Commitment, partnerships and operational research: three priorities for 11 EMR countries to achieve TB elimination.

BACKGROUND: In 2022, 11 of 22 Member States of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) had an estimated TB incidence of <20 cases per 100,000 population. We assessed preparedness for elimination and provided recommendations to pursue the process. METHODS: We surveyed 11 EMR national TB programme managers and collected information on eight TB elimination framework domains using a close-ended data collection tool. We compiled, consolidated and validated data, including a virtual consultation before triangulating data with other sources. RESULTS: Implementation was sufficient (≥74%) for 5 of 8 domains, highest for TB infection management, TB preventive treatment, laboratory service, drug management, drug-resistant TB and TB-HIV collaboration (89%, 83% and 78%, respectively). Countries ranked lowest for commitment (73%), operational research and infection control (63%), and partnership/collaborations (41%). Five countries reached >80% when consolidating the responses, reaching sufficient from all domains. Two reached <50%. CONCLUSION: Key identified obstacles to TB elimination in EMR were insufficient commitment/financing, sub-optimal partnerships/collaborations and operational research calling for 1) all-stakeholder-inclusive, sustainably funded TB elimination plans, 2) cost-effective tools to exchange strategic information and build operational research capacity, and 3) improved collaboration.

CONTEXTE: En 2022, 11 des 22 États membres de la Région de la Méditerranée orientale de l'OMS avaient une incidence de la TB estimée à moins de 20 cas pour 100 000 habitants. Nous avons évalué l'état de préparation à l'élimination et formulé des recommandations pour poursuivre le processus. MÉTHODES: Nous avons interrogé 11 responsables de programmes nationaux de lutte contre la TB dans la région de la Méditerranée orientale et recueilli des informations sur huit domaines du cadre d'élimination de la TB à l'aide d'un outil de collecte de données à questions fermées. Nous avons compilé, consolidé et validé les données, y compris lors d'une consultation virtuelle, avant de les trianguler avec d'autres sources. RÉSULTATS: La mise en œuvre était suffisante (≥74%) pour 5 des 8 domaines, les plus élevés étant la gestion de l'infection tuberculeuse, le traitement préventif de la TB, les services de laboratoire, la gestion des médicaments, la TB pharmacorésistante et la collaboration TB-VIH (89%, 83% et 78%, respectivement). Les pays se sont classés au dernier rang pour l'engagement (73%), la recherche opérationnelle et la lutte contre l'infection (63%) et le partenariat/la collaboration (41%). Cinq pays ont atteint >80% lors de la consolidation des réponses, atteignant un niveau suffisant dans tous les domaines. Deux pays ont atteint un taux de réponse inférieur à 50%. CONCLUSION: Les principaux obstacles à l'élimination de la TB dans les pays de l'Union européenne sont un engagement/un financement insuffisant, des partenariats/collaborations sous-optimaux et une recherche opérationnelle nécessitant 1) des plans d'élimination de la TB incluant toutes les parties prenantes et bénéficiant d'un financement durable, 2) des outils rentables permettant d'échanger des informations stratégiques et de renforcer les capacités de recherche opérationnelle, et 3) une meilleure collaboration.

Nomogram predictive model for differentiation between renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma at multi-phasic CT: a retrospective study.

AIM: To develop a predictive model to discriminate renal oncocytoma (RO) from chromophobe renal carcinoma (chRCC) using multiphase computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and five cases of renal tumours were analysed retrospectively regarding attenuation values during four CT phases, in addition to age, size, and sex. Then, logistic analysis was applied and a nomogram model developed to predict the most significant variables that can be used to differentiate between both tumour types. The cases were histopathologically proven as 81 cases of RO and 124 cases of chRCC. RESULTS: There was no association between the sex of the patient and the tumour types (p=0.41); however, there was a significant positive association between RO and the age of the patient (odds ratio 1.05; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.08; p=0.001)) and a significant negative association between tumour size and RO (odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 73-90; p<0.001). There was a significant difference between tumour types in the contrast-enhanced phases. Logistic regression showed that absolute arterial enhancement (AAE) and absolute venous enhancement (AVE) are the most significant predictors for discriminating between tumour types. Combining these variables, size, AAE, and AVE were the best classifiers to discriminate between tumour types with an area under the curve of 0.90. A nomogram model was developed using these variables to predict RO probability in different case scenarios. CONCLUSION: The nomogram can predict the probability of RO from chRCC by using the best predictors, size, AAE, and AVE, with high accuracy.

Detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes in strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from recreational water and tertiary hospital waste water in Zaria, Nigeria.

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria pose a severe health risk globally. This study focused on detecting ESBL genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from a recreational water source and the waste water from a tertiary hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The isolates (twenty-two) were screened phenotypically for extended spectrum beta lactamase production using the double disk synergy test. Of the isolates, 13 (59.1%) were E. coli, while 9 (40.9%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae; 17 (77.3%) were isolated from the waste water and 5 (22.7%) were isolated from the recreational water. Six (27.2%) of them showed ESBL production phenotypically; however, PCR amplification of the ESBL genes showed that only five of them had at least one of the genes. The presence of ESBL bacteria in hospital waste water and surface waters highlights that water matrices are important routes of transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Phytochemical studies and anti-ulcerative colitis effect of Moringa oleifera seeds and Egyptian propolis methanol extracts in a rat model

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical constituents, and to explore potential protective effect of the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) seeds and Egyptian propolis, each alone or concurrently administered on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Methods: Eight groups of 5 rats each were used: normal control group with distilled water, model group, two groups with M. oleifera seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg), two groups with propolis (50 and 100 mg/kg), one group with concurrent administration of both, and one group with prednisolone (reference drug). Macro-and microscopic picture, ulcer index and lesion scores, oxidative markers, inflammatory mediators, in vitro activity of the inflammatory enzymes and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging activity were evaluated. The phytochemical constituents of both extracts were explored by GC-MS analysis. Results:Both treatments modulated the macro-and microscopic picture, decreased the ulcerative index, lesion score, oxidative markers and inflammatory mediators, and inhibited the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Propolis appeared to be powerful free radicals scavenger. A powerful synergistic effect of both treatments in modulating the course of the disease was reported. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract of M. oleifera seeds and propolis revealed the presence of 50 and 34 compounds, respectively. Conclusions: M. oleifera seeds and propolis methanol extracts have modulated the course of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Moreover, both treatments induce a good synergistic effect against the disease. Isolation of the active constituents is recommended.

BK polyomavirus association with colorectal cancer development.

The development of human neoplasms can be provoked by exposure to one of several viruses. Burkitt lymphoma, cervical carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma are associated with Epstein-Barr, human papilloma, and hepatitis B virus infections, respectively. Over the past three decades, many studies have attempted to establish an association between colorectal cancer and viruses, with debatable results. The aim of the present research was to assess the presence of BK polyomavirus (BKV) DNA and protein in colorectal cancer samples from patients in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia. DNA extracted from archival samples of colorectal cancer tissues was analyzed for BKV sequences using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques. In addition, expression of a BKV protein was assessed using immunohistochemical staining. None of the tumor and control samples examined tested positive for BKV DNA in PCR assays. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining failed to detect viral proteins in both cancer and control specimens. These results may indicate that BKV is not associated with the development of colorectal adenocarcinoma in patients in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia.

GSTM1 gene polymorphism and the risk of colorectal cancer in a Saudi Arabian population.

The enzyme glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) is encoded by the GSTM1 gene. Polymorphisms in GSTM1 affect the detoxifying function of the enzyme variants. This forms the basis of the debate about the impact of the GSTM1 null/present genotype on colorectal carcinoma risk. We tested the potential influence of GSTM1 polymorphisms on the development of colorectal cancer. DNA extracted from 83 samples taken from patients that were previously diagnosed as having colorectal carcinoma and from 35 control subjects who did not have colorectal carcinoma were amplified. GSTM1 genotypes were determined by DNA sequencing. The current study revealed that the majority (69/83, 83%) of colorectal cancer cases harbored the null genotype (GSTM1*0/*0), and the remaining 14 (17%) cases harbored either the GSTM1wt/wt or the GSTM1wt/*0 genotype. In contrast, among the control cases, 23 (65%) had the null genotype (GSTM1*0/*0) and 12 (35%) had either the GSTM1wt/wt or the GSTM1wt/*0 genotype. The current report emphasizes the impact of the GSTM1 null genotype on the increased risk of colorectal carcinoma in Saudi Arabia.

Endothelial progenitor cells regenerate infracted myocardium with neovascularisation development.

