Prevalence of Asthma among Patients with Allergic Rhinitis - A Cross Sectional Study.

Approximately 10-30% of population suffers from allergic rhinitis during their lifetime. In India, more than 10% of the population is reported to have one or other type of allergic disorder. Nasal symptoms are often demeaned; however, their prevalence and effect on the quality of life justify an aggressive and rational approach. Rhinitis and asthma frequently co-exist [60-70%] with rhinitis appearing first in 45% of patients. We wanted to study prevalence of bronchial asthma in patients of allergic rhinitis with or without chest symptoms and its correlates. METHODSThis is a cross sectional study conducted among 100 cases of allergic rhinitis who presented to our hospital from December 2010 to August 2012. Data was analysed by using SPSS and results were expressed in percentages. RESULTSMaximum number of patients belonged to the age group between 21 - 25 yrs. (34 patients), where males were 38.18% and females were 28.89%. Majority of the patients (74%) had significantly reversible small airways obstruction. Among the patients with allergic rhinitis, males had predominantly chest symptoms (58.33%) compared to females (41.67%). Spirometry revealed 63 (80.77%) patients had mild obstruction, 12 (15.38 %) had moderate obstruction and 3 (3.85 %) had severe obstruction. The prevalence of asthma among allergic rhinitis was found to be 78% in our study. CONCLUSIONS78% of patients with allergic rhinitis were found to have underlying asthma. Prevalence of severe, moderate, and mild asthma amongst patients of allergic rhinitis was found to be 3%, 12% and 63% respectively. Severe obstruction was observed in 3.85% of subjects.

Effect of acute pentylenetetrazol injection induced epileptic seizures on rat dentate gyrus at different postnatal ages / 대한해부학회지

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, its prevalence approximately from 0.5% to 2% of the general population. Generalized seizures could lead to several morphological changes in the brain. This study aimed to investigate the morphological effects of a single convulsive dose of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on rat dentate gyrus at different postnatal ages. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were used at the following postnatal ages: P10, P21, and P90 (12 rats per each age). The animals in each age were equally divided into two groups: group I, control and group II, treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of PTZ (55 mg/kg). After confirmation of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, specimens from the right dentate gyrus were processed for light and electron microscopy. In PTZ-treated groups, the number of granule cells significantly decreased. Dark granule cells appeared in the deep layers of the granule cells in P10 and with the progress of age, they significantly increased in number and extended into the superficial layers of the granule cells. The dendritic spines diminished. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and caspase-3 expression increased. Ultrastructurally, granule cells showed irregular shaped nucleus, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) cisternae, mitochondria with damaged cristae, large vacuoles, lysosomes, and lipofuscin granules. Dark granule cells characterized by electron-dense nucleus and cytoplasm containing disorganized Golgi bodies, swollen mitochondria with damaged cristae, numerous free ribosomes and few long strands of RER. Astrocytes had hypertrophied cell body. Acute treatment with PTZ-induced epileptic seizures caused toxic effect on the structure of rat dentate gyrus at different postnatal ages.

Effect of acute pentylenetetrazol injection induced epileptic seizures on rat dentate gyrus at different postnatal ages / 대한해부학회지

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, its prevalence approximately from 0.5% to 2% of the general population. Generalized seizures could lead to several morphological changes in the brain. This study aimed to investigate the morphological effects of a single convulsive dose of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on rat dentate gyrus at different postnatal ages. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were used at the following postnatal ages: P10, P21, and P90 (12 rats per each age). The animals in each age were equally divided into two groups: group I, control and group II, treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of PTZ (55 mg/kg). After confirmation of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, specimens from the right dentate gyrus were processed for light and electron microscopy. In PTZ-treated groups, the number of granule cells significantly decreased. Dark granule cells appeared in the deep layers of the granule cells in P10 and with the progress of age, they significantly increased in number and extended into the superficial layers of the granule cells. The dendritic spines diminished. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and caspase-3 expression increased. Ultrastructurally, granule cells showed irregular shaped nucleus, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) cisternae, mitochondria with damaged cristae, large vacuoles, lysosomes, and lipofuscin granules. Dark granule cells characterized by electron-dense nucleus and cytoplasm containing disorganized Golgi bodies, swollen mitochondria with damaged cristae, numerous free ribosomes and few long strands of RER. Astrocytes had hypertrophied cell body. Acute treatment with PTZ-induced epileptic seizures caused toxic effect on the structure of rat dentate gyrus at different postnatal ages.

