Biochanin A attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Abstract Purpose: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (Ml/R) injury is a leading cause of damage in cardiac tissues, with high rates of mortality and disability. Biochanin A (BCA) is a main constituent of Trifolium pratense L. This study was intended to explore the effect of BCA on Ml/R injury and explore the potential mechanism. Methods: In vivo MI/R injury was established by transient coronary ligation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC) was used to measure myocardial infarct size. ELISA assay was employed to evaluate the levels of myocardial enzyme and inflammatory cytokines. Western blot assay was conducted to detect related protein levels in myocardial tissues. Results: BCA significantly ameliorated myocardial infarction area, reduced the release of myocardial enzyme levels including aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK-MB) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). It also decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α) in serum of Ml/R rats. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that BCA inhibited inflammatory reaction through blocking TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: The present study is the first evidence demonstrating that BCA attenuated Ml/R injury through suppressing TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-mediated anti-inflammation pathway.

Superoxid dismutase activity in portal vein endothelium after partial liver resection

PURPOSE: To investigate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the portal vein endothelium and malondialdehyde acid (MDA) production in liver tissue of rats submitted to 70% hepatectomy. METHODS:Twelve rats were distributed in two groups (hepatectomy and sham). Animals were sacrificed on post operative day 1 and portal vein, liver tissue and blood samples were collected. Portal vein SOD production was measured using lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence assays. MDA measurement was used as an index of oxidative stress through the formation of TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Species). RESULTS: There was no difference in post operative bilirrubin, AST, ALT levels between groups. DHL level was higher in the hepatectomy group (p=0.01). MDA production in the remnant liver tissue and endothelial portal vein SOD activity were also significantly (p<0.05) elevated in the hepatectomy group when compared to control group. There was no correlation between MDA and SOD activity. SOD activity, on the other hand, showed a positive correlation with LDH level (p=0.038) and MDA levels showed a positive correlation with AST and ALT levels (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There is an increased production of malondialdehyde acid in liver tissue after partial hepatectomy and increased activity of superoxide dismutase in portal vein endothelium as well.

Temporal relationship of serum markers and tissue damage during acute intestinal ischemia/reperfusion

OBJECTIVE: It is essential to identify a serological marker of injury in order to study the pathophysiology of intestinal ischemia reperfusion. In this work, we studied the evolution of several serological markers after intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats. The markers of non-specific cell damage were aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase, the markers of inflammation were tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 beta, and the markers of intestinal mucosal damage were intestinal fatty acid binding protein and D-lactate. We used Chiús classification to grade the histopathological damage. METHODS: We studied 35 Wistar rats divided into groups according to reperfusion time. The superior mesenteric artery was clamped for 30 minutes, and blood and biopsies were collected at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after reperfusion. We plotted the mean ± standard deviation and compared the baseline and maximum values for each marker using Student's t-test. RESULTS: The maximum values of interleukin-1 beta and lactic dehydrogenase were present before the maximal histopathological damage. The maximum tumor necrosis factor alpha and D-lactate expressions coincided with histopathological damage. Alanine aminotransaminase and aspartate aminotransferase had a maximum expression level that increased following the histopathological damage. The maximum expressions of interluken-6 and intestinal fatty acid binding protein were not significantly different from the Sham treated group. CONCLUSION: For the evaluation of injury secondary to acute intestinal ischemia reperfusion with a 30 minute ischemia period, we recommend performing histopathological grading, quantification of D-lactate, which is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and is considered an indicator of mucosal injury, and quantification of tumor necrosis ...

[Correlation between superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression with lactate dehydrogenase enzyme and free radicals in female athletes: effects of incremental intensity exercises]

Inflammatory enzymes and free radicals are important factors affecting the immune system. However, there seems to be no detailed information about the extent to which these factors can affect superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression in female athletes, especially in incremental exercises. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression with lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and free radicals in female athletes after an incremental intensity exercise. Fifteen 22-24 year old female athletes from Urmia, Iran voluntarily participated in the study after completing an informed consent form in 2010. Venous blood samples were collected in three stages: prior to, immediately and 3 h after an incremental exercise [12 km/h at a 5% gradient for 20 min]. Real-time PCR was used to assess superoxide dismutase1 [SOD-1] gene expression as was an autoanalyzer for hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] and LDH concentrations. LDH concentration significantly increased in both stages of the exercise [immediately and 3 h after the exercise], [respectively, P=0.009 and P=0.026], but H2O2 concentration significantly increased only in the recovery phase [P=0.002]. SOD-1 mRNA did not significantly increase in any stage of the exercise [P=0.05]. Moreover, there was only a significant correlation between SOD-1 mRNA and H2O2 increase [P=0.014]. Incremental exercise increased H2O2 and LDH levels in female athletes but only free radicals had a significant effect on SOD-1 gene expression