We achieved possibility of isolation, characterization human umbilical cord blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), examination potency of EPCs to form new blood vessels and differentiation into cardiomyoctes in canines with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). EPCs were separated and cultured from umbilical cord blood. Their phenotypes were confirmed by uptake of double stains dioctadecyl tetramethylindocarbocyanine-labeled acetylated LDL and FITC-labeled Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (DILDL-UEA-1). EPCs of cord blood were counted. Human VEGFR-2 and eNOS from the cultured EPCs were assessed by qPCR. Human EPCs was transplanted intramyocardially in canines with AMI. ECG and cardiac enzymes (CK-MB and Troponin I) were measured to assess severity of cellular damage. Histopathology was done to assess neovascularisation. Immunostaining was done to detect EPCs transdifferentiation into cardiomyocytes in peri-infarct cardiac tissue. qPCR for human genes (hVEGFR-2, and eNOS) was done to assess homing and angiogenic function of transplanted EPCs. Cultured human cord blood exhibited an increased number of EPCs and significant high expression of hVEGFR-2 and eNOS genes in the culture cells. Histopathology showed increased neovascularization and immunostaining showed presence of EPCs newly differentiated into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Our findings suggested that hEPCs can mediate angiogenesis and differentiate into cardiomyoctes in canines with AMI.

Efficacy of a novel water-soluble curcumin derivative versus sildenafil citrate in mediating erectile function.

The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a novel curcumin derivative (NCD) versus sildenafil citrate in erectile signaling. The study was conducted on 10 control male rats and 50 diabetic male rats divided into the following groups: diabetic, curcumin, NCD, sildenafil and NCD combined with sildenafil. Cavernous tissue (CC) gene expression levels of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, Nrf2, NF-κß and p38, enzyme activities of HO and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and intracavernosal pressure (ICP) were assessed. Results showed that 12 weeks after induction of diabetes, erectile dysfunction was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP, a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzyme activities, a significant decrease in HO-1 gene and a significant elevation of NF-κß, p38 genes. Administration of all therapeutic interventions led to a significant elevation in ICP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in HO-1 and Nrf2 gene expression, and a significant decrease in NF-κß, p38 gene expression. NCD or its combination with sildenafil showed significant efficacy and more prolonged duration of action. In conclusion, NCD could enhance erectile function with more efficacy and more prolonged duration of action.

Molecular signalling of a novel curcumin derivative versus Tadalafil in erectile dysfunction.

The efficacy of a novel curcumin derivative (NCD) versus tadalafil in erectile signalling was assessed. Ten control male rats and 50 diabetic male rats were used and divided into the following: diabetic (DM), curcumin (CURC), NCD, tadalafil and NCD combined with tadalafil rat groups. Cavernous tissue gene expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nrf2, NF-B and p38, enzyme activities of heme oxygenase (HO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cGMP and intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed. Results showed that 12 weeks after induction of diabetes, erectile dysfunction (ED) was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP/MAP, a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzyme activities, a significant decrease in HO-1 gene and a significant increase in NF-Ò ß, p38 genes. Administration of all therapeutic interventions led to a significant increase in ICP/MAP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in HO-1, and Nrf2 gene expression, and a significant decrease in NF-Ò ß, p38 gene expression. NCD or its combination with tadalafil showed significant superiority and more prolonged duration of action. In conclusion, a tendency was observed that CURC and NCD have high efficacy and more prolonged duration of action in enhancing erectile function.

Treatment of oral ulcers in dogs using adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

AIM: Adipose tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem cells (ADMSCs) represent a promising toolfor new clinical concepts in supporting cellular therapy. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of ADMSCs transplantation on oral ulcer healing in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from adipose tissues of dogs obtained by suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction), by dish adherence and were expanded in culture. Oral ulcers were induced by topical application of formocresol in the oral cavity of 18 dogs. The dogs were classified into 3 groups. Either autologous ADMSCs, Corticosteriod (Dexamethasone) or vehicle (saline) was injected. The healing process of the ulcer was monitored histopathologically. Gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelets derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and collagen was assessed in biopsies obtained from all ulcers "as healing markers'", by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: ADMSCs group showed significantly accelerated oral ulcer healing compared with the Dexamethasone and control groups. There was increased expression of VEGF PDGF EGF and collagen genes in ADMSCs-treated ulcers compared with Dexamethasone and controls. CONCLUSION: ADMSCs transplantation may help accelerate oral ulcer healing, possibly through the induction of angiogenesis by VEGF and PDGF as well as epithelial and connective tissue proliferation as evidenced by increased EGF and collagen gene expression.

