Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid induced sperm abnormalities and histopathological changes in mice

Objective:To explore the genotoxic potential and histopathological changes induced in liver,kidney,testis,brain and heart after using the antibiotic drug amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (4∶1).Methods:The study included chromosomal aberration analysis in bone-marrow and mouse spermatocytes,induction of sperm morphological abnormalities and histopathological changes in different body organs.The drug was administrated orally at a dose of 81 mg/kg body weight twice daily (Total =162 mg/kg/day) for various periods of time equivalent to 625 mg/men (twice daily).Results:The results revealed non-significant chromosomal aberrations induced after treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AC) in both bone marrow and mouse spermatocytes after 7 and 10 days treatment.On the other hand,statistically significant percentages of sperm morphological abnormalities were recorded.Such percentage reached 8.10 ± 0.55,9.86 ± 0.63 and 12.12 ± 0.58 at the three time intervals tested (7,14and 35 days after the 1st treatment respectively) (treatment performed for 5 successive days) compared with 2.78 ± 0.48 for the control.The results also revealed histopathological changes in different body organs after AC treatment which increased with the prolongation of the period of therapy.Congestion of central vain,liver hemorrhage and hydropic changes in hepatocytes were noticed in the liver.Degenerative changes were found in kidney glomerulus and tubules while testis showed atrophy of seminiferous tubules,and reduction of spermatogenesis.AC also induced neurotoxicity and altered brain neurotransmitter levels.Hemorrhage in the myocardium,disruption of cardiac muscle fibers and pyknotic nuclei in cardiomyocytes were recorded as side effects of AC in heart tissue.Contusions:The results concluded that AC treatment induced sperm morphological abnormalities and histopathological changes in different body organs.Clinicians must be aware of such results while describing the drug.

Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid induced sperm abnormalities and histopathological changes in mice

Objective To explore the genotoxic potential and histopathological changes induced in liver, kidney, testis, brain and heart after using the antibiotic drug amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (4:1). Methods The study included chromosomal aberration analysis in bone-marrow and mouse spermatocytes, induction of sperm morphological abnormalities and histopathological changes in different body organs. The drug was administrated orally at a dose of 81 mg/kg body weight twice daily (Total = 162 mg/kg/day) for various periods of time equivalent to 625 mg/men (twice daily). Results The results revealed non-significant chromosomal aberrations induced after treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AC) in both bone marrow and mouse spermatocytes after 7 and 10 days treatment. On the other hand, statistically significant percentages of sperm morphological abnormalities were recorded. Such percentage reached 8.10 ± 0.55, 9.86 ± 0.63 and 12.12 ± 0.58 at the three time intervals tested (7, 14 and 35 days after the 1st treatment respectively) (treatment performed for 5 successive days) compared with 2.78 ± 0.48 for the control. The results also revealed histopathological changes in different body organs after AC treatment which increased with the prolongation of the period of therapy. Congestion of central vain, liver hemorrhage and hydropic changes in hepatocytes were noticed in the liver. Degenerative changes were found in kidney glomerulus and tubules while testis showed atrophy of seminiferous tubules, and reduction of spermatogenesis. AC also induced neurotoxicity and altered brain neurotransmitter levels. Hemorrhage in the myocardium, disruption of cardiac muscle fibers and pyknotic nuclei in cardiomyocytes were recorded as side effects of AC in heart tissue. Conclusions The results concluded that AC treatment induced sperm morphological abnormalities and histopathological changes in different body organs. Clinicians must be aware of such results while describing the drug.

