decreased production of colony stimulating activity by the diseased placenta. The negative correlation between neutrophil count and number of GM-CFCs showed that other factor[s] could participate in the production of neutrophils in this multi- factorial disease

comparative study on the anti-ischaemic activities of exogenous prostaglandins E1 and calcium channel blocker [Verapamil]

Ischaemic heart disease [coronary heart disease] is the most common cause of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infraction. Verapamil [calcium channel blocker] was tried in cases of myocardial ischaemia and myocardial infection. No favourable effects were obtained during or after myocardial infraction or on mortality after myocardial infraction. It was helpful only in patents with typical spasm of the coronary artery. Prostaglandin E[1] [PGE[1]] was tried experimental animals in the treatment of myocardial ichaemia and myocardial infraction. Few clinical studies were performed in man and the results were promising. In this experimental work, a study was carried out on rats comparing the effect of prostaglandin [E1] and verapamil HCI on myocardial ischemia by ligation on left coronary artery as determined by percentage infract area and electrocardiographic changes. The results have shown that prostaglandin E[1] could significantly reduce the infract area after ligation of left coronary artery in rats when injected 15 mins. after ligation. The percentage area of infraction was statistically reduced when compared with the non-treated group, also the S.T. segment elevation which occurred after ligation of left coronary artery returned nearly to the isoelectric line at the end of experiment [about six hours] While in the verapami HCI treated group, thee was no significant improvement in the infraction area or the eectrocardiograhic hangs. In conclusion, it has been found that prostaglandin E[1] caused a reduction of the infract area after ligation of the left coronary artery in rats. This may be due to decreased blood pressure which leads to decrease work of the heart as well as due to inhibition of cardiac response to endogenously released catecholamine occurring during myocardial infraction

Bile acid and cholinesterase activity as an early liver function tests for detection of organic solvent hepatotoxicity

Forty-six workers exposed to different types of organic solvents and fourteen workers far from exposure were included in this study. The exposed workers were classified into 3 groups according to the nature of the work and the type of solvent; group A [acetone, n-hexane-exposed workers], group B [toluene, xylene-exposed workers] and group C [trichloroethylene, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol exposed workers]. Routine liver function tests appear normal. Serum bile acid and serum cholinesteracse were estimated in all workers. The results showed a significant increase in serum bile acid in all exposed groups compared with the non-exposed group. Serum cholinesterase activity was significantly lower in the exposed groups than the non-exposed group. From these results we can conclude that, serum bile acid and serum cholinesterase represent an early and sensitive tests for detection of organic solvent hepatotoxicity