Taurine: a promising agent of therapeutic potential in experimentally-induced arthritis

Taurine is an amino acid whose protective effects were shown in certain inflammatory conditions. The present work aimed to explore the possible anti-arthritic effects of taurine in comparison with diclofenac. Rats were allocated into five groups [n = 10]. The normal and control groups received normal saline. The remaining three groups were treated with diclofenac [2 mg/kg], taurine [5 mg/kg], or taurine [50 mg/kg], respectively. Drugs were i.p. injected for 26 successive days starting from the onset of adjuvant induction. Arthritis was induced by s.c. injection of 0.4 ml of Freund's complete adjuvant [FCA] into the subplantar region of the right hind paws of rats in all groups except the normal one. Paw volume was measured before and at different time intervals after adjuvant inoculation. After the last measurement, blood samples were collected and were used for estimation of serum levels of lipid peroxides, nitrite, total antioxidants, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta as well as lactate dehydrogenase activity. Histopathological examination of knee tissues of all rats was also performed. Injection of FCA induced marked arthritis manifested by paw edema during the 26-day experiment period. Treatment with diclofenac or taurine [50 mg/kg] markedly inhibited adjuvant arthritis as well as its associated biochemical and histological changes. Taurine [5 mg/kg] did not affect FCA-induced paw edema but it attenuated some of the induced biochemical changes. Taurine effects could be explained by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines production as well as its antioxidant effects

Cardiac evaluation in children with problematic nephrotic syndrome

Hyperlipidemia, an important characteristic of nephrotic syndrome [NS] in children, is usually observed during the active phase of the disease and disappears with resolution of proteinuria. However, persistent lipid abnormalities have been reported and raised the question of development of atherosclerosis. This study was designed to elaborate the risk factors for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patient with problematic NS. The study was conducted on 30 patients with primary NS from the nephrology clinic of Alexandria University Children's Hospital over one year duration. They were classified into 3 groups: group I included 20 patients with problematic NS [i.e. steroid resistant, steroid dependent or frequent relapsers], group II including 10 patients with minimal change NS in remission, and group Ill [control group] of 10 apparently healthy age and sex matched children. For all patients complete urine analysis, 24 hour urinary protein excretion, serum total proteins and albumin, serum urea and creatinine, creatinine clearance, complete lipid profile, plasma oxidized LDL [oxLDL] using ELISA technique, cardiac enzymes [creatine phosphokinase, myocardial isoenzyme, as partate amino transferase and lactate dehydrogenase], and serum complement 3 [C3] were quantified. Also detailed echocardiography, 12-lead ECG, and chest X-ray were done. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in group I when compared with group Ill [P= 0.02 and P =0.008 respectively]. Group I had significantly higher levels of triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein [LDL] and very low density lipoprotein [VLDL] when compared with the other two groups [P=0.003, 0.001, 0.0002 and 0.02 respectively]. The mean value for oxLDL was significantly higher in group I when compared with group II and III. There was no significant difference in the level of high density lipoprotein [HDL] among the three groups. Also it was significantly higher in group II when compared with group III [P=0.002]. The mean value for the interventricular septal thickness in diastole [IVSd] and left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole [LVPWd] was higher in groups I and II in comparison with group Ill [P=0.02 and P=0.04 respectively]. In conclusion, Children with problematic nephrotic syndrome are at risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as result of systemic hypertension, increased LV mass, persistent significant elevation of levels of cholesterol, TG, LDL and ox-LDL with normal level of HDL

Effect of postconditioning with adenosine on myocardial levels of mitogen activated protein kinase p 38 and serum levels of soluble fas-ligand and cardiac enzymes in rats subjected to intermittent coronary ischemia

