Signaling Mechanisms Regulating Fibroblast Activation, Phenoconversion and Fibrosis in the Heart.

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) maintain the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) through myocardial remodelling. The remodelling process can become dysregulated during various forms of heart disease  which leads to an overall accumulation of ECM. This results in cardiac fibrosis which increases the risk of heart failure in many patients. During heart disease, quiescent CFs undergo phenoconversion to an activated cell type called cardiac myofibroblasts (CMFs). Factors influencing phenoconversion include transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) which via SMADs (small mothers against decapentaplegic) activates the myofibroblast marker gene αSMA (α smooth muscle actin). Signaling molecules as diverse as NAD(P)H oxidase 4 (Nox4) and Wnt have been found to interact with TGF-β signalling via SMADs. Pathways, including FAK/TAK/JNK and PI3K/Akt/rac have also been implicated in activating phenoconversion of fibroblasts. Another major contributor is mechanical stress exerted on CFs by ECM changes, which involves activation of ERK and subsequent αSMA expression. Other factors, such as the mast cell protease tryptase and the seeding density also affect the phenoconversion of fibroblast cultures in vitro. Further, reversal of myofibroblast phenotype has been reported by a negative regulator of TGF-β, Ski, as well as the hormone relaxin and the second messenger cAMP. Targeting the signaling molecules involved in promoting phenoconversion of CFs to CMFs presents a possible method of controlling cardiac fibrosis. Here, we provide a brief review of signaling mechanisms responsible for phenoconversion and identify critical targets for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

A preliminary molecular study on protein profile of vital organs: A new direction for post mortem interval determination.

Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most important tasks in Forensic Medicine. Six autopsy organ tissues such as brain, lungs, heart, liver, pancreas and kidney were taken at the time of forensic autopsy. All the proteins present in the tissues were extracted and the protein profile was analyzed on the sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) starting from 0 day to 10th day after death. The protein profiles showed a consistent degradation pattern which was consistent and reproducible in all the samples with respect to the time interval. In conclusion, the protein profile of the vital body organs appears to be a useful method for estimating the post mortem interval up to 10th day. Advantage of this approach over others is that it can detect the post mortem interval over a long interval (0 - 10 days) with an easily detectable pattern of protein profile.

Histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies of experimental heterophyiasis in dogs and the protecting role of praziquantel

Parasitic diseases are associated with oxidative stress leading to DNA damage and apoptosis. Study of apoptosis pathway in heterophyiasis can help in treatment and prevention of pathological changes in tissues. Evaluation of the role of caspase 3 pathway in apoptosis, DNA changes and the role of praziquantel in heterophyiasis. Study design included experimental infection of dogs with encysted metacercariae of H. heterophyes followed by treatment with praziquantel. Tissue samples from the small intestine and the heart, before and after treatment, were stained for histopatholgical, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies. DNA damage was detected in infected tissues by histochemical stains, while apoptotic changes were detected in histopathological and immunohistochemical stained tissues. These changes were reversible with treatment by praziquantel. DNA and tissue damage due to heterophyiasis can be corrected by praziquantel treatment

hypolipidemic properties of Doum palm fruit and its aqueous extracts on experimental animals

Doum palm fruits are rich in fiber, sugars and polyphenols, and has many health benefits. The doum beverages are widely consumed in Egypt and other countries. The hypolipidemic properties of doum and its aqueous extract as well as sensory evaluation of pan bread made with doum were studied. The full doum powder doum waste powder and hot aqueous extract of doum were used in making pan bread enriched with 5 or 10% of each. The same additives were used in the preparation of a high fat diet for rats. The obtained results showed that, doum palm fruit contain 3.15% protein, 17.64% fiber. 0.23% total polyphenols and 13.9% tree sugars. All formulas of pan bread were accepted for sensory evaluation and recorded high scores in the overall acceptability ranging from 80 to 86.2%. The biological evaluation of the doum additives showed that, groups 3 [5% doum waste] gave a high beneficial effect where it showed reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, total lipids, glucose, urea and glutamic pyruvic transaminase [GPT] by 42.15, 54.54, 25.84, 17.86, 25.69 and 6.10% respectively. Also, group 5[5% aqueous extract] showed significant reduction in triglycerides, total lipids, GPT and sodium by 61.85. 35.39, 13.68 and 9.56% respectively. The histopathological examination of liver and heart of the rats fed on doum showed protection and lower changes compared to those of high fat diet [Positive control group]

effect of aerobic rehabilitation program on concentration of ferritin, iron, tibc and cardiovascular operation in the young patients suffering from major thalassemia

