- Cairo, Al Qahirah, Egypt
Nadia Y S Morcos
Ain Shams University, Biochemistry, Faculty Member
Research Interests:
This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer and radio-sensitizing efficacy of Zinc Oxide-Caffeic Acid Nanoparticles (ZnO-CA NPs). ZnO-CA NPs were formulated by the conjugation of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with caffeic acid (CA)... more
This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer and radio-sensitizing efficacy of Zinc Oxide-Caffeic Acid Nanoparticles (ZnO-CA NPs). ZnO-CA NPs were formulated by the conjugation of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with caffeic acid (CA) that were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FT-IR), X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). In vitro anticancer potential of ZnO-CA NPs was evaluated by assessing cell viability in the human breast (MCF-7) and hepatocellular (HepG2) carcinoma cell lines. In vivo anticancer and radio-sensitizing effects of ZnO-CA NPs in solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice (EC mice) were also assessed. Treatment of EC mice with ZnO-CA NPs resulted in a considerable decline in tumor size and weight, down-regulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) gene expressions, decreased vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) level, downregulation of phosphorylated-extracellular-regulated kinase 1 ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The present study was undertaken to identify patient populations at high risk for bone metastases (BM) at any time after diagnosis of operable breast cancer. A total number of 59 cases with breast cancer after mastectomy was subdivided... more
The present study was undertaken to identify patient populations at high risk for bone metastases (BM) at any time after diagnosis of operable breast cancer. A total number of 59 cases with breast cancer after mastectomy was subdivided into two main groups that included 30 patients with radiologically confirmed BM and 29 patients with no bone metastasis (NBM). Patients with NBM were formerly observed for a one-year follow-up interval to monitor the development of bone metastasis (new BM). Parameters included a full blood picture, tumour markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 15.3) and some biochemical markers (vascular endothelial growth factor and zinc levels, as well as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities). A significant elevation was recorded in carcinoembryonic antigen level and alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as inflammation and vascularisation markers at the time of primary diagnosis in patients with BM, compared with those without ...
Research Interests:
One inescapable feature of life on the earth is exposure to ionizing radiation. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive organs to gamma-radiation and endocrine disrupters. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to stimulate... more
One inescapable feature of life on the earth is exposure to ionizing radiation. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive organs to gamma-radiation and endocrine disrupters. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to stimulate tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. The aim of this study was to gauge the value of using Helium-Neon laser to repair the damaged tissues of thyroid gland after gamma-irradiation. Albino rats were used in this study (144 rats), divided into control, gamma, laser, and gamma plus laser-irradiated groups, each group was divided into six subgroups according to time of treatment (total six sessions). Rats were irradiated once with gamma radiation (6 Gy), and an external dose of laser (Wavelength 632.8 nm, 12 mW, CW, Illuminated area 5.73 cm(2), 2.1 mW cm(-2) 120 s, 1.4 J, 0.252 J cm(-2)) twice weekly localized on thyroid region of the neck, for a total of six sessions. Animals were sacrificed after each session. Analysis included thyroid function, oxidative stress markers, liver function and blood picture. Results revealed improvement in thyroid function, liver function and antioxidant levels, and the blood cells count after LLLT.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Nonparametric Statistics, Aspergillus, Ceramics, Humans, Male, and 11 morePolymerase Chain Reaction, Immunoglobulin E, Identification Workplace Hazards at a Production Line in a Factory and Job Safety and Health Protection for Workers, Middle Aged, Adult, Occupational Exposure, Sputum, Industrial health, Occupational Diseases, Cross Sectional Studies, and Aspergillosis
Research Interests:
Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic leukemia. This pilot study assesses the potential value of measuring TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-18 and CRP levels as prognostic markers for disease monitoring in CLL... more
Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic leukemia. This pilot study assesses the potential value of measuring TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-18 and CRP levels as prognostic markers for disease monitoring in CLL patient. These parameters were evaluated in 45 CLL patients and 25 healthy control subjects IL-6 on contraire to the other cytokines, was significantly higher (P<0.05) in patients compared to controls. At hematological remission, only CRP was significantly reduced (P<0.005). IL-6 is inversely correlated with Hb (P<0.05). In the meantime, IL-18 is correlated to splenomegaly, and CRP (P<0.05; for both). TNF-alpha level in non-survived patients was significantly higher than both survived patients (P<0.05), and controls (P<0.01). In conclusion, TNF-alpha can be potentially used as a survival prognostic factor in CLL.