Several research works have been done on the last two decades to limit the damaging effect of ischemic episodes of the heart. Brief cycles of coronary artery reperfusion alternating with re-occlusion applied during the first few minutes of reperfusion, reduce irreversible post ischemic injury vice infarct size, endothelial dysfunctions, apoptosis and was termed post conditioning [postC]. It was reported that administration of some potent compounds at the start of reperfusion could protect the heart against injury and one of these is adenosine. The present study was performed to assess the effect of postC with adenosine on the degree of apoptosis among rats subjected to intermittent coronary ischemia. The present study was conducted on 30 male albino rats that were divided into 3 groups [n10]:-Group 1 consisted of normal healthy rats served as control group and they were sham operated. Group2 consisted of rats that undergone coronary ischemia/reperfusion [PR] by3O minutes occlusion of left anterior descending [LAD] artery. Group3 consisted of rats that received adenosine in a dose 200 pg per minute by i.v infusion for 15 minutes after induction of ischemia. Then, postC procedure was done by 3 cycles of 30 seconds reperfusion and 30 seconds re-occlusion of LAD artery that started immediately after the initial reperfusion. The following parameters were estimated in the rats of all groups: myocardial levels of both mitogen activated protein kinase p.38 [MAP kinase p38] and caspase 3 as well as the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], creatine kinase [CK] and soluble Fas-ligand [sFas-L]. The Findings of the present study revealed that exposure of the myocardium to 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 3 hours of reperfusion was associated with increased levels of the markers of myocardial necrosis vice LDH and CK. In addition apoptosis was stimulated as evidenced by increased serum soluble Fas-L and increased myocardial tissue levels of Caspase-3 and the death kinase MAP kinase P38. Treatment of rats in group 3 with adenosine and postC was associated with decreased LDH and CK levels Furthermore, the apoptotic cell loss was also attenuated as evidenced by decreased myocardial caspase-3 and MAP kinase p38 in the treated group. So, postC was reported to delay the wash out of endogenous adenosine and administration of exogenous adenosine was thought to cause myocardial protection by preservation of ATP, improved nucleotide repletion on perfusion, stimulation of glycolysis and limiting myocardial oxygen demand. It was concluded that adenosine and postC technique could be used as an important clinical therapeutic option to attenuate myocardial apoptosis which could decrease the subsequent myocardial dysfunction and heart failure. But further preclinical and clinical studies on human patients are still needed to test this therapeutic approach

Neutrophil gelantinase associated lipocalin [NGAL] as a biomarker of painful vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease [SCD]

Chronic inflammation and hypercoagulable state contribute significantly to the occurance of vaso-occiusive complication of sickle cell diseases [SCD]. The pathogenesis determines changes in the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, endothelial adhesion molecules, elevated markers of thrombin generation and group of new biochemical markers including NGAL. The aim of the present study was to evaluate levels of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin [NGAL] in SCD patients during painful crises and steady state of illness. This work included 43 patients with SCD in painful crises that was severe to justify hospital admission, Nineteen samples were collected among the cases when patients came to the clinic for follow up visit in steady state. Control group included fourteen healthy ethnically matched individuals. NGAL levels were quantitated by ELISA. Other haematological and biochemical parameters such as HG, RBC, WBC, bilirubin, CRP, LDH were also determined. The results revealed that NGAL concentrations were highly significantly elevated in sickle cell painful crises compared with steady state SCD [p < 0.0001] and when compared with healthy controls. These results also showed the NGAL levels correlate with WBC, CRP and LDH. This work represents initial step to determine NGAL role as a biomarker involved in the inflammatory and immune modulatory functions reported in the pathogenesis of painful episodes in SCD and may be a valuable predictor marker in the progress to severe attaches [e.g. acute chest syndrome] or resolution of acute SCD crisis

Hyperhomocysteinemia and cardiovascular diseases in Algeria people

Epidemiological research has shown that elevated total homocysteine [thcy] is a risk factor for atherosclerosis disease. This study was carried in symptomatic patients with cardiovascular disease n= 63 and asymptomatic n= 27. There was a significant decrease in Total-cholesterol [3.65mmol/l +/- 1.25] and HDL-cholesterol [0.84mmol/l +/- 0.48] in symptomatic patients and compared with asymptomatic the concentration of Total-cholesterol was [4.12mmol/l +/- 0.84] and HDL-cholesterol was [1.17mmol/l +/- 0.54]. The concentration of enzymes LDH, CK and ALP [271.47units/l +/- 129.18, 121.34units/l +/- 142.50 and 232.57units/l +/- 95.72], respectively in symptomatic patient and in asymptomatic control group were [170units/l +/- 46.3, 74.3units/l +/- 38.5 and 50 and 132.73units/l +/- 59.81], respectively, these values are increased significantly between two groups. The main values of thiols [homocysteine; cysteinylglycine, glutathione oxidized and reduced] were higher in patients with cardiovasculardisease [10.21micro mol/l +/- 5.59, 32.38 micro mol/l +/- 22.34, 17.91 micro mol/l +/- 8.83 and 32.96 micro mol/l +/- 17.34], respectively than in asymptomatic subjects where the concentration of thiols were [7.67 micro mol/l +/- 2.66, 25.48 micro mol/l +/- 11.11, 6.66 micro mol/l +/- 2.79 and 12.09 micro mol/l +/- 5.18]. The main value of homocysteine [12.89 micro mol/l +/- 4.59] was increased highly and significantly in symptomatic postmenopausal women in contrast to homocysteine concentration [8.45 micro mol/l +/- 4.94] in male patients. Our study suggests that plasma level total homocysteine is an independent risk factor in atherogenic process

