Relation between Cytokine Levels and Pulmonary Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients: A Case-Control Study

Aim: The study aimed to assess the relationships between serum cytokine levels and pulmonary dysfunctions in individuals with COVID-19. These correlations may help to suggest strategies for prevention and therapies of coronavirus disease. Patients and methods: Fifty healthy participants and one hundred COVID-19 patients participated in this study. COVID-19 participants were subdivided into moderate and severe groups based on the severity of their symptoms. In both patients and healthy controls, white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes counts and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, and IL-35 levels were estimated. All the patients were examined by chest computed tomography (CT) and the COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) score was assessed. Results: All COVID-19 patients had increased WBCs count and CRP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, and IL-35 serum levels than healthy controls. Whereas WBCs, CRP, and cytokines like IL-6 showed significantly higher levels in the severe group as compared to moderate patients, IL-4, IL-35, and IL-18 showed comparable levels in both disease groups. Lymphocytes count in all patient groups exhibited a significant decrease as compared to the heathy controls and it was significantly lower in severe COVID-19 than moderate. Furthermore, CO-RADS score was positively connected with WBCs count as well as CRP and cytokine (IL-35, IL-18, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-1β) levels in both groups. CO-RADS score, also demonstrated a positive correlation with lymphocytes count in the moderate COVID-19 patients, whereas it demonstrated a negative correlation in the severe patients. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that IL-1β, IL-4, IL-18, and IL-35 were fair (acceptable) predictors for COVID-19 in moderate cases. Whereas IL-6 was good predictor of COVID-19 in severe cases (AUC > 0.800), IL-18 and IL-35 were fair. Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients, compared to individuals with moderate illness and healthy controls, had lower lymphocyte counts and increased CRP with greater WBCs counts. In contrast to moderate COVID-19 patients, severe COVID-19 patients had higher levels of IL-6, but IL-4, IL-18, and IL-35 between both illness categories were at close levels. IL-6 level was the most potent predictor of COVID-19 progress and severity. CO-RADS 5 was the most frequent category in both moderate and severe cases. Patients with a typical CO-RADS involvement had a higher CRP and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-18, and IL-35) levels and WBCs count with a lower lymphocyte number than the others. Cytokine and CRP levels as well as WBCs and lymphocyte counts were considered surrogate markers of severe lung affection and pneumonia in COVID 19 patients.

Diosmin and Trolox Have Anti-Arthritic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potencies in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Male Wistar Rats: Roles of NF-κB, iNOS, Nrf2 and MMPs

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease caused by a malfunction of the immune system. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-arthritic effects and suggest the mechanisms of actions of diosmin and trolox in male Wistar rats. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) was used to establish RA in the animals by subcutaneous injection of 100 µL CFA/rat into plantar region of right hind leg in two consecutive days. Diosmin and/or trolox were administered orally at a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day to CFA-induced arthritic rats for 2 weeks. The normal and arthritic control groups were orally given the same equivalent volume of a vehicle (1% carboxymethyl cellulose) in which treatment agents were dissolved. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein for the detection of the total leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leukocyte count (DLC) in blood and the detection of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as markers of oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system in serum. The right hind ankle regions of three rats from each group were dissected out and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for histological examination and the other three were kept at −30 °C for Western blot analysis of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) protein 50 (NF-κB p50), NF-κB p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (MMP-1), MMP-3, and MMP-9. The CFA injection was deleterious to the ankle joint’s histological architecture, manifesting as infiltration of inflammatory cells into the articular cartilage, hyperplasia of the synovium, and erosion of the cartilage. All these effects were ameliorated by diosmin and/or trolox, with the combined dose being the most effective. The two compounds significantly lowered the elevated serum levels of RF, ACPA, TNF-α, and IL-17, as well as other pro-inflammatory mediators, such as NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, iNOS, MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9. They also increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-13, and the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2. The compounds stimulated higher activities of antioxidants, such as glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, and reduced lipid peroxidation in the serum of arthritic rats. In conclusion, diosmin, trolox, and their combination, which was the most potent, exerted anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by suppressing NF-κB signaling, inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases, and activating Nrf2.

Correlations between Kidney and Heart Function Bioindicators and the Expressions of Toll-Like, ACE2, and NRP-1 Receptors in COVID-19

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 impacts the cardiovascular system resulting in myocardial damage, and also affects the kidneys leading to renal dysfunction. This effect is mostly through the binding with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Neuropilin-1 (NRP-l) receptors. Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) typically combine with microbial pathogens and provoke an inflammatory response.