Thalassemia is a type of genetic disease that is classified in the group of heritable anemia. Due to anemia hemoglobin level decreases and blood transfusion is used to composed that finally results in excessive iron content. In order to eliminate the excessive iron, Desfral is prescribed. The excessive iron creates undesirable complications on liver, heart and endocrine glands tissues. The most important complication in the patients suffering from thalassemia is restrictive cardiomyopathy and rhythm disorders and cardiac blockage insufficiency. Determination of the effect of aerobic rehabilitation program on density of Ferritin, Iron, TIBC and cardiovascular operation in the young adult patients with major thalassemia. This research performed in semi experimental method on 15 patients 10 to 16 yearsold suffering from thalassemia with history of 9 to 15 years were studied in a 50- individual population. Research process for these patients was performed in three sections of pretest, during test and posttest. Research data were analyzed with correlation method and X[2] test. Average blood ferritin after first sport test and an eight-week aerobic program was decreased considerably as compared with rest [P<0.05] and blood iron after sport test and after aerobic practices as compared with rest time showed significant decreased [P<0.05]. In heart beat frequency domain in the duration of rest after aerobic practices, progressive decrease was observed [P<0.05]. The effective aerobic rehabilitation program in patients with major thalasemia should be managed based on medical examination and balk sport test. Despite of the creasing aeron and ferritin load, it can cause a freshness mentality during blood transfusion and desferal administration physical practices in the safe physiologic domain, the harmful effect of excessive iron on heart decreases and therefore their cardiovascular operation improves

Effect of date Palm pollen grain and Date Pits on reducing blood glucose of diabetic rats

Many herbal medicines have been recommended for the treatment of diabetes. The antidiabetic effect of date pits powder and date pollen grains powder investigated in normal and Alloxan -induced diabetic rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups, first group as normal rats, 2 as diabetic rats without treatment, 3 fed on 25% of date pits powder and 4 fed on 2% of date pollen grains powder. The nutritional experiment was continued for 45 days. Blood samples of non-diabetic and diabetic rats were collected, after 3 days, 15 days and 45 days from administration of Alloxan where serum glucose change were estimated. Other biochemical assays were estimated after 3 days and 45 days only. The results show that the basal diet supplemented by date pits powder and date pollen grains powder induced a decrease in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids and increase in urea and creatinine. The basal diet supplemented with date pits powder or date pollen grains powder showed decrease in weights of liver, kidney and pancreas. While, it showed increase in heart weight. The results from histopathology show no changes in kidney, heart, spleen and pancreas. But, the liver in experimental rats fed on 2% date pollen grains powder showed no change except activation of kupffer cells

Induction toxoplasma gondii in goats

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was investigated in goats slaughtered for food in various areas of the Giza province. Egypt. Two hundred and thirty blood samples collected from the slaughtered goats were used for the serologic diagnosis of T. goadii infection by the modified agglutination test [MAT] with cut-off value 1:25. The antibodies to T. gondii good/i were found in 44.3% [102/230] of goat sera. Experimental infection of goats with the infective stages of both locally isolated and RH strains of T. gondii was carried out. Persistence of T. gondii tissue cysts and lesions were demonstrated in the different tissues and organs of the experimentally infected goats by the histo-pathological examination, This study is the 1st assay of toxoplasmosis in Egyptian goats by MAT and is the unique successful determination of the T. gondii infective stages within the experimentally infected goat tissues by the histo-pathological examination. Consequently the finding results obtained scope the public health significance of goat meat as source of human infection

outbreak of urolithiasis [gout] in a commercial layers flock: diagnosis and control

This study was conducted during an outbreak of urolithiasis of [gout] in a flock of caged layers. The clinical findings of the condition were depression, emaciation, dehydration and decrease in egg production 13%. Mortality rate was 15%. The necropsy findings of dead birds showed white chalk-like deposits covering the surface of various abdominal organs as well as the pericardium kidney tissue swollen and covered with white urate. Diagnosis was made by feed analysis which showed excess of calcium 4.27%, characteristic necropsy findings, and response to the treatment