Evaluation of enzymes in pyogenic and tuberculous meningitis.

OBJECTIVES: Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) were measured serially in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in twenty five cases of meningitis and an equal number of age and sex matched healthy control subjects with an aim to find out their diagnostic and prognostic significance in cases of meningitis. METHODS: The enzymatic activity was measured serially (day 0, 4th and 7th) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in twenty-five cases of meningitis consisting of fifteen cases of pyogenic meningitis (PM) and ten of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and an equal number of age and sex matched healthy control. The clinical details including the level of consciousness and neurological deficit were correlated with the enzymatic activity and prognosis. RESULTS: The levels of these enzymes were significantly elevated in all the cases of meningitis in serum as well as CSF as compared to control subjects. The activity was significantly higher in pyogenic than tuberculous meningitis (p<0.001) and it was higher in CSF than in serum (p<0.001). The maximum elevation in activity of GGTP and LDH were seen on the first day whereas CK was highest on 4th day and thereafter, the activity of all the enzymes declined in the majority of cases who had shown clinical improvement. However, in three cases of pyogenic and five cases of tuberculous meningitis, the enzymatic activity on subsequent estimation, increased serially. All these eight cases died. Further, the basal enzymatic activity in all these eight cases that died was higher as compared to those who survived. Of all the enzymes, CSF GGTP levels correlated best with the clinical picture. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that GGTP, CK and LDH were significantly elevated in cases of meningitis. It was not possible to differentiate the type of meningitis on the basis of enzymatic activity in any of them. However, it was possible to predict prognosis because higher basal activity and serial rise were associated with poor prognosis.

Some Biochemical and Hematological parameters on some cases of dependence among Yemenies

Forty five men aging 18-45 years old were divided into three groups. Control group individuals were not suffering from dependencies. Group I and Group II, were suffering from alcohol and heroin dependene respectively. Biochemical and hematological studies were performed before starting this trials. There was high significant increase in the value of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], bilirubin and uric acid in all patients in comprison to the control group. It was found that cholesterol increased in group I and decreased in group II while blood urea decreased in group I and increased in group II. Calcium and potssium decreased in both groups I and II. The increase of fasting blood sugar and creatinine in group II was highly significant while it was non significant in group I. There was high significant increase in eosinophils percentage and prothrombin time and decrease in total leucocytic count: percentage of lymphocytes, hematocrite value and hemoglobin in all patients in comparison to the controls

Physiological and histological studies on glucan as modulator of hazardous effects in rats treated with cyclophosphamide and exposed to gamma radiation

beta-glucan which is known as biological response modifiers and immunostimulator was investigated in this study to minimize the toxicity of chemo-and radiotherapy induced by cyclophosphamide [CYP] and radiation exposure in rats. beta-glucan was orally administered in a dose of 10 mg/kg b.wt. daily against the hazardous impacts of gamma-irradiation [1 Gy daily up to 10 Gy] and/or CYP [50 mg/kg b.wt. every other day for 2 weeks]. Determination of some biochemical analysis was carried out including calcium, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase. Hematological analysis was performed on leucocytes and platelets counts. Additionally, histological study was also done on both lung and testis tissues. The experimental rats being sacrificed 1, 7 and 21 days post-treatment. Treatment with CYP induced significant decrease in WBCs, platelets counts and alkaline phosphatase activity and significant increase of creatine kinase and LDH activities accompanied by a significant increase in Ca level only at the end of experimental period. Similar results were recorded with irradiated group accompanied with a non significant change in Ca level allover the experimental periods. Combined treatment with both gamma-radiation and CYP intensified the effect of each other on most of the investigated parameters. Microscopic examination of the lung revealed that both gamma-irradiation and CYP showed disturbed structure of bronchioles, thickened alveolar walls together with scattered haemorrhagic areas. Signs of pneumonia and compensatory emphysema were also seen. Meanwhile, in testis, irregular seminiferous tubules with reduction in their sizes were observed. Besides, the intertubular spaces were fibrotic and devoid of Leyding cells. Bizarre-shaped spermatogenic cells were also prominent. In combined treatment, these lesions became much more progressed. However, glucan administration prior to treatment with CYP or gamma-radiation led to an improvement in most of biochemical, hematological and histological parameters under investigation. beta-glucan has a good protective role against the toxic effects associated with chemo-and radiotherapy

