Asmaa F. Hassan

Intake of melatonin is associated with amelioration of physiological changes, both metabolic and morphological pathologies associated with obesity: an animal model

Obesity and its associated metabolic pathologies are the most common and detrimental diseases, affecting over 50% of the adult population. Our knowledge about the protective effects of melatonin against high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity is still marginal. In this investigation, we hypothesized that melatonin can minimize the metabolic pathologies and morphological changes associated with obesity in animals receiving an HFD. To examine these effects, and to test our hypothesis, an animal model formed of male Boscat white rabbits was established. The animals were divided into three groups: (i) a control group fed regular diet; (ii) an obesity group fed an HFD for 12 weeks; and (iii) a treated group fed HFD for 12 weeks and then treated with melatonin for 4 weeks. The animals were killed and their serum and tissues were evaluated for: (i) lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein) and glucose; (ii) antioxidant enzyme (serum glutathione peroxidase, GSH‐PX); and (iii) fatty changes (liver, kidney and blood vessels). Compared with the control group, intake of HFD (obesity group) was associated with: (i) a statistically significant increase in blood pressure, heart rate, sympathetic nerve activity, body weight, food consumption, serum lipids, blood glucose levels and atherogenic index; (ii) decreased level of GSH‐PX and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL); and (iii) fatty changes in the liver and kidney as well as atheromatous changes in the blood vessels. Compared with the obesity group, intake of melatonin (treated group) was associated with: (i) a statistically significant decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, sympathetic nerve activity, body weight, food consumption, serum lipids, blood glucose levels and atherogenic index; (ii) increased level of GSH‐PX and HDL; and (iii) disappearance of fatty changes in the liver and kidney as well as atheromatous changes in the blood vessels. The administration of melatonin reduced the metabolic pathologies associated with the intake of HFD, suggesting a protective role. Although the underlying mechanisms are unclear, they may include its antioxidant and receptor‐mediated effects. The clinical ramifications of these effects await further investigations.

Effect of exercise training and anabolic androgenic steroids on hemodynamics, glycogen content, angiogenesis and apoptosis of cardiac muscle in adult male rats

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of exercise training and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on hemodynamics, glycogen content, angiogenesis, apoptosis and histology of cardiac muscle. METHODS Forty rats were divided into 4 groups; control, steroid, exercise-trained and exercise-trained plus steroid groups. The exercise-trained and trained plus steroid groups, after one week of water adaptation, were exercised by jumping into water for 5 weeks. The steroid and trained plus steroid groups received nandrolone decanoate, for 5 weeks. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were monitored weekly. Heart weight/body weight ratio (HW/BW ratio) were determined. Serum testosterone, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cardiac caspase-3 activity and glycogen content were measured. RESULTS Compared with control, the steroid group had significantly higher blood pressure, HR, sympathetic nerve activity, testosterone level, HW/BW and cardiac caspase-3 activity. Histological examination revealed apoptotic changes and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes. In exercise-trained group, cardiac glycogen, VEGF and testosterone levels were significantly higher while HR was significantly lower than control. HW/BW was more than control confirmed by hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes with angiogenesis on histological examination. Trained plus steroid group, had no change in HR, with higher blood pressure and HW/BW than control, cardiac glycogen and serum VEGF were higher than control but lower than exercise-trained group. Histological examination showed hypertrophy of cardiomyoctes with mild angiogenesis rather than apoptosis. CONCLUSION When exercise is augmented with AAS, exercise-associated cardiac benefits may not be fully gained with potential cardiac risk from AAS if used alone or combined with exercise.

Trace element, oxidant, and antioxidant enzyme values in blood of children with refractory epilepsy

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the serum levels of some trace elements, oxidants, and antioxidants in children with intractable epilepsy compared to healthy children. Patients and Methods: In a case–control study, 40 children (24 males and 16 females) suffering from refractory generalized epileptic seizures were compared with 40 sex- and age-matched healthy children serve as a control group. Serum selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) values were measured in the patients and controls. Results: Plasma MDA values of the patient group were significantly ( p < 0.001) higher than those in control. Serum Zn, Se, and erythrocyte GSH-Px values of the patient group are significantly ( p < 0.001) lower than those in control, although there is no statistical difference in Cu and SOD values. Conclusion: Plasma MDA, erythrocyte GSH-Px, and trace elements Zn and Se may play an important role in the pathogenesis of intractable epilepsy in children.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor and oxidative stress index in pups with developmental hypothyroidism: Neuroprotective effects of selenium

Thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial for growth and development and particularly brain development. The present study was carried out to investigate the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Oxidative stress index (OSI) in the brain of pups born to dams with methimazole (MMI) induced hypothyroidism. Also, to elucidate the effectiveness of selenium (Se) in ameliorating the brain damaging effects induced by maternal hypothyroidism. Our results reveled that plasma free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), growth hormone (GH) were significantly decreased while plasma thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was significantly increased in the pups. BDNF level significantly decreased while OSI significantly increased in both the hippocampus and cerebellum in pups born to hypothyroid dams. Se supplementation significantly alleviated the levels of these parameters. The biochemical modifications were confirmed histologically with the abnormal development of the hippocampus and cerebellum and partial reversal of these effects with Se supplementation. We concluded that reduced hippocampal and cerebellar BDNF levels and increment of oxidative stress during early development may contribute to the adverse neurodevelopmental effects of hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Also, Se is an important neuroprotective element that may be used as a dietary supplement against brain damage induced by hypothyroidism.

Endocrinological and biochemical changes of scorpionism in children in Upper Egypt

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine some endocrinological and biochemical changes of scorpionism in children in Upper Egypt. In addition, it aimed to find any possible relationship between these changes and the severity of scorpionism. Patients and methods: The present study was carried out at two university hospitals in Upper Egypt and included 42 children with envenomation and 20 apparently healthy children as controls. In all subjects, levels were measured of noradrenaline, aldosterone, insulin and cortisol, and some biochemical parameters and electrolytes including nitric oxide (NO), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), Na+ and K+. Results: Na+, NO and CPK levels were significantly higher in children with envenomation compared with the controls. Also, there was a significant reduction in K+ in patients compared with controls. Children with severe envenomation had significantly higher levels of noradrenaline, cortisol and aldosterone compared with the controls and mild cases. However, insulin levels were significantly decreased in severe cases of scorpionism compared with mild ones. Moreover, hyperglycemia was detected in all patients with envenomation compared with controls, with significantly higher blood glucose levels among children with severe envenomation compared with mild cases. Conclusion: Endocrinological changes were common in all children with scorpion envenomation and more obvious in cases of severe envenomation. The released mediators may account for several inflammatory manifestations such as pulmonary edema, myocardial failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ failure. The use of insulin is recommended in cases of severe envenomation to improve the outcome.

Thyroid status in Egyptian primary school children with iron deficiency anemia: Relationship to intellectual function

Background: Only few studies concerning thyroid status and intellectual evaluation in iron deficiency anemia, which is frequently seen in primary school children in Egypt. Aim: The present study was planned to investigate the effect of iron deficiency anemia on the thyroid functions and intellectual activity of young children in a primary school. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional controlled study. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on 60 primary school children aged 6-12 year with iron deficiency anemia (Group 1) and 20 children as control (Group 2). Complete blood count, iron, total iron binding capacityferritin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroid hormones (FT4 and FT3), and intelligence quotient (IQ) were determined in all the children included in the study. Results: TT3 and TT4 values were statistically lower while TSH is significantly higher in the study group as compared to control (P < 0.001 for each). Patients with hemoglobin (HB) level < 10 > 7 g/dl had significantly lower levels of serum FT3 and FT4 (P < 0.01 for both) and significantly higher levels of serum TSH (P < 0.05) as compared to patients with HB level <7 g/dl. Serum ferritin was correlated negatively with TSH levels (r = −0.76, P < 0.001) while positively with TT4 (r = 0.69, P < 0.001) and TT3 (r = 0.84, P < 0.001) levels. A significant positive correlation was found between serum level of TT3 and transferrin saturation% (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). Total, as well as performance IQ were significantly lower in patients than controls with P <0.05 for each. Significant positive correlations were observed between both total and performance IQ and thyroid hormone levels and iron status parameters. Conclusion: Egyptian primary school children with iron deficiency anemia especially severe type are liable to develop subclinical hypothyroidism and intellectual dysfunction. A randomized, double-blind, controlled study is needed to address the question of whether subclinical hypothyroidism associated with iron deficiency anemia should be treated with oral iron only or iron and levothyroxine combination aiming to prevent the combined effects of both conditions on cognitive function of the brain. Moreover, more comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate if the effect of iron deficiency anemia on thyroid status is reversible or not.