When can carnosine be the magic stick for lead-induced tissue damage? A toxicological biochemical histological study on albino rats

This study aimed at the assessment of the possible level of defence line of carnosine in chronic lead exposure. Evaluation of the possible relation of antioxidants and other functioning enzymes versus chronic lead exposure is also to be percussed. For this purpose, the study included two parts: Part [1]: was performed to deduce the correlation between the dose of carnosine and the different biochemical parameters measured in the studied tissues; Part [2]: was a long term study in which [56] male Wistar albino rats, divided into [6] groups, eight in each group: Group [1]: Negative control; Group [2]: Rats were treated with carnosine in a dose of 0.05 mg/g rat; Group [3]: Rats were treated with carnosine in a dose of 0.12 mg/ g rat; Group [4]: Comprised rats treated with lead acetate in a dose of [0.01 mg/g rat]; Group [5]: Included rats treated with lead [0.01 mg/g rat] and carnosine [0.05 mg/g rat]; Group [6]: Included rats treated with lead [0.01 mg/g rat] and carnosine [0.12 mg/g rat]. Treatment was performed daily for 6 days/ week for 5 months. The neural [brain] and visceral [heart, kidneys and liver] tissues were collected and different biochemical variables were determined; as well as a histological examination. In all the studied tissues, carnosine would only act as a free radical scavenger in the low dose only; and it could be used as an adjuvant in a low dose with chelating agents, since it cannot chelate lead in the brain tissue. Renal impairment was most probably a direct action of carnosine in a high dose on renal tissue, rather than being a result of lead intoxication. On the other hand, when carnosine was given in a small dose, it acted as a free radical scavenger. In the liver, carnosine in a small dose could not act as a chelator for lead, while in a high dose, it acts as a chelating agent. On the contrary, in a small dose, carnosine acts as a free radical scavenger but not in the high dose. Overall, carnosine cannot prevent the production of free radicals but can scavenge them only in a small dose

Hematological and cardiac effects of excess zinc in rats

In this work administration of zinc sulphate at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day. 6 days/week for 4 successive weeks, resulted in significant decrease in RBCs count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit value and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in zinc treated group compared to control group. Biochemical studies showed significant decrease in plasma triglyceride, and malondialdehyde levels in zinc treated group compared to control group. However, non significant difference was found between the two groups as regards plasma zinc level. ECG study demonstrated significant increase in heart rate [HR] in zinc treated group compared to control group. This was accompanied by shortening of QRS and prolongation in Q-Tc durations in zinc treated group compared to control group. In vitro study of isolated hearts perfused in a Langendorff preparation, significant increase in basal HR was shown in zinc treated group compared to control group. The maximal HR upon isoproterenol infusion [ISU], when expressed as percentage ratio from baseline values, showed significant decrease in zinc treated group compared to control group. As regards baseline peak tension [PT] and peak tension/left ventricular weight [PT/LV,], significant increase was found in zinc treated group compared to control group. Also, the PT maximal response upon ISU infusion, either absolute or upon correction of left ventricular weight, showed significant increase in zinc treated group. Significant shortening in baseline time to peak tension [TPT] and half relaxation time [l/2RT,] were noticed in zinc treated group compared to control group. However, basal myocardial flow rate [MFR] as well as MFR/L V showed non significant difference between the 2 studied groups. Post ischemic reperfusion responses showed non significant difference as regards HR between the 2 studied groups. The recovery of PT and PT/LV were significantly higher at 20, 25, and 30 minutes of reperfusion in zinc treated group compared to control group. As regard TPT reperfusion values, significant prolongation at 10 minute was noticed in zinc treated group compared to control group. However 1/2RT, MFR and MFR/LV reperfusion values, non significant differences were recorded between the two studied groups. From this study, it can be concluded that zinc administration at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 4 successive weeks, has a protective effect against the risk of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress in vivo. Also, zinc treatment maintained or even enhanced the intrinsic cardiac functions, both chronotropic and inotropic, and their responses to B-adrenergic stimulation. In addition, zinc proved to be a beneficial cardioprotective agent as it attenuated the detrimental effects of post-ischemia reperfusion on the myocardial contractility

Histological changes in some organs of albino rats Fed on two pomegranate varieties by-products

