Redox status in benign prostatic hyperplasia and non-metastatic prostate cancer in the Algerian population

Background: Depletion of cellular antioxidants can result from free radical formation due to normal endogenous reactions and the ingestion of exogenous substances and environmental factors. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to be significantly altered in malignant cells and in primary cancer tissues. We undertook the present study to investigate the possible alteration of oxidant/antioxidant status in Algerian patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: In total, 89 subjects made up of 26 patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer, 31 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 32 controls participated in this study. The concentrations of plasmatic malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocytes catalase activity (CAT), and the plasma glutathione levels (GSH) were estimated using standard procedures. Results: The results showed that MDA concentrations were significantly increased while erythrocyte catalase activity was significantly decreased in the prostate cancer group versus controls (P < 0.01) and BPH group (P < 0.05). GSH levels were lowered in prostate cancer patients versus control group with no significant changes. Conclusions: Our results suggest that an alteration in the lipid peroxidation index with concomitant changes in the antioxidant defense system in prostate cancer patients compared with controls. We hypothesize that an altered pro-oxidant–antioxidant balance may lead to an increase in oxidative damage and consequently may play an important role in prostate carcinogenesis

Serum Total Homocysteine Level in Association with Folate and Vitamin B12 Status Among Algerian Prostate Cancer Patients

Background: Folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine are essential for methyl group metabolism and thus also for DNA methylation and metabolic disorders may lead to carcinogenesis metabolic disorders, which may lead to carcinogenesis. In the present study, we proposed to evaluate the associations between folate and vitamin B12, with fasting plasma tHcy concentration in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Methods: A case –control study was conducted with 40 newly patients with prostate cancer diagnosed with prostate cancer and 50 age matched healthy controls. Serum level of total homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 were measured by enzyme conversion immunoassay and radioassay, respectively using the ARCHITECT system (both Abbott–Diagnostics Division). Results: The average rate of total PSA was 20.97 ng / ml (ranged between 8- 60 ng / ml). 53% of patients had a PSA≥20ng/ml. Histology confirmed that all patients accounted for prostatic adenocarcinoma with prognostic Gleason score that ranged between 7 and 8 . There are no significant differences between cases and controls about serum Hcy levels (adjusted OR = 0.160% CI = 0.832-1.031), folate levels (adjusted OR = 0.428% CI  = 0.977-1.008) and vitamin B12 (adjusted OR = 0.103% CI  = 0.992-1.001). Conclusion: In this study, the results show that homocysteine is not involved in prostate cancer. However, this study shows that the sporadic form is much more prevalent than familial one. The diagnosis is often made too late in advanced stage with a high PSA levels and biopsy showing high levels of Gleaso

Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 gene polymorphism in an Algerian population

Background: The arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is a key enzyme in the biotransformation of xenobiotics. NAT2 gene polymorphisms have been associated with the risk of isoniazid hepatotoxicity and these polymorphisms change among different populations. Aim: The objective of this study is to investigate NAT2 polymorphisms in order to predict the prevalence of NAT2 phenotype in an Algerian population. Subjects and methods: Genotyping of NAT2 was done using a PCR-RFLP method. Haplotype was analysed using the software package PHASE, version 2.0. Results: The major haplotypes were NAT2*5B (23.72%), NAT2*6 A (18.61%), NAT2*4 (14.60%) and NAT2*5 F (10%). The average of the expected slow acetylator phenotype was 53%. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the high frequency of slow acetylator phenotype requires investigation into its possible association with ATDH

No association between MTHFR gene C677T/A1298C polymorphisms, serum folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine levels, and prostate cancer in an Algerian population

Abstract Background Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism, which are necessary for DNA methylation and nucleotide synthesis. Genetic polymorphisms that reduce MTHFR activity have been linked to several diseases, including prostate cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether MTHFR polymorphisms, along with serum levels of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine, are associated with prostate cancer risk in the Algerian population. Methods A total of 106 Algerian men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and 125 healthy controls were included in this case‐control study. The MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were analyzed using PCR/RFLP and Real‐Time PCR TaqMan® assays, respectively. Serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12 were measured using an automatic biochemistry analyzer. Results We found no significant differences in the genotype frequency of A1298C and C677T between prostate cancer patients and controls. Moreover, serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12 were not significantly associated with prostate cancer risk (p > 0.05). However, age and family history were identified as significant risk factors (OR = 1.178, p = 0.00 and OR = 10.03, p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion Our study suggests that MTHFR C677T and A1298C, as well as serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12, are not associated with prostate cancer risk in the Algerian population. However, age and family history are significant risk factors. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these findings

