Ameliorative effect of two antioxidants on the liver of male albino rats exposed to electromagnetic field

This study aimed to determine the ameliorative effect of silymarin [SIL] and vitamin E [Vit.E] against changes induced by mobile phone radiation in the liver of male albino rats. Total of 48 adult male albino rats were assigned for this study. The 1[st] group served as control [n=6]; the 2[nd] group exposed to mobile phone generator radiation [900MHz] for 2hr/day 3days/week for two months, 3[rd] group [+ve control] supplemented with SIL, 4[th] group [+ve control] supplemented with Vit.E, 5[th] group [+ve control] supplemented with SIL and Vit.E, 6[th] group: exposed group supplemented with SIL, 7[th] group: exposed group supplemented with Vit.E and 8[th] group exposed group supplemented with SIL and Vit.E.Physiological, histopathological and histochemical changes were studied. Exposure to mobile phone causes reduction in RBCs, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH and MCHC. However, WBCs count, platelets count, lymphocytes % and neutrophil %were increased.Also, there were increases in liver enzyme activities ALAT, ASAT and ALP in serum and liver tissue significantly and increased oxidative stress markers [MDA and H[2]O[2]].While, antioxidants [CAT and GSH] were decreased in serum and liver tissue. Numerous histopathological changes were detected in the liver tissue of rats of the irradiated group with altered collagen fibres, polysaccharides and total protein in hepatocytes of the central and portal areas of the liver tissue in the exposed group These changes manifested good amelioration in the exposed groups that supplemented with SIL and/or Vit.E . Treatment of rats with SIL and/or Vit.E ameliorated the dangerous effect of mobile phone radiation

Physiological and histological studies on the heart of male albino rats exposed to electromagnetic field and the protective role of silymarin and/or vitamin E

This study aimed to determine the ameliorative effect of silymarin [SIL] and/or vitamin E [Vit.E] against changes induced by mobile phone radiation in the heart of male albino rats. Total of 48 adult male albino rats were assigned for this study. The 1[st] group served as control [n=6], the 2[nd] group exposed to mobile phone generator radiation [900MHz] for 2hr/day 3days/week for two months, 3[rd] group [+ve control] supplemented with SIL, 4[th] group [+ve control] supplemented with Vit. E, 5[th] group [+ve control] supplemented with SIL and Vit.E, 6[th] group: exposed group supplemented with SIL, 7th group: exposed group supplemented with Vit.E and 8[th] group exposed group supplemented with SIL and Vit.E. Physiological ,histopathological and histochemical changes were studied. Exposure to mobile phone causes increases in activities of CPK, CK-MB and LDH enzymes in serum and heart tissue and oxidative stress markers [MDA and H[2]O[2]],while antioxidants [CAT and GSH] were decreased in the heart tissue. Sodium [Na] and calcium [Ca] levels were decreased While, K level showed non-significant change in serum. Numerous histopathological changes were detected in the heart tissue of rats of the irradiated group with altered collagen fibres, polysaccharides in the cardiac muscle fibres of the exposed group. These changes manifested good amelioration in the exposed groups that supplemented with SIL and/or Vit.E. Treatment of rats with SIL and/or Vit.E ameliorated the dangerous effect of mobile phone radiation occurred in the cardiac muscle fibres

