COMPARATIVE TOXICITY STUDY OF CHLOROQUINE AND HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE ON ADULT ALBINO RATS

Expanded use of Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine drugs for non-malarial disease entities has resulted in prolonged duration of therapy and higher daily dosages leading to cumulative doses greater than those used in antimalarial therapy. The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the toxic effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on different organs of albino rats. The study was conducted on 60 normal albino rats divided into 3 groups, the 1st group is the control group that received only distilled water, the 2nd and the 3rd group were given a single daily oral doses equivalent to 1/10th of LD50 chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine respectively. Assessment of liver and kidney functions, and histopathological changes in liver, kidney, and heart in different groups was done. The chloroquine treated group showed significant elevation of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), serum creatinine-urea (Cr-U), Creatine Kinase-MB, C-reactive protein and Malonic dialdehyde levels as compared to control and hydroxychloroquine treated group. The histopathological evaluation showed marked hydropic degeneragtion, vascular congestion, interstitial hemorrhage, and necrosis in the liver, kidney and heart of chloroquine treated group, while hydroxychloroquine treated group showed mild congestion and slight cellular degeneration. Thus, hydroxychloroquine is less toxic and physicians should prescribe it better than chloroquine. Chloroquine if prescribed for therapeutic uses should be taken for short periods

COMPARATIVE TOXICITY STUDY OF CHLOROQUINE AND HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE ON ADULT ALBINO RATS

Expanded use of Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine drugs for non-malarial disease entities has resulted in prolonged duration of therapy and higher daily dosages leading to cumulative doses greater than those used in antimalarial therapy. The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the toxic effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on different organs of albino rats. The study was conducted on 60 normal albino rats divided into 3 groups, the 1st group is the control group that received only distilled water, the 2nd and the 3rd group were given a single daily oral doses equivalent to 1/10th of LD50 chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine respectively. Assessment of liver and kidney functions, and histopathological changes in liver, kidney, and heart in different groups was done. The chloroquine treated group showed significant elevation of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), serum creatinine-urea (Cr-U), Creatine Kinase-MB, C-reactive protein and Malonic dialdehyde levels as compared to control and hydroxychloroquine treated group. The histopathological evaluation showed marked hydropic degeneragtion, vascular congestion, interstitial hemorrhage, and necrosis in the liver, kidney and heart of chloroquine treated group, while hydroxychloroquine treated group showed mild congestion and slight cellular degeneration. Thus, hydroxychloroquine is less toxic and physicians should prescribe it better than chloroquine. Chloroquine if prescribed for therapeutic uses should be taken for short periods

Multispacer sequence typing of Coxiella burnetii from milk and hard tick samples from ruminant farms in Lebanon

his study was carried out to detect and characterize Coxiella burnetii in ruminant milk samples and in different tick species from seropositive farms in four Lebanese regions. Milk and tick samples were screened for C. burnetii presence by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting IS1111 region followed by multispacer sequence typing (MST). The overall positive percentages of 9.6% (27/282) and 95.45% (84/88) for C. burnetii were recorded in ruminant milk and tick samples, respectively. In detail, the C. burnetii DNA was recorded in 52/54 (96.3%) of Rhipicephalus annulatus, 20/21 (95.24%) of Rhipicephalus turanicus, 6/6 (100%) of Hyalomma anatolicum, 5/6 (83.3%) of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and 1/1 of Rhipicephalus bursa. After genotyping of some IS1111-positive samples (17/111), different MST genotypes were identified. Out of 15 positive ticks, 10 were infected with MST2 genotype, 4 were infected with MST7 genotype and 1 was infected with MST57. Moreover, genotypes MST20 and MST58 were found in one cow and one goat milk samples, respectively. The present study confirmed the high genetic diversity of C. burnetii in Lebanon

PHYSICOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SPENT OYSTER MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE

Mushroom substrate is a type of lignocellulosic material that helps promote the growth, production, and fruiting of mushrooms. The substrate contains components rich in organic matter due to the modification of the material after harvesting of mushrooms. This study analysed the physicochemical composition of spent oyster mushroom substrate (SOMS) by comparing with sterile fresh mushroom substrate (SFMS). The physicochemical analyses conducted were moisture content, ash content, pH, primary macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), secondary macronutrients (calcium and magnesium), micronutrients (iron, manganese, copper, and zinc), and carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio. The results obtained for moisture content, ash content, pH, and C:N ratio showed higher values for SOMS. The values of moisture, ash content, pH, and C:N ratio increased to 63.00%, 6.58%, 5.92, and 116.29, respectively. For the nutrients in the mushroom substrate, namely phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper, the values after cultivation increased to 57.14 ppm, 7366.67 ppm, 1230.83 ppm, 85.18 ppm, and 3.75 ppm, respectively. Meanwhile, the values of nitrogen, potassium, zinc, and manganese decreased to 0.38%, 706.67 ppm, 16.90 ppm, and 68.65 ppm, respectively. Sulphur content was detected in SFMS but absent in SOMS. In conclusion, mushroom cultivation changed the physicochemical composition of the mushroom substrate