Modulating effects of spirulina platensis against tilmicosin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice

Tilmicosin [TIL] is a long-acting macrolide antibiotic used to treat cattle for pathogens that cause bovine respiratory disease. However, overdoses of this medication have been reported to induce cardiac damage. Our experimental objective was to evaluate the protective effects of Spirulina platensis [SP] administration against TIL-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Our experimental in vivo animal study used 40 male albino mice that were divided into five groups of eight mice per group. The first group served as a control group and was injected with saline. The second group received SP at dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight for five days. The third group received a single dose of TIL [75 mg/kg, subcutaneously]. Groups 4 and 5 were given SP at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight for five consecutive days just before administration of TIL at the same dose and regimen used for group 3. TIL treated animals showed a significant increase in serum cardiac injury biomarkers as well as cardiac lipid peroxidation, however they had evidence of an inhibition in antioxidant biomarkers. SP normalized elevated serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], creatine kinase [CK], and CK-MB. Furthermore, SP reduced TIL-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of SP minimized the toxic effects of TIL by its free radical-scavenging and potent antioxidant activity

Urinary cystine calculi and detection of polymorphism in the SLC3A1 gene in Sudanese children

To investigate polymorphism in exon 8 of the SLC3A1 gene in children with urinary cystine calculi in Khartoum. A semi-quantitative chemical method was used to analyse 175 urinary calculi removed surgically from paediatric patients at Soba Teaching Hospital in Khartoum between October 2005 and May 2009. DNA was extracted with phenol chloroform isoamyl alcohol, and exon 8 of the SLC3A1 gene was amplified in a thermocycler and sequenced with an AB3130 genetic autoanalyser. Of the 175 stones, 10 were cystine calculi [5.7%]. The sex ratio of the patients was 2.3:1 [boys to girls], and the mean age at cystine stone onset was 31.1 +/- 28.2 months [range, 3-125 months]. Of the 10 patients, 8 had a positive family history of calculi formation, 4 had bilateral calculi, 3 had both renal and urinary bladder calculi, and 2 had obstructive acute renal failure. All patients required more than one surgical operation. One patient had a missense mutation M467K in exon 8 of the SLC3A1 gene. The prevalence of cystine calculi among urinary calculi in Sudanese children was 5.7%. A family history was found in 80% of children. A mutation [M467T] was identified at exon 8 of the SLC3A1 gene in one child

Association between the polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases 9 and 3 genes and risk of myocardial infarction in Egyptian patients

The present study investigated the relationship between the genetic polymorphisms in MMP-9 and MMP-3 genes and acute myocardial infarction [AMI]. We examined 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 40 age and sex matched controls for MMP-9 functional promoter polymorphism [-1562 C > T] and MMP-3 [5A/6A] deletion/insertion polymorphism using restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] for amplified genomic DNA. The frequencies of the combined mutant genotypes CT and TT in the [-1562 C > T] MMP9 were significantly higher in AMI patients [20%] when compared to the controls [0%] [pvalue = 0.005] showing an association between these genotypes and AMI. Also there was a significant difference between 5A/5A genotype and 5A allele frequencies when both are compared in the patients [25% and 35%] and the controls [2.5% and 18.75%] [p = 0.009; OR = 13; CI = 1.576-107.233]; and [p = 0.02; OR = 2.333, CI = 1.130-4.820] respectively. In conclusion, the -1562C > T polymorphism of the MMP9 gene is strongly associated with acute myocardial infarction in the Egyptian population. Furthermore, our study supported the presence of the 5A/5A genotype of MMP3 gene promoter polymorphism as a risk factor of AMI in Egyptian patients. Meanwhile, the race selection should be paid more attention since the pathogenesis of a disease might have different bases in different racial population groups

Distribution of class I integrons and their effect on the prevalence of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli clinical isolates from Sudan

To analyze integrons gene cassettes Class I among Escherichia coli [E. coli] isolates from Sudan and to determine their effect on the prevalence of resistance to antimicrobials. This cross-sectional study was conducted at 6 hospitals in Khartoum State, Sudan between April and August 2011. Escherichia coli [n=133] isolated from clinical specimens of patients were included. Isolates were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility following standard procedures. Multi-drug resistance [MDR] patterns was defined as non-susceptibility to >/= 3 antimicrobials. Class I integrons was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and gene cassettes were characterized via sequencing analysis. Of the 133 E. coli isolates, 40.6% [n=54] harbored Class I integrons. All the 54 integron carriage, E. coli was found to be MDR strains. Integron carriage isolates confer higher levels of resistance than any other isolates [p<0.05] such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid [66.7% versus 36.7%], ceftazidime [46.3% versus 17.7%], chloramphenicol [29.6% versus 7.6%], ciprofloxacin [70.4% versus 43%], tetracycline [88.9% versus 57%] and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [98.1% versus 69.6%]. Sequencing of gene cassettes harbored mostly dihydrofolate reductase [dfrA], which encodes resistance to trimethoprim and aminoglycoside adenyltransferase [aadA] that encodes resistance to streptomycin. The most frequent combination types were dfrA17 and aadA5 genes. Class I integrons were quite common and its carriage contributed significantly to the emergence of MDR among E. coli. Nevertheless, factors leading to the wide spread of integrons are still to be determined

