The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Microvesicles on the Treatment of Experimental CCL4 Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The release of microvesicles (MVs) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been implicated in intercellular communication, and may contribute to beneficial paracrine effects of stem cell-based therapies. We investigated the effect of administration of MSC-MVs on the therapeutic potential of carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄) induced liver fibrosis in rats.METHODS: Our work included: isolation and further identification of bone marrow MSC-MVs by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by CCl4 followed by injection of prepared MSC-MVs in injured rats. The effects of MSC-MVs were evaluated by biochemical analysis of liver functions, RNA gene expression quantitation for collagen-1α, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by real time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) techniques. Finally histopathological examination of the liver tissues was assessed for all studied groups.RESULTS: BM-MSC-MVs treated group showed significant increase in serum albumin levels, VEGF quantitative gene expression (p < 0.05), while it showed a significant decrease in serum alanine transaminase (ALT) enzyme levels, quantitative gene expression of TGF-β, collagen-1α, IL-1β compared to CCL₄ fibrotic group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the histopathological assessment of the liver tissues of BM-MSC-MVs treated group showed marked decrease in the collagen deposition & improvement of histopathological picture in comparison with CCL₄ fibrotic group.CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that BM-MSC-MVs possess anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties which can promote the resolution of CCL₄ induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Blood lead levels in a group of children: the potential risk factors and health problems / Níveis de chumbo no sangue em um grupo de crianças: possíveis fatores de risco e problemas de saúde

Abstract Objective: To investigate blood lead levels in schoolchildren in two areas of Egypt to understand the current lead pollution exposure and its risk factors, aiming to improve prevention politicies. Subjects and method: This was a cross-sectional study in children (n = 400) aged 6-12 years recruited from two areas in Egypt (industrial and urban). Blood lead levels were measured using an atomic absorption method. Detailed questionnaires on sources of lead exposure and history of school performance and any behavioral changes were obtained. Results: The mean blood lead level in the urban area of Egypt (Dokki) was 5.45 ± 3.90 µg/dL, while that in the industrial area (Helwan) was 10.37 ± 7.94 µg/dL, with a statistically significant difference between both areas (p < 0.05). In Dokki, 20% of the studied group had blood lead levels ≥ 10 µg/dL, versus 42% of those in Helwan. A significant association was found between children with abnormal behavior and those with pallor with blood lead level ≥ 10 µg/dL, when compared with those with blood lead level < 10 µg/dL (p < 0.05). Those living in Helwan area, those with bad health habits, and those living in housing with increased exposure were at a statistically significantly higher risk of having blood lead level ≥ 10 µg/dL. Conclusion: Lead remains a public health problem in Egypt. High blood lead levels were significantly associated with bad health habits and housing with increased exposure, as well as abnormal behavior and pallor.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar os níveis de chumbo no sangue (NCSs) em crianças em idade escolar em duas áreas do Egito para entender a atual exposição à poluição por chumbo e seus fatores de risco, para melhorar as políticas de prevenção. Indivíduos e método: Este foi um estudo transversal em crianças (400) entre 6-12 anos recrutadas de duas áreas no Egito (industrial e urbana). Os NCSs foram medidos por um método de absorção atômica. Foram obtidos questionários detalhados sobre as fontes de exposição ao chumbo e o histórico de desempenho escolar e quaisquer alterações comportamentais. Resultados: O NCS na área urbana do Egito (Dokki) foi de 5,45 ± 3,90 µg/dL, ao passo que na área industrial (Helwan) foi de 10,37 ± 7,94 µg/dL, com uma diferença significativa entre ambas as áreas (p < 0,05). Na área de Dokki, 20% do grupo estudado apresentaram NCSs ≥10 µg/dL, ao passo que na área de Helwan foi 42%. Foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre as crianças com comportamento anormal e aquelas com palidez com NCS ≥ 10 µg/dL, em comparação com aquelas com NCS < 10 µg/dL (p < 0,05). Aquelas que moram na área de Helwan, aquelas com hábitos de saúde ruins e aquelas que moram em moradias com maior exposição estiveram significativamente em alto risco de apresentar NCS ≥ 10 µg/dL. Conclusão: O chumbo ainda é um problema de saúde pública no Egito. Altos NCSs foram significativamente associados a hábitos de saúde ruins e moradia com maior exposição, bem como comportamento anormal e palidez.

In vivo antioxidant and antigenotoxic evaluation of an enaminone derivative BDHQ combined with praziquantel in uninfected and Schistosoma mansoni infected mice.

Chemotherapy with praziquantel is the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control, but an oxidative/nitrative stress may occur after short-term treatment and participate in side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of the novel antischistosomal enaminone derivative, 4–hydroxyquinoline (BDHQ), alone or combined with PZQ, in hepatic tissues of uninfected and Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. Uninfected untreated control mice and infected mice were treated with 0 or 500 mg/kg PZQ, 600 mg/kg BDHQ, or PZQ (250 mg/kg) combined with BDHQ (300 mg/kg) for 2 consecutive days. The studied biomarkers, related to oxidative/nitrosative stress and DNA damage were significantly improved in infected mice treated with BDHQ combined with PZQ as compared to either drug alone. This amelioration was accompanied with reduction in hepatic granuloma size and histopathologic lesions. Furthermore, we documented a novel PZQinduced mutation of hepatic mitochondrial genome in uninfected animals.