Research Interests:
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) accounts for 20% of all adult leukemias worldwide. Most Egyptian patients are diagnosed in the chronic phase and progress to the accelerated or blastic phase, which is related with decreased survival.... more
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) accounts for 20% of all adult leukemias worldwide. Most Egyptian patients are diagnosed in the chronic phase and progress to the accelerated or blastic phase, which is related with decreased survival. Various pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic leukemia but their prognostic significance is unknown. The aim of the current study is to determine the validity of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-18 and CRP levels as prognostic markers in CML patients. These parameters were monitored with clinical routine tests in 25 CML patients besides ten healthy control subjects at National Cancer Institute, Cairo, Egypt. IL-6 and IL-18 levels before hydroxyurea treatment were significantly higher in all patients compared to controls (P<0.001 for both levels). At hematological remission, significant reductions were observed for IL-6 (P<0.001), IL-18 (P<0.001) and CRP (P<0.001) whereas reduction in the levels of TNF were non-significant. ...
Research Interests:
The association between mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC), chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC), and renal insufficiency was documented. This paper aimed to determine the prevalence of cryoglobulinemia (CG), and renal affection drug-naïve Egyptian... more
The association between mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC), chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC), and renal insufficiency was documented. This paper aimed to determine the prevalence of cryoglobulinemia (CG), and renal affection drug-naïve Egyptian patients suffering from CHC-in a cross-sectional study So, 53 patients with CHC and 20 healthy controls were included. Parameters investigated covered; HCV antibodies, HCV RNA, liver profile (AST, ALT, serum albumin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time), renal profile (urea, uric acid, creatinine clearance, urinary albumin), CG, C3, C4, & three MDRD equations to calculate the GFR. The results showed that CG was found in all patients, but none in controls. The renal markers showed that none of the patients suffered frank nephropathy, but were at increased risk for developing kidney disease.
Research Interests:
Female Swiss albino mice were placed on seven dietary regimens for five weeks. These regimens differed only in magnesium and/or manganese contents. At the end of the feeding period, the animals were inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumor.... more
Female Swiss albino mice were placed on seven dietary regimens for five weeks. These regimens differed only in magnesium and/or manganese contents. At the end of the feeding period, the animals were inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumor. Ten days after transplantation, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were harvested, and all animals were killed. EAC cells and plasma samples were subjected to several biochemical tests. The results suggest several conclusions. 1. Dietary supplements of magnesium and/or manganese have no effect on retarding tumor growth in vivo. 2. Dietary restriction of manganese and combined magnesium and manganese gave promising effects on retarding tumor growth in vivo. 3. Dietary magnesium deficiency, per se, had no significant effect on tumor regression in vivo. 4. In contrast to in vitro studies, manganese supplementation appeared to exert no effect on tumor progression in vivo. 5. Magnesium supplementation seemed to have no effect on tumor progression in vivo, which is in agreement with in vitro studies.
Research Interests:
The effects of seven feeding schedules differing only in their Mg and Mn contents on the growth rates and some metabolic aspects of Swiss albino female mice were studied. The animals were placed for 5 weeks on the seven dietary regimens... more
The effects of seven feeding schedules differing only in their Mg and Mn contents on the growth rates and some metabolic aspects of Swiss albino female mice were studied. The animals were placed for 5 weeks on the seven dietary regimens and weighed weekly according to the following scheme: (1) normal diet fed (control) group; (2) Mg-deficient fed group; (3) Mn-deficient fed group; (4) coupled-deficient fed group; (5) Mg-supplemented fed group; (6) Mn-supplemented fed group, and (7) coupled-supplemented fed group. Dietary Mg and/or Mn deficiencies were found to exert unfavorable effects on the growth rate of the animals. However, dietary supplementation of Mg has a favorable influence on the growth rate of the animals. Also, several biochemical tests on the plasma and livers of the tested animals were carried out and discussed accordingly.
