Acute hydrogen cyanamide [Dormex] toxicity: an outbreak in El-Minia governorate; a prospective study

The aim of this study is to assess the acute toxic effects of Hydrogen Cyanamide, the active ingredient in Donnex which is a plant growth regulator, in human and to estimate the magnitude of hydrogen cyanamide-related illnesses in our locality [El-Minia govemorate- Upper Egypt]. Symptomatic cases involving acute Dormex exposure during the outbreak period [From January 2009 to March 2009] that were presented to the Poison Control Centre [PCC], El-Minia University Hospital and El-Minia general hospitals were included in this study. In each patient, a detailed history regarding age, sex, residence, route and mode of exposure, symptoms, signs and complications were taken at the time of presentation. A thorough clinical examination was then carried out. Laboratory investigations were done for random blood sugar [R.B.S], serum sodium and potassium levels, liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase [AST and ALT respectively], blood urea nitrogen [BUN], and serum creatinine. Chest X ray was also done for every case of this work. The study was conducted on 43 patients of both sexes with acute Donnex toxicity in addition to 10 healthy individuals of both sexes, representing the basic profile for the studied laboratory parameters. The majority of cases were below 20 years. Gender distribution revealed that a male to female ratio was about 2.6: 1. Patients from rural areas represent [83.7%] while [16.3%] were from urban areas. Exposures were either occupational [67.0%] or as a result of unintentional ingestion [30.2%]; and only one case were related to suicide attempt. All cases occurred from early January through March of the year 2009, which is the period when Dormex [CH2N2] was being applied to the grape trees in our district. The routes of exposure to Dormex CH2N2 were skin contact [60.5%], oral ingestion [32.6%], and inhalation [6.9%]. Most of the cases involved workplace exposure [67.5%]. Dermatological manifestations were evident in the vast majority of cases [67.4%], while ocular manifestations were noted in [39.5%] of the patients. [67.4%] of patients had systemic signs and/or symptoms, including GIT manifestations, CNS manifestations, pulmonary manifestations, and cardiovascular manifestations. Five deaths from the 43 cases were identified. Statistically significant hyperglycemia and elevation in hepatic enzymes profile were noted on admission in all patient groups in comparison to control group, while there were no statistically significant changes observed in serum electrolytes and renal function tests in all patients at time of admission in comparison with control subjects. Based on the current study, acute exposure to Dormex, either dermally in the workplace or by ingestion in those using this product, pose a major threat to human health in the form of hepatic dysfunction, prolonged coma, and severe respiratory and gastrointestinal affections. The study recommended that all efforts should be directed towards studying the possible acute and chronic toxic effects of Dormex on human health in more expanded, large scale clinical and experimental studies

Factors affecting the occurrence of hydrothorax in Egyptian patients with decompensated liver disease

It is well known that in cirrhotic patients, a large volume of ascetic fluid is generally well tolerated due to the capacitance of the peritoneal cavity. On the other hand, even modest volumes of pleural fluid can cause significant respiratory symptoms, including dyspnea and chest pain. Therefore, although infrequent, hepatic hydrothorax may represent a major clinical problem in the management of patients with portal hypertension. This work search for factors affecting the occurrence of hepatic hydrothorax in Egyptian patients with decompensated liver disease A total of 40 patients selected from Al Azhar University Hospitals with decompensated liver disease and ascites were included in this study divided into two groups 20 patients have ascites without pleural effusion were selected to be included in the study as a group [I], another a 20 patients have ascites with pleural effusion were selected also, to be included in the study as a group [II].All patients were subjected to the following:-Careful history taking, Careful clinical examination, laboratory investigations, including, complete urine and stool analysis, complete blood picture and, Liver function tests, Renal function tests, ascitic fluid and pleural fluid analysis for, physical, chemical, Cytological examinations. Abdominal Ultrasonography, Chest X ray, Results showed that the mean of BMI and ascitic fluid LDH are higher in patients with pleural effusion than in patients without pleural effusion. In contrast, the mean of alkaline phosphatase, ascitic fluid glucose and ascitic fluid RBCs are lower in patients with pleural effusion than in patients without pleural effusion but these findings are not enough to explain the occurrence of hepatic hydrothorax in those patients and these factors still obscure so more studies are needed to detect these factors

