Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is r... more Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is required to identify factors associated with adverse outcome. Evaluate the prognostic capacity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), kidney injury molecule (KIM), and lactate and TNF-α-308 G > A gene polymorphism for prediction of 28 days-intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. TNF-α-308 G > A single nucleotide polymorphisms was detected by real-time-PCR on 112 had septic shock and 88 were septic. Serum TNF-α and urinary KIM were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This study included 200 critically ill patients, 125 (62.5%) of them died within 28 days in ICU (nonsurvivors). Frequencies of TNF-308 G > A was (70.7) GG, (28) GA and (1.3) AA in survivors versus (85.6) GG, (12) GA and (2.4) AA for nonsurvivors, revealed significant association with ICU mortality but not sepsis severity (p = 0.15) or sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). In contrast, urinary KIM-1 revealed significant association with sepsis severity (p = 0.036) and AKI (p = 0.0001), but not 28-days ICU mortality. The relative risk of death in patients with GG genotype was 2.5 mainly in ICU younger male patients (odds ratios 24 and 4.9, p = 0.001). The genotype GG and GA were significantly associated with [increased urinary KIM-1 (0.29 ± 0.1) (p = 0.0001), terminal creatinine (1.67 ± 0.8) (p = 0.0001)] and [increased terminal urea (109 ± 0.001) (p = 0.001) and basal serum TNF (60 ± 0.001) (p = 0.0001)], respectively. In linear regression analysis, AKI 0.0001 (0.4-0.67), basal serum TNF 0.04 (0.0001-0.04), and TNF-308 GG 0.007 (0.05-0.33) were associated with 28 days ICU mortality [p value (95% confidence interval)]. The same results were observed for initial urea 0.024 (0.0001-0.003) and lack of diuretic usage 0.0001 (0.35-0.7) mainly in septic patients. Major frequency of TNF-308 G > A polymorphism (mainly in young age male patients), AKI and serum TNF were associated with increased risk for 28 days-ICU mortality. Furthermore, sepsis severity was influenced by TNF and urinary KIM-1, which reflects in AKI.
Many research articles have reported that large proportions of people are "deficient" i... more Many research articles have reported that large proportions of people are "deficient" in vitamin D, as many of them have serum concentrations of vitamin D (i.e., 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l). Such conclusions, however, are based on misinterpretation and misapplication of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reference values for vitamin D. Such misunderstandings can have adverse implications for patient care, including unnecessary vitamin D screening and supplementation. To assess the prevalence of vitamin D status among apparently healthy Saudi population, living in Makkah, one of the most shinny city in the world, our study included 651 apparently normal subjects living in Makkah. Serum 25(OH) cholecalciferol, parathormone (PTH), Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, urea, creatinine and albumin were assayed. In a second phase: We analyzed the data of 332 asymptomatic subjects who are completely apparently normal and have no sym...
Despite the advances in the pharmacological treatment of epilepsy, pharmacoresistance still remai... more Despite the advances in the pharmacological treatment of epilepsy, pharmacoresistance still remains challenging. Understanding of the pharmacogenetic causes is critical to predict drug response hence providing a basis for personalized medications. Genetic alteration in activity of drug target and drug metabolizing proteins could explain the development of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. So the aim of this study was to explore whether SCN1A c.3184 A/G (rs2298771) and CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) polymorphisms could serve as genetic based biomarkers to predict pharmacoresistance among Egyptian epileptic children. Methods: Genotyping of SCN1A c.3184 A/G and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was performed in 65 healthy control subjects and 130 patients with epilepsy, of whom 50 were drug resistant and 80 were drug responsive. Results: There was a significant higher frequency of the AG genotype (p = 0.001) and G allele (p = 0.006) of SCN1A polymorphism in epileptic patients than in controls. Also their frequency was significantly higher in drug resistant patients in comparison with drug responders (p = 0.005 and 0.054 respectively). No significant association between CYP3A5*3 polymorphism and drug-resistance was found. Conclusions: Overall, results confirmed the claimed role of SCN1A c.3184 A/G polymorphism in epilepsy and moreover in development of pharmacoresistance among Egyptian epileptic children. CYP3A5*3 variants have no contributing effect on pharmacoresistance among Egyptian epileptic children.
