The global pandemic has proven to be challenging for students in more ways than one. With campuse... more The global pandemic has proven to be challenging for students in more ways than one. With campuses closed nationwide, executive orders for lockdown, and calls for people to stay home, “Stay Home, Stay Safe,” many students found themselves under mental stress and uncertainty in ways they hadn’t before. The uncertainty was derived by an indeterminate roadmap, the pandemic phobia, and the risk of being infected, financial stress, the stigma of the disease, and the possibility of being called for exams during such a challenging circumstance.
Abstract Objective This study aimed to detect UL-16 Binding Protein −3 (ULBP3) gene expression le... more Abstract Objective This study aimed to detect UL-16 Binding Protein −3 (ULBP3) gene expression levels in cases with AA and to correlate those levels with the clinical course of the disease. Background Alopecia Areata (AA) is considered as the most widespread immune-mediated disorder in both sexes of all ages in all ethnic individuals. Gene theory is considered to be a well appreciated tool for understanding the disease's pathogenesis. Association with UL 16 Binding Protein (ULBP) genes has been detected with autoimmune disorders. Patients and methods This study included 85 subjects: 55 patients suffering from AA and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The expression level of ULBP3 mRNA was estimated using the technique of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Results Levels of ULBP3 mRNA in cases were significantly higher in patients with AA in comparison with controls. Also, there were significant correlations between ULBP3 mRNA levels and age of patients and disease duration in years. Conclusions ULBP3 upregulation in AA enforces the theory that postulates the autoimmune nature of AA and ULBP3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata and its progression.
Background: Human paraoxonase-2(PON2) which is exclusively intracellular possesses unique properi... more Background: Human paraoxonase-2(PON2) which is exclusively intracellular possesses unique properities that distinguish it from PON1 and PON3. Recently, it was demonstrated that PON2 protects against atherosclerosis by preventing LDL oxidation. Emerging evidences have proposed that genetic variations in the PON2 gene may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives: To investigate the relationship between a common PON2 gene (Cys 311-Ser) polymorphism and the presence and extent of CAD. Methods: The study comprised 112 patients recruited from those undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD, who were divided according to the presence or absence of CAD into 2 groups Group I including 62 patients with CAD and Group II including 50 patients proved to have normal coronaries. All the subjects included in the study were genotyped for the (Cys 311-Ser) polymorphism of PON2 gene using RCR-RFLP. Results: The frequency of Cys allele was significantly higher in group I compared to Group II (77.4% vs. 56% respectively, P < 0.01). Patients with vessel score 3 had significantly higher severity score and higher Cys allele frequency than patients with vessel score 2, the latter group had also significantly higher severity score and Cys allele frequency than patients with vessel score 1. In multivariate logistic regression analysis of different variables for prediction of CAD, age [OR 3.79, CI (1.33-12.7), P < 0.01], smoking [OR 0.71, CI (0.23-7.81), P < 0.001], and PON2 311 Cys allele [OR 5.67, CI (1.99-14.77), P < 0.001] were significantly independent predictors of CAD. Conclusion: Cys allele of PON2 311 gene polymorphism is an independent risk factor for CAD and it is associated not only with the presence of CAD but also with its extent and severity.
Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis, Jul 1, 2017
Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal dis... more Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal disorders characterized by different grades of fibrosis and inflammation. A number of proinflammatory and profibrotic extracellular mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ILD. Transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-b1) is one of these mediators. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the association between two common polymorphisms in the gene encoding TGF-b1 and the risk for the development of ILD and whether those polymorphisms affect the serum level of TGF-b1 or have a relation with disease prognosis. Subjects and methods: The study included 90 subjects who were classified into: 56 patients suffering from ILD and 34 healthy subjects served as controls. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, serum levels of TGF-b1 were determined for all subjects. Genotyping for codon 10 and codon 25 polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to be correlated with the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) levels of TGF b1 and disease prognosis. Results: The allele frequencies of both polymorphisms showed no significant differences between patients and controls. However the CC genotype of codon 10 polymorphism showed significant correlation with higher levels of serum and BAL TGF-b1 and worse prognosis of the disease. Conclusion: It could be concluded that there is no significant association between codon 10 and codon 25 polymorphisms of TGF-b1 and the risk for development of ILD while there was an association between the genetic variants of codon 10 polymorphism, the serum and BAL levels of TGF-b1 and the prognosis of the disease.
