The Safety and Efficacy of Combining Saxagliptin and Pioglitazone Therapy in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic progressive disease due to insulin resistance. Oxidative stress complicates the etiology of T2DM. Saxagliptin is a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, while Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizer. This study aimed to assess the effect of Saxagliptin and Pioglitazone monotherapy and combination therapy on the biochemical and biological parameters in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

The study included thirty-five male albino rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal STZ injection (35 mg/kg). For a 1-month duration, rats were divided into five groups. Glucose homeostasis traits, lipid profiles, kidney functions, liver enzymes, and oxidative stress markers were measured. Gene expression of miRNA-29a, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) was assessed using qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

At a 1-month treatment duration, combination therapy improves oxidative stress markers more than either drug alone. The combination therapy had significantly higher levels of SOD, catalase, and GSH and lower levels of MDA compared to the monotherapy. Additionally, the diabetic group showed a significant increase in the expression levels of miRNA-29a, PEPCK, and IL-1β and a significant decrease in PI3K compared to the normal control group. However, combination therapy of Saxagliptin and Pioglitazone was more effective than either Saxagliptin or Pioglitazone alone in reversing these results, especially for PEPCK and IL-1β.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed that combining Saxagliptin and Pioglitazone improves glycemic control and genetic and epigenetic expression profiles, which play an essential regulatory role in normal metabolism.

The long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 promotes colorectal cancer progression via miR200b/ZEB1 axis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common tumor worldwide. CRC is influenced by several types of miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. This study aims to evaluate the correlation of lncRNA ZFAS1/ miR200b/ ZEB1 protein with presence of CRC.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure serum expression of lncRNA ZFAS1 and microRNA-200b in 60 CRC patients and 28 control subjects. ZEB1 protein in serum was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Lnc ZFAS1 and ZEB1 were up-regulated in CRC patients in compare to control subjects while miR-200b was down-regulated. There was a linear correlation between ZAFS1 expression and miR-200b and ZEB1 in CRC.

CONCLUSION

ZFAS1 is a key player of CRC progression and could be a potential therapeutic target by sponging miR-200b. In-addition the association between ZFAS1, miR-200b and ZEB1 highlights their potential value as a novel diagnostic biomarker in human CRC.

Long non-coding RNA MEG3 and its genetic variant rs941576 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis in Egyptian patients

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint destructive disorder. This study aimed to assess lncRNA MEG3 expression and its variant rs941576 in Egyptian patients with RA.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

100 RA patients and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Quantitative PCR was used for expression analysis and allelic discrimination technology for genotyping.

RESULTS

LncRNA MEG3 was down-regulated in RA patients and negatively associated with RA clinical features and HIF-1α and VEGF serum levels. On the contrary, it was positively associated with BAX serum levels in RA patients. The major A allele of rs941576 variant was associated with RA patients (p = .0003). AA genotype showed a significant decrease in lncRNA MEG3 expression and BAX and increase in HIF-1α and VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum lncRNA MEG3 expression showed negative association with increased susceptibility to RA. MEG3 gene rs941576 (A/G) polymorphism was associated with increased severity of RA in the current population.