Effect of Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation with Treated Wastewater on Soil and Water Productivity of Okra (Abemoschus esculentus) Crop in Semi-Arid Region of Tunisia

Under semi-arid conditions, irrigated agriculture faces hard competition for water. It is against this backdrop that appropriate management of irrigation techniques and water resources becomes a major concern. This study investigated the effect of surface (SDI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) with domestic treated wastewater (TWW) and fresh water (FW) on soil water dynamics, salinity, yield, and mineral nutrition of okra. The experimental design was set-up based on two adjacent plots according to the water quality: Fresh Water (FW) T1 and domestic Treated Wastewater (TWW) T2. Results showed that measured soil water contents (SWCs), under TWW treatment (T2), were greater than their corresponding measurements under FW (T1), and in particular at 35 cm depth. Meanwhile, for both water qualities, soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) registered at 5 cm depth was higher than those measured at 35 cm, with values ranging from 0.14 to 0.36 mS·cm−1 and from 0.20 to 0.47 mS·cm−m for T1 and T2, respectively. Regarding crop yield, a statistically significant increase (p = 0.05) in okra fresh yield was observed when TWW was used. Fresh yield in SDI was 2.55 t·ha−1 and 3.9 t·ha−1 in T1 and T2, respectively. Nevertheless, results indicated that lateral depth did not significantly affect okra fresh yield. Moreover, a significant higher irrigation water productivity (WPirrig) with TWW (1.08 ± 0.26 and 1.23 ± 0.18 kg m−1) was observed, which was nearly double those obtained with FW (0.72 ± 0.33 to 0.78 ± 0.18 kg m−1). Appropriate use of SSDI with TWW stands as an irrigation management technique to improve yield and irrigation water productivity of okra crops

Effect of Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation with Treated Wastewater on Soil and Water Productivity of Okra (<i>Abemoschus esculentus</i>) Crop in Semi-Arid Region of Tunisia

Under semi-arid conditions, irrigated agriculture faces hard competition for water. It is against this backdrop that appropriate management of irrigation techniques and water resources becomes a major concern. This study investigated the effect of surface (SDI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) with domestic treated wastewater (TWW) and fresh water (FW) on soil water dynamics, salinity, yield, and mineral nutrition of okra. The experimental design was set-up based on two adjacent plots according to the water quality: Fresh Water (FW) T1 and domestic Treated Wastewater (TWW) T2. Results showed that measured soil water contents (SWCs), under TWW treatment (T2), were greater than their corresponding measurements under FW (T1), and in particular at 35 cm depth. Meanwhile, for both water qualities, soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) registered at 5 cm depth was higher than those measured at 35 cm, with values ranging from 0.14 to 0.36 mS·cm−1 and from 0.20 to 0.47 mS·cm−m for T1 and T2, respectively. Regarding crop yield, a statistically significant increase (p = 0.05) in okra fresh yield was observed when TWW was used. Fresh yield in SDI was 2.55 t·ha−1 and 3.9 t·ha−1 in T1 and T2, respectively. Nevertheless, results indicated that lateral depth did not significantly affect okra fresh yield. Moreover, a significant higher irrigation water productivity (WPirrig) with TWW (1.08 ± 0.26 and 1.23 ± 0.18 kg m−1) was observed, which was nearly double those obtained with FW (0.72 ± 0.33 to 0.78 ± 0.18 kg m−1). Appropriate use of SSDI with TWW stands as an irrigation management technique to improve yield and irrigation water productivity of okra crops

Abstracts of 1st International Conference on Computational & Applied Physics

This book contains the abstracts of the papers presented at the International Conference on Computational &amp; Applied Physics (ICCAP’2021) Organized by the Surfaces, Interfaces and Thin Films Laboratory (LASICOM), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Saad Dahleb Blida 1, Algeria, held on 26–28 September 2021. The Conference had a variety of Plenary Lectures, Oral sessions, and E-Poster Presentations. Conference Title: 1st International Conference on Computational &amp; Applied PhysicsConference Acronym: ICCAP’2021Conference Date: 26–28 September 2021Conference Location: Online (Virtual Conference)Conference Organizer: Surfaces, Interfaces, and Thin Films Laboratory (LASICOM), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Saad Dahleb Blida 1, Algeria