effects of testosterone on oxidative stress markers in mice with spinal cord injuries

Background: Spinal cord injury [SCI] causes infertility in male patients through erectile dys-function, ejaculatory dysfunction, semen and hormone abnormalities. Oxidative stress [OS] is involved in poor semen quality and subsequent infertility in males with SCI. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of SCI on the level of testosterone hormone

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we evaluated the effects of exogenous testosterone on the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] as well as the levels of malondialdehyde [MDA] and protein carbonylation [PCO], as markers of OS, in 10 groups of SCI mice. Total antioxidant capacity [TAC] was determined using the 2,29-azinobis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] [ABTS] radical cation assay

Results: Exogenous testosterone administration in mice with SCI significantly reduced SOD and GPx enzyme activities and MDA level. There was no significant decrease in PCO content. In addition, TAC remarkably increased in the sham and SCI groups not treated with testosterone but remained unchanged in all other experimental groups. Exogenous testosterone also reduced serum testosterone levels in all groups except the positive control group

Conclusion: Our cumulative data indicated that SCI could cause sterility by disturbing the plasmatic testosterone balance. The normal level of endogenous testosterone was not completely restored by exogenous testosterone administration

Ameliorating effects of proglumide on neurobehavioral and biochemical deficits in animal model of status epilepticus

Status epilepticus [SE] is a recurrent generalized convulsion condition and is regarded as a medical emergency with around 50% of the cases occurring in children. Besides neurobehavioral and motor deficits, SE is reportedly associated with imbalance in a number of neurochemicals in several areas of the brain. Furthermore, neuronal hyperactivity and/or excitotoxicity in such brain areas have been associated with excessive generation of free radicals. Proglumide [Pgm] is a known cholecystokinin [CCK] antagonist and any changes in the level of CCK and in the number of CCK receptors has been linked with SE. The present study was designed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of Pgm [0, 250, 500 and 750 mg/ml/kg i.p.] on epileptic seizure activities, some neurobehavioral tests, and on some oxidative stress related parameters like lipid peroxides measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance [TBARS] and total glutathione [GSH] in brain [hippocampus and striatum] of young rats that were experimentally induced with SE by lithium [Li] in 3 mEq/ml/kg dose, i.p. followed 20h later by pilocarpine [Pc] in 20 mg/ml/kg dose, s.c.]. Besides significant anti-epileptic effect, Pgm significantly ameliorated SE-induced deterioration in cognitive behavior [in water-maze], motor performance [on rotarod], and biochemical changes in brain. It is concluded from the present study that Pgm has significant neuroprotective effects against SE and this effect may probably be due to its antioxidant activity. Pgm may prove to be a potentially effective antiepileptic drug, however, further studies are needed to ascertain this possibility

Effectiveness of zinc in modulating perinatal effects of arsenic on the teratological effects in mice offspring

Exposure to arsenic via drinking water is considered as a worldwide problem. Studies have shown that arsenic exposure during pregnancy affects embryogenesis and offspring development in rats and mice. Zinc as a micronutrient regulates many physiological functions, including an antioxidative role under various toxic conditions. However, studies on the perinatal protective effect of zinc on offspring need further attention. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential protective role of zinc in mitigating the adverse effects in the offspring of arsenic exposure during pregnancy. The arsenic (40mg/kg body weight) and zinc (4% w/v) doses formed the only drinking fluid source for the experimental groups of dams during the perinatal period of the experiment. The early development of sensory motor coordination reflexes together with morphological development in the male pups was measured during the weaning period. In adolescence, the offspring were tested for their motor behavior. The enzyme γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and the oxidative stress indices like reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were also estimated in the serum of the young adult male mice. Perinatal arsenic exposure caused depletion in body weight gain, delay in morphological development and retardation in the development of all sensory motor reflexes of the pups. In young adults, significant decrease in motor behavior with significant decrease in GSH level in the serum was observed. On the other hand, γ-GT and TBARS were significantly increased in the serum due to arsenic treatment. However, animals exposed to arsenic in the presence of zinc showed a remarkable ameliorating effect of zinc on all observed teratological and biochemical arsenic toxicity in male offspring. It was observed that zinc has an antioxidative role in the perinatal toxicity of arsenic. It is concluded from the present study that zinc consumed during the perinatal period of pregnancy can ameliorate the possible toxicities of arsenic exposure in the offspring by acting as an ameliorative supplement.

