Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract ameliorates lead-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rabbits

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract as an adjunct treatment on lead acetate induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rabbits. Methods: Thirty-six male New Zealand White rabbits were assigned into two main groups. The first group (14 rabbits) served as normal control. The secondgroup (22 rabbits) was administered orally with lead acetate at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. At the 4th and the 8th week of treatment, 6 animals (3 animals at each period) of the second group were sacrificed while the remaining animals (16 rabbits) were assigned randomly into 2 subgroups (8 rabbits each): treated and non-treated. The first subgroup was orally given 1 mL phosphate-buffered saline for further 4 weeks while the second subgroup was administered orally with Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day for the same period. Blood samples were collected to determine hematological and serum biochemical indices. Tissue specimens were collected from the liver and kidney for evaluation of the oxidant/antioxidant markers and for histopathological examinations. Results: Lead acetate exposure decreased the mean body weight gain, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and lymphocytes count. Moreover, it markedly increased counts of monocytes and platelets, serum enzyme activity, levels of creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Malondialdehyde level was markedly increased while the reduced glutathione content was significantly decreased in liver tissue of lead intoxicated-rabbits. Histopathological alterations were also noticed in the liver and kidney of lead intoxicated rabbits. Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract significantly improved hematological and serum biochemical parameters and histopathological structure of the liver and kidney. Conclusions: Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract ameliorates hemato-biochemical and histopathological alterations caused by lead acetate and improveshepatic and renal functions.

Phytochemical studies and anti-ulcerative colitis effect of Moringa oleifera seeds and Egyptian propolis methanol extracts in a rat model

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical constituents, and to explore potential protective effect of the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) seeds and Egyptian propolis, each alone or concurrently administered on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Methods: Eight groups of 5 rats each were used: normal control group with distilled water, model group, two groups with M. oleifera seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg), two groups with propolis (50 and 100 mg/kg), one group with concurrent administration of both, and one group with prednisolone (reference drug). Macro-and microscopic picture, ulcer index and lesion scores, oxidative markers, inflammatory mediators, in vitro activity of the inflammatory enzymes and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging activity were evaluated. The phytochemical constituents of both extracts were explored by GC-MS analysis. Results: Both treatments modulated the macro-and microscopic picture, decreased the ulcerative index, lesion score, oxidative markers and inflammatory mediators, and inhibited the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Propolis appeared to be powerful free radicals scavenger. A powerful synergistic effect of both treatments in modulating the course of the disease was reported. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract of M. oleifera seeds and propolis revealed the presence of 50 and 34 compounds, respectively. Conclusions: M. oleifera seeds and propolis methanol extracts have modulated the course of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Moreover, both treatments induce a good synergistic effect against the disease. Isolation of the active constituents is recommended.

Phytochemical, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of different fractions of Moringa oleifera leaves methanol extract against liver injury in animal model

Objective: To evaluate the potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of n-hexane, dichloromethane(DCM), ethyl acetate(EtOAc), n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Moringa oleifera(M. oleifera) leaves methanol extract against carbon tetrachloride(CCl

Phytochemical, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of different fractions of Moringa oleifera leaves methanol extract against liver injury in animal model

Objective:To evaluate the potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of n-hexane, dichloromethane(DCM), ethyl acetate(EtOAc), n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Moringa oleifera(M. oleifera) leaves methanol extract against carbon tetrachloride(CClMethods:These fractions were prepared from the M. oleifera leaves methanol extract by solubilization in water and partitioning in n-hexane, EtOAc, DCM and n-butanol. Their phyto-components were identified by GC-MS analysis. The in vitro antioxidant effect of these fractions was carried out by assessment of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity. A total of 40 Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into 8 equal groups: group 1 given olive oil (1 mL/kg b.wt.), group 2 injected with CClResults:The GC-MS analysis of different fractions of the M. oleifera leaves methanol extract revealed that n-hexane, DCM, EtOAc, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions contained 17, 22, 23, 19 and 32 compounds, respectively. The percent and the molecular structure of each component in each fraction were identified. The n-butanol and EtOAc fractions exhibited the strongest in vitro antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. CClConclusions:n-hexane, DCM, and aqueous fractions have the highest effectiveness against CCl

Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology

Objectives To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats. Methods A total of 180 male rats (190–220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1–G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2–G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4–G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically. Results The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α

Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 180 male rats (190-220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1-G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2-G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4-G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically.@*RESULTS@#The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α- and β-globulins levels in infected rats treated with both extracts, while a significant decrease was detected in lymphocytes compared to the infected non treated group. β-Globulin level markedly increased in the rats administered nitazoxanide. Histopathological changes were observed in the ileum of rats infected with Cryptosporidium.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Egyptian propolis extracts have an activity on cryptosporidiosis in rats. Moreover, propolis modulated the immunity in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.

Neurologic Complications of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The rate and outcomes of neurologic complications of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify these parameters in ECMO patients. METHODS: All patients receiving ECMO were selected from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2001-2011. The rate and outcomes of neurologic complications [acute ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and seizures] among these patients was determined. Discharge status, mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization costs were compared between patients with and without neurologic complications using chi-squared tests for categorical variables and Student's t-test for continuous variables. RESULTS: In total, 23,951 patients were included in this study, of which 2,604 (10.9%) suffered neurologic complications of seizure (4.1%), stroke (4.1%), or ICH (3.6%). When compared to patients without neurologic complications, acute ischemic stroke patients had significantly higher rates of discharge to a long-term facility (12.2% vs. 6.8%, p<0.0001) and a significantly longer mean length of stay (41.6 days vs. 31.9 days, p<0.0001). ICH patients had significantly higher rates of discharge to a long-term facility (9.5% vs. 6.8%, p=0.007), significantly higher mortality rates (59.7% vs. 50.0%, p<0.0001), and a significantly longer mean length of stay (41.8 days vs. 31.9 days) compared to patients without neurologic complications. These outcomes did not differ significantly between seizure patients and patients without neurologic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing utilization of ECMO and the high costs and poor outcomes associated with neurologic complications, more research is needed to help determine the best way to prevent these sequelae in this patient population.

Postmarketing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic equivalence of generic and brand atenolol in Egypt

Concerns have raised regarding the postmarketing quality of generic drugs. This study assessed the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic equivalence of generic and brand atenolol tablets in 24 healthy male volunteers in a single-dose, open, randomized, two-period crossover study under fasting conditions. Blood samples were collected for 24 h post dosing and assayed for atenolol using HPLC. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured at baseline and throughout blood sampling. The mean plasma concentration-time curves for both products were similar. Pharmacokinetic and statistical analysis indicated bioequivalence based on the mean ratios of log-transformed Cmax and AUC values. Both products had similar time courses of pharmacodynamic activity with a significant fall in blood pressure and heart rate [maximum after 5 h] followed by a gradual increase towards baseline. Both products were well tolerated. Both atenolol products were bioequivalent in the postmarketing setting and can be used interchangeably in clinical practice

[ effect of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on mice liver and kidney]

In spite of frequent produce and use of magnetic nanoparticles in biological fields, there are few studies on their side effects, especially under in-vivo conditions. Method: In this research, the effect of the single-dose intraperitoneal injection of DMSA [dimercaptosuccinic acid] coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles [Fe3O4] in different doses [50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg] on liver and kidney function was studied. Clusters of iron oxide nanoparticles were observed in treatment mice liver and kidney tissues as dark blue accumulations with Prussian blue staining up to 4 days after administration; so, the nanoparticles were absorbed into and were accumulated in these organs. No histological disorders were observed in the tissue sections in comparison with controls. Considering biochemical analysis, the mean amounts of SGOT, SGPT, and LDH enzymes, also albumin, uric acid, urea and creatinine were not different significantly than control group; but in contrast to the control group, the mean numbers of the blood cells were decreased significantly in treatment groups with doses higher than 50 mg/kg. During the study, no death was found in animals. The data suggest that the future applications of DMSA-coated magnetic iron oxide in medicine and biology has not probably toxic effects on health human

