Vol.2 No.5 -6 : Serum hyaluronic acid as non invasive biomarker to predict liver fibrosis in viral hepatitis patients.

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By : Ayman E. El Agroudy1, Mohamed S. Elghareb2, Emad H. Elshahat3, Ezar H. Hafez4, Tamer A. Addissouky5

Abstract

Fibrosis is a hallmark histologic event of viral hepatitis and is characterized by the excessive accumulation and reorganization of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The gold standard for assessment of fibrosis is liver biopsy. As this procedure has various limitations, including risk of patient injury and sampling error. Serum Hyaluronic acid as non invasive marker for liver fibrosis is desirable. The present study aims to determine the serum hyaluronic acid (HA) levels as biochemical marker of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis and correlate it with the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Serum HA level in chronic hepatitis patients (n=60) are divided into two groups, group1: included 30 patients positive for anti-HCV (antibodies), group 2 included 30 patients positive for HBsAg, and controls (n=10) were assessed by ELISA and liver histopathological parameters were evaluated by the modified Knodell score and microscopic examination of liver biopsies from patients. Individuals in healthy control group have normal levels of HA (mean 14.3, SD: 5.5) while the levels of HA were elevated in patients of HCV alone (mean 103.6±28.0) and in patient of HCV (mean 104.5± 37.5).Also levels of HA were poorly elevated in HBV alone (mean 62.2± 15.5) and in HBV (mean 45.8± 12.4). showed that serum HA levels are well correlated with HAI in patients of HBV & HCV groups where, there was significant increase in HA levels by increase of HAI by liver biopsy P < 0.001.HA levels and stages of fibrosis were well correlated in patients of HBV and HCV group. Where, this is a significant increase in HA levels when Considering F0 to F6 scores by liver biopsy (P < 0.001). Serum HA is a useful non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis. There is a strong positive correlation between serum HA levels and degree of liver fibrosis. The concentration of serum HA rises according to progression of liver fibrosis.

6. Serum hyaluronic acid as non invasive biomarker to predict liver fibrosis in viral hepatitis patients.
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Vol.2 No.5 -7 : Folic acid ameliorates L-thyroxin induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats.

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By : Somya Y. Shalaby¹, Saber A. Sakr¹, Ehab Tousson², Mohamed Rabea¹

Abstract

Thyroid hormones have been known to regulate the energy metabolism of most tissues including liver. Alterations in their normal levels cause some biochemical and clinical abnormalities such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The present study evaluated the effect of thyroid hormone, L-thyroxin on liver of albino rats. Additionally the ameliorating role of folic acid supplementation was investigated. Fifty male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (group I, control; group II, folic acid; group III, L-thyroxin sodium administration (100 μg/kg / body weight); group IV, L-thyroxin and folic acid group and V, recovery group). The results showed that there were a significant increase in ALT, AST, MDA and nitric oxide in L-thyroxin treated rats as compared to control group. On the other hand, a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) in L-thyroxin treated rats as compared to control group. Histological results showed that liver sections of L-thyroxin group showed histopathological lesions such as leucocytic infiltrations, congestion of central and portal veins and cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes with the presence of pyknotic nuclei, in addition to fatty infiltration. Immunohistochemical results revealed that strong positive expression of PCNA, P53, and Bcl-2 were detected in the liver section in L-thyroxin treated rats and recovered rats as compared to control and folic acid groups. However; mild to moderate positive expressions of PCNA, P53, and Bcl-2 were observed in rats treated with L-thyroxin and folic acid in liver section. This reflects oxidative stress associated with hyperthyroid state.

7. Folic acid ameliorates L-thyroxin induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats.
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Vol.2 No.4 -1 : Effect of experimental phenylketonuria on the development of skin of prenatel and newborn fetuses.

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By : Hassan.I.Elsayyad1, Mahmoud. E. .Mohallal2, Hany .A .Hefny3, Hala . M. Ebied4

Abstract

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that is characterized by an inability of the body to utilize the essential amino acid, phenylalanine. The disease results from a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase, the enzyme catalyzing the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. The present work studied the Effect of experimental phenylketonuria on the development of skin of prenatel and newborn fetuses.The disease was induced in pregnant rats by daily intragastric administration of 30 mg. DL-a-methylphenylalanine/kg body weight plus 60 mg/kg body weight at 12 h intervals throughout pregnancy till parturition. Treatment with alpha-methylphenylalanine/phenylalanine resulted in significant decrease of accumulated body weight gain during pregnancy as well as exhibited marked growth retardation of prenatal fetuses and delivered newborn. The growth retarded fetuses was manifested by decreased body weight, malformed both fore -& hind limb, oedematous skin & superficial hematomas widely spreads in different parts of the body. Vibrissae skin hair were characterized by curved free ends as well as reduction of their size and length. Cornification was retarded . The epidermis attained a considerable thinning with delayed differentiation of epidermal cell layers.The growing hair follicles lacked normal characteristic appearance. These results suggested that exposure of the fetus to high plasma concentrations of phenylalanine caused a delay in the biochemical maturation of the fetal rat.