Evaluation of honey protective effect on lead induced oxidative stress in rats

Lead toxicity is a worldwide health problem due to continuous exposure of the population to lead in the environment especially workers in industries. It affects many body organs especially the liver and kidneys. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of natural honey against lead induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Forty male albino rats were used in this study divided into 4 equal groups. Group [I] the control group were given distilled water orally for 4 weeks. Group [II] rats were given 1.5 ml/kg natural honey orally for 4 weeks. Group [III] rats were given lead acetate [0.2%] in drinking water for 4 weeks .Group [IV] rats were given lead acetate [0.2%] in drinking water and 1.5 ml/kg natural honey orally for 4 weeks. Blood and tissue samples were taken after four weeks. Lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde [MDA] in plasma, liver and kidney were determined, blood glutathione peroxidase activity [GPx] and serum nitric oxide [NO] levels were also measured, Liver function tests [serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP], aspartate transaminase [AST] and alanine transaminase[ALT] were measured. Kidney function tests [blood urea and s. creatinine] were estimated. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney sections was performed. showed significant [P>0.01] increase in the mean MDA of plasma. liver and kidney of lead acetate group [Group III] with decreased antioxidant enzyme activity [GPx] activity and [NO] and increase levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea and serum creatinine together with histopathological changes in liver and kidney sections. Honey alleviated the increased MDA levels, and ameliorate the elevated AST, ALT, ALP, urea and serum creatinine in the combination group. The present study revealed that natural honey could diminish the adverse effects of lead acetate as shown in the histological analysis of rat livers and kidneys. The present results indicated that natural honey can modulate the damage in liver and kidney cells from oxidative stress induced by lead toxicity in tart

Effect of green tea, curcumin and ginger extracts and its combination on liver and kidney functions in rats after carbon tetrachioride exposure

Oxidative stress is a major factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. We studied the effects of green tea, curcumin and ginger extracts or its combinations on the kidney and liver function for rats exposure to CCL[4] injection. The results indicated that, all treated groups with low and high concentrations of ginger extract had uric acid and urea nitrogen lower than untreated group [control positive groups]. Moreover green tea had the most significant protection for kidney function against CCI[4]. In additional, there was a significant difference in serum glucose level between the low [10 gm] and high [20 gm] concentration of each individual herb or herbal combinations. The high concentration of the herb or its combinations resulted in a significantly lower serum AST and ALT levels than the low herbal concentration. But, all investigated herbs had significant protection for liver function against CCI[4]. It was concluded that, concurrent treatment of investigated herbs extract gave significant protection against CCI[4] though the values did not reach the normal levels

Effect of green tea, curcumin and ginger extracts on serum lipid profile in rats after carbon tetrachloride exposure

Oxidative stress is a major factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of green tea, curcumin and ginger extracts or its combinations on the kidney and liver function for rats exposure to CCL4 injection. The results indicated that, green tea reduced food intake and body weight in rats. The food intake did not show any important variation between both dosage of tested herbs and aqueous extract of green tea, ginger and curcumin. Body weight gain percentage of the control positive group and other groups treated with herbs decreased significantly at [p< 0.05] as compared to the control negative group. The results observed that, rats suffering from CCL4 and treated with of green tea, curcumin and ginger or its combination were associated with decreased serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride, an increase in the proportion of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and a decreased proportion of low and very-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterols, as compared to positive control group

Effect of high doses of nutmeg [Myristica fragrans] on healthy albino rats

The present work seeks to investigate the effect of high doses of nutmeg [Myristica fragrans] on healthy albino rats. Twenty male albino rats Sprague Dawley were divided into 4 groups; the first group fed on basal diet [control]; the rats of second, third and fourth groups were fed on basal diet supplemented with nutmeg [5%, 10% and 15%] respectively for eight weeks. The food intake, body weight gain ratio BWG%, feed efficiency ratio FER, organs / body weight ratio, parameters of serum, Total protein, Albumin AL, liver functions [AST and ALT] and kidney functions [Urea and Creatinine] in healthy albino rats were estimated and histopathological changes in liver, kidney and heart were examined also. The obtained results revealed nonsignificant differences in serum total protein for all groups fed on basal diet supplemented with different levels [5, 10 and 15%] of nutmeg and control group. In addition the data shows significant increase in serum AST and ALT for all groups fed on basal diet supplemented with different levels of nutmeg [5, 10 and 15%] comparing with control group. In addition, it could be showed nonsignificant differences in serum albumin for all groups fed on basal diet supplemented with different levels [5, 10 and 15%] of nutmeg comparing with control group. Meanwhile significant increase in serum urea and creatinine were recorded for all groups fed on different levels [5, 10 and 15%] of nutmeg compared with control group. The results obtained in this study revealed that high doses nutmeg consumption could affect the histology of liver and kidney of albino rat. The results concluded that the functions of liver and kidney may have been adversely affected. It is recommended that caution should therefore be advocated in the intake of this product and further studies be carried out to examine these findings

