Optimal age of sexual maturation in Egyptian children

To establish the optimal age of sexual maturation in Egyptian children, Tanner's maturity stages were determined for a sample of children and adolescents [1550 girls, 1563 boys] ranging from 6.5 to 18.5 years. The mean age for attainment of pubic hair [stage PH2] was 10.46 [SD 1.36] years for girls and 11.86 [SD 1.45] years for boys. For axillary hair [stage A2], mean age was 11.65 [SD 1.62] years for girls and 13.55 [SD 1.52] years for boys. The mean age at menarche in girls was 12.44 years and for breast development [stage B2] was 10.71 [SD 1.30] years. Testicular volume by palpation showed that the mean age of genital stage G2 for boys was 10.56 [SD 1.40] years. The study results can aid in the assessment of sexual maturation and pubertal disorders in Egyptian adolescents

Effect of hexacosanol on the characteristics of novel sustained-release allopurinol solid lipospheres (SLS): factorial design application and product evaluation.

This investigation involved the evaluation of the effect of hexacosanol (HC, ceryl alcohol), a new hydrophobic wax modifier (WM) in comparison with conventional modifiers, on the development of sustained-release allopurinol (AP) solid lipospheres (SLS) intended for use in a suspension formulation and other oral dosage forms. Various beeswax (BW)/WM blends (composition ratio 1:1) were thus used to prepare SLS by a modified oil-in-water emulsion meltable disperse-phase (MDP) encapsulation method without using organic solvents and the influence of these blends on the drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), size distribution and the time for 50% of the drug to be released (t50%) was investigated. Results indicated that incorporation of HC in wall matrix of SLS provided the means to enhance the EE of AP and to modulate the rate of drug release into dissolution media (simulated gastric fluid (S.G.F.: pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (S.I.F.: pH 7.4). The effects of the process variables; HC concentration, dispersant (pluronic F-68: PF-68) concentration and drug:wax ratio were also studied on the properties of AP-loaded SLS by a 2(3) factorial design. The EE values were in the range of 80.8-92.67%. The only significant parameter affecting (P<0.01) the size and size distribution of the SLS formulations was the amount of the PF-68, whereas the factor with the biggest influence (P<0.05) on the drug EE was the initial loading of AP (in terms of the drug:wax ratio). The amount of HC blended with wax and the initial drug loading significantly (P<0.01) affected the t50% values of all of the formulations. The release of AP was more extended (t50% values (S.I.F.; pH 7.4)=9.91-25.36 h, depending on the drug:wax ratio) and surface morphology of SLS was improved with higher HC content (15%, w/w) formulations. The release patterns fitted the Baker-Lonsdale dissolution kinetics for spherical matrices. A significant decrease of plasma uric acid levels (P<0.05) and hepatic impairment in male rats was observed after oral administration of a SLS (mean size: 120 microm) suspensions of the optimum formulation, compared to suspensions of pure AP.

Prevalence and type of anaemia in young Egyptian patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Over a 2-month period, 200 type 1 diabetic patients attending a paediatric diabetic clinic in Cairo, Egypt were screened for anaemia and other complications of diabetes. The mean age was 11.2 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 4.0 years. Anaemia was diagnosed in 75 patients [37.5%] overall: 45 had microcytic hypochromic anaemia, 18 normocytic normochromic and 12 macrocytic hyperchromic. Of the 75, 41 patients [54.7%] had iron deficiency, 14 [18.7%] had folate deficiency and 14 [18.7%] had thalassaemia minor. Three patients [4%] had coeliac disease, and 18 patients [24%] had parasitic infections. None of the patients had hypothyroidism, renal failure or vitamin B12 deficiency

Mutation of the androgen receptor (R840S) in an Egyptian patient with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome: review of the literature on the clinical expression of different R840 substitutions.

The X-linked androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) encompasses a heterogeneous group of defects in the androgen receptor (AR) that result in varying degrees of undermasculinization. In the current study, we characterize the R840S mutation on exon 7 of the AR ligand-binding domain. The Egyptian patient, who had been reared as female, presented ambiguous genitalia at 6.5 yr. Diagnosis of partial AIS (PAIS) was based on clinical phenotype and laboratory evidence of good testosterone response and normal testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio. The therapeutic response to testosterone depot injections justified reassignment to male sex. To our knowledge, this mutation has been reported only once in two Brazilian brothers with PAIS. Three other mutations of this residue (R840C; R840G, nonconservative; and R840H, conservative) have been reported in patients with PAIS and, when expressed in vitro, they led to subnormal transactivation of a reporter gene. Each of these mutations was associated with a very diverse spectrum of phenotypes. These data highlight the role of the AR ligand-binding pocket (LBP) in the expression of transcriptional activity during prenatal sex differentiation.

