The significance of PCSK-9's level and polymorphism in premature coronary artery disease: Relation to risk and severity.

BACKGROUND: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) is a circulating protein that plays an important role in lipid metabolism and is linked to inflammation, which has implications for atherosclerosis and its severe cardiac effects. We studied the potential association of the PCSK-9 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1- (OLR-1), and caspase-3 serum levels with the risk and severity of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). The potential contribution of PCSK-9 serum level to the severity of PCAD patients was also assessed. METHOD: This case-control study included 120 PCAD patients (age < 45), and 60 age matched healthy controls. Serum PCSK-9 and caspase-3 levels and clinical characteristics were recorded. SYNTAX score was calculated to estimate the severity of the coronary artery lesions. The SNP rs2483205 of the PCSK-9 gene and the rs11053646 of the OLR-1gene were genotyped in all participants. RESULTS: Serum PCSK-9 levels were higher in PCAD patients and were significantly different among the three SYNTAX score groups (SS ≤ 12, 12 < SS ≤ 21.5, and SS > 21.5). The diagnostic cutoff values of PCSK-9 and caspase-3 levels for PCAD were > 3.2 ng/mL for both, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98 and 0.92, sensitivity of 85 %, 98 %, and specificity of 99.5 %, 93 % for PCSK-9 and caspase-3, respectively. The genotypes TT + CT vs. CC of PCSK-9's rs2483205 SNP presented a higher risk for PCAD and higher SYNTAX scores. Furthermore, the rs11053646 SNP of OLR-1 presented the CG genotype as more risky and having higher SYNTAX scores. CONCLUSION: Circulating PCSK9 and caspase-3 concentrations were higher in PCAD patients and were associated with CAD severity. The SNPs of PCSK-9 (rs2483205) and OLR-1 (rs11053646) were associated with PCAD and its severity.

MBOAT7 expression is associated with disease progression in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019 caused a pandemic of acute respiratory disease, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 became one of the most challenging health emergencies, hence the necessity to find different prognostic factors for disease progression, and severity. Membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7) demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects through acting as a fine-tune regulator of the amount of cellular free arachidonic acid. We aimed in this study to evaluate MBOAT7 expression in COVID-19 patients and to correlate it with disease severity and outcomes. METHODS: This case-control study included 56 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and 28 control subjects. Patients were further classified into moderate (n = 28) and severe (n = 28) cases. MBOAT7, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) mRNA levels were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples isolated from patients and control subjects by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, circulating MBOAT7 protein levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Significant lower levels of circulating MBOAT7 mRNA and protein were observed in COVID-19 patients compared to control subjects with severe COVID-19 cases showing significant lower levels compared to moderate cases. Moreover, severe cases showed a significant upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1ß mRNA. MBOAT7 mRNA and protein levels were significantly correlated with inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1ß, C-reactive protein (CRP), and ferritin), liver enzymes, severity, and oxygen saturation levels. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 is associated with downregulation of MBAOT7, which correlates with disease severity.

Pharmacogenetic study of phosphatase and tensin homolog polymorphism (rs701848) in childhood epilepsy: relation to circulating Wnt signaling.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at evaluating the potential contribution of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) and its gene polymorphism (PTEN rs701848 T/C) in relation to Wingless/integrase-1 (Wnt) signaling in childhood epilepsy and the impact of antiepileptic medications on their serum levels. METHODS: This study included 100 children with epilepsy (50 pharmacoresistant and 50 pharmacoresponsive) and 50 matched controls. All subjects had their genotypes for the PTEN rs701848T/C polymorphism assessed using TaqManTM assays and real-time PCR. By using the sandwich ELISA technique, the blood concentrations of PTEN and Wnt3a were measured. RESULTS: Serum Wnt3a levels in epileptic patients were significantly higher than in the control group, p < 0.001. Children with epilepsy who received oxcarbazepine had considerably lower serum Wnt3a levels than those who didn't, p < 0.001.With an AUC of 0.71, the cutoff value for diagnosing epilepsy as serum Wnt3a > 6.2 ng/mL has a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 80%. When compared to controls, epileptic children had considerably more (TT) genotype and less (TC and CC) genotypes, p < 0.05 for all. Epileptic children had significantly higher (T) allele frequency than controls, p = 0.006 with OR (95%CI) = 1.962(1.206-3.192). Pharmacoresistant epileptic children had significantly higher (TT) genotype compared to pharmacoresponsive type (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: We originally found a strong association between PTEN rs701848 T/C and childhood epilepsy, in particular pharmacoresistant type. Serum Wnt3a levels increased in epilepsy, but were not significantly different between different alleles of PTEN. In pharmaco-responsive children Wnt3a levels differed significantly between the different PTEN genotypes. Antiepileptics may affect Wnt3a levels.