Hepatoprotective activity of Dypsis lutescens against D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and its phytoconstituents

Objective: To isolate and identify the polyphenolic constituents of Dypsis lutescens, and evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of Dypsis lutescens leaves. Methods: Hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of two doses of Dypsis lutescens ethanolic leaf extract were investigated in five groups of six rats each administered with the ethanolic extract of Dypsis lutescens leaves. Liver function parameters were assessed, histopathological study was carried out, the anti-inflammatory mediators and the antioxidant potential in the liver tissues were evaluated. In addition, the total ethanolic extract of Dypsis lutescens leaves was subjected to different chromatographic separation techniques to yield ten phenolic compounds. The isolated compounds structures were spectroscopically elucidated. Results: Hepatoprotective activity of Dypsis lutescens ethanolic extract was estimated for the first time and showed significant activity against histopathological changes induced by D-galactosamine in liver. The extract improved the liver functions. Compared to the D-galactosamine group, the architecture of the liver in the treated groups was improved in the histopathological examination. These results proved the hepatoprotective activity of Dypsis lutescens and its ability in attenuating liver oxidative damage and inflammation. Phytochemical investigations of the total extract afforded ten compounds from the genus Dypsis. Conclusions: The alcoholic extract of Dypsis lutescens exerted potential hepatoprotective action, maintaining liver health and functions.

Ring chromosome may signal progression of Fanconi anemia

Background: Fanconi anemia [FA] is a genomic instability disorder associated with high risk of AML. Ring chromosomes are results of genomic instability and observed in many human neoplasias. The present study aimed to assess the role of ring chromosome in the progression of FA

Material and Methods: The study included 60 patients with provisional diagnosis of FA. A total of 5 ml of venous blood was collected and processed for complete hemogram, peripheral blood film, and breakage test. Patients with positive breakage test were followed-up every 3-months interval for a maximum of 24 months. Subsequently, 2 ml of BM aspirate was collected to determined BM morphology, and cytogenetic analysis

Results: Of the 60 patients, 21 [35%] showed positive breakage test including ring chromosome in 4 [19%] patients. During the follow-up of the 21 FA patients, the 4-patients with ring chromosome developed AML within the interval of 8-14 months. However, another patient without ring chromosome developed AML after 23 months of the diagnosis. BM analysis showed non-random clonal chromosomal abnormalities such as del [20] [q11] in 3 cases; add[1][q12]; -7, -8, and +9 in one case each. Normal karyotype was seen in the 5[th] patient without ring chromosome

Conclusion: The present study suggested that the ring chromosome formation in FA may single the progression of the disease. Thus, early BM transplant for patients with ring chromosome is crucial to avoid the development of AML

Study of bone density ostocalcin level in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Objective: To study Bone density and serum osteocalcin level in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Methods: Serurn osteocalcin and DXA scan were evaluated in 45 children with ALL, 15 at diagnosis and before starting chemotherapy, 15 during chemotherapy and 15 after completing their treatment regimen

Results: From the total 45 patients, 23 [51.1%] had low osteocalcin level and 36 [80%] had low bone rnineral density [48% had osteopenia and 32% had osreoporosis]

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal abnormalities are present in children with ALL at diagnosis, during treatment] and persist as long-term squeal after treatment

Study of bone density and serum vitamin D level in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Objective: to study Bone density and serum vitamin D level in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]

Methods: serum vitamin D level and DXA scan studying bone density were evaluated in 45 children with ALL, 15 at diagnosis and before starting chemotherapy, 15 during chemotherapy and 15 after completing their treatment regimen

Results: from the total 45 patients, 33 had vitamin D deficiency, 7 had vitamin D insufficiency and 36 - 80% had low bone mineral density 48% had osteopenia and 32% had osteoporosis

Conclusion: musculoskeletal abnormalities are present in children with ALL at diagnosis, during treatment, and persist as long-term squeal after treatment

Hepatitis C virus infection and risk factors in health-care workers at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt

The objectives of this study were to document the background prevalence and incidence of HCV infection among HCWs in Ain Shams University Hospitals in Cairo and analyse the risk factors for HCV infection. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2008 among 1770 HCWs. Anti-HCV prevalence was age-standardized using the Cairo population. A prospective cohort was followed for a period of 18 months to estimate HCV incidence. The crude anti-HCV prevalence was 8.0% and the age-standardized seroprevalence was 8.1%. Risk factors independently associated with HCV seropositivity were: age, manual worker, history of blood transfusions and history of parenteral anti-schistosomiasis treatment. The estimated incidence of HCV infection was 7.3 per 1000 person-years. HCWs in this setting had a similar high HCV seroprevalence as the general population of greater Cairo