Prevalence of extended-spectrum beta -lactamases-producing Escherichia coli from hospitals in Khartoum state, Sudan

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and assess antimicrobial susceptibility of extended- spectrum beta -lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolated from clinical specimens of patients at hospitals in Khartoum State, Sudan. During April to August 2011, a total of 232 E. coli isolates were collected from various clinical specimens of patients. Isolates were identified, tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and screened for ESBL production as per standard methods. The double-disk diffusion method was used to confirm ESBL production using antimicrobial disks of ceftazidime [30 micro g], cefotaxime [30 micro g], with or without clavulanic acid [10 micro g]. A zone difference of >5 mm between disks was considered indicative of ESBL production. Out of 232 E. coli isolates, 70 [30.2%] were found to be positive for ESBL by the applied phenotypic methods. ESBL-producing isolates yielded high resistance rates for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [98.6%], tetracycline [88.6%], nalidixic acid [81.4%] and ciprofloxacin [81.4%]. The highest antimicrobial activities of ESBL-producing isolates were observed for amikacin [95.7%], followed by tobramicin [74.3%] and nitrofurantoin [68.6%]. Resistance to quinolones, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin and chloramphenicol was higher in ESBL than non-ESBL isolates [p<0.05]. The frequency of ESBL-producing isolates varied among hospitals [18.2% to 45.1%], although a high prevalence was recorded as 45.1% at Khartoum Teaching Hospital. Wound specimens were the most common source of ESBL-producing isolates. The proportion of ESBL-producing E. coli did not differ significantly between adults and children [31% vs. 27%]. The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli detected in this study is of great concern, which requires sound infection control measures including antimicrobial management and detection of ESBL-producing isolates

Antistaphylococcal Activity of N-Butanol and Aqueous Sub-Fractions of Alchornea cordifolia Leaves.

Aims: To carry out the antistaphylococcal activity of n-butanol and aqueous sub-fractions of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. And Thonn.) Müll. Arg. leaf extract against multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Study Design: Characterization and antibiotic susceptibility determination of the test S. aureus isolates, extraction of A. cordifolia leaf, partitioning of the extract, Zones of inhibition and Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations determination. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. February 2010 to October 2011. Methodology: A. cordifolia leaves were collected from Abuja, Nigeria. The activity of the ethanol extract, N-butanol (NSF) and aqueous (ASF) sub-fractions of the plant leaf against five clinical staphylococcal isolates and the standard Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ATCC 33591 were determined using agar-well diffusion and broth dilution methods. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined by the Kirby- Bauer-CLSI modified disc agar diffusion technique (DAD). Results: The diameter zones of inhibition showed by ethanol extract against the test staphylococcal isolates ranged between 12 mm - 26 mm, while the diameter zones of inhibition observed from N-butanol sub-fraction and aqueous sub-fraction against the isolates were between 11 mm - 36.5 mm and 11 mm - 35 mm respectively. The diameter zones of inhibition of the sub-fractions against the standard MRSA ATCC 33591 ranged from 11 mm – 27.5 mm. The diameter zones of inhibition of the test antibiotics ranged from 10 mm to 23 mm. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (M. I. C.) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (M. B. C.) values produced by ethanol extract were higher than those of the sub-fractions. N-butanol sub-fraction produced the lowest M. I. C and M. B. C. values of 0.625 mg/ml – 1.25 mg/ml and 1.25 mg/ml – 2.5 mg/ml respectively. The M. I. C. and M. B. C. values of the N-butanol sub-fraction against the standard strain ATCC 33591 were 1.25 mg/ml and 2.5 mg/ml respectively. Conclusion: The tested N-butanol and aqueous sub-fractions of A. cordifolia leaf were active against the S. aureus strains at low concentrations. The plant can be a possible candidate in the search for alternative antistaphylococcal agents.

