Selenium improved arsenic toxicity tolerance in two bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties by modulating growth, ion uptake, photosynthesis, and antioxidant profile.

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.); an important spice crop of the region is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants having many health benefits. Many biotic and abiotic factors contribute towards growth and yield losses of this crop. Arsenic (As) toxicity is a global issue, but it is particularly critical in developing countries. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of selenium (Se) in mitigating the toxic effects of As in two varieties (HSP-181 A and PS09979325) of Capsicum annuum L. Different concentrations of As (0, 50, and 100 µM) and Se (0, 5, and 10 µM) were tested using 14 days old seedlings of C. annuum L. The As stress caused a significant (P ≤ 0.001) reduction in growth, uptake of nutrients, and eco-physiological attributes in both varieties however, the response was specific. While the overproduction of osmo-protectants and antioxidants intensified the symptoms of oxidative stress. The maximum reduction in shoot length (45%), fresh weight (29%), and dry weight (36%) was observed in under 100 µM As stress. The organic acids exudation from the roots of both cultivars were significantly increased with the increase in As toxicity. The Se treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.001) improved growth, nutrient uptake, gas exchange attributes, antioxidant production, while decreased oxidative stress indicators, and As uptake in the roots and shoots of all the subjects under investigation. It is concluded from the results of this study that Se application increased photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant activity while decreasing As levels, organic acid exudation, and oxidative stress indicators in plants. Overall, the var. PS09979325 performed better and may be a good candidate for future pepper breeding program.

Neuroprotective role of medicinal plant extracts evaluated in a scopolamine-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Background:Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating neurological brain disease with memory impairment among the first signs. Scopolamine (SCO), a muscarinic receptor antagonist that disrupts cognition and memory acquisition, is considered a psychopharmacological AD model. We investigate the effectiveness of medicinal plants in mitigating the SCO-induced neurobehavioural damage in rats. Materials and Methods: Animals were injected with Scopolamine hydrobromide trihydrate (2.2 mg/kg IP.) daily for 2 months. Each treatment group was administered one of four medicinal spice extracts (Nigella sativa, 400 mg/kg; rosemary, 200 mg/kg; sage, 600 mg/kg and ginseng; 200 mg/kg 90 minutes after SCO injection. Animals were subjected to cognitive-behavioural tests (NOR, Y-maze and MWM). After the experiment, we extracted the brains for histopathological examination and biochemical assessment for oxidative stress (levels of TT, CAT and TBARS) and gene expression of acetylcholinesterase and brain monoamines. Results: As expected, SCO treatment impaired memory and cognition, increased oxidative stress, decreased neurotransmitters and caused severe neurodegenerative changes in the brain. Conclusion: Surprisingly, these effects were measurably moderated by the administration of all four plant extracts, indicating a neuroprotective action that we suggest could alleviate AD disease manifestations.

Effect of alginate matrix engineered to mimic the pancreatic microenvironment on encapsulated islet function.

Islet transplantation is emerging as a therapeutic option for type 1 diabetes, albeit, only a small number of patients meeting very stringent criteria are eligible for the treatment because of the side effects of the necessary immunosuppressive therapy and the relatively short time frame of normoglycemia that most patients achieve. The challenge of the immune-suppressive regimen can be overcome through microencapsulation of the islets in a perm-selective coating of alginate microbeads with poly-l-lysine or poly- l-ornithine. In addition to other issues including the nutrient supply challenge of encapsulated islets a critical requirement for these cells has emerged as the need to engineer the microenvironment of the encapsulation matrix to mimic that of the native pancreatic scaffold that houses islet cells. That microenvironment includes biological and mechanical cues that support the viability and function of the cells. In this study, the alginate hydrogel was modified to mimic the pancreatic microenvironment by incorporation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mechanical and biological changes in the encapsulating alginate matrix were made through stiffness modulation and incorporation of decellularized ECM, respectively. Islets were then encapsulated in this new biomimetic hydrogel and their insulin production was measured after 7 days in vitro. We found that manipulation of the alginate hydrogel matrix to simulate both physical and biological cues for the encapsulated islets enhances the mechanical strength of the encapsulated islet constructs as well as their function. Our data suggest that these modifications have the potential to improve the success rate of encapsulated islet transplantation.

