جامعة أم القرى
قائمة الأبحاث المنشورة 1435 -1436 هـ
1. Abd El-Kafy EM (2014). The clinical impact of orthotic correction of lower limb rotational deformities in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil.;28:1004-14. (ISI; IF = 2.23)
2. Abd El-Kafy EM and El-Basatiny HM (2014). Effect of postural balance training on gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil.; 93:938-47. (ISI; IF = 2.2).
3. Kheshie AR, Alayat MS and Ibrahim MM (2014). High-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci.; 29: 1371-1376. (ISI; IF = 2.48)
4. Bajrai LH, Kumosani T, El-Kafrawy S, El-Daly M, Hindawi S, Ashshi A and Azhar EI (2014). Distribution of HBV genotypes from two blood transfusion centers in western Saudi Arabia. Future Virology; 9:457-464. (ISI, IF = 1.01).
5. Ashshi AM, El-Shemi AG, AlZanbagi A and Refaat B (2014). Prevalence of thyroid disorders and the correlation of thyroid profile with liver enzymes, serum activin-A and follistatin during the treatment of Saudi patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 and 4. J Clin Exp Invest; 5(3):343-353. (Non-ISI)
6. Ashshi A, Azhar E, Johargy A, Asghar A, Momenah A, Turkestani A, Alghamdi S, Memish Z, Al-ghamdi A, Alawi M, El-kafrawy S, Farouk M, Harakeh S, Kumosani T, Makhdoum H and Barbour E (2014). Demographic distribution and transmission potential of influenza A and 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 in pilgrims. J Infect Dev Ctries; 8:1169-1175. (ISI; IF = 1.2).
7. Angelakis E, Yasir M, Azhar EI, Papadioti A, Bibi F, Aburizaiza AS, Metidji S, Memish ZA, Ashshi AM, Hassan AM, Harakeh S, Gautret P, Raoult D (2014). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and identification of new bacteria species in air samples from Makkah, Saudi Arabia. BMC Res Notes. 2014 Dec 9;7:892. (Non-ISI).
8. Uthman NA, Sohrab SS, Kamal IH, Farraj SA, Masri BE, Ashshi AM, Kumosani TA, and Azhar EI (2014). Genetic diversity of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in Saudi Arabia. J Infect Dev Ctries; 8: 1563-1573. (ISI; IF = 1.2).
9. El-Sayed ZMF, Al-Ghamdi AK, Azhar EI, Khalifa NA, Ashshi AM and Faidaha HS (2015). Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Strains and their Associated Plasmid Profile. Life Science Journal;12:1-8. (Non-ISI).
10. Ashshi AM (2015). Serodetection of Dengue virus and its antibodies among blood donors in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a preliminary study. Blood Transfusion; 13:135. (ISI; IF = 2.37).
11. Baker E and Elsawy NA (2014). Therapeutic Role of Aqueous Extract of Milk Thistle (Silybum adans L.) and Burdock (Arctium lappa) in Hyperglycemic Rats. VRI Bio Med Chem; 2:20-28. (Non-ISI).
12. Dabbour IR, Al-Ismail KM, Takruri HR and Azzeh FS (2014) Chemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Content Properties of Cold Pressed Seed Oil of Wild Milk Thistle Plant Grown in Jordan. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition; 13:67-78. (ISI, No IF).
13. El-Boshy M, El-Ashram A, Risha E, Abdelhamid F, Zahran E and Gab-Alla A (2014). Dietary fucoidan enhance the non-specific immune response and disease resistance in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, immunosuppressed by cadmium chloride. Vet Immunol Immunopathol;162:168-73. (ISI; IF = 1.53)
14. Abdalla, Abdelhamid F, El-Boshy M and Huda S (2014). Studies on the Protective Effects of Ginger Extract and in Combination with Ascorbic Acid against Aluminum Toxicity Induced Hematological Disorders, Oxidative Stress and Hepatorenal Damage in Rats. Annals of Veterinary and Animal Science; 1:136-150 (Non-ISI).
15. El-Boshy ME, Taha RM, Abdelhamid F, Risha E, Mubarak MS, and Ben Hadda T (2014). Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Protective Effect of Zingiber officinale, in Lead Intoxicated Rat. Prensa Med Argent 101:3. (Non-ISI).
16. El-Boshy MS, Header EA, ElSawy NA, Basalamah MB, Mubarak MS and Ben Hadda T (2015). Studies on the Constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis and Their Synergistic Effect in Experimental Diabetic Rats. J Invest Biochem.; 4: 36-43. (Non-ISI).
17. El-Boshy ME, Husien HS, Abdulla OA, Abdelhamid FM and Risha EF (2015). Evaluate therapeutic efficacy of Triclabendazole and Mirazid in Guinea Pigs infected with Fasciola gigantica. J Invest Biochem.; 4: 44-49. (Non-ISI).
18. El-Boshy ME, Husien SH, Fatma MA, Engy FR and Osama AM (2015). Comparative Studies on Triclabendazole and Mirazid in Guinea Pigs Experimentally Infected with Fasciola gigantica. J Bioanal Biomed 7:013-017. (Non-ISI) .
19. Abdllaa O, Elboshy ME, Reisha EF, Gadlla HA and El-Khodery SA (2015). Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukins-12(p40), 6, and 10 levels in cerebrospinal fluid and outcome prediction in Ossimi sheep with encephalitic listeriosis. Cytokine; 73:283–287. (ISI; IF = 2.66).
20. El Kafy EMA and Hela OF (2014). Effect of Rowing on Pulmonary Functions in Children With Down Syndrome. Pediatr Phys Ther; 26:437-45. (ISI; IF = 1.035).
21. ElSawy NA, Hadda TB, Bakr EH, Eslam Header EA, Fakim AG, Mabkhot YN and Aljofan M (2013). Effects of Crude Aqueous Extract of Origanum vulgaris in Developing Ovary of Rabbits Following in Utero, Adolescent and Postpubertal Exposure. VRI Phytomedicine; 2: 73-80. (Non-ISI).
22. El-Shamy SM and Mahran HG (2014). Effect of Pulsed Magnetic Field on Bone Density in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. International Journal of Advanced Research 2:1023-1031. (Non-ISI).
23. Khan MM, Faiz A, Ashshi AM (2014). Clinically significant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci and their antibiotic resistance pattern in a tertiary care hospital. J Pak Med Assoc.;64:1171-4. (ISI; IF = 0.49).
24. Khan MM and Faiz A (2014). Efficacy of Cefoxitin Disk Diffusion in predicting mecA Gene Mediated Oxacillin Resistance in Coagulase Negative Staphylococci. J Pak Med Assoc.;53:84-88. (ISI; IF = 0.49).
25. Kazi AM, Warraich GJ, Qureshi S, Qureshi H, Khan MM, Zaidi AK and members of the Pakistan Rotavirus Study Group (2014). Sentinel hospital-based surveillance for assessment of burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children in Pakistan. PLoS One;9(10):e108221. (ISI; IF = 3.23).
26. Header E, ElSawy N, El-Boshy M, Basalamah M, Mubarak MS, et al. (2015). POM Analyses of Constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis and Their Synergistic Effect in Experimental Diabetic Rats. J Bioanal Biomed 7: 18-23. (Non-ISI).
27. Helal OF (2014). Impact of smoking on adults lung age and ventilatory function. Int J Physiother Res; 2:453-59. (Non-ISI).
28. El-Fiky AA and Helal OF (2014). Correlation Between Balance and Cognition in Normal Young and Elderly Subjects. Jokull 64:46-66. (ISI; IF = 0.7).
29. Ibrahim MM, Alayat MS and Shousha TM (2014). Evaluation of Postural Stability in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Patients. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy; 8: 100-104. (Non-ISI).
30. Mohamed AM, Ashshi AM, Asghar AH, Abd El-Rahim IH, El-Shemi AG and Zafar T (2014). Seroepidemiological survey on Rift Valley fever among small ruminants and their close human contacts in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2011. Rev Sci Tech.; 33:903-15. (ISI; IF = 0.91).
31. Asghar AH, Abd El-Rahim IHA, Mohamed AM and Ahmed OB (2014). Clinical and molecular investigations of johne’s disease among small ruminants in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Bioassays; 3:3445-3451. (Non-ISI).
