Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Correlation with serum osteopontin levels and disease activity

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic inflammatory disease with genetic predisposition. Osteopontin (OPN) is overexpressed in RA and plays a key role in the perpetuation of synovitis. Not all RA patients show the same level of response to methotrexate (MTX) suggesting genetic variations in the drug-metabolizing enzymes.Aim of the workTo detect methylene-tetra-hydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C/T and 1298A/C gene polymorphisms in RA patients treated with MTX and to investigate the relationship with serum OPN levels and disease activity.Patients and methods62 RA patients and 21 healthy controls were included. Serum OPN was measured using ELISA. Genotyping of MTHFR gene was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) and the modified health assessment questionnaire (MHAQ) were assessed.ResultsThe patients’ age was 42.7±12.7years, F:M (4.6:1) and a disease duration of 5.7±4.6years. Their DAS28 was 4.1±1.6 and the MHAQ (median 1; range 0–2.3). Serum OPN levels in RA patients (median 8.8; range 4–44.5ng/ml) were significantly higher than in control (5.6; 2.1–10.9) (p=0.002). In RA patients, serum OPN significantly correlated with the duration of morning stiffness (p=0.009), ESR (p<0.0001) and DAS28 (p<0.0001). MTHFR (677C>T) polymorphisms significantly correlated with MHAQ (p=0.012) while (1298A>C) polymorphisms significantly correlated with tender joint count (p=0.04). OPN levels were higher among patients with MTHFR (1298A/C) AC genotype (8.9; 4.1–33.9ng/ml), while in those with (677C>T) polymorphisms it was higher among those with CT genotype (8.9; 4.1–44.5).ConclusionSerum OPN level relates with the degree of rheumatoid activity

Oxidative stress pattern in hepatitis C patients co-infected with schistosomiasis

This study was designed to investigate the role of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the disease with the measurement of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-∝) and super oxide dismutase (SOD). Eighty patients from Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, were investigated. Thirty patients with bilharzial HCV and 30 patients with non-bilharzial HCV as compared to 20 healthy controls of the same age and sex ratio were investigated. The concentrations of liver enzymes [glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], bilirubin (Bil), albumin (Alb) and total protein (TP) as well as TNF-α and Mn-SOD were determined. The mean level of the different liver function tests in the three groups in the study showed that the levels of GOT, GPT and ALP were significantly higher in the HCV groups as compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). While serum bilirubin, albumin and total protein were non-significantly decreased in the HCV groups as compared to the control group (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, the mean level of TNF-α was significantly higher in the HCV groups as compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.001) and SOD was significantly decreased in the HCV groups as compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.001). There is a cause-effect relationship between increased levels of TNF-α and decreased levels of SOD, relative to progression of chronic HCV, especially with bilharzias co-infection. Supporting the view that oxidative damage plays a role in chronic HCV infection, also TNF-α establishes a positive auto regulatory loop that can amplify the inflammatory response and lead to chronic inflammation. More evidence indicates that HCV block apoptosis and prolong survival of the host cell in order to gain time for replication and increase viral progeny production.Key words: Hepatitis C virus, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide dismutase, oxidative stress, schistosomiasis

Lymphangiogenesis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Correlation with VEGF-C Expression and Lymph Node Metastasis

Background. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral malignancy that preferentially spreads to the cervical lymph node which, when involved, complicates the anticancer therapy and threatens the patient life. It was suggested that lymph node metastasis may be facilitated by lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-C is one of the most important lymphangiogenic inducers that promotes the lymphatic vessels growth and supports the survival of adult lymphatic endothelial cells. Methods. Lymphatic vessels density (LVD) and LV morphometry were digitally evaluated using D2-40. The expression of VEGF-C was also assessed using immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction in 6 normal oral mucosa cases and 72 cases of OSCC. The correlation between LVD and LV morphometry, VEGF-C, and lymph node metastasis was statistically assessed. Results. A positive cytoplasmic expression of VEGF-C was detected in both epithelial and connective tissue cells in 97% of OSCC, while all normal tissues reacted negatively. A greater expression of VEGF-C was associated with larger and more dilated LV and lymph node metastasis but not with LVD. Conclusion. VEGF-C is actively involved in the invasion and metastasis of OSCC via inducing morphological changes in LV. VEGF-C may be a promising target for anticancer therapy

Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Placental Tissue Levels of Interleukin-17 as a Possible Marker for Preterm Labor in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Background:  The present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of interleukin (IL)-17 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and placental tissue samples of pregnant females as a possible marker in determining whether or not an association exists between chronic periodontitis and preterm labor. Methods:  This case-control study included a random sample of 40 female patients, aged 18 to 35 years, who were assigned to one of the following four groups (10 subjects each): group 1 included patients who underwent spontaneous preterm birth (PB) and were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis upon clinical examination (preterm/periodontitis); group 2 included patients who underwent spontaneous PB and who had a healthy periodontium upon clinical examination (preterm/healthy periodontium); group 3 included patients who underwent spontaneous normal term birth and were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis upon clinical examination (term/periodontitis); and group 4 included patients who underwent spontaneous normal term birth and who had a healthy periodontium upon clinical examination (term/healthy periodontium). GCF and placental tissue samples were obtained from each patient and IL-17 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: GCF levels of IL-17 were significantly higher (P=0.010) in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to those with a healthy periodontium. No significant differences were observed in IL-17 levels in placental tissue samples of all study groups. Conclusion: An association between chronic periodontitis and preterm labor could not be established based on IL-17 levels measured in the present study

Geospatial resources for supporting data standards, guidance and best practice in health informatics

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The 1980s marked the occasion when Geographical Information System (GIS) technology was broadly introduced into the geo-spatial community through the establishment of a strong GIS industry. This technology quickly disseminated across many countries, and has now become established as an important research, planning and commercial tool for a wider community that includes organisations in the public and private health sectors.</p> <p>The broad acceptance of GIS technology and the nature of its functionality have meant that numerous datasets have been created over the past three decades. Most of these datasets have been created independently, and without any structured documentation systems in place. However, search and retrieval systems can only work if there is a mechanism for datasets existence to be discovered and this is where proper metadata creation and management can greatly help.</p> <p>This situation must be addressed through support mechanisms such as Web-based portal technologies, metadata editor tools, automation, metadata standards and guidelines and collaborative efforts with relevant individuals and organisations. Engagement with data developers or administrators should also include a strategy of identifying the benefits associated with metadata creation and publication.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>The establishment of numerous Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs), and other Internet resources, is a testament to the recognition of the importance of supporting good data management and sharing practices across the geographic information community. These resources extend to health informatics in support of research, public services and teaching and learning.</p> <p>This paper identifies many of these resources available to the UK academic health informatics community. It also reveals the reluctance of many spatial data creators across the wider UK academic community to use these resources to create and publish metadata, or deposit their data in repositories for sharing.</p> <p>The Go-Geo! service is introduced as an SDI developed to provide UK academia with the necessary resources to address the concerns surrounding metadata creation and data sharing. The Go-Geo! portal, Geodoc metadata editor tool, ShareGeo spatial data repository, and a range of other support resources, are described in detail.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This paper describes a variety of resources available for the health research and public health sector to use for managing and sharing their data. The Go-Geo! service is one resource which offers an SDI for the eclectic range of disciplines using GIS in UK academia, including health informatics.</p> <p>The benefits of data management and sharing are immense, and in these times of cost restraints, these resources can be seen as solutions to find cost savings which can be reinvested in more research.</p

The hypoactive corpora cavernosa with degenerative erectile dysfunction: a new syndrome

BACKGROUND: In a group of 22 patients with erectile dysfunction, vasculogenic, neurogenic, endocrinologic or psychogenic investigations failed to find a cause for their erectile dysfunction. The electro-cavernosograms of these patients recorded a diminished activity. We investigated the hypothesis that diminished corpus cavernosum electromyography activity was the cause of erectile dysfunction in these patients. METHODS: The study comprised the above mentioned 22 patients (study group, 43.8 ± 5.9 SD years) and 15 healthy volunteers (control group, 41.8 ± 5.1 SD years). The electro-cavernosograms were recorded in the flaccid, erectile and detumescent phases by 2 electrodes inserted into the corpus cavernosum. RESULTS: The electro-cavernosogram of the healthy volunteers registered in the flaccid phase regular slow waves and random action potentials. The wave variables declined significantly in the erectile phase (p < 0.01). In the study group, the slow wave variables in the flaccid phase exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) compared to the healthy volunteers, and the rhythm was irregular. Erection did not occur with sildenafil administration or intracavernosal papaverine injection, and penile implant was performed. Biopsy examination showed degenerated muscle fibers, and fragmented collagen and elastic fibers with areas of fibrosis. CONCLUSION: A novel concept of the cause of erectile dysfunction was presented. Corpora cavernosa showed degenerative changes on histopathologic examination and exhibited diminished electromyography activity. They did not respond to sildenafil administration or intracavernosal papaverine injection. Penile implants were the only treatment. The condition is given the name 'hypoactive corpus cavernosum'. The cause of corpus cavernosum degenerative changes needs further study