Study of antibacterial activity in the local Iraqi propolis

Objective: This study includes the investigation of antibacterial activity of the local propolis against four types of bacteria isolated from patients

Methods: Bacteria were tested including Psedomonas sp, Streptococcus sp, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Six concentrations [0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25] mg/ml of propolis extracts were tested against bacteria

Results: Results revealed the presence of significant difference [P < 0.05] in the effect of propolis extract against the four types of bacteria in this study. Psedomonas sp. was the most sensitive among the others toward the propolis extract followed by Streptococcus sp., E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus at a rate of inhibition zones [14.09, 10.39, 8.78 and 8.39] mm, respectively. Results of this study also showed increasing rate of inhibition zone if the concentration of propolis extract was increased

Conclusion: This study provided that local propolis has antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria

Effect of sesame oil on serum and liver lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sesame oil on serum and hepatic Iipid profile in induced hyperlipidemic rat .Eight forty rats were randomly divided into equal six groups of eight animals each for 30 days as follows: The first group [control] was kept on basal diet and water, the second group was kept on basal diet added to it sesame oil [SSO]5%, the third group was given a basal diet supplemented by SSO10%,the fourth group [hyperlipidemic] ,hyperlipidemia was induced at last two weeks by intra peritoneal injection of Triton WR1339 [200mg/Kg, /three times /week] ,fifth group was fed basal diet +i.p of Triton 200mg/Kg +SSO5%,the six group was kept on basal diet +i.p injection of same dose of Triton +SSO10% . Blood samples were collected and serum was separated for determination of the followings triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL[high density lipioprotin], LDL[low density lipoprotein],VLDL [very low density lipoprotein], ALT[Alanin aminotrancferase],AST[Aspartate aminotransferase],GGT [garnrna glutamyl tranferase], ALP [Alkaline phosphatase] ,hepatic Iipid profile, thyroid hormones and adiponectin hormone. Induction of hyperlipidema resulted in a significant elevation of all parameters except HDL, adiponectin and thyroid hormones not significant decrease compared to control group .supplementation with sesame oil 5% and SSO 10% signaficantly decrease in all serum and hepatic Iipid profile and liver enzymes while HDL ,adiponectin ,thyroid hormones are elevated . Conclusion: SSO 5% was possess a better improving potential for hyperlipidemia, serum glucose, adiponectin, thyroid hormones, hepatic Iipid profile than SSO 10%

possible protective effect of exercise on liver damage following hind-limb ischemia reperfusion injury in the adult male albino rat: light and electron microscopic study

Hind-limb ischemia-reperfusion [I/R] injury is not limited to the lower extremities; it also causes damage to remote organs. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of exercise in attenuating remote hepatic damage following hind-limb I/R injury. Forty-five adult male rats were divided into three groups: the control group, the I/R group, and the exercise+I/R group. The rats were left to swim for 1 h, five times a week, for 4 weeks before I/R. Bilateral hind-limb ischemia was induced by application of rubber bands above the greater trochanter for 3 h. Blood samples were taken after 3 h of reperfusion for determination of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6. Liver specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic study. In the I/R group, the superoxide dismutase level decreased and plasma levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 significantly increased when compared with the control group. Light microscopic examination showed hepatocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm, dilated blood sinusoids, and portal vessels. An extensive amount of collagen fibers around portal tracts and intense immune reaction for caspase-3 were observed. The ultrastructure showed hepatocytes with swollen mitochondria and disrupted cristae and others with an electron-dense matrix. Kupffer cells showed apoptotic bodies. Ito cells appeared surrounded by wide areas of collagen fibers. The exercise+I/R group showed significant attenuation of the biochemical and histological alterations of I/R-induced liver injury. Exercise could attenuate remote liver damage following hind-limb I/R injury

study on the postnatal development and aging changes of the neurosecretory nuclei of the hypothalamus [supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei] in the albino rat

