Regional Variations in Pesticide Residue Detection Rates and Concentrations in Saudi Arabian Crops.

There is a scarcity of evidence on the levels of pesticide residues among common crops grown in the different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The present study aims to fill this gap. We collected samples across four regions of KSA (N = 41 from the west, N = 146 from the central, N = 131 from the north and N = 74 samples from the east). Food samples were extracted and cleaned using the modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) methodology. Tandem mass (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS) was used to detect pesticide residues. The highest pesticide residue detection rate was 89.7% in the central region, followed by 88.5% in the north, 83.8% in the east and 70.7% in the western region (p = 0.01). Pesticide residue detection rates were significantly higher in fruits than vegetables (p = 0.02). Cypermethrin detection was most common overall, particularly in the Western region (p = 0.002), and pyraclostrobin concentration was the highest among all residues investigated. In conclusion, high detection rates of moderately hazardous pesticide residues were found in various crops across regions in KSA. Routine biomonitoring programs across KSA regions should be implemented, as well as public health campaigns to decrease pesticide residue consumption and exposure.

Strong parent-child correlation in circulating vitamin B12 levels and its association with inflammatory markers in Saudi families.

Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to adverse effects on human health, but limited information is available as to whether abnormal vitamin B12 levels are associated between parents and offspring. The present study aimed to assess the association between circulating levels of vitamin B12 in Saudi parents and their children as well as its association with pro-inflammatory markers. A total of 104 Saudi families: 49 fathers, 63 mothers, 94 sons and 79 daughters were selected for the study. Fasting blood samples and anthropometrics were collected. Biochemical parameters, various pro-inflammatory markers and vitamin B12 were measured. Results showed a significant positive correlation between B12 levels in most parent-offspring pairs: mother-daughter (N = 46 pairs, r = 0.72, p < 0.0001); father-daughter (N = 39, r = 0.62, p < 0.0001) and mother-son (N = 51, r = 0.42, p < 0.01). This association was absent in father-son pairs (N = 48, r = 0.26, p = 0.09). Also, B12 was inversely associated with tumor necrosis factor-α and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in parents (r = -0.32; p < 0.01 and r = -0.31; p < 0.01 respectively) and children (r = -0.14; p < 0.01 and r = -0.19; p < 0.01 respectively). A significant inverse correlation was found between vitamin B12 and leptin in mothers (r = -0.31, p < 0.05). Our study suggests a strong familial component between B12 levels indicating a possible genetic influence on individual B12 status. Our study also suggests an inverse correlation between circulating levels of vitamin B12 and pro-inflammatory markers. The present study highlights the importance of extending screening in families of patients with abnormal B12 levels and expanding treatment, if necessary, to maximize clinical benefits.

Serum concentrations and detection rates of selected organochlorine pesticides in a sample of Greek school-aged children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Prospective studies indicate that the exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) during fetal life, infancy, and early childhood may be associated with features of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. However, few studies have investigated the concentrations of serum OCPs in children with categorically diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations and detection rates of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) metabolites, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, cyclodienes, and methoxychlor in serum samples of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific learning disorder (SLD), all of normal intelligence, compared to typically developing controls (TD). In total, 114 schoolchildren, aged 6-13 years old, were assessed and distributed into four groups: ASD (n = 39), ADHD (n = 21), SLD (n = 32), and TD (n = 18). Each clinical group was compared to the TD group. Concentrations of serum OCPs were determined by gas chromatography and are presented as ng/g lipid. Concentrations of ß-HCH, the sum of HCH isomers, and o,p'-DDD were significantly higher in ASD children: ASD vs. TD (mean ± SD): 10.5 ± 7.7 vs. 6.1 ± 4.0, (p = 0.049); 12.0 ± 10.3 vs. 6.6 ± 4.0, (p = 0.025); 7.4 ± 6.5 vs. 2.8 ± 2.3, (p = 0.0019), respectively. The detection rates of p,p'-DDT, at least one substance from DDTs detected, and the cyclodiene heptachlor epoxide, were significantly lower in the ASD group: ASD vs. TD: 12.8% vs. 38.9%, (p = 0.037); 69.2% vs. 94.4%, (p = 0.044); 10.3% vs. 38.9%, (p = 0.026), respectively. No significant differences between the ADHD or SLD groups and the TD group were observed. We demonstrated higher serum concentrations and lower detection rates of selected OCPs in ASD than TD children. Our results add to potential neurodevelopmental concerns surrounding OCPs and provide evidence of specificity in the relations between HCHs and ASD.

