INTERLEUKIN-4 (IL-4) AND INTERLEUKIN-4 RECEPTOR ALPHA CHAIN (IL-4Rα) GENE POLYMORPHISMS IN EGYPTIAN RHEUMATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS
Faten Z.
Mohamed
Biochemistry Division, Dept. of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University
author
Yousri M.
Mussien
Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
author
Eman F.
Basiony
Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
author
text
article
2010
eng
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a Th1-driven disease. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) binds to its receptor, promoting Th2 differentiation and limiting Th1 responses, but its role in the pathogenesis of RA is conflicting. Objective: to evaluate the occurrence of variants of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-4 Receptor Alpha chain (IL-4 RA) gene in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their possible contribution to disease severity. Methods: We analyzed 2 polymorphisms of the IL4 gene and 2 polymorphisms of IL-4 RA in patients with RA and in a control population, as well as measuring serum RF as a disease severity parameter. Results: The IL-4 –590 TT genotype (P<0.001) and The IL4 –590T allele (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.0-8.77, p=0.03) were significantly more frequent in patients with RA than in controls, this is similar for IL-4 VNTR RP1⁄RP1 genotype (P<0.001) and IL-4 RP1 allele (OR 2.91 CI 0.92-10.23, P=0.04). Higher frequency of IL-4 RA I50V genotypes (P= 0.02) in RA patients compared with controls were also found. Nevertheless, the more severe form of RA is observed in patients carrying the IL-4 -590 T allele as compared with homozygous patients. The IL-4RA Q576 allele and IL-4RA V50 allele were significantly associated with the sever form of RA. Conclusion: The IL-4 -590 C/T, IL-4 VNTR in intron-3 and IL-4Rα I50V polymorphism were associated with RA susceptibility in Egyptian population. IL-4Rα I50V and IL-4Rα Q576R polymorphisms may be may be a genetic risk factor for RA severity.
Biochemistry Letters
Zagazig University; Faculty of Science. Center of Scientific Studies and Researches
1687-4773
7
v.
1
no.
2010
1
21
https://blj.journals.ekb.eg/article_64239_b6f0e870f109e3897382c2e92d8a1b62.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/blj.2010.64239
IMMUNOTOXIC ACTION OF POSTORAL ADMINISTRATION OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE IN MALE ALBINO RAT
Nagi A.
Ibrahim
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University
author
Al Ahmady S
Alzahaby
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University
author
Amr A.
Shalaby
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University
author
Eman S.
El-Bahaie
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University
author
text
article
2010
eng
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was administered (p.o.) every other day for one month to male Sprague Dawely rats. At the first day after the treatment period, leucocytes (WBCs), and lymphocytes (LYM) numbers, and serum IgM level were significantly higher than those of the control values. At day 15 after CCl4 treatment period WBCs and LYM numbers were below the control levels, whereas, IgM was still above the control level, but lower than the value recorded at day one after CCl4 treatment period. The same dose level and treatment period of CCl4 induced significant increases in serum IL-4 and IL-6 levels that were lasted for 15 days post the administration period. Late administration (i.p.) of DMSO (0.5 ml/100 g b.wt.) at 30 minutes post CCl4 treatment period selectively prevented changes of WBCs and LYM.Tthese results indicate that the toxic effect of CCl4 under the present experimental conditions, could induce changes in both cellular and humoral immune response of rats and these changes could be selectively reversed with time and late administration of DMSO.
Biochemistry Letters
Zagazig University; Faculty of Science. Center of Scientific Studies and Researches
1687-4773
7
v.
1
no.
2010
23
43
https://blj.journals.ekb.eg/article_64240_6ab894bc5ca107028d6b1a83e865b0f6.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/blj.2010.64240
IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EXPRESSIONS OF CCR1 AND CCR5 IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE SCHISTOSOMIASIS AND CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE
Samir A.
El-Masry
Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, Menufyia University, Sadat City, Egypt
author
Mona S.
Gouida
Flow Cytometry and Genetic Units, Mansoura Children Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt.
author
Khalid M.