Urinary iodine and other iodine deficiency indicators in a sample of school-age children in Egypt

Sufficient data relating urinary iodine excretion in children to other iodine deficiency indicators are lacking in Egypt. We assayed urinary iodine concentration and serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], thyroglobulin, free triiodothyronine [T3] and free tetraiodothyronine in 99 school-aged Egyptian children. Goitre was found in 25 children. Median urinary iodine concentration was 70 micro g/L. We found mild iodine deficiency [50-99 micro g/L] in 60.6% of the children and moderate to severe deficiency [< 50 micro g/L] in 31.3%.The latter showed a high frequency of goitre and elevated mean serum free T3, TSH and thyroglobulin levels. Individual urinary iodine excretion rates vary, therefore these other indicators could help in screening for iodine deficiency at an individual level, especially in moderate to severe deficiency

Is stored expressed breast milk an alternative for working Egyptian mothers?

Expression and storage of breast milk is way to maintain breastfeeding when mother and infant are separated, if the nutritional value can be conserved. Three expressed breast milk samples were collected from 61 healthy lactating mothers in Cairo, Egypt, for determination of total protein, fat, lactose and zinc content, as well as vitamins C, A and E concentrations. One sample was analysed immediately without storage, 1 after storage for 24 hours in a refrigerator [4 degrees C] and 1 after storage for 1 week in a home freezer [-4 degrees C to -8 degrees C]. Refrigeration and freezing of breast milk caused a statistically significant decline in levels of vitamins C, A and E. Nevertheless, the values of all nutrients were still within the international reference ranges for mature breast milk

Novel B melatonin-loaded chitosan microcapsules: in vitro characterization and antiapoptosis efficacy for aflatoxin B1-induced apoptosis in rat liver.

The aim of this study was to prepare buoyant (B) melatonin (MT)-loaded chitosan microcapsules having favourable sustained release characteristics (in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), pH 1.2) in comparison with non-buoyant (NB) chitosan particles. The new buoyant microcapsules were prepared by the ionotropic gelation method using sodium lauryl sulfate (NaLS) for coagulation. The microcapsule characteristics were affected by the initial drug and NaLS concentrations, as well as the presence of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOS) or pectin with NaLS in the external phase. In general, spherical microcapsules with 36.90-56.23% encapsulation efficiencies, hollow core and satisfactory release properties were produced. The best sustained release profiles (t(50%): 5h) with near zero-order kinetics were observed with the higher theoretical payload microcapsules prepared with both NaLS and DOS in a 1:2 ratio. In vivo studies were also carried out to exploit the protective effect of the MT-loaded NaLS-DOS microcapsules against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced toxicity (liver apoptosis) in male rats. The results implied that apoptotic rate was significantly reduced when MT or its microcapsules formulation was co-administered with AFB1. The levels of the oxidative stress indices (malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product and nitric oxide (NO)) in liver tissues were significantly reduced, while the levels of the hepatic antioxidants (glutathione (GSH) and zinc (Zn), as well as the enzyme activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)) which act as antiapoptosis were significantly increased as compared to AFB1 group (without MT). MT microcapsules appeared more effective in reduction of apoptotic rate than free MT as indicated by the decline of caspase-3 activities (an apoptotic marker) and confirmed by histopathology.

Ovarian follicular dynamics in buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis).

Follicular growth in Egyptian buffalo cows was monitored using genital tracts from 200 buffalo cows collected immediately after slaughter. According to the morphological appearance of the corpus luteum (CL), the corresponding oestrous cycle was divided into four stages: A (days 1-4), B (days 5-10), C (days 11-17) and D (days 18-21). Within these stages the follicular population on the ovaries was evaluated and the dominant follicle (DF) determined in all recovered ovaries. The functional status of the DF and the largest sub-dominant follicles was examined by histological examination in 31 cases, and Radio Immunoassay (RIA) analyses for estradiol-17beta (E2) and progesterone (P4) was performed in the follicular fluid in 23 of the DF. The results showed that DFs changed their endocrine character within the stages of the oestrous cycle. The DFs between days 5 and 10 were functionally active (E2-dominant; non-atretic) in most of the cases. Between days 11 and day 17 half of the DFs became functionally inactive (P4-dominant; atretic). At days 18-21 all of the DF became functionally active and non-atretic. In the specimens that carried two large follicles one of them was regularly atretic and P4-dominant whereas the other was non-atretic and E2-dominant. Between days 18 and 21 all ovaries examined showed at least one large follicle. These findings suggest that in most of the cases follicular dynamics occurs in two wave-like patterns in the Egyptian buffalo cows.