Efficacy of Vitamin D interventional strategies in saudi children and adults.

Despite the amount of sunshine in Saudi Arabia, vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is highly prevalent among Saudis. Several strategies are known to improve 25(OH)D status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different interventional strategies in improving 25(OH)D status in Saudi children and adults. This interventional study was undertaken among 593 out of 1152 Saudi subjects [530 students (aged 13-17 years) and 63 teachers (aged 26-46 years)] over a 6-month period from different secondary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 25(OH)D status was taken at baseline and after 6 months post interventions. Subjects were divided into 3 groups and requested to implement different vitamin D correction schemes: sun-exposure, vitamin D-fortified milk consumption, and oral vitamin D supplementation (1000IU/day). Follow-up results revealed that all correction strategies used could decrease the deficiency of serum 25(OH)D with different potencies, with the highest positive percentage change observed in oral supplementation in both adults and children (11% men, 17% women, 16% boys and 8% girls). The oral vitamin D supplementation strategy also showed significant positive associations between delta (Δ) changes and HDL-cholesterol in both adults and children. In conclusion, oral vitamin D supplementation was the most effective strategy in improving vitamin D status in Saudi adults and children than sunlight exposure or consumption of vitamin D-fortified dairy products.

BPA exposure is related to metabolic changes in obese Saudi children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bisphenol A (BPA) disturbs the metabolism in animals and humans through effecting endocrine system. The role of BPA in obesity is not studied well. Therefore, current study is conducted to investigate its association with childhood obesity. METHODS: Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) serum BPA level was measured in 177 (120 normal and 57 obese) Saudi children. RESULTS: The analyses of the data revealed an elevated level of serum BPA, leptin, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, insulin and vitamin D in obese children as compare to normal controls. An elevated serum BPA did not show association with increased vitamin D and insulin while positively associated with some of the key markers of obesity. BPA was also positively associated with laptin, insulin and diastolic blood pressure in individuals of both normal and obese groups but with little statistical differences. CONCLUSION: Higher BPA level in obese children reveals that it may involve in the childhood obesity as it has shown a significant association with the key makers of the obesity in obese children especially in boys.

Hepatopancreatic intoxication of lambda cyhalothrin insecticide on albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Despite the known adverse effects of lambda cyhalothrin insecticide, little is known about its hepatopancreatic intoxication effects. The present study was carried out to elucidate sub-chronic effect of Karat 2.5% EC formulation of lambda cyhalothrin on male albino rats. METHODS: To explore the effects of exposure to lambda cyhalothrin on rats and its mechanism, low (1/40 of LD50, 5 mg/kg/day) and high dose (1/4 of LD50, 50 mg/kg/day) lambda cyhalothrin were applied to rats via drinking water for 3 months. Blood samples were collected monthly, and the animals were dissected for liver and pancreas's examination at the end of the experiment. Lambda cyhalothrin administration was associated with the elevation in lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduction in SH-protein a major marker for antioxidant, as well as basel paraoxonase (PON) in both treated groups throughout the experimental periods. RESULTS: In addition, significant elevations in liver enzymes alanin amino transferase, (ALT), and aspartate amino transferase (AST), as well as plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glucose level. While, significant reduction in insulin level through the experimental periods. Results of histopathological and histochemical studies showed that lambda cyhalothrin exposure induces liver and pancreatic tissues damage and depletion in glycogen content was pronounced in liver of both treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion subchronic intoxication with lambda cyhalothrin formulation induced remarkable changes in the examined parameters.

