Association of LPCAT1-rs8352 genetic variant with susceptibility and severity of pediatric bronchial asthma: a case-control study

Khalid M Mohany, Yasser Gamal, Yaser F Abdel Raheem

Background This study aimed to investigate the possible association of LPCAT1-rs8352 genetic variant (single nucleotide change C to G) with the onset and severity of pediatric asthma. Additionally, the study examined the influence of LPCAT1-rs8352 genotypes on asthma-related biomarkers including blood eosinophils count (BEC), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) and on lung function [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC)]. Patients and methods The study included ninety-six participant grouped into two groups: G1 (46 asthmatics) and G2 (50 healthy controls). ECP, hs-CRP, and total IgE serum levels were measured using their corresponding ELISA kits. Neonatal blood DNA was extracted using the Gene JET™ Whole Blood Genomic DNA Purification Mini Kit. Genotyping was performed by RT

CURCUMIN, THYMOQUINONE, AND METFORMIN: IMPACT ON SERUM LEVELS OF AGES, SDF-1, MIR-192 AND MIR-497, AND HEPATIC OXIDATIVE STRESS AND G6PD EXPRESSION IN DIABETIC RATS

Abeer Othman, Khalid M Mohany, Abeer Refaiy, Omnia Fathy, Sahar EM El-Deek

Background: In a rat model of diabetes, this study investigated the impacts of curcumin (CUR), thymoquinone (TQ), and metformin (Met) on glycemic control, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, serum advanced glycation end products (AGEs), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), miR-192 and miR-497 levels. Also, it evaluated their effects on hepatic oxidative stress markers [glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA)] and hepatic G6PD expression. Methods: Fifty adult male Wistar rats (200-250g) were used. Diabetes was induced in 40 rats with a single dose of intraperitoneal streptozotocin (65 mg/kg), while 10 received citrate buffer (G1; control). The diabetic rats were divided into: G2 (untreated; positive control), G3 (CUR 100mg/kg/day), G4 (TQ 50mg/kg/day), and G5 (Met 50mg/kg/day). After 28 days, rats fasted for 12h before being euthanized. Glycemic indices, lipid profile, and liver and kidney function tests were performed. Serum AGEs, SDF-1, and miRNAs levels were measured using fluorescence assay, ELISA, and qPCR, respectively. Hepatic GPx-1 and SOD activity, MDA levels, and G6PD expression were assessed by ELISA, TBARS assay, and Western blotting, respectively) Results: All treatments improved glycemic control, lipid profile, and liver and kidney functions. They significantly reduced serum AGEs, SDF-1, and miR-192 levels, while restoring miR-497 levels. Additionally, they significantly increased hepatic GPX-1 and SOD activity, while decreased MDA levels, and G6PD expression. Notably, CUR demonstrated the most pronounced effect. Conclusion: CUR, TQ, and Met all

Detection of Blastocystis species in immunocompromised patients (cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic renal diseases) by restriction fragment length

Manal ZM Abdellatif, Ekhlas H Abdel-Hafeez, Usama S Belal, Noha H Abdelgelil, Heba Marey, Manar MSA Nasr, Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel-Fatah

Background Blastocystis spp. is an anaerobic protozoan intestinal parasite, it comprises multiple subtypes (STs), with ST1 to ST9 being isolated from humans worldwide. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP), these subtypes are classified into four groups (A to D). This study aimed to detect Blastocystis spp. groups in immunocompromised patients and evaluate their correlation with clinical presentations. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 immunocompromised patients and 50 immunocompetent individuals. All subjects were evaluated for socio-demographic data, clinical features, and parasitic infections. RFLP analysis of the SSU rRNA gene was performed for Blastocystis spp. grouping. Results Among 150 immunocompromised patients, Blastocystis spp. was detected in 83.3% by direct wet mount and 94.7% by PCR, showing significant difference (P = 0.003) compared to immunocompetent individuals (40% and 50%, respectively). Of the PCR-positive immunocompromised patients, 86.7% were symptomatic, with diarrhea being the most common symptom (66%). In immunocompromised patients, group B of Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST3, ST4, and ST8) dominated (86.7%). On the other hand, just 12% of immunocompetent people had symptoms, with group A subtypes (ST1 and ST2) accounting for 38% of the study cases.