Genotype characterization of occult hepatitis B virus strains among Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection combined with occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been associated with increased risk of hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection among Egyptian chronic HCV patients, the genotype and occurrence of surface gene mutations of HBV and the impact of co-infection on early response to treatment. The study enrolled 162 chronic HCV patients from Ismailia Fever Hospital, Egypt, who were HBV surface antigen-negative. All patients were given clinical assessment and biochemical, histological and virological examinations. HBV-DNA was detectable in sera from 3 patients out of the 40 patients who were positive for hepatitis B core antibody. These 3 patients were responsive to combination therapy at treatment week 12; only 1 of them had discontinued therapy by week 24. HBV genotype D was the only detectable genotype in those patients, with absence of "a" determinant mutations among those isolates.

Genotype characterization of occult hepatitis B virus strains among Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients

Chronic hepatitis C virus [HCV]infection combined with occult hepatitis B virus [HBV]infection has been associated with increased risk of hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.This study aimed to determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection among Egyptian chronic HCV patients, the genotype and occurrence of surface gene mutations of HBV and the impact of co-infection on early response to treatment.The study enrolled 162 chronic HCV patients from Ismailia Fever Hospital, Egypt, who were HBV surface antigen-negative.All patients were given clinical assessment and biochemical, histological and virological examinations.HBV-DNA was detectable in sera from 3 patients out of the 40 patients who were positive for hepatitis B core antibody.These 3 patients were responsive to combination therapy at treatment week 12; only 1 of them had discontinued therapy by week 24.HBV genotype D was the only detectable genotype in those patients, with absence of [a]determinant mutations among those isolates

إن العدوى بفيروس التهاب الكبد المزمن "سي" المصحوبة بفيروس التهاب الكبد البائي الخفي، يرافقها زيادة في خطر الإصابة بالتهاب الكبد، وتليف الكبد، وسرطانة الخلايا الكبدية. وتهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تحديد معدل انتشار العدوى بفيروس التهاب الكبد البائي الخفي بين المرضى المصريين المصابين بالتهاب الكبد الوبائي "سي"، وتحديد الأنماط الجينية، والطفرات الجينية السطحية لفيروس التهاب الكبد البائي "سي"، وتأثير العدوى المشتركة على الاستجابة المبكرة للمعالجة. وقد أدرج في الدراسة 162 مريضا مصابا بفيروس التهاب الكبد "سي" المزمن من مستشفى الإسماعيلية للحميات بمصر، ممن كانوا سلبيين لمستضد فيروس التهاب الكبد البائي، وتم إجراء تقييم سريري مع اختبارات بيولوجية كيميائية وهيستولوجية وفيروسية لجميع المرضى. وتم اكتشاف دنا فيروس التهاب الكبد البائي في مصول ثلاثة مرضى من بين 40 مريضا إيجابيا للضد اللبي لفيروس التهاب الكبد البائي.وقد استجاب هؤلاء الثلاثة للمعالجة التوليفية في الأسبوع الثاني عشر للمعالجة.وتوقف واحد فقط منهم عن المعالجة في الأسبوع 24 . ولم يكتشف سوى النمط الجيني D لفيروس التهاب الكبد البائي لدى هؤلاء المرضى مع غياب أي طفرة محددة في هذه المستفردات

L'infection chronique par le virus de l'hépatite C associée à une infection occulte par le virus de l'hépatite B a été associée à un risque accru d'autres hépatites, de cirrhose et de carcinome hépatocellulaire.La présente étude visait à déterminer la prévalence des infections occultes par le virus de l'hépatite B chez des patients égyptiens atteints d'une hépatite C chronique, le génotype et la survenue des mutations génétiques du virus de l'hépatite B et l'impact d'une coïnfection par le virus de l'hépatite B sur la réponse précoce du patient au traitement.L'étude a recruté 162 patients atteints d'une hépatite C chronique dans l'établissement Fever Hôpital d'Ismaïlia [Egypte], ayant des résultats négatifs pour l'antigène de surface du virus de l'hépatite B.Tous les patients ont été soumis à un examen clinique ainsi qu'à des analyses biochimiques, histologiques et virologiques.L'ADN du virus de l'hépatite B a été dépisté dans le sérum de trois patients sur 40 dont les résultats étaient positifs pour l'anticorps nucléocapsidique de l'hépatite B.Ces trois patients ont répondu au traitement combiné à la Semaine 12 du traitement; seul un patient a interrompu le traitement à la Semaine 24.Le genotype D du virus de l'hépatite B était le seul détectable chez ces patients, et aucune mutation du déterminant "a" n'a été observée dans les isolats

Towards gene therapy of postoperative adhesions: fiber and transcriptional modifications enhance adenovirus targeting towards human adhesion cells.