Validity of Serum Zinc/Copper Ratio as a Potential Novel Biomarker in Childhood Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in zinc and copper homeostasis may contribute to seizure susceptibility, development, termination, and response to antiepileptic medications. The current study examined the profile of zinc, copper, and their ratio in childhood epilepsy and its pharmacological variants (pharmacoresistant and pharmacoresponsive). METHODS: The study included 100 epileptic children (50 pharmacoresistant and 50 pharmacoresponsive) and 50 healthy, age- and gender-matched controls. History, clinical examination, and assays of serum zinc and copper were performed. Zinc/copper ratio was calculated. RESULTS: Serum zinc and the zinc/copper ratio were significantly lower in epileptic children than in controls (p < 0.001). Significantly lower zinc and zinc/copper ratio and higher copper levels were found in children treated with levetiracetam/sodium valproate/oxcarbazepine than those treated with levetiracetam alone or combined with sodium valproate (p < 0.05 for all). Epileptic children, particularly pharmacoresistant, exhibited significant negative correlations between the serum levels of zinc and copper (r = -0.279, p = 0.005, and r = -0.363 and p = 0.010, respectively). At cutoff value of zinc/copper ratio < 1.118 in diagnosing children with epilepsy, it gives a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 85% with the AUC = 0.8092. At cutoff value of zinc/copper ratio ≤ 0.7826 in distinguishing pharmacoresistant epilepsy, it produced 52% sensitivity, 64% specificity with AUC = 0.576 Conclusions: Low zinc and high copper levels were associated with childhood epilepsy especially those with pharmacoresistant type and treated with Oxcarbazepine. Zinc/copper ratio might be a potential biomarker in diagnosing childhood epilepsy and to some extent in predicting pharmacoresistant type.

Antiapoptotic and chemotaxis-stimulating effects of poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide)-chitosan and whey proteins against aflatoxicosis-induced splenic and thymic atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin B (AFB) induces toxicological effects on the liver and immune organs. The whey proteins can modulate the immune response during aflatoxicosis. Our work evaluates the novel polylactic acid-glycolic acid-chitosan-encapsulated bovine and camel whey proteins against AFB-induced thymic and splenic atrophy in rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy adult male Wister albino rats were divided into a control healthy group (G1) and six AFB1-intoxicated groups (G2-G7). One of the following supplements: distilled water, camel whey proteins (CWP), bovine whey proteins, poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)- chitosan-loaded with camel whey protein microparticles (CMP), PLGA-chitosan loaded with bovine whey protein microparticles (BMP), and PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles were administered as prophylactic supplements to AFB1-intoxicated groups. The AFB-treated group showed significantly higher hepatic levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidants. In the aflatoxicated group, atrophy of the splenic lymphatic nodules and disfigurement in the organisation with an apparent decrease in the thickness of the cortex in the thymus were observed, as well as a decrease in splenic and thymic CD4+T and CD8+T lymphocytes. Moreover, CXCL12 levels were downregulated, whereas tumour necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were upregulated. CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements markedly decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as significantly raised CXCL12, CD4+T, and CD8+T cells. CONCLUSIONS: The CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements rescue the liver and immune tissues from the toxic effects of AFB through their antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and chemotaxis-enhancing roles.

