Molecular investigation of banana shrimp [P. merguiensis] populations from Persian Gulf and Oman sea using microsatellite markers

Molecular investigation of important commercial shrimp species is one of the main goals to find out the pure populations and brood stocking of marine resources. The purpose of the present study was to study the population of P. merguiensis and determining the extent of genetic diversity of this species. Samples were collected from three major distribution areas in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. Molecular investigation was carried out using microsatellite markers. Only five out of the eight primers of P. merguiensis produced good amplified PCR products with fixed annealing temperature. The rest of the primers were either not easily amplified or produced nonspecific bands. Seven alleles were found to be unique to each of the three populations of P.merguiensis. Occurrences of heterozygosity deficiency were found at most loci. These heterozygosity deficiencies in observed heterozygosity in comparison to expected heterozygosity may be due to inbreeding, genetic drift and consequences of illegal overharvesting of P. merguiensis in the studied areas as well. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium in both studied species was significant in most microsatellite loci [p<0.001]. We observed deviation from HWE in most loci with hetrozygosity deficits. The genetic variation results showed that the pairwise Fst values were significant between studied populations. The assignment test revealed high gene flow between Hormoz and Jask and restricted genetic flow between Guatr and Hormoz populations. It seems that the changes in immigration patterns of populations between Hormoz, Jask and Guatr areas depend on the influence of Persian Gulf currents or the life cycle of P. merguiensis in studied areas. Alternatively, the presence of ecological barriers such as mangrove forests may result in restricted genetic flow between Guatr and both Hormoz and Jask populations

association between y chromosome microdeletion and recurrent pregnancy loss

To date, the role of male factor contributing in evaluation of spontaneous recurrent pregnancy loss [RPL] has been less investigated and there is discrepancy in the role of Y chromosome microdeltions in RPL. Therefore, the current study was designed to examine whether Y chromosome microdeletions were associated with RPL in an Iranian population. One hundred men from couples, experiencing three or more RPLs, and one hundred normal men from couples with at least one child and no history of miscarriages as control group were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and tested for Y chromosome microdeletions in AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions using two multiplex PCR. None of the men in the case and control groups had any microdeletions in the AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions. It seems that Y chromosome microdeletion is not associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, therefore performing this test in Iranian couples with RPL is not recommended

Mixed cutaneous round cells tumor in a cock [Gallus domesticus]: a case report

Cutaneous round cell tumors have been classified as mast cell tumor [MCT], histiocytoma [HCT], lymphosarcoma, undifferentiated round cell tumors and occasionally rhabdomyosarcoma in veterinary medicine. An adult cock [Gallus domesticus] showing a large solitary integument mass raised on dorso bilateral of cervical part, extending to intercapsular and cranial mid part of the back was referred to the birds clinic of the faculty of veterinary medicine at the university of Tehran. Microscopic examination revealed sheeted cells with large, round to oval nuclei with each one containing one or more prominent nucleoli with scant cytoplasm. The myofibrils of the neck were degenerated by aggressive tumor cells. The condition was differentiated from other round cell tumors by electron microscope, histochemical staining, as well as the application of a large panel of antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction failed to confirm the involvement of both Marek's disease virus and avian leukosis virus subgroup-J. It was concluded that the tumor cells were consistent with both B-cell lymphocytes and histiocytes that unusually covered the entire dermal layer of dorsal neck skin. This unusual cutaneous lymphoma was named as lymphoblastic histiocytoma

Deletion and testicular expression of DAZ [deleted in azoospermia] gene in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia

Deletions of the DAZ [deleted in azoospermia] genes within the human Y chromosome's AZFc region are the most common cause of spermatogenesis failure. These deletions are usually assessed by analyses of genomic DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes. DAZ genes are expressed in male germ cells. In this prospective study, we investigated DAZ expression and deletion in 102 consecutive infertile men presenting with non-obstructive azoospermia in Avesina Research Institute, Tehran, Iran during 2005-6. In this prospective study, we extracted genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes for detection of DAZ deletions and testicular biopsies for histopathological assessment and analyses of DAZ expression level by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. DAZ levels were normalized to expression of the housekeeping Phosphoglucomutase 1 gene. In four out of 102 patients [3.9%], we found DAZ deletion. DAZ expression was observed in 60 [61.2%] of 98 other patients. Expression was not detected in patient with Sertoli cell-only syndrome, but observed in 37 of 40 [92.5%] patients with maturation arrest and 20 of 26 [76.9%] with hypospermatogenesis. The absence of DAZ expression could result in quantitative reduction of germ cells and might be observed despite of normal genomic DNA constitution. We recommend to check DAZ testicular expression and genomic DNA deletion, in non-obstructive azoospermia. This is more recommended to avoid transmission of genetic abnormalities which might lead to infertility in male offspring, when assisted reproductive techniques [ART] are performed

