Vol.1 No.5 -6 : Study of the effect of silver nanoparticles encapsulated by doxorubicin drug in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

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By : Rasha Said Shams El-Dine1, Samir Ali Abd El Kaream2

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third deadliest and fifth most common cancer worldwide. Many drugs that have the potential to treat cancers have had limited success due to their lack of efficient and safe delivery mechanisms that allow the drug molecules to cross cell membranes. Electrical pulses-mediated drug delivery, known as electroporation, is gaining attention as a possible approach to enhance uptake of chemotherapy. The present work studied the effect of silver nanoparticles encapsulated by doxorubicin drug in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The study was conducted on 40 albino mice weighting 20-25 g of 8-10 weeks of age, and were divided into two major groups. Group A:10 mice were used as a control , group B: 40 mice have induced HCC by DABE this group were subdivided into three subgroups; sub groupB1 10 mice which were not received any treatment, and were kept at room environment and, sub group B2: 10 mice were injected i.p with a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight of doxorubicin only every day for 21days, sub group B3 :10 mice were injected i.p. with a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight of doxorubicin encapsulated by the silver nanoparticles every day for 21days.Parts of liver tissue and blood samples were collected from all from mice of each group for histopathological examination; the nanocapsules were of the size range 200 ± 20 nm and loaded with the positively charged anticancer drug doxorubicin with an efficiency of 89%. The loading of the drug into the capsule occurs by virtue of the pH-responsive property of the capsule wall, which is determined by the pKa of the polyelectrolytes. As the pH is varied, about 64% of the drug is released in acidic pH while 77% is released in neutral pH. Molecular detection of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Glypican-3 (gly3) mRNAs by RT-PCR before and after treatment by silver nanoparticles encapsulated doxorubicin drug were studied in mice with HCC. Silver nanoparticles encapsulated doxorubicin drug showed effective results for treatment of HCC compared to results obtained with doxorubicin drug resulting in reduced tumor growth, and induction of apoptosis in the treated cells by enhancing of delivering chemotherapy and anticancer drugs with enhanced efficacy and fewer adverse effects.

6. Study of the effect of silver nanoparticles encapsulated by doxorubicin drug in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Vol.1 No.4 -1 : Histopathological effects of Diflubenzuron and Chromafenozide (IGRs) on egg development in the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae).

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By : Ahmed, K. S.; El-Bermawy, S. M.; Ismael, E. H.; Abdel-Gawwad R. M. and Saleh, T. A.*

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible pathogenic impacts of the LC50 of the two insect growth regulators: the chitin synthesis inhibitor, Dimilin® (Diflubenzuron), and the ecdysone agonist, Virtu® (Chromafenozide) on the ovarian tissue of adult female Spodoptera littoralis. Therefore, the LC50 (1.3 & 3 ppm of Dimilin® and 0.1 ppm of Virtu®) were applied to the 2nd and 4th larval instars, respectively. The meroistic polytrophic ovariole of S. littoralis is divided into a terminal filament, a germarium and a vitellarium; the germarium contains the oogonia and the follicular cells that surround the oocytes to form the ovarian follicles in the vitellarium. The ovarian follicles of treated F1 females with Dimilin® exhibited vacuolization, stuffing of follicular sheath, loss of vitellin and degeneration of many cell components of follicular epithelium and oocytes. These obvious signs of damage were increased when using 4th larval instars treatment than the 2nd.Also, damage was pronounced in the ovarioles of the Virtu® treated F1 females. Ovariole growth was stunted and vitellogenesis and chorion formation were inhibited. So, this work shows the high potency and efficacy of the two IGRs on developed ova of S. littoralis

1. Histopathological effects of Diflubenzuron and Chromafenozide (IGRs) on egg development in the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae).
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Vol.1 No.4 -2 : Hemoglobin A2 Cut off Values in Egyptian Cohort as a marker of β -Thalassemia carriers.