Use of enzyme linked immunospot assay [ELISpot] for monitoring treatment response of pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Tuberculosis [TB] remains one of the major causes of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. The rapid emergence of drug resistant mycobacteria has strengthened the demand for rapid methods for detection of mycobacteria in clinical samples. As prevention of tuberculosis relies on the early detection and cure of the infectious cases, current efforts are focused upon improving the rapidity of identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, allowing prompt initiation of appropriate therapy. The rapid enzyme linked immunospot assay [ELISpot] method was developed in the late 1990s based on the numbers of spots made by interferon gamma producing T cells stimulated by culture filtrate protein-10 [CFP-10] or early secretory antigenic target-6 [ESAT-6]. Therefore, a T-cell response to these antigens could in theory serve as a specific marker of M. tuberculosis infection. Is to assess the potential utility of ELISpot assay for monitoring treatment response of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The study was done on 30 patients diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis on clinical, radiological and bacteriological bases. They were collected from Zagazig Chest Hospital and Zagazig University Hospitals from January 2010 to January 2011. A total of 15 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study as control subjects. The following were performed for all patients before treatment initiation: full history taking, complete clinical examination, chest X-ray, postero-anterior and lateral views, tuberculin skin test [TST] by Mantoux technique, and routine laboratory investigations. Three successive sputum samples for sputum smear Ziehl-Neelsen [Z-N] staining and sputum collection for Mycobacterium culture on Lowenstein-Jensen media [LJ. Media] were done. Collection of 2 ml heparinized blood for enzyme linked immunospot assay [ELISpot] was done. All patients received four antituberculous drugs, isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol, for the initial 2 months. After 2 months of therapy; another three successive sputum samples for sputum smear Ziehl-Neelsen [Z-N] staining and sputum collection for Mycobacterium culture on Lowenstein-Jensen media were done. Collection of 2 ml heparinized blood for enzyme linked immunospot assay [ELISpot] was done. The results of this study showed that all patients were complaining of cough and expectoration. Tuberculin skin test was positive in 18 patients [60%]. Most patients [46.6%] had moderately advanced disease as regards the radiological extent. It was found that the median INF-y ELISpot response to ESAT-6 was significantly decreased after 2 months of antituberculosis therapy. The number of pre-treatment ESAT-6 ELISpot count in patients with positive tuberculin skin test was significantly higher than those with negative tuberculin skin test [P < 0.01]. As regards bacillary load, a statistical significant difference between patients with AFB+ + + and patients with [AFB +, AFB + +] as regards pre-treatment ELISpot count was recorded. Higher statistical significant difference in patients with AFB +, AFB + + and AFB + + 4- pre and post treatment ESAT-6 ELISpot count was found. It was found that the number of pre-treatment ESAT-6 ELISpot count in patients with cavitary lesion was higher than those without cavitary lesion and the difference was highly significant [P = 0.01]. As regards radiological extent, it was found that the number of pre-treatment ESAT-6 ELISpot count in patients with far advanced disease was higher than patients with minimal or moderately advanced disease. Also, after 2 months of therapy the number of ESAT-6 ELISpot count in patients with far advanced disease showed more decline than patients with minimal or moderately advanced disease. It was found that ELISpot assay sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value in relation to L.J. media were 93.3%, 100%, 100% and 88.2%, respectively. ELISpot assay may be used as a useful tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. The decrease in the M. tuberculosis-specific T cell responses following 2 months of successful antituberculosis therapy may have a clinical value as a supplemental tool for the monitoring treatment response of pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Surgical outcome of canal wall up procedures with reconstruction versus without reconstruction

