Effect of novel pre-sintered zirconia surface treatment on shear bond strength between zirconia and veneering porcelain compared to conventional surface treatments: an in-vitro study / Efeito de um novo tratamento de superfície de zircônia pré-sinterizada na resistência ao cisalhamento entre zircônia e porcelana em comparação com os tratamentos de superfície convencionais: estudo in vitro

Objective: to evaluate the effect of novel zirconia surface treatment method on shear bond strength between zirconia and veneering porcelain compared to air abrasion and CoJet surface treatment methods. Material and Methods: twenty-one zirconia ceramic discs were fabricated with diameter of 7mm and 3mm thickness and divided according to surface treatment into three subgroups, control group I: Air Abrasion (n=7), group II: CoJet (n=7) and group III: Z-etch (n=7). Porcelain was built over the zirconia specimens with a customized mold and fired in a ceramic furnace. All specimens were thermocycled (20000 cycles) between 5°C ­ 55 °C with a dwell time of 30 seconds in distilled water and shear bond strength of veneering porcelain to each zirconia specimen was tested using a universal testing machine. Results: numerical data were explored for normality by checking the distribution of data and using tests of normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests). One-way ANOVA test was used to compare between the groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups (P-value = 0.002, Effect size = 0.503). Pair-wise comparisons between groups revealed that Z-etch showed the statistically significantly highest mean shear bond strength. Conclusion: zirconia coating using z-etch is showing promising results in promoting higher bond strength than conventional surface treatment methods as air abrasion and silica coating (AU)

Objetivo: avaliar o efeito do novo método de tratamento de superfície de zircônia na resistência ao cisalhamento entre a zircônia e a porcelana de cobertura em comparação com os métodos de abrasão a ar e jateamento com CoJet. Material e Métodos: vinte e um discos de zircônia foram confeccionados com diâmetro de 7mm e espessura de 3mm e divididos de acordo com o tratamento de superfície em três subgrupos, grupo controle I: Abrasão a ar (n=7), grupo II: CoJet (n=7) e grupo III: Z-etch (n=7). A porcelana foi aplicada sobre os espécimes de zircônia com um molde personalizado e sinterizada em forno de cerâmica. Todos os espécimes foram termociclados (20.000 ciclos) entre 5°C - 55°C com um tempo de permanência de 30 segundos em água destilada e a resistência ao cisalhamento da porcelana de cobertura foi testada através de uma máquina de ensaio universal. Resultados: os dados numéricos foram avaliados quanto à normalidade, verificando a distribuição dos dados e utilizando testes de normalidade (testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e Shapiro-Wilk). O teste ANOVA de um fator foi utilizado para comparar os grupos. Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os três grupos (P-valor = 0,002, tamanho do efeito = 0,503). As comparações pareadas entre os grupos revelaram que o Z-etch apresentou a resistência de união ao cisalhamento estatisticamente significativamente mais alta. Conclusão: o revestimento de zircônia utilizando Z-etch mostrou resultados promissores para o aumento da resistência de união em comparação aos métodos convencionais de tratamento de superfície, como abrasão a ar e revestimento de sílica (AU)

The regulatory role of long non- coding RNAs as a novel controller of immune response against cancer cells.

Immunotherapy has been established as a promising therapy for different cancer types. However, many patients experience primary or secondary resistance to treatment. Immune cells and anti-inflammatory factors are regulated by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). In addition, lncRNAs have a role in immune resistance through antigen presentation loss or attenuation, PD-L1 upregulation, loss of T-cell activities, and activation of G-MDSCs and Tregs in the tumor environment. LncRNAs can also influence the interaction between cancer stem cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, potentially resulting in cancer stem cell resistance to immunotherapy. Immunological-related lncRNAs can influence immune responses either directly by affecting neighboring protein-coding genes or indirectly by sponging miRNAs through various mechanisms. We have emphasized the role and levels of expression of lncRNAs that have been linked to immune cell formation, differentiation, and activation, which may have an influence on immunotherapy efficacy.