Background Schizophrenia is a serious, complex mental disorder. The impairment of oxidative phosp... more Background Schizophrenia is a serious, complex mental disorder. The impairment of oxidative phosphorylation has a detrimental consequence on CNS function. Different ATP synthase subunits have been involved in the pathological process of various neurodegenerative disorders. Our goal was to evaluate the mRNA expression level of the ATP synthase membrane subunit c locus 1 (ATP5G1, also named ATP5MC1) gene in patients with schizophrenia. Methods Determination of the expression levels of ATP5G1 in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were performed by real-time PCR in 90 controls and 90 patients with schizophrenia. Results Patients had significantly decreased ATP5G1 mRNA expression levels in both plasma and PBMCs compared to controls. The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to detect a cut-off value of ATP5G1 expression in plasma and PBMCs. The ATP5G1 relative expression in PBMCs had better performance with a cut-off value ≤ 21 (AUC = 0.892, P < 0.001), sensitivity of 94.44%, and specificity of 72.22% in discriminating between schizophrenic patients. ATP5G1 expression in PBMCs was an independent predictor in schizophrenia. Conclusion This study revealed a down-regulation of ATP5G1 expression in schizophrenia, precisely expression in PBMCs. That might give insight into the role of ATP5G1 gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of mast cell tryptase (MCT) enz... more Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of mast cell tryptase (MCT) enzyme in the pathogenesis of uremic pruritus by measuring its level in the serum of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with pruritus and to correlate its level with the severity of pruritus. Background The pathogenesis of pruritus in renal disease is not yet understood. Evidence suggests that mast cells play a role, as the number of dermal mast cells is increased in patients on hemodialysis. Patients and methods The present study was conducted as a prospective case–control study that included 60 patients with CKD and 20 healthy participants who had neither CKD nor pruritus and served as controls. All cases were selected from the Outpatient Clinic and Dialysis Unit of Nephrology Department, Menoufia University Hospitals, and Aga General Hospital, spanning the period from February 2017 to July 2017. Patients with CKD were subdivided into three groups according to the stage of kidney disease as follows: group 1 included 20 patients with stage 3 (CKD), group 2 included 20 patients with stage 4 (CKD), group 3 included 20 patients with stage 5 (CKD), known as end-stage renal disease, who were on hemodialysis. Each participant underwent full general and dermatologic examination followed by measurement of serum MCT enzyme by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Degree of pruritus was measured by 5D score. Results Serum MCT levels were above 11.4 ng/ml (95th percentile) in patients with CKD. The intensity of pruritus correlated significantly (P = 0.001) with the tryptase levels. Conclusion Mast cells or even tryptase itself may be involved in the pathogenesis of pruritus in patients with CKD.
Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis, 2017
Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal dis... more Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal disorders characterized by different grades of fibrosis and inflammation. A number of proinflammatory and profibrotic extracellular mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ILD. Transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-b1) is one of these mediators. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the association between two common polymorphisms in the gene encoding TGF-b1 and the risk for the development of ILD and whether those polymorphisms affect the serum level of TGF-b1 or have a relation with disease prognosis. Subjects and methods: The study included 90 subjects who were classified into: 56 patients suffering from ILD and 34 healthy subjects served as controls. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, serum levels of TGF-b1 were determined for all subjects. Genotyping for codon 10 and codon 25 polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to be correlated with the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) levels of TGF b1 and disease prognosis. Results: The allele frequencies of both polymorphisms showed no significant differences between patients and controls. However the CC genotype of codon 10 polymorphism showed significant correlation with higher levels of serum and BAL TGF-b1 and worse prognosis of the disease. Conclusion: It could be concluded that there is no significant association between codon 10 and codon 25 polymorphisms of TGF-b1 and the risk for development of ILD while there was an association between the genetic variants of codon 10 polymorphism, the serum and BAL levels of TGF-b1 and the prognosis of the disease.