32. Osfor MH, Basalamah MA, Ashshi AM, Hegazy A, Abdelmoaty MI, Elsawy NA and Abourehab MAS (2015). Hypocholesterolemic effect of some plant by-products in bakery production: Biochemical and histological study. IJBPAS; 4:4289-4310. (Non-ISI).
33. Refaat B (2014). Role of Activins in embryo implantation and diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: A Review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol; 12(1):116. (ISI; IF = 2.22).
34. Refaat B (2014). Prevalence of thyroid disorders and the characteristics of the associated anaemia in primigravida Saudi women during the first trimester: A cross-sectional study. Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche;173(11): 567-78. (Non-ISI).
35. Refaat B, Ashour TH and El-Shemi AG (2014). Ribavirin induced anaemia: the effect of vitamin D supplementation on erythropoietin and erythrocyte indices in normal Wistar rat. Int J Clin Exp Med 7: 2667-2676. (ISI; IF = 1.2).
36. Refaat B, Ashshi AM, Batwa SA, El-Shemi AG (2014). Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus 1&2 in Saudi women in Saudi women with normal and abnormal early pregnancy: A case control study. African Journal of Microbiology Research; 8(40), 3565-3569. (ISI; IF = 0.5).
37. Refaat B, Dalton E and Ledger W (2015). Ectopic pregnancy secondary to in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer: Pathogenic mechanisms and management strategies. Reprod Biol Endocrinol; 13(1):30. doi: 10.1186/s12958-015-0025-0. (ISI; IF = 2.22).
38. Refaat B (2015). Prevalence and characteristics of anemia associated with thyroid disorders in non-pregnant Saudi women during the childbearing age: A case-control study. Biomed J.; 38:307-16. (ISI; No IF).
39. Refaat B, Ashshi AM, El-Shemi AG and Azhar E (2015). Activins and follistatin in chronic hepatitis C and its treatment with pegylated interferon-α based therapy: A review. Mediators Inflamm. 2015;2015:287640. (ISI; IF = 3.23).
ملخص الأبحاث المنشورة 2014-2015
1. Abd El-Kafy EM (2014). The clinical impact of orthotic correction of lower limb rotational deformities in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil.;28:1004-14. (ISI; IF = 2.23).
http://cre.sagepub.com/content/28/10/1004.long
(Physiotherapy Department)
ABSTRACT
2. Abd El-Kafy EM and El-Basatiny HM (2014). Effect of postural balance training on gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil.; 93:938-47. (ISI; IF = 2.2).
http://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/Abstract/2014/11000/Effect_of_Postural_Balance_Training_on_Gait.2.aspx
(Physiotherapy Department)
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dynamic bilateral postural stability on balance control and gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy. Design: Thirty children with spastic diplegia (8–10 yrs) were included in this study. The children were randomly assigned into two groups: control group A and study group B. The children in both groups received traditional physical therapy program, 2 hrs per day for group A and 1.5 hrs followed by 30 mins of dynamic postural stability training program using the Biodex Stability System for group B. The treatment frequency was three sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks on two stability levels (7 and 8). The participating children received pretreatment and posttreatment assessments using the Biodex Stability System to evaluate the stability indices (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall) at the two stability levels (7 and 8) and three-dimensional motion analysis system (pro-reflex system) to evaluate the spatiotemporal parameters including step length, velocity, cycle time, stance, and swing phase percentage. Results: The children in both groups showed significant improvements in the mean values of all measured variables after treatment indexed by a significant reduction in stability indices and improvement in gait parameters. The results also showed significant differences in all measured parameters in favor of group B, when compared with those in group A (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Balance training on the Biodex Stability System could be a useful tool in conjunction with traditional physical therapy program for improving balance control and gait functions in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
3. Kheshie AR, Alayat MS and Ibrahim MM (2014). High-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci.; 29: 1371-1376. (ISI; IF = 2.48).
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10103-014-1529-0
(Physiotherapy Department)
ABSTRACT
The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain relief and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of 53 male patients participated in this study, with a mean (SD) age of 54.6 (8.49) years. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups and treated with HILT and exercise (HILT + EX), LLLT and exercise (LLLT + EX), and placebo laser plus exercise (PL + EX) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The outcomes measured were pain level measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and knee function measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the differences between baseline and posttreatment measurements. The level of statistical significance was set as P < 0.05. The result showed that HILT and LLLT combined with exercise were effective treatment modalities in decreasing the VAS and WOMAC scores after 6 weeks of treatment. HILT combined with exercises was more effective than LLLT combined with exercises, and both treatment modalities were better than exercises alone in the treatment of patients with KOA.
4. Bajrai LH, Kumosani T, El-Kafrawy S, El-Daly M, Hindawi S, Ashshi A and Azhar EI (2014). Distribution of HBV genotypes from two blood transfusion centers in western Saudi Arabia. Future Virology; 9:457-464. (ISI, IF = 1.01).
http://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/abs/10.2217/fvl.14.29
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Aim: To determine the distribution of HBV genotypes among HBsAg-positive blood donors in Makkah and Jeddah. Materials & methods: A total of 158 volunteered HBsAg-positive male blood donors donated blood samples at two transfusion centers in western Saudi Arabia. RFLP digestion was performed on 83 PCR products of the S gene. A subset of 77 positive samples were sequenced and aligned with reference Genbank sequences. Results: RFLP showed the following genotype distribution: 71 (85.6%) D; two (2.4%) E; one (1.2%) A; one (1.2%) B; one (1.2%) C; five (6.0%) untypable; one (1.2%) mixed genotypes D+A; and one (1.2%) mixed genotype D+C. Seventy-seven samples were genotyped by sequencing as follows: 73 (94.8%) D, three (3.9%) E; and one (1.3%) A. The study showed that there is concordance in the results of RFLP and sequencing in 67 samples and discrepancy in ten samples: genotypes B, genotype C, one of genotype E and dual genotypes by RFLP could only been detected as genotype D by sequencing. Sequencing showed the RFLP untypable samples as genotypes D and E. Conclusion: HBV type D is the most prevalent genotype in western Saudi Arabia. RFLP is a reliable tool for predicting genotype D in Saudi population.
5. Ashshi AM, El-Shemi AG, AlZanbagi A and Refaat B (2014). Prevalence of thyroid disorders and the correlation of thyroid profile with liver enzymes, serum activin-A and follistatin during the treatment of Saudi patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 and 4. J Clin Exp Invest; 5(3):343-353. (Non-ISI).
http://www.dergipark.ulakbim.gov.tr/jcei/article/.../5000103114/5000096226
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and peg-interferon-α (Peg-INF-α) modulate serum activins and follistatin and are associated with thyroid disorders (TD).The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CHC induced TD and to investigate the correlation of liver damage, serum activin-A and follistatin with the thyroid function parameters and thyroid autoantibodies. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and sera were obtained from 132 patients with CHC who were divided into 3 groups: 56 patients with no treatment, 30 after 24 weeks of Peg-INF-α and 46 at the end of 48 weeks Peg-INF-α. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (FT4), thyroid antibodies (Tabs), serum activin-A and follistatin levels were measured using ELISA. Results: Thyroid disorders were detected in 15% (n=20), more frequent in females (70%) and the majority were autoimmune thyroiditis (80%). TSH receptor antibodies (TSHRAbs) were significantly prevalent compared to the other antibodies (p < 0.05) and significantly increased in the 24 weeks group (p<0.05). TSH and FT4 correlated significantly with liver enzymes (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in activin-A and follistatin values between thyroid disorder and euthyroids. However, significant correlations were found between TSHR-Abs concentration with follistatin, activin-A and activin/follistatin ratio (p<0.05). Conclusion: Thyroid disorders induced by CHC and/or PegINF-α were common in our patients, more prevalent in females and the majority are autoimmune. Additionally, activinA and/or follistatin could be involved in the induction/aggravation of TSHR-Abs. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to explore the mechanisms by which CHC induces thyroid disorders.
