In vitro tests of thyroid function and triple screening marker during pregnancy

In this study, sera of healthy pregnant females collected during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters were analyzed for total thyroxine [TT4], total triiodothyronine [FT3] and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] utilizing radioimmunological assays [RIA]. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin [beta HCG], alpha fetoprotein [AFP] and estradiol [E3], which are interesting hormones related to the mother-fetal relationship and the safety of the fetus, were also determined in the same sera. As a function of pregnancy duration, there was an increase in each of serum T4 and T3 and no appreciable changes could be noticed in TSH. On the contrary, FT4 decreased gradually with the progress of pregnancy. On the other hand, FT3 showed no significant difference between the different intervals of pregnancy. The feto-mother markers [AFP and E3] showed a remarkable increase with the progress of pregnancy. A correlation coefficient was found between each two parameters at each interval of pregnancy and revealed interesting relationships which clarified the findings

Effects of garlic [allium sativum] administration on: 1-serum lipids, lipoproteins and some physiological parameters in healthy male subjects

Garlic has been claimed to be effective against many diseases, a daily ingestion of 4-5 fresh garlic cloves were given to 14 healthy male volunteers along 30 days. Eight healthy male volunteers were served as control, their ages ranged [35-50 years], to evaluate the effects of garlic use on serum total lipids, lipoprotein cholesterol fractions and ratios, cortisol, glucose and liver transaminase enzymes. Garlic consumption produced significant reduction in total lipids, total cholesterol and T-ch/HDL-C ratio, significant increase in HDL-C. No differences in serum triglycrides, LDL-C, HDL C/LDL-C, cortisol, glucose and SOOT, SGPT liver enzymes were observed in comparison to control or before garlic ingestion. The results suggest that garlic may be of some use as lipid lowering agent, hypocholeslerolaemic action and anti-atherosclerosis-related effects

Effects of garlic [allium sativum] administration on: 2- some blood and hemostatic parameters in healthy male subjects

Garlic is a potent spice and medicine with broad therapeutic properties ranging from antibacterial to anticancer. Twenty two healthy male volunteers aged [35-50 years] comprising garlic administered group consumed 4-5 garlic cloves daily for 30 days [N = 14] and control group [N -8] participated in the study, to evaluate the effects of garlic administration on certain blood and hemostatic factors. Garlic ingestion resulted in significant reduction in platelets count, plasma fihrinogen level and longer prothrombin time. No changes in total and ionized calcium, hematocrit value, red blood cells count, serum total protein, albumin andferritin levels were noticed as effect of garlic ingestion. The findings suggest that garlic consumption may be benificial in diseases associated with platelets function, plasma fibrinoly tic activity and thrombosis