The hypothalamus is a distinct neurological entity concerned with a variety of regulatory processes. Recently, the prescence of variations in the level of neurosecretions wth the progress of age was reported. To study the changes in the structure of magnocellular neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei during the period of postnatal development. Furthermore, to study the changes which occurred in the structure of these neurons in the old age had been studied. A total of 52 albino rats were used. The age groups of the animals include: one day, 10 days, 20 days, 2 months and 2 years old animals. Brains were processed to be studied with Einarson's gallocyanin-chrome alum stain, Golgi- Cox method and transmission electron microscope. In addition, the number of cells in the magnocellular part of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei were measured in all studied age groups and statistically analyzed. In the newly born rats, the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei were composed of small rounded condensed cells. At the age of 10 days old rats, the paraventricular nucleus appeared to be well differentiated into ventromedial [parvocellular] and dorsolateral [magnocellular] parts. With the progress of age from 10 days up to the adult stage, the cells of the supraoptic nucleus and the magnocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus appeared to be densely stained which indicated increase in the Nissl granules. Ultrastructural study showed that the cells had abundant amount of free ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The nucleus had fine dispersed chromatin. Golgi-Cox study showed marked increase in extension and branching of dendrites with the progress of age during the developmental period. Morphometric study showed significant increase in the number of cells from the new born up to the adult stage. In old aged rats, the cells of the paraventricular nucleus and the supraoptic nucleus appeared to be faintly stained. Some cells had vacuolated cytoplasm. Ultrastructural study showed marked decrease in the free ribosomes and the presence of many lipofuscin pigment in the cytoplasm of cells. The nucleus showed chromatin condensation and irregularity of the nuclear membrane. In addition, there was apparent decrease in the amount of the synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic terminals making contacts with the magnocellular neurons. Golgi-Cox study revealed marked decrease in the extension and branching of dentrites. Morphometric analysis showed significant decrease in the number of cells. This study demonstrated in the presence of structural changes in the magnocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus during the period of development. In old age, the presence of many degenerative changes was observed. This cytoarchitectonic analysis and morphological study could help in the explanation of the functional differences in the various ages

histological study on the effect of prenatal and postnatal administration of monosodium glutamate on the developing renal cortex of male albino rats

Monosodium glutamate [MSG] is a widely used flavour enhancer. Its use in high concentration could affect vital functions, including those of the kidney. The present study is concerned with evaluation of the effect of prenatal and postnatal MSG administration on the developing male albino rat renal cortex. Twenty pregnant female albino rats were divided into two equal groups: group I [control] and group II [treated]. In group II, MSG was administered orally at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day from the 12th day of gestation until the 21st day postnatally. After delivery, the offspring of both groups were sacrificed at the newborn stage, at 3 weeks and at 3 months. Kidney specimens were processed for examination by light and scanning electron microscopy. Maternal MSG administration affected both the renal glomeruli and tubules of the offspring. In the newborn stage, the glomeruli at the subcapsular zone appeared immature and crowded. The foot processes showed apparent elongation and disruption of their interdigitations. In weaned rats, apparent widening of Bowman's space in some glomeruli, detachment of podocytes and effacement of foot processes were noticed. In adult rats, the glomeruli showed hypercellularity with apparent elongation and fusion of the foot processes. The renal tubules at the different ages studied showed degenerative changes with sloughs inside the lumen of some tubules accompanied by proliferative changes. The proximal tubules showed partial loss of the brush border. MSG causes a delay in the development of glomeruli. Some glomeruli showed hypercellularity with affection of podocytes, which makes the glomeruli liable to glomerulosclerosis

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections and their related risk factors in Libya: a national seroepidemiological survey

A high prevalence of hepatitis B [HBV] and C virus [HCV] infections has been reported among specific patient groups in Libya; a survey was thus designed to determine the extent of the problem at the national level. A multi-stage sampling design covering all administrative areas of Libya was applied, covering > 65 000 individuals of all age groups. All subjects gave a blood sample and completed a questionnaire on demographic and risk behaviour data. The prevalence of HBV surface antigen [HBsAg] and anti-HCV were 2.2% and 1.3% respectively. The prevalence of anti-HCV increased with age, rising gradually after age 30 years, in contrast to a stable prevalence of HBsAg in all age groups 10+ years. Age-adjusted risk factors for HCV infection were previous hospitalization, surgical operations, previous blood transfusions and intravenous drug use; for HBV infection only family exposure or contact with HBV case were identified