Evaluation of NLRP3 (rs10754558) and PTPN22 (1858C/T) (rs2476601) Functional Polymorphisms in Psoriasis Susceptibility in Egypt, 2021
Background: Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune multifactorial disease induced by interaction of en... more Background: Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune multifactorial disease induced by interaction of environmental and genetic factors. This research aimed to clarify the association of NLRP3 (rs10754558) and PTPN22 (1858C/T) (rs2476601) polymorphisms with susceptibility to psoriasis. Methods: This case-control study involved 150 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 100 age-and gender-matched apparently healthy individuals. NLRP3 (rs10754558) polymorphism was done by real time PCR and PTPN22 1858C/T (rs2476601) genotype was identified by tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: The genotypes distribution of NLRP3 (rs10754558) were significantly associated with psoriasis (p<0.0001). Whereas for PTPN22 (1858C/T) (rs2476601), no significance was found (p=0.09). NLRP3 (rs10754558) GC genotype revealed a significant association with psoriasis (p<0.0001), mainly among male (p=0.004) patients with mild psoriasis (p=0.001) and affected extremities (p=0.0001). Conclusion: We can conclude that the NLRP3 (rs10754558) GC genotype may play a role in psoriasis susceptibility among male Egyptian populations with affected extremities. Future studies must evaluate its role in the prevention or the treatment of psoriasis.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori on hematological parameters among Saudi population, 2021
To investigate prevalence and association between iron deficiency anemia)IDA(and Helicobacter pyl... more To investigate prevalence and association between iron deficiency anemia)IDA(and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori(. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 79 participants with unexplained IDA. The study was carried out between
Association of TNF-a-308 (G >A) (rs1800629) Gene Polymorphism with Adverse Outcomes of Sepsis in Critically Ill Patients, 2020
Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is r... more Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is required to identify factors associated with adverse outcome. Evaluate the prognostic capacity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), kidney injury molecule (KIM), and lactate andTNF-a-308 G>Agene polymorphism for prediction of 28 days-intensive care unit (ICU) mortality.TNF-a-308 G>Asingle nucleotide polymorphisms was detected by real-time-PCR on 112 had septic shock and 88 were septic. Serum TNF-aand urinary KIM were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This study included 200 critically ill patients, 125 (62.5%) of them died within 28 days in ICU (nonsurvivors). Frequencies ofTNF-308 G>Awas (70.7) GG, (28) GA and (1.3) AA in survivors versus (85.6) GG, (12) GA and (2.4) AA for nonsurvivors, revealed significant association with ICU mortality but not sepsis severity (p=0.15) or sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). In contrast, urinary KIM-1 revealed significant association with sepsis severity (p=0.036) and AKI (p=0.0001), but not 28-days ICU mortality. The relative risk of death in patients with GG genotype was 2.5 mainly in ICU younger male patients (odds ratios 24 and 4.9,p=0.001). The genotype GG and GA were significantly associated with [increased urinary KIM-1 (0.29–0.1) (p=0.0001), terminal creatinine (1.67–0.8) (p=0.0001)] and [increased terminal urea (109–0.001) (p=0.001) and basal serum TNF (60–0.001) (p=0.0001)], respectively. In linear regression analysis, AKI 0.0001 (0.4–0.67), basal serum TNF 0.04 (0.0001–0.04), and TNF-308 GG0.007 (0.05–0.33) were associated with 28 days ICU mortality [pvalue (95% confidence interval)]. The same results were observed for initial urea 0.024 (0.0001–0.003) and lack of diuretic usage 0.0001 (0.35–0.7) mainly in septic patients. Major frequency ofTNF-308 G>A polymorphism (mainly in young age male patients), AKI and serum TNF were associated with increased risk for 28 days-ICU mortality. Furthermore, sepsis severity was influenced by TNF and urinary KIM-1, which reflects in AKI
Assessment of expression levels of leptin and leptin receptor as potential biomarkers for risk of prostate cancer development and aggressiveness, 2020
Prostate cancer (PCa) has been reported to be one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers; it ac... more Prostate cancer (PCa) has been reported to be one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers; it accounts for 7.1% of new cases of all cancers and 3.8% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. 1 Risks and associated factors of PCa include age, high androgen levels, overweight, and obesity. 2 In fact, obesity has globally increased to an epidemic level and has been recognized as major health concern; aside from being related to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, it is linked to the development and progression of numerous types of cancers such as ovarian, pancreatic, endometrial, colon, postmenopausal breast, and prostate. 3-5 Additionally, obesity has been associated with aggressive cancer, bad prognosis, poor outcome, and poor survival rate of cancer patients. 6-8 Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying such association
The Hematological Changes in Dental Staff: Their Relation to Mercury Vapor, 2018
Background: Dental staff are exposed to mercury during their work. Aim: To determine the effect o... more Background: Dental staff are exposed to mercury during their work. Aim: To determine the effect of mercury on their hematological parameters. Subjects & Methods: 83 dental staff, 43 use amalgam and 40 not, and 56 healthy persons, 19 have amalgam filling and 37 without it, were enrolled. All were subjected to measurement of mercury in hair, nails and complete blood count. Results: A significant increase of mercury hair and nail was found in the exposed dental staff when compared to both control groups. A significant increase of mercury hair in a non-exposed dental staff was detected when compared to the control group without amalgam. A Significant decrease of hemoglobin and absolute monocytes count was found in both groups of dental staff when compared to the control group without amalgam. 33.3% and 20% of the exposed and non-exposed staff had anemia. Conclusion: Exposed and nonexposed dental staff are liable to complications induced by mercury.
The Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Integrin beta 4 (ITGβ4) is one of the integrin families that is engaged in the maintenance of the... more Integrin beta 4 (ITGβ4) is one of the integrin families that is engaged in the maintenance of the integrity of airway epithelial cells. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between ITGβ4 mRNA expression level and asthma susceptibility; and to analyze the relevance of atopic asthma with the alteration of ITGβ4mRNA expression level.Seventy five asthmatic patients and thirty age and gender matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Serum total IgE was measured by ELISA and mRNA expression of ITGβ4 was assessed by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) using real time PCR.. ITGβ4 mRNA expression was significantly down regulated with increased serum total IgE in patients with asthma compared to controls. Moreover, ITGβ4 expression was significantly reduced with increased total IgE in atopic asthmatics compared to non-atopic asthmatics.From this study, it could be concluded thatdown-regulation of ITGβ4 expression is associated with asthma susceptibility mainly in atopic cases irrespective of the degree of severity.
The title of the original article has been corrected to: Assessment of tumor necrosis factor alph... more The title of the original article has been corrected to: Assessment of tumor necrosis factor alpha polymorphism TNFα −238 (rs 361525) as a risk factor for development of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. The original article has been corrected to reflect the correct title.
Aim: To evaluate the effect of different anti-diabetic treatment strategy on oxidative stress mar... more Aim: To evaluate the effect of different anti-diabetic treatment strategy on oxidative stress markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subject and methods: A total of 93 patients with T2DM treated with metformin (G1 = 25), OHA (G2 = 22), OA and insulin (G3 = 26) and insulin alone (G4 = 20). In all patients, lipid profile and glycemic indices were assessed using routine laboratory tests. MDA and Oxidized LDL were assessed using commercially available ELISA kits. Laboratory tests were performed at baseline and at a control visit after 24 weeks of treatment. Results: A significant decrease in the levels of MDA with improvement of glycemic control was observed in the group receiving OHA in combination with insulin therapy. A similar decrease of oxLDL was observed in all diabetic subgroups with borderline significance in those receiving metformin alone. The remaining clinical and biochemical parameters were not changed during follow-up in any of the involved groups. Conclusion: A combination therapy with insulin was more effective in glycemic control and MDA reduction in T2DM. Whereas, a significant oxLDLc reduction was observed in T2DM irrespective of categories of antidiabetic treatment or glycemic control.
Studies showed that dentists and dental staff working with amalgam are chronically exposed to mer... more Studies showed that dentists and dental staff working with amalgam are chronically exposed to mercury that accumulates in their bodies in higher levels than those individuals not occupational exposed to mercury. Mercury levels in dental staff averaged at least 2 times that of control subjects in hair, nails, urine and blood. This study aimed to review long-standing mercury monitoring concentration in dental staff hair and nail in Makkah Saudi Arabia. 139 hair and nail samples were collected among male and female with average age ≥30 years. 83 samples were collected from dental staff working at different polyclinics and private clinics in Makkah region while 56 samples were collected from volunteers as control sample. Hair and nail samples were analysed using a Perkin Elmer (ICP-MS 7300). The study showed that in dental staff both males and females the mercury concentration in hair increased with age up to mid-30s, then gradually decrease. Moreover, the study found that mean hair mercury levels in both males and females were highest in individuals had preference of fish consumption ≥4.46 µg/l, followed by dental staff had a higher supplementation intake. While the nail mercury concentrations in both males and females were also higher in those individuals with high fish consumption (≥3.08 µg/l). The study approved a significant correlation between mercury levels in dental staff hair and nail, although conclusive evidence is lacking that directly correlates amalgam with adverse health effects, dental staff should remain knowledgeable about mercury release from amalgam through direct exposure.
American Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 2014
Dysregulation of maternal circulating adipocytokines has been implicated in several obstetrical s... more Dysregulation of maternal circulating adipocytokines has been implicated in several obstetrical syndromes including preeclampsia (PE). It has been suggested that adipocytokines provide a molecular link between metabolic derangements and inflammatory response in complicated pregnancies. We aimed in this study to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of Retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4) and Resistin with clinical, anthropometric and metabolic parameters of PE. This study included 3 groups: group 1 included 50 pregnant females with PE, group 2 included 50 healthy pregnant females and group 3 included 50 healthy non-pregnant female as a control group. For all groups anthropometric and clinical measurements were performed. Serum RBP-4, resistin, insulin were measured by ELISA and Insulin resistance was calculated by Hemostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR). Our results showed that serum RBP-4 and resistin concentrations were elevated in PE [39(33.25-40.87) ug/ml] & [61(23.5-91.87) ng/ml] compared to normal pregnancy [18.5(8-27.87) ug/ml] & [25.5(12.7-49.12) ng/ml). Moreover, RBP4 but not resistin levels were elevated in severe cases relative to mild cases of PE. Serum levels of RBP4 showed positive significant correlation with [SBP (r=0.38, p= 0.001) & DBP (r=0.32, p=0.01)] which are markers of severity. Fasting insulin was positively correlated with RBP-4 (p=0.04). By multiple linear regression analysis, serum RBP-4 levels were significantly and positively correlated with SBP (P=0.01), while markers of adiposity were not independently associated with resistin. Conclusion: RBP-4 and resistin were upregulated in PE, furthermore RBP-4 not resistin levels were independently associated with markers of severity of PE. However no clear relationship were observed between HOMA-IR with both RBP-4 and resistin and the role of Insulin resistance in PE was not clearly proved.
Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), Jan 22, 2018
The interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and their receptors promote vascular com... more The interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and their receptors promote vascular complications of diabetes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The soluble form of the receptor for the advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) has been studied as a vascular biomarker in various diseases with controversial results. Our aim was to evaluate the association of the serum levels of the AGEs and their receptor sRAGE with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the cardiovascular risk factors among HD patients. There were 130 HD patients and 80 age and gender matched control subjects were involved; 31.5% of the HD group were diabetic, which was an underlying cause of renal impairment; 36.1% had CVD, which was comprising 44.7% of diabetics and 55.3% of non-diabetic patients. The AGEs and sRAGE were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the lipid profile, glycemic indices, pre-dialysis renal function tests, and hemoglobin % (Hb) were evaluated. The results show tha...
Evidence shows that inflammatory and immune processes within the brain might account for the path... more Evidence shows that inflammatory and immune processes within the brain might account for the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Therefore, developing new antiepileptic drugs that can modulate seizures through mechanisms other than traditional drugs is required for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. This study aims to determine the relationship between brain inflammation and epilepsy, to examine the contribution of some biochemical parameters involved in brain inflammation, and to address the effect of pharmacological interventions using some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs in an experimental epilepsy model. Adult male rats were divided into seven groups of 20. G1 was the normal, non-treated control. G2 was the epileptic, non-treated group. G3-G7 were treated with celecoxib, methotrexate, azathioprine, dexamethasone, and valproate, respectively, for a period of three weeks. Induction of status epilepticus (SE) by Li-pilocarpine was performed on groups G2-G7. EEG tracing was conducted, and inflammatory mediators (brain and serum IL-1ß, IL 6, PGE2, HSP70, TGF-β2, and IFNγ) were measured. The induction of SE increased the amplitude and frequency of EEG tracing and inflammatory mediators more than in the normal control group. Treatments of epileptic rats reduced the frequency and amplitude of EEG tracing and significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators in some treated rats compared to G2. These findings demonstrate that some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs can lower the frequency and amplitude of seizures and reduce some inflammatory mediators in epilepsy treatments, strengthening the possibility that targeting these immunological and inflammatory pathways may represent another effective therapeutic approach to preventing epileptic seizures.
Background: Neuttrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) was shown to be a good marker for ... more Background: Neuttrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) was shown to be a good marker for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI). Some recent reports demonstrated that NGAL may be an early biomarker for kidney affection in diabetic patients. The aim of this work is to investigate urinary NGAL (UNGAL) in type 2 diabetic patients with and without albuminuria. Methods: This study included 46 type 2 diabetic patients and 15 healthy age and sex matched individuals as the control group. Diabetic patients were divided into three groups according to urinary albumin excretion (UAE), normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria. UNGAL was measured in all populations and corrected to urinary creatinine to account for day to day variation in urine volume and transformed log. Comparison between 4 groups (control, normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria) was done. Results: Log UNGAL/Creatinine ratio showed significant difference when comparing control group (0.70 ± 0.58) versus normoalbuminuria (1.71 ± 1.06), microalbuminuria (1.57 ± 0.72) and macroalbuminuria (1.92 ± 0.63), however, there was no significant difference among diabetic groups. Pearson's correlation showed that log UNGAL/Creatinine ratio positively correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and inversely with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Regression analysis showed that HbA1c, urinary creatinine and eGFR were the independent predictors of log UNGAL/Creatinine ratio. Conclusion: Tubular markers like UNGAL may be early elevated in type 2 diabetic patients even before the incidence of glomerular injury detected by microalbuminuria and it can be used as an early marker for detection of kidney involvement in diabetic patients.
Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is r... more Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is required to identify factors associated with adverse outcome. Evaluate the prognostic capacity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), kidney injury molecule (KIM), and lactate and TNF-α-308 G > A gene polymorphism for prediction of 28 days-intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. TNF-α-308 G > A single nucleotide polymorphisms was detected by real-time-PCR on 112 had septic shock and 88 were septic. Serum TNF-α and urinary KIM were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This study included 200 critically ill patients, 125 (62.5%) of them died within 28 days in ICU (nonsurvivors). Frequencies of TNF-308 G > A was (70.7) GG, (28) GA and (1.3) AA in survivors versus (85.6) GG, (12) GA and (2.4) AA for nonsurvivors, revealed significant association with ICU mortality but not sepsis severity (p = 0.15) or sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). In contrast, urinary KIM-1 revealed significant association with sepsis severity (p = 0.036) and AKI (p = 0.0001), but not 28-days ICU mortality. The relative risk of death in patients with GG genotype was 2.5 mainly in ICU younger male patients (odds ratios 24 and 4.9, p = 0.001). The genotype GG and GA were significantly associated with [increased urinary KIM-1 (0.29 ± 0.1) (p = 0.0001), terminal creatinine (1.67 ± 0.8) (p = 0.0001)] and [increased terminal urea (109 ± 0.001) (p = 0.001) and basal serum TNF (60 ± 0.001) (p = 0.0001)], respectively. In linear regression analysis, AKI 0.0001 (0.4-0.67), basal serum TNF 0.04 (0.0001-0.04), and TNF-308 GG 0.007 (0.05-0.33) were associated with 28 days ICU mortality [p value (95% confidence interval)]. The same results were observed for initial urea 0.024 (0.0001-0.003) and lack of diuretic usage 0.0001 (0.35-0.7) mainly in septic patients. Major frequency of TNF-308 G > A polymorphism (mainly in young age male patients), AKI and serum TNF were associated with increased risk for 28 days-ICU mortality. Furthermore, sepsis severity was influenced by TNF and urinary KIM-1, which reflects in AKI.