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By : Noura M. Kablan1, Manal O. El Hamshary1, Mohamed T. Hamza2,Ghada M. Nasr1, Alaa A. Hemeida3, Tarif H. Salam2

Abstract

Beta thalassemias (β-thalassemias) are a group of inherited blood disorders caused by reduced or absent synthesis of beta chains of hemoglobin resulting in variable phenotypes ranging from severe anemia to clinically asymptomatic individuals. The total annual incidence of symptomatic individuals is estimated 1 in 100.000 throughout the world. HbA2 determination plays a key role in screening programs for β-thalassemia since a small increase in this fraction is the most important marker of β-thalassemia heterozygous carriers. This study aims to detect the cut off value of Hb A2 in Egyptian individuals with β-thalassemia and microcytic hypochromic anemia, using automated HPLC. The study was carried out on 112 male and female cases. Their ages ranged from 2 years to 35 years. They were 28 normal cases, 20 cases diagnosed as microcytic hypochromic anemia, 52 cases as β-thalassemia trait and 12 cases as β-thalassemia intermedia. Informed consents were obtained from their care givers. CBC was done to all groups and HbA2 levels were measured using HPLC Bio- Rad D-10 dual program (β-thal short program) for identification of types of Hb and determining the cut off value of Hb A2. The Hb A2 cut off value in microcytic hypochromic anemia cases was >2.2%, in β-thalassemia intermedia cases was >3.2% and in β-thalassemia trait cases was >3.6% which showed the best cut off value, and hence the cut off value of Hb A2 could be used as a factor that plays a key role in screening programs for β- thalassemia carriers.

2. Hemoglobin A2 Cut off Values in Egyptian Cohort as a marker of β -Thalassemia carriers.
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Vol.1 No.4 -3 : Comparative studies of tongue of Gopherus gopherus (turtle), Mus musculus (mice), Erinaceus auritus (hedgehog) and Psammomys obesus.

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By : Dalia A Sabry, Yosra A. Fouda, Amora M Abou-El-Naga, Soad A Khalifa, Hassan IH El-Sayyad*

Abstract

Tongue from four types of species was investigated in the present study. One reptilian species; Gopherus gopherus and three mammalian Sp. Erinaceous auritus, Mus musculus, Psammomys obesus obesus. The tongue of the selected speciemens were removed and fixed in 10% phosphate buffered formalin and processed for histological and scanning electron microscopic investigation. Habitat and diet interfered with the degree of keratinization which increased in Gopherus gopherus and Psammomys obesus obesus more than the other species. Abundant mucous glands were detected underlying the lingual mucosa of Gopherus gopherus more than others. Erinaceous auritus and Mus musculus possessed a variety of gustatory papillae including fungiform, valate and foliate papillae with regular pattern of taste buds which were disappeared in Psammomys obesus obesus. Gustatory papillae is almost missing in Gopherus gopherus. Different pattern of filliform papillae are distinguished and varied between the studied species. Finally, it is concluded that lingual structures varied between species depending on developmental aspects, habitat and diet.

3. Comparative studies of tongue of Gopherus gopherus (turtle), Mus musculus (mice), Erinaceus auritus (hedgehog) and Psammomys obesus.
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Vol.1 No.4 -4 : Developmental defects of cerebral cortex in maternally diabetic and aluminum intoxicated rat pups and their amelioration by Morus alba.