Research Interests: Nutrition and Dietetics, Diet, Manganese, Energy Metabolism, Growth, and 7 moreMagnesium, Mice, Female, Animals, Group, Growth rate, and Control Group
Research Interests: Nonparametric Statistics, Aspergillus, Ceramics, Humans, Male, and 11 morePolymerase Chain Reaction, Immunoglobulin E, Identification Workplace Hazards at a Production Line in a Factory and Job Safety and Health Protection for Workers, Middle Aged, Adult, Occupational Exposure, Sputum, Industrial health, Occupational Diseases, Cross Sectional Studies, and Aspergillosis
Research Interests:
Ceramic workers are at a high risk of developing respiratory problems as they are exposed to high levels of respirable dust containing silica and high microbial counts, including high Aspergillus counts. The aim of the study was to study... more
Ceramic workers are at a high risk of developing respiratory problems as they are exposed to high levels of respirable dust containing silica and high microbial counts, including high Aspergillus counts. The aim of the study was to study the percentage of ceramic workers with positive Aspergillus (A.) through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific IgE (sIgE) for the different Aspergillus species. PCR and specific IgE (sIgE) for the different Aspergillus species (A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger) were estimated in 40 ceramic workers and 56 control subjects. Results revealed that 32.5% of the workers' sputum was PCR positive for Aspergillus. About 69.2% of them were A. flavus positive, 15.4% A. niger positive, 7.7% A. fumigatus positive and 7.7% A. flavus and A. fumigatus positive. The percentage change in sIgE for A. fumigatus between the workers and their controls was over 100%, while less than 50% for the other two species. The sIgE levels for the three Aspergillus species were not significantly correlated with the duration of exposure. Fungal exposure could be considered potential hazardous problem in ceramic industry. There were no significant correlations between the duration of exposure and the sIgE for the different Aspergillus species
Research Interests:
Background Paraoxonase (PON1) is an A-esterase capable of hydrolyzing the active metabolites (oxons) of many organophosphorus (OP) insecticides. Human PON1 displays two polymorphisms in the coding region (Q192R and L55M) and several... more
Background
Paraoxonase (PON1) is an A-esterase capable of hydrolyzing the active metabolites (oxons) of many organophosphorus (OP) insecticides. Human PON1 displays two polymorphisms in the coding region (Q192R and L55M) and several polymorphisms in the promoter and the 3′-UTR regions. Animal studies have shown that PON1 is an important determinant of OP toxicity though a direct satisfactory verification in humans is still lacking.
Aim
To investigate the impact of polymorphisms in the PON1 coding region (Q192R and L55M) on individual sensitivity to OP poisoning.
Subjects and methods
This study enrolled 42 subjects (21 females and 21 males, age range 1.5–53 years) diagnosed of acute OP poisoning. They were classified into 4 grades according to manifestations. All subjects were genotyped for the PON1 gene polymorphisms; Q192R and L55M using RFLP-PCR, then genotype frequencies were compared between different OP grades.
Results
Genotype frequency distribution of PON1 L55M polymorphism among different OP poisoning grades revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the four grades. In contrast, frequency distribution of PON1 Q192R polymorphism showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) difference between different grades of OP poisoning, with QQ genotype predominating in grade 4 with a frequency of 66.7%, followed by QR genotype (33.3%), while the RR and QR genotypes were similarly distributed in grade 1 with a frequency of 50% for each.
Conclusion
The current results suggest a possible association between QQ genotype and poor OP poisoning prognosis.