Study of the Hemodialysis on Immunomodulation of TH1/TH2 balance

Patients on chronic intermittent haemodialysis [HD] show an impaired cellular and humoral immune response that clinically appears with frequent infectious complications and low vaccination responses. This immune defect strongly correlates with reduced in vitro proliferative responses of T cells. The defect is localized in antigen presenting cells, which show a decreased co-stimulatory activity. Furthermore, the impaired immune response correlates with an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In response to primary, activation, CD4 positive T helper [Th] cells mainly differentiate into either Th1 or Th2 cells. Th1 cells support cell mediated immunity whereas Th2 cells enhance humoral immune responses. Since both types of responses mutually inhibit each other, the impaired humoral immune response seen in HD patients could either be due to a reduced number of Th2 cells or to a predominant Th1 response. The current study was to analyze the outcome of the Th1 or Th2 cell responses in HD patients compared with healthy controls and to place them in the context of the altered cellular characteristics and impaired immune status seen in HD patients. The study protocol was approved in 50 Patients in Damnhour National Medical Institute. In HD patients, a significantly higher percentage of CD4 cells are characterized by a Th1-type cytokine secretion pattern compared with healthy controls. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of impaired cellular immune functions in dialysis patients. They provide a link between overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines [IL-12] and imbalanced T-cell activation

Assessment of thyroid function in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum

Pregnancy is accompanied by changes in thyroid function. Human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] is a glycoprotein hormone that has structural similarity to TSH. Women with hyperemisis gravidarum often have high hCG levels that cause transient hyperthyroidsm. This study was designed to investigate the role played by, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [TSH], tri-iodothyronine [T[3]] and thyroxin [T[4]], in nausea and vomiting of hyperemesis gravidarum. We studied 90 pregnant patients in their first trimester of pregnancy. Patients were divided into two groups, 60 women in the hyperemesis gravidarum group who came presenting with severe ernesis gravidarum and 30 women as normal controls. There was a significant difference between the two groups as regards gestational age [p=0.003] with the hyperemesis group patients tending to have a higher gestational age [mean=8.3 weeks] than the control group [mean 7.5 weeks], gravidity [p=0.023] with the hyperemesis group having a higher rate than the control group, WBCs [p=0.0001] with the control group [mean 6840] tending to have a higher leucocytic count than the hyperemesis group [mean 6435]. There was a significant difference between the two groups as regards serum Free T level [p=0.001]; Free T[4] level [p=0.001] and TSH level [p=0.001] in 48 out of 60 patients [80%] of the hyperemesis group, ketonuria was present while it was absent in the control group. Positive correlations existed between serum Free T[3], Free T[4], TSH and ketonuria in the hyperemesis group of patients. In conclusion; Thyroid hormone levels [Free T[3], Free T[4] and TSH] are elevated in hyperemesis gravidarum and relate well with the severity of that condition