Cholecysto cholangiography versus cystic duct cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective controlled randomized trial

This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of cholecysto-cholangiography [CCC], an extremely rapid and easy way of imaging the biliary tree during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and a viable alternative to cystic duct cholangiography in the era of minimal invasive surgery. Sixty patients with symptomatic gallbladder stones were studied in this series, 30 were evaluated for cholecysto-cholangiography and other 30 for transcystic-cholangiography. The success rate in cholecysto-cholangiography approached 80% with excellent quality films obtained. Delineation of anatomy approached 85%; 75% for cholecysto-cholangiography and transcystic cholangiography respectively. Exposure time to radiation compares favourably with cystic duct cannulation with a mean time 2.4 min. Cholecysto-cholangiography added less than 11 mins to the procedure; mean 10.4 mins, while transcystic cholangiography added an extra 30 mins; mean 31 mins. There were no cholangiogram related complications or false positive findings with a smooth for two months follow up

Accuracy of multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

The standard of reference diagnosis of CAD is the conventional coronary angiography. However its invasive nature necessitates a new non-invasive imaging modality. MSCT coronary, angiography is a new development non-invasive technique in the diagnosis of coronary disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of 64-slice CT coronary angiography for assessing coronary artery disease in comparison with conventional coronary angiography. The study included 45 patients out of 50 patients with suspected coronary, artery disease underwent both MSCT coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography. The total sensitivity and specificity of MSCT coronary, angiography were 99% and 94.5% respectively and the overall accuracy was 95.5%. The negative predictive value was 97.5% while the positive predictive value was 83.5%. Non-invasive CT angiography of the coronary arteries can diagnose and exclude hemodynamically significant coronary stenoses with high accuracy

Effect of splenectomy on liver regeneration and function following partial hepatectomy: experimental study

The presence of enough remaining functioning liver parenchyma to avoid life-threatening postoperative liver failure is a major prerequisite for hepatic resection in patients with hepato biliary carcinoma. There are clinical reports which confirm the beneficial clinical effects of splenectomy on integrity of the residual liver following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism and portal hypertension. This experimental study was designed on hamsters to evaluate the proliferative capacity and function of the remaining liver lobes; in which splenectomy was done simultaneously with partial hepatectomy compared with those in which splenectomy was not done. Forty hamsters were divided into two groups: GI; in which partial hepatectomy was performed without splenectomy and the GIl; in which animals were subjected to partial hepatectomy with prior splenectomy. Animals from each group were subjected to liver biopsy from the remaining lobes 48, 72 hours and one week after surgery. Also, serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and total bilirubin were tested before, 48, 72 hours and one week after hepatectomy. Hepatic regeneration in the remaining lobes was assessed through histo-pathological study, DNA ploidy of the hepatic nuclei using computerized image analysis system and determining of the labeling index of the nuclear factor NF Kappa B [P105], a novel monoclonal antibody specific for P105 protein by immunohistochemistry. In GIl: induction of NK kappa B [PI05] labeling index showed maximum expression depending on the regenerative capacity of the remaining liver lobes. In contrast, in GI; liver regeneration was slow. Also, changes in liver function of Gil indicated that splenectomy prior hepatecotomy may minimize dysfunction in the remaining hypertrophied liver lobes