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By : Gamal Badawy1, Hassan El-Sayyed2, Sobhy Hassab Elnabi1, Ibrahim El-Elaimy1,Eman Al Shehari

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the possible ameliorative effect of crude water extract of Morus alba leaves on developmental defects of cerebral cortex of rat pups maternally subjected to diabetes and/or aluminum (Al) intoxication. One hundred and forty fertile male and virgin female albino rats were used for the experimentation. The pregnant rats were arranged into seven groups. The study included five integrated approaches and all proved that treatment with Morus alba leaves extract led to a marked amelioration for the developmental defects caused by either diabetes or Al intoxication at all levels of the study. At the ultrastructural level, the cerebral cortex of the latter exhibited massive cytological alterations of Purkinje cells (PC) and Karyolysis of chromatin material. The cytoplasm appeared translucent and enclosed by either fragmented or vesiculated RER. Mitochondria appeared electron-dense with ill-differentiated cristae. Cytoplasmic vacuoles were detected. However, pups of mothers received Morus alba extract and subjected to Al intoxication and/or diabetes showed partial amelioration of cytological structure of PC. The nuclear envelope was regularly arranged and enclosed by normal euchromatin. The cytoplasmic organelles were rearranged and approximately restored their pattern. It can therefore be concluded that leaves extract of Morus alba has marked ameliorative effects against developmental defects of cerebral cortex in pups of diabetic and Al intoxicated pregnant albino rats.

4. Developmental defects of cerebral cortex in maternally diabetic and aluminum intoxicated rat pups and their amelioration by Morus alba.
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Vol.1 No.4 -5 : Intestinal Parasitic infections Among ELMekhwah residents, Saudi Arabia Prevalence and relationship between parasite and host.

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By : Ali Al Ghamdi

Abstract

The present study was conducted randomly at El Mekhwah Province, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia to determine the prevalence of the intestinal protozoa and Helminth parasites during 2013-2014. Examination of 210 stool samples revealed that 16.19% of the visitors harbored intestinal protozoa, the most common parasites found were Entamoeba histolytica (6.19%), Entamoeba coli (6.66) and Giardia lambia (3.33%) While investigation of 300 stool samples for parasitic helminthes showed that 31 (10.33) were infected with Hymenolips nana, (4.33%) for Ascaris lumbricoides 4% and 2% for Taenia saginata.

5. Intestinal Parasitic infections Among ELMekhwah residents, Saudi Arabia Prevalence and relationship between parasite and host.
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Vol.1 No.4 -6 : North African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus In silico analyses for genetic expansion of a peculiarly successful catfish species in and out of its African homelands.

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By : Khaled Mohammed-Geba

Abstract

The African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus originated from Africa, but its sturdiness and resistance to different environmental conditions enabled it to spread to almost all continents of the world. To develop effective conservation strategies for C. gariepinus, the connection patterns of its geographically related and isolated strains should be precisely described. For this purpose, 65 sequences for cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) mitochondrial gene were retrieved from GenBank database. Common and unique haplotypes, average numbers of nucleotide substitutions (Dxy), fixation indices (FST), neutrality and expansion, phylogeny, and haplotype network analyses were all identified. 13 different haplotypes were found, most of which are related to an African haplotype mainly found in Nigeria. Other African, Asian, and South American haplotypes were detected, with the South American and some Asian haplotypes showing the greatest diversion from the main African one. The Nigerian population of C. gariepinus seems to be the most rapidly expanding one, due to the highest frequency of singletone haplotypes among all studied populations. Our results agreed with the knowledge about the world-wide propagation of C. gariepinus recorded in the Food and Agriculture Organization introduced aquatic species database and other related reports, what may confirm the effectiveness of such molecular markers and bioinformatic tools for tracking the origin and movement of the C. gariepinus out of Africa.

6. North African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus In silico analyses for genetic expansion of a peculiarly successful catfish species in and out of its African homelands.
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Vol.1 No.4 -7 : Impact of seasonal changes on the quality of water and fish from Abu Za’baal Lakes.

