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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Vol.2 No.5 -2 : Effect of Doping a Rare-Earth Oxide on the Photovoltaic Parameters of Dye -Sensitized Solar Cells.

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By : A. A. El-Hamalawy, M. M. El-Kholy, Alshimaa Ali

Abstract

Yb2O3-doped TiO2 were prepared using mechanochemical process to obtain Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) photoanodes. The parameters of DSSC devices were calculated. The study showed that the addition of Yb2O3 improved the open-circuit voltage via a p-type effect, whereas, a negative effect on the generated photocurrent was observed. This reduction in photocurrent was attributed to increasing crystal defects as a result of increasing the concentration of Yb2O3 dopants.

2. Effect of Doping a Rare-Earth Oxide on the Photovoltaic Parameters of Dye -Sensitized Solar Cells.
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Vol.2 No.5 -3 : Heavy Metal Analysis in Some Water Types from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and Future Aspirations of Water Resources Management.

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By : Ahmed M. El-Naggar

Abstract

A comparative evaluation of the heavy metals Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper and Zinc in versatile water resources in Egypt and Saudi Arabia was conducted during the summer of 2015. All the studied water brands contained markedly scarce amounts of Arsenic, which was under the limit of detection. Chromium was also found to be under the limit of detection in Baraka, Nestle Pure Life, Hayat, Aman Siwa and Siwa from the water market at Mansoura (Egypt). Similar finding was recorded for Cadmium in Aman Siwa and Lead in Hayat, Aman Siwa and Siwa water brands. The highest levels of Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead and Zinc were recorded in Baraka, Aquafina, Dasani, Safi and Aquafina water brands, respectively. However, the lowest amounts of these metals were detected in Siwa, Safi, Safi, Nestle Pure Life and Aman Siwa, respectively. Ablution water showed undesirable amounts of Zinc (0.25 ppm). Street coolers recorded relatively low amounts of Chromium (0.09 ppm) and Zinc (0.10 ppm). Zamzam water was free of Cadmium, Lead and Zinc, however it recorded low amounts of Copper (0.004 ppm) and undesirable levels of Chromium (0.13 ppm). The level of Chromium detected in the purified River Nile’s water was 0.125 in the tap water and 0.110 ppm in vending machines. On the other hand, the amounts of Zinc were 0.085 and 0.546 ppm in the two water brands, respectively. The heavy metal analysis provided insight into the quality of water sources under investigation. The study discussed the effects of heavy metals on the human health and their effects on the community health in the long term. The study reviewed future aspirations for the management of water resources in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

3. Heavy Metal Analysis in Some Water Types from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and Future Aspirations of Water Resources Management.
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Vol.2 No.5 -4 : Age-Related Changes in the Histological Structure of Rabbit Testes and the Prophylactic Role of Vitamin E.

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By : 1Nabila I. El-Desouki, 2Amal I. El-Refaiy, 1Dalia F. Afifi and 1Hanan Talaat

Abstract

The present investigation is planned to compare between the histological structure of rabbit testes of different ages and the prophylactic role of vitamin E on senescent animals. Male NewZeland rabbits were divided into four groups according to age. Group I: represented the young rabbits (one month age, weighing 1 ± 0.4 kg), group II: adult rabbits (6 months age, weighing 4 ± 0.5 kg), group III: aged animals (24 month age, weighing 7.5 ± 0.5 kg and group (IV) aged rabbits treated daily with the therapeutic dose of vitamin E orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w / day for 60 days. The testes of young rabbits revealed a small form of seminiferous tubules with regular outline with spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, and the lumen appeared empty from spermatozoa. The interstitium is made up of loose connective tissue with large polyhedral interstitial Leydig cells. In adult studied animals, testes demonstrated with all spermatogenic cells and the lumen filled with spermatozoa. In aged rabbits, the histological studies of testis demonstrated atrophied irregular tubules, disarrangement of vacuolated spermatogenic cells, and sloughing of germ cells into the tubular lumen with reduction and degeneration of spermatozoa. The interstitium between the tubules was widen and filled with degenerated and reduced Leydig cells. Administration of vitamin E to aged animals group revealed an obvious improvement of spermatogenic cells, and the spermatozoa appeared in the lumen of many seminiferous tubules.

4. Age-Related Changes in the Histological Structure of Rabbit Testes and the Prophylactic Role of Vitamin E.
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