Integrating experimental model, LC-MS/MS chemical analysis, and systems biology approach to investigate the possible antidiabetic effect and mechanisms of Matricaria aurea (Golden Chamomile) in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a heterogeneous disease with numerous abnormal targets and pathways involved in insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, beta cell dysfunction, and epigenetic factors. Botanical drugs provide a large chemical space that can modify various targets simultaneously. Matricaria aurea (MA, golden chamomile) is a widely used herb in Middle Eastern communities for many ailments, including diabetes mellitus, without any scientific basis to support this tradition. For the first time, this study aimed to investigate the possible antidiabetic activity of MA in a type 2 diabetic rat model, identify chemical constituents by LC-MS/MS, and then elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) using enzyme activity assays, q-RTPCR gene expression analysis, network pharmacology analysis, and molecular docking simulation. Our results demonstrated that only the polar hydroethanolic extract of MA had remarkable antidiabetic activity. Furthermore, it improved dyslipidemia, insulin resistance status, ALT, and AST levels. LC-MS/MS analysis of MA hydroethanolic extract identified 62 compounds, including the popular chamomile flavonoids apigenin and luteolin, other flavonoids and their glycosides, coumarin derivatives, and phenolic acids. Based on pharmacokinetic screening and literature, 46 compounds were chosen for subsequent network analysis, which linked to 364 candidate T2DM targets from various databases and literature. The network analysis identified 123 hub proteins, including insulin signaling and metabolic proteins: IRS1, IRS2, PIK3R1, AKT1, AKT2, MAPK1, MAPK3, and PCK1, inflammatory proteins: TNF and IL1B, antioxidant enzymes: CAT and SOD, and others. Subsequent filtering identified 40 crucial core targets (major hubs) of MA in T2DM treatment. Functional enrichment analyses of the candidate targets revealed that MA targets were mainly involved in the inflammatory module, energy-sensing/endocrine/metabolic module, and oxidative stress module. q-RTPCR gene expression analysis showed that MA hydroethanolic extract was able to significantly upregulate PIK3R1 and downregulate IL1B, PCK1, and MIR29A. Moreover, the activity of the antioxidant hub enzymes was substantially increased. Molecular docking scores were also consistent with the networks’ predictions. Based on experimental and computational analysis, this study revealed for the first time that MA exerted antidiabetic action via simultaneous modulation of multiple targets and pathways, including inflammatory pathways, energy-sensing/endocrine/metabolic pathways, and oxidative stress pathways.

The expression of zinc finger 804a (ZNF804a) and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) genes is related to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

CONTEXT

ZNF804a and CDK1 genes code for proteins involved in inflammatory pathways.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of ZNF804a and CDK1 expression profiles in RA with the activity and the severity of the disease and to assess their association with inflammatory reactions in the Egyptian RA patients.

METHODS

ZNF804a and CDK1 expression profiles were assessed using quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

ZNF804a expression was down-regulated by 0.177-fold while CDK1 expression was up-regulated to 3.29-fold in RA patients compared with healthy controls (p < .001). ZNF804a down-regulation was negatively correlated with CRP, RF, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS) using CRP (DAS-CRP) and TNF-α. CDK1 overexpression was correlated with IFN-1 and ACPA in RA patients.

CONCLUSION

ZNF804a and CDK1 genes are implicated in RA pathogenesis due to their influences on TNF-α and IFN-1 which contribute to inflammation in RA patients.

Serum LINC00305 expression and its genetic variant rs2850711 are associated with clinical and laboratory features of rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Long intergenic non-protein coding (lnc) RNA 00305 (LINC00305) is a pro-inflammatory atherosclerosis-associated lncRNA. We hypothesised that LINC00305 expression and its variant rs2850711 (A/T) are implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and linked with clinical and routine laboratory markers.

METHODS

100 RA patients and 100 healthy controls were recruited. LINC00305 genotyping and expression were performed using allelic-discrimination PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. LINC00305 diagnostic power was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Serum nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) levels were determined by ELISA, standard laboratory markers by routine methods.

RESULTS

LINC00305 expression was significantly increased in RA patients and positively correlated with DAS28, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody. In multivariate analysis, NF-κB, MMP-3 and LINC00305 were significant predictors of RA (P< 0.0001). Individuals carrying AT and TT genotypes of rs2850711 polymorphism had significantly more likely to have RA than AA genotype carriers (P< 0.05). LINC00305 expression, DAS28 score and serum levels of NF-κB and MMP-3 were significantly increased in the patients carrying LINC00305 AT and TT genotypes as compared with AA genotype patients (P< 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Increased expression level of LINC00305 and its rs2850711 genetic variant may play a role in the diagnosis and management of RA, and its severity and activity.

