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

Lipoprotein [a] levels in normal pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia

A high concentration of lipoprotein [a] is associated with atherosclerotic disease. Atheroma may develop in spiral arteries in both preeclamptic and normal pregnancies but they are much more common in preeclampsia. The aim of this work was to study the association between lipoprotein [a] [LP [a]] and the development of preeclampsia and its severity. The study included 35 patients with preeclampsia [15 cases with mild preeclampsia and 20 cases with severe preeclampsia] who were admitted to Kasr El- Eini and El- Menofiya University Hospitals, from September 1999 to September 2000. In addition, 20 normal pregnant women attending Kasr EI-Eini and EI-Menofiya University outpatient clinics served as control. Every woman was subjected to full history taking and clinical examination. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein [HDLc] and low density lipoprotein [LDLc] were determined for each individual. Lipoprotein [a] was determined by immunoturbidometery. A highly significant increase in serum concentration of Lp [a] was found in preeclamptic patients [both mild and severe] in comparison with controls [p < 0.01 and <0.001 respectively]. There was a positive correlation between LP [a] and diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria [p< 0.05]. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that LP [a] was the best predictor along with proteinuria for the severity of preeclampsia. LP [a] is increased in preeclampsia suggesting its role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Also it can be used as a predictor for the severity of the disease

Possible association between helicobacter pylori infection and hyperemesis gravidarum

Nausea and vomiting of moderate intensity are especially common complaints from early pregnancy until approximately 12 weeks. It occurs in almost 50% of pregnancies and is associated with younger age, heavier maternal weight, primigravidas and a history of previous emesis if multiparous [Wlebanoff et al., 1985]. Hyperemesis gradvidarum is the most severe form of this disorder occurring in 1-2% of pregnancies and is accompanied by weight loss, ketonemia, electrolyte imbalance and profound volume depletion [Leylek et al, 1996]. Heficobatcter pylorus has been associated as a causative agent in the development of chronic antral gastritis [Dixon 1989] and seems to be an important factor in duodenal ulcer recurrence [Tytgat et al 1990]. Aim of the Work: The aim of the work is to investigate the hypothesis that there is an association between hyperemesis gravidarum [HG] and helicobatcter pylori [HP] infection. Patients and The study group consisted of 65 pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum who were admitted to Kasr El-Eini and El- Menofiya University Hospitals, from January 1999 to May 2000. The control group was 65 pregnant women attending Kasr El-Eini, and El-Menofiya University outpatient clinics. Helicobacter pylori serum immunoglobulin [IgG] was measured and compared between both groups. The prevalence of HP infection was highly significantly increased in the HG group than in the control group [90.8% [59 cases] versus 53.8% [35 cases] P < 0.001]. The antibody index was highly significantly increased in the HG group than in the control group [1.97 +/- 0.21] versus [1.31 +/- 0.14] P < 0.001. HP infection seemed to be significantly associated with hyperemesis gradvidarum in our pregnant population