Garlic and alpha lipoic supplementation enhance the immune system of albino rats and alleviate implications of pesticides mixtures.

This study aimed to investigate age dependent immune-system response versus exposure to different doses of mixture of (chlorpyrifos, profenofose, and fenitrothion) and/or combined with 60 and 250 mg kg(-1) alpha lipoic acid and garlic, respectively. 120 males of albino rats were divided to two groups according to age; weaning group (2 months age and 60-80 gm.), adult (6 months and 180-200 gm). Each age was divided into 6 subgroups treated orally for 3 months , G1 (control), G2 high dose (HDPM) CPF10 mg kg(-1), PRO 3 mg kg(-1), FEN 6 mg kg(-1), G3 low dose (LDPM) CPF 1 mg kg(-1), PFN 0.3 mg kg(-1) and FEN 0.6 mg kg(-1), G4 AOX (alpha lipoic + Garlic), G5 HDPM + AOX and G6 LDPM + AOX. Results showed significant inhibition in serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE), elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) concurrent with reduction in total reduced glutathione (GSH) in both ages was recorded as well as, decrease in IGG, IGM, Lymphocyte transformation and Phagocytosis humeral and cellular immunity confirmed by alteration in lymph nodes architecture. This study was concluded that the supplementation with alpha lipoic acid and garlic improved previous alternations slightly to be more or less near the control level in both adult and weaning rats. It seems that, immune-responses of both adult and weaning rats were slightly similar.

DDT and its metabolites are linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes among Saudi adults: a cross-sectional study.

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides have recently been associated with type 2 diabetes in several non-Asian general populations. As there is currently an epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asia. The prevalence and incidence of diabetes is increasing rapidly worldwide including many Arab Gulf countries. According to a community-based national epidemiological health survey, the overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Saudi adults (age group of 30-50 years) is 23.7%. A recent study by Al-Daghri et al. (BMC Med 9:76, 2011) reported that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is 31.6%. We investigated the associations between OC pesticides and type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia using a simple, sensitive, rapid, and selective gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method that has been recently developed. A total of 280 Saudi adults (136 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and 144 non-DM controls) were randomly selected from the Riyadh Cohort Study for inclusion. The diagnosis of diabetes was based on established diagnosis and medications taken. Blood dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its derivatives were quantified using GC-MS. Residues of DDT and its derivatives were analyzed in serum by means of gas chromatography with a mass spectrometry detector. Associations between DDT exposure and T2DM were analyzed by logistic regression. DDT and its derivatives and serum concentrations of DDT and its derivative DDE showed the strongest and most significant association to type 2 diabetes in both cross-sectional and prospective studies. Associations of DDT and its derivatives varied across different diabetes-related components of the metabolic syndrome. It positively and significantly associated with four of the five of these components especially elevated triacylglycerol, high fasting glucose, high blood pressure, and HOMA-IR but negatively and significantly with HDL. Possible biological mechanisms are discussed. This study confirms previous reports relating organochlorine pesticide (OCP) exposure to diabetes and suggests possible hormonal pathways deserving further exploration. The study will be one of the first to shed light on the associations of serum levels of total DDTs and DDT derivatives among the Saudi Arab ethnicity, and diabetes type 2 chronic noncommunicable diseases are highly prevalent.

Biochemical changes correlated with blood thiamine and its phosphate esters levels in patients with diabetes type 1 (DMT1).