Therapeutic activity of sour orange albedo extract and abundant flavanones loaded silica nanoparticles against acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity

The current research aims to demonstrate the therapeutic effect of sour orange albedo extract (SOAE) and two flavanones loaded-tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) using sol-gel technique, in adose100 mg/kg body weight taken orally or45 days against acrylamide (ACR)toxicity in rats. This was achieved through measuring the activities of specific biochemical parameters related to liver functions in tissue of ACR intoxicated rats as compared to normal one. Liver functions included alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers; superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde, MDA). Moreover, histological examination of liver was performed to confirm the biochemical findings. The present results clearly indicated disturbances in all biochemical parameters, such as increase in the liver function enzyme activities and MDA level. Results of ATPase enzyme activities revealed significant decrease in ACR intoxicated rats and liver biomarker enzymes declared significant decrease. On the other hand, treatment of intoxicated rats with the previous different nano-particles natural product demonstrated improvement in all biochemical parameters under investigation.

Raspberry ketone preserved cholinergic activity and antioxidant defense in obesity induced Alzheimer disease in rats

Obesity is a proven risk factor for neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accumulating evidences suggested that nutritional interventions provide potential for prevention and treatment of AD. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary treatment of obese rats with natural Raspberry ketone (RK) and their relationship with neurodegeneration. Obesity was first induced in 40 male Wistar rats (140-160 g) by feeding high fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Obese rats were then assigned into 4 groups (n = 10 each). (O-AD) is obese induced AD group maintained on HFD for another 6 weeks. OCR is obese group received calorie restricted diet for 6 weeks. OCRRK is obese group received calorie restricted diet and RK (44 mg/kg body weight, daily, orally) for 6 weeks and OCRD is obese group received calorie restricted diet and orlistate (10 mg/kg body weight, daily orally) for 6 weeks. Another 10 normal rats received normal diet were used as normal control group (NC). Body weight, visceral white adipose tissue weight (WAT), lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, adiponectin, cholinergic activity and amyloid extracellular plaques were examined. In addition to histological changes in brain tissues were evaluated.Raspberry ketone (RK) via its antioxidant properties attenuated oxidative damage and dyslipidemia in O-AD group. It inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AchE) and hence increased acetylcholine level (Ach) in brain tissues of O-AD rats. It is also impeded the upregulation of beta-secretase-1 (BACE-1) and the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques which crucially involved in AD. The combination of CR diet with RK was more effective than CR diet with orlistate (antiobese drug) in abrogating the neurodegenerative changes induced by obesity. Results from this study suggested that concomitant supplementation of RK with calorie restricted regimen effectively modulate the neurodegenerative changes induced by obesity and delay the progression of AD.

Association of interleukin-1A insertion/deletion gene polymorphism and possible high risk factors with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Egyptian patients

CONTEXT

Interleukin-1A (IL-1A) is a cytokine involved in inflammatory process. IL-1A (rs3783553) gene polymorphism is comprised in the regulation of IL-1A expression.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate association of IL-1A (I/D) gene polymorphism with NAFLD and its component traits among Egyptian populations.

METHODS

The study included 75 healthy subjects and 75 patients with NAFLD. Different genotypes of IL-1A (I/D) gene polymorphism were determined by PCR-PAGE technique, serum IL-1A level and other biochemical parameters were measured.

RESULTS

The major D allele was significantly associated with NAFLD patients (p = .002). DD genotype showed a significant increase in BMI and decrease in HDL-C. Also serum IL-1A was significantly correlated with the DD genotype. Serum IL-1A showed a significant positive correlation with BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C and FBG, and a significant negative correlation with HDL-C.

CONCLUSIONS

Major D allele of IL-1A (I/D) gene polymorphism is associated with NAFLD in the Egyptian population.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 gene polymorphism is related to rheumatoid arthritis in Egyptian population

CONTEXT

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) is a CD28-family receptor expressed on T-cells which suppresses T cell proliferation. CTLA-4 -318C/T polymorphism is involved in regulation of CTLA-4 expression.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the genetic association of CTLA-4 -318C/T polymorphism with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the activity and severity of the disease in the Egyptian population.

METHODS

A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs5742909) in CTLA-4 was genotyped in 100 RA patients and 100 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Diagnostic tests were measured for RA patients.

