Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 180 male rats (190-220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1-G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2-G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4-G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically.@*RESULTS@#The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α- and β-globulins levels in infected rats treated with both extracts, while a significant decrease was detected in lymphocytes compared to the infected non treated group. β-Globulin level markedly increased in the rats administered nitazoxanide. Histopathological changes were observed in the ileum of rats infected with Cryptosporidium.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Egyptian propolis extracts have an activity on cryptosporidiosis in rats. Moreover, propolis modulated the immunity in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.

Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology

Objectives To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats. Methods A total of 180 male rats (190–220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1–G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2–G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4–G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically. Results The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α

Nutritional status and serum leptin levels among a group of chronic liver disease Egyptian patients

Chronic liver disease [CLD] is one of the most prevalent morbidity problems in Egypt. A balanced diet can actually help the damaged liver to regenerate new liver cells. Early nutritional assessment and dietetic interventions are keys in helping to provide optimum success with these patients. Leptin is an adipose-derived hormone that plays an important role in regulating food intake and energy expenditure in mammals. Investigating the dietary characteristics as well as the overall nutritional status in relation to serum leptin levels in a group of Egyptian CLD patients. This was a descriptive exploratory study. It was conducted in the Tropical Medicine Department in one of the tertiary Care University Hospitals in Egypt. Commonly adopted last year dietary pattern was assessed in 59 males and 31 females with CLD. The body mass index [kg/m[2] was used to express the overall nutritional status. Serum leptin levels were determined by ELISA. Patients were categorized using the modified Child- Pugh criteria. Though most of the patients were diagnosed since more than a year ago, their food pattern was unbalanced. The most commonly and frequently food items included low cost cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits. Additionally, skimmed white cheese was the main source of high biological value proteins. Fats and oils were the least consumed especially by the Child C patients. In the advanced stages of liver disease, there was a significant decline in serum leptin levels if compared with the early stages. Significant positive correlations were found between serum leptin levels with the BMI in the overall patients and in both sexes specially females. Most of the studied patients did not follow balanced diet. Serum leptin levels tend to decline as liver function worsens. The physiologic correlations of serum leptin levels, sex and BMI were all preserved in CLD patients. Patients with CLD especially who live at the border line and mostly due to HCV, should be highlighted as one of the nutritionally at-risk groups. Serum leptin levels should be put into consideration while providing the timely appropriate nutritional guidance and counseling to the CLD patients

Implications of primary health care integration among a group of upper Egyptian women: a community based study

Integration of the fragmented vertical program is crucial for the efficiency and effectiveness of the primary health care [PHC] services. Therefore, identification of the strengths and challenges confronting the integration process through family medicine [FM] approach in some pilot projects will give insight to the potential to capitalize on the gains achieved. The study is an operations research, post intervention design. It used a test health facility [PHC unit implementing FM approach in rural Upper Egypt], and a comparative health facility in a demographically matched village [PHC unit operating according to the traditional PHC vertical programs]. Data sources were household survey, service statistics, and in depth interviews with the principal official stakeholders. The findings show that, the volume of services delivered in the test group showed initial increase. However, with no pronounced community satisfaction As well, the profile of utilization pattern did not show improvement specially for the women. The study recommended the gradual informed introduction of the concept of integration for all the concerned stakeholders including the served community.

Effects of parenteral vitamin E and selenium supplementation on immune status of dogs vaccinated with subunit and somatic antigens against taenia hydatigena

Thirty clinically healthy dogs were divided into five equal groups; Gs 1 and 2 were vaccinated with subunit and somatic antigens [Ags] respectively in combination with vitamin E and selenium [Vit E/Se] supplement, Gs 3 and 4 were vaccinated with subunit and somatic Ags respectively and group 5 was kept unvaccinated as control positive. Dogs in the vaccinated-Vit E/Se supplemented groups had a significantly greater [P

Echocardiography in pericardial effusion

This study included 14 patients [eight males and six females, ranging in age between 16-54 years with an average of 27 years] with pericardial effusion of different etiology. All patients were studied echocardiographically besides clinical, radiological and electrocardiographic examinations. It was found that echocardiography is the best available diagnostic mean to diagnose pericardial effusion and it gives also good information about the quantity of pericardial fluid

Echocardiographic and skeletal features of mitral valve prolapse

Study of the various modes of presentation of mitral valve prolapse [MVP] syndrome in the patients was carried out with special stress on echocardiographic and skeletal features. Review of the records of 30 patients with established diagnosis besides the study of new 12 cases was done. Skeletal abnormalities were frequent in the studied material and echocardiography proved to be a precise noninvasive mean for the diagnosis of MVP syndrome. Also, a correlation was found between the auscultatory and echocardiographic signs

Effect of gastro-oes ophageal decognestion "Hassab's operation" on liver functions in patients with hepatic schistosomiasis and ascites

A battery of liver function tests including estimations of serum bilirubin, turbidity tests, serum protein, prothrombin activity, serum alkaline phosphatase and transaminase, was done before and after Hassab's decongestion operation in twelve male hepatic schistosomiasis patients with resistant ascites. Decrease of zinc sulphate turbidity, serum enzymes, total globulins together with increase of serum albumin and prothrombin activity was recorded after operation. Improvement of hepatic and intestinal blood flow, splenectomy, amelioration of hepatic functions and renal haemodynamics are supposed to be underlying factors