Molecular mechanisms of the anti-obesity potential effect of Moringa oleifera in the experimental model

Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the potent anti-obesity effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) ethanolic extract and to clarify the link between these mechanisms and the associated metabolic and vascular risks in the experimental model of visceral obesity. Methods M. oleifera ethanolic extract was orally administered at 600 mg/kg body weight in obese female rats daily for 12 weeks. At the end of treatment, body weight was determined, and the atherogenic index, coronary artery index, glucose level, insulin resistance status, liver and kidney functions were assessed. Also, the mRNA of leptin, adiponectin and resistin in visceral adipose tissue was determined by quantitative real time-PCR. Results The results showed that M. oleifera extract down-regulated mRNA expression of leptin and resistin, while it up-regulated adiponectin gene expression in obese rats relative to untreated obese control counterparts. This amelioration of genes expression was paralleled by a reduction in body weight and improvement of the atherogenic index and coronary artery index, as well as glucose level and insulin resistance value without adverse effects on liver or kidney functions, versus the untreated obese control ones. Conclusions It is reasonable to assume that the anti-obesity, anti-atherogenic and anti-diabetic properties of M. oleifera are mechanistically achieved via working directly on the adipokines of the visceral adipose tissue. Therefore, M. oleifera may be a good therapeutic candidate for the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Clinical, oro dental and cytogenetic studies in some cases of papillon-lefevre syndromes and prepubertal periodontitis

Prepubertal peripdontitis is a rapidly prognessive form of early onset periodontitis leading to destruction of the periodontal support of the primary and secondary dentition. The aim of this study is to determine the basics for genetic mapping of six Egyptian cases suffering from prepubertal periodontitis and its variants. After completion of clinical assessment, cytogenetic study was performed for all cases including chromosomal analysis and plain X-ray for their hands. The gentic study revealed arachnodactyly of their hands, However no radiographic deformity of their fingers was detected. The cytogenetic study for all patients did not show any abnormality. This study might have important implications on oral public health, and in diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis

Molecular study on Y chromosome microdeletions in Egyptian males with idiopathic infertility / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To determine the frequency of genetic deletions within the azoospermia factors in Egyptian infertile males.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Yq microdeletions in 33 infertile males with undetectable chromosomal anomalies were examined by mutiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Deletions were confirmed using single PCR amplifications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four out of the total 33 (12 %) men had Yq(11) microdeletions, thus supporting the average reported figures in other populations. Three of those 4 cases had single short tandem sequence deletions with discrete histological findings of their testes. Single sY272 deletion within AZFc was associated with Sertoli cell only syndrome, whereas a patient with isolated sY84 deletion within AZFa had immature testicular structure. The remaining case had a large deletion in AZFa-c and short stature.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The present study supports the hypothesis that the Yq(11) encompasses genetic determinants of stature besides genes controlling spermatogenesis.</p>