Mortality from pandemic influenza a [H1N1] in Iran

Due to worldwide spread of influenza A [H1N1] virus, the World Health Organization declared the first pandemic of influenza in four decades. This study aims to report the mortality from pandemic influenza A [H1N1] in Iran population and its epidemiologic and clinical characteristics up to December 21, 2009. The data were obtained from all provinces and reported to center for disease control of Ministry of Health and Medical Education [MOHME] of Iran through nationwide surveillance system for influenza A [H1N1] was implemented by MOHME since April 2009. Of 3672 confirmed cases of influenza A [H1N1] in Iran between 22 May and 21 December 2009, 140 [3.8%] deaths were reported, mostly in 15-65 year old [yo] age group [67%]. The highest admission mortality rate was in > 65 yo group [107 deaths/1000 hospitalized cases]. Of decedent patients, 54% had no long term condition or risk factor, 34% had one, 11% had two, and 1% had three. Diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, chronic respiratory diseases and hypertension were the most common underlying conditions. The most common clinical pictures of death were acute respiratory distress syndrome and viral pneumonia. Although 66% of decedent patients received oseltamivir, enough information was not available about time of onset of antiviral therapy. As death due to influenza A [H1N1] occurs in all age groups and in those with and without any predisposing factors, we recommend health policy makers to provide influenza vaccination for people with underlying conditions and respiratory hygiene for all people

Quality of life among perimenopausalSaudi working women and its impact on theirmenopausal symptoms

Menopause is emerged as a prominent issue in the women's health. It is a natural progression of women's life. Perception of menopausal symptoms is influenced by the broader social and cultural contexts in which such normative biological events are embedded. Some women viewed this period as an indicator of natural and inevitable life changes, while others view it as a problem that affects their quality of life. WHO defined quality of life as the individuals' perception of their status in life according to the cultural and value systems they live in, considering their aims, expectations, standards and worries. On the other hand, quality of life [QOL] is an important outcome that reflects the way women feel and function during menopausal period. So, this study aimed to identify the effect of quality of life among perimenopausal Saudi manager women on their menopausal symptoms. It was a descriptive study, where a convenient sample of 120 perimenopausal manager women, who are not using hormonal replacement therapy and willing to participate in the study, were selected from King Abdel Aziz University and King Abdel Aziz University Hospital in Jeddah. Two validated tools were used to collect data; menopausal symptoms inventory scale and Utain quality of life scale. The results clarified that the majority of perimenopausal women obtained moderate total score of QOL and a sizeable proportion got high total score of menopausal symptoms. The relationship between women's total score of QOL and their general characteristics was found to be statistically significant regarding level of education, years of work experience, marital status, and history of medical diseases. Statistically significant differences were also found between women's total score of menopausal symptoms and their general characteristics in relation to level of education, years of work experience, marital status, and age at marriage, duration of marriage, menstrual history, as well as history of medical diseases. Low and moderate total scores of symptoms were significantly higher among women with high total score of QOL, while high total score of symptoms was significantly higher among women with low and moderate total scores of QOL. quality of life had significant, negative effect on women's menopausal symptoms

C-Reactive protein, Tumor Ncrosis Factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and cortisol in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Recently an abundance of evidence has emerged demonstrating a close link between immunity, inflammation, obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Activation of innate immunity with production of inflammatory markers was suggested to provide a new model for the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. This may result in new approaches for predicting and managing of type 2 diabetes and its complications. We evaluated the state of obesity and diabetes mellitus of thirty nine male type 2 diabetic patients and nineteen age-matched male healthy subjects as control. This evaluation was performed via assessment of the body mas index [BMI], fasting and postprandial [PP] blood glucose and insulin, insulin resistance and fasting C-peptide. Then we assessed the plasma levels of the most important inflammatory markers; C-reactive protein [C-RP], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin-6 [IL-6] and the total leucocytic count as well as the stress hormone cortisol. Our results showed BMI above 30 for both patients and controls which indicated obesity of the two groups. Both fasting and PP glucose were 167.9 +/- 10.3 and 289.8 +/- 16 mg/dl respectively for patients and 96.4 +/- 1.96 and 108.47 +/- 4.6 rng/dl respectively for the control whish confirmed the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The C-RP was significantly higher in diabetics. Although the difference did not reach statistical significance fasting and PP-insulin, insulin resistance levels were higher in the diabetic patients compared to the control. Regarding the results of the acute phase reactants and the biornarkers for inflammation, we found a significant increase in C-RP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and cortisol in the diabetic patients compared to the control. But no change could be detected in the total leucocytic count. This association between hyperglycemia and increased inflammatory markers may indicate a relationship between them. But the question which of them preceded and led to the other is still uncertain. Further studies with different approaches may be needed to solve this puzzle