IL-6 level as a predictor for diagnosis of pre-eclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia is a disease of pregnancy that is associated with increased incidence of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of pre-eclampsia is dependent mainly on the presence of hypertension associated with proteinuria. This work studies serum lL-6 concentration and its association with both the early diagnosis and the prognosis of pre-eclampsia. The population of this study included 90 pregnant women in the third trimester of their pregnancy who were admitted for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of El-Sahel Teaching Hospital from August 2007 to May 2008. The study population was further subdivided into two groups, pre-eclampsia group [60 patients-67%] and control group [30 patients-33%]. There were no differences in age, gravidity, parity or gestational age between the two groups. The two groups showed significant differences in blood pressure [both systolic and diastolic] with p<0.0001 ; renal function tests [creatinine [p<0.000l], urea concentration [p<0.0001] and uric acid concentration [p<0.0001]]; liver function tests [SGOT [p<0.03], SGPT [p<0.04] and bilibrubin [p<0.001]], blood picture [WBCs [p<0.03], platelets [p<0.01] and hemoglobin [p<0.02]]; IL-6 concentraion [p<0.0001]. IL-6 at a cutoff value of 3.12 pg/mL showed a 100% sensitivity and specificity for pre-eclampsia. IL-6 failed to show a significant correlation with systolic blood pressure in pre-eclampsia group cases [p<0.059] while it showed a significant correlation with the diastolic blood pressure [p<0.015]. The IL-6 serum concentration correlation was significant for platelet levels [p value=0.021] and for white cell count [p value=0.002]. IL-6 serum concentration is a highly sensitive and highly specific markers for the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia and as indicators for the severity of the condition

Renoprotective effects of thymoquinone, a compound derived from nigella sativa oil, on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Gentamicin [GM] is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is widely used in the treatment of severe infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. Unfortunately, the optimal clinical benefits of GM are limited by its serious nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Thus, the presnt study was aimed to investigate the influence of thymoquinone [TQ], a compound isolated from Nigella sativa oil with predominant antioxidant property, on GM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Four groups of animals were used and treated for 10 consecutive days as follow: Group 1 [n=6]; served as normal controls, Group 2 [n=6]; received TQ [5 mg/kg/day; orally], Group 3 [n=10], i.p. injected with GM [80 mg/kg/day], and Group 4 [n=10]; concurrently received GM + TQ [by the same aforementioned individual dosage regimen]. The animals were sacrificed at day +11 and the following parameters were evaluated: [i] the levels of serum creatinine [Cr] and blood urea nitrogen [BUN] as biomarkers of renal function, [ii] the renal content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] as an index of lipid perioxidation and oxidative stress, [iii] total glutathione [GSH] content and glutathione S-transferase [GST] activity in renal tissues as indices of antioxidant mechanisms, and [iv] the histopathological hallmarks of kidney specimens. The biochemical results showed that GM administration induced nephrotoxicity associated with abundant increases in the levels of serum Cr, BUN, and renal TBARS and remarkable depletions in the renal GSH and GST. The histopathological findings supported the presence of seriously injured kidney. However, concomitant administration of TQ efficiently reduced the development of GM nephrotoxicity and its associated biochemical and histopathological features. In conclusion; these data prove that TQ mediates; via, at least in part, its antioxidant property, a marked renoprotective effect against GM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Role of allium sativum in the protection against oxidative stress and associated biochemical changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

Oxidative stress is involved in both pathogenesis and complications of diabetes. The need to identify agents with a potential for preventing such damage and complication has assumed great importance. The present study was devoted to the assessment of the effect of chronic oral administration of raw garlic homogenate on oxidative stress and associated biochemical changes in streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague- Dawley rats weighing 180-200 g were used. Rats were divided into four groups 6 rats each. Group 1: is a control group in which rats received only 0.5 ml of vehicle [citrate buffer pH 4.5] as a single intraperitoneal [i.p.] dose. Group II: in which rats were treated orally with 20% raw garlic homogenate in distilled water in a dose of 500 mg/kg once a day for 30 days. Group III: rats were treated with 0.5 ml 2.4% solution STZ in citrate buffer in a single i.p. dose of 60 mg/kg. Group IV: rats were treated with 0.5 ml 2.4% solution STZ in citrate buffer in a single i.p. dose of 60 mg/kg, plus orally with 20% raw garlic homogenate in distilled water in a dose of 500 mg/kg once a day for 30 days. Blood aliquots were collected for serum separation. Serum levels of glucose, aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], bilirubin, urea and creatinine as well as total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were evaluated. HDL-cholesterol was also determined. The animals were then sacrificed and specimens were taken from the liver and kidney tissues and tissue homogenates were separated for determination of oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters such as malondialdehyde [MDA], reduced glutathione [GSH] and catalase [CAT] levels. Chronic oral administration of raw garlic homogenate produced a significant reduction in the serum levels of glucose[P<0.01], AST [P<0.05], ALT[P<0.05], ALP [P<0.05], bilirubin [P<0.01], urea [P<0.01] and creatinine [P<0.05] in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore,there was a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol [P<0.05], LDL-cholesterol [P<0.01], VLDL-cholesterol [P<0.05], and triglycerides [P<0.05] and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol [P<0.01] as compared to STZ -induced diabetic group. On the other hand, hepatic and renal MDA were significantly reduced, [P<0.01] and [P<0.05], respectively. Also, there was a significant increase in both hepatic [P<0.01] and renal [P<0.05] GSH levels and catalase activity [P<0.001] as compared to STZ-induced diabetic rats. Chronic oral administration of raw garlic homogenate attenuates oxidative stress and associated biochemical changes in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Evaluation of calcitonin gene- related peptide in hypertension: a clinical and experimental study

Calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP] is an extremely potent vasodilator neuropeptide that is widely distributed in the perivascular sensory nerves. To clarify the exact role of CGRP in hypertension in both essential hypertension patients and experimentally induced hypertension in rats. 15 patients with untreated essential hypertension and 15 age and sex matched healthy controls were subjected to physical examination, resting ECG, two-dimensional echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound, Doppler study of renal vessels, and laboratory tests including estimation of serum CGRP, malondialdehyde [MDA; as an oxidative stress marker], renal functional parameters and other essential investigations. In the experimental study, hypertension was induced in 15 male albino rats by uninephrectomy and 0.9% saline in drinking water for 6 weeks [uninephrectomy-salt model]. 15 matched healthy male albino rats [controls] were sham operated and given tap water. Rats were subjected to mean arterial pressure [MAP] measurement, using a pressure transducer, and laboratory tests including serum CGRP, MDA and renal function tests. Compared with normotensive controls, essential hypertension patients had a significantly higher mean serum creatinine [P= 0.011], urinary albumin excretion [UAE], and serum MDA versus a significantly reduced CGRP [P<0.001]. Echocardiography revealed subtle hypertensive findings in only 3 patients. All ECGs were normal. Hypertensive rats showed a significantly higher mean blood urea, serum creatinine, UAE, serum MDA, and also CGRP than control rats [P<0.001]. In hypertensive patients, the only observed correlation was a positive correlation between the systolic blood pressure and serum MDA [r =0.52, P =0.037]. In hypertensive rats, a positive correlation was observed between each of MAP, UAE and serum MDA [r =0.65, P =0.008 and r =0.62, P = 0.012] and also between MAP and serum CGRP [r =0.59, P =0.017], versus an inverse correlation between UAE and CGRP [r = -0.54, P =0.026]. In addition, a strongly positive correlation was observed between serum MDA and CGRP in the hypertensive rats [r =0.77, P<0.001]. Patients with essential hypertension have diminished CGRP levels. Hypertension is associated with increased oxidative stress. CGRP is important in protection against hypertension-induced renal damage. These data shed light on a potentially therapeutic role of CGRP and may be antioxidants in the management of hypertension, including the use of medications that can enhance CGRP release, or increase the vascular sensitivity to this neuropeptide

Nutrition Education intervention in dyslipidemic children and adolescent with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine metabolic disorder of childhood and adolescence with important consequences for physical and emotional development. This study was designed to detect the effect of diet therapy [through nutrition education program] on lipid profile and blood glucose level in diabetic children. The study was carried on 45 diabetic children aged between 8-15 years old at diabetic nutrition clinic of nutrition institute in Cairo from 2003-2005. Children included in the study were divided into two groups: insulin dependent dyslipidemic group [IDDM] [diet control/ group] and insulin dependent non dyslipidemic [control group]. All were subjected to full dietetic history by the 24 hour recall for 3 days, thorough clinical examination, they were evaluated for plasma lipids, lipoproteins, fasting blood glucose [FBG] and glycated hemoglobin [HbA[12] levels. The dyslipidemic were measured after three months for the previously measured parameters. The nutrition education process was performed and continued on weekly intervals for three months. There was significant decrease in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the study group after the program, and insignificant increase in serum HDL and decrease in serum LDL. Also, there was insignificant decrease in FBG but there was statistically significant decrease in HbAl after the program. These changes occurred in parallel with increases in intakes of protein and total calories with adequate carbohydrate and sometimes a reduction in intakes of total fat. Nutrition therapy for children with IDDM is essential to improve measures of glycemic control and lipoprotein mediated risk for dyslipidemia. More innovative approaches to achieve lifestyle changes are required to meet current recommendations which are likely to produce greater beneficial changes than those observed in this study