The Present study was performed to evaluate the dietary effect of two pomegranate varieties by-products [Seeds and peels] on the histological picture of some organs of albino rats, namely: Liver, kidney, heart and spleen. The Wardy and Manfalouty pomegranate varieties were used. Likewise, their dietary effect on the weights of those organs was estimated. Thirty adult male albino rats [Sprague Dawley Strain] weighting between [100 and 120g] provided from the Animal House, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University were housed individually in wire cages under the normal laboratory conditions and fed on the basal diet for a week as adaptation period. The rats were randomly allocated into 5 main groups of 6 rats each. Daily administration were continued for one month. One group was used as control and was fed the basal diet, while the other 4 groups were fed the supplemented pomegranate by-products diets.It is note-worthy that the changes taking place in the studied organs revealed a significant increase in liver weight. However, both kidney, heart and spleen recorded a significant decrease in their weights. The histological characteristics of liver revealed preservation of the normal hepatic architecture which means that the pomegranate by-products exhibited protective effect and not toxic effect on the liver. Meanwhile, the histological examination postulated that the noticed enlargement of the lymphoid follicles and the increase in its number in splenic sections of rats fed by the pomegranate varieties by-products [seeds and peels] might have a role in increasing the immune system activity. On the other hand, a dilatation of the glomerular capillaries of the glomerular tuft in the kidney of rats on the treated group were noticed compared to the control group, which could be attributed to the increase in the blood flow within the glomerular capillaries and so increasing the glomerular filtrates. Furthermore, the histological examination of treated groups revealed vasodilatation of the myocardial blood vessels and the coronary blood vessels compared to the control groups clarifying the anti- atherosclerotic effects of pomegranate by-products [seeds and peels]. In conclusion, pomegranate by-products have beneficial effect on different organs and could be supplemented to foods with promising healthful impact

Pathological and molecular studies on avian leukosis virus subgroup [J] in chicken parents flocks

The present study was carried out on 10 parent chickens flocks collected from different provinces. The examined cases were classified into 47 commercial layers and 198 broiler parents to study the gross and microscopical lesions of different tumors induced by avian leukosis subgroup-J [ALV-J] in broiler breeders and layers flocks. Serological tests were conducted on 245 serum samples to detect the antibodies of ALV-J. Polymerase chain reaction PCR was carried out on tissue samples to confirm the presence of DNA of ALV subgroup J. Myeloid leukosis was recorded in four broiler flocks induced by the novel sub group-J of ALV. Pathological findings of infected parent chickens flocks revealed multiple neoplastic nodules in different organs including liver, kidney, gonads, intestine, skeletal muscle and bone. Histologically, the main constituent of tumor lesions was mature and immature myelocytes. Nephroblastoma was considered as the first recorded cases in Egyptian broiler parent flocks affected with ALV subgroup J. The results of this work concluded that the histopathological examination plays a crucial and decisive role in diagnosing different types of neoplasm caused by avian leukosis virus subgroup-J. The application of PCR test verified the presence of DNA of ALV-J that induced the tumors of myeloid leukosis

Comparative study between the toxic effects of rofecoxib and harpagophytum procumbens extract on adult albino rats

