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Background: Oxidative stress has a significant influence in the initiation and progression of epileptic seizures. It was reported that inhibiting oxidative stress could protect against epilepsy. The aim of the current research is to estimate some biomarkers that reflect the oxidative stress in epileptics, its relation to seizure control as well as to study the impact of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on these biomarkers. This case–control study included 62 epileptic patients beside 62 age and gender-matched healthy controls. The epileptic patients subjected to detailed history taking with special regards to disease duration, seizure frequency, and the current AEDs. Laboratory evaluation of serum malondialdehyde (a lipid peroxidation byproduct) and superoxide dismutase (an endogenous antioxidant) were done. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly higher, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was lower in epileptic patients than in the controls (p < 0.001). Seizure frequency was directly correlated with MDA (r = 0.584, p < 0.001) while inversely correlated with SOD (r = − 0.432, p = 0.008). High MDA and low SOD were recorded in epileptic patients receiving polytherapy as compared to monotherapy (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Epileptic patients had higher oxidative stress biomarkers than healthy individuals. Frequent seizures, long disease duration, and AEDs were associated with higher MDA and lower SOD that reflects an imbalance in the oxidant–antioxidant status among these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D levels in CTS patients.Methods: The current study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals. It included 50 CTS patients and 50 controls. Clinical assessment was carried out to exclude symptoms and signs of neuropathy. Laboratory investigations including vitamin D levels, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver, and kidney function were carried out for every participant. All patients underwent electrodiagnostic study and completed Boston questionnaire to assess their pain sum score, symptom severity (SSS), and functional status (FSS).Results: Patients had significantly higher BMI and lower vitamin D levels compared to controls (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). Those with severe CTS had a significantly higher BMI and lower vitamin D levels than the others (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01 respectively). No significant difference was found between CTS subgroups regarding the SSS, while a higher significant FSS and pain sum score were reported in the severe CTS patients compared to the other two groups (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04 respectively). A significant negative correlation was detected between vitamin D levels and both of BMI, and Boston pain sum scores (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03 respectively). Also, an inverse correlation was detected between vitamin D levels and both of SSS and FSS (p = 0.14, p = 0.06). Furthermore, a significant positive and negative correlation between vitamin D levels and both of conduction velocity and distal motor latency respectively was observed (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01 respectively).Conclusions: Carpal tunnel syndrome was significantly associated with hypovitaminosis D especially in patients with higher BMI. This highlights the importance of vitamin D supplements and weight loss regimes to minimize the severity of their pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]