The Transgene Expression of the Immature Form of the HCV Core Protein (C191) and the LncRNA MEG3 Increases Apoptosis in HepG2 Cells.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulated in cancer cells, including lncRNA MEG3, which is downregulated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). In addition, hepatitis C virus (HCV) core proteins are known to dysregulate important cellular pathways that are linked to HCC development. In this study, we were interested in evaluating the overexpression of lncRNA MEG3, either alone or in combination with two forms of HCV core protein (C173 and C191) in HepG2 cells. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Transcripts' levels of key genes known to be regulated in HCC, such as p53, DNMT1, miRNA152, TGF-b, and BCL-2, were measured by qRT-PCR. Protein expression levels of caspase-3 and MKI67 were determined by immunocytochemistry and apoptosis assays. The co-expression of lncRNA MEG3 and C191 resulted in a marked increase and accumulation of dead cells and a reduction in cell viability. In addition, a marked increase in the expression of tumor suppressor genes (p53 and miRNA152), as well as a marked decrease in the expression of oncogenes (DNMT1, BCL2, and TGF-b), were detected. Moreover, apoptosis assay results revealed a significant increase in total apoptosis (early and late). Finally, immunocytochemistry results detected a significant increase in apoptotic marker caspase-3 and a decrease in tumor marker MKI67. In this study, transgene expression of C191 and lncRNA MEG3 showed induction in apoptosis in HepG2 cells greater than the expression of each one alone. These results suggest potential anticancer characteristics.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical study of antiosteoporotic efficacy of the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa extract in orchiectomized rats / Estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico de la eficacia antiosteoporótica del extracto de lombriz de tierra Allolobophora caliginosa en ratas orquiectomizadas

SUMMARY: Osteoporosis is a bone condition marked by a loss of bone mass and a disruption of bone microarchitecture. Men lose bone density as they age, resulting in brittle bones. The loss of free testosterone is one of the key factors. The objective of present study was to evaluate Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) for its anti-osteoporotic and antiapoptotic activity in orchiotomized rat model at two different dose levels. Twenty eight male rats were divided into two groups. The first group represented sham operated rats while the second group underwent bilateral orchidectomy (OCX). After one week of recovery from orchidectomy surgery, the second group was randomly subdivided into 3 subgroups. The first OCX subgroup was administered orally distilled water daily for 10 weeks. The other two OCX subgroups were administered AcE (100 or200 mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 10 weeks. Orchiectomy induces remarkable loss of the cortical as well as trabecular bone loss; which, could be counterbalanced by Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) that prevented cortical as well as trabecular bone loss. Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) at Dose 200 mg/kg/day was found to be effective at a highly significant level in osteoporotic bone, as determined by histological images and immunohistochemical study, where Dose (100 mg/kg/day) was found to be moderately significant.In the present study, it is suggested that AcE may inhibit steroid-induced osteoblasts apoptosis, potentially via upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of caspase-3. Allolobophora caliginosa extract demonstrates anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant properties. Therefore, AcE may be used for the prevention of steroid-induced bone damage.

RESUMEN: La osteoporosis es una afección ósea caracterizada por una pérdida de masa ósea y una alteración de la microarquitectura ósea. Los hombres pierden densidad ósea a medida que envejecen, lo que resulta en huesos quebradizos. La pérdida de testosterona libre es factor clave en este proceso. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa (AcE) debido a su actividad antiosteoporótica y antiapoptótica en un modelo de rata orquiectomizadas con dos niveles de dosis diferentes. Se dividieron veintiocho ratas macho en dos grupos. El primer grupo incluyó ratas con operación simulada, mientras que el segundo grupo se sometió a orquidectomía bilateral (OCX). Después de una semana de recuperación de la orquidectomía, el segundo grupo fue subdividido en 3 subgrupos. Al primer subgrupo de OCX se administró diariamente agua destilada por vía oral durante 10 semanas. Los otros dos subgrupos de OCX se administraron por vía oral AcE (100 o 200 mg / kg de peso corporal / día) durante 10 semanas. La orquidectomía induce una pérdida notable del hueso cortical y trabecular; el cual podría ser contrarrestado por el extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa (AcE) que previno la pérdida de hueso tanto cortical como trabecular visualizado en imágenes histológicas y estudio inmuno- histoquímico, donde se encontró que la dosis (100 mg / kg / día) era moderadamente significativa. En el presente estudio, se sugiere que la AcE puede inhibir la apoptosis de los osteoblastos inducida por esteroides, potencialmente a través de la regulación al alza de Bcl 2 y la regulación a la baja de caspasa 3. El extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa demuestra propiedades anti apoptóticas y antioxidantes. Por lo tanto, AcE puede usarse para la prevención del daño óseo inducido por esteroides.

