Study of congenital malformations in infants and children in Menoufia governorate, Egypt

Congenital anomalies is one of the main causes of physical disabilities, stillbirths and neonatal deaths. The exact etiology of most congenital anomalies is unidentified but genetic and environmental causes are accused.We aimed to study congenital anomalies regarding frequency, clinical pattern and associated risk factors.A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 infants and children with congenital anomalies attended to our pediatric genetic clinic at Menoufia University Hospital from October 2016 to October 2017. Detailed history taking, clinical examination and investigations including cytogenetic study were done.Out of 100 cases, 51% have isolated anomalies and 49% have multiple anomalies, 14.2% had chromosomal abnormalities, 44.8% were diagnosed as genetic syndromes, while we did not reach the final diagnosis in 40.8% of cases. According to the ICD-10 classification of congenital anomalies musculoskeletal system anomalies were the most common in 48% of cases, followed by anomalies of the eye, ear, face and neck in 44% of cases. Anomalies of nervous system, circulatory system, genital organs, urinary system, chromosomal abnormalities, cleft lip and cleft palate occur in 26%, 22%, 18%, 12%, 7% and 6% of cases respectively.Gastrointestinal anomalies in only 4% of cases taking into account that one case may have more than one affected system. According to the guidelines for case classification for the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 2003, 51% had major anomalies, 18% had minor anomalies while 31% had both. Some cases had undergone immediate intervention e.g. meningomyelocele, encephalocele, omphalocele and gastroschisis. While other cases required later intervention e.g. hypospadius, cleft palate and cleft lip. Male gender, consanguineous marriage and lack of maternal folic acid supplementations were found in 54%, 43% and 59% of cases respectively, constituted the main risk factors.Subjects and methods: proper physical examination, cytogenetic and molecular studies are important for the early intervention so prevention will be possible.Keywords: Anomalies, Chromosomal, Congenital, Dysmorphic, Syndrome, Diagnosi

Phytochemical and Biological Investigations of Atriplex Semibacata R .BR. Growing in Egypt

The lipid content of Atriplex semibacata growing in Egypt was studied. The unsaponifiable fraction was identified by GLC. A series of hydrocarbons ranging from C14- C28 in addition to cholesterol, stigmasterol and the triterpenoids α and β - amyrin were identified. GLC analysis of fatty alcohols fraction revealed the presence of six fatty alcohols in which dotriacontanol (C32H66O) was the major (14.68%). Six compounds (five coumarins and one phenolic acid) were isolated for the first time from A. semibacata. The coumarin constituents isolated from the chloroform and the ethyl acetate fractions of the aqueous alcoholic extract of A. semibacata were identified as scopoletin, umbelliferorne, coumarin, scopolin, 7-methoxy coumarin in addition to a phenolic acid P-coumaric acid. Also, the flavonoidal compounds isolated from the n-butanol fraction of the plant revealed the presence of kaempferol 3-O glucoside and acacetin. Their identity was proved by m.p., TLC, PC, UV and MS analysis. The alcohol extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against G−ve bacteria, moderate activity against G+ve bacteria. On the other hand, the pet. Ether extract showed marked activity against G+ve bacteria and fungi, also the G−ve bacteria was greatly inhibited by the chloroform extract. The different extracts of the plant exhibited no cytotoxic activity against Erlich-ascites carcinoma cells line at the tested concentrations, also showed a strong antioxidant activity using DPPH

Phytochemical And Biological Investigations Of Atriplex Semibacata R. Br. Growing In Egypt

The lipid content of Atriplex semibacata growing in Egypt was studied. The unsaponifiable fraction was identified by GLC. A series of hydrocarbons ranging from C14- C28 in addition to cholesterol, stigmasterol and the triterpenoids α and β - amyrin were identified. GLC analysis of fatty alcohols fraction revealed the presence of six fatty alcohols in which dotriacontanol (C32H66O) was the major (14.68%). Six compounds (five coumarins and one phenolic acid) were isolated for the first time from A. semibacata. The coumarin constituents isolated from the chloroform and the ethyl acetate fractions of the aqueous alcoholic extract of A. semibacata were identified as scopoletin, umbelliferorne, coumarin, scopolin, 7-methoxy coumarin in addition to a phenolic acid P-coumaric acid. Also, the flavonoidal compounds isolated from the n-butanol fraction of the plant revealed the presence of kaempferol 3-O glucoside and acacetin. Their identity was proved by m.p., TLC, PC, UV and MS analysis. The alcohol extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against G-ve bacteria, moderate activity against G+ve bacteria. On the other hand, the pet. Ether extract showed marked activity against G+ve bacteria and fungi, also the G-ve bacteria was greatly inhibited by the chloroform extract. The different extracts of the plant exhibited no cytotoxic activity against Erlich-ascites carcinoma cells line at the tested concentrations, also showed a strong antioxidant activity using DPPH

Naphthaquinones of Alkanna Orientalis (L.) BOISS

The roots of Alkanna orientalis (L.) Boiss yielded α- methyl-n-butyl alkannin (compound 1) and alkannin acetate (compound 2). The compounds were identified by UV, MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Quantitative determination of α- methyl-n-butyl alkannin and alkannin acetate in Alkanna orientalis (L) Boiss roots was established by TLC densitometry