The severity and atypical presentations of COVID-19 infection in pediatrics.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of 2019-nCoV attracted global attention and WHO declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. Therefore we aimed to explore the severity and atypical manifestations of COVID-19 among children. METHODS: This is an observational cohort study conducted on 398 children with confirmed COVID-19 by using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid during the period from March to November 2020. Patients were subdivided regarding the severity of COVID-19 presentation into Group I (Non-severe COVID-19) was admitted into wards and Group II (Severe COVID-19) admitted into the PICU. RESULTS: Non- severe cases were 295cases (74.1%) and 103cases (25.9%) of severe cases. There was a significant difference between age groups of the affected children (P < 0.001) with a median (0-15 years). Boys (52%) are more affected than girls (48%) with significant differences (P < 0.001). 68.6%of confirmed cases had contact history to family members infected with COVID-19. 41.7% of severe patients needed mechanical ventilation. Death of 20.4% of severe cases. In COVID-19 patients, fever, headache, fatigue and shock were the most prominent presentations (95, 60.3, 57.8, and 21.8% respectively). 3.5% of children were manifested with atypical presentations; 1.25% manifested by pictures of acute pancreatitis, 1.25% presented by manifestations of deep venous thrombosis and 1.0% had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Multivariate regression analysis showed that COVID-19 severity in children was significantly higher among children with higher levels of D-dimer, hypoxia, shock and mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Most children had a non-severe type of COVID-19 and children with severe type had higher levels of D-dimer, hypoxia, shock and mechanical ventilation.

Comparison of social behavior responses of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) to lethal and sublethal chlorpyrifos concentrations at different exposure times.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most widely used insecticides and has been found in both urban and rural water bodies. In this study, we studied variations in the social behavioral patterns, swimming behavior, and brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of Japanese medaka exposed to lethal (0.12mg/L) and sublethal (0.012mg/L) concentrations of CPF after different exposure times. Group behavior performance (schooling, shoaling, and solitary) was determined on day 4 of lethal exposure and on days 4, 8, and 12 of sublethal exposure. Swimming speed and brain AChE activity were measured on days 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 of sublethal CPF exposure. We observed significant decreases in social behavior and swimming speed (i.e., hypoactivity) in fish exposed to lethal CPF concentrations for 4 days. At the sublethal concentration, there was increased schooling duration and hyperactivity of fish on day 8 but not on day 4. In contrast, 12 days of sublethal CPF exposure resulted in social behavior responses similar to those after 4 days' lethal exposure, i.e., significant decreases in schooling frequency and duration with a notable increase in duration of solitary behavior. Brain AChE activity was inhibited in a time-dependent manner. Altered fish behavior in response to organophosphorus pesticides such as CPF may be mediated by more than AChE inhibition alone.

Prenatal developmental sequences of the esophageal epithelium in the New Zealand white rabbits: Light and electron microscopic analysis.