Interchangeability and comparative effectiveness between micronized and non-micronized products of glibenclamide tablets

During the last few years there was wide debate about the interchangeability and effectiveness between circulated products containing Glibenclamide in the market. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of this product "non-micronized" to the originator's product of Glibenclamide tablets "of micronized" sulfonylurea. 12 volunteers received a dose of 5mg of Glibenclamide [from test and standard products] under fasting conditions in two separate sessions using randomized crossover design. Blood glucose level for the volunteers was monitored to avoid the development of hypoglycemia. Plasma samples were collected over 24 hours and analyzed using HPLC. The maximum concentration Cmax for the test and reference products were 2.508 +/- 0.104 and 3.526 +/- 0.118 [micro g/ml] respectively and the area under the curve AUC0-[were 3.511 +/- 0.153 4.572 +/- 0.202 [micro g.h/ml] for these products respectively, with a difference of about 24% between the test and reference products in its AUC. The results indicate that the test product is not bioequivalent to reference product. The difference in formulation between micronized product and non-micronized product of Glibenclamide tablets has impact on clinical outcomes

Toxic effects of lead exposure during gestation and lactation on testicular development in albino rat offspring: a hormonal and histopathological study

This study aims at exploring the effect of lead exposure during pregnancy and lactation on the rat testis, which was evaluated via light and electron microscopic examination of testicular tissue, besides estimation of serum follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH] and testosterone [TT] levels. Dams were intoxicated with 10 mg/kg body weight [BW]/day lead acetate throughout the gestational period and lactation. Pups were sacrificed on postnatal [PN] days 1 and 21. The weights of the body and testes, as well as serum gonadotropins and TT concentrations were significantly reduced in pups from lead-intoxicated mothers compared with their controls. Light microscopic examination of testicular samples from lead-exposed pups revealed thin-walled seminiferous tubules with significant reduction in their size. In addition, multiple vacuoles were seen within the tubules and in the interstitium, and the interstitial spaces appeared enlarged with reduced number of Leydig cells. Apoptotic bodies were found among the basal parts of the spermatogenic epithelium. Examination of testicular tissue from the same group by electron microscopy revealed more cellular details confirming the toxic effects of lead. The altered seminiferous tubules showed multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles and precipitates along the nuclear membranes in Sertoli cells. Several seminiferous tubules showed apoptotic cells with heterochromatic nuclei and dense cytoplasm, whereas other tubules appeared ensheathed by single layers of myoid cells. Leydig cells revealed cytoplasmic vacuolations and irregular nuclei with chromatin masses. The results of this study indicate that lead intoxication affected the normal development of germinal cells and disrupted the testicular structure and endocrinal functions

Effect of stress during handling, seawater acclimation, confinement, and induced spawning on plasma ion levels and somatolactin immunoreactivity in mature female thin -lipped gray mullet, Liza ramada

Understanding the physiological picture of fish during the reproductive cycle, seawater acclimation, and induced spawning is of essential value to know the possible reasons of preoviposition mortality and to develop successful hatchery technology. Determination of the effect of different stress factors on hydro-mineral balance as well as changes in somatolactin [SL] immunoreactive cells in mature Liza ramada females. Water chemistry and the different plasma ion levels were measured. Immunocytochemical staining for the sections of the pituitary gland was performed to describe the activity of SL immunoreactive cells. The plasma levels of PO[3-4], Na[+], K[+], Ca[2+], and Mg[2+] showed a slight increase during transportation without anesthesia. The concentrations of these minerals returned to the initial levels by using clove oil [5 mg/I] as anesthetic. However, their levels decreased during seawater acclimation and gradually increased with confinement to reach the initial values. Furthermore, the levels of PO[3-4], Na[+], K[+], Ca[2+], and Mg[2+] were significantly [P