Living the dream - but not without hardship: stories about self-directed weight transformation from severe obesity.

DESIGN: In-depth interviews were conducted with eight women and two men, aged 27 to 59 years, who had carried out self-directed WL from SO for 5 years or more. TWO THEMES RAN ACROSS THE STORIES: fear of weight-regain, and food and emotion. We performed a case-based narrative analysis of especially rich interviews that illustrate these. Results pointed to persistently cultivating new competencies, establishing new eating habits, re-establishing old physical-training habits, and forming new relational bonds. Participants reinvented themselves and their lives. However, the stories are not all about transformation, but also about new and old health problems. CONCLUSION: The study directs attention to 'different obesities', not only to initial weight from which WL takes place, but also linked to the experiential horizons that the persons embody from childhood on. Furthermore, there was no way back in the present stories, always haunted in the wake of the lost weight. A double burden imposed on the person with obesity related to meta-stories in society deepens the understanding of this imperative: being vulnerable health-wise and exposed to stigmatization.

Copeptin, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 as New Biomarkers for Early Detection of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

cTn and CK-MB are gold standard biomarkers for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but are less sensitive in the first 3 h after onset of symptoms. A need thus exists for novel biomarkers for early detection of ACS. We evaluated circulating copeptin, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 as possible biomarkers for early detection of unstable angina (UA) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Sixty-five patients with probable ACS that presented within 4 h of the onset of chest pain (23 UA and 42 NSTEMI) and 25 apparently healthy individuals were studied. Two sets of blood samples collected in the first 3 h and at 6 h after onset were analyzed for copeptin levels via ELISA and miRNA-208 and miRNA-499 expression via real-time PCR. Copeptin, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 expression levels were significantly increased in UA and NSTEMI patients compared with controls (p < 0.001) and in NSTEMT compared with UA patients (p < 0.001). Levels were also significantly elevated in UA and NSTEMI patients with negative cardiac troponin in the first 3 h (p < 0.001). ROC curves displayed AUC for prediction of ACS of 0.96 for copeptin, 0.97 for miRNA-208, and 0.97 for miRNA-499. Their combination improved AUC to 0.98. Copeptin and miRNA-208 and miRNA-499 expression are promising biomarkers for UA and NSTEMI that present in the first 3 h of pain onset. A combination of these markers with cTn may increase the accuracy of diagnosis by avoiding the gray zone of cTn as a biomarker.

"Finding oneself after critical illness": voices from the remission society.

The number of people who survive critical illness is increasing. In parallel, a growing body of literature reveals a broad range of side-effects following intensive care treatment. Today, more attention is needed to improve the quality of survival. Based on nine individual stories of illness experiences given by participants in two focus groups and one individual interview, this paper elaborates how former critically ill patients craft and recraft their personal stories throughout their illness trajectory. The analysis was conducted from a phenomenological perspective and led to the meaning structure; a quest to find oneself after critical illness. In this structure, illness represented a breakdown of the participants' lives, forcing them to develop a new understanding of themselves. Despite acute illness, they felt safe in hospital. Coming home, however, meant a constant balancing between health and illness, and being either in or out of control. To gain a deeper understanding of the participants' narratives of survival, the meaning structure was developed from a phenomenological life world perspective, Heidegger's concept of homelikeness and Arthur Frank's typologies of illness narratives. In conclusion listening to and acknowledging the patients' lived experiences of critical illness may support the patient efforts to establish the newly defined self and hence be vital for recovery. Phenomenology is one approach facilitating care tailored to the patients' lived experience of critical illness and its aftermaths.

Myocardial injury induced by scorpion sting envenoming and evidence of oxidative stress in Egyptian children.