Analytical and quantitative cytopathology and histopathology, 2014
To study the value of urinary survivin as a diagnostic marker for diagnosis of bladder cancer as ... more To study the value of urinary survivin as a diagnostic marker for diagnosis of bladder cancer as compared to urine cytology. This study was carried out on 40 patients presenting with bladder cancer and 20 patients presenting with benign urological disorders. For bladder cancer diagnosis, urine cytology has lower sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive values as compared to survivin, while it has higher specificity and positive predictive value than survivin. On the other hand, the sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy of combined survivin and urine cytology were 100%, 95% and 97%, respectively. Positive urine cytology and survivin were significantly higher in cases showing advanced stage and high grade as compared to cases presented with superficial stage and low grade. Urinary survivin appears to be a reliable, noninvasive diagnostic test to identify patients with bladder cancer. The sensitivity of survivin test was superior to that of urine cytology in the diagnosis of...
Background: Human paraoxonase-2(PON2) which is exclusively intracellular possesses unique properi... more Background: Human paraoxonase-2(PON2) which is exclusively intracellular possesses unique properities that distinguish it from PON1 and PON3. Recently, it was demonstrated that PON2 protects against atherosclerosis by preventing LDL oxidation. Emerging evidences have proposed that genetic variations in the PON2 gene may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives: To investigate the relationship between a common PON2 gene (Cys 311-Ser) polymorphism and the presence and extent of CAD. Methods: The study comprised 112 patients recruited from those undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD, who were divided according to the presence or absence of CAD into 2 groups Group I including 62 patients with CAD and Group II including 50 patients proved to have normal coronaries. All the subjects included in the study were genotyped for the (Cys 311-Ser) polymorphism of PON2 gene using RCR-RFLP. Results: The frequency of Cys allele was significantly higher in group I compared to Group II (77.4% vs. 56% respectively, P < 0.01). Patients with vessel score 3 had significantly higher severity score and higher Cys allele frequency than patients with vessel score 2, the latter group had also significantly higher severity score and Cys allele frequency than patients with vessel score 1. In multivariate logistic regression analysis of different variables for prediction of CAD, age [OR 3.79, CI (1.33-12.7), P < 0.01], smoking [OR 0.71, CI (0.23-7.81), P < 0.001], and PON2 311 Cys allele [OR 5.67, CI (1.99-14.77), P < 0.001] were significantly independent predictors of CAD. Conclusion: Cys allele of PON2 311 gene polymorphism is an independent risk factor for CAD and it is associated not only with the presence of CAD but also with its extent and severity.
Preeclampsia along with its complications seems to be one of the major causes of maternal morbidi... more Preeclampsia along with its complications seems to be one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Despite numerous studies, the pathology of preeclampsia has not yet been fully elucidated. Serum leptin levels are increased in normal pregnancies and are more elevated in preeclampsia. Also, many studies have concluded that high levels of blood androgens have been observed in preeclamptic women and may implicate the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study aims to evaluate total maternal serum leptin and androgen levels in preeclampsia and to evaluate whether these levels are affected by the severity of the disease and if other factors such as BMI and these hormonal factors have a role in the overall regulation of leptin production. The study included a total numbers of 60 cases. Divided into 3 groups: Group I (mild preeclampsia): included 20 pregnant females suffering from mild preeclampsia. Group II (severe preeclampsia): included 20 pregnant females with severe pree...
Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation of the skin and the mucous membranes, exhibite... more Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation of the skin and the mucous membranes, exhibited as white macules and patches due to selective loss of melanocytes. Etiological theories of vitiligo include genetic, immunological, neurohormonal, cytotoxic, biochemical, oxidative stress, and newer theories of melanocytorrhagy and diminished melanocytes survival. It has been revealed that liver X receptor alpha gene is expressed in skin tissue such as sebaceous glands, hair follicle, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts and is linked to various skin disorders as acne vulgaris and psoriasis. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the association between liver X receptor-α gene polymorphism (rs11039155 and rs2279238) and vitiligo and whether they are related to disease activity and severity or not. Subjects and Methods: 50 vitiligo patients and 20 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy controls were enrolled. All the included subjects were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis technique for (−6G/A) and (+1257C/T) SNPs. Results: Significant statistical difference between cases and controls regarding genotype and allele frequencies for −6G/A polymorphism with predominance of AA geno
Objective This study aimed to assess serum vascular endothelial growth factor-3 (VEGFR-3) as a po... more Objective This study aimed to assess serum vascular endothelial growth factor-3 (VEGFR-3) as a potential biomarker of psoriasis and correlate its expression with the clinical parameters. Background VEGFR-3 has gained a lot of interest in psoriasis research owing to its role in disease progression. Psoriasis biomarkers could potentially aid in the diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and monitoring response to treatments. Patients and methods This prospective case–control study was conducted on 40 patients with psoriasis and 40 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Patients were selected from the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at Menoufia University Hospital. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay validation studies were conducted on psoriatic patients to assay the level of human VEGFR-3 compared with healthy controls. Results This study showed that psoriasis area and severity index score ranged from 0.60 to 32.5 with a median of 4.5 and was divided to mild (37 patients, 93%), ...