Abbreviations
PON1, paraoxonase 1; OP, organophosphate; AChE, acetylcholinesterase; PO, paraoxon; CPO, chlorpyrifos oxon; DZO, diazoxon
Keywords
Paraoxonase; L55M; Q192R; Organophosphate; Poisoning grade
Paraoxonase (PON1) is an A-esterase capable of hydrolyzing the active metabolites (oxons) of many organophosphorus (OP) insecticides. Human PON1 displays two polymorphisms in the coding region (Q192R and L55M) and several polymorphisms in the promoter and the 3′-UTR regions. Animal studies have shown that PON1 is an important determinant of OP toxicity though a direct satisfactory verification in humans is still lacking.
Aim
To investigate the impact of polymorphisms in the PON1 coding region (Q192R and L55M) on individual sensitivity to OP poisoning.
Subjects and methods
This study enrolled 42 subjects (21 females and 21 males, age range 1.5–53 years) diagnosed of acute OP poisoning. They were classified into 4 grades according to manifestations. All subjects were genotyped for the PON1 gene polymorphisms; Q192R and L55M using RFLP-PCR, then genotype frequencies were compared between different OP grades.
Results
Genotype frequency distribution of PON1 L55M polymorphism among different OP poisoning grades revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the four grades. In contrast, frequency distribution of PON1 Q192R polymorphism showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) difference between different grades of OP poisoning, with QQ genotype predominating in grade 4 with a frequency of 66.7%, followed by QR genotype (33.3%), while the RR and QR genotypes were similarly distributed in grade 1 with a frequency of 50% for each.
Conclusion
The current results suggest a possible association between QQ genotype and poor OP poisoning prognosis.
Abbreviations
PON1, paraoxonase 1; OP, organophosphate; AChE, acetylcholinesterase; PO, paraoxon; CPO, chlorpyrifos oxon; DZO, diazoxon
Keywords
Paraoxonase; L55M; Q192R; Organophosphate; Poisoning grade
Research Interests:
One inescapable feature of life on the earth is exposure to ionizing radiation. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive organs to gamma-radiation and endocrine disrupters. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to stimulate... more
One inescapable feature of life on the earth is exposure to
ionizing radiation. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive
organs to gamma-radiation and endocrine disrupters.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to stimulate
tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. The aim of this study
was to gauge the value of using Helium–Neon laser to repair
the damaged tissues of thyroid gland after gamma-irradiation.
Albino rats were used in this study (144 rats), divided
into control, gamma, laser, and gamma plus laser-irradiated
groups, each group was divided into six subgroups according
to time of treatment (total six sessions). Rats were irradiated
once with gamma radiation (6 Gy), and an external dose of
laser (Wavelength 632.8 nm, 12 mW, CW, Illuminated area
5.73 cm2, 2.1 mW cm2, 120 s, 1.4 J, 0.252 J cm2) twice
weekly localized on thyroid region of the neck, for a total of
six sessions. Animals were sacrificed after each session.
Analysis included thyroid function, oxidative stress markers,
liver function and blood picture. Results revealed improvement
in thyroid function, liver function and antioxidant levels,
and the blood cells count after LLLT.
ionizing radiation. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive
organs to gamma-radiation and endocrine disrupters.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to stimulate
tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. The aim of this study
was to gauge the value of using Helium–Neon laser to repair
the damaged tissues of thyroid gland after gamma-irradiation.
Albino rats were used in this study (144 rats), divided
into control, gamma, laser, and gamma plus laser-irradiated
groups, each group was divided into six subgroups according
to time of treatment (total six sessions). Rats were irradiated
once with gamma radiation (6 Gy), and an external dose of
laser (Wavelength 632.8 nm, 12 mW, CW, Illuminated area
5.73 cm2, 2.1 mW cm2, 120 s, 1.4 J, 0.252 J cm2) twice
weekly localized on thyroid region of the neck, for a total of
six sessions. Animals were sacrificed after each session.
Analysis included thyroid function, oxidative stress markers,
liver function and blood picture. Results revealed improvement
in thyroid function, liver function and antioxidant levels,
and the blood cells count after LLLT.