Reduced Fertility and Fecundity among Patients with Bipolar I Disorder and Schizophrenia in Egypt

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate reproduction among patients with bipolar I disorder (BP1) or schizophrenia (SZ) in Egypt. METHODS: BP1 patients (n=113) were compared with community based, demographically balanced controls (n=124) and SZ patients (n=79, DSM-IV). All participants were evaluated using structured interviews and corroborative data were obtained from relatives. Standard indices of procreation were included in multivariate analyses that incorporated key demographic variables. RESULTS: Control individuals were significantly more likely to have children than BP1 or SZ patients (controls 46.8%, BP1 15.9%, SZ 17.7%), but the BP1-SZ differences were non-significant. The average number of children for BP1 patients (0.37+/-0.9) and SZ patients (0.38+/-0.9) was significantly lower than for controls (1.04+/-1.48) (BP1 vs controls, p<0.001; SZ vs controls, p<0.001). The frequency of marriages among BP1 patients was nominally higher than the SZ group, but was significantly lower than controls (BP1: 31.9% SZ: 27.8% control: 57.3%). Even among married individuals, BP1 (but not SZ) patients were childless more often than controls (p=0.001). The marital fertility, i.e., the average number of children among patients with conjugal relationships for controls (1.8+/-1.57) was significantly higher than BP1 patients (1.14+/-1.31, p=0.02), but not significantly different from SZ patients (1.36+/-1.32, p=0.2). CONCLUSION: Selected reproductive measures are significantly and substantially reduced among Egyptian BP1 patients. The reproductive indices are similar among BP1 and SZ patients, suggesting a role for general illness related variables. Regardless of the cause/s, the impairment constitutes important, under-investigated disability.

in vitro comparison of root canal system prepared with either hand or rotary instruments

The aim of the present study was to compare hand stainless steel K-files and Nickel-Titanium Profile 0.04 taper 29 series rotary instruments for their efficiency, procedural errors and time consumed in preparation of root canal system. A total of 46 maxillary and mandibular first premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were collected [two contralateral teeth from each individual]. The samples were divided into two groups of 34 canals each. Teeth in the first group were prepared with stainless steel hand K-files while the second groups were prepared with profile 0.04 taper series 29 rotary files. Preparation period was recorded for both groups. Impression material was introduced into the prepared canals so that the replica of prepared canals was achieved. These were assessed under stereomicroscope to assess the efficiency in preparing canals in respect to canal smoothness, ability of impression material to flow and quality of taper. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Chi-square and Fishers exact tests. Results showed significantly shorter preparation time for Profile than K-file. 8.8% of the canals prepared with K-files showed canal blockage, while all canals prepared with Profile remained patent. Alterations in working length working distance appeared in 23.5% of canals prepared with K-file and 11.7% in canals prepared with Profile. Failed instruments in K-files were significantly higher, mostly deformation [P<0.001]. Profiles failed instruments were in the form of fracture and no deformation was detected. Both systems showed unsatisfactory walls smoothness and flow. Within the limitation of this study it was concluded that Profile 0.04 taper series 29 rotary systems prepare canals more rapidly, and have lower incidences of fracture and blockages, and only limited loss of working length. Canal preparation with K-file was time consuming and showed higher incidence of deformed instruments; overall, rotary instruments Seem to offer greater advantages

Myasthenia gravis towards a safer anesthesia: clinical experience and review of literature

Myasthenia gravis is caused by auto antibodies to postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors[anti-AChRS] at the neuromuscular junction, causing weakness of skeletal muscles. In addition patients with thymoma-associated MG produce autoantibodies to a variety of neuromuscular antigens, including antibodies to the calcium release channel of the skeletal muscles and antibodies to cytoplasmic filamentous proteins. Some patients with thymoma-associated MG have an inflammatory myopathy of striated and cardiac muscles that may cause heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden death. Consequently Myasthenia gravis [MG] is a disease with many implications for the safe administration of anesthesia and involves considerable morbidity and mortality. Thymectomy is a common surgical procedure in patients with myasthenia gravis. We describe an anesthesia technique involving continuation of pre-operative anticholinesterase, use of non-paralyzing technique [i.e. avoidance of muscle relaxants], and use of ultra-short acting anesthetics. This technique was safe and effective in eight patients who underwent trans-sternal thymectomy and were extubated on the table following administration of intravenous anticholinesterase and anticholinergic drugs. None needed post-operative ventilatory assistance. There was no post-operative morbidity or mortality