[ review on ruta graveolens l.; its usage in traditional medicine and modern research data]

According to manuscripts, Ruta [rue] was one of the plants which had been abundantly used for prevention and treatment of diseases, both in Iranian and nation's Traditional medicine[TM]. Natives are still using this plant through the world. Clinical and experimental modern trials had shown the anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiarrhytmic, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, antifungal, contraceptive and abortive effects of this plant in addition to some central nervous system effects. Almost all of these were mentioned in TM besides a couple of other effects which there were no experimental data about them in modern researches. In other hand, rue contains so many chemicals and complex compounds which their exact effects and mechanism of actions are still not well known. Besides there are some data about toxic effects of rue but there is no reliable toxicological study which could explain the side effects, toxic dosage or detoxification methods. In this review we explain about this plant, its usage in TM and the results of different modern trials and give a plenty of experimental view of points which could be done in future

Effect of vitamins A, E, C and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

To assess the effect of supplementation with vitamins A, E and C and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation in Streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetic rats. Sixty four male wistar rats weighting 250g were divided into four groups as normal control, diabetic control, diabetic with vitamin A, E as well as C supplementation and diabetic with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. After four weeks of treatment the rats were anesthetized and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were investigated in blood samples, liver and heart homogenate. In diabetic rats MDA level in plasma, liver and heart was significantly more elevated than normal control rats [P< 0.05]. Vitamin A, E and C supplementation caused significant decrease in plasma, liver and heart MDA [P< 0.05]. A significant decrease in heart MDA [P< 0.05] was observed in diabetic rats with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. Supplementation of vitamin A, E and C and co-3 fatty acids was found to decrease lipid peroxidation to some extent in diabetic rats and they can be valuable candidates in the treatment of the complications of diabetes

[Evaluating the presence of testis specific transcripts in mature human spermatozoa]

Progress and completion of spermatogenesis is related to simultaneous expression of various genes. Recent studies show that many genes are expressed in the sperm and several RNA copies are present in the mature spermatozoa. Identification of these genes and evaluation of their functions would improve our understanding of the molecular basis of fertilization, early embryo cleavage and the causes of many types of unexplained male infertility. In this study, we investigated the expression of DAZ, PRM1, PRM2, TSGA10, SYCP3 and AKAP4 genes in ejaculated human spermatozoa. Semen samples were collected from men referring to Avicenna Infertility Clinic. Normal semen samples [According to WHO criteria] were subjected to density-gradient centrifugation to specifically recover the pure fraction of motile spermatozoa with normal morphology. Total RNA was extracted from sperm pellets and cDNA was synthesized using RT-PCR. The presence of DAZ, TSGA10, PRM1 and PRM2 cDNAs were evaluated using appropriate primers. Expression of SYCP3 [Testis specific gene] was evaluated by nested RT-PCR. The cDNA synthesized from normal testis tissues was used as positive control. Study on cDNAs showed that DAZ, TSGA10, PRM1 and PRM2 transcripts were present in normal human testis and all of the evaluated mature spermatozoa samples but not AKAP4 or SYCP3 transcripts. According to our previous study, the expression of SYCP3 and AKAP4 genes is started from spermatocyte level in human testis during spermatogenesis process. However, we did not found any transcripts of these genes in mature spermatozoa. It is estimated that mRNAs of TSGA10, PRM1, PRM2 and DAZ and other testis specific genes in spermatozoa may participate in later sperm functions such as fertilization and early embryo cleavage. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the role of these transcripts in the process of fertilization and early embryo development

