Nitric oxide and oxidative stress in Egyptian children with congenital heart disease

This study focused on the relationship between NO concentration and different parameters of the free radical scavenging system. The study was performed on 40 children with congenital heart disease [20 cyanotic and 20 acyanotic] as well as 15 healthy children serving as a control group, aiming to evaluate the effect of a long period of hypoxia on NO level, enzymatic antioxidants [copper-zinc superoxide dismutase] and glutathione peroxidase [GPX], nonenzymatic antioxidants [vitamins C and E] and plasma level of malondialdehyde [MDA] as a marker of lipid peroxidation plus reduced glutathione [GSH]. The results showed that there was a significant reduction in the NO concentration in parallel with a reduction in the plasma antioxidant vitamins, blood enzymes and GSH in children with cyanotic heart defects, meanwhile the level of MDA was significantly increased

Vitamin D deficiency rickets with hyperphosphatemia

Two interesting and unusual cases of vitamin D deficient rickets with hyperphosphatemia are presented and reviewed with regard to clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and course. The cases were successfully treated with high doses of vitamin D. Renal tubular resistance to parathyroid hormone, secondary to vitamin D deficiency or chronic hypocalcemia, is discussed as the possible cause of this condition