Plasma ghrelin level in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type-1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) is the commonest endocrine-metabolic disease in childhood. Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid peptide hormone secreted predominantly by P/D1 cells lining the fundus of the stomach and epsilon cells of the pancreas that stimulates appetite with lesser amounts secreted by other cells. It is not clear which factors are involved in the regulation of ghrelin secretion in children with T1DM. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the level of pre-prandial plasma ghrelin level in children with T1DM and to clarify the relationship between its level and some parameters that may affect it as BMI, serum glucose and HbA1C levels and the effect of insulin therapy on its level. Methods: This study included 88 children, 66 diabetic children with type-1 diabetes mellitus(22 new-onset diagnosed diabetic children, 22 good glycemic controlled diabetic children on regular insulin therapy and 22 poor glycemic controlled diabetic children on insulin therapy) and 22 healthy controls. Diabetic children selected from the Diabetic Clinic and Inpatient Pediatric department, Minia University hospital from April 2009 to March 2010. Their ages ranged from 4 to 10 years with a mean 8.5 ± 1.53 years. All children were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations included: Fasting and two hours post-prandial blood glucose, HbA1C , liver and renal function tests and pre-prandial plasma ghrelin level using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Results: Pre-prandial plasma ghrelin levels were significantly higher in diabetic children than controls(24.4±21.4 & 9.8±3.6 pg/ml respectively, p value=0.002).Both new-onset and poorly controlled diabetic groups were significantly higher in plasma ghrelin levels (37.03±24.2 & 25.1±19.5 pg/ml, p value=0.001 & 0.001 respectively),but no significant difference between good glycemic controlled diabetic group and controls(11.09±9.6 & 9.8±3.6 pg/ml respectively, p value=0.5). Significant negative correlations were found between ghrelin level and weight, weight on centile, BMI and BMI on centile, ,fasting and 2 hours post prandial glucose levels in all diabetic children. No significant difference between males and females as regards ghrelin level was present. Conclusions: Children with T1DM had significantly higher levels of pre-prandial plasma ghrelin level. Its level increased in both of new-onset and poorly controlled diabetic children. Significant negative correlations between pre-prandial ghrelin level and weight, BMI, fasting and 2-hours post-prandial levels were present. Insulin therapy plays an important role in normalizing plasma ghrelin level in good glycemic controlled T1DM children. No significant correlation between ghrelin and HbA1C was present.Keywords: T1-DM, Ghrelin, Children, Glucose, Insulin, HbA1CEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011;9(2):63-7

Role of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AbstractObjectivesAcute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a major public health problem. Recognition of comorbid heart dysfunction in such patients is often difficult. The aim of this work is to evaluate the role of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-pro BNP) in AECOPD with respiratory failure.Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on 20 patients with AECOPD and respiratory failure. All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, arterial blood gases analysis, echocardiography and estimation of plasma level of NT-pro BNP.ResultsPatients were classified into 3 groups: Group I: those without heart dysfunction (40%), Group II: those with diastolic heart failure (40%), and Group III: those with systolic heart failure (20%). NT-pro BNP mean±SD in group I was 673.38±416.02, in group II 1962±847.88, and in group III 6776.75±1433.59pg/ml. There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups (p=0.001). NT-pro BNP showed a statistically significant inverse correlation with pH (p=0.005), ejection fraction (p=0.007) and a direct one with both left ventricular systolic (p=0.008) and diastolic (p=0.016) dimensions and E/A (p=0.016). The NT-pro BNP significantly decreased after recovery from AECOPD (p=0.030). The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated a ruling out of LV dysfunction in AECOPD of a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 60%; and a ruling in of a sensitivity of 48% and a specificity of 67%.ConclusionPlasma BNP is usually elevated in AECOPD and is related to right or left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction

Stem cells and metformin synergistically promote healing in experimentally induced cutaneous wound injury in diabetic rats