Nuclear factor kappa B plays a pivotal role in renal protection against apoptosis during unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats

Obstructive nephropathy constitutes a major cause of renal impairment in children. Unilateral ureteral obstruction [UUO] model of renal injury in rat is characterized by interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, nuclear factor kappa b [NF-kappa B] activation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Curcumin, the major component found in turmeric spice has been reported to provide protection against the renal interstitial inflammation and fibrosis elicited by UUO in addition to renal tubular cell apoptosis. The present work study examined the effect of curcumin-rich diet [5% w/w] on the apoptotic pathway induced by UUO in rats after 30 days of legation. 30 male Wistar rats were subjected to UUO. The animals were treated with curcumin rich diet. Obstructed and contralateral kidneys were collected at the day 30, post-surgery and analyzed for inflammatory change 409s and apoptosis-related markers. Kidney functions [serum creatinine and urea], mRNA expressions of TNF- alpha, NF-kappa B and caspase 8, histological examination by hematoxylin and eosin, Mallory Trichrome were carried out. Ureteral obstruction was associated with increase in serum creatinine, and urea. mRNA expression of TNF- alpha and caspase 8 in obstructed kidney as well as NF-kappa B in both kidneys were also increased in comparison to sham-operated rats [p<0.05]. Histological examination showed absence of renal tubules, medulla, and damaged cortex glomeruli. Curcumin-rich diet administration demonstrated significant decrease [p<0.05] in all the previous biochemical and molecular parameters except NF-kappa B expression. These changes may attributed to the protective role of curcumin-rich diet as revealed by the reappearance of large numbers of cortex glomeruli and some renal tubules and delaying of the apoptotic stage till fibrosis. The curcumin-rich diet administration can delay apoptosis without modulating NF-kappa B which may protect the mesingial cells from the apoptotic stimuli TNF-alpha

Screening of window HBV infection among Egyptian blood donors

Transfusion-transmitted viral infection is present worldwide among blood donors. In the present study prevalence of early acute HBV infection among the eligible blood units for donation was investigated. Sera [760] from Egyptian blood donors [636 [83.68%] males and 124 [16.32%] females], who met donor selection criteria, were routinely screened for HBsAg, HCV-Ab, HIV 1/2-Ab and Syphilis-Ab. Accepted blood units for donation were further tested for liver and kidney functions and the presence of HBc-IgM and HBV-DNA. Screening resulted in 38 [5%] HCV-Ab positive units, 9 [1.18%] HBsAg positive units and one [0.13%] Syphilis-Ab positive unit. Testing of the accepted units for donation [712, 597 [83.84%] male and 115 [16.16%] female] resulted in one [0.13%] HBc-IgM positive unit and 2/30 HBV-DNA positive units. The routine screening of blood unit, to some extent, discovered the current viral infection but failed to detect early acute or window HBV infections where HBsAg is absent. ALT and AST levels were not indicative in viral infection in accepted blood donors at window period. Our study suggests that sensitive methods for detection of HBV [e.g. PCR] may be recommended in screening of donated blood. Anti-HBc antibody should be tested routinely on all donated blood units

Renin angiotensin aldosterone system and fibrinolytic activity in experimentally induced diabetic and hypertensive rats