[Blood antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is an autoimmune disorder with unknown etiology. In recent years, a great number of studies have investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidas [GSH-Px], Super oxide dismotase [SOD] in patients with RA compared with the healthy subjects. In a case-control study sixty rheumatoid arthritis patients 18-75 years old and 60 healthy sex and age-matched controls were selected, Catalase activity was measured by determining the constant rate [k] of hydrogen peroxide decomposition. GSH-Px activity of plasma was measured with spectrophotometer by Glutathione oxide generation due to GSH-Px. SOD activity is measured by degree of inhibition effect of SOD in generating super oxide radicals by xanthine and xanthine oxidase. C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor values were determined by agglutination and latex tests. The plasma activity of catalase [p<0.001], GSH-Px [p<0.01], plasma level of hemoglobin and hematocrit [p<0.05] were significantly lower in patients with RA comparing with controls. The reduction in SOD activity was not significant [p>0.05]. There was a negative significant relation between C reactive protein and Rheumatoid factor values with the erythrocyte activity of catalase and GSH-Px [p<0.01]. These results suggested that oxidative stress plays a very important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of RA

Plasma level of antioxidant vitamins and lipid peroxidation in breast cancer patients

Oxidative stress arises when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species [ROSs] and scavenging capacity of antioxidants, and it can induce and progress many diseases such as breast cancer. The present study was conducted to investigate the status of plasma antioxidative vitamins [E and C] and lipid peroxidation on 50 untreated breast cancer patients and 50 healthy age-matched women. The results revealed that plasma vitamin E and vitamin E adjusted for the sum of cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly in patients group [P< 0.05]. We could also observe that vitamin E adjusted for lipid was significantly different in various stages of breast cancer. On the other hand, the level of malondialdehyde increased significantly in patients as compared to the controls [P <0.05]. There were no significant changes in plasma vitamin C between two groups. According to the findings, attention to the level of plasma antioxidant vitamins and lipid peroxidation is of great importance to promote the level of health in women suffering from breast cancer

Polymerase chain reaction for the detection and differentiation of Marek's disease virus strains MDV-1 and HVT

Marek's disease [MD] is a lymphoproliferative disease of chickens characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of various organs. The present study was an attempt to use polymerase chain reaction [PCR] to optimize a rapid and reliable assay for detection of MDV genome. Detection of serotype I of MDV [MDV-l] was confirmed by presence of a 200 bp DNA fragment as a PCR product. Differentiation of MDV- I and herpesvirus of turkeys [HVT] was also conducted using specific primers from the glycoprotein A [gA] gene and a 388 bp DNA fragment was amplified from HVT genome. The specificity of the test was confirmed by sequencing of PCR products. Results indicate that MDV-l can be diagnosed in clinical samples and inoculated cell cultures which is used for virus isolation. In addition, differentiation between MDV- I and HVT viruses was confirmed based on the size of PCR products. The test proved to be rapid and reliable and be performed as a robust diagnostic test in veterinary diagnostic laboratories

Expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3 [SYCP3] m RNAin the testis: a molecular marker for spermatogenesis in azoospermic men

Men with unexplained infertility and azoospermia are often observed in the context of genetic defects. The expression of a wide variety of genes is developmentally regulated during human meiosis. Synaptonemal Protein 3 [SYCP3] gene, located on chromosome 12, encodes a DNA-binding protein as the structural component of the synaptonemal complex,which mediates the synopsis or homologous pairing of chromosomes during meiosis. Absence of SYCP3 in mice may lead to male infertility as well as female sub-fertility. SYCP3 expression analysis could be a tool for the prediction of human spermatogenesis progression, especially in infertile men. SYCP3 mRNA expression in testicular samples of 110 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia were studied in Avesina Infertility Clinic in Tehran, Iran during 2005 and early 2006. Semi-quantitative nested reverse transcriptase-PCR was employed in order to find the strength of gene expression. Using histopathological scoring for all samples, the expression level of SYCP3 during spermatogenesis was also evaluated. Testicular SYCP3 mRNA expression was observed in 67 patients [60.9%]. The expression level correlated with the degree of spermatogenic failure [p<0.0001]. While this gene had been expressed in patients with hypo-spermatogenesis and maturation arrest, a lack of expression was seen in those with spermatogonial arrest, Sertoli cell-only syndrome and testicular atrophy. These data indicate that SYCP3 is expressed in the human testis and it is restricted to germ cells. Our findings, in association with those obtained in experimental animals, show that lack of SYCP3 expression may have negative effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. SYCP3 gene expression may help detect specific spermatogenesis stages in conjunction with histopathological findings