RESULTS

The frequency of T allele in RA patients was significantly higher than in the control subjects (p = 0.002). CT and TT genotypes had high C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and disease activity score 28 while CC genotype had a high rheumatoid factor.

CONCLUSION

A minor allele of CTLA-4 rs5742909 polymorphism was associated with RA and the activity but not the severity of the disease.

Association of chemerin Rs17173608 and vaspin Rs2236242 gene polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome in Egyptian women

AIM

The metabolic syndrome is a complex of interrelated risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The adipokines, chemerin and vaspin, are known to have metabolic regulatory roles. This study aimed to assess the relation of chemerin rs17173608 and vaspin rs2236242 polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome and its related phenotypes in Egyptian women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study included 100 healthy female subjects and 100 metabolic syndrome patients. The component traits of metabolic syndrome were determined and the genotypes of the polymorphisms were assessed using the tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction procedure.

RESULTS

The minor G allele of the chemerin rs17173608 polymorphism had a significantly higher frequency in metabolic syndrome patients (p = 0.0001). The component traits of metabolic syndrome were significantly increased in the carriers of the GG and TG genotypes. In contrast, the rare A allele of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism was significantly higher in the control subjects (p = 0.005). The carriers of the TA and AA genotypes showed significant relation with lower values of the phenotypes of metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic syndrome in Egyptian females is associated with the minor allele of chemerin rs17173608 polymorphism, whereas the minor allele of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism plays a protective role against metabolic syndrome.

Relation of myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women

CONTEXT

Myeloperoxidase is a heme protein secreted by activated macrophages and generates intermediates that oxidize lipoproteins. Myeloperoxidase-463G/A is a functional polymorphism involved in regulation of myeloperoxidase expression.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the relation of myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women from the Suez Canal area.

METHODS

The study includes 100 healthy female subjects and 100 metabolic syndrome patients. The component traits of metabolic syndrome are determined and the genotypes of the polymorphisms assessed using the PCR-RFLP technique.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the allele frequencies between the metabolic syndrome and control groups. However, the GA and AA genotypes were associated with lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the patients.

CONCLUSION

Myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism is not associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome.

Association of MicroRNA-146a rs2910164 Gene Polymorphism with Metabolic Syndrome

Alteration in microRNA-146a (miRNA-146a) expression is an important event in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. MiRNA-146a rs2910164 is a functional polymorphism that showed association with several diseases. Metabolic syndrome is an aggregation of multiple risk factors including impaired glucose tolerance, increased highdensity lipoprotein, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of miRNA-146a rs2910164 with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women from the Suez Canal area. The study included 100 healthy female subjects and 100 metabolic syndrome patients. The component traits of metabolic syndrome were determined and the genotypes of the polymorphisms were assessed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique using the restriction enzyme Hpy188I. The rare C allele had a significantly higher frequency in metabolic syndrome patients (P = 0.013). The heterozygote GC and the rare CC genotypes showed a significant increase in body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The GC genotype was associated with higher fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin and insulin resistance. The carriers of CC genotype had significantly lower HDL compared with the GG genotype carriers. In conclusion, The C allele of miRNA-146a rs2910164 showed positive association with increased susceptibility to metabolic syndrome and its phenotypes in the study population.

Abstract ES8-2: Breast Cancer Stroma: A Predictor of Clinical Outcome and Tumour Heterogeneity