Many evidences pointed to certain relations between renin angiotensin aldosterone system [RAAS] and endogenous fibrinolytic system. To examine the effect of low salt supplement, as an activator to endogenous RAAS on plasma fibrinolytic function in alloxan diabetic L-NAME induced hypertensive ncphritic rats in the presence or absence of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor [ACEI] and/or aldosterone antagonist. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal [i.p] injection of alloxan [150 mg/kg]. Rats were received low salt supplement [0.08% NaCI] and N[G]-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME, 0.1 mg/ml] in the drinking water during the experimental periods. Treatment of diabetic hypertensive nephritic rats with ACEI [mocxipril hydrochloride, 7 mg/kg body weight daily and orally], aldosterone antagonist [spiranolactone, 25 mg/kg body weight daily and orally] or their combined administration for 6 weeks. Glucose, creatinine, sodium, potassium, aldosterone, ACE activity, transforming growth factor-beta 1 [TGF-beta] were determined in serum, whereas, renin, plasminogen activator inhibitors [PAI-1 were estimated in plasma. In urine nitric oxide [NO] concentration was evaluated and total. DNA and RNA were recorded in kidney tissues. During low salt intake, activation of the RAAS was monitored through observed significant Increase in serum alciosterone, sodium, potassium, and ACE activity. Impairment of renal function following diabetes and L-NAME administration was manifested By increase in serum glucose, mean arterial pressure [MAP] heart rate [HR]. serum creatinine and low urinary NO level, these data demonstrated that activation of RAAS in diabetic hypertensive nephritic rats significantly increased PAI-1 activity, TGF-beta1 and dry thrombus weight. It markedly decreased total DNA contents in kidney homogenate. Interruption of the RAAS with the ACEI, aldosterone antagonist or their combined administration lot 6 weeks significantly decreased PAl-1 activity TGF-beta1 and thrombus weight [fibrinolytic actvity]. However urinary NO, kidney content of total DNA showed significant increase. Combined form therapy has a better effect regarding PAI-1 TGF-beta 1 and NO than monotherapy. Data obtained provides an evidence of direct functional association between the RAAS and the fibrinolytic system in rats. This may help to elucidate possible mechanisms by which ACE inhibition and aldosterone antagonist exerts antagonist exerts vasculoprotective effects and reduce the risk of renal atherothromhotic events closely related to uncontrolled diabetes

Renovascular protective effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor "Ramipril" and the angiotensin receptor blocker "osartan" on experimentally diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases in the world. It has the potential to cause many complications such as increased blood pressure, disturbance in the kidney functions and elevation of blood lipids.. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the possible renal and vascular protective effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor [ACEI], ramipril, as well as the selective angiotensin II receptor blocker [AIIRB], losartan, and the combination of both drugs in diabetic rats. We used 50 rats divided into 5 groups: control, diabetic control and three other diabetic groups each was treated by one of the described drug regimen. Systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, renal function tests, lipid/profile and histopathological examinations were performed to all the groups. Our results revealed that after'6eeks of treatment with rarnipril, losartan, and ramipril plus losartan, there was a significant decrease in the systolic blood pressure [SBP]. When we analyzed the obtained data, we found that the described drug groups had a renoprotective effects in diabetes meilitus. In addition, there were significant decrease in serum triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein [LDL], while serum high density lipoprotein [HDL] was increased as compared with diabetic control group. However, the intensity of changes produced by losartan was of greater extent than that produced by ramipril. The combination of ramipril plus losartan proved to be superior on the two other separate drugs

Circulatory response to fluid overioad removal and sustained hemodynamic efficacy of slow ultrafiltration in refractory congestive heart failure