Mannose-binding lectin serum levels and (Gly54asp) gene polymorphism in recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A case-control study.

Objectives: Dysregulation of the immune response appears to play a significant role in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) development. The main objective of this case-control study is to investigate the blood levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and the frequency of the MBL2 gene (gly54asp) polymorphism in RAS patients, including 40 RAS patients and 40 healthy controls. Methods: Serum MBL levels were determined by ELISA, while the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used in MBL2 genotyping. Results: The median serum MBL level was significantly lower in the RAS group than in the control group (975 ng/mL (545-1320) vs. 1760 ng/mL (1254-2134); p≤ 0.001). The MBL levels were significantly lower in the BB genotype, whereas they were significantly higher in the wild type AA with a median of 525 and 1340 ng/mL, respectively (p =0.005). The B allele was expressed in significantly higher percentages of RAS patients than in controls. There was no significant association between MBL serum levels (p=0.685) or MBL2 codon 54 genotypes (p=0.382) with the type of ulcers. Conclusion: There was an association between low MBL serum levels and the variant allele B of the MBL2 (gly54asp) gene, and the susceptibility to RAS. As a result, potential novel therapeutic options for RAS patients with MBL deficiency should be investigated.

Molecular evidence and morphological aspects of Transversotrema licinum, Phyllodistomum hoggettae, and re-description of Gyliauchen volubilis (Digenea) from the Red Sea.

During a recent survey on digenean parasites infecting marine fish captured from water located along the Red Sea off Gizan Coasts, Saudi Arabia, thirty-two (29.09%) out of 110 fish were naturally infected with three different species of digenean parasites. The taxonomical status of the recovered worms was confirmed by light microscopy and molecular analysis. Transversotrema licinum infecting the Haffara seabream Rhabdosargus haffara possessed a transversely elongated body with eyespots and the anterior body margin with delineated velum along with its entire breadth. Oral sucker was absent, and eyespots were paired anterior to or at the level of ventral sucker. Phyllodistomum hoggettae from the urinary bladder of the Arabian Nagil Plectropomus areolatus was differentiated by its elongated body, narrow anterior end widened as going posteriorly with prominent marginal undulations in the hindbody. Gyliauchen volubilis infecting the marbled spinefoot Siganus rivulatus, was with fleshy body, conical, tapered anteriorly, convex dorsally, and concave ventrally. Prepharynx was very long and convoluted and had occupied the greater part of the anterior half of the body. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny were based on maximum likelihood analysis for the ITS-2 and 28S rDNA for Transversotrema licinum and Phyllodistomum hoggettae were constructed, respectively. They were compared to species within their families and further deposited into the Genebank under accession numbers MG 722711 and MG722710, respectively.

First record of third-stage Terranova larval type II (Nematoda, Anisakidae) in the common ponyfish Leiognathus equulus Forsskål.

