Clinical Biochemistry

Thioacetamide (TAA) has been used in development of animal models of acute hepatic encephalopathy (AHE). This experimental study was designed to evaluate effects of oral administration of vitamin C, vitamin E and their combination on liver and brain enzymes and their histologic and ultrastructure changes. Eighty Wistar rats were included and divided into five groups (16 each). Group 1 (control) received saline once intraperitoneally (IP) then administered orally saline and corn oil for 3 days. Group 2 [hepatotoxic (TAA)] were received TAA (300 mg/kg) once intraperitoneally (IP). Group 3 (vitamin C and TAA) received TAA (300 mg/kg) once intraperitoneally (IP) and then administered orally vitamin C (100 mg/kg) daily for 3 days. Group 4 (vitamin E and TAA) received TAA (300 mg/kg) once intraperitoneally (IP) and then administered orally vitamin E (200 mg/kg) daily for 3 days. Group 5 (vitamin C and vitamin E and TAA) received TAA (300 mg/kg) once intraperitoneally (IP) and then administered orally vitamin C (100 mg/kg) in combination with vitamin E (200 mg/kg) daily for 3 days. All rats were sacrificed 24 h after last treatment under anesthesia. Blood samples were collected and serum was obtained for analysis of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol using spectrophotometer and ELISA kits. Liver and brain were extracted and tissue homogenate was used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO). Histological and ultrastructure examination were done. TAA induced significant increase of MDA and decreased in GSH and NO in both liver and brain homogenate with more liver affection, and increased in serum levels of AST, ALT, triglyceride, cholesterol and decreased in total protein. Furthermore, there is decrease in serum levels of AST, ALT, triglyceride, cholesterol and tissue levels of MDA and elevated serum total protein and tissue GSH and NO under the umbrella of vitamin C and vitamin E and their combination, although vitamin E is more efficient. These data showed protective effect of vitamins C and E, especially vitamin E against oxidative stress and hepatic and brain damage, and histological architecture of the liver in rats’ model of acute hepatic encephalopathy elicited by TAA.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. The aim of the current study is to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Hyphaene thebaica in DN. For this, 50 male albino rats were divided into five groups: group I - represented the control group; group II - received Hyp-haene thebaica extracts of 150 mg/kg BW by oral gavage for 6 weeks; group III - received single intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg BW) to induce type-2 diabetes mellitus; group IV (protective) - diabetic rats recei-ved Hyphaene thebaica extract (150 mg/kg BW) orally for 6 weeks; group V (curative) - received Hyphaene thebaica extract (150 mg/kg BW) orally after the diagnosis of DN. In the DN protected group, blood glucose, urea, and creatinine decreased significantly, while insulin and C-peptide increased significantly. Moreover, cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin decreased. Collagen fibre deposition is increased with an apparent thickening of the parietal layer of Bowman's capsules and the basal lamina of convoluted tubules, as well as increase of the immune-reaction of caspase-3 and desmin. The introduction of Hyphaene thebaica led to greater amelioration in the biochemical markers, apoptotic alterations, and podocyte injuries of the protected group than in the curative group. Hyphaene thebaica may be advised as a good choice that can delay diabetic renal complications.

Background:Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin have been shown to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).Methods:Two mutations, S128R in E-selectin and K469E in ICAM-1, were investigated in 156 patients with PAOD and 100 control subjects using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in an Egyptian population.Results:The distribution of E-selectin genotypes in patients affected by PAOD was 84.6% for the AA genotype and 15.4% for the AC genotype. In the control arm the distribution was 97% for the AA genotype and 3% for the AC genotype. There was a statistically significance difference in the distribution of the AC genotype in PAOD patients when compared with the control subjects. Additionally, the distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes in patients affected by PAOD was 30.8% with the EE, 48% with the EK, and 21.2% with the KK genotypes. The distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes in control subjects was 13% EE, 33% EK and 54% KK. The EE genotype was significantly more common in PAOD patients than in the controls.Conclusion:S128R and K469E polymorphisms were associated with increased risk in PAOD. Early detection of these polymorphic genes helps in early prophylaxis against PAOD.