Breast cancer heterogeneity is one of the principal obstacles both to predicting outcome and to determining an effective course of treatment for this disease. Individual cases demonstrate heterogeneity at multiple levels, including those parameters assessed by studies of gene expression, chromosomal aberrations, and classical and immuno-pathology. Although genomic technologies have been used to gain a better understanding of the impact of gene expression heterogeneity on breast cancer outcome by identifying gene expression signatures associated with clinical outcome, histopathological breast cancer subtypes, and a variety of cancer–related pathways and processes, relatively little is known about the effects of heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment. We have addressed changes in stroma by analyzing changes in gene expression in stromal tissue associated with breast tumors when compared to normal breast tissue. We have integrated gene expression data from laser capture microdissected breast tumor stroma with matched normal stroma. Using this approach we have identified that the microenvironment of a breast tumor can be classified into one of six distinct molecular phenotypes exhibiting distinct biological functions and carrying prognostic information independent of existing therapeutic biomarkers and tumor subtypes. A trained predictor of 23 genes was developed and contains new information to stratify breast cancer subtypes. This is independent of clinical parameters and published predictors of outcome and identifies patients with poor outcome in multiple breast cancer expression data generated using using whole tissue. The stromal predictor selects poor outcome patients from multiple clinical subtypes of breast cancer and contains genes representing distinct biological features, including differential immune response, angiogenic response, as well as a hypoxic response. Elements of this signature are present in murine models of breast cancer. These results highlight the complex relationship between the tumor and its microenvironment, and underline the role that the stroma plays in tumor progression.

These results demonstrate an important role for the tumor microenvironment in defining breast cancer heterogeneity, with a consequent impact upon clinical outcome. Novel therapies could be targeted at the processes that define the stroma classes, suggesting new avenues for the development of individualized treatment regimens.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr ES8-2.

Attitudes of dental students towards using computers in education--a mixed design study

This mixed design study explored attitudes of dental students towards use of computers. It employed quantitative analyses of a questionnaire answered by 979 students and qualitative analysis of suggestions by a subgroup of 339. Positive attitudes towards computers were predicted by "computer use for > 1 year" and "year of study". Qualitative analysis of students' suggestions confirmed these findings and brought up new issues such as the need for establishing a website for the faculty. The results indicate that careful planning is needed to improve students' skills and incorporate computer applications in educational curricula.

HPLC method for the quantitative determination of sarcophine, a source of cembranoids with cancer chemopreventive activity

An accurate, reproducible and sensitive method for the quantitative determination of sarcophine in the organic extract of the Red Sea soft coral Sarcophyton species was developed and validated. Sarcophine concentration was determined by RP HPLC using ODS column. The mobile phase was made up of 70% acetonitrile in deionized water and the pH was adjusted to 3.5 with phosphoric acid. The flow rate was 1.5ml/min and the detector was set to 220nm. The HPLC analysis of several Sarcophyton glaucum samples collected from different locations in the Red Sea revealed that Hurghada had the highest sarcophine concentration.

PKC-gamma phosphorylation of connexin 46 in the lens cortex

PURPOSE

To identify the role of PKC-gamma in control of and phosphorylation of connexin 46 (Cx46) in the lens cortex.

METHODS

The association between PKC-gamma and Cx46 was determined by co-immunoprecipitation from whole lens. Phosphorylation of Cx46 and activity of PKC-gamma were determined using Western blots, PKC activity assays, and inhibition of PKC activity by addition of isoform-specific PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitors.

RESULTS

Co-localization of PKC-gamma and Cx46 was observed in the bow regions and cortical regions of rat lens. PKC-gamma was not observed in the nuclear region and Cx46 was not observed in the epithelial layer. PKC-alpha was not found in lens cortex or nuclear regions. PKC-gamma could be co-immunoprecipitated with Cx46 from lens cortical regions. Cx46 was phosphorylated on both serine and threonine. No tyrosine phosphorylation was observed. The PKC-gamma specific pseudosubstrate inhibitor caused a 73% inhibition of serine phosphorylation on Cx46 at 1 microM, and, 36% inhibition of threonine phosphorylation at the same concentration. Inhibition of phosphorylation of Cx46 with PKC-alpha pseudosubstrate inhibitor was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

PKC-gamma may phosphorylate Cx46, primarily on serine in whole lens. A role for PKC-gamma in control of lens cortical gap junctions is suggested.