To determine to what extent patients with chronic refractory congestive heart failure [rCHF] benefit from slow Ultrafiltration. Prospective, observational study of chronic refractory congestive H.F. Effectiveness data from several sources, including observational studies, published systemic reviews, The New York Heart Association [NYHA] classification of Heart failure and expert opinion. New York Heart Association [NYHA] class III and IV, resting left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Ischemic cardiomyopathy and normal or mild elevated serum creatinine < 3 mg/dl. Forty Patients, eighteen men [45%] and twenty two women [55%], their ages ranged from 32 to 63 years [mean 47 +/- 9 years] with refractory CHF, with NYHA functional class IV [n = 32] represent 80% and class III [n = 8] represent 20% of patients, were selected from intensive care units of Internal Medicine and Cardiology Departments of Tanta university Hospital. Exclusion criteria were patients with advanced valvular heart diseases and patients with chronic renal failure - All patients were subjected to the following assessments : Daily morning B.W, HTC%, Serum electrolytes [Na[+], K[+], Ca[+2]], Blood urea and S. creatinine, Urine output [ml/24h.] and homodynamic monitoring including H.R, Systemic BL Pr and CVP [by double luminal catheter], Chest x-ray P.A view, examination for interstitial and/or clear cut alveolar pulmonary edema before and after ECUF [Extra corporeal ultrafiltration] ECG and Trans-thoracic Echocardiography [M-mode, two dimensional and Doppler Echocardiography]. Controlled ultrafiltration between 0.5-1 L/h., was initiated at a rate of 0.5 L/h to be readjusted subsequently according to the hemodynamic parameters available. All patients were subjected to ECUF treatment ranged from 3 sessions in 12 patients and 4 sessions in 28 patients [mean 3.7 session/ptn], and about 4-6 h/session. Average amount of ultrafiltrate /session ranged from 2-3.5 liters [mean 2.6 +/- 0.4 liter] over duration of 15 days hospital admission. Both number and repetition frequency were decided empirically on the basis of evolution of symptoms and response to drugs. ECUF was discontinued when it was considered clinically that the maximum benefit has been obtained. Highly significant diuresis from [0.34 +/- 0.14 to 2.0 +/- 0.7 L/day] [P < 0.001], reduction in the mean H.R[120 +/- 5.0 to 98 +/- 11.0 beat/min] [P < 0.001], CVP reduction [28.5 +/- 2.0 to 15.5 +/- 7.0 cm water] [P < 0.001], Intra-venous volume as assessed by HCT value [33.8 +/- 2.3% to 37.6 +/- 2.0%], [P < 0.001] before and after ECUF. ECHO was repeated after ECUF revealed highly significant reduction in the mean LVEDD from 7.0 +/- 0.2 cm before to 6.4 +/- 0.6 cm after ECUF [P < 0.001], LVESDfrom 6.5 +/- 0.4 cm before to 5.5 +/- 0.8 cm after ECUF [P< 0.001]. LVEF was 23.8 +/- 4.1% before and increased to 31.2 +/- 8.2% after ECUF [P < 0.001], highly significant reduction in the mean L A dimensions from 5.3 +/- 0.3 cm before to 4.8 +/- 0.6 cm after ECUF [P < 0.001], RV dimensions from 4.7 +/- 0.4 cm before to 4.0 +/- 0.8 cm after ECUF [P < 0.001]. Significant changes in S.urea from 105.7 +/- 55.2 mmol /L to 91.3 +/- 63.04 mmol /L] [P < 0.047], S. creatinine from [1.9 +/- 0.6 to 1.5 +/- 0.9 mmol/L] [P < 0.017] before and after ECUF. ECUF offers a reasonably effective and relatively safe method in the management of r CHF. The relative ease of the procedure and low incidence of complications denote that this technique is an extremely useful one in selected cases of H.F, refractory to the conventional therapy with oliguria and fluid overload

Effect of feeding with some herbs on health status of liver as investigated using the experimental animals

The present investigation was carried to study the influence of myrobalan, myrrh and hop on food intake, body weight, blood glucose, lipid profiles, kidney and liver function and histological characteries of liver and heart of rats suffering from liver diseases. The experiment included [30] male albino rats [Sprague Dawley strain], weighting 150 +/- l0g, [5] of rats fed on basal diet only as control negative group. The second main group [25] rats was treated by subcutaneous injection with CCL4 in paraffin oil [50% V/V 2ml/Kg] twice a week to induce chronic damage in liver. Then divided in five [5] groups as the following: Group 1 control positive, group 2 [G2] fed on basal diet with 10% myrobalan, G3 fed on basal diet with 10% myrrh, G4 fed on basal diet with 10% hop and G5fed on basal diet with 10% herbs mixture. After rats fed for 4 weeks, body weight gain and food efficiency ratio were recorded, and serum glucose, serum lipid parameters and liver and kidney functions measured in serum. Results showed that rats fed on 10% myrrh had significantly decreased [P<0.01] liver weight and serum glucose, compared with [C+]. Also the same rats group had higher HDL-c and lower LDL-c and VLDL-c compared with [C+], the activity of serum AST, ALT and ALP [liver function indication] decreased for different rat groups. This study recommended the consumption of these herbs to improve and treatment of chronic liver disease

Comparative effects of some insecticides as technical and formulated on male albino rats

The present study describes the effects of certain technical and formulated forms of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and deltamethrin on some haematological and biochemical parameters in rats. The tested insecticides were orally administered in single and repetitive doses. In single dose treatments, haemoglobin [Hb], RBCs and WBC's were highly affected [p