AIM

This work aims to compare the changes in kidney and heart function bioindicators and expressions of TLRs (TLR2 and TLR2) as well as ACE2 and NRP-l receptors in moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. The correlations between kidney and heart function bioindicators and expressions of these receptors are also studied.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, 50 healthy control and 100 COVID-19 patients (55 males and 45 females) were enrolled. According to WHO guidelines, these participants were divided into severe (50 cases) and moderate (50 cases). Serum creatinine, blood urea, CK-MB, LDH, and Troponin I were estimated. We measured the gene expression for Toll-Like Receptors (TLR2 and TLR4), ACE2, and NRP-1 in the blood samples using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

In comparison with the healthy group, all patients exhibited a significant elevation in serum creatinine, urea, cardiac enzymes (CK-MB and LDH), and CRP. Serum Troponin I level was significantly increased in severe COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, all studied patients revealed a significant elevation in the expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, ACE2, and NRP-1 mRNA. In all patients, CK-MB, ACE2, and NRP-1 mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with both TLR2 and TLR4 expression levels. Moreover, serum creatinine and urea levels were positively correlated with both TLR2 and TLR 4 expression levels in the severe group only. In the moderate group, serum CK-MB activity and Troponin I level had a significant positive correlation with both NRP-1 and ACE2 expression levels, while serum urea level and LDH activity had a significant positive correlation with NRP-1 only. In severe patients, the increases in serum creatinine, urea, CK-MB, and LDH were significantly associated with the elevations in both ACE2 and NRP-1 expression levels, whereas serum Troponin I level had a positive direct relationship with NRP-1 only.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study concluded that expression levels for TLR2, TLR4, ACE2, and NRP-1 mRNA in both severe and moderate patients were positively correlated with renal biomarkers and cardiac enzymes. Innate immune markers can be important because they correlate with the severity of illness in COVID-19.

Thyme Oil and Thymol Counter Doxorubicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Modulation of Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer agent with a wide spectrum of activities. However, it has many adverse effects on various organs especially on the liver. Thymol, one of the major components of thyme oil, has biological properties that include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, this study was designed to examine thyme oil and thymol for their ability to prevent doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin, at a dose of 2 mg/kg bw/week, for seven weeks. Doxorubicin-injected rats were supplemented with thyme oil and thymol at doses 250 and 100 mg/kg bw, respectively, four times/week by oral gavage for the same period. Treatment of rats with thyme oil and thymol reversed the high serum activities of AST, ALT, and ALP and total bilirubin, AFP, and CA19.9 levels, caused by doxorubicin. Thyme oil and thymol also reduced the high levels of TNF-α and the decreased levels of both albumin and IL-4. These agents ameliorated doxorubicin-induced elevation in hepatic lipid peroxidation and associated reduction in GSH content and GST and GPx activities. Further, the supplementation with thyme oil and thymol significantly augmented mRNA expression of the level of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and significantly downregulated nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of the hepatic apoptotic mediator p53. Thus, thyme oil and thymol successfully counteracted doxorubicin-induced experimental hepatotoxicity via their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties.

The Antidiabetic Effects and Modes of Action of the Balanites aegyptiaca Fruit and Seed Aqueous Extracts in NA/STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that threatens human health. Medicinal plants have been a source of wide varieties of pharmacologically active constituents and used extensively as crude extracts or as pure compounds for treating various disease conditions. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects and the modes of action of the aqueous extracts of the fruits and seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) in nicotinamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis indicated that 3,4,6-tri-O-methyl-d-glucose and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- were the major components of the B. aegyptiaca fruit and seed extracts, respectively. A single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) 15 min after intraperitoneal NA injection (60 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to induce type 2 DM. After induction was established, the diabetic rats were treated with the B. aegyptiaca fruit and seed aqueous extracts (200 mg/kg b.w./day) via oral gavage for 4 weeks. As a result of the treatments with the B. aegyptiaca fruit and seed extracts, the treated diabetic-treated rats exhibited a significant improvement in the deleterious effects on oral glucose tolerance; serum insulin, and C-peptide levels; liver glycogen content; liver glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase activities; serum lipid profile; serum free fatty acid level; liver lipid peroxidation; glutathione content and anti-oxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase) activities; and the mRNA expression of the adipose tissue expression of the insulin receptor β-subunit. Moreover, the treatment with fruit and seed extracts also produced a remarkable improvement of the pancreatic islet architecture and integrity and increased the islet size and islet cell number. In conclusion, the B. aegyptiaca fruit and seed aqueous extracts exhibit potential anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects, which may be mediated by increasing the serum insulin levels, decreasing insulin resistance, and enhancing the anti-oxidant defense system in diabetic rats.