Synthesis, characterization and antifungal activities of some benzenesulphonylamino acid derivatives.

Condensation of benzenesulphonyl chloride (1) with a series of amino acids afforded benzenesulphonylamino acids (2a-d). Esterification of the derivatives (2a-d) in methanol gave the corresponding benzensulphonylamino acid methylesters (3a-d), which condensed with o-aminophenol and o-phenylene diamine to give the benzoxazoles (4a-d) and benximidazoles (5a-d) respectively. Hydrazinolysis of the methyl esters (3a-d) afforded the hydrazide derivatives (6a-d). The 1,2-diazeridine derivatives (7a-d) can be prepared by the reaction of hydrazides (6a-d) with alpha-chloroacetylchloide. Schiff's bases (10a-d) were achieved by the condensation of p-chlorobenzaldehyde with the hydrazides (6a-d). Condensation of Schiff's bases (10a-d) with p-chlorophenyldiazonium chloride afforded the formazan derviatives (11a-d). The hydrazides (6a-d) were reacted with acetylethylacetate to give 3-methyl-2-pyrazoline-2-one derivatives (8a-d), which condensed with p-chlorobenzaldehyde to give 4-arylidino-3-methyl-2-pyrazoline-2-one derivatives (9a-d). All derivatives (2-11) were tested against: A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. alutaceus and F. moniliforme. Some of the derivatives showed promising results against the tested fungi.

TNF-alpha and homocysteine levels in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The role of homocysteine as an independent risk factor for vascular endothelial damage, and the possible link between homocysteine and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as two synergistic risk factors for beta-cell apoptosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus was studied. Plasma homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in all diabetic patients compared with controls and diabetic patients with vascular complications showed higher elevations. Furthermore, homocysteine levels showed significant positive correlation with the degree of microalbuminuria. TNF-alpha levels were elevated in all diabetic patients compared with controls. These results may have therapeutic implications.

Aflatoxin B1 induces apoptosis in rat liver: protective effect of melatonin.

OBJECTIVES: A study of liver apoptosis after aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) administration and the effect of melatonin (MEL) was investigated in male rats. METHODS: Five groups of 15 rats each were used: controls, MEL Soln-treated rats (MEL dose,5 mg/Kg body wt), AFB1-treated rats (50 microg/Kg body wt), MEL Soln+AFB1-treated rats, and MEL micro-capsules (MEL-MC)+ AFB1-treated rats. After 8 weeks of treatment, biochemical measurements in liver homogenates and histopathological examination of liver sections of different groups using light and transmission electron microscope were done. The caspase-3 enzyme activity, apoptotic marker, was determined in liver tissues. Because hepatic antioxidants represent the major defence against toxic liver injury, and they act as anti-apoptosis. So, the levels of glutathione (GSH) and zinc (Zn) and the enzyme activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were determined. In addition, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured. RESULTS: The levels of caspase-3 activities in AFB1 group were significantly higher than control group. The apoptosis was associated with degenerative and necrotic changes in the hepatocytes. Concomitantly, the levels of MDA and NO in liver tissues were significantly increased while the levels of GSH, Zn and enzyme activities of GSPx and GR in liver tissues were significantly decreased in AFB1 group compared to their levels in controls. Caspase-3 activity was positively correlated with MDA while negatively correlated with GSH, GSPx and GR in rat livers treated with AFB1. The apoptotic rate was significantly reduced when MEL co-administrated with AFB1. In rats which received MEL with AFB1, the levels of MDA and NO in liver tissues were significantly reduced while GSH and Zn levels and GSPx, GR and GST activities were significantly increased compared to AFB1 group. When MEL-MC co-administrated with AFB1 appeared more effective in reduction of apoptotic rate as detected by decline of caspase-3 activities (inhibition 66.82%) and confirmed by histopathology. CONCLUSION: AFB1 can lead to direct or indirect caspase-3 activation and consequently to apoptosis in rat liver. MEL treatment of rats could enhance hepatic antioxidant/detoxification system which consequently reduce the apoptotic rate and the necrobiotic changes in the liver. MEL-MC exhibited an efficient protective effect against AFB1. Thus, clinical application of MEL as therapy should be considered in cases of aflatoxicosis.

TNF-alpha and homocysteine levels in type 1 diabetes mellitus

The role of homocysteine as an independent risk factor for vascular endothelial damage, and the possible link between homocysteine and tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] as two synergistic risk factors for beta-cell apoptosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus was studied. Plasma homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in all diabetic patients compared with controls and diabetic patients with vascular complications showed higher elevations. Furthermore, homocysteine levels showed significant positive correlation with the degree of microalbuminuria. TNF-alpha levels were elevated in all diabetic patients compared with controls. These results may have therapeutic implications