Bone mineral density and vitamin d receptor polymorphism in beta-thalassemia major

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone complication in beta-thalassemic patients despite regular transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Although its etiology is multi-factorial, genetic factors play an important role in pathogenesis. These factors have not yet been clearly defined, however, osteoporosis may be related to vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphism. In this study, BsmI vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and BsmI restriction fragment length polymorphism in 42 regularly treated- beta-thalassemic patients of different ages. Bone mineral density was measured by peripheral quantitative ultrasound at the heel of the foot. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[3] were determined. Patients were divided into two groups according to pubertal signs: group I [22 children], and group II [20 adolescents and adults]. The Z-scores of bone mineral density in both groups were -1.32 +/- -0.9 and -2.30 +/- -1.02 respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups. The height standard deviation and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[3] were significantly decreased in group II compared to group I. Moreover, significantly lower bone mineral density and height standard deviation were detected among patients with BB vitamin D receptor genotype. Therefore, this genotype may be considered as a risk factor for osteoporosis in p-thalassemic patients

Experimental diabetic nephropathy can be prevented by propolis: effect on metabolic disturbances and renal oxidative parameters

Oxidative stress may play a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Propolis and its extract have antioxidant properties. The effect of ethanolic extract of propolis against experimental diabetes mellitus-associated changes was examined. Diabetes was induced experimentally in rats by i.p. injection of streptozotocin [STZ] in a dose of 60 mg/kg bwt for 3 successive days. Blood urea nitrogen [BNU], creatinine, glucose, lipid profile, malondialdehyde [MDA] and urinary albumin were measured. Superoxide dimutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH], catalase [CAT] and MDA were measured in the renal tissue. The results showed decreased body weight and increased kidney weight in diabetic animals. Compared to the control normal rats, diabetic rats had higher blood glucose, BNU, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C], MDA and urinary albumin and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] levels. Moreover, renal tissue MDA was markedly increased while SOD, GSH and CAT were significantly decreased. Oral administration of propolis extract in doses of 100,200 and 300 mg/kg bwt improved the body and kidney weights, serum glucose, lipid profile, MDA and renal function tests. Renal GSH, SOD and CAT were significantly increased while MDA was markedly reduced. These results may suggest a strong antioxidant effect of propolis which can ameliorate oxidative stress and delay the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy in diabetes mellitus