ObjectiveAlopecia Areata is one of the most widespread autoimmune diseases affecting both sexes o... more ObjectiveAlopecia Areata is one of the most widespread autoimmune diseases affecting both sexes of all ages and across all ethnic individuals. Genetics is considered to be a valuable tool for gaining insight into the disease’s pathogenesis. Association with UL 16 Binding Protein (ULBP) genes has been detected with autoimmune disorders.This study aimed to detect UL-16 Binding Protein -3 (ULBP3) gene expression levels in cases with AA and to correlate those levels with the clinical course of the disease.This study included 85 subjects: 55 patients with AA and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The expression level of ULBP3 mRNA was estimated using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).Results Levels of ULBP3 mRNA in cases were significantly higher in patients with AA in comparison with controls. Also, there were significant correlations between ULBP3 mRNA levels and age of patients and disease duration in years. ULBP3 upregulation in AA enforces the theory that postulate...
The Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2012
From its beginnings two decades ago with the analysis of chromosomal translocation break points, ... more From its beginnings two decades ago with the analysis of chromosomal translocation break points, research into the molecular pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has now progressed to the large scale sequencing of candidate genes that might be linked to the pathogenesis of leukemia. Interleukon-15 (IL-15) gene has gained the interest of many oncologist with five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) proved to be associated with childhood ALL.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IL-15 gene polymorphisms and the risk for adult ALL and whether these polymorphisms are related to the immunophenotype of the disease. This study included 60 subjects classified into 2 groups: 30 patients with adult ALL (ALL group) and 30 healthy subjects of matched age and sex as control group. All subjects were genotyped for rs10519613 and rs35964658 polymorphisms of IL-15 gene using PCR-RFLP technique.Results revealed that there was no statistical difference betw...
American Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2014
Appropriate physical exercise improves both mental and physical health. However, strenuous exerci... more Appropriate physical exercise improves both mental and physical health. However, strenuous exercise can cause muscle damage and inflammation. The mechanism of muscle adaptation to physical exercise is in some way unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of previous moderate training on the generation of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines following an acute bout of exhausting physical exercise. Forty eight male Wistar albino rats were used in the present study. Rats were randomly assigned (24/group) to untrained (UT), and trained (T, subjected to 6 week swimming training) groups. Each group was equally subdivided into pre- and post-exercise groups. Blood samples were collected either immediately before or after acute exhausting swimming exercise session (60 minutes continuous swimming). Strenuous exercise induced a significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),...
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition with significant associated morbidity and mortali... more Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Although several studies have been done to understand the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of kidney injury. Results were static over the last 30 years. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of AKI and its complications. The NADPH oxidase complex is an important source of ROS in AKI. Its p22 subunit is polymorph with a C242T variant that changes histidine-72 for a tyrosine in the potential heme binding site. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of this polymorphism in 75 patients with AKI and correlate the genotype to the extent of the load of the circulating ROS and its association with the unfavorable course of the disease. This study included 75 hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department Menofiya University Hospital with established AKI. We had done genotyping for the C242T po...
Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of relative quantification of... more Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of relative quantification of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Background DR is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) that can lead to blindness. Alterations in activity of the ET system are believed to underlie the development of chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients and methods This is a clinical study carried out at Medical Biochemistry and Ophthalmology Departments. It included 50 patients divided into three groups: group I (included 14 diabetics without DR), group II (included 26 diabetics with DR), and group III (included 10 normal healthy controls). All studied patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical and ophthalmological examination, and laboratory investigations including fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, serum creatinine, urinary albumin, and creatin...
