Serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interlukin-6, and paraoxonase-1 in childhood obesity

Obesity is becoming an epidemic health problem. Elevated cytokines and chemokines are prominent features in obesity, which play a main role in the development of other chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1], interlukin-6 [IL-6], and serum paraoxonase-1 [PON1] in childhood obesity. The present study included 40 obese school-aged children [5-15 years] and 40 healthy children as controls. The patients were presented to the outpatient clinic in National Institute of Nutrition. MCP-1, IL-6, PON1, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured in all participants. The mean serum levels of MCP-1, IL-6, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in obese participants than in controls [P < 0.0001], whereas the PON1 was significantly lower in obese participants than in controls [P < 0.0001]. MCP-1, IL-6, and serum cholesterol levels showed significant positive correlation with BMI [P < 0.05], whereas PON1 showed a significant negative correlation with BMI [P < 0.05]. Multiple regression analysis showed a strong association between PON1 activity and BMI [P < 0.0001]. Childhood obesity is associated with increased serum MCP-1 and IL-6 and decreased PON1 and hypercholesterolemia suggesting an increase in adulthood disease risk. Measuring serum MCP-1, IL-6, PON1 activity in obese children may be a good predictor for future chronic disease development and complications

Investigating the informed consent process, therapeutic misconception and motivations of Egyptian research participants: a qualitative pilot study

Few studies have explored the informed consent process among research participants in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the informed consent process, therapeutic misconception and motivation for participation among Egyptians participating in clinical trials. In a cross-sectional qualitative pilot study 103 participants in 10 clinical trials responded to a questionnaire. Over 90% agreed they had time to ask questions and received adequate information about the risks prior to consenting. All participants thought the research and the drug would improve their condition; only 46.1% were aware of receiving a non-approved experimental drug and 21.3% of being randomized. Reasons for participation included: better treatment [100%], to benefit society and advance science [85.4%], to receive free drugs [42.6%] and medical care [43.6%], to get hospitalized [15.8%] and to receive money or gifts [4.9%]. Investigators need to emphasize the distinction between research and clinical care to address the high rate of therapeutic misconception

Soluble Fas as a programmed cell death marker before and after antioxidant vitamins supplement in type 1 diabetes and high-risk children

Considerable evidence indicates that increased oxidative stress and induction of apoptosis signaled through the Fas pathway appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes. The present study aimed to detect the soluble Fas [sFas] as apoptotic marker and the total antioxidant capacity [TAC] in type 1 diabetes [T1D] and high-risk group children and whether it is altered by antioxidant vitamin supplement. Forty-five participants were included in the study and divided into three groups: group 1 comprised 15 children with new onset diabetes; group 2 included 15 diabetic children with long-standing diabetes; and group 3 comprised 15 individuals of patient's relatives. Serum levels of sFas and TAC were measured and compared between groups before and after antioxidant vitamin supplementation. The highest level of sFas was found in group 2 [2196.7 +/- 579 pg/ml], however, with no statistical significance; after vitamins supplementation, its level showed significant decrease to reach 1156.6 +/- 460.8 pg/ml [P = 0.01]. Similar tendency of serum Fas decrease was observed in the group of relatives after vitamins supplementation [2088.3 +/- 396.5 vs. 1426.7 +/- 140.9, P < 0.01]. TAC was significantly lower in group 2 than in the other two groups, and it showed a significant increase after vitamin intake [0.29 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.40 +/- 0.05 micromol/l, P < 0.05]. One month of treatment with antioxidants vitamins supplement increased the antioxidant activity in long-standing T1D children and resulted in significant reduction in sFas level, suggesting the importance of this therapeutics in reducing apoptosis changes in children with T1D

Intra-corneal implantation of certain soft and hard lenses in rabbits

Intracorneal lens implantation [ICL] is one of the lamellar refractive surgery procedures. This study aimed at evaluation of the intracorneal implantation of certain soft [hydrogel] and hard [PMMA] lenses in rabbits. The study was carried out on 60 albino rabbits. The rabbits received an ICL in one eye, while the other eye had a sham surgery without ICL. Thirty rabbits had lenses made of PMMA [0% water content], 20 rabbits received lenses made of HEMA [38% water content], 10 rabbits received lenses made of lidofilcon A [70% water content]. Keratometry, cycloplegic refraction, pachymetry, and slit lamp biomicroscopy were done before and after operation for 6 months follow up. Under general anesthesia, anterior corneal disc [8 mm] was removed, resutured in 3 points, lens inserted and the lamellar disc was secured by continuous nylon sutures 10/0. Lidofilcon A intracorneal lenses showed the best biocompatibility then HEMA lenses and lastly the impermeable PMMA lenses. ICLs produce a predictable stable change in keratometry and refraction strongly correlated with the implanted lens power especially plus power lenses