Several morphogenetic sequences occur during esophageal development and birth defects occur due to defects in foregut morphogenesis. This work aimed to record the cellular events in the morphogenesis of rabbits' esophageal epithelium. On the 16th day of gestation, the esophageal epithelium varied from stratified ciliated columnar to stratified squamous type. The surface epithelium presented mucous cells with mucigen granules of various sizes occupying their supranuclear cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic vacuolation was evident in all layers of the esophageal epithelium at this age. On the 18th gestational day, some light cells could be detected in the middle portion of the epithelium, while others occupied the whole epithelial length. On the 21st day, mucous cells are more frequently observed at the apical esophageal part as well as at the surface epithelium. Numerous elongated dark cells could be distinguished embedded between the basal cells. On the 24th gestational day the number of the mucous cells reached its peak. Reaching the 30th gestational day, several lamellar bodies, a keratinized layer and mitotic divisions could be demonstrated, and the number of both mucous and dark cells was greatly decreased. Collectively, detection of surface mucous and dark cells together with the non-cornified surface in some regions of the rabbit esophageal epithelium at the end of gestation ensure a postnatal development to reach the adult epithelium essential to sustain the passage of the harsh raw food. Future immunohistochemical studies are recommended to investigate the components of secretions in mucous cells and functional studies to highlight the dark cells significance. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Esophageal epithelium of fetal rabbit was analyzed by light and transmission microscopy. Surface epithelium presented mucous cells with mucigen granules of various sizes. They reached their maximum number on 24th day then decreased. On the 16th day, cytoplasmic vacuolation was evident in all epithelial layers. On the 21st day, numerous elongated dark cells could be distinguished embedded between the basal cells. Before birth, several lamellar bodies, a keratinized layer and mitotic divisions could be demonstrated, and the number of both mucous and dark cells was greatly decreased.

L-Proline: A Promising Tool for Boosting Cryotolerance and Fertilizing Ability of Cryopreserved Sperm in Animals.

Sperm cryopreservation technology significantly contributes to the safeguarding of genetic resources, particularly for endangered species, and supports the use of artificial insemination in domestic animals. Therefore, cryopreservation can negatively affect sperm health and function leading to reduce the freezing ability and fertility potential. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the improvement of cryotolerance in cryopreserved sperm to enhance reproductive efficiency and ensure sustainability in livestock herds. The main reason for sperm dysfunction after thawing may be related to the excessive amount of oxidative stress (OS) produced during cryopreservation. Scientists have different ways for counteracting this OS including the use of plant extracts, enzymes, minerals, anti-freezing proteins, and amino acids. Recently, one such amino acid is L-proline (LP), which has multiple roles such as osmotic and OS defense, nitrogen, and carbon metabolism, as well as cell survival and signaling. LP has been found in seminal plasma and has recently been added to the freezing extender to improve the various post-thaw parameters of sperm. This improvement is related to the ability of LP to reduce the OS, sustain the plasma membrane and to act as an osmoregulatory agent. Moreover, LP can suppress cell apoptosis by modulating intracellular redox in sperm. This review addresses the ongoing research on the addition of L-proline as an osmoregulatory agent in freezing extenders to increase the cryotolerance of animal spermatozoa to freeze-thaw.

Effect of controlled release of HGF on extracellular vesicle secretion by urine-derived stem cells.

Introduction: The hepatic growth factor (HGF) stimulates DNA synthesis and cell proliferation and plays a role in tissue protection and regeneration. In this study, we have examined the effect of incubation of HGF with urine-derived stem cells (USCs) on the secretion of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) by the cells. Materials and Methods: HGF in the incubation medium was either a bolus administration or a controlled release of an equivalent amount from microbeads within the size range of 50-200 µm made with ultrapurified low-viscosity high-guluronic acid (UP-LVG) alginate. USCs were incubated with or without HGF for 3 days or 7 days before removal of the incubation media, followed by harvesting sEV by the precipitation method. The protein content of isolated sEV was measured by bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) for these three groups: control (no HGF beads), bolus HGF, and HGF beads. We also performed nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Western blot assay, and ELISA for the HGF content of samples. Results: We found a significantly higher concentration of proteins in the HGF microbead group (control release group) compared to the bolus group and the control group after 7 days (p < 0.0017). The NTA data aligned with the BCA; they showed a significantly higher concentration of particles within the size range of sEV (<200 nm) in the group treated with HGF beads compared to the two other groups on day 7 (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: We found that administration of HGF to USCs by controlled release of the growth factor significantly enhances the levels of sEV secretion during 7 days of incubation.