Silybum marianum total extract, silymarin and silibinin abate hepatocarcinogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma growth via modulation of the HGF/c-Met, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been identified as one of the most deadly malignancies with limited therapeutic efficacy worldwide. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between signaling pathways in HCC and predicting cancer cell responses to targeted therapeutic interventions remain to be challenge. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the anticancerous efficacy of Silybum marianum total extract (STE), silymarin (Sm), and silibinin (Sb) against experimentally-induced HCC in rats. In vitro investigations were also performed and the anticancer effects against HCC cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) were confirmed. Wistar rats were given diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and were orally treated with STE (200 mg/kg body weight (bw)), Sm (150 mg/kg bw), and Sb (5 mg/kg bw) every other day from the 1st or 16th week to the 25th week of DEN/AAF/CCl4 injection. Treatment with STE, Sm, and Sb inhibited the growth of cancerous lesions in DEN/AAF/CCl4-treated rats. This inhibition was associated with inhibition of Ki-67 expression and repression of HGF/cMet, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. STE, Sm, and Sb improved liver function biomarkers and tumor markers (AFP, CEA, and CA19.9) and increased total protein and albumin levels in serum. STE, Sm, and Sb treatment was also noted to reduce the hepatic production of lipid peroxides, increase hepatic glutathione content, and induce the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes in DEN/AAF/CCl4-treated rats. These results indicate that STE, Sm, and Sb exert anti-HCC effects through multiple pathways, including suppression of Ki-67 expression and HGF/cMet, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways and enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Tackling of Renal Carcinogenesis in Wistar Rats by Silybum marianum Total Extract, Silymarin, and Silibinin via Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, Nrf2, PPARγ, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways

The present work was designed to assess the efficacy of Silybum marianum total extract (STE), silymarin (Sm), and silibinin (Sb) against experimentally induced renal carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats and their roles in regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. The diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-administered rats were orally treated with STE (200 mg/kg b.w.), Sm (150 mg/kg b.w.), and Sb (5 mg/kg b.w.) every other day either from the 1st week or from the 16th week of carcinogen administration to the end of 25th week. The treatments with STE, Sm, and Sb attenuated markers of toxicity in serum, decreased kidney lipid peroxidation (LPO), and significantly reinforced the renal antioxidant armory. The biochemical results were further confirmed by the histopathological alterations. The treatments also led to suppression of proinflammatory mediators such as NF-κβ, p65, Iκβα, and IL-6 in association with inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Furthermore, they activated the expressions of PPARs, Nrf2, and IL-4 in addition to downregulation of apoptotic proteins p53 and caspase-3 and upregulation of antiapoptotic mediator Bcl-2. The obtained data supply potent proof for the efficacy of STE, Sm, and Sb to counteract renal carcinogenesis via alteration of varied molecular pathways.

Bee Venom: From Venom to Drug

Insects of the order Hymenoptera have a defensive substance that contains many biologically active compounds. Specifically, venom from honeybees (Apis mellifera) contains many enzymes and peptides that are effective against various diseases. Different research papers stated the possibility of using bee venom (a direct bee sting or in an injectable form) in treating several complications; either in vivo or in vitro. Other reports used the active fractions of bee venom clinically or at labratory scale. Many reports and publications have stated that bee venom and its constituents have multiple biological activities including anti-microbial, anti-protozoan, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties. The present review aims to refer to the use of bee venom itself or its fractions in treating several diseases and counteracting drug toxicities as an alternative protocol of therapy. The updated molecular mechanisms of actions of bee venom and its components are discussed in light of the previous updated publications. The review also summarizes the potential of venom loaded on nanoparticles as a drug delivery vehicle and its molecular mechanisms. Finally, the products of bee venom available in markets are also demonstrated.