Profil serique de la lacticodeshydrogenase et de ses isoenzymes dans le cancer du nasopharynx

Our prospective study included 41 patients, from 13 to 70 years old, and present a nasopharyngeal carcinoma confirmed histologically, during the period going from September 1999 to March 2000, and 45 healthy controls. A blood sample was collected from each patient before any treatment, as well as controls to measure serum LDH and its isoenzymes. Two groups of patients were selected after a period varying from 12 to 37 months with a mean of 29 months: 29 with favourable evolution, 12 with non favourable evolution. The mean serum total LDH and its isoenzymes values were significantly higher in patients than those in controls with values of variable p of 0,001 to 0,05. A significant correlation was found between ganglionnary extension and serum values of total LDH, LDH3 and LDH5. No significant difference were observed between the means serum total LDH before treatment and the clinical evolution of patients. Diagnostic contribution of total LDH is limited, by its ubiquitary character, but could constitute for LDH3 a good marker of the disease progression

Serum Carbohydrate antigen-125 levels as a marker in non Hodgkin's lymphoma

Sixty-seven patients with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [NHL] were included in this study. Serial measurements of serum carbohydrate antigen 125 [CA-125] levels were studied in conjunction with serum lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] in monitoring response to treatment. LDH showed increased levels in 52 out of 67 patients. Ten apparently healthy subjects were studied as a control group. A total of 36 out of 67 patients had increased serum CA-125 levels. Increased serum CA-125 levels were significantly associated with advanced stage, higher grade, abdominal serosal involvement, bone marrow involvement and bulky disease. P values were significant in abdominal involvement and in serosal involvement. Elevated serum CA-125 levels were associated with high serum levels of LDH. Of the 36 patients presented with high serum CA-125 levels, 30 patients achieved a complete remission [CR] with normalization of CA-125, four cases achieved partial response and two patients had stable disease and had not achieved normalization of CA-125 levels by the end of the treatment. In conclusion, high serum CA-125 levels were significantly associated with mediastinal, abdominal involvement, high tumor bulk and pleural effusion. Sensitivity of serum LDH and CA-125 was 83.6% and 66.6%, respectively, which indicated that the biologic information provided by them are different. Serum LDH provides a measurement of the tumor load and proliferate activity, while serum CA-125 provides the invasive potential of the tumor

Differentiation of pulmonary embolism from high altitude pulmonary edema

To differentiate the high altitude pulmonary edema [HAPE] from pulmonary embolism [PE] by clinical probability model of PE, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], aspartate transaminase [AST] and D-dimer assays at high altitude. Design: A prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at CMH, Skardu, from October 2001 to December 2002. Subjects and Consecutive 40 patients evacuated from height > 3000 meters with symptoms of PE or HAPE were included. Clinical pretest probabilities scores of PE, Minutex D-dimer assay [Biopool international] and cardiac enzymes estimation by IFCC approved methods, were used for diagnosis. Mann-Whitney U test was applied by using SPSS and level of significance was taken at [p<0.05]. Out of 40 subjects, 31 HAPE and 9 patients of PE were initially diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, D-dimer assay and V-Q scanning. Out of 9 patients of PE; 3 had plasma D-dimer between 250-500 ng/ml and 6 > 500ng/ml. Plasma D-dimer of 500 ng/ml was considered as cut-off value; 6 [66.7%] patients of PE could be diagnosed and 30 [96.7%] cases of HAPE excluded indicating very good negative predictive value. Serum LDH, AST and CK were raised above the reference ranges in 8 [89%], 7 [78%] and 3 [33%] patients of PE as compared to 11 [35%], 6 [19%] and 9 [29%] of HAPE respectively. Clinical assessment in combination with D-dimer assay, LDH and AST can be used for timely differentiation of PE from HAPE at high altitude where diagnostic imaging procedures are not available

m possible role of vitamin C in ameliorating some adverse effects of iron overload on cardiovascular hemoddynamics in male albino rats