Enterobacteriaceae in beef products from retail outlets in Alexandria

This study aimed to determine the presence of Enterobacteriaceae in beef products as luncheon, pasterma, frankfurter and minced meat as these microbes are considered as major cause of foodborne illness.A total of 100 samples [25 of each beef product] were collected from different retail outlets. Each sample was kept in a separate sterile plastic bag and transferred in an ice box to the laboratory under complete aseptic conditions with a minimum of delay. All collected samples were bacteriologically examined for isolation and identification of Enterobacteriaceae. We found that the most important bacteria that isolated from minced meat were E. coli [44%], Enterobacter spp. Especially Enterobacter aerogenes [12%], Enterobacter intermedium [4] and Enterobacter gergoviae [4%], Citrobacter spp. that includes Citrobacter amalonaticus [4%], Citrobacter diversus [4%] and Citrobacter freundii [4%], serratia spp especially Serratia marcescens 8%], Serratia ficaria [8%], Serratia fonticola [12%], Serratia liquefaciens [4%] and Serratia rubidaea [8%], Edwardsiella spp. Especially Edwardsiella ictalori [8%] and Edwardsiella hoshinae [12%], Povidencia spp. [8%] especially Providencia alcalifciens [4%], Klebsiella pneumoniae especially Subsp. Ozanae [4%] and Proteus spp. especially Proteus mirabilis [16%]. The most important bacteria that isolated from luncheon were E. coli [32%], Enterobacter spp. Especially Enterobacter aerogenes [8%], Enterobacter intermedium [4%] and Enterobacter gergoviae [8%], Citrobacter spp. that includes Citrobacter amalonaticus [12%], Citrobacter diversus [4%] and Citrobacter freundii [16%], Serratia spp. Especially Serratia marcescens [8%], Serratia ficaria [12%], Serratia fonticola [4%], Srratia liquefaciens [4%] and Serratia rubidaea [8%], Edwardsiella spp. especially Edwardsiella ictalori [8%] and Edwardsiella hoshinae [16%], Providencia spp. especially Providencia alcalifciens [4%], Klebsiella pneumoniae especially Subsp. Ozanae [12%] and Proteus spp. especially Proteus mirabilis [8%]. Also, the most important bacteria that isolated from pasterma were E. coli [40%], Enterobacter spp. Especially Enterobacter aerogenes [8%], Enterobacter intermedium [4%] and Enterobacter gergoviae [12%], Citrobacter spp. that includes Citrobacter amalonaticus [4%], Citrobacter diversus [12%] and Citrobacter freundii [4%], Serratia spp. Especially Srratia marcescens [4%], Serratia ficaria [8%], Serratia fonticola [4%], Serratia liquefaciens [4%] and Serratia rubidaea [8%], Edwardsiella spp. especially Edwardsiella ictalori [12%] and Edwardsiella hoshinae [8%], providencia spp. especially providencia alcalifciens [8%], Klebsiella pneumoniae especially subsp. Ozanae [8%] and Proteus spp. especially Poteus mirabilis [12%]. Eventually, the most important bacteria that isolated from frankfurter were E. coli [36%], Enterobacter spp. Especially enterobacter aerogenes [4%], enterobacter intermedium [4%] and enterobacter gergoviae [8%], Citrobacter spp. that includes Citrobacter amalonaticus [8%], Citrobacter diversus [4%] and Citrobacter freundii [4%], Serratia spp. Especially Serratia marcescens [4%], Serratia ficaria [12%], Serratia fonticola [4%], Serratia liquefaciens [4%] and Serratia rubidaea [4%], Edwardsiella spp. especially edwardsiella ictalori [8%] and Edwardsiella hoshinae [12%], providencia spp. especially Providencia alcalifciens [4%], Klebsiella pneumoniae especially subsp. Ozanae [8%] and Proteus spp. especially Proteus mirabilis [8%]

Bacterial etiology of early onset and late onset sepsis in menoufia university hospital: trends in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns

Neonatal sepsis is responsible for 30 - 50% of total neonatal deaths each_year in developing countries. Our study aimed to determine the bacterial etiology of early onset sepsis [EOS] and late onset sepsis [LOS] and their antibiotic resistance patterns

This study was conducted at the Microbiology and Immunology department, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU], Menoufia University Hospitals. 35 suspected cases of sepsis were included in our study [14 females and 21 males] aged from 1-28 days. They were screened for sepsis by modified clinical sepsis score and hematological sepsis scoring system [total score 7, score > 3 suggestive of sepsis ]

Cases within the first week of life were considered EOS and considered LOS if occurring after the first week. CBC, semi quantitative CRP, blood culture were done for all neonates

Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESfiLs detection were carried out for all isolates. Our results revealed that premature and low birth weight cases were more than full term and normal birth weight cases. Early onset sepsis group included 12 [34.3%] cases while late onset sepsis group included 23 [65.7%]