6. Ashshi A, Azhar E, Johargy A, Asghar A, Momenah A, Turkestani A, Alghamdi S, Memish Z, Al-ghamdi A, Alawi M, El-kafrawy S, Farouk M, Harakeh S, Kumosani T, Makhdoum H and Barbour E (2014). Demographic distribution and transmission potential of influenza A and 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 in pilgrims. J Infect Dev Ctries; 8:1169-1175. (ISI; IF = 1.2).
http://www.jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/25212081
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization's persistent reporting of global outbreaks of influenza A viruses, including the 2009 pandemic swine A H1N1 strain (H1N1pdm09), justified the targeted surveillance of pilgrims during their annual congregation that pools more than two million people from around 165 nations in a confined area of Makkah city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODOLOGY: A total of 1,600 pilgrims were included in the targeted surveillance of influenza A and the 2009 pandemic swine H1N1 strain in the Hajj (pilgrimage) season of 2010. Each pilgrim responded to a demographic and health questionnaire. Collected oropharyngeal swabs were analyzed by real-time PCR for influenza A viruses, and positive samples were further analyzed for the presence of H1N1pdm09. Fisher's exact test was applied in the analysis of the significance of the distribution of influenza-positive pilgrims according to demographic characters. RESULTS: A total of 120 pilgrims (7.5%) tested positive for influenza A viruses by real-time PCR. Nine out of the 120 influenza-A-positive pilgrims (7.5%) were positive for H1N1pdm09. Demographics played a significant role in those pilgrims who tested positive for influenza A. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of H1N1pdm09 in pilgrims at their port of entry to the KSA was alarming, due to the high potential of trans-boundary transmission. This situation necessitates the implementation of specific prevention and control programs to limit infection by influenza A viruses.
7. Angelakis E, Yasir M, Azhar EI, Papadioti A, Bibi F, Aburizaiza AS, Metidji S, Memish ZA, Ashshi AM, Hassan AM, Harakeh S, Gautret P, Raoult D (2014). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and identification of new bacteria species in air samples from Makkah, Saudi Arabia. BMC Res Notes. 2014 Dec 9;7:892. (Non-ISI).
http://bmcresnotes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-0500-7-892
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: During the Hajj season, respiratory symptoms are very common among pilgrims. Here, we investigated the viable bacterial population in air samples collected around the slaughterhouses used during the Hajj. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected air samples on three days from four different sites: slaughterhouses at Al-Kakia, Al-Meaisim and Al-Sharaia, and from a waste disposal area designated for the remnants of slaughter. Samples were cultured on blood agar plates for 48 h, and bacterial isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. A dendrogram using the spectra of the unidentified bacterial species was constructed, and PCR amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed for one isolate per cluster. In total, 2500 colonies appeared on the nutrient agar plates, and 244 were purified for further analysis. Good identification was obtained for 202 (83%) isolates by MALDI-TOF MS. The most common genera were Bacillus (n=94, 45%) and Staphyloccocus (n=55, 26%). Poor identification was obtained for 42 (17%) isolates, and their spectra clustering revealed that these isolates belonged to 10 species. Four of these were considered to be new species. CONCLUSIONS: During the Hajj, the air was contaminated by many environmental bacterial agents, and MALDI-TOF MS was successfully adapted for their rapid identification.
8. Uthman NA, Sohrab SS, Kamal IH, Farraj SA, Masri BE, Ashshi AM, Kumosani TA, and Azhar EI (2014). Genetic diversity of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in Saudi Arabia. J Infect Dev Ctries; 8: 1563-1573. (ISI; IF = 1.2).
http://www.jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/25500654
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged and spread globally in the spring of 2009. Saudi Arabia also witnessed a severe H1N1 pandemic virus epidemic with considerable morbidity and mortality in different parts of the kingdom beginning in June 2009. The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was detected in samples collected between May 2009 and November 2010 from Makkah region. This study provides data on the viral diagnosis and genetic diversity of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus from Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: Nasopharyngeal swabs from 100 clinically infected patients in the peak of the outbreak were collected from Makkah region and processed for viral diagnosis by viral culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HA and NA genes of 10 selected samples were sequenced and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 100 samples were collected; only 10 samples were found to be positive for influenza A virus infection by real-time PCR. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the HA and NA genes of influenza A (H1N1) from Saudi Arabia showed significant similarities with selected isolates. The phylogenetic tree constructed for both HA and NA genes formed close clusters with selected reference isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Nucleotide sequence analysis and phylogenetic relationships of the HA and NA genes of influenza A (H1N1) virus from Saudi Arabia with selected reference isolates indicates that they were genetically close and most probably originated from influenza A(H1N1)pdm09.
9. El-Sayed ZMF, Al-Ghamdi AK, Azhar EI, Khalifa NA, Ashshi AM and Faidaha HS (2015). Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Strains and their Associated Plasmid Profile. Life Science Journal;12:1-8. (Non-ISI).
http://www.lifesciencesite.com/lsj/life120115/001_26922life120115_1_8.pdf
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Development and spread of bacterial resistance is usually attributed to the abuse of antibiotics. The emergence of resistance to different antibiotics is a particular problem when treating infections. The study aimed to evaluate plasmid profiles of different bacterial strains which proved to be multi drug resistant. Four strains of isolated Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were tested for their sensitivity to plasmid profile of the four selected isolates. S. aureus showed presence of plasmid with molecular weight (23.130 Kbp), E. coli showed presence of plasmid with molecular weight between (23.130 Kbp and 9.416 Kbp), K. pneumoniae showed presence of plasmid with molecular weight (23.130 Kbp) and for P. aeruginosa showed presence of plasmid with molecular weight between (23.130 Kbp and 9.416 Kbp). These results indicated that the resistance to antibiotics for all isolates due to the presence of plasmids in all isolates. In conclusion drug resistance is serious problem over the entire world, the results showed that the resistance to antibiotics for all isolates was due to the presence of plasmids.
10. Ashshi AM (2015). Serodetection of Dengue virus and its antibodies among blood donors in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a preliminary study. Blood Transfusion; 13:135. (ISI; IF = 2.37).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4317098/pdf/blt-13-135.pdf
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
NO ABSTRACT
11. Baker E and Elsawy NA (2014). Therapeutic Role of Aqueous Extract of Milk Thistle (Silybum adans L.) and Burdock (Arctium lappa) in Hyperglycemic Rats. VRI Bio Med Chem; 2:20-28. (Non-ISI).
(Clinical Nutrition & Laboratory Medicine Departments)
http://vripress.com/index.php/BMC/article/view/135
ABSTRACT
Bakground: Diabetes mellitus (DM), the third killer of the mankind health along with cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, is one of the most challenging diseases facing health care professionals today Opjective: Therapeutic role of acques extract of Milk thistle (Silybum adans, L.) and Burdock (Arctium lappa) and their mixture in hyperglycemic rats. Material and methods: Forty mature male albino rats weighing 180-200g then divided into 8 equal groups; one group was kept as a (C –ve) group, while the other 7 groups were injected s/c by 150 mg/kg body weight alloxan to induce hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemic rats were disparted into seven equal groups (n= 5 rats) one of them left as control positive while other eight groups orally fed using two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg of milk thistle, burdock , and mixture of them, respectively). At the end of experimental period (45 days), blood samples were collected for serum separation to determine serum glucose, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP,) total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein fractions (HDLc, LDLc and VLDLc), kidney function (creatinine, urea and uric acid) and histopathological changes. Results: Data showed that that acques extract of milk thistle (Silybum adans, L.) and burdock (Arctium lappa) milk thistle and burdock showed a significant decrease in serum glucose and improving liver and kidney status specially the mixture of 500 mg of milk thistle snd burdock . Conclusion: According to these results, milk thistle and burdock could be used for hyperglycemia and impaired liver and kidney function.
12. Dabbour IR, Al-Ismail KM, Takruri HR and Azzeh FS (2014) Chemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Content Properties of Cold Pressed Seed Oil of Wild Milk Thistle Plant Grown in Jordan. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition; 13:67-78. (ISI, No IF).
http://www.pjbs.org/pjnonline/fin2863.pdf
(Clinical Nutrition Department)
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to examine the chemical characteristics and antioxidant content properties of cold-pressed milk thistle seed oil. Acidity and peroxide value were determined by chemical standard titration method and oxidative stability index was determined by Rancimate. Using GLC, fatty acid composition, phytosterols and squalene were measured. While, alpha-tocopherol content was determined by HPLC. The total phenolic content, radical-scavenging capacity and total antioxidant capacity were determined spectrophotometrically. The chemical characteristics of cold-pressed oil were as follows: acidity (0.64%), peroxide value (0.34 meq O2/kg of oil), oxidative stability index (55.7 and 12.9 h at 80 and 100°C, respectively), fatty acid composition (19.5, 22.9 and 57.6% for SAT, MUFA and PUFA, respectively), phytosterol (2520 mg/kg), squalene (9.35 mg/kg), alpha-tocopherol content (237.4 mg/kg), total phenolic content (1.16 mg GAE/g oil), radical-scavenging capacity against stable DPPH radical (IC50 = 3.34 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (2.29 mmol/L). These data suggest that cold-pressed milk thistle seed oil may serve as dietary source of high PUFA and MUFA, phytosterols, phenolic compounds and natural antioxidants and can be a remarkable candidate for use in healthy food preparations mixed with other vegetable oils or alone.