GENE POLYMORPHISM FOR Α-RECEPTOR OF OESTROGENES AND ALTERATIONS IN BONE MINERAL DENSITY FOR ADULT CELIAC DISEASE PATIENTS

It is well known that osteopenia and osteoporosis are frequently found celiac disease patients presenting classical symptoms of malabsorption1. Osteomalacia cases have also been diagnosed in celiac patients who do not present clinical signs of malabsorption , in patients with latent celiac disease, as well as in first degree relatives of patients with celiac disease who do not suffer from celiac disease themselves. This suggests the presence of different pathogenic mechanisms2. The analysis of genetic polymorphism represents an effective approach for an in-depth screening of genes potentially implicated in the development of osteoporosis. Because of the central role that estrogen plays in bone metabolism, ER genes play an important role in the determination of bone mineral density and the risk of osteoporosis. The fact that osteoporotic phenotypes are observed in patients with a destructive mutation of the α receptor gene for estrogen together with the signs of reduced bone mineral density that are found in mice presenting a functional insufficiency of ER α, but not in mice showing reduced ER β function, demonstrates that ER α is one of the principal genes involved in the genesis of osteoporosis3. Previously , two intronic polymorphisms of the α ER gene, identified by restriction endonucleases PvuII and TA Xba and repetitive polymorphism sequences, have been linked to bone mass density in the Japanese population and in menopausal Italian women4

VALPROIC ACID INDUCES APOPTOSIS AND INCREASES CXCR7 EXPRESSION IN EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER CELL LINE SKOV-3.

Background: The chemokine receptor, CXCR7 is described to play a biologically relevant role in tumor growth and spread. Recently, it was reported that CXCR7 overexpression is associated with an unfavorable prognosis and metastatis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Aware that, several reports indicated that Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate the expression and activity of many proteins involved in both cancer initiation and progression, the aim of this work, was to study the effect of the HDAC inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) on the expression of CXCR7 as well as its impact on survival function in the epithelial ovarian cell line (SKOV-3). Methods: cells were cultured with varying concentrations of VPA (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 mM) for different durations (0, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h). Cell survival was assessed by Neutral red assay and by colony counting which being stained with crystal violet. CXCR7 expression was determined at mRNA level using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or at the protein level using western blotting. Results: VPA reduces cell survival of SKOV-3 cancer cells. The inhibition effect of VPA was dose and time-dependent. Exposure to VPA at concentrations above 2 mM at 24 h resulted in an increase expression of CXCR7 at both the mRNA and protein levels . Conclusion: These observations provide, for the first time, a better insight into the epigenetic mechanisms involved in regulating CXCR7 expression in EOC and will open new avenues for evaluating drugs that specifically stimulate the apoptosis of EOC with minimal unwanted side effect

BLOOD LIPID DISORDER IN MEN WITH INCREASED WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE COMPARED TO MEN HAVING NORMAL WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE WITHIN THE SAME CATEGORY OF BMI

Background: No local studies have been performed yet to investigate the influence of central or abdominal obesity on serum lipids in men having increased Waist Circumference (WC) compared to men with normal Waist Circumference values within the same BMI (Body Mass Index) category. Objective:To examine whether the prevalence of dyslipidemia, (defined as Hypercholesterolemia (Total Cholesterol level ≥240 mg/dl), high LDL-C level (≥160 mg/dl), low HDL-C level (<35 mg/dl), or Hypertriglyceridemia (TG level ≥200 mg/dl)), is higher in men having high Waist Circumference compared to others with normal WC values within the same BMI category. Methods: The study was conducted between September 2013 and July 2014. Eighty-eight overweight men (BMI = 25-29.9) were grouped by WC as follows: 28 with high values (>102 cm) and 60 with normal values (≤ 102cm). Blood samples were drawn and assayed for total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, and LDL-C,at the department of Laboratory in the Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University. All assays were performed by enzymatic colorimetric methods using Hitachi-704. Results: Overweight men with high WC values (according to cutoff points internationally adopted) were the most likely to have dyslipidemia with its subsequent increased health risk compared with those having normal WC values. Conclusion: we showed in this study that the prevalence of dyslipidemia in men with high WC values is greater compared to those with normal WC values within the same BMI category. This finding leads us to the importance of the incorporated evaluation of WC in addition to the BMI in clinical practice

VALPROIC ACID INDUCES APOPTOSIS AND INCREASES CXCR7 EXPRESSION IN EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER CELL LINE SKOV-3.