El-azab
Medical Analysis Specialist, Egypt.
author
Mahmoud E
Nasr
Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, Menufyia University, Sadat City, Egypt.
author
text
article
2010
eng
The CCL3 receptors, CCR1 and CCR5, are expressed in a series of cell types. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate, in vitro and in vivo, expressions of CCR1 and CCR5 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals and Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infected patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD).
PBMCs were isolated from the blood of 55 individuals divided into four groups; Group I: thirty one patients with CLD; group II: six patients with active S. mansoni infection, diagnosed by parasitological examination; group III: eight healthy individuals, non-infected with both schistosomiasis or viral infections, followed by treatment with soluble S. mansoni eggs antigens (SEA) after short term cells culture, for in vitro studies and group IV: ten healthy individuals, non-infected with both schistosomiasis or viral infections and served as a negative control group. All PBMCs from the studied groups were stained with monoclonal antibodies against CD4, CD8, CCR1 and CCR5, then detected by a flow cytometry technique.
In-vitro study revealed that CCR1 and CCR5 expressions in SEA treated short term culture of PBMCs were not significantly lower than healthy controls (P=0.56 and 0.298, respectively). Also, In-vivo study, in active schistosomiasis patients, the decrement were not significant (P=0.313 and 0.093, respectively) compared with a healthy control group. While in CLD patients there was an increment in expression of CCR1 with significant value (p=0.014), as well as in CCR5 but the increment were not significant (P=0.099). Patients with active schistosomiasis showed lower CD4 and higher CD8 T-cells count compared with healthy controls. The expressions of CD4 and CD8 T-cells were not significant (P= 0.368, 0.875, respectively).
CCR1 and CCR5 expressions may play a role in recruitment of lymphocytes to the CLD patients. CD4 was down regulated and CD8 T cells were up regulated in PBMCs of active schistosomiasis patients.
Biochemistry Letters
Zagazig University; Faculty of Science. Center of Scientific Studies and Researches
1687-4773
7
v.
1
no.
2010
45
68
https://blj.journals.ekb.eg/article_64242_4eda4dcaa573099036647ded892a2d7d.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/blj.2010.64242
EVALUATION OF MAGE-3 GENE m-RNA IN BLOOD AS POTENTIAL BIOCHEMICAL MARKER FOR HCC PATIENTS
Yousri M.
Hussien
Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine
author
Faten Z.
Mohammed
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science
author
Wael
H. E
Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine3, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
author
Amal F.
Ghareeb
Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine
author
Al-shimaa M.
Abas
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science
author
text
article
2010
eng
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common neoplasm in the world, and the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Early diagnosis remains the key to effective therapy of HCC. Materials & Methods: In the present study Alpha-fetoprotien (AFP) by ELISA technique and MAGE-3 m-RNA in blood by RT-PCR were assayed in 140 individuals classified into 4 groups: control group (I) which comprised of 20 healthy individuals, group II which comprised of 20 hepatic patients without any complications; group III that comprised of 25 cirrhotic patients and group IV that comprised of 75 HCC patients. Results: The results revealed that the positive rate of MAGE-3 transcripts among HCC patients was 36% (27 out of 75). The results of AFP showed a significant positive increase of serum AFP in group IV when compared with group I, II and III, also significant positive increase in group III when compared with group I and II.
Conclusions: MAGE-3 transcript in the blood can be used in diagnosis of HCC, to predict prognosis and monitoring of the response to the therapy, and AFP level directly correlated with progression of HCC.
Biochemistry Letters
Zagazig University; Faculty of Science. Center of Scientific Studies and Researches
1687-4773
7
v.
1
no.
2010
69
79
https://blj.journals.ekb.eg/article_64245_1b5697d5e9d940c53e5b598f9d2d4745.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/blj.2010.64245
THYMOQUINONE AND PROANTHOCYANIDIN ATTENUATION OF DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY IN RATS
Ahmed R.