Src-class kinases act within the agrin/MuSK pathway to regulate acetylcholine receptor phosphorylation, cytoskeletal anchoring, and clustering

Synaptogenesis at the neuromuscular junction requires agrin-induced stable localization of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the endplate. The effects of agrin are transduced by the muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK). This study provides evidence that Src-class protein tyrosine kinases mediate the effects of agrin-activated MuSK to regulate clustering and anchoring of AChRs in skeletal muscle. MuSK was complexed with both Src and Fyn in the C2 mouse muscle cell line. These associations were enhanced by agrin and by increasing protein tyrosine phosphorylation with pervanadate. Coupling between MuSK and the Src-class kinases in vivo appeared to be caused by a phosphotyrosine-SH2 domain interaction because binding of MuSK to the SH2 domains of Fyn and Src in vitro was specific, enhanced by phosphorylation, and dependent on MuSK autophosphorylation. In addition, Src and Fyn phosphorylated MuSK. AChR phosphorylation, stimulated by agrin or pervanadate, was inhibited by blocking Src-class kinases with PP1. Furthermore, agrin-induced clustering and cytoskeletal anchoring of AChRs was dependent on Src-family kinases. These data support the conclusion that Fyn and Src act downstream of MuSK to regulate the stable localization of AChRs at the neuromuscular endplate during agrin-induced synaptogenesis.

High prevalence of hepatitis C in Egyptian patients with chronic liver disease

The highest prevalence rates of hepatitis C virus infection in the world have been recently reported among Egyptian blood donors and frequent recipients of transfusions and other blood products. This is the first report, however, demonstrating hepatitis C as the most frequent association with chronic liver disease in Egypt. Of 1023 patients referred to the Liver Institute in Menoufia governorate for evaluation of chronic liver disease, 752 (73.5%) had antibodies to hepatitis C compared with 168 (16.4%) with hepatitis B surface antigen. Hepatitis C antibody was more common in patients with active schistosomiasis and patients without hepatitis B surface antigenaemia. Of 100 patients having liver biopsies, histological findings consistent with chronic viral hepatitis or its complications were found in 89 and antibody to hepatitis C was present in 75 (84.3%) of these patients with chronic hepatitis, active cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. These data pointing to the importance of hepatitis C as a cause of chronic liver disease in Egypt emphasise the necessity of studies delineating its routes of transmission in this country.

Hepatitis C virus-polymerase chain reaction of routinely processed liver biopsies

The aim of the study was to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) liver biopsies by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Routinely processed FFPE diagnostic needle liver biopsies as well as stored serum samples from 43 patients with liver disease were tested for HCV-RNA by reverse transcription-nested PCR using the same sets of primers and following strict anticontamination measures. Twenty-nine cases were positive and 14 were negative for serum HCV-RNA. Tissue HCV-RNA was detected in 17 out of the 29 serum HCV-RNA-positive cases but not in any of the 14 serum HCV-RNA-negative cases. Compared to serum-PCR, tissue-PCR was 100% specific, 58.6% sensitive, and 72% efficient. HCV-RNA was detected more frequently in biopsies stored for less than 1 year, than in those stored for more than 1 year (P = 0.046). In biopsies stored for up to 1 year detection of HCV-RNA by PCR was 81.8% sensitive and 90.9% efficient. Short (< 0.5 cm) liver biopsies were as sufficient for nucleic acid extraction and amplification as long (> 0.5 cm) ones. It is concluded that following strict anticontamination measures, HCV-RNA detection by PCR in routinely fixed, processed, and stored diagnostic liver biopsies provides a valuable adjunct to diagnosis of HCV infection. In this study, this option was free from contamination problems, even though routine batch histological processing schedules were used.

Schistosomiasis as an important determining factor for the response of Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C to therapy with recombinant human alpha-2 interferon

