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Ultrasonication method was used in the incorporation of mesoporous silica (mSiO2) on BiVO4 nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of the BiVO4 nanoparticles was controlled at around 2.4–5.1 nm on mesoporous silica surface. The composites were systematically evaluated as photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and brilliant green (BG) dyes as a function of mesoporous SiO2 content. A marked compositional dependence of the photocatalytic activity was evidenced for MB and BG degradation under visible light. Compared with the corresponding bare bismuth vanadate nano species, the mSiO2-involved nanocomposites display enhanced photocatalytic activities. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity of BiVO4 nanoparticles with mesoporous silica was attributed to the synergistic effect between mesoporous silica and BiVO4 which improved the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. Structures and morphologies of the samples were examined by TEM, SEM, XRD, EDS, FT-IR and UV–visible spectroscopy. The effects of operational parameters like dye concentration, mSiO2 content, calcination temperature and reaction time have been analyzed. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of mSiO2/BiVO4 nanocomposites increases with the modification of BiVO4 by changing the content from 1.0 to 15.0 wt % mesoporous SiO2, the sample of 10.0 wt. % mesoporous SiO2 loaded on BiVO4 showed the higher photocatalytic activity. As the silica in the composites has a very good contact with the BiVO4 nanoparticles it enhances the photo-electron conversion of BiVO4 by reducing the recombination of photo-generated electron–hole pairs based on the band structures of BiVO4. The catalyst is found to be reusable.

Oleuropein (OLP) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound in olive plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and can possibly be used in treating pancreatic injuries. This investigation aimed to follow the molecular mechanism behind the potential therapeutic effect of OLP against pancreatic injury persuaded by ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). Pancreatic I/R injury was induced by splenic artery occlusion for 60 min followed by reperfusion. Oral administration of OLP (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 2 days significantly alleviated I/R-persuaded oxidative damage and inflammatory responses in pancreatic tissue as indicated by the decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, accompanied by the suppression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and reduced levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in pancreatic tissues. Furthermore, OLP treatment markedly restored the serum levels of amylase, trypsinogen-activated peptide (TAP), and lipase, with concurrent improvement in pancreatic histopathological alterations. Moreover, treatment with OLP regulated the pancreatic expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) relative to rats of the pancreatic IR group. Thus, OLP treatment significantly alleviates the I/R-induced pancreatic injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in rats through downregulation of HMGB1 and its downstream NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total alcohol extract obtained from the aerial parts of R. stricta and fractions of the liquid–liquid fractionation process were tested against picornavirus-causing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) based on the traditional use of the plant in Saudi Arabia. The most active petroleum ether soluble fraction was subjected to chromatographic purification, and nine compounds were isolated, identified using various chemical and spectroscopic methods, and tested for their anti-viral potential. The new ester identified as α-Amyrin 3-(3′R-hydroxy)-hexadecanoate (1) was the most active compound with 51% inhibition of the viral growth and was given the name Rhazyin A. Compounds with ursane skeleton were more active than those with lupane skeleton except in the case of the acid derivatives where betulenic acid showed 26.1% inhibition against the viral growth, while ursolic acid showed only 16.6% inhibition. Moreover, molecular docking analysis using a glide extra-precision module was utilized for investigating the possible molecular interactions accounting for anti-viral activity against picornavirus of the nine isolated compounds. Molecular docking studies revealed a strong binding of the discovered hits within the active site of FMDV 3Cpro. Compound 1 showed the lowest docking score within the nine isolated compounds comparable to the two known anti-viral drugs; glycyrrhizic acid and ribavirin. The results of this research will provide lead candidates from natural origin with potential safety and efficacy compared to the synthetic ones with lower production costs for managing FMVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eluxadoline (ELD), a recently approved drug, exhibits potential therapeutic effects in the management and treatment of IBS-D. However, its applications have been limited due to poor aqueous solubility, leading to a low dissolution rate and oral bioavailability. The current study's goals are to prepare ELD-loaded eudragit (EG) nanoparticles (ENPs) and to investigate the anti-diarrheal activity on rats. The prepared ELD-loaded EG-NPs (ENP1-ENP14) were optimized with the help of Box–Behnken Design Expert software. The developed formulation (ENP2) was optimized based on the particle size (286 ± 3.67 nm), PDI (0.263 ± 0.01), and zeta potential (31.8 ± 3.18 mV). The optimized formulation (ENP2) exhibited a sustained release behavior with maximum drug release and followed the Higuchi model. The chronic restraint stress (CRS) was successfully used to develop the IBS-D rat model, which led to increased defecation frequency. The in vivo studies revealed a significant reduction in defecation frequency and disease activity index by ENP2 compared with pure ELD. Thus, the results