In the present study, 45 children in Upper Egypt (less than 16 years old) were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for scorpion envenomation (SE). They were compared with 30 apparently healthy children of matching age and sex as controls. Out of the studied victims, 35 children (78%) showed signs of severe envenomation, while 10 victims (22%) showed signs of mild envenomation. The case fatality was 33%. The serum levels of cardiac markers, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and I (cTnI), as well as the enzymatic activities of creatine kinase-MB (CPK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined for both victims and controls. In addition, the serum levels of oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and zinc (Zn) were measured. Electrocardiography and echocardiography were done. All the envenomed victims showed significantly higher mean values of cTnT, cTnI, CPK-MB and LDH than control group. These cardiac markers were elevated in severe cases and in non survivors in comparison with mild cases and survivors respectively. Furthermore, the serum levels of NO and MDA were significantly higher while the serum levels of SOD, GSH and Zn were significantly lower in all envenomed victims than the controls (p < 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in the serum levels of oxidative stress markers among severe and mild cases or between survivors and non survivors victims. There were no significant correlations between the serum levels of cardiac markers and the oxidative stress markers in envenomed victims. In conclusions, oxidative stress occurs in scorpion envenomed children, but does not determine prognosis. Cardiac markers, but not the oxidative stress, remain the most important determining factor for the severity and the outcome of SE.

Role of some vasoactive mediators in scorpion envenomed children: Possible relation to envenoming outcome.

Scorpion envenomation causes an autonomic storm resulting in changes in the vasoactive mediators' levels which lead to myocardial damage, cardiovascular disturbances, peripheral circulatory failure, pulmonary edema, multi-system-organ-failure and death. The study aimed to determine the circulating levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), Angiotensin II (Ang II), kallikrein enzyme, nitric oxide (NO), aldosterone, and electrolytes Na+, K+ and Ca+2 in scorpion envenomed children and to evaluate the potential relation between these vasoactive mediators, the severity of scorpion envenoming and the clinical outcome of envenomed children. Forty envenomed children (22 mild and 18 severe cases) along with 10 healthy control children were enrolled in the study. The circulating levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, Ang II, ACE, kallikrein enzyme, and NO were determined by ELISA, and spectrophotometric assays on admission and 24 h later. On admission, serum aldosterone, and electrolytes; Na+, K+ and Ca+2 were determined by RIA, Flame photometer and Flame atomic absorption respectively. All envenomed children showed significant surge of adrenaline, noradrenaline, ACE, Ang II, aldosterone, NO and Na+, that concomitantly faced by significant reduction in kallikrein, K+ and Ca+2 on admission. Twenty four hours later, all envenomed children continued to show significant elevation of ACE, Ang II and NO. The severely envenomed children showed considerable reduction in circulating levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, ACE and Ang II, while dramatic increase in kallikrein activity was reported in comparison to mildly envenomed children after 24 h of medical care. Also, NO exhibited considerable accumulation in non survivors, on admission, that was persistent for the subsequent 24 h and was accompanied by high kallikrein, low catecholamines and Ang II levels compared to survivors. Finally, the hypertensive cases showed substantial higher levels of catecholamine, ACE and Ang II, 24 h after admission. These findings indicated that, disturbances of the studied vasoactive mediators were common in scorpion envenomed children and may account for several inflammatory manifestations and clinical outcome. ACE inhibitors could be considered as possible therapeutic agent in victims with prominent increase in ACE and Ang II while kallikrein inhibitor and antioxidants may be effective in the treatment of late hypotensive ones.