The aim of the present study was to compare the response to recombinant human alpha-2 interferon therapy in 2 groups of Egyptian patients having chronic hepatitis C with or without associated schistosomiasis. Group 1 included 36 patients with associated intestinal schistosomiasis, and group 2 included 24 patients without schistosomiasis. All patients had abnormal serum aminotransferase levels and were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis core antibody, but positive for hepatitis C virus antibody in serum. All patients received interferon at a dose of 3 million units subcutaneously 3 times a week for 6 months and were followed up clinically, biochemically and haematologically during this treatment period and for 6 months thereafter. A second liver biopsy was obtained from every patient after the completion of interferon therapy. Both the percentage of complete response with return to normal of alanine aminotransferase levels during therapy and the overall response rate at 6 months (when patients with a partial response were also included as responders) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in group 1 (14% and 33% respectively) than in group 2 (63% and 71% respectively). The liver histology also improved significantly in group 2 (46%) compared with group 1 (14%) after completion of therapy (P < 0.05). On the other hand the overall relapse rate in responders, by 6 months after cessation of therapy, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group 1 (92%) than in group 2 (59%). These results show that the presence of associated schistosomiasis has to be considered as an important factor in determining the response of Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C to therapy with interferon.

Evaluation of direct and indirect methods in diagnosis of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis in Menoufia Governorate

A comparative study of Kato thick smear method, modified Ritchie concentration technique (MRCT), rectal snip biopsy and indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test were done on fifty patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis from Menoufia governorate, an area of Nile Delta endemic for schistosomiasis. Study revealed that a single kato-preparation was not sufficient to determine correctly the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection particularly in chronic cases (22%), the accuracy was maximized by examining stool samples obtained from the same patient by MRCT (46%). Rectal snip biopsy and IHA test showed high positivity rate of 80% and 74% respectively. It is recommended to combine stool examination by MRCT with either rectal snip or IHA test according to the condition of patient as the former can not be performed on routine basis.

Application of Corynebacterium cutis lysate as an immune stimulant in cattle

An ultrasonicated lysate of Corynebacterium cutis (Ultracorn, Virbac, France) was administered to 10-day-old calves, 5-month-old calves, and pregnant dams kept under Egyptian environmental conditions. Ninety-five calves and 50 dams were used in the study. All animals were treated with 2 ml/100 kg body weight of killed C cutis. Its effects on body weight gain and on calf mortality and morbidity were recorded. The results obtained showed that treated calves had greater weight gains, reduced susceptibility to common viral pathogens, and lower mortality. When given simultaneously with rinderpest vaccine, an immunopotentiating or adjuvant effect was seen. Thus, treated calves had higher neutralizing antibody titers to rinderpest as compared with untreated calves. When administered to pregnant cows in the last month of pregnancy, the offspring of these animals had higher birth weight, better weight gain, and reduced morbidity.

Immunoconglutinin and suppression of an induced immune response by plasma from rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense

Fresh plasma from rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, incubated with splenic lymphocytes from rats previously immunized with sheep blood cells, suppressed the capacity of the splenic lymphocytes to produce antibody as was indicated by reductions in the numbers of hemolytic Jerne plaques produced by the treated cells. The effect was maximal in plasma samples drawn on the sixth to eighth day of infection when they contained elevated amounts of soluble immune complex, high titers of immunoconglutinin (IK), and reduced titers of lytic complement. We suggest that the active plasma may have affected the antibody-producing cells by one or both of two mechanisms. Soluble antigen-antibody complexes may have interacted with Fc receptors of activated lymphocytes to suppress antibody production. Alternatively, complement-fixing soluble immune complexes may have reacted with C3b receptors of the lymphocytes. These lymphocytes coated with the antigen for IK could then be injured by immunoconglutination.

Immune complexes and immunoconglutinin interactions associated with altered lymphocyte activity in Plasmodium chabaudi infections

Fresh plasma from rats infected with Plasmodium chabaudi, incubated with splenic lymphocytes from rats immunized 5 days previously with sheep blood cells, suppressed the capacity of the spleen cells to produce antibody against the sheep cells as was indicated by reductions in the numbers of hemolytic Jerne plaques formed by the treated cells. The effect was maximal in plasma of rats drawn on the 7th day of infection at a time the rats experienced a hemolytic crisis. Serologic studies indicated that the active plasma contained elevated titers of antibody against fibrinogen products, antibody against the soluble serum antigens elaborated during blood infections and antibody against the third component of fixed complement (C3) or immunoconglutinin. Titers of lytic complement were reduced and amounts of soluble immune complex precipitated with polyethylene glycol 6000 were elevated. The active plasma may have affected the antibody producing cells by one or both of two mechanisms. Soluble antigen-antibody complexes could have interacted with Fc receptors of activated lymphocytes to alter their function. Alternatively, the complexes may have fixed complement and interacted with receptors for fixed C3 on the lymphocyte membrane. Such cells, being coated with the antigen for immunoconglutinin, could be altered by immunoconglutination. Inasmuch as the immune complexes in the active plasma were generated in vivo, it would seem unlikely that the plasma would contain significant amounts of complex that had not fixed complement. With immunoconglutinin present in the plasma, alteration of the cells by immunoconglutination seems a more likely possibility.