Total number of isolates were 26, Gram-negative bacteria were more frequent than Gram-positive with a frequency of 57.7% and 42.3% respectively. The most prevalent organism isolated from EOS cases was Klebsiella spp. [26.9%] . Gram negative organisms were seen mainly in early onset sepsis while gram positive organisms were seen in late onset sepsis with predominance of S. aureus. Klebsiella spp. and E. coli were highly sensitive to imipenem [100% each], however, high resistance was observed to penicillin, ampicillin and erythromycin [100% for each] . One out of 5 [20%] E. coli isolates and 2 out of 7 [28.6%] Klebsiella isolates were extended spectrum beta lactamase [ESfiL] producers . S. aureus showed high sensitivity to imipenem [100%], 100% resistant to amoxicillin-davulinic acid . Coagulase -ve staphylococci were highly sensitive to vancomycin [100%] 100% resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, pipracillin, and penicillin. Gram-positive and negative bacteria have demonstrated high resistance against 3rd generation cephalosporins [more than 60%]. In conclusions, Gram negative bacteria [K. pneumoniae and E. coli] were the main cause of EOS in our study, while S. aureus and CoNS were most common in LOS cases. Emergence of multi-drug resistant strains especially for commonly used antibiotics is an important issue especially in NICU. Most isolates are highly resistant against commonly used antibiotics and are relatively more sensitive to less commonly used drugs like imipenem . Continuous surveillance should be carried out at regular intervals to find out the changing antibiotic susceptibility patterns and advice empirical therapy

beneficial effect of trifolium flower extracts on paracetamol- intoxicated male rats

Acetaminophen known as paracetamol [P] overdose can cause severe hepatotoxicity and even liver failure and hepatic centrilobular necrosis in experimental animals and humans. The male rats [n=36] were allocated into 6 groups [each group n=6 rats]. Group I was kept as control. All animals in groups II-VI were given paracetamol at 2 g /kg bw by gastric gavage on days 3 post Trifolium alixanderanum [T alixanderanum] flower extracts [TEs] or N-acetylcystiene [NAC] treatments. Group III, IV and V were treated for three days by hexane extract [THE + P], ethanol extract [TEE + P] and water extract [TWE + P]. Group VI received 100 mg/kg bw of antidote N-acetylcystiene [NAC + P]. Paracetamol induced a significant rise in Liver weight and hepatosomatic index, serum aspartate amino transferase [ASAT], alanine amino transferase [ALAT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], total bilirubin [T bili], liver lipid peroxides [MDA+ 4-HDNE] with a reduction of liver glutathione [GSH], glutathione peroxidase [GSHpx] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] enzymes activities. The plant extracts showed a remarkable hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity as judged from the serum marker enzymes and antioxidant levels in liver tissues. The present investigation indicated that paracetamol damaged liver cells and TEs prevented this damage when compared with control group. Trifolium flower hexane extract was the most effective superior to TEE, TWE and NAC

Amelioration of aluminium - intake oxidative stress by some antioxidants in male albino rats

Aluminum is potentially toxic to humans. The Agency for Toxics Substances and Disease Registry [ATSDR] reported that aluminum accumulates mainly in the bone, liver, testes, kidneys and brain. The goal of the present study was to assess in rats the pro-oxidant effects induced by Al[3+] exposure, as well as the protective role of exogenous melatonin [M], vitamin E [vit. E] or N-acetylcystiene [NAC]. The effect of aluminium [Al] alone or combined with antioxidants [M], [vit. E] or [NAC] on some physiological parameters and antioxidants in male albino rats were studied. The animals were assigned to 5 groups: control [group I]; Al[3+]-intake [53.5 mg AlCl[3]/litre drinking water, group II] ; 5 mg melatonin/kg b.wt. plus AlCl[3] [group III]; or vitamin E[100 mg/kg b.w.] plus AlCl[3] [group IV]or 100mg N-acetylcystien plus AlCl[3] [group V]. Rats were orally administered their respective doses daily for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, blood was obtained. Thereafter, brain, liver, kidney and testes were removed. These tissues were processed to examine oxidative stress markers: reduced glutathione [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSHpx] and lipid peroxidation end products [malondialdhyde[MDA] + 4- hydroxynonenal [4- HNE]]. Samples of these tissues were also used to determine Al3+ concentrations. In Al- toxicated group ,serum glucose and total cholesterol levels, liver enzyme activities [ASAT and ALAT], as well as, lipid peroxidation end products [malondialdhyde [MDA] + 4- hydroxynonenal [4- HNE]] were elevated significantly in the brain, liver, kidney and testes tissues when compared with control group. On the other hand, serum triglycerides and tissue [liver, kidney and testes] intracellular antioxidants glutathione [GSH] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] and liver glutathione peroxidase [GSHpx] activity decreased significantly. Brain GSH also decreased but SOD showed no significant changes. Melatonin, vit. E and NAC improved the levels of the different changed parameters when combined with Al. The most improved correction was recorded when Al[3+] combined with vit. E followed by M ,then NAC. Serum Al[3+] levels were increased in Al[3+] treated group as well as groups exposed to Al[3+] combined with vit. E, M or NAC when compared with control group. Al[3+] could not be detected in tissues by atomic spectrophotometer [aluminium metal concentrations were below the limit of detection by AAS]. The results show that Al[3+] exposure promotes oxidative stress in different tissues while melatonin, vitamin E and N-acetylcystiene exert antioxidant actions in Al[3+]-treated animals. The protective effects of these antioxidants against cellular damage caused by Al[3+]-induced oxidative stress, together with its low toxicity, make them worthy of investigation as potential supplements to be included in the treatment of neurological disorders in which the oxidative effects must be minimized as well as protection against liver, kidney and testes damage by Al- exposure. Dietary vitamin E supplementation may offer further protection