Intrafollicular fluid antigamete antibodies in infertile patient candidates for ICSI

Immunologic disturbances must be considered as a major cause of infertility. Antigamete antibodies like antisperm antibodies [ASA] and to anti-zona antibodies [AZA] seem to be implicated in the etiology of infertility. These antibodies affect fertilization and embryo development. It is important to screen these antibodies in infertile women who are candidates for in-vitro fertilization [IVF], because the presence of these antibodies may switch the treatment from IVF to intra-cytoplasmic microinjection [ICSI]. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of ASA and AZA in the follicular fluids [FF] of women who sought candidacy for ICSI. In this prospective study, the follicular fluids of 96 infertile women [20 to 39 years old, mean 31.5 +/- 5.1], who were candidates for ICSI, were evaluated. According to the etiologies, 80 women had explained whereas 16 had unexplained infertility. All the follicular fluids were evaluated for the presence of ASA by ELISA and Sperm MAR test and also for the presence of AZA by ELISA. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS soft-ware and the significance level was considered p<0.05. According to the results of ELISA and Sperm MAR test, none of the patients had ASA in their follicular fluids. However, twenty samples [20.8%] were positive for AZA. In patients with unexplained infertility, autoantibodies to zona pellucida were significantly higher in the follicular fluid than the group with proven etiologies for infertility [p=0.001]. The low incidence of ASA and the high incidence of AZA in the infertile women in this study, especially in women with unexplained infertility in Iran have to be considered seriously. Determination of AZA is highly recommended in the evaluation of infertile couples, especially those with unexplained infertility

Testis specific gene 10 expression in the testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia

Disorders in the expression of any gene effective in spermatogenic pathway is known as a probable cause of non-obstructive azoospermia and male infertility. The way responsible genes for sperm motility are expressed can considerably affect male fertility. Recent studies show that TSGA10 gene is effective in the natural process of spermatogenesis as protein produced by this gene in mouse results in the production of the main structure of sperm tail. Up to now, no comprehensive studies have been done on the way this gene is expressed in the infertile's testical tissue. In this study, TSGA10 mRNA expression in testicular samples of 84 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia was investigated by semi-quantitative nested RT-PCR in Avesina Infertility Clinic during 2005-6. Moreover, expression levels of TSGA10 during spermatogenesis were evaluated using Johnsen's method for histopathological scoring of the samples. For statistical analysis, SPSS software [Version 11.2] was used. The difference between gene expressions was done based on quantitative variables by the use of t-test and covariance analysis and alpha<0.05 was regarded as a statistically significant value. Testicular TSGA10 mRNA expression was observed in 31 patients, [36.9%], with non-obstructive azoospermia which it had a statistically significant correlation with spermatogenesis progress [p<000.0]. Histopathologically, the gene had been expressed in patients with higher Johnsen's score of spermatogenesis while a lack of expression was seen in all of those with Johnsen's score less than 4.5. The findings indicate that TSGA10 is expressed in human testis and it is restricted to germ cells. It seems that lack of TSGA10 expression may have negative effects on spermatogenesis and on male fertility. On the other hand, determination of the timing of gene expression in a certain level of spermatogenesis may also be used to determine levels of spermatogenesis in azoospermic patients alongside histopathological findings

Polymorphism in phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase [PHGPX] gene in Iranian infertile men