The highly selective cyclo- oxygenase II [COX-II] inhibitors could alleviate pain and inflammation and have fewer side effects than conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]. Herpagophytum Procumbens has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with various types of arthritis. The aim of this work was to perform a comparison between the toxic effects of Rofecoxib and Harpagophytum Procumbens [herpago] on adult male albino rats. This study included 170 adult male albino rats divided into 5 groups. Group I, II and III were used as control groups [-ve control group, Gum acacia group and distilled water group]: each consisted of 30 rats remained for 6 weeks. Group IV [rofecoxib group]: consisted of 40 rats, each rat was gavaged with 1.8 mg rofecoxib/rat [double human therapeutic dose] once daily for 6 weeks. Group V [herpago group]: consisted of 40 rats, each rat was gavaged with 86.4 mg herpago/rat [double human therapeutic dose] once daily for 6 weeks. At the end of six weeks: ten rats from rofecoxib [IV] and herpago [V] groups and fifteen rats from each control group [I, II and III] were used for blood pressure measuring. Another ten rats from groups IV and V and fifteen rats from I, II and Ill were used for biochemical and histopathological studies. The remaining rats of both groups IV and V were left for another 6 weeks without drug administration for follow up. At the end of this period the follow up rats were examined as above. Groups I, II and III showed no abnormal findings without statistically significant difference between them [P>0.05]. In rofecoxib group an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures [SBP, DBP] were detected with a significant difference when compared with -ve control group [P<0.001], while herpago group showed a decrease in SBP and DBP with a statistically significant difference when compared with the -ve control group [P<0.001]. After 6 weeks of follow up, the SBP and DBP of rofecoxib and herpago groups showed no significant difference when compared with the -ve control group [P>0.05]. After 6 weeks of treatment there were an increase in serum Na+ and K+ levels with a decrease in serum pH and HCO3- with a statistically significant difference in rofecoxib group when compared with the -ve control group [P<0.001]. Herpago group showed no abnormal findings in the above mentioned biochemical, parameters. Six weeks after the discontinuation of rofecoxib administration the Na+ level returned to its control level and gave no significant difference when compared with the -ye control group [P>0.05]. Serum K+, HCO3- and pH levels improved but didn't reach to the control level and gave significant difference when compared with the -ve control group [P<0.05]. Macroscopically, no abnormal findings in the heart gastro- intestinal tract [GIT] were detected in all tested groups. With rofecoxib group, microscopical examination of the cardiac sections showed ischemic changes with atrophy of cardiac muscles. Herpago group showed no histopathological abnormalities on microscopical examination. After 6 weeks of follow up histopathological examination of the heart in rofecoxib group showed disappearance of the ischaemic changes. The cardiac muscles regain its normal thickness and length. Histopathological examination of the stomach and small intestine of rofecoxib group showed different degrees of affection varies from edema of lamina propria and vascular congestion to loss of superficial epithelium [erosion] and peptic ulcer. Herpago group showed no histopathological abnormalities in the GIl. After 6 weeks of follow up in rofecoxib group partial healing of erosions and ulcers occur and the mucosa regained its normal thickness. It could be concluded that rofecoxib is more toxic than herpago and its toxic effects were partially reversible after its discontinuation

Using green tea in controlling structural disorders of radiation in some organs in male albino rats

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on dietary and medicinal phytochemical that inhibit, reverse, or retard diseases caused by oxidative and inflammatory processes. Green tea polyphenols have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and protective roles of green tea when taken one week before exposure of adult male albino rats to whole body gamma irradiation [6.0Gy]. The present work was designed to study the structural changes and alteration in organs: kidney, testes, spleen and heart induced by radiation. The main results obtained were: Microscopical examination of irradiated kidney revealed atrophy in glomerular tuft and hyperaemia between renal tubules. Also, irradiated testes showed destruction in seminiferous tubules, degeneration of spermatogonia and disappearance of some spermatogenic cells. Thickening of capsule wall and trabeculae with few lymphocytes in white pulp were observed in spleen tissue. Heart of irradiated male rat showed damage in myocardic muscles. The results indicated that pretreatment of rats with green tea orally before exposure to radiation exerted noticeable amelioration in the tested organs: kidney, testes, spleen and heart

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular function and structure in subtotal nephrectomized rats and on the progression of renal failure