Molecular characterization of the avian influenza virus in Egypt

Epidemiological studies on AI virus in different governorates in Egypt [Alexandria, Bohera, Gharbia, Kafr El Sheikh, Fayoum and Menofia] during 2007 to 2009 were carried out. These studies included broiler, layer and breeder flocks in addition to duck flocks and pigeon samples. Using the RT-PCR and Chromatography test, the data revealed the following: A total of 29 out of 59, 5 out of 11 and 2 out of 5 broiler, layer and breeder examined flocks were positive with a percentage of 49.2%, 45.5% and 40% respectively. Regard to duck flocks, 10 examined flocks were negative but 2 birds out of 82 pigeon samples were positive with a percentage of 2.4%. The data clearly indicated that the highest outbreaks with AI virus were recorded in broiler flocks followed by layer and breeder flocks, then pigeon samples. The data also, indicated that the chromatography test is a highly sensitive test used for detection of the avian influenza virus. The phylogenetic analysis of the full length genome sequences of the eight viral segments from virus isolates from chicken revealed that the clustering of our samples was within clade 2.2. The isolates had the multiple basic sequences in the heamagglutinin gene at cleavage site indicating a highly pathogenic phenotype. Sequence analysis of the eight gene segments showed nucleotide as well as amino acid substitutions

Phytochemical and biological studies on the different organs of Tanacetum parthenium L.cultivated in Egypt

Phytochemical investigation of Tanacetum parthenium L. family Asteraceae cultivated in Egypt resulted in isolation and identification of four flavonoids. One surface flavonoid was isolated from the fresh leaves and three other flavonoids were isolated from the flower heads. Four sesquiterpene lactones were isolated from the leaves. Two sterols were isolated from the roots. A comparative study of the essential oil content of the leaves and the flower heads was performed using GC/MS. The results revealed the presence of 42 and 30 components in the leaves and the flower heads oil samples, respectively. The major components of both oil samples were camphor [constituted 37.7% and 48.4%] and chrysanthenyl acetate [constituted 33.8% and 26.3%] in the leaves and the flower heads, respectively. Different extracts of T. parthenium L. showed significant biological activities. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic and uterine-stimulant activities were studied in addition to the in vitro cytotoxic effect

study of DNA damage and antioxidant defense in the peripheral leucocytes of diabetic mothers and their newborn infants