Many research articles have reported that large proportions of people are "deficient" i... more Many research articles have reported that large proportions of people are "deficient" in vitamin D, as many of them have serum concentrations of vitamin D (i.e., 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l). Such conclusions, however, are based on misinterpretation and misapplication of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reference values for vitamin D. Such misunderstandings can have adverse implications for patient care, including unnecessary vitamin D screening and supplementation. To assess the prevalence of vitamin D status among apparently healthy Saudi population, living in Makkah, one of the most shinny city in the world, our study included 651 apparently normal subjects living in Makkah. Serum 25(OH) cholecalciferol, parathormone (PTH), Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, urea, creatinine and albumin were assayed. In a second phase: We analyzed the data of 332 asymptomatic subjects who are completely apparently normal and have no sym...
Despite the advances in the pharmacological treatment of epilepsy, pharmacoresistance still remai... more Despite the advances in the pharmacological treatment of epilepsy, pharmacoresistance still remains challenging. Understanding of the pharmacogenetic causes is critical to predict drug response hence providing a basis for personalized medications. Genetic alteration in activity of drug target and drug metabolizing proteins could explain the development of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. So the aim of this study was to explore whether SCN1A c.3184 A/G (rs2298771) and CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) polymorphisms could serve as genetic based biomarkers to predict pharmacoresistance among Egyptian epileptic children. Methods: Genotyping of SCN1A c.3184 A/G and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was performed in 65 healthy control subjects and 130 patients with epilepsy, of whom 50 were drug resistant and 80 were drug responsive. Results: There was a significant higher frequency of the AG genotype (p = 0.001) and G allele (p = 0.006) of SCN1A polymorphism in epileptic patients than in controls. Also their frequency was significantly higher in drug resistant patients in comparison with drug responders (p = 0.005 and 0.054 respectively). No significant association between CYP3A5*3 polymorphism and drug-resistance was found. Conclusions: Overall, results confirmed the claimed role of SCN1A c.3184 A/G polymorphism in epilepsy and moreover in development of pharmacoresistance among Egyptian epileptic children. CYP3A5*3 variants have no contributing effect on pharmacoresistance among Egyptian epileptic children.
Evaluation of NLRP3 (rs10754558) and PTPN22 (1858C/T) (rs2476601) Functional Polymorphisms in Psoriasis Susceptibility in Egypt, 2021
Background: Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune multifactorial disease induced by interaction of en... more Background: Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune multifactorial disease induced by interaction of environmental and genetic factors. This research aimed to clarify the association of NLRP3 (rs10754558) and PTPN22 (1858C/T) (rs2476601) polymorphisms with susceptibility to psoriasis. Methods: This case-control study involved 150 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 100 age-and gender-matched apparently healthy individuals. NLRP3 (rs10754558) polymorphism was done by real time PCR and PTPN22 1858C/T (rs2476601) genotype was identified by tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: The genotypes distribution of NLRP3 (rs10754558) were significantly associated with psoriasis (p<0.0001). Whereas for PTPN22 (1858C/T) (rs2476601), no significance was found (p=0.09). NLRP3 (rs10754558) GC genotype revealed a significant association with psoriasis (p<0.0001), mainly among male (p=0.004) patients with mild psoriasis (p=0.001) and affected extremities (p=0.0001). Conclusion: We can conclude that the NLRP3 (rs10754558) GC genotype may play a role in psoriasis susceptibility among male Egyptian populations with affected extremities. Future studies must evaluate its role in the prevention or the treatment of psoriasis.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori on hematological parameters among Saudi population, 2021
To investigate prevalence and association between iron deficiency anemia)IDA(and Helicobacter pyl... more To investigate prevalence and association between iron deficiency anemia)IDA(and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori(. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 79 participants with unexplained IDA. The study was carried out between
Association of TNF-a-308 (G >A) (rs1800629) Gene Polymorphism with Adverse Outcomes of Sepsis in Critically Ill Patients, 2020
Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is r... more Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is required to identify factors associated with adverse outcome. Evaluate the prognostic capacity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), kidney injury molecule (KIM), and lactate andTNF-a-308 G>Agene polymorphism for prediction of 28 days-intensive care unit (ICU) mortality.TNF-a-308 G>Asingle nucleotide polymorphisms was detected by real-time-PCR on 112 had septic shock and 88 were septic. Serum TNF-aand urinary KIM were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This study included 200 critically ill patients, 125 (62.5%) of them died within 28 days in ICU (nonsurvivors). Frequencies ofTNF-308 G>Awas (70.7) GG, (28) GA and (1.3) AA in survivors versus (85.6) GG, (12) GA and (2.4) AA for nonsurvivors, revealed significant association with ICU mortality but not sepsis severity (p=0.15) or sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). In contrast, urinary KIM-1 revealed significant association with sepsis severity (p=0.036) and AKI (p=0.0001), but not 28-days ICU mortality. The relative risk of death in patients with GG genotype was 2.5 mainly in ICU younger male patients (odds ratios 24 and 4.9,p=0.001). The genotype GG and GA were significantly associated with [increased urinary KIM-1 (0.29–0.1) (p=0.0001), terminal creatinine (1.67–0.8) (p=0.0001)] and [increased terminal urea (109–0.001) (p=0.001) and basal serum TNF (60–0.001) (p=0.0001)], respectively. In linear regression analysis, AKI 0.0001 (0.4–0.67), basal serum TNF 0.04 (0.0001–0.04), and TNF-308 GG0.007 (0.05–0.33) were associated with 28 days ICU mortality [pvalue (95% confidence interval)]. The same results were observed for initial urea 0.024 (0.0001–0.003) and lack of diuretic usage 0.0001 (0.35–0.7) mainly in septic patients. Major frequency ofTNF-308 G>A polymorphism (mainly in young age male patients), AKI and serum TNF were associated with increased risk for 28 days-ICU mortality. Furthermore, sepsis severity was influenced by TNF and urinary KIM-1, which reflects in AKI
Assessment of expression levels of leptin and leptin receptor as potential biomarkers for risk of prostate cancer development and aggressiveness, 2020
Prostate cancer (PCa) has been reported to be one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers; it ac... more Prostate cancer (PCa) has been reported to be one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers; it accounts for 7.1% of new cases of all cancers and 3.8% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. 1 Risks and associated factors of PCa include age, high androgen levels, overweight, and obesity. 2 In fact, obesity has globally increased to an epidemic level and has been recognized as major health concern; aside from being related to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, it is linked to the development and progression of numerous types of cancers such as ovarian, pancreatic, endometrial, colon, postmenopausal breast, and prostate. 3-5 Additionally, obesity has been associated with aggressive cancer, bad prognosis, poor outcome, and poor survival rate of cancer patients. 6-8 Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying such association
The Hematological Changes in Dental Staff: Their Relation to Mercury Vapor, 2018
Background: Dental staff are exposed to mercury during their work. Aim: To determine the effect o... more Background: Dental staff are exposed to mercury during their work. Aim: To determine the effect of mercury on their hematological parameters. Subjects & Methods: 83 dental staff, 43 use amalgam and 40 not, and 56 healthy persons, 19 have amalgam filling and 37 without it, were enrolled. All were subjected to measurement of mercury in hair, nails and complete blood count. Results: A significant increase of mercury hair and nail was found in the exposed dental staff when compared to both control groups. A significant increase of mercury hair in a non-exposed dental staff was detected when compared to the control group without amalgam. A Significant decrease of hemoglobin and absolute monocytes count was found in both groups of dental staff when compared to the control group without amalgam. 33.3% and 20% of the exposed and non-exposed staff had anemia. Conclusion: Exposed and nonexposed dental staff are liable to complications induced by mercury.
The Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Integrin beta 4 (ITGβ4) is one of the integrin families that is engaged in the maintenance of the... more Integrin beta 4 (ITGβ4) is one of the integrin families that is engaged in the maintenance of the integrity of airway epithelial cells. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between ITGβ4 mRNA expression level and asthma susceptibility; and to analyze the relevance of atopic asthma with the alteration of ITGβ4mRNA expression level.Seventy five asthmatic patients and thirty age and gender matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Serum total IgE was measured by ELISA and mRNA expression of ITGβ4 was assessed by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) using real time PCR.. ITGβ4 mRNA expression was significantly down regulated with increased serum total IgE in patients with asthma compared to controls. Moreover, ITGβ4 expression was significantly reduced with increased total IgE in atopic asthmatics compared to non-atopic asthmatics.From this study, it could be concluded thatdown-regulation of ITGβ4 expression is associated with asthma susceptibility mainly in atopic cases irrespective of the degree of severity.
The title of the original article has been corrected to: Assessment of tumor necrosis factor alph... more The title of the original article has been corrected to: Assessment of tumor necrosis factor alpha polymorphism TNFα −238 (rs 361525) as a risk factor for development of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. The original article has been corrected to reflect the correct title.