Research Interests:
OBJECTIVES: The present study assessed the potential role of leptin administration in the protection and intervention against glucocorticoid-induced secondary osteoporosis in female rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose five... more
OBJECTIVES:
The present study assessed the potential role of leptin administration in the protection and intervention against glucocorticoid-induced secondary osteoporosis in female rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
For this purpose five groups of female Sprague Dawley rats were classified into: (1) negative control group in which the healthy rats received saline as vehicle, (2) a group orally administered with prednisolone (5 mg kg b.wt.-1) daily for six months (osteoporotic group), (3) a group subcutaneously administered with leptin (400 microg kg b.wt.-1) three times weekly for six months (positive control), (4) a group orally administered with prednisolone daily with simultaneous subcutaneous administration of leptin three times weekly for six months (protective group), and (5) a group orally administered with prednisolone daily for six months then subcutaneously administered with leptin three times weekly for other six months (therapeutic group).
RESULTS:
The obtained data revealed that prednisolone administration resulted in significant decrease in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) level accompanied with significant increase in serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and beta2-microglobulin levels in comparison with the negative control group. Moreover, prednisolone significantly decreased bone mineral density and content of different areas of the right femur bones as compared to the negative control group. Furthermore, administration of leptin with/after stopping prednisolone administration resulted in a marked modulation in the majority of bone biomarkers as well as improvement in bone mineral density and content.
CONCLUSIONS:
Leptin provided promising effect on bone through its direct action on bone and matrix mineralization.
The present study assessed the potential role of leptin administration in the protection and intervention against glucocorticoid-induced secondary osteoporosis in female rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
For this purpose five groups of female Sprague Dawley rats were classified into: (1) negative control group in which the healthy rats received saline as vehicle, (2) a group orally administered with prednisolone (5 mg kg b.wt.-1) daily for six months (osteoporotic group), (3) a group subcutaneously administered with leptin (400 microg kg b.wt.-1) three times weekly for six months (positive control), (4) a group orally administered with prednisolone daily with simultaneous subcutaneous administration of leptin three times weekly for six months (protective group), and (5) a group orally administered with prednisolone daily for six months then subcutaneously administered with leptin three times weekly for other six months (therapeutic group).
RESULTS:
The obtained data revealed that prednisolone administration resulted in significant decrease in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) level accompanied with significant increase in serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and beta2-microglobulin levels in comparison with the negative control group. Moreover, prednisolone significantly decreased bone mineral density and content of different areas of the right femur bones as compared to the negative control group. Furthermore, administration of leptin with/after stopping prednisolone administration resulted in a marked modulation in the majority of bone biomarkers as well as improvement in bone mineral density and content.
CONCLUSIONS:
Leptin provided promising effect on bone through its direct action on bone and matrix mineralization.
First 2 paragraphs: Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and chronic renal disease are common and potentially serious medical problems throughout the world. These two conditions are linked in several important ways; some forms of... more
First 2 paragraphs: Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and chronic renal disease are common and potentially serious medical problems throughout the world. These two conditions are linked in several important ways; some forms of renal disease are precipitated by HCV infection, while patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at increased risk for acquiring HCV infection. [1]
Kidney transplantation (KTx) offers the best and most cost-effective option for most individual patients, with improved quality of life and survival. [2] Nevertheless, cardiovascular complications remain important factors for morbidity and mortality after KTx, and contribute most prominently to the yet unsolved problem of death with a functioning allograft, [3] although some studies have recognized that patients who lack identifiable risk factors had a low incidence of cardiac events after transplantation
Kidney transplantation (KTx) offers the best and most cost-effective option for most individual patients, with improved quality of life and survival. [2] Nevertheless, cardiovascular complications remain important factors for morbidity and mortality after KTx, and contribute most prominently to the yet unsolved problem of death with a functioning allograft, [3] although some studies have recognized that patients who lack identifiable risk factors had a low incidence of cardiac events after transplantation
Abstract Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent and severe complication of chronic liver diseases. It represents an important public health problem in Egypt, where up to 90% of HCC cases are attributable to... more
Abstract
Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent and severe complication of chronic liver diseases. It represents an important public health problem in Egypt, where up to 90% of HCC cases are attributable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of the present study was to assess a panel of biomarkers that can significantly differentiate between HCC and non-HCC patients with chronic HCV infection (CHC), quantitatively.