The current study was carried out to investigate the natural occurrence of nematode parasites that infect the common ponyfish Leiognathus equulus from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Third-stage nematode larvae were found to be encysted in the peritoneum of the fish studied, with the prevalence of infection being 25%. Light microscopy revealed that this parasite belongs to the Anisakidae family within the genus Terranova by having all the generic characteristic features. Based on the intestinal caecum ratio to the length of the ventriculus being 2:1, the excretory pore with ventral location below the boring tooth, the body ended with a conical tail; the larvae found in the present study were identified as Terranova larval type. To validate its taxonomic position within Anisakidae, this Terranova species' morphological features were combined with the ITS-1 gene's molecular analysis. It demonstrated sequence similarities 94.38-76.57% with taxa of Anisakidae. A preliminary genetic comparison between the present parasite and other ascaridoids placed it as a putative sister taxon to the previously described Terranova species. The first record of the current anisakid larvae in the common ponyfish with a unique genetic sequence for the partial sequence of the ITS-1 gene was observed in this study. Its taxonomic position was confirmed in Anisakidae.

Shear bond strength of composite repair system to bilayered zirconia using different surface treatments (in vitro study) / Resistência ao cisalhamento de reparos de resina composta e zircônia bicamada usando diferentes tratamentos de superfície (estudo in vitro)

Objective: the study is aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatment methods on shear bond strength between composite repair system and both of zirconia core and veneering porcelain and analyze the mode of failure between composite repair and ceramic surface. Material and methods: 40 Ceramic discs were fabricated with diameter of 7mm and 3mm thickness and divided according to material into two groups, Zirconia core discs (n = 20) and veneering porcelain discs (n = 20). Specimens were thermocycled and then each group was subdivided according to surface treatment method into 4 equal sub groups (n = 5) ,control subgroup I air abrasion, subgroup II Cojet, subgroup III laser, subgroup IV combination of air abrasion and laser surface treatment. Composite blocks were built up and polymerized on the surface of the specimens and shear bond strength of composite to each specimen was tested using a universal testing machine and mode of failure was evaluated using stereomicroscope. Results: Regardless of ceramic type; there was a statistically significant difference between surface treatments. Cojet recorded the highest mean shear bond strength. Laser showed the highest prevalence of adhesive failure. Porcelain + Cojet showed the highest prevalence of cohesive failure. Conclusion: Cojet surface treatment provided superior shear bond strength regardless of the ceramic type whether zirconia or porcelain. Porcelain provided superior shear bond strength values in comparison to zirconia regardless of the surface treatment method tested. Porcelain showed higher percentage of cohesive failure that while the mode of failure in zirconia was most commonly adhesive. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes métodos de tratamento de superfície na resistência ao cisalhamento de reparos de resina composta e núcleos de zircônia ou cobertura de porcelana, e analisar o modo de falha entre o reparo e a superfície cerâmica. Material e métodos: 40 discos de cerâmica foram fabricados com diâmetro de 7 mm e 3 mm de espessura e divididos de acordo com o material em dois grupos, discos de zircônia (n = 20) e discos de porcelana (n = 20). As amostras foram termocicladas e, em seguida, cada grupo foi subdividido de acordo com o método de tratamento de superfície em 4 subgrupos iguais (n = 5), subgrupo I :controle (abrasão a ar); subgrupo II: Cojet; subgrupo III: laser; subgrupo IV: combinação de abrasão a ar e tratamento de superfície a laser. Blocos de resina composta foram construídos e polimerizados na superfície das amostras e a resistência ao cisalhamento do compósito para cada amostra foi testada usando uma máquina de teste universal e o modo de falha foi avaliado usando o estereomicroscópio. Resultados: Independentemente do tipo de cerâmica houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os tratamentos de superfície. Cojet registrou a maior força média de união ao cisalhamento. O laser mostrou a maior prevalência de falha adesiva. Porcelana + Cojet apresentou a maior prevalência de falha coesiva. Conclusão: O tratamento superficial com Cojet proporcionou resistência superior ao cisalhamento, independentemente do tipo de cerâmica, seja zircônia ou porcelana. A porcelana forneceu valores superiores de resistência ao cisalhamento em comparação com a zircônia, independentemente do método de tratamento de superfície testado. A porcelana apresentou maior porcentagem de falha coesiva que enquanto o modo de falha na zircônia era mais comumente adesivo. (AU)

Effects of Karela (Bitter Melon; Momordica charantia) on genes of lipids and carbohydrates metabolism in experimental hypercholesterolemia: biochemical, molecular and histopathological study.