The global pandemic has proven to be challenging for students in more ways than one. With campuse... more The global pandemic has proven to be challenging for students in more ways than one. With campuses closed nationwide, executive orders for lockdown, and calls for people to stay home, “Stay Home, Stay Safe,” many students found themselves under mental stress and uncertainty in ways they hadn’t before. The uncertainty was derived by an indeterminate roadmap, the pandemic phobia, and the risk of being infected, financial stress, the stigma of the disease, and the possibility of being called for exams during such a challenging circumstance.
Abstract Objective This study aimed to detect UL-16 Binding Protein −3 (ULBP3) gene expression le... more Abstract Objective This study aimed to detect UL-16 Binding Protein −3 (ULBP3) gene expression levels in cases with AA and to correlate those levels with the clinical course of the disease. Background Alopecia Areata (AA) is considered as the most widespread immune-mediated disorder in both sexes of all ages in all ethnic individuals. Gene theory is considered to be a well appreciated tool for understanding the disease's pathogenesis. Association with UL 16 Binding Protein (ULBP) genes has been detected with autoimmune disorders. Patients and methods This study included 85 subjects: 55 patients suffering from AA and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The expression level of ULBP3 mRNA was estimated using the technique of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Results Levels of ULBP3 mRNA in cases were significantly higher in patients with AA in comparison with controls. Also, there were significant correlations between ULBP3 mRNA levels and age of patients and disease duration in years. Conclusions ULBP3 upregulation in AA enforces the theory that postulates the autoimmune nature of AA and ULBP3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata and its progression.
Background: Human paraoxonase-2(PON2) which is exclusively intracellular possesses unique properi... more Background: Human paraoxonase-2(PON2) which is exclusively intracellular possesses unique properities that distinguish it from PON1 and PON3. Recently, it was demonstrated that PON2 protects against atherosclerosis by preventing LDL oxidation. Emerging evidences have proposed that genetic variations in the PON2 gene may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives: To investigate the relationship between a common PON2 gene (Cys 311-Ser) polymorphism and the presence and extent of CAD. Methods: The study comprised 112 patients recruited from those undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD, who were divided according to the presence or absence of CAD into 2 groups Group I including 62 patients with CAD and Group II including 50 patients proved to have normal coronaries. All the subjects included in the study were genotyped for the (Cys 311-Ser) polymorphism of PON2 gene using RCR-RFLP. Results: The frequency of Cys allele was significantly higher in group I compared to Group II (77.4% vs. 56% respectively, P < 0.01). Patients with vessel score 3 had significantly higher severity score and higher Cys allele frequency than patients with vessel score 2, the latter group had also significantly higher severity score and Cys allele frequency than patients with vessel score 1. In multivariate logistic regression analysis of different variables for prediction of CAD, age [OR 3.79, CI (1.33-12.7), P < 0.01], smoking [OR 0.71, CI (0.23-7.81), P < 0.001], and PON2 311 Cys allele [OR 5.67, CI (1.99-14.77), P < 0.001] were significantly independent predictors of CAD. Conclusion: Cys allele of PON2 311 gene polymorphism is an independent risk factor for CAD and it is associated not only with the presence of CAD but also with its extent and severity.
Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis, Jul 1, 2017
Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal dis... more Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal disorders characterized by different grades of fibrosis and inflammation. A number of proinflammatory and profibrotic extracellular mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ILD. Transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-b1) is one of these mediators. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the association between two common polymorphisms in the gene encoding TGF-b1 and the risk for the development of ILD and whether those polymorphisms affect the serum level of TGF-b1 or have a relation with disease prognosis. Subjects and methods: The study included 90 subjects who were classified into: 56 patients suffering from ILD and 34 healthy subjects served as controls. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, serum levels of TGF-b1 were determined for all subjects. Genotyping for codon 10 and codon 25 polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to be correlated with the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) levels of TGF b1 and disease prognosis. Results: The allele frequencies of both polymorphisms showed no significant differences between patients and controls. However the CC genotype of codon 10 polymorphism showed significant correlation with higher levels of serum and BAL TGF-b1 and worse prognosis of the disease. Conclusion: It could be concluded that there is no significant association between codon 10 and codon 25 polymorphisms of TGF-b1 and the risk for development of ILD while there was an association between the genetic variants of codon 10 polymorphism, the serum and BAL levels of TGF-b1 and the prognosis of the disease.