Leukocytes and defective or dead spermatozoa in human semen are a source for the production of reactive oxygen species [ROS] and subsequent injury to intact sperms. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic defensive mechanisms in semen detoxify these compounds. Glutathione peroxidase-4 [GPX-4 or PHGPX] is a major selenoprotein in sperm and it is one of the enzymatic mechanisms that play multiple roles during spermatogenesis. Some of these roles are formation of the mitochondrial capsule, hydroperoxide detoxification and sperm chromatin condensation. Any decrease in the enzyme activity or content, may create disorders in spermatogenesis and sperm fertilizing ability. Considering defects in the expression of the enzyme gene or presence of mutations which may cause decreases in PHGPX activity or content, this study was carried out to identify a number of important mutations in GPX-4 gene by PCR-RFLP method in Iranian infertile men. This study was performed on 128 Iranian men who had been referred to Avesina Infertility Clinic, including 74 infertile men with defective sperm parameters, 18 normozoospermic and 36 fertile subjects as controls. Mean +/- SD for sperm parameters were determined. Genomic DNA was extracted using salting out procedure from peripheral blood leukocytes. PCR-RFLP was done by two sets of primers with 237 bp and 148 bp PCR products that were designed for 1A and 4 exons of GPX-4 gene covering nucleotides of+6 [C[right wards arrow]T], +17 [G[right wards arrow]A], +1725 [G[right wards arrow]A] by Mwol, PshAI and SatI enzymes. Digestion of a 237 bp intact PCR product by Mwol generates two fragments [151 bp and 86 bp]. When a mutation occurs in the restriction site +6 [C[right wards arrow]T], the enzyme would not recognize the sequence, therefore 237 bp segment remains undigested. Treatment of 237 bp segment with PshAI generates two fragments [161 bp and 76] in the intact gene but the same enzyme can not digest 237 bp segment when a mutation occurs in the restriction site +17 [G [right wards arrow] A]. Ultimately, digestion of 148 bp intact segment with SatI generates two fragments [108 bp and 40 bp] but when a mutation occurs in the restriction site +1725 [G [right wards arrow] A], the enzyme will not recognize the sequence; therefore 148 bp segment remains undigested. Enzymatic digestion evaluations of 237 bp and 148 bp segments in all participants revealed that neither of the examined mutations existed in GPX-4 gene. According to the results of this study, it is determined that the prevalence of these mutations in Iranian infertile men is probably low and it may have no association with the etiology of the disorder affecting sperm parameters. Hence, a study with a larger number of patients is suggested to determine the exact prevalence of these and other mutations of the gene in Iranian infertile men

effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on germ cell maturation and testosterone secretion in neonatal mouse testis

Human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] as an LH agonist affects spermatogenesis and germinal cell numbers, and has extensive usages in infertility treatments. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of varied doses of hCG on germinal cell proliferation and androgenic status in mouse model. In this study, hCG dosages of 5 to 50 IU were injected into 18 mice in three experimental groups and 6 mice served as the control group [Group 1]. The mice in groups 2, 3 and 4 received subcutaneous injections of 5, 10 and 50 IU doses of hCG respectively, on days 15 and 25 of their lives. Blood samples were obtained from each mouse on days 28 and 65 for serum measurements of testosterone. One testis of each mouse was harvested for flow cytometric DNA analysis on day 65. Serum testosterone levels on day 28 were greater in groups 2, 3 and 4 compared to that of the control group. With increasing doses of hCG, the mean testosterone levels increased too and the highest values were observed in group 4. However, serum testosterone levels on day 65 were greatest in group 1 but progressively decreased in groups 2, 3 and 4, lowest in group 4, but there were no significant statistical differences among the groups. Groups 3 and 4 had a significantly reduced mean haploid cell numbers on day 65. The results of this study showed that testosterone production in neonatal mouse testis increases after hCG injection and there is a linear relationship between serum testosterone and hCG injections. With the passage of time and clearance of hCG, Leydig cell stimulation decreases and subsequently testosterone levels diminish too, especially in mice with highest doses of hCG injections. Therefore, for testosterone production in neonatal mouse testis, continuous stimulation of Leydig cells is essential

case report of recurrent hydrops fetalis due to maternal alloimmunization with Kell antigen

During pregnancy, irregular blood group antibodies originating either from earlier pregnancies or from blood transfusions may severely affect child health. In this report, a case of maternal alloimmunization to Kell antigen is described.The mother had a history of partial mole and four repeated intrauterine fetal death due to hydrops fetalis.Screening of irregular blood group antibodies revealed that she has anti-Kell with the titer of 1:4096. Also in genetic analysis, a C677T homozygous mutation of MTHFR gene was found, which could potentially enhance destructive effects of anti-Kell antibody. The described case emphasizes the importance of being informed about the presence of irregular blood group antibodies during pregnancy which may cause recurrent hydrops

[Monoclonal antibody production against human spermatozoal surface antigens]