Sex differences in dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra pars compacta of adult and aged rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Substantia nigra pars compacta [SNC] is the main source of dopaminergic [DA] input to the striatum. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease affecting DA neurons in SNC, with a higher incidence in men. To study the effect of sex on the structure of DA neurons in adult and aged rat SNC. The brains of 22 adult [11 males and 11 females] and 22 aged [11 males and 11 females] albino rats were processed for histological and immunohistochemical examination of DA neurons in the right SNC. Golgi-Cox staining of adult male SNC neurons showed more varicosities and less extension of their dendrites than adult female SNC. Adult male SNC showed a nonsignificant increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons than adult female SNC. Aging-related changes were more marked in aged male rats. Aged SNC showed decreased packing density of neurons, some of which appeared irregular and deeply stained. A reduction in Nissl staining was observed. Golgi-Cox staining showed a marked decrease in extension and branching of the dendrites with loss of spines. Ultrastructurally, accumulation of lipofuscin pigment, membranous whorls, dilated Golgi bodies, decreased rough endoplasmic reticulum, and destroyed cristae of mitochondria were observed. A significant reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons was evident in aged SNC. Sex differences in DA neurons of SNC were more apparent in aged rats, with more degenerative changes in the aged male group, which may underlie the predisposition of males to Parkinson's disease

Measuring of gastric emptying in Egyptian pediatric patients with portal hypertension by using real-time ultrasound

Among the various methods for evaluating gastric emptying, the real-time ultrasound is safe, does not require intubation, or rely on either radiologic or radionuclide technique. The aim of our work was to measure the gastric emptying in pediatric patients with portal hypertension by using the real-time ultrasound. Forty patients with portal hypertension with mean age 7 +/- 2.8 years and 20 healthy children as a control group underwent gastric emptying study by using real-time ultrasound. The cross-sectional area of the gastric antrum was measured in the fasting state and then each subject was allowed to drink tap water then calculated by using formula area [longitudinal anteroposterior diameter/4]. The intragastric volume was assumed to be directly proportional to the cross-sectional area of the antrum. The mean gastric emptying half-time volume was significantly delayed in portal hypertension patients [40 +/- 6.8 min] compared with the control subjects [27.1 +/- 3.6] min [P<0.05]. Patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction had significant delayed gastric emptying in comparison to patients with portal hypertension due to other etiologies [36.14 +/- 4.9 vs 44.41 +/- 6.04 min; P<0.01]. Ultrasound is a noninvasive and a reliable method for measuring gastric emptying in pediatric patients. Gastric emptying was significantly delayed in patients with portal hypertension. Etiology of portal hypertension may influence gastric emptying time in patients with chronic liver disease

Anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extacts of Gendarussa vulgaris Nees

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the anti-inflammatory property of the leaf exacts of Gendarussa vulgaris (G. vulgaris) Nees.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>G. vulgaris Nees of the family Apocynaceae is a medium sized tree grown in semishade or no shade and is common in the Ernad and Nilambur taluks of Kerala.Various parts of this plant have been used in the treatment of ulcers, sores, inflammation, dyspepsia, healing of wounds, etc. The present study aimed at the evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the leaves by both in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro method was estimated by human red blood cell membrane stabilisation (HRBC) method and in vivo method was estimated on the carrageenan induced paw oedima.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both the methods showed significant anti-inflammatory property of the different extracts tested.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The alcoholic extract at a concentration of 300 mg/mL showed potent activity on comparing with the standard drug diclofenac sodium.</p>

Sudanese medical students and scientific research

Most of developing countries face problems in assessment of their public health practices. Gain of this knowledge is orchestrated by research. Medical students can play an essential role in improving public database. to explore knowledge, attitude and skills of medical students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences [FMHS], Omdurman Islamic University [OIU] towards research. This is a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional, institution-based study. A total of 442 students, equally from each batch participated in the study. Equal numbers of male and female were considered to eliminate gender and seniority bias. Structured pretested questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were fed to Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 15. Means, standard deviation and correlations were done where appropriate. Statistical significance was taken at P=0.05.The mean knowledge score was 37% and attitude was positive in 77.1% of the students. Only 18.3% had attended research methodology workshop. The rate of internet navigation is directly proportional to the social class. Only 14.7% knew the engines used for finding medical literature. The low knowledge score is due to lack of application of research in the academic curriculum; however, the students have a fairly positive attitude. The knowledge is expected to improve with the intended policy to include practical research in the curriculum

Effects of L-carnitine on inducible nitric oxide synthase, insulin like growth factor-1 gene expression and insulin receptor substrate-1 in kidney tissues of insulin resistant rats induced by high fructose feeding