13. El-Boshy M, El-Ashram A, Risha E, Abdelhamid F, Zahran E and Gab-Alla A (2014). Dietary fucoidan enhance the non-specific immune response and disease resistance in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, immunosuppressed by cadmium chloride. Vet Immunol Immunopathol;162:168-73. (ISI; IF = 1.53).
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165242714002268
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Fucoidan is sulfated polysaccharide extracted from seaweed brown algae. This study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects and disease resistance of dietary fucoidan on catfish, Clarias gariepinus, immunosuppressed by cadmium. Three hundred and sixty African catfish, C. gariepinus, was allocated into six equal groups. The first group served as a control. Groups (F1 and F2) were fed on fucoidan supplemented ration at concentrations of 4 and 6g/kg diet respectively for 21 days. Groups (Cd, CdF1 and CdF2) were subjected throughout the experiment to a sub-lethal concentration of 5ppm cadmium chloride solution and groups (CdF1 and CdF2) were fed on a ration supplemented with fucoidan. Macrophages oxidative burst, phagocytic activity percentages and lymphocytes transformation index were a significant increase in the fucoidan-treated groups (F1 and F2), while serum lysozyme, nitric oxide and bactericidal activity were enhanced only in group (F2) when compared with controls. These parameters as well as absolute lymphocyte count and survival rate were significantly increased in group (CdF2) when compared with cadmium chloride immunosuppressed group (Cd). It could be concluded that the fucoidan can be used as immunostimulant for the farmed African catfish, C. gariepinus as it can improve its resistance to immunosuppressive stressful conditions.
14. Abdalla, Abdelhamid F, El-Boshy M and Huda S (2014). Studies on the Protective Effects of Ginger Extract and in Combination with Ascorbic Acid against Aluminum Toxicity Induced Hematological Disorders, Oxidative Stress and Hepatorenal Damage in Rats. Annals of Veterinary and Animal Science; 1:136-150 (Non-ISI).
http://naturepub.org/archive/avas/v1/i4/AVAS-1(4)-1.pdf
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of ginger extract and in combination vitamin C (AA) against the toxicity of aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Sixty rats were divided into 6 equal groups. Group 1( GP 1): served as control, GP 2 : treated with AlCl3 (150 mg/kg BW) , GP 3: treated with ginger (100 mg/kg BW), GP 4: treated with vitamin C (50 mg/kg BW), GP 5 : treated with AlCl3 & ginger , GP 6: treated with AlCl3 ,ginger & vitamin C with those a previous mentioned doses. Rats were orally treated daily for 4 weeks. Whole blood, serum samples and liver specimens were collected to evaluate hematological, biochemical alterations and hepatic antioxidant parameters. Our Result revealed that AlCl3 treatment induced a decrease in erythrocytes (RBCs) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and hematocrit (Hct) , meanwhile total leukocyte (TL) and neutrophil counts as well as liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and LDH) activities , glucose, cholesterol , triglyceride (TG) levels and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated . In contrast hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were decreased. The ginger treatment improved the adverse effects induced by AlCl3, moreover coadministration with vitamin C upgrade action of ginger and ameliorate the toxic effect of AlCl3 on hematological, hepatorenal damage and antioxidant parameters. In conclusion, ginger showed an apparent protective effect against AlCl3 induced toxicity especially if in combination with vitamin C.
15. El-Boshy ME, Taha RM, Abdelhamid F, Risha E, Mubarak MS, and Ben Hadda T (2014). Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Protective Effect of Zingiber officinale, in Lead Intoxicated Rat. Prensa Med Argent 101:3. (Non-ISI).
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
NO ABSTRACT
16. El-Boshy MS, Header EA, ElSawy NA, Basalamah MB, Mubarak MS and Ben Hadda T (2015). Studies on the Constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis and Their Synergistic Effect in Experimental Diabetic Rats. J Invest Biochem.; 4: 36-43. (Non-ISI).
http://www.scopemed.org/?mno=179029
(Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Nutrition Departments)
ABSTRACT
Aim and Background: Antioxidant effects of aqueous extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) leaves on kidneys of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental diabetic rats were assessed.Methods:The experiment was carried out on 4 groups with 6 rats in each group and extracts were administered orally at a dose of 200 mg/ Kg, body weight for 45 consecutive days. Blood samples drawn from all rats and analysed for glucose, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as kidney function test. Results:The present study, revealed a significant decrease in blood glucose level in the animals given herb extract as compared with diabetic rats. In addition, results also revealed that antioxidant markers, GSH and CAT were significantly reduced in diabetic rats, while MDA, uric acid, urea and creatinine have increased as compared with control rats. On the other hand, both the diabetic group and the treated with extract showed significant improvement in the antioxidant markers and renal function towards the control group. Petra/ Osiris/ Molinspiration (POM) analyses of principal bioactive constituents of rosemary showed that these compounds have no side effect. Conclusions: Thus, Rosemary extract could be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic-related diseases.
17. El-Boshy ME, Husien HS, Abdulla OA, Abdelhamid FM and Risha EF (2015). Evaluate therapeutic efficacy of Triclabendazole and Mirazid in Guinea Pigs infected with Fasciola gigantica. J Invest Biochem.; 4: 44-49. (Non-ISI).
http://www.scopemed.org/?mno=179099
(Clinical Nutrition Department)
ABSTRACT
Aim and Background: Fascioliasis is the most important parasitic diseases that affect the human and animal all over the world. Triclabendazole (TCBZ), and Mirazid is the most common trematodicidal drug used in Egypt The present study, aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the TCBZ and Mirazid in Guinea pigs experimentally infected with Fasciola gigantica Methods: Thirty two, Guinea pig (1-2 month old) was allocated into four equal groups to study the efficacy of treatment of facioliasis with triclabendazole (TCBZ) and mirazid. Group (Gp.1) was the control, GPs (2 -4) were orally inoculated with 20 Fasciola giganticametacercariae (FGM) for each as a single dose by using stomach tube. Gps (3&4) were treated orally, with TCBZ, as a single dose (36 mg/Kg Bw) and mirazid 200 mg/ Kg Bw for six successive days respectively. The drugs were administered in the 8th week post-infection to evaluate their efficacy against adult stages of Fasciola gigantica. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 1st and 2nd week post treatment for hematological and serum biochemical examination. Results:TCBZ treated groups (GP 3) showed macrocytic hypochromic anemia, which disappeared at the end of the 2nd week post treatment. Heterophilia, esinophilia and lymphopenia were encountered in non treated group (GP 2) and mirazid treated group (GP 4). The liver transaminase (ALT, AST), gamma glytamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as total bilirubin, urea and creatinine, were elevated while serum albumin was decreased in GP (2) and returned to the normal value in GP (3) and GP (4) after two weeks post-treatment. Conclusion:It could be concluded that; the triclabendazole is more effective than mirazid in the treatment of Fasciola giganticainfection. Further research should be done for more precise knowledge about the efficacy of mirazid as a fasciolicidal drug.
18. El-Boshy ME, Husien SH, Fatma MA, Engy FR and Osama AM (2015). Comparative Studies on Triclabendazole and Mirazid in Guinea Pigs Experimentally Infected with Fasciola gigantica. J Bioanal Biomed 7:013-017. (Non-ISI) .