Sayed
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science Jeddah, King Abdulaziz University, 80203 Jeddah 21589, Saudia Arabia.
author
Abdulrahman
Al-Malki
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science Jeddah, King Abdulaziz University, 80203 Jeddah 21589, Saudia Arabia.
author
text
article
2010
eng
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. To prevent the development of this disease and to improve advanced kidney injury, effective therapies directed toward the key molecular target are required. Proanthocyanidin (PA) and thymoquinone (TQ) have been reported to be effective in treating DN, while little is known about their mechanism of action and their combination. Aim: This study was designed to investigate the possible beneficial effects of (TQ), (PA) and their combination to attenuate DN in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into five groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (diabetic untreated), group 3 (diabetic treated with PA), group 4 (diabetic treated with TQ) and group 5 (diabetic treated with PA+TQ). Diabetes was induced in groups 2-5 by a single dose of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) in citrate buffer pH 4.5. Two days after STZ treatment, development of diabetes in the experimental groups was confirmed by measuring blood glucose. Rats in group 3 were given PA (250 mg/kg), rats in group 4 were given TQ (50 mg/kg) and rats in group 5 were given PA+TQ (250+50 mg/kg respectively) once a day orally for 12 weeks starting 2 days after STZ injection. Results: In this work, novel data correlate the relation between reactive oxygen species; advanced glycation end products; IL-6 and DN were obtained. Treatment of rats in groups 3-5 with PA, TQ and PA+TQ was significantly increased- the reduced body weight, the reduced glutathione concentration and activity of superoxide dismutase. The elevated levels of urea, creatinine, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and IL-6 in group 2 were significantly reduced as a result of the treatment. Conclusion: These findings suggest that PA and TQ treatment exerts a therapeutic protective effect in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and attenuating DN. Consequently, TQ and PA may be clinically useful for protecting diabetic kidney against oxidative stress.
Biochemistry Letters
Zagazig University; Faculty of Science. Center of Scientific Studies and Researches
1687-4773
7
v.
1
no.
2010
81
97
https://blj.journals.ekb.eg/article_64246_762b9601ff4ef4891cd704ac34dfefa1.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/blj.2010.64246
EFFECTS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND HEAVY METALS OF MALE FERTILITY
Salem A.
Habib
Chemistry Department (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of science (Damietta), Mansoura University, Egypt
author
El-Shahat A.
Toson
Chemistry Department (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of science (Damietta), Mansoura University, Egypt
author
Rizk A.
El-Baz
Children Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
author
Marwa E.
Elafify
Chemistry Department (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of science (Damietta), Mansoura University, Egypt
author
text
article
2010
eng
Defective sperm function is the most common cause of male infertility. The major causative factor of this process is the presence of oxidative stress which induce lipid peroxidative damage to the sperm membrane. This process was partially evaluated by the assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and measurement of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Many metals are discharged as environmental pollutants and may affect semen profiles. So, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and cadmium (Cd) as well as the proteins pattern of both seminal plasma and spermatozoal homogenate supernatant were also evaluated. The present study includes 70 normospermic individuals (control, 32.4%) and 146 infertile men. The latter group were further classified according to the defects in their semen parameters into asthenozoospermic (n= 48), oligo-asthenozoospermic (n= 18), oligo-astheno-teratozoospermic (n= 41) and azoospermic (n= 39) groups. Significance of difference among the groups and coefficient of correlation between the parameters were tested statistically. The protein contents of seminal plasma were nearly the same in all groups but that of the spermatozoa were highly significantly increased (P<0.01) when compared to control. The spermatozoal proteins were correlated with their abnormalities (r= 0.78), densities (r= -0.5), and motilities (r= -0.7). On the other hand, MDA levels were highly significantly increased and the GSH levels were highly significantly decreased in both seminal plasma and spermatozoal homogenate supernatant of the infertile men comparing with control. Also, they were correlated with the quality of the spermatozoa. Concerning SOD activity, it was highly significantly decreased (P<0.01) in seminal plasma but was highly significantly increased (P<0.01) in spermatozoal homogenate supernatant of the oligo-astheno-teratozoospermic males when compared to control. In conclusion, the parameters of oxidative stress and the levels of the heavy metals were associated with human male infertility and may be useful tools in predicting semen quality.
Biochemistry Letters
Zagazig University; Faculty of Science. Center of Scientific Studies and Researches
1687-4773
7
v.
1
no.
2010
99
122
https://blj.journals.ekb.eg/article_64248_75d79e15aa7875761f0f32445ccd0bb1.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/blj.2010.64248