BACKGROUND: Hypercholesterolemia is a serious diseases associated with type-2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disorders and liver diseases. Humans seek for safe herbal medication such as karela (Momordica charantia/bitter melon) to treat such disorders to avoid side effect of pharmacotherapies widely used. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups; control group with free access to food and water, cholesterol administered group (40 mg/kg BW orally); karela administered group (5 g /kg BW orally) and mixture of cholesterol and karela. The treatments continued for 10 weeks. Karela was given for hypercholesterolemic rats after 6 weeks of cholesterol administration. Serum, liver and epididymal adipose tissues were taken for biochemical, histopathological and genetic assessments. RESULTS: Hypercholesterolemia induced a decrease in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH) and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels that were ameliorated by karela administration. Hypercholesterolemia up regulated antioxidants mRNA expression and altered the expression of carbohydrate metabolism genes. In parallel, hypercholesterolemic groups showed significant changes in the expression of PPAR-alpha and gamma, lipolysis, lipogenesis and cholesterol metabolism such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). Acyl CoA oxidase (ACO), fatty acids synthase (FAS), sterol responsible element binding protein-1c (SREBP1c), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) at hepatic and adipose tissue levels. Interestingly, Karela ameliorated all altered genes confirming its hypocholesterolemic effect. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings revealed that hypercholesterolemia induced hepatic tissue changes compared with control. These changes include cholesterol clefts, necrosis, karyolysis and sever congestion of portal blood vessel. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity showed positive expression in hepatic cells of hypercholesterolemic rats compared to control. All were counteracted and normalized after Karela administration to hypercholesterolemic group. CONCLUSION: Current findings confirmed that karela is a potential supplement useful in treatment of hypercholesterolemia and its associated disorders and is good for human health.

Modulatory effects of levamisole and garlic oil on the immune response of Wistar rats: Biochemical, immunohistochemical, molecular and immunological study.

Levamisole (LEVA) and garlic are prevalent immunomodulators in humans and animals. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the immunomodulatory effects of LEVA and garlic oil (GO) alone or in combination on the immune response of Wistar rats. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were allocated into four equal groups: Control group, which was given ad libitum access to food and water; and groups 2­4, which were orally administered LEVA [2.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) every 2 days], GO, (5 ml/kg BW daily), or LEVA plus GO, respectively for 4 consecutive weeks. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM levels were measured using a radial immunodiffusion assay. Serum cytokine levels, including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-5 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were measured using enzyme­linked immunosorbent assay kits. Total blood counts were measured automatically using a cell counter. Serum lysozyme enzymatic activity was determined by measuring the diameters of the zones of clearance relative to lysozyme. Immunohistochemical detection of CD4 and CD8 was carried out using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of IL­4, IL­5 and IL­12 were measured in the leukocytes and thymus gland by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that LEVA increased serum levels of IFN­Î³, IL­5 and TNF­α cytokines, whereas co­administration of LEVA and GO decreased the stimulatory action of LEVA alone. LEVA and GO alone increased the serum levels of IgG, IgM and total blood cell counts, and co­administration of GO and LEVA inhibited the effects of LEVA. At the cellular level, in the spleen, LEVA increased immunoreactivity of CD4 and CD8, whereas co­administration of GO with LEVA decreased this strong expression. At the molecular level, in leukocytes, LEVA upregulated the mRNA expression levels of IL­2, IL­4 and IL­5, whereas GO alone downregulated mRNA expression. Co­administration of GO with LEVA inhibited the LEVA­induced upregulation of IL­2, IL­4 and IL­5 mRNA expression. In the thymus, both LEVA and GO upregulated the mRNA expression levels of IL­4 and IL­5, whereas LEVA alone did not affect IL­12 mRNA expression. Co­administration of GO with LEVA inhibited LEVA­induced upregulation of IL­4 and GO­induced upregulation of IL­12 expression, and had an additive upregulatory effect on IL­5 expression. In conclusion, LEVA stimulated T­helper (Th)1 cytokines, whereas GO stimulated a Th2 response, and co­administration of GO with LEVA inhibited the stimulatory effects of LEVA and balanced the Th1/Th2 response.