Background: The chemokine receptor, CXCR7 is described to play a biologically relevant role in tumor growth and spread. Recently, it was reported that CXCR7 overexpression is associated with an unfavorable prognosis and metastatis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Aware that, several reports indicated that Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate the expression and activity of many proteins involved in both cancer initiation and progression, the aim of this work, was to study the effect of the HDAC inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) on the expression of CXCR7 as well as its impact on survival function in the epithelial ovarian cell line (SKOV-3). Methods: cells were cultured with varying concentrations of VPA (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 mM) for different durations (0, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h). Cell survival was assessed by Neutral red assay and by colony counting which being stained with crystal violet. CXCR7 expression was determined at mRNA level using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or at the protein level using western blotting. Results: VPA reduces cell survival of SKOV-3 cancer cells. The inhibition effect of VPA was dose and time-dependent. Exposure to VPA at concentrations above 2 mM at 24 h resulted in an increase expression of CXCR7 at both the mRNA and protein levels . Conclusion: These observations provide, for the first time, a better insight into the epigenetic mechanisms involved in regulating CXCR7 expression in EOC and will open new avenues for evaluating drugs that specifically stimulate the apoptosis of EOC with minimal unwanted side effect

BLOOD LIPID DISORDER IN MEN WITH INCREASED WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE COMPARED TO MEN HAVING NORMAL WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE WITHIN THE SAME CATEGORY OF BMI

Background: No local studies have been performed yet to investigate the influence of central or abdominal obesity on serum lipids in men having increased Waist Circumference (WC) compared to men with normal Waist Circumference values within the same BMI (Body Mass Index) category. Objective:To examine whether the prevalence of dyslipidemia, (defined as Hypercholesterolemia (Total Cholesterol level ≥240 mg/dl), high LDL-C level (≥160 mg/dl), low HDL-C level (<35 mg/dl), or Hypertriglyceridemia (TG level ≥200 mg/dl)), is higher in men having high Waist Circumference compared to others with normal WC values within the same BMI category. Methods: The study was conducted between September 2013 and July 2014. Eighty-eight overweight men (BMI = 25-29.9) were grouped by WC as follows: 28 with high values (>102 cm) and 60 with normal values (≤ 102cm). Blood samples were drawn and assayed for total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, and LDL-C,at the department of Laboratory in the Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University. All assays were performed by enzymatic colorimetric methods using Hitachi-704. Results: Overweight men with high WC values (according to cutoff points internationally adopted) were the most likely to have dyslipidemia with its subsequent increased health risk compared with those having normal WC values. Conclusion: we showed in this study that the prevalence of dyslipidemia in men with high WC values is greater compared to those with normal WC values within the same BMI category. This finding leads us to the importance of the incorporated evaluation of WC in addition to the BMI in clinical practice

Risk factors and prognosis of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in Egypt: a university hospital based study

AIM: To study and compare the predisposing factors and clinical features of pediatric, adult, and elderly rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This is an observational analytic cross-sectional study in which patients with RRD admitted for surgery during 6mo period were divided into 3 age groups: pediatric (60y). Patients' demographic data, clinical features, RRD predisposing factors/features including myopia (axial length ≥26.5 mm), aphakia/pseudophakia, blunt trauma, peripheral retinal degenerations, history of RRD in the fellow eye, and surgical interventions/findings were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Totally 142 patients (142 eyes) were studied: 26 (18.31%) pediatrics, 86 (60.56%) adults, and 30 (21.13%) elderly. Elderly patients had a significantly higher intraocular pressures and cataracts compared to the other 2 groups (P=0.04). The RRD extent was larger in pediatric group (mostly 4 quadrants) compared to adults and elderly (mostly 2 quadrants), but it was not statistically insignificant (P=0.242). There were not statistically significantly differences in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) rate, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) rate, number, site, shape, and size of breaks in three groups. All three groups had macular detachment in all eyes. Myopia and peripheral retinal degenerations were found to be more significant in adults (P=0.049, P=0.035, respectively), while blunt trauma was higher but insignificant in pediatric eyes (P=0.052). Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil as a tamponade was the most used surgery in all groups. CONCLUSION: There are no significant difference in PVR rate in pediatric eyes but a significant higher rate of total RRD. Blunt trauma is more frequent in pediatrics eyes while myopia and/or peripheral retinal degenerations are more frequent in older ages. The rate of PPV as a choice for surgery is similar among all age groups