Vol.2 No.6 -1 : Study the association between glutathione peroxidase-1 gene in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Egypt.

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By : Ibrahim A. Elelaimy1, Eman L. Shehata2, Mohamed A. Abdel-Hamid3

Abstract

cancer in the world. The main risk factors associated with HCC are hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections and other factors that play a role in HCC development. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between production and elimination of reactive metabolites of oxygen and nitrogen, in favor of their production leading to potential damage. During oxidative stress, biologically important molecules and cells can be damaged, and this can be significant in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to activate the apoptosis of some hepatocytes and therefore contribute to inflammation, regeneration, fibrogenesis, and carcinogenesis. The enzyme generally considered to be the frontline defense against ROS is glutathione peroxidase (GPX).The present study aims to investigate the association of progression of HCC with GPX1 (Pro198Leu) gene polymorphisms in HCC Egyptian patients. One hundred HCC cases and matched 100 controls were recruited from National Cancer Institute and Kasr El-Aini respectively. The detection of the genetic polymorphisms of GPX1 (Pro198Leu) were determined by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using real time PCR technique. The results showed that there is a significant association between the GPX1 polymorphisms and the progression of HCC, the distribution of different GPX1 polymorphisms in HCC patients infected with HCV was (47.5% CC, 47.0% CT and 81.3% TT) respectively and in controls was (52.5% CC, 53.0% CT and 18.8% TT) respectively (P=0.033). Our findings suggested that the genetic polymorphisms in GPX1 play a role in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma.Conclusion: AFP is highly significant in relation to HCC cases and in also with GPX1 gene mutation. Our findings suggested that the genetic polymorphisms in GPX1 play a role in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma.

1. Study the association between glutathione peroxidase-1 gene in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Egypt.
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Vol.2 No.6 -2 : Anticancer activity of Morus nigra on human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) the role of fresh and dry fruit extracts.

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By : Ahmed A.1, Ali M. 1, El-Kholie E. 1, El-Garawani I.2* and Sherif N. 1

Abstract

Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) has a long history of medicinal use in folk medicine. In this study, in vitro anticancer properties of fresh and dry black mulberry (BM) ethanolic extracts on breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) were investigated. Cytotoxic effect of both extracts was investigated by neutral red uptake method and the IC50 was assessed. The morphological changes, apoptosis and/or necrosis, were detected by Giemsa staining and acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual fluorescent staining methods, in addition to DNA fragmentation assay by gel electrophoresis and comet assay. Mitotic index was evaluated in MCF-7 groups to investigate the antiproliferative potential of fresh and dry BM extracts. Furthermore, micronucleus and other nuclear abnormalities were also investigated. BM extracts administration gave significant (p < 0.05) morphological evidence of apoptosis and increased cell death after 48 hours more than that of 24 hours-treated MCF-7 cells among fresh and dry extract groups. DNA analysis after 24 h of BM extracts treated groups has no fragmentation while apoptosis is generated after 48h showing more fragmentation in fresh BM groups. The mitotic index records were significantly decreased in dose and time dependent manner showing the better antiproliferative effect with fresh extract treatments. DNA single strand breaks were also increased among the treatment groups at dose and time dependent manner with the best results with fresh extract. It can be concluded that black mulberry fruit is a considerable source of health dietary supplement and its integration for pharmaceutical industries has to be in concern.

2. Anticancer activity of Morus nigra on human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) the role of fresh and dry fruit extracts.
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Vol.2 No.6 -3 : Pomegranate peel Extract Protects Cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in albino mice.