Nano revolution in cardiovascular health: Nanoparticles (NPs) as tiny titans for diagnosis and therapeutics.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are known as life-threatening illnessescaused by severe abnormalities in the cardiovascular system. They are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide.Nanotechnology integrated substantialinnovations in cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic at the nanoscale. This in-depth analysis explores cutting-edge methods for diagnosing CVDs, including nanotechnological interventions and crucial components for identifying risk factors, developing treatment plans, and monitoring patients' progress with chronic CVDs.Intensive research has gone into making nano-carriers that can image and treat patients. To improve the efficiency of treating CVDs, the presentreview sheds light on a decision-tree-based solution by investigating recent and innovative approaches in CVD diagnosis by utilizing nanoparticles (NPs). Treatment choices for chronic diseases like CVD, whose etiology might take decades to manifest, are very condition-specific and disease-stage-based. Moreover, thisreview alsobenchmarks the changing landscape of employing NPs for targeted and better drug administration while examining the limitations of various NPs in CVD diagnosis, including cost, space, time, and complexity. To better understand and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the conversation moves on to the nano-cardiovascular possibilities for medical research.We also focus on recent developments in nanoparticle applications, the ways they might be helpful, and the medical fields where they may find future use. Finally, this reviewadds to the continuing conversation on improved diagnosis and treatment approaches for cardiovascular disorders by discussing the obstacles and highlighting the revolutionary effects of nanotechnology.

Journey into tomorrow: cardiovascular wellbeing transformed by nano-scale innovations.

Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for the vast majority of deaths and place enormous financial strains on healthcare systems. Gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and lipids are innovative nanomaterials promising in tackling CVDs. In the setting of CVDs, these nanomaterials actively impact cellular responses due to their distinctive properties, including surface energy and topographies. Opportunities to more precisely target CVDs have arisen due to recent developments in nanomaterial science, which have introduced fresh approaches. An in-depth familiarity with the illness and its targeted mechanisms is necessary to use nanomaterials in CVDs effectively. We support the academic community's efforts to prioritize Nano-technological techniques in addressing risk factors linked with cardiovascular diseases, acknowledging the far-reaching effects of these conditions. The significant impact of nanotechnology on the early detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases highlights the critical need for novel approaches to this pressing health problem, which is affecting people worldwide.

Accumulation of organotins in wharf roach (Ligia exotica Roux) and its ability to serve as a biomonitoring species for coastal pollution.

In this study, we measured the accumulation of tributyltin (TBT) in wharf roach (Ligia exotica Roux) and examined the species' ability to be used for TBT biomonitoring in coastal environments. In an exposure test, wharf roach were exposed to TBT via diet for 2d. TBT was accumulated in wharf roach, and its metabolite dibutyltin was detected. The concentrations of these compounds gradually decreased during the depuration period, but they were still detected 12d after exposure ceased (TBT 290±140ng/g; dibutyltin 1280±430ng/g). The biological half-life of TBT in wharf roach was estimated to be about 4d. In a field study conducted in 2011-2012, wharf roach were collected from 15 coastal sites in Japan and 3 sites in Manado, Indonesia. TBT was detected in both Japanese and Indonesian samples. The highest concentration of TBT was found in wharf roach collected at Bitung ferry port, Manado (57.9±16.5ng/g), which is close to a shipyard, and the highest concentration at a Japanese site was 12.3±6.2ng/g. Thus, we were able to detect organotins in the coastal environments by testing wharf roach, suggesting that L. exotica might serve as a good bioindicator for monitoring organotin pollution.