Isatin Counteracts Diethylnitrosamine/2-Acetylaminofluorene-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Male Wistar Rats by Upregulating Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Detoxification Pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents around 85% of all known types of liver cancers and is estimated to be the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The current study assessed the preventive efficacy of isatin on diethylnitrosamine (DENA)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wistar rats and investigated the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. HCC was initiated by intraperitoneal injection of DENA (150 mg/kg/week) for two weeks, followed by oral 2-AAF (20 mg/kg) every other day for three successive weeks. Oral isatin or vehicle (control) was administered at 25 mg/kg for 20 weeks during and following HCC induction. Isatin ameliorated the deleterious effects of DENA/2-AAF on liver function as evidenced by reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, albumin, and liver tumor biomarkers (CA19.9 and AFP) compared to control DENA/2-AAF-treated rats. Histopathological evaluations demonstrated that isatin-mediated protection against hepatocarcinogenesis was accompanied by a decline in hepatic lipid peroxidation, a marker of oxidative stress, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by increased glutathione and superoxide dismutase expression. Isatin treatment also upregulated expression of the major stress-response transcription factor Nrf2 and the detoxifying enzymes NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase and glutathione-S-transferase alpha 2 and downregulated expression of the proliferation marker Ki67. Moreover, isatin significantly reduced the DENA/2-AAF-induced decrease in hepatic expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and the DENA/2-AAF-induced increases in pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic factors (TNF-α, NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, p53, and caspase 3). Thus, it can be concluded that isatin may protect against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis by enhancing cellular antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification mechanisms, in part through upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Isatin Counteracts Diethylnitrosamine/2-Acetylaminofluorene-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Male Wistar Rats by Upregulating Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Detoxification Pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents around 85% of all known types of liver cancers and is estimated to be the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The current study assessed the preventive efficacy of isatin on diethylnitrosamine (DENA)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wistar rats and investigated the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. HCC was initiated by intraperitoneal injection of DENA (150 mg/kg/week) for two weeks, followed by oral 2-AAF (20 mg/kg) every other day for three successive weeks. Oral isatin or vehicle (control) was administered at 25 mg/kg for 20 weeks during and following HCC induction. Isatin ameliorated the deleterious effects of DENA/2-AAF on liver function as evidenced by reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, albumin, and liver tumor biomarkers (CA19.9 and AFP) compared to control DENA/2-AAF-treated rats. Histopathological evaluations demonstrated that isatin-mediated protection against hepatocarcinogenesis was accompanied by a decline in hepatic lipid peroxidation, a marker of oxidative stress, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by increased glutathione and superoxide dismutase expression. Isatin treatment also upregulated expression of the major stress-response transcription factor Nrf2 and the detoxifying enzymes NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase and glutathione-S-transferase alpha 2 and downregulated expression of the proliferation marker Ki67. Moreover, isatin significantly reduced the DENA/2-AAF-induced decrease in hepatic expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and the DENA/2-AAF-induced increases in pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic factors (TNF-α, NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, p53, and caspase 3). Thus, it can be concluded that isatin may protect against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis by enhancing cellular antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification mechanisms, in part through upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway

INVESTIGATION OF THE LIPID AND CARBOHYDRATE CONTENTS OF GREWIA TENAX FORSSK. FRUITS & EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTION ACTIVITY

Objective: Grewia tenax Forssk. is represented in Egypt and known for its edible fruits which are nutritionally balanced and rich in iron and calcium. This work was to investigate the Lipid and Carbohydrate Contents of Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits and evaluation of Hepatoprotection activity.Methods: Investigation of carbohydrate contents of Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits were carried out using HPLC. The lipids content of Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits were analyzed by GLC. Also, the hepatoprotective activity on rat hepatocytes monolayer culture was studied.Results: The HPLC analysis of free sugars of Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits revealed the presence of stachyose, sucrose, glucose and fructose. While the HPLC analysis of the polysaccharide hydrolysate from Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits showed the presence of glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose.GLC of the unsaponifiable matter of hexane extract of Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits revealed the presence of a mixture of a series of n-alkanes (63%) and a series of sterols (9.9%). A series of hydrocarbons ranging from C10-C26 in addition to cholesterol, campasterol, stigmasterol and β-Sitosterol and six fatty acids among which Linoleic acid (C18:2) was the major one (55.5 %) was identified. Also, the hepatoprotective activity study of the extracts of Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits (80% MeOH extract of defatted powder) and water extract indicated that they exhibited hepatoprotection at (25 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml) and (12.5 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml); respectively.Conclusion: Our study was the first record of carbohydrate and lipid fraction contents of Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits. From the obtained results, the highly nutritive and medicinal values of Grewia tenax Forssk. fruits should be considered. Furthermore, and due to the high hepatoprotection effects of the plant extracts, further investigation and studies should be done to isolate the bioactive compounds. Â

Microbial biotransformation as a tool for drug development based on natural products from mevalonic acid pathway: A review

Natural products are structurally and biologically interesting metabolites, but they have been isolated in minute amounts. The syntheses of such natural products help in obtaining them in bulk amounts. The recognition of microbial biotransformation as important manufacturing tool has increased in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In recent years, microbial transformation is increasing significantly from limited interest into highly active area in green chemistry including preparation of pharmaceutical products. This is the first review published on the usage of microbial biocatalysts for some natural product classes and natural product drugs