Patterns of Toll-Like Receptor Expressions and Inflammatory Cytokine Levels and Their Implications in the Progress of Insulin Resistance and Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DNP) is a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) chronic complication, which is the largest single cause of end-stage kidney disease. There is an increasing evidence of the role of inflammation and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as part of innate immune system in its development and progression. In addition, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) downward signaling causes the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which can induce insulin (INS) resistance in T2DM.

Objective: The goal of this study was to estimate the expression of TLRs (TLR2 and TLR4) in relation to inflammation and INS resistance in nephrotic type 2 diabetic patients with or without renal failure and to discuss the role of these TLRs in DNP progression.

Patients and Methods: In this study, blood samples were obtained from type 2 diabetic patients with or without renal failure, and patients with non-diabetic renal failure were compared to healthy controls. All participants were tested for analysis of fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin, kidney function tests, C-reactive protein (CRP), and proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) as well as expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in peripheral blood (PB). Statistical analysis of data was done by using SPSS.

Results: Diabetic patients with renal failure exhibited significant increase in TLR2, TLR4 mRNA expression in PB in comparison with normal subjects, diabetic patients without renal failure and non-diabetic patients with renal failure. Both diabetic patients with or without kidney failure and non-diabetic patients with renal failure had increased TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression in association with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6) compared to normal subjects. The diabetic patients with kidney failure exhibited the highest elevation of TLRs, Th1 cytokines and CRP in association the highest record of insulin resistance.

Conclusion: Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like receptor 4 increased expression and Th2 cytokines may have an important role in the progression of DNP and deteriorations in insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, TLR2 and TLR4 may be a promising therapeutic target to prevent or retard DNP in type 2 diabetic patients.

Study of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients in Gamal Abd El-Nasser Hospital in 2017

Background

COPD is characterized by non-remitting airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms which is an enhanced inflammatory response to prolonged exposure to smoking or noxious gases or particles and manifested through chronic cough, effort dyspnea, expectoration and wheezing, symptoms that appears in context of airways hyper-responsiveness and may be partially reversible.

Objective

Assessment of COPD patients in Gamal Abd El Nasser Hospital during period from January 2017 to June 2017.

Subjects and Methods

This study was a cross sectional study that included 290 COPD patients recommended for spirometric assessment. The patients were classified into 2 groups: Outpatients and inpatients in the period from January 2017 to June 2017, they were subjected to full medical history, general and local examination, Pre and post bronchodilator spirometric study according to (GOLD,2017) and each patient will be subjected to the following questionnaire [Serial number, Name, Age, Sex, Occupation, Residence, Level of education, Smoking, Smoking index, Family history of COPD, Symptoms, Number and severity of exacerbation attacks in the last year, Number of Hospitalization during the last year, Vaccination status, Spirometry, Treatment prescribed by, Treatment, Inhalation therapy, Regulation of treatment, Non pharmacological therapy, Satisfaction of treatment, co morbidities, Complications, Outcome for inpatient]

Results

The study included 290 patients, 259 males and 31 females with age range of 29 _ 83 years, the majority of the studied cases were Current smoking but only 22.5% was ex-smoker. Mean FEV1% pred. Post-bronchodilator was 75.9± 16.9 in outpatients and mean FEV1% pred. Post – bronchodilator was 52.9 ± 13.4 in inpatient. The most common co morbidities in COPD patients were hypertension in 25% of cases. More than half of all studied cases had complications and the most frequent complication was Cor-pulmonale and respiratory Failure. In this study, Severity of COPD according to GOLD 2017 was 27.8% in mild stage, 34.2% in moderate stage, 35.8% in severe stage and 2.5% in very severe stage.

Conclusion

Spirometry had a great role in diagnosis of COPD and its differential diagnosis from asthma. Smoking is the major risk factors in developing COPD and this reflects on the disease occurrence and severity. Some of COPD patients refuse to use inhalers due to fear of addiction and incorrect method in using it. Inhaler steroids were preferred due to fear of systemic complications of steroids. There is great defect in vaccination and trials of quitting smoking as a non-pharmacological treatment for COPD patients.