Postoperative abdominal/pelvic peritoneal adhesions are a major source of morbidity (bowel obstruction, infertility, ectopic gestation as well as chronic pelvic pain) in women. In this study, we screened various transduction and transcription modifications of adenovirus (Ad) to identify those that support maximal Ad-mediated gene delivery to human adhesion fibroblasts, which in turn would enhance the efficacy of this novel treatment/preventative strategy for postoperative adhesions. We transduced primary cultures of human peritoneal adhesion fibroblasts with fiber-modified Ad vectors Ad5-RGD-luc, Ad5-Sigma-luc, Ad5/3-luc and Ad5-CAV2-luc as well as transcriptional targeting viruses Ad5-survivin-luc, Ad5-heparanase-luc, Ad5-mesothelin (MSLN)-CRAd-luc and Ad5-secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI)-luc, and compared their activity to wild-type Ad5-luc. At 48 h, luciferase activity was measured and normalized to the total protein content in the cells. Among the fiber-modified Ad vectors, Ad5-Sigma-luc and among the transcriptional targeting modified Ad vectors, Ad5-MSLN-CRAd-luc showed significantly increased expression levels of luciferase activity at 5, 10 and 50 plaque forming units/cell in adhesion fibroblast cells compared with wild-type Ad5-luc (p < 0.05). Specific modifications of Ad improve their gene delivery efficiency towards human peritoneal adhesion fibroblasts. Developing a safe localized method to prevent/treat postoperative adhesion formation would have a major impact on women health.

Heme oxygenase effect on mesenchymal stem cells action on experimental Alzheimer's disease.

The objective is to evaluate the effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme inducer and inhibitor on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Alzheimer disease. 70 female albino rats were divided equally into 7 groups as follows: group 1: healthy control; group 2: Aluminium chloride induced Alzheimer disease; group 3: induced Alzheimer rats that received intravenous injection of MSCs; group 4: induced Alzheimer rats that received MSCs and HO inducer cobalt protoporphyrin; group 5: induced Alzheimer rats that received MSCs and HO inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin; group 6: induced Alzheimer rats that received HO inducer; group7: induced Alzheimer rats that received HO inhibitor. Brain tissue was collected for HO-1, seladin-1 gene expression by real time polymerase chain reaction, heme oxygenase activity, cholesterol estimation and histopathological examination. MSCs decreased the plaque lesions, heme oxygenase induction with stem cells also decreased plaque lesions however there was hemorrhage in the brain. Both heme oxygenase inducer alone or with stem cells increased seladin-1 expression and decreased cholesterol level. MSCs alone or with HO-1 induction exert a therapeutic effect against the brain lesion in Alzheimer's disease possibly through decreasing the brain cholesterol level and increasing seladin-1 gene expression.

Heme oxygenase enzyme activity in seminal plasma of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic males with varicocele.

This work aimed to assess seminal plasma heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme activity in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) males with varicocele. Ninety-three men were divided according to their sperm count and clinical examination into: healthy fertile controls (n = 34), OAT without varicocele (n = 37) and OAT associated with varicocele (n = 22). They were subjected to semen analysis and estimation of seminal plasma HO enzyme activity in the form of bilirubin concentration. Seminal plasma HO enzyme activity decreased significantly in OAT cases compared with controls. Seminal plasma HO in OAT cases associated with varicocele decreased significantly compared with OAT cases without varicocele and healthy controls (mean +/- SD; 109.2 +/- 29.5, 283.6 +/- 88.4, 669.5 +/- 236.1 nMol bilirubin/mg ptn/min, P < 0.001). There was positive correlation between seminal plasma HO enzyme activity and sperm concentration, per cent of motile spermatozoa, number of motile spermatozoas ml(-1) and significant negative correlation with sperm abnormal forms per cent. It is concluded that varicocele has a negative impact on seminal HO enzyme activity. Therefore, improved seminal picture after correcting varicocele repair might be related, in part, to improved HO action(s).

Effect of mesenchymal stem cell penile transplantation on erectile signaling of aged rats.

Stem cell-based therapy targeted at the penile tissue has been lately considered in preclinical studies. This work aimed to assess the effect of intracavernous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in aged rats (n = 100). They were subjected to single intracavernous injection (ICI) of 1.0 million MSCs, followed up for 3, 4 weeks, 3 and 4 months (each group 25 rats) and compared with both adult and aged controls (n = 50). In dissected cavernous tissues, cGMP and histopathology were assessed in addition to intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement in some anaesthetised rats. The results showed that cavernous tissue cGMP was significantly increased in MSCs transplanted rats in all investigated groups compared with the controls. The mean cavernous cGMP levels after 3 and 4 months of MSCs transplantation were significantly increased compared with those after 3 or 4 weeks. Cavernous tissue ICP measurement showed significant increase in MSCs transplanted groups compared with the controls, more in the long-term follow up than in the shorter one. Histopathological examination detected markedly dilated sinusoidal vascular spaces in the long-term follow-up study. It is concluded that stem cell-based therapy is feasible for age-associated erectile dysfunction and could improve erectile signaling.