new spectrophotometric method for the determination of methyldopa

A new, simple and low cost spectrophotometric method for the determination of methyldopa in pharmaceutical preparations was developed. The method was based on the coupling of methyldopa with 2,6-dichloroquinone-4-chlorimide [DCQ]. The absorbance maximum [lambda max] of the resulted colored product was at 400nm. Different buffers were used to determine the optimal pH for the reaction. 1% w/v acetate buffer with pH 8.0 gave the optimal pH required for the reaction. Of the different solvents tried, water and ethanol were found to be the most suitable solvents. Beer's law was obeyed in concentration range of 4-20 micro g/ml methyldopa. The correlation coefficient was found to be [r=0.9975]. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 1.1 micro g/ml and 3.21 micro g/ml, respectively. The reaction ratio between methyldopa and DCQ was studied and found to be 1:3. The work included the study of the possible interference of hydrochlorothiazide found in combination with methyldopa tablets. The method was validated and results obtained for the assay of two different brands of methyldopa tablets were compared with the B.P. method [colorimetric]. The repeatability and reproducibility of the developed method were evaluated and the obtained results quoted. The derivative formed as a result of the reaction of methyldopa with DCQ was isolated and its possible mechanistic pathway was suggested

Enhancement of chloroquine activity against resistant parasites by co-administration of cimetidine

In vivo studies on reversal of chloroquine [CQ] resistance by cimetidine [CIM] were carried out in thirty five patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum in Omdurman Hospital for Tropical Diseases and Elhaj Yousif area, Khartoum Sudan. Parasites were considered resistant if still present in peripheral blood circulation, three days after the start of standard dose of CQ treatment. Patients with CQ resistant parasites were admitted to the hospital and given CIM [800 mg in two divided doses], 48 hours after the start of standard dose of chloroquine treatment. They were followed clinically and microscopically, daily for one week and then discharged. Treatment in the dose used was found to reverse CQ resistance in [70%] of the patients studied within three days of CIM treatment. No side effects were reported by any of the patients. Glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase [GOT] content in the treated group was found to be 31.57 I.U/L [ +/- 0.85], protein content 6.5 g/dl [ +/- 0.85] and the uric acid 6.5 mg /dl [ +/- 0.71]. The values of GOT, protein and uric acid in the resistant group were found to be slightly higher than those in by the sensitive one

Polyorchidism: case report and literature review

Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly frequently associated with maldescent testis, hernia, and torsion. Reports in the literature show an increased risk of testicular malignancy in the presence of polyorchidism. This entity has characteristic sonographic features and the diagnosis is often made on the basis of sonography. A conservative approach is the treatment of choice in uncomplicated cases. We report a male of 26-years old with 2 testicles in right side diagnosed by ultrasound. A brief history and review of the literature is also presented