Metabolism of high dietary fructose induces insulin resistance and metabolic adaptation including changes in gene expression. The present study was designed to elucidate the effects of L-Carnitine [CA] on the renal alterations as well as gene expression such as inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase [iNOS]. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 [IGF-1], insulin receptor substrate-1 [IRS-1] in kidney tissues of rats fed on high fructose diet. 24 male Wister rats of body weight 120-160 g were divided into 3 groups of 8 rats each. Group 1 received control diet, while group 2 and 3, rats received high fructose diet [60 g/100 g diet]. Group 3, after 2 weeks of fructose feeding animals were treated with CAR [300 mg/kg body weight/day i.p]. At the end of the experimental period [30 days], serum levels of glucose, insulin, Triacylglycerol [TG] and cholesterol were determined. Renal contents of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, Malondialdehyde [MDA] and nitric oxide products were determined. Gene expressions of iNOS, IGF-1 as well as IRS-1 were also assayed in kidney tissues of the experimental rats feed on high fructose diet. Rats fed on high fructose diet showed disturbance in insulin action and formed an animal model of insulin resistance. Fructose fed rats showed increase in renal gene expression of iNOS and decrease in both IGF-1 mRNA and IRS-1 receptor compared to control rats. The administration of CA to rat model of insulin resistance, mitigated the adverse effects of fructose load. Thus the observed abnormalities in gene expression associated with fructose feeding were brought to near-normal levels as compared with untreated rats. L-carnitine normalized the serum and renal lipid alterations as well as gene expression [iNOS, IGF-1] and IRS-1 in this nutritional experimental model

relation between asthma, body fat distribution and serum adiponectin in obese Egyptian children

Childhood obesity is an emerging global public health challenge. That is because the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has increased greatly in all parts of the world. A number of studies have reported an inverse relation between respiratory function and various indices of obesity or fat distribution [El-Baz et al., 2009]. Adiponectin, an antiinflammatory adipocytokine, circulates at lower levels in the obese, which is thought to contribute to obesity-related inflammatory disease as bronchial asthma [Medoff et al., 2009]. The aim of this work was to assess the correlation between the bronchial asthma, obesity, fat distribution and serum adiponectin in obese Egyptian children. The present study included a group of obese fifty [50] children [25 boys and 25 girls] without the co morbidities of the metabolic syndrome; aged 7-18 years, mean age [14.2 +/- 3.9]. Obesity without the co morbidities of the metabolic syndrome was defined as a BMI above the 85th percentiles according to BMI Charts of Egyptian Growth Charts for boys and girls from 2-21 years [2002]. They were compared to thirty [30] lean sex and age matched controls mean age [14.1 +/- 4.8] [15 boys and 15 girls] with BMI between the 10[th] and 75[th] percentile. Anthropometric measurements [body weight, BMI, WC and fat mass% by DEXA] were done for all children together with pulmonary function test and assessment of serum adiponectin levels. Weight, Waist circumference [WC], Body mass index [BMI], fat mass% and adiponectin were significant higher in obese compared to non obese groups [p<0.001 for all]. Parameters of pulmonary function was significant lower in obese compared to non obese groups as regard forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], peak expiratory flow maximum [PEF] and forced midexpiratory flow 25%[FEF25%] [p<0.01 for all]. while no significant difference was found between both groups as regard FEV1/FVC ratio and forced midexpiratory flow rate[FEF25-75%][p>0.05 for both]. A negative association of BMI with parameters of pulmonary function was found but only FEV1, FVC and FEF 25% were statistically significant [p<0.01 for all]. As regard WC it was negatively correlated with FEV1, FVC and FEF 25% [p<0.01 for all] but no correlation was found with other parameters of pulmonary functions [p>0.05]. In the present study a negative correlation was found between fat mass% and parameters of pulmonary function but none of them was statistically significant [p>0.05 for all]. A negative significant correlation was found between adiponectin and age in obese group [p>0.05] .As regard anthropometric parameters in obese group a significant negative correlation was found between adiponectin and BMI, WC and fat mass% [p<0.01 for all] while no correlation was found with body weight [p>0.05]. As regard of pulmonary function parameters a negative significant correlation was found between serum adiponectin and FVC and PEF% [p<0.01 for both] while a negative correlation was found between adiponectin and FEF 25% but this correlation was statistically insignificant [p>0.05], While no correlation was found with FEV1/FVC ratio [p>0.05]. The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among Egyptian children may be an important contributor to the increasing incidence and prevalence of asthma. Adiponectin may be one of the signals linking obesity with asthma