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By : Amal A. El-Daly

Abstract

Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) is a toxicant heavy metal displays adverse properties in humans creating public health risks. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is widely known as antimicrobial and antioxidant. This study investigated the cadmium induced structural effects in mice and evaluated the beneficial effect of alcoholic extract of P. granatum fruit peel (PPE) to protective CdCl2 nephrotoxicity. Animals were divided into 4 groups; group 1: control, group 2: given 25ml/kg PPE, group 3: given CdCl2 at a dose level of 2mg/kg and group 4: given CdCl2 and PPE. The animals were given the previous treatment daily for 14days. CdCl2 intoxication led to obvious many histopathological alterations in kidney glomeruli accompanied with wide and congested blood vessels, renal tubules missed their distinct form with cytoplasmic vacuolation of their epithelial cells and pyknotic nuclei and leucocytes cells infiltration in the intertubular spaces. On the other hand, the immunohistochemical staining of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressions were positive after CdCl2 exposure compared with the control group. Ultrastructure observations revealed thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and fusion of the podocytes foot processes, tubular epithelial cells vacoulation with pyknotic nuclei, perforation and vacoulation of mitochondria, deterioration of endoplasmic reticulum, and increase of lysosomes. CdCl2-exposure accompanied by increased level of serum urea, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) as well as significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) besides decreased of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level. In contrast, co-administration of PPE plus CdCl2 ameliorated these parameters around the normal levels. It contributed the improvement by the histological, ultrastructure and decreased Bcl-2 and α smooth muscle protein expression, and kidney function through significant decrease in urea, creatinine and BUN, reduced the level of serum MDA as lipid peroxidation marker and restored the altered antioxidant system activity. It was concluded that Cd induced nephrotoxicity at a dose level 2 mg/kg b.w. in mice. The PPE may be involved in the protection of toxicity displayed by CdCl2 induction attributed to the high antioxidant capacity.

3. Pomegranate peel Extract Protects Cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in albino mice.
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Vol.2 No.6 -4 : Intestinal Form of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease in Growing Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

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By : Abou-Shafey A. E*1; Metwally A. Y2; Massoud. A. A1; Barakat M. E3. and Elwan M. M1

Abstract

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is extremely acute highly fatal, contagious disease with mortality rates of 80-90% of the infected rabbits. RHD causes hepatic, intestinal and lymphoid necrosis with massive terminal intravascular coagulopathy. The etiological agent is a member of caliciviridae lagovirus, Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV); it is a single stranded RNA, non-enveloped and replicates in the cytoplasm. In pathogenesis studies, the primary sites of replication were in the small intestinal crypt and villous epithelium, hepatocytes and splenic lymphocytes. Apoptosis (programmed cell death) has been reported as being a constant feature of the pathogenesis of RHD. This work was planned to study the lesions associated with RHDV in small intestine at different intervals. Eighteen growing New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) aged 2-3 months allotted into two equal groups: control group (non infected) and infected group in which rabbits were experimentally inoculated with rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) through the nostril. All animals were dissected at 24, 48 and 72 hrs post infection. Histopathological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical studies were done for small intestine.
Macroscopic lesions in infected grower rabbits were consistent with RHD infection including congestion and haemorrhages of lung, liver necrosis and splenomegaly. Moreover, congestion of small intestine with multiple focal necrotic spots appeared from serosa and mucosa of intestine. Histopathological findings of the small intestine 24 hrs post infection (pi) showing necrosis of the crypts and villi atrophy, at 48 hrs pi shortening of villi and severe lymphocytic infiltration of the lamina propria were seen. 72 hrs pi showing severe atrophy and destruction of both villi and crypts. Immunohistochemical labeling for RHDV antigen on small intestine at different intervals 24, 48 and 72 hrs pi showed that epithelial cells and areas of focal necrosis exhibit strong immunolabeling in the intestinal villi where reactivity increases progressively. Serum biochemistry revealed highly significant increase in AST, ALT, urea and creatinine. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report of the macroscopic lesions of small intestine in RHDV infected rabbits.

4. Intestinal Form of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease in Growing Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
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Vol.2 No.6 -6 : Survey on the parasites infested crayfish Procambarus clarkii, Girard,1852 (Crustacea, Cambaridae) in Egypt.

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By : Shimaa M. Abd El-Moaty, Hesham M. Sharaf, Abd El-Monem M.Khalil and Shimaa S. Ahmed.