Effect of growth hormone suppression on glycemic control and other hormonal changes in diabetic retinopathy

The study was carried out on ten insulin dependent diabetics suffering from different types of diabetic retinopathy to evaluate the effect of growth hormone suppression on glycemic control and other hormonal changes in diabetic retinopathy. Blood levels of HGH, prolactin, C-peptide, glucagon and A.C.T.H. were determined by RIA. Tests of glycemic control including glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA[1c]], fasting and postprandial blood sugar and total blood lipids were also estimated. Retinal changes were studied by fluorescein angiography. Bromocriptine was given to all cases for 12 weeks, in addition to standard therapy [insulin+ diet]. Pretreatment investigations were repeated at the end of the study. Pretreatment investigations showed significant elevation of glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting and postprandial blood sugar. Serum growth hormone, plasma glucagon and A.C.T.H. were significantly high. C-peptide was measurable in 30% of patients. After three months treatment, tests of glycemic control were significantly decreased. Serum GH and prolactin decreased significantly, while C-peptide was increased. Glucagon and A.C.T.H. showed no change. After treatment, retinal changes deteriorated in 60% of patients and this was attributed to a hypoglycemic effect

Hormonal and biochemical studies in diabetic retinopathy

Twenty type I [insulin-dependent] diabetic patients suffering from different grades of diabetic retinopathy were included in the study. The study aimed at investigating glycemic control and different hormones suspected to be sharing in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Bad glycemic control was found in almost all patients with diabetic retinopathy. Significant elevation of serum growth hormone, glucagon and A.C.T.H. was found in diabetic retinopathy, while serum prolactin level was within normal. Residual beta cell function was found in 64% of patients with BDR [background diabetic retinopathy], while patients with PPDR [preproliferative diabetic retinopathy] and PDR [proliferative diabetic retinopathy] had no residual beta cell function. Higher grades of diabetic retinopathy were associated with bad glycemic control, higher levels of serum growth hormone and glucagon and absent residual beta cell function

Laser photocoagulation in the treatment of aging macular degeneration

Sixty eyes of 35 patients having aging macula/ degeneration [AMD] 20 males and 15 females were evaluated as regards the effect of laser photocoagulation on the course of the disease. Laser photocoagulation was used in eyes with extrafoveal, juxtafoveal and peripapillary subretinal neovascularization [28 eyes]. Eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane were followed up, and all of them developed a disciform scar in a period less than one year. Ophthalmological evaluation at the end of the follow up period [mean = 14.3 month post laser] showed that visual acuity in lasered eyes was stationary in 19 eyes [67.9%], improved in 4 eyes [14.3%] and worsened in 5 eyes [17.8%]

Proteins of tear in normal Egyptians

Total proteins of tears, different protein fractions utilizing cellulose acetate electrophoresis an immunoglobulin content of tears were studied in 40 subjects [20 males, 20 females] in a group of normal adults. Their serum samples were also collected for the estimation of total proteins and protein fractions. Total proteins of tears in both sexes were significantly lower than serum total proteins. Electrophoretic fractionation of tear proteins, revealed the existence of serum albumin, tear albumin, alpha-globulin, beta- globulin and lysozyme. Immunoglobulin study of tears confirmed the earlier studies that IgA was the predominant one, followed by IgG [present in low concentrations in the whole group]. No sex difference was reported. IgE could be detected in four females only. IgM and IgD were not detected in this study

Krypton laser photoiridectomy in narrow-angle glaucoma

Krypton laser iridectomy was performed on 20 eyes of 14 patients. In eight eyes with closed angle glaucoma the intraocular pressure [IOP] was controlled within normal limits. Eleven eyes with narrow angles maintained a normal intraocular pressure after preventive laser iridectomy. Only in one eye with chronic closed-angle glaucoma the IOP was not controlled after laser iridectomy and the iridocorneal angle remained practically the same as before the procedure. The mean pressure was 28 mm.Hg. applanation before and 18 after the procedure. The iridectomies were performed with the use of Krypton laser power of 200 to 400 mw, exposure time of 0.1 to 0.2 S, and spot size of 50 to 200 u. Blue irides were slightly more resistant to treatment than brown irides. Krypton laser iridectomy by this technique is highly recommended as the procedure of choice for eyes with acute angle-closure glaucoma and for preventive iridectomy in the fellow eyes

Retrocorneal membrane [RCM] in keratoplasty operations

Preoperative retrocorneal membrane was found to have bad prognosis in penetrating keratoplasty operations. Its frequency was significantly related to the presence of anterior synechia. Other factors were of no statistical significance