Oxidative stress plays a key direct and indirect role in the pathogenesis of several diabetes and pregnancy related complications in both diabetic mothers and their infants. Forty women and their newborn infants divided into two groups were studied. Group I included 20 diabetic women and their newborn infants. Group II consisted of 20 clinically healthy women and their twenty newborns as controls. All involved mothers and newborns were subjected to detailed history, thorough clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, imaging studies, and specific laboratory investigations including assessment of glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1C] for diabetic mothers, and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase] and DNA fragmentation assay for mothers and neonates of both groups. It was found that 25% of the diabetic women had diabetic complications. About 1/3 of the newborn infants of diabetic mothers were large for gestational age, 10% of them had major congenital anomalies [cyanotic heart disease and meningomyelocele] and 15% of them died. Levels of erythrocytes glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly lower in diabetic mothers and their infants than those in nondiabetic mothers and their infants. DNA damage, mainly in the form of apoptosis was present in diabetic mothers and their infants [60% and 50% respectively]. There was a significant difference between the values of maximal optical density at 200bp and 600bp between both groups. Comparison between diabetic mothers with and without diabetic complications as regards HbA1C, antioxidants and DNA damage showed that erythrocytes catalase was significantly lower in those with complications [means 366 +/- 54 units/g Hb, 426.3 +/- 45.7 units/g Hb respectively] as a possible explanation for complications in this group. There was a significant negative correlation between HbA1C of diabetic mothers [i.e. diabetic control] and glutathione peroxidase level [i.e. antioxidant defense] in their infants. A significant negative correlation was found between DNA damage and erythrocytes antioxidant [Superoxide dismutase in diabetic mothers, and glutathione peroxidase in their infants]. It can be concluded that hyperglycemia causes a significant reduction of antioxidant capacity [reduced catalase and glutathione peroxidase] in the diabetic mothers and their infants compared with controls and this may be the cause of increased DNA damage observed in these individuals which may lead to the development of diabetic complications in the pregnant mothers and congenital anomalies in their infants. It is recommended to maintain a good control of diabetes and combat oxidative stress to lessen diabetic complications in pregnancy and to avoid congenital anomalies

Homocysteine, an indicator of methylation pathway alternation in Down syndrome and its regulation by folic acid therapy

Down syndrome [DS] is a complex genetic disease. Some clinical features of patients with this syndrome could be related to functional folate deficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the total homocysteine [T-Hcy] metabolism in DS children and to determine whether the supplementation with folic acid therapy would shift the genetically induced metabolic imbalance or not. Thirty-five infants with DS, with the mean age of 17.66 +/- 12.24 months were included in this study. They were selected from those attending the Genetic Outpatients Clinic in Children hospital. Our results revealed that Down syndrome children had a significant decrease in serum plasma T-Hcy level after the treatment with folic acid [11.79: +/- 0.92 vs. 14.41 +/- 4.93 micro mol/L]. A significant negative correlation was found between T-Hcy and folic acid serum levels [r = -0.112; P<0.05]. We concluded that the regulation of methylation pathways in Down syndrome patients becomes important in the light of possible normalization of the metabolic imbalance and the detection of increased sensitivity to therapeutic interventions

Echocardiographic study of the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on the left ventricular systolic function in children with rheumatic mitral regurgitation

Quantitative Echo-doppler can detect easily mitral regurgitation but flow convergence Echo method provides an alternate for the calculation of the effective regurgitant orifice area [EROA]. Angiotensin convening enzyme inhibitors [A CEI] can decrease the mitral regurgitation by peripheral vasodilatation leading to decrease of the after-load. Study of the left ventricular systolic function and quantification of mitral regurgitation by Echo- cardiographic measurements. Assesment of the effect of ACEI on these measurements. 50 patients with mitral regurgitation: 35 with symptomatic regurgitation [GI] and 15 without symptoms [GII] were studied. GI patients were then subdivided into 2 subgroups according to drug intake before and after giving Captopril for one month for the symptomatic patients. The groups were studied by history, clinical examination, E.C.G., X-ray, some laboratory investigations [E.S.R.-A.S.O.T- C.R.P- and C.B.C] and mainly by two-dimension and color Doppler Echocardiography together with quantitative assessment of mitral regurgitant severity by measuring mitral regurgitant volume, regurgitant fraction and effective regurgitant orifice area of the mitral valve with the proximal isovelocity surface area method of the flow convergence region. Our results showed that left ventricular systolic functions [Stroke volume and ejection fraction] increased after A.C.E.I. therapy in both Group1-A and Group1-B together with reduction of the left ventricular end systolic and end diastolic diameters denoting improvement in left ventricular systolic function. As regard mitral regurgitation severity:- Mitral regurgitant volume, regurgitant fraction and effective regurgitant orifice area., all were reduced significantly after A.C.E.I. therapy. A.C.E.I. in children with mitral regurgitation improve significantly left ventricular systolic functions and reduces the severity of mitral regurgitation even if patients were taking previously lanoxine

study into the expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and the oncogene bcl-2 in human breast cancer