Abstract

A parasitological survey on 1474 fresh water crayfish Procambarus clarkii was carried out during the period from January 2013 till May 2014 from different canals at Sharkia, Dakahlia and Kafr El-Sheikh Provinces in Egypt. Out of the examined crayfish , 8 were found to be infected with ectoparasitic protozoan Epistylis cambari on the gill filaments with percentage of infection 0.54% . Infection rates were varied between investigated areas, the percentages of infection were 0.21%, 0.57% and 2.7% at Sharkia, Dakahlia and Kafr El- Sheikh provinces respectively. Regarding to the seasonal prevalence of Epistylis cambari in examined crayfishes the peak of infection at Sharkia Province was recorded in summer (3.5%) , while at Dakahlia and Kafr El- Sheikh Provinces was detected in spring (1.13%) and (5.12%) respectively. The present study revealed that 11 out of 1474 (0.88%) were infected by one or more parasitic nematode larvae Strongyloides stercoralis that were observed in hemoceol of crayfish .The percentages of infection were 0.31%, 2.3% and 1.3% at Sharkia, Dakahlia and Kafr El-Sheikh Provinces respectively. Concerning to the seasonal prevalence of nematode larvae in examined crayfish, the peak of infection at Sharkia Province was detected in spring (4.5 %) ,while at Dakahlia Province was in summer (3.2%) and at Kafr El-Sheikh Province was in spring (1.5%). No infection was detected in winter and autumn.

6. Survey on the parasites infested crayfish Procambarus clarkii, Girard,1852 (Crustacea, Cambaridae) in Egypt.
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Vol.2 No.6 -7 : Protective effect of Coenzyme Q10 against gentamicin induced acute renal failure in mice.

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By : Abdel Razik H. Farrag1, Rania A. Ibrahim2, Shimaa N. El-Sayed2

Abstract

Gentamicin is an antibiotic whose clinical use is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an effective antioxidant and used for therapy of a number of diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of CoQ10 against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Thirty five adult male mice were used in this study and were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of seven animals as follows: group I: normal control; group II: treated with CoQ10 (30 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days); group III: treated with gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day, i.p. for 14 days); group IV: treated with CoQ10 and gentamicin for 14 days; group V: treated with gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day) i.p. for 14 days, after that the animals were given CoQ10 (30 mg/kg/day) orally for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected and serum was separated for the estimation of serum creatinine and urea. Then the mice were sacrificed and kidneys were removed for histopathological study. The biochemical results showed that Coenzyme Q10 administration with gentamicin injections significantly decreased serum urea and creatinine when compared with gentamicin group. Light microscopic examination of the renal tissues from gentamicin-treated mice revealed severe histopathological changes, whereas specimens obtained from CoQ10 treated mice revealed only mild changes. Conclusion: It appears that CoQ10 has some protective role against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity.

7. Protective effect of Coenzyme Q10 against gentamicin induced acute renal failure in mice.
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Vol.2 No.6 -8 : Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism and obesity a pilot study from Egypt.

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By : Sabah Farouk, Wael Abdel-Mageed, Mahmoud Aly

Abstract

The main adverse consequences of excess bodyweight are cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and several cancers. IL-1Ra serum concentration has been reported earlier to increase in human obesity and it is therefore assumed that the polymorphism of IL-1Ra may influence cytokine production. The study was designed to investigate whether the IL-1Ra polymorphism was associated with obesity. A total number of 66 individuals; 20 normal (BMI <25 Kg/m2), 20 overweight (BMI 25-29.9 Kg/m2) and 26 obese (BMI More than 30.0 Kg/m2) were enrolled in this study. Genotyping was performed using a polymerase chain reaction PCR amplification of the intron-2 fragment harboring a variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) nucleotide sequences 86 bp of tandem repeat. The PCR products were separated on 2% agarose gel. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 11.5). The genotype and allelic frequencies showed a significantly difference between normal vs. overweight and normal vs. obese (p-values: 0.001; 0.0001; 0.0018 and 0.001 respectively). Although, The presence of Allelic frequencies for Allele I between normal vs. overweight and normal vs. obese showed > 2 folds risk in overweight and >3 folds in obese (OR=2.3; 95% CI=0.796-8.620 & OR=2.1; 95% CI=0.972-10.265 respectively). Allele II between normal vs. overweight and normal vs. obese showed > 3.5 folds risk in overweight and >1.5 folds in obese (OR=3.45; 95% CI=0.836-9.210 & OR=1.63; 95% CI=0.892-9.11 respectively) and Allele V between normal vs. overweight and normal vs. obese showed > 2 folds risk in overweight and >1.5 folds in obese (OR=1.99; 95% CI=0.821-9.10 & OR=1.95; 95% CI=0.882-8.975 respectively).This may suggest that IL-1Ra appears to be induced by inflammatory stimuli as well as obesity-associated factors. This is relatively a pilot study; but nevertheless, may assist in identifying the pathophysiological cause for obesity

8. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism and obesity a pilot study from Egypt.
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Vol.2 No.6 -9 : The possible anti-inflammatory role of the blue green algae ,Aphanizomenon flos-aquae on adult male rats.

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By : Samir Atea Mohammed1, Hemmat Mansour Abdelhafez1, Fatma Ahmed Eid1 Ola Mohammed Abdel-Raouf2, Rasha Mohammed Ibrahim1

Abstract

Aphanizomenon flose-aquae (AFA) is a fresh water unicellular blue green microalgae like Spirulina, but most AFA is harvested from the wild in volcanic regions leading to high levels of trace minerals. Aphanizomenon flos- aquae have been traditionally used for over 25 years for its health-enhancing properties. To investigate the possible anti-inflammatory role of Aphanizomenon flose-aquae, rats were injected with carrageenan. Results obtained in the present study showed that injection of rats with carrageenan led to significant decreases in red blood cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit value (Hct) as compared to the control group. In contrast, the levels of white blood cells (WBCs) count, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were significantly increased; this was accompanied by histopathological and histochemical changes. Meanwhile, treatment of rats with AFA for 5 and twenty one days did not exhibit a toxic effect on the liver. Also, treatment of rats with AFA postcarrageenan injection exhibited anti-inflammatory activity and improved hematological parameters and liver function profile. In conclusion, using Aphanizomenon flos- aquae as a natural agent showed a strong anti-inflammatory role.

The possible anti-inflammatory role of the blue green algae ,Aphanizomenon flos-aquae on liver
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Vol.2 No.6 -10 : The radioprotective role of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) on testis of adult male albino rats

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By : Fatma Ahmed Eid , Hemmat Mansour Abdelhafez ,Samir Attia Zahkouk1 and Heba Ahmed

Mohamed Kandeal

Abstract

This work aimed to study the biochemical, histopathological and histochemical changes in the testes of
male albino rats post exposure to 4 Gy of gamma radiation and the possible radioprotective role of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a blue-green microalgal species which has antioxidant properties. The current experiment was carried out on 48 adult male albino rats (Rattus rattus). Rats were randomly and equally categorized into four groups: 1) Group C: control rats left without treatment; 2) Group R: rats were exposed to 4Gy of gamma-radiation as a single dose; 3)
Group AFA: rats were terated orally with 94.5mg/kg body weight/ day AFA for 3 weeks and 4) Group AFA+R: rats were administrated AFA for a period of one week before and three weeks after irradiation. Results obtained in the present study showed that exposed rats showed a significant increase in MDA in the testes, but decreased testosterone level was detected versus the control. Many histopathological lesions were observed in the testes tissue such as disturbed spermatogenic layers with vacuolated spermatogenic cells, presence of polynucleated cells, absence of mature sperms, oedema in the interstitial spaces, congested testicular arteries with thickened, dilated and corrugated walls of them, they also contained hemolysed blood cells with highly reduced, atrophied and distorted Leydig cells in the interstitial spaces. Irradiated groups showed highly increased collagen fibres under the testicular capsule, basement membranes, Leydig cells and around the blood vessels with signs of fibrosis in the capsule and some seminiferous tubules In addition, irradiated group induced a significant increase in amyloid - protein, while a significant decrease in PAS+ve materials, total protein and total DNA content was detected. AFA administration ameliorated the damaging effects of testes of radiation exposed rats. Conclusion: according to the results obtained in the current study using Aphanizomenon flos- aquae as a natural agent showed a strong radioprotective role. Key words. Gamma rays, ionizing radiation, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), testes, rats.

Vol.2-No.6-10-The-radioprotective-role-of-Aphanizomenon-flos-aquae-AFA-on-testis-of-adult-male-albino-rats

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