demonstrated that the developed eudragit-based polymeric nanoparticles can act as a potential approach for the effective delivery of eluxadoline through oral administration for irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 wheat growing seasons at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag governorate, Egypt. Three cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines, namely Vorobey A-line, Navojoa A-line and Neloki A-line of wheat having Triticum Timopheevi cytoplasmic male sterility source (three-lines system A, B and R) were crossed with twenty-five wheat genotypes as testers in line × tester fashion to identify maintainer and restorer lines for the CMS lines. Based on the evaluation of 75 hybrid combinations for pollen and spikelet fertility percent, results indicated that the identified wheat genotypes as effective maintainers were Shandaweel 1, Misr 3, Misr 4, Giza 168, Gemmeiza 11, Gemmeiza 12, Kutz, Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4 and Line 5 for all the three CMS lines, Sids 14, Giza 171, Sakha 1001, Nadi and Kenya Sunbird for Vorobey A-line and Navojoa A-line, Misr 1, Kachu #1, Francolin #1 and Baj #1 for Navojoa A-line and Neloki A-line and Sids 12 for Neloki A-line and these genotypes could be converted into new CMS lines through backcross breeding method. On the other side, the identified wheat genotypes as effective restorers were Sakha 95 for Vorobey A-line and Neloki A-line, and Kachu #1, Francolin #1 and Baj #1 for Vorobey A-line, therefore these genotypes could be used to develop promising wheat hybrids. Consequently, the presence of maintainer and restorer lines among the studied wheat genotypes indicates the possibility of developing wheat hybrids using CMS system in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polar fractions of the Juniperus species are rich in bioflavonoid contents. Phytochemical study of the polar fraction of Juniperus sabina aerial parts resulted in the isolation of cupressuflavone (CPF) as the major component in addition to another two bioflavonoids, amentoflavone and robustaflavone. Biflavonoids have various biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, and antipsychotic effects. Previous studies have shown that the metabolism and elimination of biflavonoids in rats are fast, and their oral bioavailability is very low. One of the methods to improve the bioavailability of drugs is to alter the route of administration. Recently, nose-to-brain drug delivery has emerged as a reliable method to bypass the blood–brain barrier and treat neurological disorders. To find the most effective CPF formulation for reaching the brain, three different CPF formulations (A, B and C) were prepared as self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS). The formulations were administered via the intranasal (IN) route and their effect on the spontaneous motor activity in addition to motor coordination and balance of rats was observed using the activity cage and rotarod, respectively. Moreover, pharmacokinetic investigation was used to determine the blood concentrations of the best formulation after 12 h. of the IN dose. The results showed that formulations B and C, but not A, decreased the locomotor activity and balance of rats. Formula C at IN dose of 5 mg/kg expressed the strongest effect on the tested animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wound-healing process is complex and prone to interruption or failure, which can result in the development of chronic wounds that never heal. This can be overcome by seeking prompt medical attention, which will reduce the likelihood of complications and speed up the healing of the cutaneous wound. It has been established that functionalized engineered biomaterials are a possible strategy for starting skin wound care. The purpose of the current study is to develop a diosmin (DSM)-loaded nanoemulsion (NE)-based gel formulation and to investigate its wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity on rats. The DSM-loaded NEs (F1-F17) were developed and optimized with the help of Box–Behnken Design Expert. The DSM-Nes were developed using lauroglycol 90 (LG90®) as oil, Tween-80 as surfactant and transcutol-HP (THP) as co-surfactant. The optimized Nes showed globule size (41 ± 0.07 nm), polydispersity index (PDI) (0.073 ± 0.008) and percentage of entrapment efficiency (%EE) (87 ± 0.81%). This optimized DSM-loaded NEs (F1) was further evaluated and incorporated into 1% carbopol 940 gel. F1-loaded gel was then characterized for drug content, spreadability, in vitro release, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory studies. The developed gel of DSM was found to show significantly better (p < 0.05) wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to prepare a topical gel containing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulating fluoxetine for diabetic wound healing effects. Fluoxetine (FX) was loaded into SLNs by employing an emulsion solvent evaporation technique using stearic acid as a lipid, and soya lecithin as a surfactant. SLNs were then evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), percent entrapment efficiency (%EE), percent drug loading (%DL), and in vitro drug release. The optimized SLN (FS3) composed of FX (100 mg), SA (150 mg), and SA (100 mg) displayed mean particle size (467.3 ± 2.2nm), PDI (0.435 ± 0.02), ZP (−32.2 ± 4.47mV), EE (95.8 ± 3.38%), and DL (16.4 ± 2.4%). FTIR and DSC studies denote drug-polymer compatibility and the amorphous nature of FX in the SLNs. The drug release at 24 h was found to be (98.89 ± 2.57%) which followed the fickian diffusion mechanism. SLN (FS3) was further loaded into carbopol gel and tested for pH, spreadability, and extrudability of pharmaceutical parameters. In-vitro release of FX from the SLN gel and plain gel was compared, diabetic wound healing gel (DWH) showed sustained drug delivery. An in vivo study was also performed for DWH gel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological examination exhibited DWH gel-treated wounds have