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder commonly complicated by diabetic foot ulcers with delayed healing. Metformin was found to have a wound healing effect through several mechanisms. The current study investigated the effect of both bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and metformin, considered alone or combined, on the healing of an experimentally induced cutaneous wound injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Material and methods. Forty adult male albino rats were used. Diabetes was induced by single intravenous (IV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Next, two circular full thickness skin wounds were created on the back of the animals, then randomly assigned into 4 groups, ten rats each. BM-MSCs were isolated from albino rats, 8 weeks of age and labeled by PKH26 before intradermal injection into rats of Group III and IV. Groups I (diabetic positive control), II (metformin-treated, 250 mg/kg/d), III (treated with 2×106 BM-MSCs), and IV (wounded rats treated both with metformin and BM-MSCs cells). Healing was assessed 3, 7, 14, and 21 days post wound induction through frequent measuring of wound diameters. Skin biopsies were obtained at the end of the experiment.Results. Gross evaluation of the physical healing of the wounds was done. Skin biopsies from the wound areas were processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome staining and immunohistochemical staining for CD31. The results showed better wound healing in the combined therapy group (IV) as compared to monotherapy groups.Conclusions. Although both metformin and BM-MSCs were effective in the healing of experimentally induced skin wounds in diabetic rats, the combination of both agents appears to be a better synergistic option for the treatment of diabetic wound injuries

The potential gonadoprotective effects of grape seed extract against the histopathological alterations elicited in an animal model of cadmium-induced testicular toxicity

Background: Grape seed extract (GSE) is a powerful antioxidant containing high levels of bioflavonoids, vitamin C and vitamin E. The aim of the work is to study the possible protective and ameliorative effects of grape seed extract in an animal model of cadmium (Cd)-induced testicular toxicity in rats.Materials and methods: A thirty-day oral gavage study in adult male albino rats was performed using 32 animals, randomly divided into four equal groups; negative control, Cd (5 mg/k/day), GSE (100 mg/k/day), and Cd + GSE. Testicular weights were measured. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and proliferating nuclear cell antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry, as a marker for proliferation were done. Morphometric parameters were assessed and subjected to statistical analysis.Results: The H&E results showed atrophy and distortion of the seminiferous tubules (STs) with sloughing of the spermatogenic epithelium in cadmium group. The interstitial spaces were widened and showed oedema and mononuclear cell infiltrations. No remarkable changes were observed in the GSE-only group when compared to the control group. In Cd + GSE group, maintaining of the STs and their lining cells was evident. The immunohistochemical results showed marked positive PCNA immunoreactivity in both control and GSE groups, while negative immunoreaction was noticed in Cd group. Limited positive PCNA immunoreactivity was ameliorated in Cd + GSE group.Conclusions: Grape seed extract protected against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats, reducing induced histopathological changes, and maintaining testicular histoarchitecture

NANOEMULSION AS A NOVEL OPHTHALMIC DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR ACETAZOLAMIDE

Objective: The aim of this work was to formulate the antiglaucoma drug acetazolamide as ocular nanoemulsion of high therapeutic efficacy and prolonged effect. Methods: Eighteen nanoemulsion formulaions consisting of different oils, surfactants and cosurfactants at various ratios and constant water content (39%) were prepared based on their constructed pseudoternary-phase diagrams. According to the In vitro release studies, three nanoemulsions which exhibited fast drug release were used to prepare acetazolamide nanoemulsions with higher water content (59%). The six nanoemulsions at either water content (39 or 59%) were evaluated for their physicochemical properties and ex- vivo corneal permeability. In addition, Draize rabbit eye irritation test was performed. Moreover, biological evaluation of acetazolamide nanoemulsions for their intraocular pressure lowering activity on glaucomatous albino rabbits was carried out. Results: Isopropyl myristate nanoemulsion prepared with cremophor EL and transcutol P exhibited the fastest drug release among all isopropyl myristate nanoemulsions. Oleic acid nanoemulsion prepared with mixture of tween 80 and cremophor EL as surfactants together with transcutol P showed the fastest drug release among other oleic acid nanoemulsion formulae. Similar results were also observed for peanut oil nanoemulsions. The above mentioned formulations either at 39% or 59% water content showed acceptable physicochemical properties and higher acetazolamide permeability coefficient through goat corneas than that reported for the free drug. They also were non irritant to rabbit eye. Therapeutic efficacy testing revealed that peanut oil nanoemulsion at 39% water content showed better and prolonged intraocular pressure lowering effect relative to either commercial brinzolamide eye drops (Azopt®) or the commercial oral acetazolamide tablet (Cidamex®). Conclusion: Acetazolamide was successfully formulated in nanoemulsion form which revealed high therapeutic efficacy in treatment of glaucoma together with a prolonged effect