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is an essential enzyme cofactor in most organisms required at several stages of anabolic and catabolic intermediary metabolism. However, little is known on the positive effects of thiamine in diabetic type 1 (DMT1) patients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biochemical changes related to thiamine deficiency in patients with DMT1 outcomes among Saudi adults. We hypothesized that blood thiamine deficiency in patients with DMT1 manifestations might lead to an increase in metabolic syndrome. A total of 77 patients with DMT1 (age 35.8 ± 5.5) and 81 controls (age 45.0 ± 18.1) (total N = 158) were randomly selected from the Riyadh Cohort Study for inclusion. Saudi adults with diabetes type 1, a significant decrease in systolic (P < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.008) and microalbuminuria (P = 0.02). Moreover, cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides were significantly increased (P 0.001, 0.001 and 0.008, respectively) in patients with diabetes type 1 compared to controls. On the other hand, HDL, TMP, TDP and thiamine, were significantly decreased in patients with diabetes type 1 (P 0.005, 0.002, 0.005, and 0.002), respectively. A strong association between blood thiamine level and diabetes type 1 was detected in our study population. The results confirmed the role of thiamine and thiamine phosphate esters, in preventing metabolic changes and complications of diabetes type 1. The levels of these thiamine and thiamine phosphate esters were correlated with diabetes related biomarkers including HDL, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as microalbuminuria, LDL and urine thiamine. The results support a pivotal role of blood thiamine and its phosphate esters in preventing the biochemical changes and complications in patients with DMT1.

Exposure to difenoconazole, diclofop-methyl alone and combination alters oxidative stress and biochemical parameters in albino rats.

The herbicides diclofop-methyl and the fungicide difenoconazole are widely used in agriculture and may lead to serious toxicity risks. However, limited studies have been done to evaluate differences in the metabolic effects of these herbicides. Difenoconazole (10 mg/kg) and Diclofop-methyl (1 mg/kg) were orally administrated individually (Groups 1 and 2 respectively) as well as combined (G3) to rats for 28 days. In all treated groups, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and urea were significantly higher than the control group. Plasma creatinine was also significantly higher in groups G1 and G2 than control. Significant inhibition in gamma glutamyltransferase (γGT) was observed in all treated groups, in addition to significant inhibition of plasma acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) in G3 (p < 0.01). There was no effect in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and albumin. Total plasma triiodothy-ronine (T3) hormone was significantly higher in groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.01), but significantly lower in G1 group as compared to control. Thyroxin (T4) was significantly lower in all treated groups than control. Cholesterol level was significantly lower in G3 than control, and a total protein (TP) was significantly higher in all treated groups than control. No differences were observed in glucose levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), an oxidative stress biomarker, was significantly increased in all treated groups comparing to control. Sulphur containing protein (SH-protein) was significantly lower in G1 than control. No significant changes were observed for GST in all treatments. The significant differences in measured biomarkers after application of diclofop-methyl, difenoconazole individually and combined indicate that the investigated pesticides may have potentially harmful effects on humans and the surrounding environment. We suggest that larger studies be conducted to better understand the toxicity mechanisms of these pesticides.

Antioxidant lipoxygenase inhibitors from the leaf extracts of Simmondsia chinensis.

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and identify chemical constituents with antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitory effects of the ethanolic extract of Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) leaves. METHODS: The alcoholic extract was subjected to successive solvent fractionation. The antioxidant active fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions) were subjected to a combination of different chromatographic techniques guided by the antioxidant assay with DPPH. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidences and correlated with known compounds. The antioxidant activity was assessed quantitively using DPPH and ß-carotene methods. The inhibitory potential against enzyme lipoxygenase was assessed on soybean lipoxygenase enzyme. RESULTS: Ten flavonoids and four lignans were isolated. Flavonoid aglycones showed stronger antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitory effects than their glycosides. Lignoid glycosides showed moderate to weak antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitory effects. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 14 compounds were isolated and identified from Simmondsia chinensis; 12 of them were isolated for the first time. This is the first report that highlights deeply on the phenolic content of jojoba and their potential biological activities and shows the importance of this plant as a good source of phenolics in particular the flavonoid content.

Strong associations between the pesticide hexachlorocyclohexane and type 2 diabetes in Saudi adults.