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of premature death in patients with end stage renal disease, possibly due to a specific [uremic cardiomyopathy]. Furthermore, uremia is a state of increased oxidative stress. Thus, this study was designed to determine whether alpha-tocopherol [a known anti-oxidant] can interfere with the development of abnormal cardiovascullar function and structure in subtotal nephrectomized [STNx] rats, and whether it can modulate progression of renal failure after its supplementation to STNx rats. Thirty two male albino rats were subjected to partial renal ablation [subtotal nephrectomy; STNx], or to sham operation [n = 11]. STNx rats were either left untreated [n = 11], or received the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol at a dose of 200 mg/Kg body weight/day, orally [n = 10]. This study was terminated after 12 weeks from the renal ablation, blood pressure was measured, blood samples were collected for estimation of hemoglobin level, plasma malondialdehyde, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Then, followed by ischemia reperfusion of isolated hearts, the weights of whole heart and left ventricle were estimated. The hearts, kidneys, and aortae were subjected to histopathological examinations. Results of the present study showed significant elevation in blood pressure in untreated STNx group compared to treated STNx group, and to sham-operated group [149 +/- 7.6 versus 106 +/- 4.3 and 111 +/- 6.2 mmHg, respectively]. In vitro study of isolated hearts perfused in a Langendorff preparation showed a significant reduction in baseline peak tensions [PT] in untreated and treated STNx group compared to sham-operated group [9.5 +/- 0.9] and 10.4 +/- 1.2 versus 15.2 +/- 1.6 g. respectively]. Also, a significant prolongation of baseline time to peak tensions [TPT] in untreated and treated STNx group were, shown compared to sham-operated group [82 +/- 7.4 and 72 +/- 6.1 versus 40 +/- 3.0 msec, respectively]. In addition, untreated STNx group showed significant decrease in baseline myocardial flow rate in comparison to sham-operated group. After ischemia and reperfusion, heart rate [HR] recovery at 30 minute of reperfusion in untreated STNx group was worse than that in sham-operated group. As well peak developed tension, time to peak tension and myocardial flow rate recoveries at 30 minute of reperfusion in untreated STNx group were worse compared to sham operated group, and to treated STNx group. Biochemical studies confirmed that there were significant elevation in plasma malondialdehyde, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in untreated STNx group compared to treated STNx group [5.5 +/- 0.38 versus 3.5 +/- 0.29 umol/L], [1.6 +/- 0.1 versus 0.7 +/- 0.05 mg/dl], [49.2 +/- 3.0 versus 26.3 +/- 1.7 mg/dl, respectively]. In addition, untreated STNx group showed significant reduction in hemoglobin level compared to treated STNx group and to sham-operated group [8.3 +/- 0.5 versus 10.4 +/- 0.8 and 11.9 +/- 0.3 g%, respectively]. Histopathological examinations showed glomerulosclerosis and thick basement membrane in remnant kidney models in untreated STNx group, also thick aortic intima with left ventricular hypertrophy were also observed in untreated STNx rats, events inhibited by vitamin E administration to STNx rats

Chromium, the natural lipid-modulating therapy, protects the rat myocardium against ischemic-reperfusion hazards

This study was carried out on 20 male albino rats weighing 200-250 grams each. They were divided into 2 groups: Group I [n = 10], used as control; Group II [n = 10], chromium supplemented rats at a dose of 20 micro g/ rat/day for 12 weeks. After that, blood samples were collected for estimation of serum triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] as well as fasting glucose and insulin levels. This was followed by ischemia-reperfusion of isolated hearts. After 30 minutes of reperfusion, the hearts were sent for histopathological examination, LDL-cholesterol [LDL-C] and HDL/total cholesterol ratio were also calculated. The results of this study showed that chromium supplementation induced significant reduction in the levels of serum glucose, insulin, TG, LDL-C and TC accompanied by a significant increase in HDL-C and HDL-C/TC ratio. Chromium supplemented hearts, also showed better recovery of myocardial activity at different periods of reperfusion compared to control hearts in the form of a significant increase in heart rate [HR], peak tension [PT] and myocardial flow rate [MFR] as well as an insignificant reduction in time to peak tension [TPT] and half relaxation time [1/2RT]. Histopathological examination of hearts showed a clear picture of ischemia in control hearts compared to chromium supplemented hearts. We can conclude that chromium supplementation can protect the rat myocardium against ischemic-reperfusion hazards and this may be due to promoting the healthy blood lipid level and reducing fasting insulin levels which may reflect enhancement of tissue sensitivity to insulin

[Changes in mineral elements in kidney, liver, heart and skeletal muscle in hypothyroid rats]

Several studies have reported that thyroid dysfunction can induce changes in elements in different tissues both in experimental and human studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of hypothyroidism on mineral elements in rat kidney, heart, skeletal muscle and liver. In this study 24 rats aged 2-3 months with 190- 270 g B.W were randomly divided into case and control groups. Animals in the case group received methimazol powder [0.03%] in drinking water. After 4 weeks a sample of blood was taken from all animals for TT4 determination. When rats in case group were hypothyroid, the animals were treated for another 3 weeks. At the end of the 7[th] week the animals were decapitated and tissues were removed and kept at -20[°] C until elements were measured. The content of different elements was determined in kidney, liver, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle by Proton Induced X-ray Emission [PIXE] method. S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and P were determined as PPM for all tissues, the results were represented as Mean +/- SD and compared between hypothyroid and control groups by T- test. The differences were considered to be significant when p<0.05. The results are as follows: Kidney: the content of Fe and Cu in experimental group increased in kidney [p=0.03 and p=0.04 respectively], Liver: in this tissue, the content of Fe increased in the experimental group [p<0.05], Cardiac muscle: the content of Cl in the experimental group increased [p<0.04] in this tissue, Skeletal muscle: the content of Cl increased significantly in the experimental group [p<0.05]. These data demonstrate that hypothyroidism can change the content of several elements in the examined tissues, and these variations in part may be involved in several clinical manifestations which are present in hypothyroidism