1. Effect of experimental phenylketonuria on the development of skin of prenatel and newborn fetuses.
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Vol.2 No.4 -2 : Pre-eclampsia – An excessive maternal immune response in Egyption wommen.

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By : Maha G. Soliman 1, Mervat Abd El Alim1, Abd El-Hady A. Zayed2 Ayaa A.Shoaip1

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a stressful condition in which many physiological and metabolic functions are altered to a considerable extent.Although pre eclampsia causes high maternal /fetal morbidity, the etiology of this multisystem disorder is still unknown. We have detected the cytokine levels inpreeclamptic women compared to normotensive pregnant and non-pregnant women.This study aimed to understand immunological network , and physiological parameters for the pathogeneses of preeclampsia.Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα ) and interleukin 10(IL-10 )were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . C reactive protein (CRP) was evaluated as inflammatory marker in preeclampsia.Our findings demonstrated that pre eclamptic state is associated with high levels of pro inflammatory cytokine TNFα (p < 0.05) and C.R.P. By contrast, normotensive pregnancy evolved high levels of regulatory cytokine Il-10 .The present study supports the hypothesis of altered immune response in preeclampsia.

2. Pre-eclampsia - An excessive maternal immune response in Egyption wommen.
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Vol.2 No.4 -3 : Effect of garlic on toluene-induced biochemical and histopathological effects in albino rats.

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By : Zuhair Y. A1-Sahhaf1, Osama M. Sarhan1,2

Abstract

The present study aims to study the effect of garlic extract on toluene inhalation at very low dose, induced hematological, biochemical and histological alterations in liver of albino rats. Animals were divided into 4 groups.Group 1 (G1) served ascontrols,G2 given garlic aqueous extract,G3 inhaled toluene vapor and G4 given garlic plusinhalation of toluene vapor. Animals were sacrificed after 2and 4weeks of treatment. The results showed that exposing animals to toluene induced significant decrease in red blood cell count (RBCs),hemoglobin (HGB),and blood platelets (PLT).On the other hand, the hematocrit percentage (HCT) and white blood cells(WBCs) count increased. Moreover, transaminases(ALT and AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were increased in the sera of treated animals.Histological examination of liver of treated rats showed leukocytic infiltrations, congestion of blood vessels,cytoplasmic vacuolations of hepatocytes and fatty degeneration.Treated kidney in rats of G3 showed glomerular tufts congestion; renal space narrowing and epithelia of some renal tubules were degenerated with hemorrhage between them. To some extent, an improvement was observed in the kidney of the recovery group. Treating animals with garlic plus toluene caused an improvement in the biochemical and histological alterations in albino rats.It could be concluded that the protective effect of garlic may be attributed to the presence of organosulfur compounds which have antioxidant and detoxifying properties.

3. Effect of garlic on toluene-induced biochemical and histopathological effects in albino rats.
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Vol.2 No.4 -4 : Development of cytochrome-c-oxidase 1 specific primers for genetic discrimination of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758).

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By : Khaled Mohammed-Geba, Sobhy El-Sayed Hassab El-Nabi, Marwa Said El-Desoky

Abstract

The European eel Anguilla anguilla (Anguillidae, Anguilliformes) is amongst the most peculiar, economically-important fish species in the Egyptian and Mediterranean waters. Very rare studies are available about its populations in the Mediterranean. In order to investigate this issue, we designed cytochrome-c-oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene-specific primers for A. anguilla. These primers targeted the amplification of a 750 bp fragment towards the 5` extremity of COI. The primers were tested for A. anguilla elvers collected from Rachid Estuary in Egypt. They succeeded to amplify the targeted fragment. Using Forensically Informative Nucleotide Sequences (FINS) analysis and BLAST comparisons, the sequences were successfully assigned to A. anguilla, with clear segregation from other Anguilla species. The primers designed and used in this study can be then suggested as successful alternatives for universal primers commonly used in European eel barcoding.

4. Development of cytochrome-c-oxidase 1 specific primers for genetic discrimination of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758).
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Vol.2 No.4 -5 : Biological and histopathological effects of cyromazine on the laevae of Culex pipiens (Diptera Culicidae).

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By : Abada A. Assar1, Magda M. Abo El-Mahasen1, Amira F.Afifi2 and Amany A. Rady2

Abstract

Laboratory studies were carried out to investigate the efficacy of the chitin synthesis inhibitor (cyromazine) against all larval stages of Culex pipiens. The compound was tested its efficacy on larval mortality, larval duration, pupation, pupal duration and adult emergence. Also, the histological effects of cyromazine on the midgut, the integument, the fatbodies and the muscles of 4th larval instar treated as 1st larval instar were studied. The tested compound increased the larval mortality, decreased the percent pupation and adult emergence and prolonged the pupal duration. Also, this compound elicited histological effects on the midgut, the integument, the fat bodies and the muscles of 4th larval instar of C. pipiens treated as 1st larval instar with 0.01 and 0.1 ppm.