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors [GISTS]: clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical treatment and its outcome

This study included 13 selected patients treated by surgical excision for lesions that proved postoperatively to be gastrointestinal stromal tumors [GISTs] by histopathological and immunohistochemistry studies. The demographic, clinical and operative reports data were collected. Eight cases were gastric GISTs, four cases were small bowel GISTs [jejunum 1 and ileum, 3] and GIST of the sigmoid colon was in one patient. Eight cases presented at the emergency department due to hematemesis [3], gastrointestinal obstruction [3], bowel perforation [1] and severe bleeding per rectum [1]. Three cases presented with a feeling of abdominal fullness and ill-defined palpable abdominal mass. Two cases were discovered incidentally during GIT endoscopy for dyspepsia. Diagnosis of GISTs was presumed on clinical basis and operative findings from gross morphological features. Complete resection [RO] was achieved for 12 tumors [92.3%]. The immunohistochemistry profile was positive for C-kit for all cases. One operative death was due to massive pulmonary embolism. Postoperative complications occurred in three [23%] as upper GIT bleeding [1], biliary gastritis [1] and wound infection [1], and one [7.69%] of ileum tumor recurrence

Cardiac structural and electrical adaptation in male active athletes. QT interval could it be the clue to sudden cardiac death?

In humans, cardiac morphological adaptations to athletes training have been exhaustively described. Top-level training is often associated with morphological changes in the heart, including increases in left ventricular chamber size, wall thickness, and mass. The increase in left ventricular mass because of training is called [athlete's heart]. Left ventricular structural changes in competitive athletes represent adaptation to hemodynamic overload induced by training and are consisted with different kinds of sport activity. Work capacity during exercise is positively influenced by preload increase in top-level endurance athletes, while increased after load due do isometric training in strength-trained athletes determines higher systemic resistance due do physical effect. This work aimed to study the effects of prolonged physical training on the structure of the heart. A cross-sectional comparative study had been conducted in Cardiology Department, Suez Canal University Hospital and included active and control subjects in Ismailia Governorate Clubs. The study included 27 competitive endurance active male athletes, 27 power active male athletes, and 27 male healthy control subjects leading an ordinary sedentary life. The study population were subjected to general clinical examination, electrocardiographic and echocardiograghic examinations. Standard resting 12-lead ECGs were obtained a few minutes before the echocardiography investigation and >/= 24 hours after the last athletic activity for active athletes. Results of electrocardioraphic data showed that PR intervals, QT interval QTc dispersion were significantly higher in active athletes than that in control subjects. These prolonged QTc dispersion may predispose to further ventricular arrhythmic events and sudden death. In this study, comparative assessment of electrocardrgraphic pattern was done between active athletes and control subjects. 74.1% of active athletes showed completely normal ECG while the remaining 25.9% showed minor alterations that have been consistently reported in trained athletes and that are regarded as part of athlete's heart syndrome. Comparing LVM and mass index in power versus endurance active athletes it was shown that LVM and LVMI were significantly higher in power active athletes. From the present study, we can conclude that there were certain structural adaptive changes occurring in athletic heart; these adaptive changes vary according to the type of training whether being mainly isometric or isotonic. In the former one, the heart adapts mainly by concentric hypertrophy, whereas training with isotonic [dynamic] exercise leads to eccentric hypertrophy. However, the geometric pattern of athlete's heart is more complicated than expected as there is overlap between isometric and isotonic activities. Our findings are most consistent with the benign and physiological nature of LV hypertrophy in athletes. But we can suggest that careful assessment of the QT interval may be a clue to sudden cardiac death in athletes. The 12-lead ECG has been suggested as a relatively simple and inexpensive test to strengthen the limited diagnostic efficacy of the medical history and physical examination