The Potential Role of Circulating Long Miscellaneous RNAs in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Hepatitis C Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are important regulators of gene expression and crucial for the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was designed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of the circulating long miscellaneous RNAs; LINC01419, AK021443, and AF070632 in HCV-related HCC patients. Real-time PCR was used to measure their relative expression levels in the plasma of 194 HCV patients, 120 HCV-related HCC patients and 120 healthy controls. LINC01419 and AK021443 expression levels had significantly increasing linear trend estimates while AF070632 was dramatically downregulated in HCC compared to HCV. Interestingly, LINC01419 and AK021443 served as more significant diagnostic biomarkers for HCC than AF070632 and AFP. Multivariate analysis with cox regression revealed that the high expression of AK021443 [HR = 10.06, CI95%: 3.36-30.07], the high expression of LINC01419 [HR 4.13, CI95%: 1.32-12.86], and the low expression of AF070632 [HR = 2.70, CI95%: 1.07-6.81] were significant potential prognostic factors for HCC. Besides, the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that HCC patients with high LIN01419 and AK021443 and low AF070632 expression levels had shorter OS. The circulating LINC01419 and AK021443 can be used as noninvasive potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of HCV-related HCC patients than AF070632 providing new targets for limiting the progression of the disease.

Perspectives and Challenges on the Potential Use of Exosomes in Bioartificial Pancreas Engineering.

Exosomes are enclosed within a single outer membrane and exemplify a specific subtype of secreted vesicles. Exosomes transfer signalling molecules, including microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNA (mRNA), fatty acids, proteins, and growth factors, making them a promising therapeutic tool. In routine bioartificial pancreas fabrication, cells are immobilized in polymeric hydrogels lacking attachment capability for cells and other biological cues. In this opinion article, we will discuss the potential role that exosomes and their specific biofactors may play to improve and sustain the function of this bioartificial construct. We will particularly discuss the challenges associated with their isolation and characterization. Since stem cells are an attractive source of exosomes, we will present the advantages of using exosomes in place of stem cells in medical devices including the bioartificial pancreas. We will provide literature evidence of active biofactors in exosomes to support their incorporation in the matrix of encapsulated islets. This will include their potential beneficial effect on hypoxic injury to encapsulated islets. In summary, we propose that the biofactors contained in secreted exosomes have significant potential to enhance the performance of islets encapsulated in polymeric material hydrogels with perm-selective properties to provide immunoisolation for islet transplants as an insulin delivery platform in diabetes.

IL28B, TLR7 SNPs, and cytomegalovirus infection are risk factors for advanced liver disease in chronic hepatitis C patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to study the association of IL28B, toll-like receptor (TLR) 7, cytomegalovirus and advanced liver disease. METHODS: Four groups were included; control (n = 125, 25.9%), CHC (n = 114, 23.6%), liver cirrhosis (n = 120, 24.8%), and HCC (n = 124, 25.7%). RESULTS: In CHC group, patients were mainly F1 (60%) followed by F2. IL28B genotype CC percentage was higher in control group than the CHC and cirrhosis groups. CT and TT genotypes were higher in the CHC and cirrhosis groups than control group. The C allele was higher in the control group than the CHC, cirrhosis and HCC groups and the opposite with the T allele. Control and CHC had same TLR7 alleles. Cirrhosis patients and HCC had lower TLR 7 A allele and higher G allele than the control group. Both cirrhosis and HCC groups had statistically significant higher percentage of the AG and GG genotypes than the control group. Patients with HCC had higher cytomegalovirus infection percentage than cirrhosis and CHC group (38.7% vs 20% vs 16.7%), respectively. CONCLUSION: IL28B, TLR7 SNPs and cytomegalovirus infection are risk factors for advanced liver disease in hepatitis C patients.

Effect of Alginate Microbead Encapsulation of Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Their Immunomodulatory Function.

