Hemochromatosis C282Y gene mutation as a potential susceptibility factor for iron-overload in Egyptian beta-thalassemia patients

Background: Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most frequent cause of primary iron overload that is associated with HFE gene's mutation especially the C282Y mutation. The interaction between hemoglobin chain synthesis' disorders and the C282Y mutation may worsen the clinical picture of betathalassemia major [b-TM]

Aim: To establish the prevalence of the C282Y mutations in Egyptian b-TM patients and to address its adverse effects

Methods: Two-hundred and five b-TM patients were recruited and divided into two groups based on their serum ferritin [SF]; group I [N = 125] [SF 2500 ng/dl]. All patients were subjected to clinical and laboratory assessment with special emphasis on iron overload complications. Genotyping was assessed by polymerase chain reaction for detection of C282Y mutation in HFE gene

Results: The C282Y mutation was not detected in the studied b-TM neither in homozygous nor heterozygous state. There were several iron overload complications including cardiac complication [9.1%], liver disease [36.6%], delayed puberty [56.6%], primary [35.71%] and secondary amenorrhea [21.42%], short stature [27.3%], diabetes [3.4%], neutropenia [9.7%], arthralgia [10.2%], gastrointestinal [21.1%], depression [2.9%] and others [12.05%]. Group I showed a statistically significant lower rate of taking iron-rich diet when compared to group II. Group II showed significant longer mean duration of disease, higher total transfusion rate per life, lower mean HbF% level, higher mean HbA% level, and higher rate of elevated liver enzymes than patients with SF

Conclusion: The C282Y mutation was not detected in the studied cohort of Egyptian beta-TM patients neither in homozygous nor heterozygous state in spite of manifestations of iron overload complications

Hepatic functions after enflurane anesthesia

The effect of enflurane [Ethrane] anaesthesia on liver functions was studied on ten fit adult patients. There was a significant increase in serum enzymes [S.G.O.T. and S.G.P.T] and serum bilirubin, significant reduction in total serum proteins. However, inclination towards normal figures was noticed after 48 hours. It is concluded that hepatic dysfunction may follow enflurane anaesthesia in susceptible patients. When halothane and enflurane were introduced into clinical practice in 1956 and 1968 respectively it was assumed that they were inert substances eliminated from the body in an unchanged state[1]. It is now known, however, that some metabolic breakdown of these agents does occur and concern has been expressed that their biotransformation products may exert toxic effects on organs such as the liver and kidney[2]

Complexes of Mn2, Co2, Ni2, Cu2, Ca3 and Uo2 with 2-aceto 1-naphthol N-benzoyl hydrazone

Complexes of M[n] [II], C[o][II], N[i] [II], C[u] [II], C[e] [111], and UO2 [2+] with 2-acetc-l-naphthoLN-benzoyl hydrazone [AN.B.H.] have been prepared and characterized on the basis of analytical, spectrophotometric, infrared and magnetic moment data. Isolation of solid complexes and physical measurements revealed the existence of mono-and bis-ligand complexes in the keto- form. Spectrophotometric studies supported the use of this ligand for the microdetermination of metal ions in solution. The apparent formation constants of the complexes are also determined. The electronic spectra of the solid complexes in dimethyl formamide indicate that C[u], C[o], N[i] and M[n] complexes have octahedral structure

Mechanism of dehydration of ethanol over sigma-alumina

The dehydration reaction of ethanol to ether and ethylene was kinetically investigated in a flow system using gamma-alumina. Pyridine was found to inhibit the formation of ethylene and ether. The rate of ethylene formation was investigated under steady state, and non-steady state conditions and it was found to be zero order. The bimolecular ether formation is described by a first order equation of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood type. The activation energies for ethylene and ether formation were determined. A mechanism based on the participation of a common alkoxide intermediate for both reactions is proposed

Dehydration of ethanol over boric acid treated gamma-alumina

The effect of treating gamma-alumina with boric acid on its activity towards the dehydration reaction of ethanol is investigated. The study is carried out in a flow system and analysis is carried out chromatographically. Such treatment makes alumina very reactive towards the formation of ethylene and ether. The effect of boric acid concentration on both reactions is investigated. The activation energies for ethylene and ether formation are determined