Iron overload is known to deteriorate some cardiovascular hernodynamics. This is mostly contributed to iron-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possible protective effect of vitamin C, as an important antioxidant, in ameliorating and preventing these deleterious effects. In the present study, 36 adult male albino rats were used and were divided into 3 equal groups. Group I [control group], in which rats were injected with intraperotenial [I.P] saline in a dose of 0.5 ml daily [5days/week] for 8 weeks. Group 2 [iron overload group], in which rats were injected with iron compound [Jectofer] I.P in a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight [B.W] daily [5days/week] for 8 weeks. Group 3 [Vitamin C-iron group], in which rats were concomitantly injected l.P Jectofer as in the second group and l.P vitamin C in a dose of 50 mg/kg B.W daily [5days/week] for 8 'seeks. Changes in some cardiovascular homodynamics were investigated including isometric ventricular contraction of isolated perfused heart, mean arterial blood pressure [MABP] and heart rate [HR]. In addition, plasma level of the enzyme creatine kinase [CK, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], lipid profile, hematocrit [Hct%], plasma total iron, serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity [TIBC] and Malondialdehyde [MDA] were determined. The obtained results of this study revealed that iron overload deteriorated some of the myocardial functions as evident by a significant decrease of the peak developed tension and HR. meanwhile, MABP and the plasma level of CK and LDH were significantly increased compared to those of the control group. Moreover, serum triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoprotein [LDL], Hct%, plasma total iron, serum ferritin, and MDA in iron overloaded group were significantly higher while TIBC and high density lipoprotein [HDL] was significantly lower when compared to their corresponding values in the control group. Interestingly. when vitamin C was concomitantly administered with iron, a significant improvement and amelioration of all the above mentioned deteriorated parameters was exhibited. In conclusion, iron overload deteriorated some cardiovascular hemodynamics and vitamin C seemed to play a protective role in preventing these deleterious effects, probably through its antioxidant effect

Comparison of troponin T and enzyme levels in acute myocardial infarction and skeletal muscle injury

The objective of this study was to compare the levels of troponin T and enzymes levels in myocardial infarction and skeletal muscle injury. This study was carried out at Basic Medical Sciences Institute, JPMC Karachi, Pakistan. Ninety subjects were selected. Thirty controls, thirty patients suffering from myocardial infarction and thirty suffering from skeletal muscle injury were selected from National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Creatine kinase, aspartate amino-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and Troponin T were determined by kit methods. Troponin T level rises significantly [p<0.01] in patients suffering from myocardial infarction. Creatine kinase [CK], CKMB, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels rises significantly [p<0.01] in both groups compared with controls. Troponin T is an early indicator of myocardial infarction and is superior to CKMB in diagnosis of myocardial injury. There is no increase in troponin T levels in skeletal muscle injury

Heroin addiction results in altered activities of myocardial enzymes in human subjects

Drug addiction is increasing beyond imagination in our society and in our country the situation is rapidly deteriorating. Drugs commonly used in Pakistan are heroin, morphine, cocaine and cannabis. Studies were carried out on twenty-seven [27] street heroin injection taking a fixed dose of 1.3 gm of heroin par day for at least 11 years. Aspartate transminasc [AST], Lactate dehydrogease [LDH], Creatine Kinase [CK[and isoenzyme of creatine kinase [CK-MB] were estimated and results were compared with those of normal human subjects as control. The activity of LDH, AST and CK were significantly high but no significant change was observed in the level of CK-MB. It is concluded that alteration in the cardiac enzymes during heroin addiction is not only due to cardiac injury but other pathologic resulting from addiction are also rspnsible for the elevation of these enzymes

Ocular Malignancies; lactate dehydrogenase levels in aqueous humour and serum of patients

A total of 50 cases with clinical diagnosis of ocular malignancy were studied for lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] levels in aqueous humour and serum. On histological examination, 40 cases were those of retinoblastoma, 7 had other types of ocular malignancies [squamous cell carcinoma 5, one each of malignant melanoma and sebaceous carcinoma]., whereas three turned out to be non-malignant. Aqueous LDH levels were significantly raised [P< 0.001] in cases of retinoblastoma when compared to other malignancies as well as controls. Mean aqueous humour to serum LDH ratios were also significantly raised [P<0.001] in cases of retinoblastoma