In this research we have used different cytokines and progesterone to enhance the immunomodulatory capacity of placental-derived stem cells (PLSCs) prior to their encapsulation. We assessed the effect of microencapsulation of the cells without (control) or after 3-day treatment with interferon gamma (INFγ), interleukin10 (IL-10), or progesterone (P4). Treated PLSCs demonstrated strong immunosuppressive effects on phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs). INFγ treatment resulted in the strongest immune inhibition among the treated groups. The treatments enhanced soluble human leukocyte antigen (sHLAG) secretion compared to control. The IL-10-treated group showed the highest effect on HLAG secretion compared to other groups. Alginate encapsulation of PLSCs did not affect cell viability, or sHLAG secretion. Also, after treatment the encapsulated PLSCs inhibited PHA-activated PBMNCs in the same manner as unencapsulated cells. We studied two groups of encapsulated PLSCs, one without perm-selective poly-L-ornithine (PLO)-coating and the other with PLO-coating, and measured levels of sHLAG secreted. We found no difference in sHLAG secretion between both groups. In summary, our data show that immunomodulatory function of the PLSC is not affected by encapsulation. These findings provide good promise for potential use of encapsulated PLSCs for immunomodulation treatment of disease by stem cell therapy.

Deltamethrin and Its Nanoformulations Induce Behavioral Alteration and Toxicity in Rat Brain through Oxidative Stress and JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway.

Deltamethrin (DM) is the most powerful synthetic pyrethroid that has toxicity to the central nervous system and results in behavioral changes in both animals and humans. This effect is mediated by inducing alterations in the action of neurotransmitters and brain pathological changes. Nanocarrier encapsulated pesticides may decrease the toxicity of pesticides. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of an inorganic metal carrier (silica Nps) and polymeric capsule (chitosan Nps) of deltamethrin nano-formulations on antioxidant levels and oxidative stress in the brain and on behavior of the male albino rat. Sixty male albino rats were equally divided into four groups. Group I: control group; group II given DM liquefied in corn oil at 3.855 mg/kg BW; group III receiving silica-loaded deltamethrin (S/DM Nps) at 8.795 mg/kg BW; and group IV: given chitosan encapsulated deltamethrin (CS/DM Nps) at 30.44 mg/kg BW. All treatments were given orally for four weeks. Following this, behavioral tests were conducted to record locomotor activity, anxiety like behaviors, exploration, and the short memory of rats. In addition, brain antioxidant/oxidant, serum neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine esterase (AchE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO), JAK2 and STAT3 gene and proteins expression were measured. The DM group showed a highly significant elevation in malondialdehyde content, MAO, AchE, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and the expression level of neurogenic genes, JAK2 and STAT3, in comparison with the control group. Both S/DM Nps and CS/DM Nps significantly decreased MAO, AchE, and VEGF compared with the DM group. Moreover, both S/DM Nps and CS/DM Nps significantly decreased the gene and proteins expression of JAK2 and STAT3 compared with the DM group. These alterations were evidenced by the deficiency in memory and learning behaviors that were accompanied by histopathological findings of the hippocampus and the cortex. It was concluded that the nano formulations containing DM induced less neurobehavioral toxicity than free DM. Additionally, the use of nanocarriers reduced the damage to health and the environment.

Hydrothermal assisted biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles: A potential study on virulent candida isolates from COVID-19 patients.

Till now the exact mechanism and effect of biogenic silver nanoparticles on fungus is an indefinable question. To focus on this issue, the first time we prepared hydrothermal assisted thyme coated silver nanoparticles (T/AgNPs) and their toxic effect on Candida isolates were determined. The role of thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) in the reduction of silver ions and stabilization of T/AgNPs was estimated by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, structure and size of present silver nanoparticles were detected via atomic force microscopy as well as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The biological activity of T/AgNPs was observed against Candida isolates from COVID-19 Patients. Testing of virulence of Candida species using Multiplex PCR. T/AgNPs proved highly effective against Candida albicans, Candida kruzei, Candida glabrata and MIC values ranging from 156.25 to 1,250 µg/mL and MFC values ranging from 312.5 to 5,000 µg/mL. The structural and morphological modifications due to T/AgNPs on Candida albicans were detected by TEM. It was highly observed that when Candida albicans cells were subjected to 50 and 100 µg/mL T/AgNPs, a remarkable change in the cell wall and cell membrane was observed.