Pesticide exposure has been implicated as an environmental risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the body burden of the pesticide hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) with the risk of T2DM in a sample of adults from Saudi Arabia. Serum samples were obtained from 280 adult subjects. Hexachlorocyclohexane isomer residues were measured by high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data on lifestyle, dietary habits, and health status were gathered. Associations between exposure and T2DM were analyzed by logistic regression. Around 49% of adults enrolled in this study were diagnosed with T2DM. Among various HCH isomers, serum concentrations of the pesticides ß and γ-HCH were most strongly and consistently linked to T2DM in our studied subjects. Associations of HCH varied across five components of the metabolic syndrome. It positively and significantly associated with four out of the five components, especially elevated triglycerides, high fasting glucose, high blood pressure and HOMA-IR but negatively and significantly with HDL-cholesterol. This study in line with earlier ones about diabetes associated with HCH pesticide exposure and proposes possible hormonal pathways worthy of further investigation.

Th1/Th2 cytokine pattern in Arab children with severe asthma.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial Asthma has recently emerged as one of the most prevalent diseases in Arab countries. Environmental and geographical influences were shown to be the reasons of the variations in the rates of prevalence; no analyses have nevertheless yet been performed on the immunologic background associated with this condition in Arabic children. OBJECTIVES: To examine the cytokine production from T cells in children with and without asthma, and to determine the role of the most related cytokine patterns in childhood asthma. METHODS: A total of 195 Saudis children (98 asthma pediatric patients and 97 healthy controls) were randomly selected from the Riyadh Cohort Study for inclusion. Asthma was based on established pediatric diagnosis and medications taken. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the two groups, thus, GMCSF, INF-γ, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8 and IgG-3 were reduced in patients compared to controls; in these same patients IgE, resistin, IL-4 and IgG-4 were significantly increased. In contrast with these results no differences between patients and controls were seen in CRP, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-7, IL-10, IL-13, IgG-1, IgG-2, IgG-A and IgG-M. Result of a principal component analysis suggested that IL4. INF-γ and IgE are major players in the pathogenesis of asthma in Arabic children. CONCLUSION: These are the first data obtained in asthmatic children in Saudi; data herein confirm that this disease is associated with a profound degree of immune impairment independently of the peculiar genetic of the analyzed individuals, and of the environmental conditions that are present in this part of the world.

Whole serum 3D LC-nESI-FTMS quantitative proteomics reveals sexual dimorphism in the milieu intérieur of overweight and obese adults.

Linking gender-specific differences to the molecular etiology of obesity has been largely based on genomic and transcriptomic evidence lacking endophenotypic insight and is not applicable to the extracellular fluid compartments, or the milieu intérieur, of the human body. To address this need, this study profiled the whole serum proteomes of age-matched nondiabetic overweight and obese females (n = 28) and males (n = 31) using a multiplex design with pooled biological and technical replicates. To bypass basic limitations of immunodepletion-based strategies, subproteome enrichment by size-exclusion chromatography (SuPrE-SEC) followed by iTRAQ 2D-LC-nESI-FTMS analysis was used. The study resulted in the reproducible analysis of 2472 proteins (peptide FDR < 5%, q < 0.05). A total of 248 proteins exhibited significant modulation between men and women (p < 0.05) that mapped to pathways associated with ß-estradiol, lipid and prostanoid metabolism, vitamin D function, immunity/inflammation, and the complement and coagulation cascades. This novel endophenotypic signature of gender-specific differences in whole serum confirmed and expanded the results of previous physiologic and pharmacologic studies exploring sexual dimorphism at the genomic and transcriptomic level in tissues and cells. Conclusively, the multifactorial and pleiotropic nature of human obesity exhibits sexual dimorphism in the circulating proteome of importance to clinical study design.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon distribution in serum of Saudi children using HPLC-FLD: marker elevations in children with asthma.