Relation of Osteoprotegerin, Visfatin and Ghrelin to Metabolic Syndrome in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: It is now realized that insulin resistance plays a principal role in initiating the pathologic manifestations of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the possible role of osteoprotegerin, visfatin and ghrelin in the pathogenesis of MetS among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum blood samples were obtained from 116 subjects (39 T2DM; 48 T2DM with MetS; 29 healthy controls). Glycemic status and lipid profile were assessed by enzymatic method. Osteoprotegerin, visfatin, ghrelin and insulin were measured by ELISA method. RESULTS: Osteoprotegerin and visfatin were significantly higher, while ghrelin was significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to healthy control group (p<0.05). Moreover, Osteoprotegerin and visfatin showed significant higher levels in T2DM patients with MetS than those without MetS (p<0.05). The best cut-off values for the investigated markers were determined by ROC curve. Osteoprotegerin (1.06 ng/mL), visfatin (32.27 ng/mL) and ghrelin (33.65 pg/mL) presented sensitivity of 76%, 92% and 39.1%; respectively and specificity of 41%, 69.2% and 62.9%; respectively, in predicting MetS among T2DM. Among the investigated parameters, Visfatin was the one which predicts MetS among diabetic patients [AUC=0.88, p<0.05]. CONCLUSION: Osteoprotegerin, visfatin and ghrelin might be implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Moreover, osteoprotegerin and visfatin may have additional potential role in the development of the metabolic syndrome. Visfatin was superior among studied parameters in predicting MetS among T2DM.

A skin disease, a blood disease or something in between? An exploratory focus group study of patients' experiences with porphyria cutanea tarda.

BACKGROUND: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is characterized by fragile skin with blistering on sun-exposed areas. Symptoms typically develop in late adulthood and can be triggered by iron overload, alcohol intake, oestrogens and various liver diseases. Treatment consists of phlebotomy to reduce iron, or increasing urinary porphyrin excretion by administering chlorochin. To optimize patient care, health personnel need to understand the subjective experiences of PCT. OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of persons with PCT with regard to symptoms, treatment, follow-up and prevention of the disease. METHODS: Interpretive description was used as a qualitative approach. Twenty-one participants attended three focus groups. All participants had experienced PCT symptoms during the last 5 years. RESULTS: Participants' experiences varied from trivializing symptoms and fragile skin to what was described as a desperate situation, with huge blisters, skin falling off and feeling as if one was in a 'horror movie'. For some, itching was very troublesome, preventing sleep and delaying skin healing. In managing PCT a shift in focus from skin to blood was described. PCT was perceived as a chronic and systemic disease causing a range of health problems. Strategies for preventing symptoms ranged from doing nothing to frequent controls and check-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Participants had a systemic perception of PCT, and a tendency to attribute a range of health problems to the condition. This study adds insight into the experiences patients have with PCT.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor ß1, and nitric oxide levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris: their correlation to disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), and nitric oxide (NO) have been reported to be contributory factors to the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the association between the levels of VEGF, TGF-ß1, and NO and psoriasis severity (as expressed by psoriasis area severity index, PASI). METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with psoriasis vulgaris and twenty-two controls were included in the study. The serum levels of VEGF and TGF-ß1 were estimated by ELISA technique. The serum levels of NO were determined by colorimetric method. RESULTS: The serum levels of VEGF, TGF-ß1, and NO were significantly higher in patients than controls. Moreover, the serum levels of the studied biochemical variables in patients with severe disease activity were significantly higher than mild cases. The duration of disease showed significant positive correlations with each VEGF (r = 0.35, P < 0.01) and TGF-ß1 (r = 0.41, P < 0.05). In addition, the PASI score was significantly positively correlated with VEGF (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), TGF-ß1 (r = 0.31, P < 0.05), and NO (r = 0.51, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest an association between psoriasis disease severity and serum levels of VEGF, TGF-ß1, and NO, which can be recognized as markers of the psoriasis severity. The modulation of their production may represent a therapeutic potential strategy for psoriasis.

Effect of cadmium-polluted water on plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and oxidative status biomarkers in rats: protective effect of curcumin.