5. Biological and histopathological effects of cyromazine on the laevae of Culex pipiens (Diptera Culicidae).
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Vol.2 No.4 -6 : Ultrastructural study on the foot and the shell of the oyster Pinctada radiata (leach, 1814),(Bivalvia Petridae).

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By : Eman H. Radwan1*, Gaber A. Saad2,4, Sherifa Sh. Hamed3,4

Abstract

The shape and microscopic structure of the foot of the oyster were described by light and electron microscopy. The foot is wedge-shaped with vertical furrows on the surface; it is composed of an epithelial layer, a connective tissue layer and a muscular layer. The epithelial layer was composed mostly of ciliated columnar epithelia and secretory cells. The cilia and microvilli were observed on the free surface of epithelial cells. The muscle fibers were composed of thin and thick microfilaments. Thick and thin filaments in muscle cells were reported in the foot as well as lateral projections of the cytoplasm contained granules. The outer surface of the periostracum of the shell is reported to be microridge and microfringe were present as well. The simplicity of periostracum of the shell layers was observed as thin simple layer whereas the prismatic layer was the opposite. Wedge-shaped and elongated prisms were reported near the outer surface. Fine lamellae were representing the nacreous layer and were divided by laminar inclusion. Micro-fringes were considered to be helping the direction of bivalve

6. Ultrastructural study on the foot and the shell of the oyster Pinctada radiata (leach, 1814),(Bivalvia Petridae).
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Vol.2 No.3 -1 : Nitric oxide level and CD3-ζ expression in response to Interferon- Ribavirin Therapy in chronic Hepatitis C Egyptian patients.

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By : Salem, M.L.1, Barakat, L.A.2, Elnakeeb,N.A2, and Zeidan, A.A.1

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases all over the world; it is considered one of the leading causes of cirrhosis, hepatic failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in developed countries including Egypt. Since, the discovery of the virus, the main drug used in all antiviral protocols was interferon- α (IFN- α) but, which is not effective in 60% of these patients. The goal of this study was to measure nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and CD3-ζ in chronic HCV patients which could explain the failure from therapy. 5ml of peripheral blood were collected from 30 patients with chronic HCV infection and 10 healthy control volunteers. Patients were categorized in to responders and non-responders according to viral titre upon IFN-α treatment. CD3-ζ expression was measured in the peripheral blood by using flow_cytomery and NOS levels were assessed in the sera. Significant decreases (P˂0.001) in the expression of CD3-ζ in IFN-α non- responder was recorded when compared to responder patients and with healthy volunteers. In contrast, there were significant increases (P˂0.001) in the expression of NOS in IFN-α responder as compared to non-responder patients and healthy volunteers. Conclusion: these findings can be suggestedNitric oxide level and CD3-ζ expressionthat have immune suppressive function can be reversed and enhance responsive of HCV patients to interferon- α and ribavirin.

1. Nitric oxide level and CD3-ζ expression in response to Interferon- Ribavirin Therapy in chronic Hepatitis C Egyptian patients.
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Vol.2 No.3 -2 : Effect of experimental phenylketonuria on some organs of pregnant mothers of albino rats and their young’s during perinatal life.

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By : Hassan. I. Elsayyad1, Hany .A .Hefny2 Mahmoud .E. Mohallal3and Hala . M. Ebied3

Abstract

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that is characterized by an inability of the body to utilize the essential amino acid, phenylalanine.It results from a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase, the enzyme catalyzing the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Although this inborn error of metabolism was among the first in humans to be understood biochemically and genetically, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the pathology of PKU during neonatal brain development. Elevated concentrations of plasma phenylalanine were induced in pregnant rats by oral administration of 50 mg/100 g body weight alpha-methylphenylalanine (to inhibit maternal liver phenylalanine hydroxylase) plus phenylalanine supplementation) at a dosage of 60 mg/100 g body weight two times daily (to increase maternal and fetal plasma phenylalanine) after 6th day of onset of gestation till 14 & 16 days of gestation as well as at parturition. Treatment with alpha-methylphenylalanine/phenylalanine resulted in significant decrease of accumulated body weight gain during pregnancy as well as exhibited marked growth retardation of prenatal feti and delivered newborn. Histological examination of maternal tissues including liver, heart, kidney & thyroid gland revealed varieties of histopathological abnormalities which illustrated and discussed. These results suggested that exposure of the fetus to high plasma concentrations of phenylalanine caused a delay in the biochemical maturation

2. Effect of experimental phenylketonuria on some organs of pregnant mothers of albino rats and their young's during perinatal life.
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