Synergistic advancements in sewage-driven microbial fuel cells: novel carbon nanotube cathodes and biomass-derived anodes for efficient renewable energy generation and wastewater treatment

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a dual solution of generating electrical energy from organic pollutants-laden wastewater while treating it. This study focuses on enhancing MFC performance through innovative electrode design. Three-dimensional (3D) anodes, created from corncobs and mango seeds via controlled graphitization, achieved remarkable power densities. The newly developed electrode configurations were evaluated within sewage wastewater-driven MFCs without the introduction of external microorganisms or prior treatment of the wastewater. At 1,000°C and 1,100°C graphitization temperatures, corncob and mango seed anodes produced 1,963 and 2,171 mW/m2, respectively, nearly 20 times higher than conventional carbon cloth and paper anodes. An advanced cathode composed of an activated carbon-carbon nanotube composite was introduced, rivaling expensive platinum-based cathodes. By optimizing the thermal treatment temperature and carbon nanotube content of the proposed cathode, comparable or superior performance to standard Pt/C commercial cathodes was achieved. Specifically, MFCs assembled with corncob anode with the proposed and standard Pt/C cathodes reached power densities of 1,963.1 and 2,178.6 mW/m2, respectively. Similarly, when utilizing graphitized mango seeds at 1,100°C, power densities of 2,171 and 2,151 mW/m2 were achieved for the new and standard cathodes, respectively. Furthermore, in continuous operation with a flow rate of 2 L/h, impressive chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates of 77% and 85% were achieved with corncob and mango seed anodes, respectively. This work highlights the significance of electrode design for enhancing MFC efficiency in electricity generation and wastewater treatment

Electroesophagogram in gastroesophageal reflux disease with a new theory on the pathogenesis of its electric changes

BACKGROUND: In view of the disturbed esophageal peristaltic activity and abnormal esophageal motility in gastroesophageal reflux disease, (GERD), we investigated the hypothesis that these changes result from a disordered myoelectric activity of the esophagus. METHODS: The electric activity of the esophagus (electroesophagogram, EEG) was studied in 27 patients with GERD (16 men, 11 women, mean age 42.6 ± 5.2 years) and 10 healthy volunteers as controls (6 men, 4 women, mean age 41.4 ± 4.9 years). According to the Feussner scoring system, 7 patients had a mild (score 1), 10 a moderate (score 2) and 10 a severe (score 3) stage of the disease. One electrode was applied to the upper third and a second to the lower third of the esophagus, and the electric activity was recorded. The test was repeated after the upper electrode had been moved to the mid-esophagus. RESULTS: The EEG of the healthy volunteers showed slow waves and exhibited the same frequency, amplitude and conduction velocity from the 2 electrodes of the individual subject, regardless of their location in the upper, middle or lower esophagus. Action potentials occurred randomly. In GERD patients, score 1 exhibited electric waves' variables similar to those of the healthy volunteers. In score 2, the waves recorded irregular rhythm and lower variables than the controls. Score 3 showed a "silent" EEG without waves. CONCLUSION: The electric activity in GERD exhibited 3 different patterns depending on the stages of GERD. Score 1 exhibited a normal EEG which apparently denotes normal esophageal motility. Score 2 recorded irregular electric waves variables which are presumably indicative of decreased esophageal motility and reflux clearance. In score 3, a "silent" EEG was recorded with probably no acid clearance. It is postulated that the interstitial cells of Cajal which are the electric activity generators, are involved in the inflammatory process of GERD. Destruction of these cells appears to occur in grades that are in accordance with GERD scores. The EEG seems to have the potential to act as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of GERD stages