In this study, the protein expression of the mutant tumor suppressor gene p53, and oncogene bcl-2 was evaluated in 50 female breast cancer patients using two different techniques, ELISA and western blotting, the relation between these two techniques in relation to protein expression was detected, and the correlations between the expression of these two proteins and the different prognostic parameters of cancer breast were studied. The mean value of bcl-2 in breast cancer patients was statistically significantly higher than those of normal healthy controls using both ELISA and western blotting techniques. A significant positive correlation was found between bcl-2 and both the tumor size and the stage of the tumor which signifies its important role as a prognostic factor in breast cancer. Also over-expression of mutant p53 was detected using both ELISA and western blotting techniques when compared to the normal healthy controls. The only statistically significant correlation between mutant p53 expression and the different prognostic parameters of breast cancer was found to be between p53 the stage of the tumor. When taking predictive cut off levels of bcl-2 at 75U/ml, and mutant p53 at 2.16U/ml, bcl-2 showed the highest sensitivity, specificity anti diagnostic accuracy of [88%, 90%, and 90%] respectively, while mutant P53 showed its highest sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy [80%, 100%, and 85.7%] at the chosen cut offs. When done in either abnormal and both abnormal double combinations with the same cut offs, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy in the either abnormal combination have improved than either parameter singly, [92%, 100% and 94.29%] respectively, while in both abnormal combination the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy are [64%, 90% and 71.43] respectively. When studying the correlation between the 2 techniques [ELISA and western blotting] used in determination of bcl-2 and P53 expression in breast cancer patients all samples which showed over-expression for mutant P53 and bcl-2 using ELISA technique, also demonstrated over-expression using western blotting technique. The percent of positive expression the mutant P53 and the bcl-2 proteins were higher [76%] and [88%] respectively using western blotting technique when compared to ELISA technique [70%] and [80%] respectively. The results of both techniques were statistically significantly correlated for both P53 and bcl-2. Although western blotting technique has a higher sensitivity compared to ELISA, it has many disadvantages as cost, reproducibility, time consumption and the requirement for high skills

Significance of telomerase activity, C-erbB2, malondialdhyde and NO as biological markers in urine of bladder cancer patients

At the National Cancer Institute [NCI], Cairo, Egypt, bladder neoplasm constitutes 30% of all cancers. Evaluation of urinary markers may hold a promising method for detection of bladder neoplasms with higher sensitivity and specificity, for follow-up in order to regulate the interval of cystoscopic examination, reduce the burden and discomfort of patients amid enhance the opportunities to excise the tumor preceding muscular invasion. The present study aims to evaluate the possible diagnostic role of telomerase activity, C-erbB2, malondialdehyde and NO in the urine of bladder cancer patients. Eighty urine samples were taken from 3 groups of individuals; 1] Ten healthy age matched control subjects, 2] Twenty schistsoma haematobium infested patients and 3] Fifty pre-operative bladder cancer patients. Urine samples [50mL] were collected and subjected to the assay of telomerase activity in urine [TAU], it was measured by PCR-ELISA technique using the telomerase repeat amplification protocol [TRAP], malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were determined spectrophotometrically and C-erbB2 was measured by ELISA technique. TAU was increased in 72% of bladder cancer cases, it was normal in bilhazial non malignant group compared to controls. Its increase in bladder cancer patients with bilharzial infection was statistically insignificant compared to non bilharzial cancer group. TAU of bladder cancer patients were increased in ascending manner with grades of the tumor [GI = 62.5 +/- 16.7, GII = 66.64 +/- 9.37 and GIII = 163 +/- 51]. Malondialdehyde level was increased in bladder cancer patients with bilharzial infestation than those without bilharziasis, but the difference was statistically insignificant. C-erbB2 expression was increased in 27% of bladder cancer patients; while no single case of the bilharzial group showed positive C-erbB2 expression. As regard the stage of tumor NO level in bladder cancer patients showed statistical significant difference between stage I. II amid stage III [p = 0.04]. There was only a statistically significant positive correlation between telomerase and C-erbB2 in bladder cancer patients [r = 0.456 and p = 0.005]. The study of telomerase activity in the urine of bladder cancer cases may be used as an indicator for early detection of this disease. Further studies should be done to evaluate the possibility of using telomerase as one of the most important tumor markers

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], insulin growth factor- 1 [IGF-1] and DNA flowcytometric analysis in Egyptian Patients with oral squamous cell carainoma