Cell-mediated immunity in recent-onset type 1 diabetic children

The ability to suppress an immune response makes regulatory T-cells [T-reg] an attractive candidate as a novel therapeutic agent for treating autoimmune diseases. The mechanisms involved in maintenance of peripheral tolerance include a specialized subset of regulatory-T-cells [T-reg] within the T-cell population. The CD4[+] CD25[+] T-cells may be, important in modulating the risk for autoimmunity. Auto-reactive cytotoxic-cells recognize peptide epitopes displayed on the beta cells surface in the context of HLA class] molecules. A population of CD8[+] regulatory T-cells characterized by expression of CD25 and FOXP3 have been identified and induced in the human peripheral blood cells. The regulatory activity of these cells is on autologous, antigen-reactive CD4[+] T-cells in a cell contact-dependent manner. These findings provide an evidence for a new mechanism for induction of immune regulation in human. This study was aiming to assess the cellular immune parameters including the percentage of CD4[+], CD8[+], CD4[+]/CD8[+] ratio,CD4[+]CD25[+], CD8[+] CD25[+] lymphocytes, which may have its application in developing immune therapy based tools for halting disease progression. This study was conducted on 20 children of recent onset type 1 diabetes [disease duration 0.05] between the two groups. A significant inverse correlation was found between CD4[+] CD25[+] T-cells and HbA1c percentage among patients group [p<0.05].Also a significant difference in the percentage of CD4[+] CD25[+] T-cells was found when patients with HbA1c<8%w ere compared to those with HbA1c >/= 8% [the latter group had significantly lower percentage of CD4[+] CD8[+] T-cells]. Type 1 diabetes is characterised at its onset by a lowered percentage of CD8[+] and CD8[+] CD25[+] T-cells in peripheral blood, a normal percentage of CD4[+] and CD4[+] CD25[+] T-cells. There may be an inverse correlation between percentage of CD4[+] CD25[+] T-cells at disease onset and HbA1c level after three months. These data support the hypothesis that a defect in function or deficiency in number of T-regulatory cells may affect the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes

Cell mediated immunity before and after treatment by praziquantel, in schistosoma mansoni patients

Humoral and cellular components of immune responses had been thought to have role in developing resistance to re-infection with S. mansoni. This case-control study included 30 S. mansoni cases [active or inactive]; age ranged from 23 to 47 years. They were selected from outpatient clinic of internal medicine department, Benha Faculty of Medicine. Ten healthy control subjects from same area were also included in study. IL-2 and IFN-gamma were measured by ELISA procedures for both patients and controls. A non-statistically significant difference was shown between the levels of IL-2 or IFN-gamma, between the [control group] and [active S. group after treatment] while the difference was highly significant between inactive S group and active group after treatment [p<0.01]. Females showed higher levels of IL-2 in the [active S. group after treatment] while among the [control cases] the levels were higher in males. The [active S. group after treatment] showed a highly significant difference and the [below 40 years of age group] showing higher IL-2 levels. The [active S. group after treatment] showed a significant difference, and the [over 40 years of age] showed higher IFN-gamma levels. Praziquantel had increased the levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma in the [active Schistosomiasis group after treatment by PZQ] closer to the level of [control group] but not in the [inactive S. mansoni group]

Porphyromonas gingivalis; prevalence and quantitation by pcr and clinical assessment of periodontal diseases in type I diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of periodontal diseases as well as dental caries in a group of diabetic children and adolescents and to study the subgingival microflora, Porphyromonas gingivalis [P.gingivalis]. The study was conducted on 70 type I diabetic patients, 20 healthy age-matched children and adolescents were included as a control group. Both patients and controls were subjected to periodontal examination and subgingival plaque samples for detection and quantitation of Porphyromonas gingivalis using PCR technique. Thirty eight among the seventy studied patients [54%] have been diagnosed as gingivitis [inflammation confined to the gingival], 9/70 [13%] as periodontitis [progressive destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with pocket formation], and the remaining 23 [33%] were periodontally healthy diabetics. A significantly higher percentage of Porphyromonas gingivalis positive PCR and higher DNA copies/ml were detected in periodontitis and gingivitis compared to periodontically healthy diabetics and healthy controls [P<0.05]. On comparing periodontitis and gingivitis groups, a statistically significant difference was detected [P<0.05] while periodontically healthy diabetics did not show any significant difference neither in positive PCR nor in DNA copies/ml compared to healthy controls [P<0.05]. Assessment of caries condition showed higher caries scores among diabetics than controls but this increase was statistically non significant [P>0.05]. A statistically significant difference was detected between age of the patient, disease duration, poor metabolic control and the development of periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases exist in a significant percentage of diabetic children and adolescents; higher age of the patient, longer duration of DM, and poor diabetic control are risk factors for the development of periodontitis and gingivitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis may be implicated in the development of periodontal disease. Detection and Quantitative analysis of this organism is important for the evaluation of periodontai diseases