UNLABELLED: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of CdCl2-polluted drinking water (40 mg CdCl2/L) on the level of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as oxidative status biomarkers in plasma of rats. The possible protective effect of oral administration of curcumin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) was assessed. Results illustrated that Cd exposure significantly elevated the plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (p<0.001) as compared to normal rats. Also, Cd administration resulted in a significant elevation in the lipid peroxidation and markedly reduction in the activities of SOD and catalase as well as the level of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in plasma. The co-treatment of Cd with curcumin significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and ameliorated the alteration in oxidative status biomarkers induced by Cd. Negative correlation between IL-6 or TNF-α was and the plasma activities of catalase, SOD and the level of total antioxidant capacity were found in rats exposed to Cd. CONCLUSION: Cadmium toxicity induced the release of TNF-α and IL-6 which is associated with systemic oxidative stress. This may be involved in the mechanism of the Cd toxicity. On the other hand, the findings suggest the curative action of curcumin against Cd toxicity.

Anti-ulcerative colitis activity of compounds from Euphorbia granuleta Forssk.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) activity of the total alcohol extracts of Euphorbia granuleta Forssk. (Euphorpiaceae), isolate and identify the active compounds that could be responsible for the activity, in addition to determination of the possible mechanism of action. Six compounds were isolated and identified from this plant: three phenolic compounds (kampferol, kampferol-3-glucoside and kampferol-3-galactoside) in addition to three steroidal compounds (1-ethoxypentacosane, heptacosan-1-ol and ß-sitosterol). Three compounds (heptacosan-1-ol, ß-sitosterol and kampferol-3-galactoside) were found to be responsible for the anti-UC activity of E. granuleta extract. The anti-UC activity of these compounds may be explained by reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in addition to reduction of colonic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. No side effects were reported on liver and kidney functions. The active compounds reduced both serum TNF-α and mucosal MDA levels.

Biochemical markers of oxidative and nitrosative stress in acne vulgaris: correlation with disease activity.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial skin disorder of unknown etiology. Free radical-mediated reactions have been implicated but their role in eliciting this response and contributing to disease progress remains unexplored. This study was undertaken to investigate the status and contribution of oxidative/nitrosative stress in patients with acne vulgaris. METHODS: Sera from 50 acne vulgaris with varying levels of disease activity (mild, moderate, and severe) according to the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) and 40 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated for serum levels of oxidative/nitrosative stress markers, including protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH). RESULTS: Serum analysis showed significantly higher levels of carbonyl contents, malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO, in acne patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05). Interestingly, not only there were an increased number of subjects positive for carbonyl contents, but also the levels of these oxidants were significantly increased with the increase of the disease activity (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the levels of carbonyl contents and the GAGS scores (r = 0.341, r = 0.355, and r = 0.299, respectively). Furthermore, sera from acne patients had lower levels of SOD and GSH compared with healthy control sera. CONCLUSION: These findings support an association between oxidative/nitrosative stress and acne. The stronger response observed in serum samples from patients with higher GAGS scores suggests that markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress may be useful in evaluating the progression of acne and in elucidating the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.

Ameliorated effects of green tea extract on lead induced liver toxicity in rats.

In the present study, the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on lead induced toxicity was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. Four groups of rats were used in the study. Lead and GTE was given orally to the rats with drinking water for 8 weeks. Lead concentration in the digested tissues of liver was detected using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were used as markers to evaluate the anti oxidant status of tissues. Lead exposure was found to attenuate the antioxidant potential of liver, which was however augmented when supplemented with green tea extract. Liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP and serum protein determinations indicated the protective effects of green tea extract. Histopathological studies of liver revealed that supplementation of green tea extract resulted in mild degeneration and congestion of the blood vessels and an enhanced regenerative capacity.

Effect of Emex spinosa, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Haloxylon salicornicum and Ochradenus baccatus extracts on the reproductive organs of adult male rats.