Aim: To evaluate the effect of different anti-diabetic treatment strategy on oxidative stress mar... more Aim: To evaluate the effect of different anti-diabetic treatment strategy on oxidative stress markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subject and methods: A total of 93 patients with T2DM treated with metformin (G1 = 25), OHA (G2 = 22), OA and insulin (G3 = 26) and insulin alone (G4 = 20). In all patients, lipid profile and glycemic indices were assessed using routine laboratory tests. MDA and Oxidized LDL were assessed using commercially available ELISA kits. Laboratory tests were performed at baseline and at a control visit after 24 weeks of treatment. Results: A significant decrease in the levels of MDA with improvement of glycemic control was observed in the group receiving OHA in combination with insulin therapy. A similar decrease of oxLDL was observed in all diabetic subgroups with borderline significance in those receiving metformin alone. The remaining clinical and biochemical parameters were not changed during follow-up in any of the involved groups. Conclusion: A combination therapy with insulin was more effective in glycemic control and MDA reduction in T2DM. Whereas, a significant oxLDLc reduction was observed in T2DM irrespective of categories of antidiabetic treatment or glycemic control.
Studies showed that dentists and dental staff working with amalgam are chronically exposed to mer... more Studies showed that dentists and dental staff working with amalgam are chronically exposed to mercury that accumulates in their bodies in higher levels than those individuals not occupational exposed to mercury. Mercury levels in dental staff averaged at least 2 times that of control subjects in hair, nails, urine and blood. This study aimed to review long-standing mercury monitoring concentration in dental staff hair and nail in Makkah Saudi Arabia. 139 hair and nail samples were collected among male and female with average age ≥30 years. 83 samples were collected from dental staff working at different polyclinics and private clinics in Makkah region while 56 samples were collected from volunteers as control sample. Hair and nail samples were analysed using a Perkin Elmer (ICP-MS 7300). The study showed that in dental staff both males and females the mercury concentration in hair increased with age up to mid-30s, then gradually decrease. Moreover, the study found that mean hair mercury levels in both males and females were highest in individuals had preference of fish consumption ≥4.46 µg/l, followed by dental staff had a higher supplementation intake. While the nail mercury concentrations in both males and females were also higher in those individuals with high fish consumption (≥3.08 µg/l). The study approved a significant correlation between mercury levels in dental staff hair and nail, although conclusive evidence is lacking that directly correlates amalgam with adverse health effects, dental staff should remain knowledgeable about mercury release from amalgam through direct exposure.
American Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 2014
Dysregulation of maternal circulating adipocytokines has been implicated in several obstetrical s... more Dysregulation of maternal circulating adipocytokines has been implicated in several obstetrical syndromes including preeclampsia (PE). It has been suggested that adipocytokines provide a molecular link between metabolic derangements and inflammatory response in complicated pregnancies. We aimed in this study to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of Retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4) and Resistin with clinical, anthropometric and metabolic parameters of PE. This study included 3 groups: group 1 included 50 pregnant females with PE, group 2 included 50 healthy pregnant females and group 3 included 50 healthy non-pregnant female as a control group. For all groups anthropometric and clinical measurements were performed. Serum RBP-4, resistin, insulin were measured by ELISA and Insulin resistance was calculated by Hemostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR). Our results showed that serum RBP-4 and resistin concentrations were elevated in PE [39(33.25-40.87) ug/ml] & [61(23.5-91.87) ng/ml] compared to normal pregnancy [18.5(8-27.87) ug/ml] & [25.5(12.7-49.12) ng/ml). Moreover, RBP4 but not resistin levels were elevated in severe cases relative to mild cases of PE. Serum levels of RBP4 showed positive significant correlation with [SBP (r=0.38, p= 0.001) & DBP (r=0.32, p=0.01)] which are markers of severity. Fasting insulin was positively correlated with RBP-4 (p=0.04). By multiple linear regression analysis, serum RBP-4 levels were significantly and positively correlated with SBP (P=0.01), while markers of adiposity were not independently associated with resistin. Conclusion: RBP-4 and resistin were upregulated in PE, furthermore RBP-4 not resistin levels were independently associated with markers of severity of PE. However no clear relationship were observed between HOMA-IR with both RBP-4 and resistin and the role of Insulin resistance in PE was not clearly proved.
Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), Jan 22, 2018
The interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and their receptors promote vascular com... more The interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and their receptors promote vascular complications of diabetes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The soluble form of the receptor for the advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) has been studied as a vascular biomarker in various diseases with controversial results. Our aim was to evaluate the association of the serum levels of the AGEs and their receptor sRAGE with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the cardiovascular risk factors among HD patients. There were 130 HD patients and 80 age and gender matched control subjects were involved; 31.5% of the HD group were diabetic, which was an underlying cause of renal impairment; 36.1% had CVD, which was comprising 44.7% of diabetics and 55.3% of non-diabetic patients. The AGEs and sRAGE were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the lipid profile, glycemic indices, pre-dialysis renal function tests, and hemoglobin % (Hb) were evaluated. The results show tha...