Background Schizophrenia is a serious, complex mental disorder. The impairment of oxidative phosp... more Background Schizophrenia is a serious, complex mental disorder. The impairment of oxidative phosphorylation has a detrimental consequence on CNS function. Different ATP synthase subunits have been involved in the pathological process of various neurodegenerative disorders. Our goal was to evaluate the mRNA expression level of the ATP synthase membrane subunit c locus 1 (ATP5G1, also named ATP5MC1) gene in patients with schizophrenia. Methods Determination of the expression levels of ATP5G1 in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were performed by real-time PCR in 90 controls and 90 patients with schizophrenia. Results Patients had significantly decreased ATP5G1 mRNA expression levels in both plasma and PBMCs compared to controls. The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to detect a cut-off value of ATP5G1 expression in plasma and PBMCs. The ATP5G1 relative expression in PBMCs had better performance with a cut-off value ≤ 21 (AUC = 0.892, P < 0.001), sensitivity of 94.44%, and specificity of 72.22% in discriminating between schizophrenic patients. ATP5G1 expression in PBMCs was an independent predictor in schizophrenia. Conclusion This study revealed a down-regulation of ATP5G1 expression in schizophrenia, precisely expression in PBMCs. That might give insight into the role of ATP5G1 gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of mast cell tryptase (MCT) enz... more Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of mast cell tryptase (MCT) enzyme in the pathogenesis of uremic pruritus by measuring its level in the serum of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with pruritus and to correlate its level with the severity of pruritus. Background The pathogenesis of pruritus in renal disease is not yet understood. Evidence suggests that mast cells play a role, as the number of dermal mast cells is increased in patients on hemodialysis. Patients and methods The present study was conducted as a prospective case–control study that included 60 patients with CKD and 20 healthy participants who had neither CKD nor pruritus and served as controls. All cases were selected from the Outpatient Clinic and Dialysis Unit of Nephrology Department, Menoufia University Hospitals, and Aga General Hospital, spanning the period from February 2017 to July 2017. Patients with CKD were subdivided into three groups according to the stage of kidney disease as follows: group 1 included 20 patients with stage 3 (CKD), group 2 included 20 patients with stage 4 (CKD), group 3 included 20 patients with stage 5 (CKD), known as end-stage renal disease, who were on hemodialysis. Each participant underwent full general and dermatologic examination followed by measurement of serum MCT enzyme by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Degree of pruritus was measured by 5D score. Results Serum MCT levels were above 11.4 ng/ml (95th percentile) in patients with CKD. The intensity of pruritus correlated significantly (P = 0.001) with the tryptase levels. Conclusion Mast cells or even tryptase itself may be involved in the pathogenesis of pruritus in patients with CKD.
Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis, 2017
Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal dis... more Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal disorders characterized by different grades of fibrosis and inflammation. A number of proinflammatory and profibrotic extracellular mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ILD. Transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-b1) is one of these mediators. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the association between two common polymorphisms in the gene encoding TGF-b1 and the risk for the development of ILD and whether those polymorphisms affect the serum level of TGF-b1 or have a relation with disease prognosis. Subjects and methods: The study included 90 subjects who were classified into: 56 patients suffering from ILD and 34 healthy subjects served as controls. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, serum levels of TGF-b1 were determined for all subjects. Genotyping for codon 10 and codon 25 polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to be correlated with the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) levels of TGF b1 and disease prognosis. Results: The allele frequencies of both polymorphisms showed no significant differences between patients and controls. However the CC genotype of codon 10 polymorphism showed significant correlation with higher levels of serum and BAL TGF-b1 and worse prognosis of the disease. Conclusion: It could be concluded that there is no significant association between codon 10 and codon 25 polymorphisms of TGF-b1 and the risk for development of ILD while there was an association between the genetic variants of codon 10 polymorphism, the serum and BAL levels of TGF-b1 and the prognosis of the disease.