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Forty Guinea pigs (1-2 month old) were divided into 4 equal groups to study the efficacy of treatment of facioliasis with triclabendazole (TCBZ) and mirazid. Group (Gp.1) was the control, GPs (2-4) were orally inoculated with 20 Fasciola gigantic metacercariae (FGM) for each as a single dose by using stomach tube. Gps (3 and 4) were treated orally, with TCBZ, as a single dose (36 mg/Kg Bw) and mirazid 200 mg/Kg Bw for six successive days respectively. The drugs were administered in the 8th week post-infection to evaluate their efficacy against adult stages of Fasciola gigantica. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 1st and 2nd week post treatment for hematological and serum biochemical examination. TCBZ treated groups (GP 3) showed macrocytic hypochromic anemia, which disappeared at the end of the 2nd week post treatment. Heterophilia, esinophilia and lymphopenia were encountered in non treated group (GP 2) and mirazid treated group (GP 4). The liver transaminase (ALT, AST), gamma glytamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as total bilirubin, urea and creatinine, were elevated while serum albumin was decreased in GP (2) and returned to the normal value in GP (3) and GP (4) after two weeks post-treatment. It could be concluded that; the triclabendazole is more effective than mirazid in the treatment of Fasciola gigantica infection. Further research should be done for more precise knowledge about the efficacy of mirazid as a fasciolicidal drug.
19. Abdllaa O, Elboshy ME, Reisha EF, Gadlla HA and El-Khodery SA (2015). Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukins-12(p40), 6, and 10 levels in cerebrospinal fluid and outcome prediction in Ossimi sheep with encephalitic listeriosis. Cytokine; 73:283–287. (ISI; IF = 2.66).
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043466615001106
(Clinical Nutrition Department)
ABSTRACT
Encephalitic listeriosis in sheep is a life-threatening disease. However, little is known about the cytokine response and their predictive value in this disease. The aim of present study was to assess the prognostic significance of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-12(p40) (IL-12 p40), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in sheep with encephalitic listeriosis. Fifty-nine ewes in 14 flocks were diagnosed clinically as having listeriosis. CSF was collected and subjected to bacteriological examination and estimation of selected cytokines. Twenty-eight ewes were confirmed to be infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Based on antimicrobial sensitivity test, sheep were treated and the outcome was recorded as survivors (n=10) and non-survivors (n=18). Cutoff points for CSF cytokines were determined by Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). Association between levels of CSF cytokines and outcome of listeriosis was assessed by logistic regression. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12(p40) levels as well as TNF-α/IL-10 ratio were significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors (p=0.002, 0.0021, 0.0033, and 0.001, respectively). However, IL-10 level was significantly lower in non-survivors than survivors (p=0.0058). ROC analysis revealed that IL-6 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio had the highest AUC values (0.98, 0.984, respectively). Final multivariate logistic regression model showed that TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was the only variable that has predictive value for mortality in diseased sheep (p: 0.001; OR: 7.2; 95% CI: 5.7-9.8). TNF-α showed a positive correlation with IL-12β (r=0.917) and IL-6 (r=0.965). IL-12 (p40) showed also a positive correlation with IL-6 (r=0.906). However, IL-10 showed a negative correlation with TNF-α (r=-0.915), IL-12(p40) (r=-0.790), and IL-6 (r=-0.902). In conclusion, TNF-α/IL-10 ratio may provide predictive information about outcome of encephalitic listeriosis in sheep.
20. El Kafy EMA and Hela OF (2014). Effect of Rowing on Pulmonary Functions in Children With Down Syndrome. Pediatr Phys Ther; 26:437-45. (ISI; IF = 1.035).
(Physiotherapy Department)
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To examine effects of a rowing exercise regimen versus a chest physical therapy program on pulmonary function in children with Down syndrome. METHODS: Twenty-nine participants of both sexes, between 8 to 12 years of age, participated in this study. They were assigned randomly into 2 study groups. The first group (A) received a chest physical therapy program, while the second group (B) received an aerobic exercise regimen using a rowing ergometer. Vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume after 1 second, and peak expiratory flow rate were measured before and after 12 successive weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Significant improvements in all measured variables were found posttreatment in both study groups. No significant difference between the 2 groups was found posttreatment. CONCLUSION: Rowing exercise could be effective in improving pulmonary functions in children with Down syndrome.
21. ElSawy NA, Hadda TB, Bakr EH, Eslam Header EA, Fakim AG, Mabkhot YN and Aljofan M (2013). Effects of Crude Aqueous Extract of Origanum vulgaris in Developing Ovary of Rabbits Following in Utero, Adolescent and Postpubertal Exposure. VRI Phytomedicine; 2: 73-80. (Non-ISI).
http://vripress.com/index.php/PM/article/view/142
(Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Nutrition Departments)
ABSTRACT
We evaluated the impact on rabbits after having been treated with Origanum vulgaris (Lamiaceae) (OV) at a dose level known to adversely affect ovarian functions in rodents without causing systemic toxicity. The choice of rabbits has been guided by the fact that rabbits have a relatively long phase of reproductive development and hence simulation of reproductive development is better as opposed to dealing with rodents. The use of rabbits facilitates multiple evaluations of mating ability. An attempt has also been made at determining whether OV affected ovarian development and hence the use of animal model. Rabbits were exposed to 80 mg OV/kg/day in utero (gestation days [GD] 0 to23) or during adolescence (postnatal weeks [PNW] 4 by breast feeding and orally from 4w to 12 w), and the offspring were examined at the end of the 12 W period. Another group was treated after puberty (for 12 weeks) till age of 24 [PNW] of age and examined at the conclusion of exposure and follicles were categorized as primordial, primary, small preantral, large preantral or small antral follicles. The most pronounced reproductive effects were in female rabbits group which had been exposed from in utero till post-puberty period, in weights of ovaries (at 12 and 24 weeks, down 23%; p< 0.05). Serum Gonadotropin levels were down (at 24 weeks, 32%; p < 0.05); a slight increase in histological alterations of the ovaries (p < 0.05) at 24 weeks, of abnormal follicles.
22. El-Shamy SM and Mahran HG (2014). Effect of Pulsed Magnetic Field on Bone Density in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. International Journal of Advanced Research; 2:1023-1031. (Non-ISI).
(Physiotherapy Department)
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) has long been suspected to affect bone mineralization because of poor linear and skeletal growth, an increased number of fractures, and osteopenia, observed by radiography, in children with the disease. Methods: 30 children, with polyarticular JRA, aged 8 to 12 years were included. Children were randomized for treatment in two groups. In the study group received pulsed magnetic field therapy 3 times per week for successive 3 months. In the control group received the conventional physical therapy program only. Evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD) using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed before and after the treatment. Results: BMD of femur post treatment for the control and study groups was 0.735±0.166 and 0.866±0.125 (g/cm²) respectively. BMD of the lumbar spine for the control and study groups were 0.657±0.121 and 0.75±0.102 (g/cm²) respectively. BMD of total body for the control and study groups were 0.723±0.097 and 0.807±0.11 (g/cm²) respectively. The differences between both groups in their post treatment mean values of BMD was statistically significant as (p<0.05). Conclusions: Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is effective, innovative, non-invasive, non-expensive and can be used as a new trend physical therapy modality in the treatment of osteoporosis in JRA.
23. Khan MM, Faiz A, Ashshi AM (2014). Clinically significant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci and their antibiotic resistance pattern in a tertiary care hospital. J Pak Med Assoc.;64:1171-4. (ISI; IF = 0.49).
http://jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=7011
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To identify various species of coagulase negative staphylococci involved in neonatal septicaemia and determine their antimicrobial resistance pattern. METHODS: The prospective descriptive study was carried out from January 2012 to October 2013, at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and comprised clinical isolates of coagulase negative staphylococci recovered from the blood of neonates at Maternity and Children Hospital, Makkah..The identification of species and antibiotic sensitivity for each isolate was done using Microscan Walk Away system. RESULTS: Of the 190 clinical isolates S. epidermidis was the most common species found 144(75.8%).The overall drug resistance among the species ranged from 1.6% to 99.5% to all the drugs tested, except to vancomycin and linezolid which were 100% sensitive.The highest drug resistance was exhibited by penicillin 189 (99.5%), ampicillin 188 (99%), oxacillin 178 (93.6%) and augmentin 177 (93%). The minimum drug resistance was shown by synercid 4 (2.2%) and daptomycin 3 (1.6%). All species were 100% resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, except S. hyicus and one isolate of S. hominis-homin which was sensitive to ampicillin. CONCLUSION: High rates of antibiotic resistance was seen among coagulase negative staphylococci to commonly-used antibiotics and majority of them were methicillin-resistant. The newer drugs tested can be used as an alternative.
24. Khan MM and Faiz A (2014). Efficacy of Cefoxitin Disk Diffusion in predicting mecA Gene Mediated Oxacillin Resistance in Coagulase Negative Staphylococci. J Pak Med Assoc.;53:84-88. (ISI; IF = 0.49).