To compare the surgical outcome of canal wall up procedure with reconstruction versus without reconstruction, considering recidivism, otorrhea and hearing level. Fifty two patients with middle ear cholesteatoma were involved in this study. 26 patients were submitted to canal wall up with reconstruction and 26 patients, to canal wail up without reconstruction. cholesteatoma was attic in 32.7%, atticoantral in 36.5% and extensive in 30.8%. cholesteatoma residual or recurrence was found in 10 patients [19.2%] during the three years period of follow up. seven out of them were children, [2 in attic region with reconstruction, 2 in atticoantral with reconstruction and 3 in atticoantral without reconstruction, one in extensive with reconstruction and 3 in extensive without reconstruction. Otorrhea in attic was 45.5% in canal wall up with recons/ruction and 50% after without reconstruction, in atticoantral was 50% and 54.4% in canal wall up with and without reconstruction respectively and in extensive cholesteatoma was 42.9% after canal up with reconstruction and 44.4% after without reconstruction. There was statistically significant hearing improvement [8. 91dB] after canal wall up with reconstruction in attic cholesteatoma while decreased by [2dB.] after canal up without reconstruction, in atticoantral and extensive cholesteatoma the hearing gain was insignificant. surgery should be planned according to the site, size of cholesteatoma and age of the patient. One stage tympanoplasty is not recommended for childhood or for extensive adult cholesteatoma but only for attic cholesteatoma in adult

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and 12-lipoxygenase in human breast cancer and their relationship with HER-2/neu and hormonal receptors: impact on prognosis and therapy.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have shown over-expression of cox-2 in breast cancer. Also it has been recorded that human breast cancer expresses high level of cox-2 and 12-lipoxygenase which may be beneficial in future therapy plan for those patients. AIMS: The present study aims to examine the level of transcripts of cox-2 and 12-lipoxygenase in Egyptian breast cancer patients and to compare between the expressions of both enzymes and TNM staging, hormone receptors status (including estrogen and progesterone) and HER2/neu expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total cellular RNA was extracted from 64 frozen tissue samples of breast carcinoma and their corresponding normal adjacent tissues. Cox-2 and 12-lipooxygenase expressions were detected using RT-PCR. Hormonal receptors as well as HER2/neu were detected immuno-histochemically for each patient. RESULTS: About 47 and 62.5% of carcinoma samples showed over-expression of cox-2 and 12-lipooxygenase respectively as compared to their corresponding normal tissues. The results revealed that cox-2 significantly associated with TNM staging (P = 0.0047) and hormonal receptors status (P = 0.0201). The relationship between cox-2 and HER2/neu expression was close to a significant value (P = 0.0747). 12-lipooxygenase showed only significant association with TNM staging (P = 0.0076). Neither hormonal receptors nor HER2/neu showed significant association with this enzyme. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of cox-2 and 12-lipoxygenase expression were detected in human breast cancer. Also, the results revealed that cox-2 and 12-lipooxygenase mRNA expressions are associated with TNM staging in human breast cancer. Furthermore, there is an inverse association between cox-2 expression and hormonal receptor status. This observation may drive us to the possible role of those two enzymes in determining the plan of therapy of breast cancer patients.