CONTEXT: Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. (Polygonaceae), Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) Decne (Asclepiadaceae), Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Bioss. (Chenopodiaceae) and Ochradenus baccatus Delile (Resedaceae) are used in folk medicine for treatment of male sexual disorders. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of E. spinosa, L. pyrotechnica, H. salicornicum and O. baccatus extracts on the reproductive system of male rats after prolonged period of treatment. METHODS: Seventy-eight healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into 13 groups (6 animals, each). The plant extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were given daily by gavage to different groups of rats for 65 days. The thirteenth group (control) received the vehicle only. Test and control rats were mated with estrus female rats on days 30, 45 and 60 of treatment. Body and relative reproductive organ weights, and sperm parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Animals treated with the ethanol extracts of E. spinosa and L. pyrotechnica showed significant improvement of the relative weight of reproductive organs, sperm count, sperm motility and total sperm abnormality. The mean sperm count for E. spinosa group (400 mg/kg) was 233.7 ± 4.50 × 10(6)/mL, for L. pyrotechnica (200 and 400 mg/kg) groups were 237.0 ± 5.22 × 10(6)/mL and 240.3 ± 4.64 × 10(6)/mL, respectively and that of the control group was 218.1 ± 4.28 × 10(6)/mL. The sperm motility of the control group was 77.5 ± 2.12, those of E. spinosa (400 mg/kg) group was 87.3 ± 3.50% and those of L. pyrotechnica (200 and 400 mg/kg) groups were 86.0 ± 3.11 and 89.7 ± 2.90%, respectively. Ethanol extracts of E. spinosa (400 mg/kg) and L. pyrotechnica (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly elevate the serum levels of testosterone (5.30 ± 0.15, 5.32 ± 0.20 and 5.66 ± 0.19 ng/mL, respectively vs 4.64 ± 0.16 ng/mL) and luteinizing hormone (0.69 ± 0.03, 0.70 ± 0.03 and 0.74 ± 0.03 mIU/mL, respectively vs 0.59 ± 0.02 mIU/mL). On the other hand, no alterations were observed in body and relative organ weights, sperm numbers as well as sperm morphology of the male rats after the exposure to the H. salicornicum and O. baccatus extracts for 65 days. CONCLUSIONS: E. spinosa and L. pyrotechnica extracts appear to possess fertility improvement activity in male rats due to their testosterone increasing property. Moreover, the results suggest the absence of male reproductive toxicity of the H. salicornicum and O. baccatus extracts at tested doses.

Novel flavonoids with antioxidant activity from a Chenopodiaceous plant.

OBJECTIVE: Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S.Wats (Chenopodiaceae) is a wild plant which is in use by Bedouin in treatment of general fatigue, therefore, there is a need to explore the potential antioxidant activity of the extracts and isolated compounds of this plant. METHODS: Column chromatography and spectroscopic analysis were used for isolation and identification of the compounds. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using the ABTS(•+) (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethyl-bezthiazoine-6-sulphuric acid) radical scavenging model. Liver and kidney functions were investigated after oral administration of total alcohol, successive extracts, and isolated compounds. RESULTS: Two new flavonoids, quercetin-6,4'-dimethoxy-3-fructo-rhamnoside 1 and quercetin-4'-methoxy-3-fructo-rhamnoside 2 in addition to five known compounds (kaempferol-4'-methoxy-3-rutinoside 3, kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside 4, kaempferol-3,7-O,O-dirhamnoside 5, quercetin 6, and kaempferol 7) were isolated. Oral administration of total ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts showed no signs of toxicity up to (5 g/kg. b.wt.). All extracts and isolated compounds showed varied antioxidant activity ranged from 129 to 952 µmol Trolox equivalent/gram dry weight with maximum level for the two new isolated flavonoids (985 and 895 µmol Trolox equivalent/gram dry weight). Animals received both total ethanol and n-butanol extracts showed a significant increase in ALT, AST, blood urea, and serum creatinine levels.