The association between micro-RNA gene polymorphisms and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients.

INTRODUCTION: The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multistage process involving the deregulation of genes that are crucial to cellular processes. Multiple risk factors are correlated with HCC. MicroRNA is differentially expressed in the development of different types of malignancies, including hepatic malignancy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common sequence variation in the human genome. SNPs in miRNAs may affect transcription, processing, or target recognition and result in malignant disease. The aim of the study was to determine the association between microRNA gene polymorphisms and the development of HCC in Egyptian patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 200 individuals who were matched in age and sex. Tumour staging was done using the BCLC staging system. Quantification and genotyping of microRNA were performed. RESULTS: Among the 200 patients, 2 groups were described: group I included 90 HCC patients with a male majority (72.2%), and group II comprised 110 controls. Three microRNA SNPs were assayed in both patients and controls. There was a significant association between rs10061133 miR-499b and the risk of HCC. The genotypes GG or G allele were significantly associated with an increased risk of HCC (GG: OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.23-4.22, p = 0.013; G allele: OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.12-2.15, p = 0.026) compared with the genotype of AA or AG or A allele. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between the miRNA SNPs and the susceptibility to HCC, to explore some roles and mechanisms of SNPs within miRNAs in the occurrence and development of HCC.

The Potential Utility of Circulating Oncofetal H19 Derived miR-675 Expression versus Tissue lncRNA-H19 Expression in Diagnosis and Prognosis of HCC in Egyptian Patients.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Interestingly, lncRNA-H19 acts independently in HCC and influences miR-675 expressions. We aimed to assess the potential utility of tissue lncRNA-H19 versus miR-675 expressions as a non-invasive biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis in Egyptian patients. Ninety-one HCC patients and 91 controls included in this study were investigated for expression of lncRNA-H19 and miR675 using RT-qPCR. Our results showed that the expression of lncRNA-H19 and microRNA-675 were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001 for both). Additionally, lncRNA-H19 expression was higher in tumorous than in non-tumorous tissue (p < 0.001). Linear regression revealed that miR-675 expression was a significantly higher positive predictor than lncRNA-H19 for tumor size, pathologic grade, and AFP level; similarly, for cyclin D1 and VEGF protein expression. By using the ROC curve, the sensitivity of miR-675 was higher than lncRNA-H19 for discriminating HCC from controls (95-89%, respectively) and the sensitivity of lncRNA-H19 was higher in tumorous than in non-tumorous tissues (76%). The high expressions of both were associated with low OS (p < 0.001, 0.001, respectively). Oncofetal H19-derived miR-675 expression could be considered a potential noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, outstanding the performance of the expression of tissue lncRNA-H19 for HCC.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Elderly Patients with Pruritus.

INTRODUCTION: For elderly, pruritus is considered the most common complaint in outpatient clinic. Pruritus occurs in association with primary skin disorders and can also be caused by many diseases and drugs. The aim of the work was to study clinical and laboratory characteristics of elderly patients with pruritus in Sohag, Egypt. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 patients aged ≥60 years of both sexes complaining of pruritus and 160 age- and sex-matched patient group complaining of non-pruritic dermatological diseases. CBC, ESR, renal function tests, serology for HBV and HCV and blood glucose levels were done routinely in all patients (both groups). Skin biopsy was done in some selected cases. RESULTS: The mean duration of pruritus was 4.23 ± 4.9 months and was generalized in 73.8% of cases with moderate severity in 35.1% with winter exacerbation in 20%. Dermatological causes of pruritus were detected in 54.2%, followed by systemic causes in 29.8%. Eczema was the most common skin cause of senile itching in 33.7%, while renal diseases were the most common systemic cause in 46.2%. CONCLUSION: Senile pruritus is a common problem in elderly. Early and proper management is mandatory to improve their quality of life.