Morphology of Cysticercus bovis and associated tissue reaction in the bovine heart

Bovine hearts naturally infected with Cysticercus bovis were collected from cattle slaughtered in Assiut abattoir. The morphology of cysticerci was studied in series of histological sections, which were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The bladder wall has external hair-like processes in contact with the host tissue, which have an absorptive function. This wall represents a proliferative area giving rise to a wavy spiral canal; at its end the invaginated scolex and suckers are located. The tissue reaction was more marked at the site facing the opening of the spiral canal on the surface of the bladder. The reaction of the heart to C bovis was inflammatory in nature, leading to the formation of a wide inflammatory rim with infiltrating cellular elements. The cardiac muscles revealed granulomatous lesions with a large area of inflammatory reactions in which the cardiac muscle was destroyed. Cysticercosis must be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis of inflammatory cardiac diseases

Comparative study of cardiovascular effects of losartan and captopril in rabbits

Drugs that interfere with renin - angiotensin system [RAS] play a prominent role in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. These drugs include two groups, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors e.g. captopril and angiotensin II receptor blockers e.g. losartan. This work was performed to investigate the effects of chronic administration [60 days] of each of losartan and captopril on the progression of atherosclerosis, serum lipids, glutathione peroxidase activity and on arterial blood pressure in rabbits fed with 1% cholesterol enriched diet. Specimens from different levels of aorta, heart, liver and kidneys of each rabbit were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and Verhoff's stains. The serum lipids were estimated by enzymatic colorimetric tests. The glutathione peroxidase activity in the aortic tissues was determined by a modified spectrophotometric method. Our results showed that administration of each of losartan and captopril had the ability to attenuate the progression of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The antiatherogenic effect of losartan was more pronounced than that of captopril. Both drugs also prevented the effect of hypercholesterolemia on the heart and liver compared to the non-medicated hypercholesterolemia rabbits. On the other hand, cholesterol-fed rabbits treated with each of losartan and captopril demonstrated significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein with an insignificant increase in high density lipoprotein compared to untreated hypercholesterolemia rabbits. However, the intensity of changes produced by losartan was of greater extent than that produced by captopril. This study revealed an increase in the glutathione peroxidase activity in aortic tissues of groups of atherosclerotic animals treated with either losartan or captopril in comparison with the non-mediated atherosclerotic rabbits. Moreover, a lowering in the blood pressure was recorded in cholesterol-fed rabbits treated with either losartan or captopril. In conclusion, these results are encouraging and the beneficial antiatherosclerotic effects of both drugs are presumably attributed to then ability to interrupt influences on the RAS. In addition, their contributory role of the possible antioxidant properties of these drugs must not be ruled out. Besides, the documented ability of these drugs to accumulate kinins and nitric oxide as well as prevention of the vascular endothelial dysfunction can not be neglected

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and myocardial infarction

The present study was performed to test the hypothesis of a decreased risk of acute myocardial infarction [AMI] associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]. The rats were divided into six groups: Group 1 was the normal control group; in group 2, the rats received 1 ml distilled water orally, daily for two weeks; animals in groups 3 [fluoxetine] and 4 [paroxetine] received the drugs daily, orally in a dose of 1.8 mg/kg/day for two weeks as well as in groups 5 [fluoxetine] and 6 [paroxetine], the rats received the drugs daily, orally in a dose of 1.8 mg/kg/day for two weeks, then MI by isoprenaline [5A and 6A] was induced in the last two days and MI by coronary ligation [5B and 6B] was induced at the end of two weeks. In each group, ECG tracing was done and blood was collected for the measurements of platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate [ADP] and collagen and biomarkers for MI [total serum creatine kinase, CK-MB and cardiac troponin I]. The hearts of each group were collected for measuring the percentage of the total infarct surface area and for the histopathological examination