Effects of enalapril and paricalcitol treatment on diabetic nephropathy and renal expressions of TNF-α, p53, caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in STZ-induced diabetic rats

This study aimed to assess the renopreventive effect of enalapril and/or paricalcitol on streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes-induced nephropathy and to elucidate their mechanisms of action through investigation of the effects on renal oxidative stress, antioxidant defense system and expressions of TNF-α, p53, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Diabetes mellitus was induced in fasting male Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg /kg b.w.) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Ten days after STZ injection, the diabetic rats were treated with enalapril (25 mg/l of drinking water) and/or paricalcitol (8 μg/kg b.w. per os) dissolved in 5% DMSO daily for 4 weeks. The obtained data revealed that the treatment of diabetic Wistar rats with enalapril and/or paricalcitol led to significant decreases in the elevated serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels; thereby reflecting the improvement of the impaired kidney function. The deteriorated kidney lipid peroxidation, GSH content and GST and catalase activities in diabetic rats were significantly ameliorated as a result of treatment with enalapril and/or paricalcitol. The elevated fasting and post-prandial serum glucose levels and the lowered serum insulin and C-peptide levels were also improved. The treatment with enalapril and paricalcitol in combination was the most potent in decreasing the elevated serum glucose levels. Moreover, the treatment of diabetic rats successfully prevented the diabetes-induced histopathological deleterious changes of kidney and islets of Langerhans of pancreas. In association, the immunohistochemically detected pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, and apoptotic mediators, p53 and caspase-3, were remarkably decreased in kidney of diabetic rats as a result of treatment while the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that enalapril and paricalcitol alone or in combination can prevent STZ diabetes-induced nephropathy through amelioration of the glycemic state and antioxidant defense system together with the suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. However, the treatment of diabetic rats with enalapril and paricalcitol in combination has no further significant improvement effects on renal function and damage when compared with enalapril or paclitaxel treated diabetic groups.

Impacts of the coexistence of diabetes and hypothyroidism on body weight gain, leptin and various metabolic aspects in albino rats

The present study was conducted to assess the interrelationship and the influence of the coexistence of diabetes and hypothyroidism on thyroid hormone levels, insulin levels and biochemical variables related to carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism in addition to thyroid gland and Islets of Langerhans histological changes and antioxidant defense system. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to fasting albino rats at dose level of 45 mg/kg b. w. Hypothyroidism in diabetic and normal rats was induced by adding methimazole in drinking water (0.02% w/v) for 4 weeks. The obtained results revealed that hypothyroidism interacts with diabetes in a way that prevents the progress of the hyperglycemic state. This may be due to the increase in the insulin secretory response in diabetic hypothyroid than diabetic rats. Serum T3 level decreased in order in diabetic (-26.63%), hypothyroid (-61.89%) and diabetic hypothyroid (-65.69%) rats while T4 level was increased in diabetic rats and decreased in hypothyroid ones. The decrease in T3 level in diabetic animals in spite of T4 increase may be attributed to the decrease in conversion of T4 to T3 as a result of hepatic 5'-DI decreased activity. Liver glycogen content was three-fold decreased in diabetic rats and was not significantly altered in both hypothyroid and diabetic hypothyroid rats. The serum leptin level and body weight gain were decreased in diabetic and diabetic hypothyroid rats; the leptin level was more deteriorated in diabetic hypothyroid rats while body weight gain was more affected in diabetic rats. Serum triglycerides level was more increased in diabetic rats than in diabetic hypothyroid ones on one hand, while total lipids, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol levels as well as cardiovascular indices were more deteriorated in diabetic hypothyroid rats than diabetic ones on the other hand. Serum total protein and globulin levels were decreased in diabetic rats and were increased in hypothyroid and diabetic hypothyroid rats. Hepatic total thiols and glutathione contents and catalase and peroxidase activity were profoundly decreased in diabetic rats while they (except glutathione) were increased in hypothyroid and diabetic hypothyroid rats. In conclusion, the hypothyroidism may have a counteracting effect on the hyperglycemic state and the elevated serum T4 level as well as the deteriorated antioxidant defense system found in diabetes mellitus, but both experimentally-induced diseases may synergize in inducing more elevation of serum total lipids, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and more decrease in leptin levels.

Evaluation of aural manifestations in temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction

Thirty patients with temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction were selected to investigate the changes in otoacoustic emissions before and after conservative treatment of their temporo-mandibular joints. Pure tone audiometry, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE), distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) as well as a tinnitus questionnaire were administered to all patients before and after therapy. Therapy was conservative in the form of counselling, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory agents, muscle relaxants, and occlusal splints. Results indicated insignificant changes in the TEOAEs, whereas there were significant increases in distortion product levels at most of the frequency bands. These results were paralleled to subjective improvement of tinnitus.

