HO-1 and VGEF gene expression in human arteries with advanced atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES: Both heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been shown to be involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. The relationship between HO-1 and VEGF gene expression and their proteins in endothelial cells from human atherosclerotic arterial specimens was investigated. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study included seventeen human arterial specimens with early and six specimens with advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Ten specimens were obtained from healthy young adults undergoing arterial reconstruction for trauma and were considered as non-atherosclerotic control. HO-1 and VEGF expressions as well as HO activity and VEGF protein content were measured in isolated endothelial cells (ECs). RESULTS: HO-1 expression and activity (5.3+/-2.1 nmol bilirubin/mg protein/h) were only present in ECs from advanced atherosclerotic lesions. VEGF expression was more strongly expressed in ECs from advanced lesion compared with early lesions and was absent in healthy arteries. VEGF protein (1.35+/-0.69 ng/mg) was only detected in advanced lesions. A significant positive correlation (r=0.9, p<0.01) exists between HO activity and VEGF protein content in ECs of advanced lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that HO-1 expression and activity in ECs are present only in advanced atherosclerosis whereas, VEGF expression is present in early as well as in advanced atherosclerosis and the degree of its expression increases with severity of atherosclerosis. This study suggests an association between HO activity and VEGF protein in human ECs from advanced atherosclerotic lesions.     

Synthesis and Antidepressant Evaluation of Five Novel Heterocyclic Tryptophan‐Hybrid Derivatives

This study aimed at evaluating the reactivity of L ‐Tryptophan (TRP) 1 towards various chemical reagents to produce new bi‐ and tri‐heterocyclic systems providing basic pharmacological activities. Indol‐3‐yl hydroxyoxazol‐2‐yl acetonitrile derivatives 5 and 6 , indol‐3‐yl‐hydroxyoxazol‐2‐yl‐1,2,4‐triazine derivatives 8 and 9, indol‐3‐yl‐hydroxyoxazol‐2‐yl‐aminopyrazole derivatives 11a, b, and indol‐3‐yl‐hydroxyoxazol‐2‐yl‐aminoisoxazole derivative 12 were synthesized via straightforward and efficient methods. The structures were characterized by spectral data (IR, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, and MS) and the purity was ascertained by microanalysis. Also, this work was extended to study the potential role of the novel synthesized TRP derivatives 5 , 6 , 9 , 11a , and 12 as antidepressant and sedative agents in comparison with TRP. All compounds showed significant antidepressant activity in the forced‐swimming test at two doses (50 or 100 mg/kg). Also, all tested compounds (at 50 or 100 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in locomotor activity of mice during a 30 min observation period. The most potent antidepressant and sedative effect was produced by the tri‐heterocyclic compounds 9 and 12 , followed by 11a and TRP.     

A comparative study of transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on children with primary nocturnal enuresis: a randomized clinical trial

International Urology and Nephrology - Nocturnal enuresis is an infrequent uncontrolled voiding during sleep in a child aged 5&nbsp;years or more without any congenital or acquired disorders of...     

The impact of repeated organophosphorus pesticide exposure on biomarkers and neurobehavioral outcomes among adolescent pesticide applicators

Egyptian adolescents are hired as seasonal workers to apply pesticides to the cotton crop and may perform this occupation for several years. However, few studies examined the effects of repeated pesticide exposure on health outcomes The goal of this study was to determine the impact of repeated pesticide exposure on neurobehavioral (NB) performance and biomarkers of exposure (urinary metabolite) and effect (cholinesterase activity). Eighty-four adolescents from two field stations in Menoufia, Egypt, were examined four times: before and during pesticide application season in 2010 and again before and during application season in 2011. At each of the four time points, participants completed a questionnaire, performed an NB test battery, and were assessed for urinary levels of the chlorpyrifos metabolite TCPy (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol) and blood cholinesterase activity. Following the study cohort over two consecutive pesticide application seasons revealed that TCPy levels significantly increased following exposure, and returned to baseline levels following the end of the application season. Blood butyryl cholinesterase activity exhibited a similar pattern. Although NB outcomes displayed learning and practice effects over time, deficits in performance were significantly associated with increased TCPy levels with reduction in the number of NB measures showing improvement over time. Biomarkers of exposure and effect demonstrated changes associated with pesticide application and recovery after application ended. Deficits in NB performance were correlated with elevated pesticide exposure. Data demonstrated that repeated pesticide exposure may exert a long-term adverse impact on human health.     

Plasma visfatin and retinol binding protein-4 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relationship to adiposity and fatty liver

ObjectivesWe investigated whether plasma visfatin and binding protein-4 (RBP-4) levels correlate with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Design and methodsTwo groups were enrolled: Group 1: 40 patients with T2DM and Group 2: 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Both groups were subdivided according to body mass index (BMI) into non-obese (BMI < 25 kg/m²) and obese subjects (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) (20 each).ResultsPlasma visfatin and RBP-4 levels were significantly increased in T2DM patients compared with controls with similar BMI values (for both p < 0.001). Plasma visfatin and RBP-4 concentrations correlated with BMI, waist/hip ratio, insulin and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA_IR). Visfatin and RBP-4 correlated with visceral fat and liver fat in diabetic patients (for both p < 0.001).ConclusionVisfatin level was increased in T2DM, possibly related to hyperglycemia. Plasma RBP-4 correlated positively with liver fat and HOMA_IR which may reflect its effects on hepatic insulin sensitivity.