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By : Hala Elshahat Ghannam1, Abdelrahman Said Talab2* and Abdel-Samie Abd El-Hamide Elewa3

Abstract

Physicochemical characteristics and concentrations of some heavy metals of water and two fish species in Abu Za’baal lakes during the period from summer 2012 to spring 2013 were investigated. The physicochemical characteristics of water and fish were proved to be within the permissible levels during different seasons. However, heavy metals levels exceed the permissible limits in water samples, and also Pb in fish muscles. The concentrations of heavy metals were significantly higher in water and fish muscles during summer and the metal concentrations in water were present in the following order: Mn> Pb> Zn> Cu> Cd, while those of fish were found in the order of: Zn> Mn> Pb> Cu> Cd. Proximate composition of two fish species showed a significant variation (p<0.05) during different seasons. TVBN, TMA, TBA and TPC were under the permissible limits as acceptability for raw fish, moreover heavy metals in water and fish muscle did not exhibit any effect on proximate composition and physicochemical characteristics of fish muscles.

7. Impact of seasonal changes on the quality of water and fish from Abu Za'baal Lakes.
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Vol.1 No.3 -1 : Ameliorative influence of Ginkgo biloba extract on acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress in livers and kidneys of male albino rats.

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By : Mohammed F.F. Bayomy* and Aziza Ali Salah Eldinn**

Abstract

In this study, the effects of Ginko biloba extract on -treated groups were divided subchronically-induced toxicity of acetaminophen (AAP) on functions of livers and kidneys of male albino rats were investigated. Subchronically into 8 groups. Animals of group1 received tap water daily for 1 week and served as controls. Animals of group 2 were treated with Ginko biloba extract (GBE) (50 mg /kg b.wt). Animals of group 3 were treated daily for 1 week with AAP (250 mg/kg b. wt.). Animals of group 4 were treated daily for 1 week with GBE (50 mg /kg b.wt) and AAP (250 mg/kg b. wt.). As for groups 5, 6, 7 and 8, they were treated experimentally as groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 but for 2 weeks. Determination of both liver and kidney functions was used as early indicators for the detection of liver damage and for evaluation of renal toxicity after exposure to the test articles. Meanwhile, serum concentration of malonedialdehyde was measured to assess the deleterious oxidative influence of AAP on the liver and kidneys. Also, the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) concentration and activities of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were assayed under the present experimental conditions. The data demonstrated a significant increase in serum liver function enzymes such as aminotransferases (ALT and AST) as well as alkaline phosphatase subsequent to administration of AAP, whereas a significant decrease in GSH content and in the activities of GPx, GST, CAT, and SOD was observed after 1 and 2 weeks of treatments with this test article. The results also indicated that administration of 50 mg GBE/kg b. wt. was enough for nearly normalization of various parameters examined, which appears to be due to the protective effects of GBE on AAP-induced oxidative stress in the liver and kidneys.

1. Ameliorative influence of Ginkgo biloba extract on acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress in livers and kidneys of male albino rats.
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Vol.1 No.3 -2 : The possible protective effect of vitamin E and ∕ or silymarin on rat testes exposed to 950MHz electromagnetic field.

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By : Amr Mahmoud Abd El-Hady* and Noaman Abd El-Latif. El-Tahawy**

Abstract

This work aims to study the histopathological and histochemical changes in the testes of male albino rats post exposure to mobile phone radiation and the possible protective role of vitamin E and/or silymarin. The current experiment was carried out on 30 adult male albino rats (Sprague dawly). Rats were randomly and equally divided into five groups: 1) Group C: control rats left without treatment; 2) Group R: rats exposed to frequency equals 950 MHz of electromagnetic field (EMF); 3) Group R + E: rats received vitamin E before exposure to frequency equals 950 MHz of EMF; 4) Group R + S: rats received silymarin before exposure to frequency equals 950 MHz of EMF and 5) Group R + E+ S: rats received vitamin E parallel to silymarin before exposure to frequency equals 950 MHz of EMF. Electromagnetic field exposed rats showed testicular alterations which were ameliorated by using either vitamin E or silymarin alone. However, both vitamin E and silymarin administration ameliorated the damaging effects of testes of mobile phone exposed rats more than that of silymarin or vitamin E alone.

2. The possible protective effect of vitamin E and ∕ or silymarin on rat testes exposed to 950MHz electromagnetic field.
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