The aim of the present study was to explore the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], insulin growth factor-1 [IGF-1], DNA-ploidy and S-phase fraction [SPF] in oral squamous cell carcinoma [OSCC] and to evaluate their possible clinic pathologic correlations. Twenty cases as healthy subjects and 30 cases were diagnosed as OSCC with different tumor size, grades and lymph node [LN] metastasis. Blood samples from all cases were collected, centrifuged and serum was assayed for VEGF and IGF-1. VEGF was assayed by ELISA and Western Blot techniques. IGF-1 was determined by immunoradiometric assay [IRMA]. Tumor and normal tissues of the same patient were analyzed by flowcytometry for DNA-ploidy and SPF. The mean level of VEGF in sera of OSCC patients was significantly higher than those of healthy control. Paired t-test between patients with metastasized lymph node and negative ones, showed high VEGF level in lymph node positive subset. ANOVA test showed significantly increased VEGF level with high tumor grade. T-test showed significantly increased VEGF level in patients with tumor size >3 cm in comparing with those of 53 cm. From the results obtained it was concluded that the significant correlation between VEGF and IGF-1 expressions may be helpful to distinguish OSCC patients from the normal individuals. Also, their expressions were correlated with tumor grade. The combined evaluation of ploidy and SPF allows determination of high-risk patients requiring more aggressive therapy

Study of antioxidant effect of selenium on female rats treated with contraceptives or estrogen replacement therapy

Selenium is an essential trace mineral in the human body. it is an important part of antioxidant enzymes [Glutathione peroxidase] that protects cells against the effect of free radicals. Contraceptives are capable of inhibiting ovulation and successfully control fertility. Estrogen replacement therapy [ERT] is a wide spread treatment in postmenopausal women to alleviate climatic complaints. It has also been applied in the prevention of osteoporosis. The present study aims to follow-up antioxidant enzymes status of normal adult and ovariectomized female albino rats treated with contraceptive. Selenium was orally administered in therapeutic dose of 50 micro g/kg.b.wt/day, oral contraceptives [estrogen 0.54 and progesterone 2.7 micro g/kg.b.wt/day] and intramuscular injection of ERT 90 micro g/kg.b.wt/day for 30 days. Repeated medication with selenium caused very highly significant increase in super-oxide dismutase [SOD], reduced glutathione [GSH], glutathione reductase [GSH-R], glutathione S-transferase [GST] and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-PX] and decline in lipid peroxidation [LPO]. Contraceptives and ERT caused significant reduction in SOD, GSH, GSH-R, GST, GSH-PX and significant increase in LPO. When selenium was administered with contraceptive or with ERT, a slight increase was noticed in the different antioxidant parameters studied except for LPO which recorded a significant decrease.

Effect of selenium on lipid profile of rats treated with contraceptives or certain hormone replacement therapy

Selenium play a vital part in many metabolic functions while new researches increasingly suggest it is relevance to disease prevention. Contraceptive are capable of inhibiting ovulation and successfully controlling fertility. Estrogen is a wide spread treatment in post menopousal women to alleviate climatic complaints. The present study planned to achieve three goals. First one: aims to investigate some biochemical study on lipid content and side effect that occur from repeated administration of drugs [selenium, contraceptive and estrogen replacement therapy] in experimental animals. Follow up the effect on repeated administration [accumulation doses] of contraceptive on rats. Second the effect of selenium on antioxidant to amelioration any hardard effects if present. Third of them of lipid profile. Selenium was orally administered in therapeutic dose [50 micro g/kg/day], contraceptive [estrogen 540 micro g/kg/day, progesterone 2.7 micro g/kg/day] and estrogen replacement therapy [90 micro g/kg/day] to adult female albino rats ovarectomized female rats for 30 days. Repeated medication with Selenium caused significant reduction in total lipid [T.L], Triglycerid, [T.G.], total cholesterol [T.Ch.], HDL, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and serum estradiol. Contraceptives and estrogen replacement therapy revealed very highly significant increase in T.L, T.G. T.Ch, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and estradiol When selenium was administered with contraceptives or estrogen replacement therapy, noticeable amelioration was recorded in lipid profile a slight increase was noticed in the different studied lipid parameters.