Mutagenic and cytotoxic effectiveness of diisopropyl xanthogen polysulphide in human lymphocyte cultures

The mutagenic and cytotoxic effectiveness of the new rubber vulcanisation accelerator diisopropyl xanthogen polysulphide (Robac AS 100) was tested in human lymphocyte cultures of four healthy probands. The concentrations of Robac AS 100 were 0.57, 5.7 and 57.0 microg/ml. Higher concentrations showed too high cytotoxicity to be evaluable. Without external activation, incubation time with Robac AS 100 was 21 h. In the presence of rat liver microsomes from aroclor-induced rats (2mg microsomal protein/ml), incubation of the test compound was 2h. Mutagenicity testing was performed by analysis of micronuclei (MN), structural chromosome aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs). The MN-rate was determined using the cytochalasin B (cyt B) block method. For evaluation of cytotoxicity, mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI) were determined. The validity of the test methods was ascertained by positive controls: mitomycin C (MMC) and bleomycin (BLM) were used in experiments without exogenous activation and cyclophosphamide (CP) in experiments with exogenous activation. The presence of rat liver microsomes increased the mutagenic effect of Robac AS 100 in the SCE- and MN-test. But only the highest Robac AS 100-concentration (57.0 microg/ml) showed significantly increased mutagenic activity in all tests. However, cytotoxicity at this concentration was already substantial. Therefore, we consider the evidence for mutagenicity of Robac AS 100 as limited.

Ammonia chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry in structural determination of alkaloids. II. Tetraponerines from pseudomyrmecine ants

Chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (CI-MS/MS) of alkaloids with ammonia reagent gas and collision-activated dissociation as well as EI-MS/MS were applied to the tetraponerine alkaloids in extracts from six pseudomyrmecine ants of the genus Tetraponera. The MS/MS techniques along with gas chromatography Fourier transform infrared (GC/FTIR) spectra allowed identification in two extracts of seven of the eight known tetraponerines. The EI-MS/MS fragmentations proved diagnostic for the ring system and the CI-MS/MS patterns for the C-8 or C-9 substitution, while the Bohlmann bands in FTIR spectra were diagnostic for the C-8 or C-9 configurations. An Indian ant (T. allaborans) had T-2, T-4 and T-8, while a Chinese ant (T. binghami) had T-5, T-6, T-7 and T-8. Four other ants, T. rufonigra (India), T. penzigi (Africa), T. clypeata (Africa) and T. sp. cf. emeryi (Africa), had no tetraponerines.

A study on fungal radioresistance and sensitivity

Lower doses of gamma and X-rays (5 and 1 Krad, respectively) stimulated the spore germination and growth of 7 tested fungi. Higher doses (500 and 100 Krad, respectively) revealed that Epicoccum nigrum was the most radioresistant, while Alternaria humicola, Stemphylium verruculosum, Rhizopus nigricans, and Cladosporium herbarum were of moderate resistance. Aspergillus niger and Penicillium oxalicum were the most radiosensitive. Protein and polysaccharide synthesis were inhibited in the mycelium developed from irradiated spores; the inhibition was a function of dose. Study of the different factors (morphological, biological, and biochemical) indicates that variability in fungal resistance to ionizing radiation is, most probably, an inherent character, connected with mycelial water content and the natural production of a chemical substance(s) that acts as a radioprotector(s).

Stomach motility in insulin-treated sheep

The effect of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia on the motility of the reticulum, rumen and abomasum of sheep was investigated using small lightly inflated balloons connected to transducers and a multichannel recorder. The principle response recorded was an inhibition of reticulo-ruminal and abomasal motility, occurring in 'resting' cycles only, and not during eating or rumination. The only hypermotility recorded was that shown by the abomasum just before the onset of inhibition. Ruminating cycles were recorded as frequently during hypoglycaemia as in control periods, and showed no abnormality. The inhibition was reversed by intravenous glucose or adrenaline and by feeding or ruminating.

Possible role of solar radiation on the viability of some air fungi in Egypt

The high occurrence of Alternaria humicola and the moderate occurrence of Stemphylium verruculosum, Rhizopus nigricans, and Epicoccum nigrum in the air of Egypt could be correlated to their apparent resistance to solar radiation. Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium oxalicum, although highly occurring, were light-sensitive. The miniumum solar radiation in November, coupled with the highest total fungal catch, dominated by Cladosporium herbarum, reveals the importance of solar radiation as a factor with direct effect on the air fungal population.