Methods: A total of 75 adult male patients with CHC were divided into 3 main groups according to liver involvement: HCV without cirrhosis (CHC), patients with cirrhotic liver (LC), and HCC patients. Liver function, lipid profile, HBsAg, HCV antibodies, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), heparanase (HPSE), and lipid peroxidation were assayed.
Results: The AST/ALT ratio, AFP, and HPSE were significantly different in the HCC group with the optimum cut-off values as ≥ 1.92, 64.7 ng/ml and 5.6 U/ml, respectively. By using these cut-off values combined; 96% of HCC patients showed two abnormal markers, corresponding to only 29% of the LC group.
Conclusion: The use of combined HPSE, AFP and AST/ALT ratio cut-off values improved the positive predictive value for HCC from 79% to 96%.
Key words: Alpha-fetoprotein; AST/ALT ratio; Heparanase; Hepatocellular carcinoma; IGF-II
Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent and severe complication of chronic liver diseases. It represents an important public health problem in Egypt, where up to 90% of HCC cases are attributable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of the present study was to assess a panel of biomarkers that can significantly differentiate between HCC and non-HCC patients with chronic HCV infection (CHC), quantitatively.
Methods: A total of 75 adult male patients with CHC were divided into 3 main groups according to liver involvement: HCV without cirrhosis (CHC), patients with cirrhotic liver (LC), and HCC patients. Liver function, lipid profile, HBsAg, HCV antibodies, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), heparanase (HPSE), and lipid peroxidation were assayed.
Results: The AST/ALT ratio, AFP, and HPSE were significantly different in the HCC group with the optimum cut-off values as ≥ 1.92, 64.7 ng/ml and 5.6 U/ml, respectively. By using these cut-off values combined; 96% of HCC patients showed two abnormal markers, corresponding to only 29% of the LC group.
Conclusion: The use of combined HPSE, AFP and AST/ALT ratio cut-off values improved the positive predictive value for HCC from 79% to 96%.
Key words: Alpha-fetoprotein; AST/ALT ratio; Heparanase; Hepatocellular carcinoma; IGF-II
Research Interests:
Abstract Background and Aim: Coptic Orthodox Christian (COC) diet is unique in that it regularly interchanges between an omnivorous to a vegetarian type of diet, through four fasting periods over the course of the ecclesiastical... more
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coptic Orthodox Christian (COC) diet is unique in that it regularly interchanges between an omnivorous to a vegetarian type of diet, through four fasting periods over the course of the ecclesiastical year. Several studies have described its dietary regulations, however, its possible involvement in health is lacking. The aim of the present study is to detect the metabolic changes during COC fasting. Subjects and Methods: Seventy two devout Orthodox Christian fasters, 25 of whom were diabetics and 40 matched controls, of whom 10 were diabetics, voluntarily participated in this study. A total of 240 blood samples were taken after at least 2 weeks before and during the different fasting periods. The fasting schedule was identified as either vegan (no sea food) or vegetarian (with sea food). Serum glucose (Glu), lipid profile, renal markers and hepatic enzymes, were measured and their within-subject biological variation was calculated. Results: The within-subject biological change due to fasting differed among subjects of the same group, gender and diet. Still, generally healthy subjects showed a decrease in Glu, triglycerides (TG) and TG/ high-density lipoprotein while the diabetics had a decline in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN/creatinine ratio and uric acid. Conclusion: The effect of fasting differs among subjects and we cannot generalize its effect on all people. The strong individuality observed supports the preferential use of within-subjects biological variations and the reference change values rather than population-based reference intervals.