Analytical and quantitative cytopathology and histopathology, 2014
To study the value of urinary survivin as a diagnostic marker for diagnosis of bladder cancer as ... more To study the value of urinary survivin as a diagnostic marker for diagnosis of bladder cancer as compared to urine cytology. This study was carried out on 40 patients presenting with bladder cancer and 20 patients presenting with benign urological disorders. For bladder cancer diagnosis, urine cytology has lower sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive values as compared to survivin, while it has higher specificity and positive predictive value than survivin. On the other hand, the sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy of combined survivin and urine cytology were 100%, 95% and 97%, respectively. Positive urine cytology and survivin were significantly higher in cases showing advanced stage and high grade as compared to cases presented with superficial stage and low grade. Urinary survivin appears to be a reliable, noninvasive diagnostic test to identify patients with bladder cancer. The sensitivity of survivin test was superior to that of urine cytology in the diagnosis of...
Background: Human paraoxonase-2(PON2) which is exclusively intracellular possesses unique properi... more Background: Human paraoxonase-2(PON2) which is exclusively intracellular possesses unique properities that distinguish it from PON1 and PON3. Recently, it was demonstrated that PON2 protects against atherosclerosis by preventing LDL oxidation. Emerging evidences have proposed that genetic variations in the PON2 gene may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives: To investigate the relationship between a common PON2 gene (Cys 311-Ser) polymorphism and the presence and extent of CAD. Methods: The study comprised 112 patients recruited from those undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD, who were divided according to the presence or absence of CAD into 2 groups Group I including 62 patients with CAD and Group II including 50 patients proved to have normal coronaries. All the subjects included in the study were genotyped for the (Cys 311-Ser) polymorphism of PON2 gene using RCR-RFLP. Results: The frequency of Cys allele was significantly higher in group I compared to Group II (77.4% vs. 56% respectively, P < 0.01). Patients with vessel score 3 had significantly higher severity score and higher Cys allele frequency than patients with vessel score 2, the latter group had also significantly higher severity score and Cys allele frequency than patients with vessel score 1. In multivariate logistic regression analysis of different variables for prediction of CAD, age [OR 3.79, CI (1.33-12.7), P < 0.01], smoking [OR 0.71, CI (0.23-7.81), P < 0.001], and PON2 311 Cys allele [OR 5.67, CI (1.99-14.77), P < 0.001] were significantly independent predictors of CAD. Conclusion: Cys allele of PON2 311 gene polymorphism is an independent risk factor for CAD and it is associated not only with the presence of CAD but also with its extent and severity.
Preeclampsia along with its complications seems to be one of the major causes of maternal morbidi... more Preeclampsia along with its complications seems to be one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Despite numerous studies, the pathology of preeclampsia has not yet been fully elucidated. Serum leptin levels are increased in normal pregnancies and are more elevated in preeclampsia. Also, many studies have concluded that high levels of blood androgens have been observed in preeclamptic women and may implicate the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study aims to evaluate total maternal serum leptin and androgen levels in preeclampsia and to evaluate whether these levels are affected by the severity of the disease and if other factors such as BMI and these hormonal factors have a role in the overall regulation of leptin production. The study included a total numbers of 60 cases. Divided into 3 groups: Group I (mild preeclampsia): included 20 pregnant females suffering from mild preeclampsia. Group II (severe preeclampsia): included 20 pregnant females with severe pree...
Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation of the skin and the mucous membranes, exhibite... more Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation of the skin and the mucous membranes, exhibited as white macules and patches due to selective loss of melanocytes. Etiological theories of vitiligo include genetic, immunological, neurohormonal, cytotoxic, biochemical, oxidative stress, and newer theories of melanocytorrhagy and diminished melanocytes survival. It has been revealed that liver X receptor alpha gene is expressed in skin tissue such as sebaceous glands, hair follicle, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts and is linked to various skin disorders as acne vulgaris and psoriasis. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the association between liver X receptor-α gene polymorphism (rs11039155 and rs2279238) and vitiligo and whether they are related to disease activity and severity or not. Subjects and Methods: 50 vitiligo patients and 20 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy controls were enrolled. All the included subjects were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis technique for (−6G/A) and (+1257C/T) SNPs. Results: Significant statistical difference between cases and controls regarding genotype and allele frequencies for −6G/A polymorphism with predominance of AA geno
Objective This study aimed to assess serum vascular endothelial growth factor-3 (VEGFR-3) as a po... more Objective This study aimed to assess serum vascular endothelial growth factor-3 (VEGFR-3) as a potential biomarker of psoriasis and correlate its expression with the clinical parameters. Background VEGFR-3 has gained a lot of interest in psoriasis research owing to its role in disease progression. Psoriasis biomarkers could potentially aid in the diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and monitoring response to treatments. Patients and methods This prospective case–control study was conducted on 40 patients with psoriasis and 40 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Patients were selected from the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at Menoufia University Hospital. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay validation studies were conducted on psoriatic patients to assay the level of human VEGFR-3 compared with healthy controls. Results This study showed that psoriasis area and severity index score ranged from 0.60 to 32.5 with a median of 4.5 and was divided to mild (37 patients, 93%), ...