Early post-treatment immunoglobulin profile in human schistosomiasis

In a trial at determining the most relevant immunoglobulin isotype that could reflect success of praziquantel treatment, an ELISA using soluble egg antigen [SEA] was applied on sera of Egyptian patients suffering from active intestinal schistosomiasis without hepatic complications determining the levels of IgE, IgA, IgM, IgGl, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 raised against the SEA, bot0h pre- and early post-treatment. The positive results obtained to all anti-SEA immunoglobulin isotypes before treatment support the usefulness of this technique in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Except for IgG3 subclass, a statistically significant correlation was found between egg output-reflecting intensity of infection-and the different immunoglobulin levels, especially anti-SEA IgG4. When repeating the assay 5-6 months after treatment, the immunoglobulin levels showed either a rise [in case of IgE] or a drop [in case of IgA, IgM and IgG1-4], all of statistical significance; yet IgG1-4 were still positive. So, ELISA could not give a definite indication of cure after anti-bilharzial treatment. IgE, IgG2 and IgG4 were revealed to be the most significant immunoglobulin isotypes at the post-treatment level, both statistically and due to their implications on resistance/susceptibility to re-infection and also due to the correlation of IgG4 with the tendency to develop periportal fibrosis. Conclusively, although not having defined a particular Ig isotype as marker for cure, it exposed the urge for early post-treatment determination of IgE and IgG4 isotypes which could serve as markers for picking up high risk patients susceptible to re-infection or liable to develop bilharzial periportal fibrosis and who might benefit from a second course of specific treatment

Interleukin-2 and Anticardiolipin antibodies in children with acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic heart disease

The pathogenesis of rheumatic fever involves an interaction between the group A streptococcus and the immune system. Although an old disease the exact immunopathogenesis still unclear, so our aim is to determine whether interleukin-2 [IL-2] and anticardiolipin antibodies [aCL ab] have a role in immunopathogenesis of rheumatic fever or not. The work was carried out on 60 patients, 30 patients with acute rheumatic fever ARF [group I], 10 of them with rheumatic arthritis and 20 of them with rheumatic carditis and 30 patients with well documented chronic rheumatic heart disease CRHD [group II]. Twenty apparently healthy children were taken as control [group III]. All patients [group I and II] and control group [group III] were subjected to careful history taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations: Complete blood picture [CBC], Erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP], Antistreptolysin-O titre [ASOT], Serum IL-2 and aCL Ab. Furthermore, patients with ARE and CRUD were sitbjected to: Plain X-ray chest and heart, ECG and Echocardiography. Our results showed that: IL-2 was significantly increased in cases of ARF [both in arthritis and carditis] than in patients with CRHD and normal control. No significant difference in IL-2 was found between cases of arthritis and carditis. Although IL-2 increases in rheumatic carditis, it has no relation to severity of carditis or to degree of ESR elevation. There was significant postive correlation between IL-2 and ASOT and CRP. Anti CL Ab was increased significantly in cases of rheumatic carditis [but not in cases of arthritis] than in patients with CRHD and normal control. A direct relationship was found between aCL Ab and the severity of carditis and ESR. There was significant positive correlation between aCL Ab and ESR, TLC and ASOT. So we suggest, the use of IL-2 [although non specific] to confirm the diagnosis of ARF as well as aCL Ab for the diagnosis of rheumatic carditis and a marker of its severity

Diagnosis of congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis by detection of low avidity specific IGG antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid

To assess the role of congenital toxoplasmosis as a causative agent of the CNS disorders in human off springs, 105 newborns, infants, preschool and school children with these disorders were observed. They consisted of three groups. The first were 24 newborns and infants to mothers seroconverted during pregnancy, the second; 39 newborns and infants whose immunocompromised mothers were Toxoplasma chronically infected before pregnancy, the third, 42 children who were clinically free at birth but presented with CNS disorders 4-9 years later; their mothers were with chronic Toxoplasma seropositivity at the time of the survey. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were sought in the sera of mothers and sera and CSF of the off springs. Specific intrathecal IgG antibody production was estimated by calculating Goldman Witmer Coefficient [C] and by calculating the CSF to serum antibody avidity ratio [AR] exploiting an ELISA that included dissociation of antigen-antibody complexes with 6 Mure a solution. C value > 8 and AR value < 0.5 were detected in 5 [20.8%] members of the first group, 3 [7.6%] of the second and 4 [9.5%] of the third. These values corresponded with the response to specific therapy. The antibody avidity in the diagnosed newborn sera [