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Background: Accurate detection of mecA gene mediated resistance to oxacillin is necessary for appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy for staphylococcal infections. Objectives: To determine the efficacy of cefoxitin disk diffusion tests in detecting mecA gene mediated oxacillin resistance in coagulase negative staphylococci. Study type, settings and duration: This descriptive study was carried out after the approval of Bioethical Committee of the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Clinical isolates of coagulase negative staphylococci from blood culture of neonates suspected to be suffering from septicemia from January 2012 to December 2013 at Maternity and Children hospital Makkah, Saudi Arabia were studied. Materials and Methods: In this study 241 coagulase negative staphylococci clinical isolates from Maternity and Children hospital, Makkah were included. Identification of coagulase negative staphylococci species and their antibiotic susceptibility testing i.e., minimum inhibitory concentration was performed using Microscan Walk Away system. Concurrently, all isolates were subjected to disk diffusion tests (oxacillin 1µg disc, cefoxitin 30µg disc) following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: A total of 241 coagulase negative staphylococci strains isolated from neonatal blood cultures included S.epidermidis 99(41.1%), S.haemolyticus 71(29.4%), S.hominis 38(15.7%), S.xylosus 14(5.9%), S.capitis 9(3.9%) and others 10(4.2%). The results of phenotypic detection of mecA gene by cefoxitin and oxacillin disk diffusion were compared with their MIC results. The cefoxitin disk diffusion predicted mecA gene in 89.6% isolates and oxacillin disk diffusion in 83.8%. The cefoxitin minimum inhibitory concentration results matched totally with cefoxitin disk diffusion results but oxacillin minimum inhibitory concentration results did not match totally with its disk diffusion results. Minimum inhibitory concentration results of oxacillin were same as that of the cefoxitin minimum inhibitory concentration and disk diffusion results. Conclusion: Cefoxitin disk diffusion has an edge over oxacillin disk diffusion in predicting mecA mediated oxacillin resistance in coagulase negative staphylococci. Those using disk diffusion as their routine susceptibility testing method for staphylococci may replace 1µg oxacillin disc with 30µg cefoxitin disc for routine testing but should report oxacillin in its place.
25. Kazi AM, Warraich GJ, Qureshi S, Qureshi H, Khan MM, Zaidi AK and members of the Pakistan Rotavirus Study Group (2014). Sentinel hospital-based surveillance for assessment of burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children in Pakistan. PLoS One; 9(10):e108221. (ISI; IF = 3.23).
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0108221
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the burden and molecular epidemiology of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children hospitalized with severe acute watery diarrhea in Pakistan prior to introduction of rotavirus vaccine. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of two years from 2006 - 2008 at five sentinel hospitals in the cities of Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. Stool samples collected from children under five years of age hospitalized with severe acute watery diarrhea were tested for rotavirus antigen via enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (IDEA REF K6020 Oxoid Ltd (Ely), Cambridge, United Kingdom). A subset of EIA positive stool samples were further processed for genotyping. RESULTS: 6679 children were enrolled and stool specimens of 2039 (30.5%) were positive for rotavirus. Rotavirus positivity ranged from 16.3% to 39.4% in the 5 hospitals with highest positivity in Lahore. 1241 (61%) of all rotavirus cases were in infants under one year of age. Among the strains examined for G-serotypes, the occurrence of G1, G2, G9 and G4 strains was found to be 28%, 24%, 14% and 13%, respectively. Among P-types, the most commonly occurring strains were P6 (31.5%) followed by P8 (20%) and P4 (12%). Prevalent rotavirus genotype in hospitalized children of severe diarrhea were G1P[8] 11.6% (69/593), followed by G2P[4] 10.4% (62/593), and G4P[6] 10.1% (60/593). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one third of children hospitalized with severe gastroenteritis in urban centers in Pakistan have rotavirus. Introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Pakistan's national immunization program could prevent many severe episodes and diarrheal deaths.
26. Header E, ElSawy N, El-Boshy M, Basalamah M, Mubarak MS, et al. (2015). POM Analyses of Constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis and Their Synergistic Effect in Experimental Diabetic Rats. J Bioanal Biomed 7: 18-23. (Non-ISI).
(Clinical Nutrition and Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Background: Antioxidant effects of aqueous extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) leaves on kidneys of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental diabetic rats were assessed. Methods: The experiment was carried out on 4 groups with 6 rats in each group and extracts were administered
orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw for 45 consecutive days. Blood samples were drawn from all rats and analysed for glucose, antioxidant system, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as kidney function test. Results: Results of this investigation revealed a significant decrease in blood glucose level in the animals given herb extract as compared with diabetic rats. In addition, results also revealed that antioxidant markers, GSH and CAT were significantly reduced in diabetic rats, while MDA, uric acid, urea and creatinine have increased as compared with control rats. On the other hand, both the diabetic group and the treated with extract showed significant improvement in the antioxidant markers and renal function towards the control group. Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) analyses of principal bioactive constituents of rosemary showed that these compounds have no side effects. Conclusions: The Rosemary extract could be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic-related diseases.
27. Helal OF (2014). Impact of smoking on adults lung age and ventilatory function. Int J Physiother Res; 2:453-59. (Non-ISI).
https://www.ijmhr.org/ijpr_articles_vol2_2/IJPR-2014-626.pdf
(Physiotherapy Department)
ABSTRACT
Background: Although a large body of evidence exists on the effect of smoking on lung age and pulmonary function, much less attention has been dedicated to using these effects as an effective strategy in smoking cessation. Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of smoking on lung age and ventilatory function in adult Saudi in order to use these effects in a future strategy for smoking cessation. Methods: Eighty one smoker students with their mean age 23.88 ± 2.7 years were enrolled in this study. Every student performed a ventilatory function tests in order to measure lung age, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at the end of the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow rate PEFR. Results: The result showed significant deterioration in the mean value of FEV1, PEFR and the estimated lung age and a non-significant difference in the mean values of FVC. Conclusion: Smoking has a significant effect on ventilaroty function and deteriorating estimated lung age.
28. El-Fiky AA and Helal OF (2014). Correlation Between Balance and Cognition in Normal Young and Elderly Subjects. Jokull; 64:46-66. (ISI; IF = 0.7).
(Physiotherapy Department)
ABSTRACT
Background: Aging is a complex phenomenon in which the amount of lifetime remaining decreases and the physical and psychological abilities decline. The most widely acknowledged psychological change with age is the decline in cognitive processes, especially memory. Balance is achieved by complex integration and coordination of multiple body systems, but most of these systems undergo deterioration as people age, resulting in a decline in the ability of elderly to maintain balance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the balance and cognition and their relation to age. Methods: Correlation study was carried out on twenty eight male subjects divided equally into two groups. All subjects were assessed for; Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Short Form of Berg Balance Scale (SFBBS), and Postural Stability on Biodex stability system. Results: A highly statistical significant difference in the mean values of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Short Form of Berg Balance Scale (SFBBS), and overall stability indexes on Biodex stability system of young group with a high significant positive correlation between the Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE) and the Short form of Berg Balance Scale (SFBBS) and a high significant negative correlation between the Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE) and the overall stability index. Conclusion: Balance and cognition, affect each other during normal functional activity and had a deterioration with the aging process.
29. Ibrahim MM, Alayat MS and Shousha TM (2014). Evaluation of Postural Stability in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Patients. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy; 8: 100-104. (Non-ISI).
http://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:ijpot&volume=8&issue=2&article=021
(Physiotherapy Department)
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the effect of patella femoral pain syndrome (PFPS) on the postural stability. Materials and Method: Two groups, each of 30 subjects participated in this study. The first group
consisted of 30 patients who had PFPS with mean age 20.50 (±0.97) years, mean weight 69.3(±3.71) Kg. and mean height 173.8(±4.29) Cm. The second group consisted of 30 normal subjects with mean
age 20.90 (± 0.99) years, mean weight 70.0 (± 2.75) Kg. and mean height 173.3 (±5.42) Cm. Both
groups were tested by athletes' single leg test including overall stability (OASI), medio-lateral stability (MLSI), antero-posterior stability (APSI) indexes and the fall risk test (FR) by using the Biodex balance system. Testing was performed for single and double leg stance conditions over a period of 20 seconds, 3 trials were done for each test and the mean value was recorded. Results: Using the unpaired t - test to compare between the PFPS and control groups; revealed a significant difference between both groups regarding fall risk test (t = 4.548 and p = 0.0001). In addition, there was a significant difference between both groups regarding athletes' single leg test (OASI, p = 0.0001 and t = 4.653), (APSI, p = 0.0001 and t = 4.723) and (MLSI, p = 0.0001 and t = 4.330). Conclusion: This study had shown that PFPS causes significant reduction in postural stability that may require further attention during rehabilitation.