Keywords: Diets, intra-individual variation, serum lipids, uric acid
Background and Aim: Coptic Orthodox Christian (COC) diet is unique in that it regularly interchanges between an omnivorous to a vegetarian type of diet, through four fasting periods over the course of the ecclesiastical year. Several studies have described its dietary regulations, however, its possible involvement in health is lacking. The aim of the present study is to detect the metabolic changes during COC fasting. Subjects and Methods: Seventy two devout Orthodox Christian fasters, 25 of whom were diabetics and 40 matched controls, of whom 10 were diabetics, voluntarily participated in this study. A total of 240 blood samples were taken after at least 2 weeks before and during the different fasting periods. The fasting schedule was identified as either vegan (no sea food) or vegetarian (with sea food). Serum glucose (Glu), lipid profile, renal markers and hepatic enzymes, were measured and their within-subject biological variation was calculated. Results: The within-subject biological change due to fasting differed among subjects of the same group, gender and diet. Still, generally healthy subjects showed a decrease in Glu, triglycerides (TG) and TG/ high-density lipoprotein while the diabetics had a decline in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN/creatinine ratio and uric acid. Conclusion: The effect of fasting differs among subjects and we cannot generalize its effect on all people. The strong individuality observed supports the preferential use of within-subjects biological variations and the reference change values rather than population-based reference intervals.
Keywords: Diets, intra-individual variation, serum lipids, uric acid
Research Interests:
Abstract Objective: The present study was undertaken to identify patient populations at high risk for bone metastases (BM) at any time after diagnosis of operable breast cancer. Subjects and methods: A total number of 59 cases with breast... more
Abstract
Objective: The present study was undertaken to identify patient populations at high risk for bone metastases (BM) at any time after diagnosis
of operable breast cancer.
Subjects and methods: A total number of 59 cases with breast cancer after mastectomy was subdivided into two main groups that
included 30 patients with radiologically confirmed BM and 29 patients with no bone metastasis (NBM). Patients with NBM were formerly
observed for a one-year follow-up interval to monitor the development of bone metastasis (new BM). Parameters included a full blood picture,
tumour markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 15.3) and some biochemical markers (vascular endothelial growth factor and zinc
levels, as well as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities).
Results: A significant elevation was recorded in carcinoembryonic antigen level and alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as inflammation
and vascularisation markers at the time of primary diagnosis in patients with BM, compared with those without BM. CA 15.3 was significantly
higher in the new BM group as compared with the other two groups (patients free of bone metastasis [free BM] and BM). According
to the likelihood ratio, a panel of single, calculated as well as combined markers was proposed to predict BM within one year in breast
cancer patients.
Conclusion: Vascularisation and inflammation markers, as well as CA 15.3 are predictive of bone recurrence within one year in breast
carcinoma patients. We suggest that in cancer validation studies it is imperative to search for markers that link to the premetastatic process
and to determine what type of mechanism is active in each stage.
Keywords: Breast cancer, bone metastasis, inflammation markers, vascularisation markers
Objective: The present study was undertaken to identify patient populations at high risk for bone metastases (BM) at any time after diagnosis
of operable breast cancer.
Subjects and methods: A total number of 59 cases with breast cancer after mastectomy was subdivided into two main groups that
included 30 patients with radiologically confirmed BM and 29 patients with no bone metastasis (NBM). Patients with NBM were formerly
observed for a one-year follow-up interval to monitor the development of bone metastasis (new BM). Parameters included a full blood picture,
tumour markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 15.3) and some biochemical markers (vascular endothelial growth factor and zinc
levels, as well as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities).
Results: A significant elevation was recorded in carcinoembryonic antigen level and alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as inflammation
and vascularisation markers at the time of primary diagnosis in patients with BM, compared with those without BM. CA 15.3 was significantly
higher in the new BM group as compared with the other two groups (patients free of bone metastasis [free BM] and BM). According
to the likelihood ratio, a panel of single, calculated as well as combined markers was proposed to predict BM within one year in breast
cancer patients.
Conclusion: Vascularisation and inflammation markers, as well as CA 15.3 are predictive of bone recurrence within one year in breast
carcinoma patients. We suggest that in cancer validation studies it is imperative to search for markers that link to the premetastatic process
and to determine what type of mechanism is active in each stage.
Keywords: Breast cancer, bone metastasis, inflammation markers, vascularisation markers