ObjectiveAlopecia Areata is one of the most widespread autoimmune diseases affecting both sexes o... more ObjectiveAlopecia Areata is one of the most widespread autoimmune diseases affecting both sexes of all ages and across all ethnic individuals. Genetics is considered to be a valuable tool for gaining insight into the disease’s pathogenesis. Association with UL 16 Binding Protein (ULBP) genes has been detected with autoimmune disorders.This study aimed to detect UL-16 Binding Protein -3 (ULBP3) gene expression levels in cases with AA and to correlate those levels with the clinical course of the disease.This study included 85 subjects: 55 patients with AA and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The expression level of ULBP3 mRNA was estimated using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).Results Levels of ULBP3 mRNA in cases were significantly higher in patients with AA in comparison with controls. Also, there were significant correlations between ULBP3 mRNA levels and age of patients and disease duration in years. ULBP3 upregulation in AA enforces the theory that postulate...
The Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2012
From its beginnings two decades ago with the analysis of chromosomal translocation break points, ... more From its beginnings two decades ago with the analysis of chromosomal translocation break points, research into the molecular pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has now progressed to the large scale sequencing of candidate genes that might be linked to the pathogenesis of leukemia. Interleukon-15 (IL-15) gene has gained the interest of many oncologist with five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) proved to be associated with childhood ALL.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IL-15 gene polymorphisms and the risk for adult ALL and whether these polymorphisms are related to the immunophenotype of the disease. This study included 60 subjects classified into 2 groups: 30 patients with adult ALL (ALL group) and 30 healthy subjects of matched age and sex as control group. All subjects were genotyped for rs10519613 and rs35964658 polymorphisms of IL-15 gene using PCR-RFLP technique.Results revealed that there was no statistical difference betw...
American Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2014
Appropriate physical exercise improves both mental and physical health. However, strenuous exerci... more Appropriate physical exercise improves both mental and physical health. However, strenuous exercise can cause muscle damage and inflammation. The mechanism of muscle adaptation to physical exercise is in some way unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of previous moderate training on the generation of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines following an acute bout of exhausting physical exercise. Forty eight male Wistar albino rats were used in the present study. Rats were randomly assigned (24/group) to untrained (UT), and trained (T, subjected to 6 week swimming training) groups. Each group was equally subdivided into pre- and post-exercise groups. Blood samples were collected either immediately before or after acute exhausting swimming exercise session (60 minutes continuous swimming). Strenuous exercise induced a significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),...
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition with significant associated morbidity and mortali... more Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Although several studies have been done to understand the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of kidney injury. Results were static over the last 30 years. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of AKI and its complications. The NADPH oxidase complex is an important source of ROS in AKI. Its p22 subunit is polymorph with a C242T variant that changes histidine-72 for a tyrosine in the potential heme binding site. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of this polymorphism in 75 patients with AKI and correlate the genotype to the extent of the load of the circulating ROS and its association with the unfavorable course of the disease. This study included 75 hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department Menofiya University Hospital with established AKI. We had done genotyping for the C242T po...
Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of relative quantification of... more Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of relative quantification of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Background DR is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) that can lead to blindness. Alterations in activity of the ET system are believed to underlie the development of chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients and methods This is a clinical study carried out at Medical Biochemistry and Ophthalmology Departments. It included 50 patients divided into three groups: group I (included 14 diabetics without DR), group II (included 26 diabetics with DR), and group III (included 10 normal healthy controls). All studied patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical and ophthalmological examination, and laboratory investigations including fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, serum creatinine, urinary albumin, and creatin...
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Papers by Rania Azmy