30. Mohamed AM, Ashshi AM, Asghar AH, Abd El-Rahim IH, El-Shemi AG and Zafar T (2014). Seroepidemiological survey on Rift Valley fever among small ruminants and their close human contacts in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2011. Rev Sci Tech.; 33:903-15. (ISI; IF = 0.91).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25812214
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
This study describes a seroepidemiological survey on Rift Valley fever (RVF) among small ruminants and their close human contacts in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 500 small ruminants (126 local, 374 imported) were randomly selected from the sacrifice livestock yards of Al-Kaakiah slaughterhouse, in the holy city of Makkah, during the pilgrimage season 1432 H (4-9 November 2011). In addition, blood samples were collected from 100 local workers in close contact with the animals at the slaughterhouse. An RVF competition multi-species enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detecting anti-RVF virus immunoglobulin G (IgG)/ immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies and an RVF IgM-specific ELISA were used for serological investigations. In total, 84 (16.8%) of the 500 sacrificial sheep and goats tested seropositive in the competition ELISA but no IgM antibodies were detected in the IgM-specific assay. All seropositive samples, comprising 17.91% of the imported animals and 13.49% of the local ones, were therefore designated positive for anti-RVF virus IgG antibody. Among the local personnel working in close contact with the animals, 9% tested seropositive in the RVF competition ELISA. The study indicates that two factors may increase the likelihood of an RVF outbreak among sacrificial animals and pilgrims: i) the large-scale importation of small ruminants into Saudi Arabia from the Horn of Africa shortly before the pilgrimage season, and ii) the movement of animals within Saudi Arabia, from the RVF-endemic south-western area (Jizan region) to the Makkah region, particularly in the few weeks before the pilgrimage season. From these findings, it is recommended that i) all regulations concerning the import of animals into Saudi Arabia from Africa should be rigorously applied, particularly the RVF vaccination of all ruminants destined for export at least two weeks before exportation, and ii) the movement of animals from the RVF-endemic south-western area (Jizan region) of Saudi Arabia to the Makkah region should be strictly prohibited.
31. Asghar AH, Abd El-Rahim IHA, Mohamed AM and Ahmed OB (2014). Clinical and molecular investigations of johne’s disease among small ruminants in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Bioassays; 3:3445-3451. (Non-ISI).
http://www.ijbio.com/index.php/ijb/article/view/576
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Paratuberculosis (PTB) or Johne’s disease (JD) is a chronic debilitating disease caused by theMycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). JD affects a wide range of animals including ruminants and characterized by enteritis and progressive diarrhea. The current study aimed to implement molecular tools for detection and identification of MAP among clinically suspected small ruminants in Makkah region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A total of 2660 small ruminants from five different farms around Makkah were clinically investigated for characteristic signs of JD during the period of November 2013 to February of 2014. Out of investigated animals, 16 cases were selected as being suspected of JD infection based on the associated clinical symptoms (emaciation and unthriftiness with or without persistent diarrhea). Rectal scrapings were collected from all suspected animals and were subjected for molecular examination. Three different genetic targets were evaluated including 16S rDNA, insertion sequence 900 (IS900) and intergenic spacer (IGS). Initial examination of suspected specimens by amplification of universal bacterial primers for 16S rDNA revealed positive results in 6 out of 16 cases (37.5%). Further amplification of the Mycobacterium-specific IGS target from 16s rDNA-positive samples revealed the detection of 4 Mycobacterium species. Sequence analysis of the IGS sequence of these 4 Mycobacterium species revealed 2 cases only asMycobacterium avium paratuberculosis. This finding was confirmed by the detection of MAP-specific IS900 target only from the same 2 cases. In conclusion, the current study genetically documented the first report of MAP (the causative agent of JD) among small ruminants of Makkah region.
32. Osfor MH, Basalamah MA, Ashshi AM, Hegazy A, Abdelmoaty MI, Elsawy NA and Abourehab MAS (2015). Hypocholesterolemic effect of some plant by-products in bakery production: Biochemical and histological study. IJBPAS; 4:4289-4310. (Non-ISI).
http://ijbpas.com/pdf/2015/June/1434624713MS%20IJBPAS%202015%202877.pdf
(Clinical Nutrition & Laboratory Medicine Departments)
ABSTRACT
The current study was conducted to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effect of a mixture of three plant by-products (orange albedo, potato peel and carrot pomace), as a source of natural fibers on hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia in hypercholesterolemic rats. Furthermore, production of bread containing high natural fiber contents, formed from these by-products. The diet was supplemented with 10% and 20% of this mixture. The obtained results revealed that the hypercholesterolemic rats which fed on the diet supplemented with 20% mixture showed the highest significant improve in lipid profile, liver function, kidney function, blood picture and plasma glucose compared to positive and negative control. Also the results showed a high significant decrease in body weight gain compared to positive control. In addition, the sensory evaluation of the bread which formed from these by-products showed that the addition of the mixture to the bread significantly decreased the bread quality compared with control Balady Bread, but the bread that contained 10% mix showed a high values in [taste, aroma, mouth feel, crumb texture, crumb color, (break & shred) and crust color] compared to the bread containing 20% mix.
33. Refaat B (2014). Role of Activins in embryo implantation and diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: A Review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol; 12(1):116. (ISI; IF = 2.22).
http://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1477-7827-12-116
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Embryo implantation is a major prerequisite for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Ectopic implantation outside the intrauterine cavity and the development of ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and occasionally mortality during the first trimester. EP may be induced by failure of tubal transport and/or increased tubal receptivity. Activins, their type II receptors and follistatin have been localised in the human endometrial and tubal epithelium and they are major regulators of endometrial and tubal physiology during the menstrual cycle. Pathological expression of activins and their binding protein, follistatin, was observed in tissue and serum samples collected from EP. Several studies with different designs investigated the diagnostic value of a single measurement of serum activin-A in the differentiation between normal intrauterine and failing early pregnancy and the results are controversial. Nevertheless, the diagnostic value of activins in EP, including the other activin isoforms (activin-B and –AB) and follistatin, merits further research. This review appraises the data to date researching the role of activins in the establishment of normal pregnancy and, pathogenesis and diagnosis of tubal EP.
34. Refaat B (2014). Prevalence of thyroid disorders and the characteristics of the associated anaemia in primigravida Saudi women during the first trimester: A cross-sectional study. Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche;173(11): 567-78. (Non-ISI).
http://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/gazzetta-medica-italiana/article.php?cod=R22Y2014N11A0567
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
AIM: Aim of the study was to measure the prevalence and types of thyroid disorders using the American Thyroid Association guidelines and to investigate their relationship with anemia frequency in primigravida females during the first trimester. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 500 primigravida females with no history of thyroid disease, chronic diseases and/or anaemia to measure serum TSH, free T4, erythrocyte indices and iron parameters. RESULTS: Thyroid disorders were detected in 162 participants (32.4%) and the most prevalent disorder was occult hypothyroidism (102/162), followed by overt hypothyroidism (32/162) and hypothyroxinaemia (24/162). Anaemia was detected in 66 females with abnormal thyroid profile (40.7%) and the prevalence was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to euthyroid (15.4%). The RBCs count, haemoglobin, haematocrit value, serum iron and serum ferritin were significantly lower in thyroid disorder compared to euthyroid group (P<0.05). Serum free T4 significantly correlated with RBCs count, haemoglobin and haematocrit, while TSH correlated with ferritin and total iron binding capacity (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thyroid disorders are common in primigravida Saudi females during the first trimester and they are associated with an increase in the frequency of anaemia. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanism(s) by which thyroid dysfunction induces anaemia during pregnancy.