Anemia and thrombocytopenia from Corynebacterium parvum-stimulated resistance against malaria, trypanosomiasis, and babesiosis

Nonspecific immunity (NSI) was manifested in rats injected intravenously with killed Corynebacterium parvum and challenged with Trypanosoma lewisi, Plasmodium chabaudi, or Babesia rodhaini. The NSI became evident some 5 days after infection as a suppressed parasitemia, a more rapid recovery from patent infection and as enhanced survival among rats infected with B. rodhaini. The C. parvum injections produced anemia and thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly and signs of glomerulonephritis in rats. The signs became evident about 5 days after injection and were accompanied by reduced titers of lytic complement, elevated titers of antibody against fibrinogen products (Anti-F), antibody against soluble serum antigen of malaria and babesiosis (ABSA), and antibody against the third component of fixed complement or immunoconglutinin (IK). These were the autoantibodies associated with anemia and reduced parasitemia of infection-induced NSI. In as much as immunoconglutination of blood cells or parasites coated with complement fixing immune complexes was implicated as a functional mechanism in infection-induced NSI, it is possible that these same factors might function in C. parvum induced NSI.

Diagnostic value of determination of acid and alkaline phosphatase levels in the seminal plasma of infertile males

To investigate the diagnostic value of phosphatases in seminal plasma, the levels of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase were determined in 15 fertile subjects as well as in 26 cases of oligoasthenozoospermia. Statistical analysis of obtained data showed that acid phosphatase is a reliable parameter of prostatic function in cases of infection, while alkaline phosphatase may prove to be a non-specific parameter of subfertile semen. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly diminished in both oligozoospermia and azoospermia with and without infection or varicocele.

The slide agglutination test for the diagnosis of filariasis in camels

The slide agglutination test was adapted for the diagnosis of filariasis in camels, using an antigen prepared from the microfilariae by a simple lytic technique. The preliminary results were satisfactory as the test detected 86 per cent of the infected animals. Only 6 per cent of the healthy camels with no blood parasites or microfilariae in their blood gave positive results and no positive reactions were obtained from 18 animals suffering from Trypanosoma infection.

Fate of Bacillus thuringiensis in soil: effect of soil pH and organic amendment

Bacillus thuringiensis spores germinated, grew, and sporulated in soils of neutral pH amended with alfalfa or casein. Numbers of viable spores of B. thuringiensis increased 100-fold and more than one million spores/g soil were maintained throughout a 3-month incubation period. B. thuringiensis spores apparently germinated but the resulting vegetative cells did not survive in acid soils amended with alfalfa or casein. It appears that B. thuringiensis spores can remain viable for long periods of time in soil and that the organism can compete successfully under conditions favoring the bacillus component of soil microbial populations.

Method for determining Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis Berliner in soil

A plate dilution frequency technique was developed for determination of Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis Berliner in soil. Confirmation of B. thuringiensis colonies was achieved by microscopic examination of stained smears for the presence of characteristic parasporal crystals. Competitive growth of B. thuringiensis relative to soil microorganisms was promoted by use of nutrient agar amended to contain 5 p.p.m. polymyxin B sulfate and 4 p.p.m. penicillin G, and incubation at 37 °C for 48 hours. Limits of detection were 600 to 1000 B. thuringiensis propagules/g soil, depending on the soils and the ratio of total soil microorganisms to B. thuringiensis present.