Global cardiac functional adaptation in male active athletes as determined by Tei index

It has been known for a long time that physical conditioning induces numerous cardiovascular adaptations which characterize the [athletic heart]. Therefore, the present study was directed to study the adaptation of prolonged physical training [more than two years, for at least ten hours per week], on the function of the heart in a group of normal active Egyptian power and endurance athletes. The study had been conducted in the Cardiology Department, Suez Canal University Hospital. The study had been conducted on 27 Power active athletes, 27 Endurance active athletes and 27 control subjects in Ismailia Governorate Clubs. The following parameters were recorded: Weight in kilogram, height in centimeter, body surface area [BSA], blood pressure and pulse. Echocardiographic parameters as Left ventricular end systolic and diastolic indexes, Left ventricular end systolic and diastolic volumes, Stroke volume, Cardiac output, Ejection fraction and E/A ratio. Global myocardial performance index [Tei index] was calculated as the sum of both contraction and relaxation isovolumetric periods, divided by the ejection time. The overall mean age of control group is 21.3 +/- 1.4 years, active endurance athletes 22.5 +/- 5.2 years, and for active power athletes 23.6 +/- 3.2 years. Systolic blood pressure was higher in power active athletes [though non-significant]. The heart rate was significantly lower in active athletes rather than in control subjects [p>0.05]. There were significant differences between control subjects and active athletes regarding stroke volume [SV] and cardiac output. Our study revealed that there was no significant difference found with respect to [EF] between active athletes and control subjects. Our study revealed that there was no significant difference exists with respect to [EF%] between Endurance active athletes, power active athletes and controls. Also there existed non-significant difference regarding the global myocardial function assessed by the Tei Index. There was no significant difference between active athletes and control subjects with respect to E/A ratio. But E/A ratio was significantly greater in endurance trained athletes than that in Power trained athletes. It is concluded that despite the striking left ventricular cavity enlargement in athletes there is no evidence of global systolic dysfunction or abnormal diastolic filling pattern. These findings are most consistent with the benign and physiological nature of athletic heart

Vitamin E and ascorbic acid efficacy on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in experimental dogs

It was reported that ischemia-reperfusion injury [IRI] is a major cause of acute renal damage in both the native and transplanted kidneys. Sixteen clinically healthy male dogs were exposed to 45 minutes renal ischemia followed by reperfusion and unilateral nephrectomy. Those dogs were subdivided equally into 4 groups. Gp.[1] was the positive control, gp.[2] was treated with vitamin E [20mg / kg Bwt/ day], gp.[3] was treated with ascorbic acid [30mg / mg / kg Bwt/ day] and gp. [4] was treated with both drugs. The experimental dogs were sacrificed, 7day after surgery. Specimens were taken from the left kidney in all groups. The serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and potassium levels were significantly increased while the serum sodium and creatinine clearance were reduced in all groups, compared with the basal value. The urine of the positive control group contained protein and blood, besides hyaline and cellular casts. Gps. [2 and 3] showed a weak improvement in the renal function while gp. [4] relieved some of the damage induced by the renal ischemia- reperfusion. Microscopically gp. [1] showed diffuse coagulative necrosis of the renal epitheliurn. Also casts were present inside the lumina of the renal tubules.Gp. [2] showed moderate necrotic or degenerative changes of some tubular epithelium accompanied with contraction of some glomerular tufts and leukocytic infiltration. Gp. [3] showed periglomerular leukocytic aggregations mainly lymphocytes with lobulation of some glomerular tufts and various degenerative or coagulative necrosis. Gp. [4] showed that the majority of renal tubules suffered from hydropic degeneration, cloudy swelling and some of them revealed necrotic changes with absence of nuclei. It could be concluded that the combined vitamin E and ascorbic acid treatment partially ameliorated the renal IRI