Long-term ofloxacin testicular toxicity: an experimental study.

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term toxic effect of ofloxacin on the testes and epididymides of 72 adult male albino rats. The rats were divided into group A and group B. Group A, which received ofloxacin for 14 days, was subdivided into two subgroups; LD-14 received low dose 72 mg KBW(-1) daily and HD-14 received high dose 216 mg KBW(-1) daily. Group B, which received ofloxacin for 28 days, was subdivided into two subgroups; LD-28 received 72 mg KBW(-1) and HD-28 received 216 mg KBW(-1) daily. Two matched control groups were followed up for 14 and 28 days respectively. The animals were evaluated for body weight, testicular weight, relative testicular weight, serum testosterone (T), epididymal sperm analysis (sperm count, motility, morphology, curvilinear velocity, linear velocity and linearity index) and testicular histopathology. The adverse effects of ofloxacin were correlated with increased treatment duration and/or dose. It is concluded that long-term ofloxacin has a direct detrimental effect on the testicles of albino rats at the studied doses and durations.

A novel endometriosis inducing factor in women with endometriosis.

AIM: To confirm the hypothesis of the presence of a possible endometriosis inducing factor(s) (EIF) in the blood of women with endometriosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty infertile women were studied. The study group compromised of fifteen women of each three different degrees of endometriosis and fifteen women without endometriosis as a control group. Stem cells are characterized by being spindle shaped and proliferate in appropriate culture indefinitely. The women sera were co-cultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which were followed up weekly to look for morphological changes and to detect Annexin 1 marker and ß-actin gene by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: MSCs cultured with sera of cases with, mild, moderate and severe endometriosis, showed morphological changes to be columnar and cuboidal shaped cells -resembling endometrial cells and glands- by the 4th week in 60%, 60% & 100% respectively. These cells were detected from as early as the first week in women with moderate and severe types (20% for each group). The percentage of the change into endometrial like cells increased among the three groups where it was 30±25.8%, 45±29.9% and 75±37.9% respectively. Moreover, increasing number of endometrial like cells are detected weekly, the more severe the disease is. None of the cultures of serum of the control group had made such changes all over the study. Furthermore, with more differentiation there was a considerable decrease in number of stem cells. These differentiated cells expressed the Annexin-1 marker. CONCLUSION: It was evident that serum of women with endometriosis posses a factor(s) that enables the MSCs to be transformed into endometrial like cells and glands in vitro. This finding supports a new theory for the etiology of endometriosis. This observation may have a tremendous effect on the therapeutic implications of this debilitating condition.

Reversal of Hepatic Fibrosis by Human CD34(+) Stem/Progenitor Cell Transplantation in Rats.

Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells have many advantages as grafts for cell transplantation. Here, we transplant UCB cells into injured liver fibrosis, investigated the hepatic potential of UCB cells both in vitro and in vivo. a CCl4 rat model with liver fibrosis was prepared. Human (UCB) CD34(+) stem cell was separated with MACS (magnetic cell sorting). Cells were cultured with and without hepatic differentiation medium. Rats were divided into 3 groups; group (1): control healthy, group (2): CCl4 injected rats and group 3: CCl4/CD34(+)injected rats with human differentiated and undifferentiated cells through intrahepatic (IH) and intravenous (IV) routes. A significant elevation was detected in serum albumin in CCl4/CD34(+) compared to the CCl4 group (p<0.001). Serum ALT, had a significant decrease of its level after administration of stem cells compared to the CCl4 group (p<0.001). However, it was still significantly higher than control (p<0.001) with no significant difference between the groups that received stem cells. Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed that stem cells have a significant antifibrotic effect. Concerning gene expression, the collagen gene (rat) was highly expressed in the CCl4 group whereas its expression was significantly decreased after administration of stem cells. Human albumin and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2) genes were expressed in liver tissues in the groups that received stem cells. Highest expression was in the group that received un-differentiated cells I.V. human UCB CD34(+) stem cells can ameliorate liver fibrosis in rats.