Evaluation of Some Cardiac Functions among Children with Vitamin D De fi ciency Rickets

Vitamin D deficiency rickets (VDDR) is commonly recognised disease in Egypt. The most striking biochemical finding in this illness is hypocalcaemia which may affect ventricular contraction.

The Impact of Vitamin E Supplementation on Urinary Bladder Contractility in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background : To determine whether vitamin E protects streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats from diabetic urinary bladder dysfunction and discover its possible mechanism. Materials and Methods : A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (A), a diabetic group (B), a group given vitamin Eonly (C), and a diabetic group given vitamin E therapy for 8 weeks (D). Diabetes was induced in the rats by 65 mg/kg streptozosin (STZ) via an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Vitamin E was given in a dose of 50 mg/kg/day i.p. Under urethane anaesthesia (1.2 g/kg) subcutaneously and decapitation, contractile responses to carbachol of detrusor strips in all groups were studied in vitro . The levels of nitrite, nitrate, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were detected in bladder tissues homogenates. Apoptosis studies were performed by detection of the levels of caspase 3 and cell death detection. Results : The bladder weights were significantly increased ( p <0.001) in diabetic groups compared to the other studied groups. Contractile responses to carbachol increased in the diabetic group more than in the other groups (p<0.001). Vitamin E improved the contractile responses of group D and improved them but still significantly higher than those of control group (p < 0.05). Vitamin E treatment decreased the tissue MDA, nitrite, nitrate and GSH levels of group D which were significantly higher in group B than A and C groups (p<0.001). All enzyme activities of group B were significantly lower than those of the other groups, although they increased significantly in group D but still lower than those of A and C groups. However, no significant differences were detected between the levels of GPx and SOD of group D and those of A and C groups. Conclusions : These data suggest that vitamin E supplementation may be beneficial in delaying the progression of diabetic dysfunction in experimental animal model. Keywords: Vitamin E, Bladder contractitliy, Diabetes, Rats

Serum Adiponectin Level in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Relation to Right Ventricular Functions and Metabolic Profiles

Background : Adiponectin (ADPN), a protein hormone (cytokine), is exclusively expressed on and secreted from adipocytes. It is a particularly interesting compound because it may have a protective influence on the cardiovascular system. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate serum ADPN level, right ventricular functions and metabolic profiles among children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and asses the correlations between ADPN as a protective hormone and each of right ventricular functions and metabolic profiles. Patients and Methods: A total of 47 children (28 boys; 19 girls) with steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) were studied. They included two groups: Group A: included 25 children with SRNS in relapse. Group B: included 22 children with SRNS in remission for periods ranging from 3-9 months. A control group included 28 children with matched age and sex. Methods: Serum level of ADPN was estimated by ELISA and nitric oxide (NO) by chemical detection. In addition to total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total protein, and albumin by Enzymatic Colorimetric kits. Also, 24-hour urine samples were collected for detection of proteinuria. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography measuring right ventricular wall functions were done. Results: Serum levels of ADPN and NO were significantly higher in children with SRNS in relapse in comparison with children with SRNS in remission or control group. Children with SRNS in relapse showed significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and proteinuria while significantly lower levels of total protein, albumin and HDL as compared with SRNS in remission or control group. Echocardiographic findings revealed that a significant decrease in right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF %) and significant increase in right ventricular end diastolic diameter (RVEDD), right ventricular peak pressure (RVPP) and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were found in cases with SRNS in relapse in comparison to cases with SRNS in remission and control group. ECG findings were indicative for right ventricular hypertrophy in relapsed cases. Finally, in children with SRNS in relapse it was found that serum ADPN level was significantly positively correlated with each of serum NO, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, proteinuria, RVEDD, RVPP and PAP, while significantly negatively correlated with serum total protein, albumin and RVEF%. Conclusion : During relapse of SRNS, serum ADPN level is higher than its level in SRNS in remission. This higher level may represent a physiologic response to the altered metabolic profiles and right ventricular strain so as to minimize cardiovascular complications. Keyword: Adiponectin, Nephrotic syndrome, Right ventricular function, Nitric oxide proteinuria.