Diesel exhaust consists of a complex mixture of chemicals which contain known genotoxicants, one of which is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which may be associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution patterns of PAHs (anthracene, naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, cyclopentaphenanthrene, pyrene, fluoranthene, benzanthracene, chrysene, benzo(e)pyrene, benzoacephenanthrylene, and benzo(a)pyrene) in serum collected from asthmatic and healthy control children. PAH serum levels were measured in samples collected from children who lived in 11 different locations in/round Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Al-yarmouk, Usaibi, Sultana Al-kadema, Omrrojam, Kof, Janoob Dawdmi, Guberah, Arabbuah, Al-mozahemyah, Iskan Al-mazzer, and Al-gharabi) during the period 2010-2011. Our results showed that the highest total mean concentrations of PAH were found in serum samples collected from people who lived in Sultana Aljadhida, Almozahemyah, Guberah, and Omrrojam and were 663.9, 486.17, 412.18, and 258.6 ng ml(-1), respectively. The most prevalent PAHs in serum samples were naphthalene, bezanthracene, benzoacephenanthrylene, phenanthrene, chrysene, and benzo(a)pyrene with a frequency that ranged from 54.5 to 90.9 % positive samples. A close monitoring of PAH pollution is strongly recommended, especially in food and plant samples, because of their high bioaccumulation capacity.

Residue and dissipation kinetics of thiamethoxam in a vegetable-field ecosystem using QuEChERS methodology combined with HPLC-DAD.

The dissipation kinetics and residual levels of thiamethoxam in potato and soil under field ecosystem were determined using a QuEChERS method with HPLC-DAD. At fortification levels of 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mg kg(-1), it was shown recovery was 99.4% (95.3-103.5%) for potato tubers, and 88.5% (86-91%) for soil with coefficient variation of the method (CV%) was less than 4% in potato tubers, and in soil less than 11%. For repeatability ranged from 1.27% to 4.77%. The LOD and LOQ were estimated to be 0.02 and 0.06 mg kg(-1), respectively. The half-lives were 2.92 and 1.4 days, respectively. The terminal residues of thiamethoxam were below the maximum residue limit (MRL 0.2 mg kg(-1)) after 6 days, which considered to be safe for human beings. These results contribute to establishing the scientific basis of the dosage of thiamethoxam for use in vegetable-field ecosystems.

Metabolic Benefits of Six-month Thiamine Supplementation in Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

Thiamine deficiency has been documented to be prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus, and correction of thiamine deficiency in this population may provide beneficial effects in several cardiometabolic parameters, including prevention of impending complications secondary to chronic hyperglycemia. In this interventional study, we aim to determine whether thiamine supplementation is associated with cardiometabolic improvements in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2). A total of 86 subjects (60 DMT2 and 26 age- and BMI-matched controls) were included and were given thiamine supplements (100 mg/day) for six months. Anthropometrics and metabolic profiles were measured routinely. Serum thiamine and its derivatives were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. In all groups, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol after three months (p = 0.03) as well as in HDL cholesterol after six months of thiamine supplementation (p = 0.009). Significant improvements were also observed in the mean serum levels of creatinine (p = 0.001), as well as thiamine and its derivatives in both serum and urinary levels across follow-up visits (p-values 0.002 and <0.001, respectively). In the DMT2 group, improvements were observed in lipid profile (mean serum LDL and total cholesterol with p-values 0.008 and 0.006, respectively), serum thiamine (p < 0.001), TMP (p < 0.001), TDP (p < 0.001), urinary thiamine (p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (p < 0.001). Thiamine supplementation is a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with DMT2. Longer clinical trials are needed to determine its protective effect in DMT2 complications.

