Neuroprotective effect of grape seed extract against cadmium toxicity in male albino rats.

Cadmium toxicity can disturb brain chemistry leading to depression, anxiety, and weakened immunity. Cadmium disturbs the neurotransmitter dopamine, resulting in low energy, lack of motivation, and depression, which are predisposing factors for violence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on the brain of 40 male albino rats after exposure to cadmium chloride (Cd) toxicity. The rats were separated into either the control group, the Cd group, the GSE group, or the GSE and Cd mixture (treated) group. The cerebrum showed evidence of degeneration of some nerve fibers and cells. Fibrosis, vacuolations, and congestion in the blood vessels were demonstrated. Satelletosis was located in the capsular cells. Immunohistochemical expression of Bax was strongly positive in the Cd group and decreased in the treated group. These histopathological changes were decreased in the brain tissue of the treated group, but a few blood vessels still had evidence of congestion. Cadmium administration increased the level of MDA and decreased MAO-A, acetylcholinesterase, and glutathione reductase (GR), while the treatment with GSE affected the alterations in these parameters. In addition, cadmium downregulated the mRNA expression levels of GST and GPx, while GSE treatment normalized the transcript levels. The expression of both dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter was downregulated in the rats administered cadmium and the addition of GSE normalized the expression of these aggression associated genes.

Prevalence of H1299R polymorphism in the Factor V gene among the Taif-Saudi Arabia population using polymerase chain reaction-reverse hybridization technique.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major health hazard worldwide. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent a part of risk factors that contributes to cardiovascular disease. SNP in the coagulation factor V genes have been shown to play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Coagulation Factor V is an enzyme cofactor of the coagulation system and contributes to a normal haemostatic balance. The His1299Arg polymorphism in the Factor V gene has been identified and linked to hereditary thrombophilia. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of HR2 haplotype and allele frequency of His1299Arg polymorphism in the Factor V gene among randomly selected healthy individuals from Taif population which belonging to western region of Saudi Arabia. Genotyping of this SNP was carried out via CVD StripAssay, which based on a polymerase chain reaction-reverse hybridization technique. Two hundred healthy unrelated individuals were included in the study. Seventeen out of the studied population (8.5%) had the HR2 haplotype; 14 (7%) were heterozygous (R1/R2), and three (1.5%) were homozygous (R2/R2), with an allelic frequency of 0.05. This is the first report for a Saudi Arabian population that estimates the prevalence of HR2 haplotype and its allele frequencies. In conclusion, the His1299Arg mutant was noticeable within population of western Saudi Arabia. Further larger studies are needed to (1) estimate the prevalence of this mutant among individuals belonging to different KSA locations (2) assess the relative contribution of this mutational event separately and in combination with other thrombophilic polymorphisms in the etiology of cardiovascular disease in KSA.