Antiseptic effect of sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) against multi-organ failure induced by sepsis: Molecular and histopathological study.

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection and severe sepsis patients can develop acute lung and liver injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Holothuria atra methanolic body wall extract (HaE), as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent against induced sepsis in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) rat model. In total, 30 males albino rats were divided into three groups (n=10 each) as follows: Sham (Sh), which was used as negative control; sepsis (Se), which was used as a positive control and was subjected to CLP surgery; and Ho, which was subjected to CLP and fed with 200 mg/kg (body weight) of HaE, once daily for 7 days. Subsequently, the expression of various genes was detected by polymerase chain reaction, while liver and lung tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of Caspase-3 was significantly reduced in liver and lung tissues in the Ho group, while the expression levels of Gsta2, Cat and Sod1 genes were slightly reduced in the Ho group, when compared with the Se group. In addition, expression levels of tumor necrosis factor, interferon-γ, liver interleukin (IL)1b and lung IL1a were reduced in the Ho group compared with the Se group. Furthermore, histopathological changes were observed in liver tissues of the Se group, including congestion of hepatoportal blood vessel and focal hepatic necrosis, while lung tissues showed marked edema, hemorrhage and alveolar septal thickening. The Ho group showed apparent normal hepatic parenchyma and slight interstitial pneumonia. Immunohistochemical staining of caspase-3 in liver and lung tissues showed no expression in the Sh group, strong expression in the Se group and moderate expression in the Ho group. In conclusion, HaE demonstrated beneficial effect against induced sepsis, which may be attributed to its antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities.

Genetic and Histopathological Responses to Cadmium Toxicity in Rabbit's Kidney and Liver: Protection by Ginger (Zingiber officinale).

This study aimed to examine the protective effects of ginger (G) on the genetic response induced by cadmium (Cd) and immunohistochemical expression of Caspase3 and MKI67 in the kidney and liver of rabbits. Male rabbits were divided into three groups; each group contains 10 animals: group (C) received basic diet and tap water for 12 weeks, the second group (Cd) received 200 mg/kg b.w CdCl2 in water for 12 weeks, group (Cd + G) was given 200 mg/kg b.w CdCl2 in water and 400 mg ginger/kg b.w in food for 12 weeks. Cd administration increased the activity of mRNA expression of the examined apoptotic (Caspase3), proliferation (MKI67), proto-oncogene (C-fos), and antioxidant (GST), while decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic (Bcl2). Ginger counteracted the effects of Cd in (Cd + G) group and downregulated the previously upregulated genes under Cd administration appeared in (Cd) group. The immunohistochemical expression of Caspase3 and MKI67 in the liver and kidney cells of the (C) group was shown very faint to negative reactions, strong staining in hepatocytes and the tubular epithelium in cadmium-treated group, while slight staining in some hepatocytes and tubular epithelium in co-administration with ginger in (Cd + G) group. In conclusion, ginger administration showed a protective effect against cadmium toxicity.