Evidence shows that inflammatory and immune processes within the brain might account for the path... more Evidence shows that inflammatory and immune processes within the brain might account for the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Therefore, developing new antiepileptic drugs that can modulate seizures through mechanisms other than traditional drugs is required for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. This study aims to determine the relationship between brain inflammation and epilepsy, to examine the contribution of some biochemical parameters involved in brain inflammation, and to address the effect of pharmacological interventions using some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs in an experimental epilepsy model. Adult male rats were divided into seven groups of 20. G1 was the normal, non-treated control. G2 was the epileptic, non-treated group. G3-G7 were treated with celecoxib, methotrexate, azathioprine, dexamethasone, and valproate, respectively, for a period of three weeks. Induction of status epilepticus (SE) by Li-pilocarpine was performed on groups G2-G7. EEG tracing was conducted, and inflammatory mediators (brain and serum IL-1ß, IL 6, PGE2, HSP70, TGF-β2, and IFNγ) were measured. The induction of SE increased the amplitude and frequency of EEG tracing and inflammatory mediators more than in the normal control group. Treatments of epileptic rats reduced the frequency and amplitude of EEG tracing and significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators in some treated rats compared to G2. These findings demonstrate that some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs can lower the frequency and amplitude of seizures and reduce some inflammatory mediators in epilepsy treatments, strengthening the possibility that targeting these immunological and inflammatory pathways may represent another effective therapeutic approach to preventing epileptic seizures.
Background: Neuttrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) was shown to be a good marker for ... more Background: Neuttrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) was shown to be a good marker for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI). Some recent reports demonstrated that NGAL may be an early biomarker for kidney affection in diabetic patients. The aim of this work is to investigate urinary NGAL (UNGAL) in type 2 diabetic patients with and without albuminuria. Methods: This study included 46 type 2 diabetic patients and 15 healthy age and sex matched individuals as the control group. Diabetic patients were divided into three groups according to urinary albumin excretion (UAE), normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria. UNGAL was measured in all populations and corrected to urinary creatinine to account for day to day variation in urine volume and transformed log. Comparison between 4 groups (control, normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria) was done. Results: Log UNGAL/Creatinine ratio showed significant difference when comparing control group (0.70 ± 0.58) versus normoalbuminuria (1.71 ± 1.06), microalbuminuria (1.57 ± 0.72) and macroalbuminuria (1.92 ± 0.63), however, there was no significant difference among diabetic groups. Pearson's correlation showed that log UNGAL/Creatinine ratio positively correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and inversely with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Regression analysis showed that HbA1c, urinary creatinine and eGFR were the independent predictors of log UNGAL/Creatinine ratio. Conclusion: Tubular markers like UNGAL may be early elevated in type 2 diabetic patients even before the incidence of glomerular injury detected by microalbuminuria and it can be used as an early marker for detection of kidney involvement in diabetic patients.
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Papers by Abeer ALrefai
patients (odds ratios 24 and 4.9,p=0.001). The genotype GG and GA were significantly associated with [increased urinary KIM-1 (0.29–0.1) (p=0.0001), terminal creatinine (1.67–0.8) (p=0.0001)] and [increased
terminal urea (109–0.001) (p=0.001) and basal serum TNF (60–0.001) (p=0.0001)], respectively. In linear regression analysis, AKI 0.0001 (0.4–0.67), basal serum TNF 0.04 (0.0001–0.04), and TNF-308 GG0.007
(0.05–0.33) were associated with 28 days ICU mortality [pvalue (95% confidence interval)]. The same results were observed for initial urea 0.024 (0.0001–0.003) and lack of diuretic usage 0.0001 (0.35–0.7) mainly in septic patients. Major frequency ofTNF-308 G>A polymorphism (mainly in young age male patients), AKI and serum TNF were associated with increased risk for 28 days-ICU mortality. Furthermore, sepsis severity was influenced by TNF and urinary KIM-1, which reflects in AKI
patients (odds ratios 24 and 4.9,p=0.001). The genotype GG and GA were significantly associated with [increased urinary KIM-1 (0.29–0.1) (p=0.0001), terminal creatinine (1.67–0.8) (p=0.0001)] and [increased
terminal urea (109–0.001) (p=0.001) and basal serum TNF (60–0.001) (p=0.0001)], respectively. In linear regression analysis, AKI 0.0001 (0.4–0.67), basal serum TNF 0.04 (0.0001–0.04), and TNF-308 GG0.007
(0.05–0.33) were associated with 28 days ICU mortality [pvalue (95% confidence interval)]. The same results were observed for initial urea 0.024 (0.0001–0.003) and lack of diuretic usage 0.0001 (0.35–0.7) mainly in septic patients. Major frequency ofTNF-308 G>A polymorphism (mainly in young age male patients), AKI and serum TNF were associated with increased risk for 28 days-ICU mortality. Furthermore, sepsis severity was influenced by TNF and urinary KIM-1, which reflects in AKI