Estimation of trace elements level in chronic renal diseases

Trace elements are essential nutrients with an extent of functions. They are indispensable components of many enzymes confer regulatory functions and affect the immune reactions and the free radical generation. The aim of this study is to estimate the serum level of copper, zinc and lead in patients with chronic kidney diseases. As well to clarify the impact of the renal disease and hemodialysis therapy on trace elements levels compared to healthy subjects. This study included sixty subjects with age ranged from 45 to 68 years, divided into three groups. The First [group-1] consisted of 20 patients with chronic kidney disease not performing hemodialysis. The second [group-2] were 20 patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. The third [group-3] were 20 apparently healthy subjects as a control group. Serum copper, zinc and lead were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A significant increase in serum lead observed in group-2 compared to group-3. Besides, there were significant decreases in serum zinc in group-1 and group-2 as compared to group-3. Disturbances in the zinc and lead metal status investigated in CRD and hemodialysis patients than normal subjects which require early management

Effects of anti sperm antibodies on infertility in Egyptian couples

Immunoinfertility is one of several causes of infertility in humans. Dozens of sperm antigens have been isolated and characterized in association with infertility. Chronic infection, vasectomy, heavy metals and testicular cancer and torsion may induce the production of anti sperm antibodys [ASAs]. They may be responsible for decreased motility and sperm penetration of cervical mucus, and the blockage of the acrosome reaction and the sperm-egg interaction. This study was conducted to determine the ASAs levels in couples with primary and secondary infrtility. Sixty couples were examined, group A included 29 couples with primary infertility, group B included 21 couples with secondary infertility and group C included 10 couples having children which were taken as a control group. Serum prolactin, progesterone, testosterone, FSH and TSH concentrations were normal for all females. Semen analysis for all males was done and the results were within normal ranges. ASAs levels were significantly increased in both groups of primary and secondary infertility

Transient lactic acidosis as a side effect of inhaled salbutamol therapy in asthmatic children

In spite of the effectiveness of inhaled beta-2 agonists as bronchodilator therapy in bronchial asthma management in children; they produce a number of biochemical changes. The clinical relevance of these biochemical changes is not clearly defined. One of these observed changes is the transient lactatemia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of lactic acidosis as a transient side effect of inhaled salbutamol therapy during the management of asthmatic attacks. Thirty-six asthmatic children presenting in acute asthma, 20 males and 16 females with age range between 6 and 10 years [mean +/- SD: 7.47 +/- 1.13 years], were included in this study. All of them were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination and lab evaluation including: Serum lactate levels before salbutamol inhalation therapy, one hour after start of inhalation therapy and 24 hours later. Blood gas analysis before and after inhalation therapy were also done. Salbutamol inhalation therapy was given to all patients in the form of 3-successive doses, 20 minutes apart, in a dose of 0.15 mg/kg/dose, thereafter intensive management was continued. A statistically highly significant increase in the early post treatment serum lactate level was found in comparison to both pre treatment and 24 hours post treatment levels. In spite of the return of serum lactate levels to normal limits, the difference between the 24-hour post treatment and pre treatment levels was also statistically highly significant. The results of this study confirm that transient lactic acidosis occurs as a side effect of inhaled salbutamol. Physicians should be aware of this side effect of bronchodilators, which might prove of clinical significance in the more severe cases where other causes of metabolic acidosis coexist. Abbreviation: S.I.T. = salbutamol inhalation therapy

Osteoporosis profile in different age of postmenopausal women

In this study, 60 postmenopausal women were evaluated and divided into three groups according to the duration of menopause: The first group [20 cases], postmenopausal less than 5 years; the second group [20 cases], postmenopausal period between 5-10 years and the third group, postmenopausal period more than 10 years, as controls. Also, 20 normal premenopausal healthy women were included. Blood samples were taken and the serum was measured. The study showed a significant difference between the control and all groups of cases in IL-1, IL-6, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin and no significant difference in calcium and phosphorus. Also, there was no significant difference between the three groups of cases