Molecular and Histopathological Study on the Ameliorative Effects of Curcumin Against Lead Acetate-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrototoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Lead (Pb(2+)) toxicity is the most common form of heavy metal intoxication in humans and animals. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the potential ameliorative effects of curcumin on lead acetate (LA)-induced deleterious effects in the liver and kidney. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups; first group was used as a control and given both corn oil orally and vehicle of lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p). Groups from 2-4 were treated with lead acetate (LA; 50 mg/kg BW i.p), curcumin (200 mg/kg BW orally), and curcumin plus lead acetate, respectively. Curcumin was administered 3 weeks before LA injection for 7 days. Pb(2+)-intoxicated rats have higher Pb(2+) levels compared to other treated groups. Results revealed that lead acetate significantly increased the serum levels of hepatic transaminases (GPT and GOT), urea and creatinine, while albumin was significantly decreased. In parallel, serum IgG, IgM, and IgA were significantly decreased in LA-injected rats. LA groups showed decrease in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of catalase, SOD, GST, GPx, and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), while the gene expression of desmin, vimentin, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and alpha-2 macroglobulin (α-2M) was increased. Prior and coadministration of curcumin with LA for 7 days significantly improved the ameliorated changes in liver and kidney, immunoglobulins, and mRNA expression. Moreover, curcumin ameliorated LA-induced congestion of hepatic and renal blood vessels and decreased fibrous tissue proliferation and necrosis of hepatocytes. In the kidney, LA-induced degeneration in tubular epithelium and intraluminal hyaline casts and prior curcumin administration restored normal renal structure with mild congestion of renal blood vessels. The results clarify the potential of curcumin to counteract the immunosuppressive alteration in gene expression as well as hepatic and renal damage occurred after Pb(2+) intoxication.

Protective effect of ginger and zinc chloride mixture on the liver and kidney alterations induced by malathion toxicity.

This study was carried out on four groups of male Wistar rats, 10 rats per group. Group I got open access to food intake and water with normal balanced diet. Group II was administered 400 mg ginger per kg body weight (BW) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) (300 mg/L) diluted in tap water for 4 months. Group III was administered malathion at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW/day in 0.2 mL corn oil via gavages for 4 months. This dose equal to 1/50 of the LD50. Group IV was given a mixture of 400 mg ginger per kg BW and ZnCl2 (300 mg/L) diluted in tap water in addition to 100 mg malathion/kg BW for 4 months. The liver showed histopathological changes include congestion, edema, and leucocytic infiltrations which were ameliorated by the addition of ginger and ZnCl2 mixture. The kidney showed cloudy swelling and hydropic degeneration of the renal tubules. These changes were ameliorated by the addition of ginger and ZnCl2 mixture. Ki67 immunoreactivity was localized in the cytoplasm and nuclear membrane. Its expression was estimated as the percentage of cells positively stained by the antibody in the different groups. In conclusion, malathion was toxic to the liver and kidney and must be avoided and protected by the addition of ginger and zinc mixture.

Opportunistic parasitic infections among immunocompromised Egyptian patients.

The commonest opportunistic parasites causing morbidity and/or mortality in the immuno-compromised subjects are mainly the gastro-intestinal ones. This study clarified the prevalence of the opportunistic parasites among a group of immunocompromised patients selected from Al Azhar University Hospitals. One hundred immunocompromised patients (GI) were divided into GIa: 40 malignancy patients. GIb: 30 with diabetes mellitus. GIc: 30 with chronic renal failure. GII: included 20 cross-matched healthy subjects as controls. Sheets were filled out on each subject including all personal and medical history. Both groups were subjected to stool and blood examinations for parasites. The results showed opportunistic parasites in 30% of patients and in 10% of healthy controls. The highest group had parasitosis was patients suffering from malignancy (18%). The patients suffering from chronic renal failure or from diabetes mellitus were equally affected (6% each group). There was significant relation between malignant patients and diabetic or chronic renal failure ones, but without significant relation between diabetic and chronic renal failure patients. Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite found in the patients (10%) of which 5% were among patients suffering from malignancy. Others were Cryptospotidium parvum (7%) Cyclospora cayetanensis (3%) and Microsporidia species (2%). Mixed infection was detected in 2 cases that had C. parvum and Cyclospora. But, neither Isospora belli nor Strongyloides stercoralis were detected. Also, ELISA showed antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in sex patients but none against Leishmania d. infantum.