35. Refaat B, Ashour TH and El-Shemi AG (2014). Ribavirin induced anaemia: the effect of vitamin D supplementation on erythropoietin and erythrocyte indices in normal Wistar rat. Int J Clin Exp Med; 7: 2667-2676. (ISI; IF = 1.2).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4211774/
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To measure the effect of vitamin D3 (VitD) supplementation on erythrocyte indices, serum and kidney erythropoietin (EPO) in normal rats treated with Pegylated interferon-α (Peg-INF-α) and ribavirin (RBV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty male Wistar rats were divided equally into 8 groups. 'Control'; 'P': only received Peg-INF-α; 'PD': Peg-INF-α/VitD; 'PR': Peg-INF-α/RBV; 'PRD': Peg-INF-α/RBV/VitD; 'R': only received RBV; 'RD': RBV/VitD and 'VitD': only received vitamin D3. Peg-INF-α-2a was injected subcutaneously (6 µg/rat/week) for 4 weeks. RBV (4 mg/rat/day) and VitD (500 IU/rat/day) were given orally for 5 weeks. Blood samples were collected to measure erythrocyte indices and serum 25(OH) vitamin D. EPO was measured in serum samples and kidney specimens by ELISA. RESULTS: Peg-INF-α alone did not affect the RBCs count, haemoglobin, serum and kidney EPO compared to control (P > 0.05). RBV significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and EPO levels in kidney and serum, either individually (R group) or combined with Peg-INF-α (PR group), compared to 'Control' and 'P' groups. VitD prevented the development of anaemia and significantly increased the concentrations of EPO at serum and kidney levels in the 'RD' and 'PRD' groups compared to 'R' and 'PR' groups. There was a significant positive correlation between blood levels of VitD with serum and kidney EPO, Red cell count and haemoglobin concentrations. CONCLUSION: VitD could have a potential beneficial role in the prevention of ribavirin-induced anaemia by promoting endogenous EPO. Further studies are needed to explore the role of vitamin D in the prevention of ribavirin associated anaemia.
36. Refaat B, Ashshi AM, Batwa SA, El-Shemi AG (2014). Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus 1&2 in Saudi women in Saudi women with normal and abnormal early pregnancy: A case control study. African Journal of Microbiology Research; 8(40), 3565-3569. (ISI; IF = 0.5).
http://www.academicjournals.org/journal/AJMR/article-abstract/3483CDB48059
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
This work measured the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus-1 and 2 in Saudi women with normal and abnormal early pregnancy. This is a case-control study; serum samples were collected from 250 women as follows: 100 normal pregnancies, 70 ectopic pregnancies and 80 spontaneous abortions. IgG and IgM antibodies against candidate organisms were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The prevalence of C. trachomatis IgG, but not IgM, was significantly higher in ectopic pregnancy (18.5%) and abortion (10%) as compared to normal pregnancy (5%) (P < 0.05). The frequency of HSV-1 IgG, but not HSV-2, was also higher in ectopic pregnancy (94.3%) and abortion (87.5%) than in normal pregnancy (64%). However, the rate of detecting both IgM and IgG antibodies together either against HSV-1 or HSV-2 was higher in the ectopic (41.1 and 30%, respectively) and abortion groups (28.7 and 36.2%, respectively) as compared to the control (9 and 16%, respectively). Correspondingly, the frequency of cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG was significantly higher in ectopic pregnancy (91.4%) and abortion (75%) as compared to normal pregnancy (58%). Similar results were also observed for CMV IgM antibodies either alone or with IgG antibodies in the ectopic and abortion groups as compared to control (P < 0.05). Candidate organisms were common by serology in Saudi females with abnormal early pregnancy. Additionally, the high frequency rate in normal pregnancy alarms the potential high risk of congenital infection. Further studies are needed to measure the true prevalence of these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their associated pregnancy complications in Saudi Arabia.
37. Refaat B, Dalton E and Ledger W (2015). Ectopic pregnancy secondary to in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer: Pathogenic mechanisms and management strategies. Reprod Biol Endocrinol; 13(1):30. doi: 10.1186/s12958-015-0025-0. (ISI; IF = 2.22).
http://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12958-015-0025-0
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality during the first trimester and the incidence increases dramatically with in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The co-existence of an EP with a viable intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) is known as heterotopic pregnancy (HP) affecting about 1% of patients during assisted conception. EP/HP can cause significant morbidity and occasional mortality and represent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly during fertility treatment. Many risk factors related to IVF-ET techniques and the cause of infertility have been documented. The combination of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is the most reliable diagnostic tool, with early diagnosis of EP/HP permitting conservative management. This review describes the risk factors, diagnostic modalities and treatment approaches of EP/HP during IVF-ET and also their impact on subsequent fertility treatment. METHODS: The scientific literature was searched for studies investigating EP/HP during IVF-ET. Publications in English and within the past 6 years were mostly selected. RESULTS: A history of tubal infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease and specific aspects of embryo transfer technique are the most significant risk factors for later EP. Early measurement of serum hCG and performance of TVS by an expert operator as early as gestational week 5 can identify cases of possible EP. These women should be closely monitored with repeated ultrasound and hCG measurement until a diagnosis is reached. Treatment must be customised to the clinical condition and future fertility requirements of the patient. In cases of HP, the viable IUP can be preserved in the majority of cases but requires early detection of HP. No apparent negative impact of the different treatment approaches for EP/HP on subsequent IVF-ET, except for risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: EP/HP are tragic events in a couple's reproductive life, and the earlier the diagnosis the better the prognosis. Due to the increase incidence following IVF-ET, there is a compelling need to develop a diagnostic biomarker/algorithm that can predict pregnancy outcome with high sensitivity and specificity before IVF-ET to prevent and/or properly manage those who are at higher risk of EP/HP.
38. Refaat B (2015). Prevalence and characteristics of anemia associated with thyroid disorders in non-pregnant Saudi women during the childbearing age: A case-control study. Biomed J.; 38:307-16. (ISI; No IF).
http://biomedj.cgu.edu.tw/pdfs/2015/38/4/images/BiomedJ_2015_38_4_307_151032.pdf
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Background: Little is known about the prevalence of thyroid disorders and their associated anemia in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The aim of the current study was to measure the prevalence and types of thyroid disorders and their rela‑ tionship with anemia frequency and types in non‑pregnant Saudi females during the childbearing age. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 600 non‑pregnant females (between ≥18 and ≤45 years) with no history of thyroid dysfunction, chronic diseases, and/or anemia to measure serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, erythrocyte indices, and iron parameters. Results: Thyroid disorders were detected in 118 partici‑ pants (19.6%), and occult hypothyroidism was the most prevalent type (70/118) followed by overt hypothyroid‑ ism (38/118) and hyperthyroidism (10/118). Anemia was detected in 52 females with abnormal thyroid (44%) and the prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to euthyroid (14.3%). The red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit value, serum iron, and serum ferritin were significantly lower in thyroid disor‑ der compared to euthyroid group (p < 0.05). Erythrocyte indices correlated significantly with serum free T4, while iron parameters correlated with serum TSH (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Thyroid disorders are common in non‑pregnant females in the Western province of Saudi Arabia, and they are associated with an increase in the prevalence of both anemia and iron deficiency. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanism (s) contributing to the development of thyroiditis‑induced anemia in the kingdom and the role of thyroid hormones in iron metabolism.
39. Refaat B, Ashshi AM, El-Shemi AG and Azhar E (2015). Activins and follistatin in chronic hepatitis C and its treatment with pegylated interferon-α based therapy: A review. Mediators Inflamm. 2015;2015:287640. (ISI; IF = 3.23).
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2015/287640/
(Laboratory Medicine Department)
ABSTRACT
Pegylated-interferon-α based therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is considered suboptimal as not all patients respond to the treatment and it is associated with several side effects that could lead to dose reduction and/or termination of therapy. The currently used markers to monitor the response to treatment are based on viral kinetics and their performance in the prediction of treatment outcome is moderate and does not combine accuracy and their values have several limitations. Hence, the development of new sensitive and specific predictor markers could provide a useful tool for the clinicians and healthcare providers, especially in the new era of interferon-free therapy, for the classification of patients according to their response to the standard therapy and only subscribing the novel directly acting antiviral drugs to those who are anticipated not to respond to the conventional therapy and/or have absolute contraindications for its use. The importance of activins and follistatin in the regulation of immune system, liver biology, and pathology has recently emerged. This review appraises the up-to-date knowledge regarding the role of activins and follistatin in liver biology and immune system and their role in the pathophysiology of CHC.