As monoclonal antibodies are potential tools for characterization of soluble or cellular surface antigens, use of these proteins has always been considered in infertility and reproduction research. Therefore, in this study, monoclonal antibodies against human sperm surface antigens were produced. To produce specific clones against human sperm surface antigens, proteins were extracted using solubilization methods. Balb/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally with the proteins using complete Freund's adjuvant in the first injection and incomplete Adjuvant in the following booster injections. Hybridoma cells producing ASA were cloned by limiting dilution. Five stable ASA producing hybridoma clones were achieved and their antibody isotypes were determined by ELISA. All the isotypes were of IgG class. Their cross reactivity with rat and mice spermatozoa was examined but they did not have any cross reactivity. The produced antibodies can be used in further studies to characterize and evaluate each of the antigens present on human sperm surface and determining their role in fertilization

necessity of a comprehensive study on abortion in Iran

Each year health and lives of millions of people are endangered by the termination of unwanted pregnancies. Unsafe induced abortions happen very often all over the world, especially in developing countries which many lead to death and disability of women in their fertility years. The highest incidence of unsafe induced abortions are reported from developing countries, especially those that impose tighter legal restrictions. These important problems which inflict women, need to be addressed by a comprehensive study on different aspects of abortion in such societies as Iran, which is confronting about 80,000 abortions each year. On of the objectives of this study was familiarization with the problem of abortion in the Iranian society where religious, legal and cultural prohibitions have lead to an increase in unsafe induced abortions. Other objectives of this study were to evaluate the causes of this increase, to assess the need for educative information on different aspects of unsafe abortions, to familiarize the legislative authorities with the present condition of the country and to make preparations for a change in views and also to cultivate the social grounds to reduce the increasing rate of such abortions. This study was based on literature and documentation reviews. Considering the young age of the Iranian population, changes in the views of Iraian women on the family size, late marriages, absence of parents at home in most of the day time, committing unsafe abortions due to the pressures exerted by restrictive legislations, endangering physical, sexual and psychosocial health of men and women and the increased treatment expenses and their effect on the health care budget, require great steps to be taken to make changes in legislative policies by applying WHO's views on the concept of health to hopefully witness a pronounced reduction in unsafe abortions. It seems that there are the possibilities to achieve legal solutions by considering the comprehensive aspects of abortion and taking divagate of the uncertainties and absence of a unified jurisprudential view on the time of soul inspiration and by relying on the robust law of [hardship], prescription of abortion in some instarces can come true

Blood superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in women affected with breast cancer

Experimental and epidemiological evidences implicate the involvement of oxygen derived radicals in the pathogenesis of cancer development. Oxygen derived radicals are able to cause damage to membranes, mitochondria and macromolecules including proteins, lipids and DNA. Accumulation of DNA damages has been suggested to contribute to carcinogenesis. It would, therefore, be advantageous to pinpoint the effects of oxygen derived radicals in cancer development. We investigated superoxide dismutase [SOD] and Catalase [CAT] activities in the whole blood of 50 breast cancer [BC] patients and 50 healthy and age matched women. The rate of SOD and CAT activities in BC patients was significantly lower [P<0.001] than controls. No effect of stage on SOD and CAT activities was observed. The results of our study have shown a higher reactive oxygen species [ROS] production and decreased SOD and CAT activities, which support the oxidative stress hypothesis in carcinogenesis. The relative lower SOD and CAT activities may not be adequate to detoxify high levels of H[2]O[2] into H[2]O leading to the formation of the most dangerous OH radical. Therefore, administration of antioxidants may be helpful in the management of BC patients. However, elaborate clinical studies are required to evaluate the role of such antioxidant enzymes [AOE] in BC management

new method for the purification of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase from human erythrocytes

The human erythrocyte is a rich raw material for the purification of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase [SOD]. We applied a simple and rapid procedure for the purification of SOD from human erythrocytes by ion exchange chromatography. The purified SOD had a specific activity of 2285.6 u/mg protein and gave a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS] and each of its to subunit has a molecular weight about 18600 daltons [SOD molecular weight is 37200 daltons].The physicochemical properties of the enzyme obtained by this method are identical to those of the native protein.This procedure appears, therefore, to be a convenient and easily method for isolating this enzyme