Increased IL-4 mRNA expression and poly-aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations from children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease. Imbalance of cytokines released from T helper cells and environmental factors, such as exposure to poly-aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. The aim of this study was to compare the mRNA expression patterns of Interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-γ and Acyl Co A long chain 3 (ACSL3) in peripheral blood leukocytes of children with and without asthma. To correlate the obtained mRNA data with serum IL-4, IFN-γ and PAH levels. Further, to determine the effect of in vivo exposure to PAH on mRNA expression of IL-4, IFN-γ and ACSL3 genes in a rat model. METHODS: A total of 170 children below 16 years (85 pediatric asthma patients and 85 matched healthy controls) were randomly selected from the Riyadh Cohort, Saudi Arabia. Gene expression analysis was performed using qRTPCR. Serum IL-4, IFN-γ and PAH were measured using LINCOplex (human multiplex immunoassay kit) and HPLC respectively. RESULTS: IL-4 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in children with asthma compared to healthy control group whereas no differences were observed for either IFN-γ or ACSL3 mRNA. Similarly, serum IL- 4 and PAHs concentration was significantly higher as well in children with asthma in whom IFN-γ was also significantly lower. Results obtained in rats showed that exposure to the benzopyrene prototype PAH resulted in a 2.6 fold (P < 0.001) increased IL-4 mRNA expression in blood. CONCLUSION: Peripheral blood IL-4 mRNA levels, serum concentration of this cytokine are elevated in children with asthma. Also, elevated levels of PAH were observed in children with asthma. Additionally, PAH administration in rodents resulted in an increased IL-4 mRNA which is supposed to partly mediate the inflammatory response noted in asthma.

Thiamine and its phosphate esters in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors in Saudi Arabs.

BACKGROUND: Thiamine deficiency has suggested to be linked to several insulin-resistance complications. In this study, we aim to associate circulating thiamine levels among cardiometabolic parameters in an Arab cohort using a simple, sensitive, rapid and selective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method that has recently been developed. METHODS: A total of 236 randomly selected, consenting Saudi adult participants (166 males and 70 females) were recruited and screened for the presence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Blood thiamine and its derivatives were quantified using HPLC. RESULTS: A total of 140 participants (53.9%) had MetS. The levels of thiamine and its derivatives of those with MetS were not significantly different from those without. However, hypertensive subjects had significantly higher urinary thiamine (P = 0.03) as well as significantly lower levels of thiamine diphosphate (TDP) (P = 0.01) and total thiamine (P = 0.02) than the normotensive subjects, even after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, age- and BMI-matched participants with elevated blood glucose levels had significantly lower levels of thiamine monophosphate (P = 0.020), TDP (P < 0.001) and total thiamine (P < 0.001) and significantly elevated levels of urinary thiamine (P = 0.005) compared to normoglycemic participants. CONCLUSIONS: Low thiamine levels are associated with elevated blood glucose and hypertension in Saudi adults. Determination of thiamine status may be considered and corrected among patients with, or at high risk for, MetS, but the question whether thiamine deficiency correction translates to improved cardiometabolic status needs further longitudinal investigation.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and pediatric asthma in children: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma is one of the most prevalent diseases in Arab children. Environmental pollution has been suggested to be considered causative of asthma, nasal symptoms and bronchitis in both children and adult. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between serum polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels, asthma and allergic outcomes among Saudi children aged up to 15 yrs. We hypothesized that increased serum PAHs are associated with allergy, asthma, or respiratory symptoms. METHODS: A total of 195 Saudi children (98 asthma pediatric patients and 97 healthy controls) were randomly selected from the Riyadh Cohort Study for inclusion. The diagnosis of Asthma was based on established pediatric diagnosis and medications taken. RESULTS: Asthma related markers showed highly significant differences between children with and without asthma. Thus IgE, resistin and IL-4 were significantly increased (p 0.004, 0.001 and 0.003, respectively) in children with asthma compared with non-asthma control subjects. GMCSF, IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-8 and IL-10, on the other hand, were significantly decreased in children with asthma (p 0.003, 0.03, 0.001, 0.004 and 0.03, respectively). Strong associations between serum PAHs levels and biomarkers of childhood asthma were detected in Arabic children. Data confirmed the role of naphthalene, 4H-cyclobenta[def]phenanthrene, 1,2-benzanthracene, chrysene and benzo(e)acephenanthrylene in childhood asthma; levels of these PAHs were correlated with asthma related biomarkers including IgE, resistin, GMCSF and IFN-γ as well as IL-4, IL-5, IL-8 and IL-10 cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: This data highlight the pivotal role of specific PAHs in childhood asthma.