Validity of interleukin-18 plus CRP measurement in the early diagnosis of sepsis neonatorum

Over the last decade a variety of laboratory tests have been developed to enhance the early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis neonatorum. However, non of these tests has been found to be absolutely reliable in detecting all septic neonates. To test the validity of circulating interleukin-18 [cIL-18] plus serum C-reactive protein [CRP] for the diagnosis of sepsis neonatorum, in term infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] of Zagazig University Hospitals, during year 2005. Twenty - four neonates with positive blood cultures were selected from 60 neonates with clinically suspected sepsis. Their ages ranged from 0.3 to 25 days [X +/- SD: 14.2 +/- 7.1]. In addition, 14 gestational age [GA]-, chronologic age - and sex - matched healthy neonates served as a control group. Results: Forty percent of neonates with clinically suspected sepsis proved to have positive blood cultures, E. coli being the most significant isolate [62.5%]. Rise of serum CRP and cIL-18 is highly significantly associated with culture-proven neonatal sepsis. Meanwhile, other tests were nonsignificant associates. Using ROC curve analysis, cIL-18 displayed a sensitivity and a specificity of 91.7% and 85.7%, and CRP displayed a sensitivity and a specificity of 72% and 100%, respectively. When both tests were used, combined, the reported sensitivity and specificity accounted for 100%, for each. The combined use of cIL-18 and serum CRP is valuable in the early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis neonatorum

Decentralisation of the Health Sector in Uganda: Formal or Informal Partnership with Users?

In Uganda; decentralisation of the health sector is not an isolated event but an integrated part of the decentralisation of the whole Government. The fact that local authorities have been empowered to set priorities and to make decisions on the budget; has enabled them to change priorities between different sectors. The health sector has not been a priority relative to feeder roads and education. Given the limited resources; priority setting has not been simple; and compettition has been fierce. In most districts; the amount allocated for primary health care has been less than the amount allocated to it before decentralisation. Whereas technical officers had a considerable say vis-a-vis the political leaders in the old; centralised system; this situation has changed with decentralisation. In fact; authority has in principle been transferred from the technical domain at central level to the political domain at district and lower levels. The views on decentralisation differ between the different actors at district level. Professional staff favor independence from the centre; but also fear the local political leaders. Politicians are unambiquously in favor of the decentralisation and prefer greater automony; since this is likely to give them more power over resources at local level (Lubanga 1998). There are currently many indications that the technical health care system has problems at lower levels. Immunisation coverage rates are declining (Ministry of Health 1999); and drug leakage remains a problem (Adome et al 1996); Economic Policy Research Centre et al. 1996; McPake et al. 1998). A big proportion of the funds spent by households on health is actually spent outside the government health care system. The response from government to such indications had been mainly to increase the resources without much change in strategy. However; if the technical and political structures are compared; it appears that the technical health structure is weak at lower levels. The lower in the system one goes; the less number of staff one finds. Furthermore; the proportion of qualified staff is even lower. In addition the relationship between health staff and the local communities is not often a smooth one. The political structure is strong at lower levels. LC I and LC II are in principle a formalisation of existing structures of civil society. LC III level is a body corporate with the authority to collect revenue. Also the administrative structure has civil servants down to the LC II level. These structures are; however; rarely involved in health issues. Nonetheless; their relationship with the local communities is very strong

Vertebral unilocular hydatidosis in a shepherd and his wife

This paper reported vertebral unilocular hydatid cysts in a shepherd and his wife in Sharqia Governorate. Diagnosis was based on parasitological examination of the surgically removed cysts. Albendazole was given as postoperative treatment. Six months after treatment, MRI showed no recurrence and mild clinical improvement

ultrasonic study of diabetic patients undergoing cataract extraction

This study was conducted on 50 diabetic patients having cataract that was dense enough to obscure visualization of the posterior segment of their eyes by optical means. A comparison was done between the pre- operative ultrasonic findings and the postoperative ophthalmoscopic evaluation of the operated eyes. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography was 82%. Dense vitreous echoes were detected in 4% of the cases while epiretinal membranes were found in 6% of the cases, both findings were accurately diagnosed by ultrasonography. When dealing with scattered vitreous echoes, the sensitivity and negative predictive values of ultrasonography were higher than its specificity and positive predictive values, indicating that the ultrasonography is a good negative test