Propositional calculus for adjointness lattices

Recently, Morsi has developed a complete syntax for the class of all adjointness algebras $\left( L,\leq ,A,K,H\right)$. There, $\left( L,\leq \right)$ is a partially ordered set with top element $1$, $K$ is a conjunction on $\left( L,\leq \right)$ for which $1$ is a left identity element, and the two implication-like binary operations $A$ and $H$ on $L$ are adjoints of $K$. In this paper, we extend that formal system to one for the class $ADJL$ of all 9-tuples $\left( L,\leq ,1,0,A,K,H,\wedge ,\vee \right)$, called \emph{% adjointness lattices}; in each of which $\left( L,\leq ,1,0,\wedge ,\vee \right)$ is a bounded lattice, and $\left( L,\leq ,A,K,H\right)$ is an adjointness algebra. We call it \emph{Propositional Calculus for Adjointness Lattices}, abbreviated $AdjLPC$. Our axiom scheme for $AdjLPC$ features four inference rules and thirteen axioms. We deduce enough theorems and inferences in $AdjLPC$ to establish its completeness for $ADJL$; by means of a quotient-algebra structure (a Lindenbaum type of algebra). We study two negation-like unary operations in an adjointness lattice, defined by means of $0$ together with $A$ and $H$. We end by developing complete syntax for all adjointness lattices whose implications are $S$-type implications

Control of root rot and wilt disease complex of some evergreen fruit transplants by using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in the New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Root rot and wilt disease complex were detected in several guava, lemon and olive transplant nurseries and new orchards at El-Kharga, Baris, ballet, El-Dakhla and El-Farafrah districts, the New Valley Governorate, Egypt. The average percentage of root rot/wilt incidence and severity in surveying districts were 37.7, 26.5%in guava; 41.7, 34.0%;in lemon and 41.2, 29.5% in olive transplants, respectively. The most frequently isolated fungi from rotted roots of the guava, lemon and olive transplants were Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani. In pathogenicity tests, all the tested fungi were pathogenic to guava, lemon and olive transplants. The effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) individually and/or mixed when used as a soil drench treatment were varied in reducing root rot/ wilt incidence and severity under greenhouse conditions compared with control. The mixed of PGPR gave the highest protection against root rot/wilt diseases compared with the use of PGPR individually. All treatments significantly increased plant height (cm), number of leaves transplanting-1, leaf area (cm2), fresh and dry weights transplanting-1 (gm) compared with control treatment

EXTRACTION, FRACTIONATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA) GLOBULINS

The proteins were extracted from cowpea seeds by buffered saline solution and the globulins were separated by dialyzing the protein extract against distilled water. Fractionation of the total globulins on Sephacryl S-200 column produced two major and one minor components. The molecular weight of the major globulin components were estimated to be greater than 250000 and 178 000 for the globulin component (a) and (b) respectively and the latter component was the predominant globulin. The two major globulin components were free from contamination of other proteins as shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Spectrophotometry and amino acid analyses were used as tools for characterizing the globulin components

Management of root rot and wilt diseases of date palm offshoots using certain biological control agents and its effect on growth parameters in the New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Root Rot and wilt diseases were observed on different date palm offshoots in nurseries and new orchards in New Valley Governorate, Egypt. Pathogenicity tests showed that Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani and F. moniliforme were the causal agents of root rot and wilt diseases on date palm offshoots (cv. Saidy). In addition, the isolates of the three Fusarium spp. differed in their pathogenic capabilities. The effect of Bacillus subtilis (BSM1), B. megaterium (BMM5), B. cereus (BCM8), Trichoderma viride (TVM2), T. harzianum (THM4) as bioagents against root rot/wilt disease complex of date palm offshoots under natural infection in nursery cultivated in two location (Al-Kharga and El-Dakhla) and also, on growth of the tested pathogenic fungi under laboratory were evaluated. Under laboratory conditions, all the tested bioagents inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungi with different percentages. Bacillus megaterium and B. subtilis showed the highest percentage of fungal growth inhibition, while T. harzianum gave the lowest ones. At the field level, the application of bioagents significantly reduced the disease severity compared with untreated offshoots (control) in both locations. Bacillus megaterium and T. viride showed the highest protection against fungal causal agents, while B. cereus and T. harzianum gave the lowest ones in this respect. Moreover, the bioagents significantly improved the growth parameters of offshoots viz. plant height, number of leaves plant-1, leaflet number leaf-1, and leaf thickness. Bacillus megaterium and T. viride recorded the highest values of all growth parameters in El-Kharga and El-Dakhla locations, while B. cereus and T. harzianum gave the lowest ones.