increased hydroxyproline, cellular proliferation, a rise in the number of blood vessels, and the level of collagen synthesis. Thus, DWH gel-loaded SLN encapsulated with FX could be a potential carrier for the effective treatment and management of diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation assessed the effect of the eudesmanolid, Vulgarin (VGN), obtained from Artemisia judaica (A. judaica), on the antidiabetic potential of glibenclamide (GLB) using streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Seven groups of rats were used in the study; the first group received the vehicle and served as normal control. The diabetic rats of the second to the fifth groups were treated with the vehicle (negative control), GLB at 5 mg/kg (positive control), VGN at 10 mg/kg (VGN-10) and VGN at 20 mg/kg (VGN-20), respectively. The diabetic rats of the sixth and seventh groups were administered combinations of GLB plus VGN-10 and GLB plus VGN-20, respectively. The diabetic rats treated with GLB plus VGN-20 combination showed marked improvement in the fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), as well as the lipid profile, compared with those treated with GLB alone. Further, the pancreatic tissues of the diabetic rats that received the GLB+VGN-20 combination showed superior improvements in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant parameters than those of GLB monotherapy. The insulin content of the β-cells was restored in all treatments, while the levels of glucagon and somatostatin of the α- and δ-endocrine cells were reduced in the pancreatic islets. In addition, the concurrent administration of GLB+VGN-20 was the most effective in restoring PEPCK and G6Pase mRNA expression in the liver. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the GLB+VGN-20 combination led to greater glycemic improvement in diabetic rats compared with GLB monotherapy through its antioxidant effect and capability to modulate PEPCK and G6Pase gene expression in their livers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction play critical roles in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the brain. β-carotene (βCAR) is a naturally occurring pigment present in fruits and vegetables that expresses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was conducted to investigate the involvement of Bcl2/Bax and NF-κB signaling pathways in the potential protective role of βCAR against brain injury in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model. A focal brain ischemia model was created for 2 h, followed by reperfusion. Rats were given 10 and 20 mg/kg of βCAR for 7 days orally before induction of ischemia, at the start of reperfusion, and 3 days after ischemia. Scores of neurological deficit were rated 24 h after induction of ischemia. Motor coordination and spontaneous coordinate activities were assessed using rotarod and activity cage, respectively. After 2 h of the last dose, the animals were killed and their brains were extracted for further examinations. The results of the study show that βCAR diminished the score of neurological deficits and ameliorated motor coordination, balance, and locomotor activity in the I/R control group. Further, βCAR resulted in diminution of malondialdehyde (MDA) and augmentation of reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, as well as the elevation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities in the brain homogenates of I/R rats. βCAR treatment significantly reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) brain content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and ameliorated the histological alterations in the brain tissues. βCAR significantly suppressed Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 expression, as well as upregulated B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression, suggesting a neuroprotective potential via downregulating NF-kB and protecting the rat brain against the I/R-associated apoptotic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) prepared from the fresh and dried stems of Commiphora gileadensis were compared qualitatively and quantitatively. Although the components were closely similar, the amount of oil decreased from 2.23 to 1.77% upon drying. Both samples showed equal potencies in the antimicrobial testing. The chloroform extract (CE) of the fresh stems with reported antimicrobial activity was compared with the EO sample of the fresh stems for wound healing potential. For the wound healing assay, 11 mm-diameter full-thickness skin excision wounds were made on the backs of four groups of rats (n = 6). The negative control group I was treated with the cream base. Group II was treated with 2% Fucidin cream, which served as a reference, and groups III and IV were treated with 1% EO- and 3% CE-containing creams, respectively. Treatments were applied topically one time daily. The wound healing potential was evaluated by recording the wound contraction percentages, epithelialization period, and histopathological changes of wounds. The topical application of CE significantly promoted the healing of wounds in rats. The effectiveness was demonstrated through the speed of wound contraction and the shortening of the epithelialization period in an animal treated with CE cream when compared to the NC group. Histopathological studies of the CE cream-treated group also expressed the effectiveness of CE in improving the wound healing process. These findings suggested that CE cream can enhance the process of wound healing in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olaparib (OLP) is an orally active poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase enzyme inhibitor, approved for treatment for the metastatic stage of prostate, pancreatic, breast and ovarian cancer. Due to its low bioavailability, an increase in dose and frequency is required to achieve therapeutic benefits, which also results in associated toxicity in patients. In the current study, OLP-loaded poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) (OLP-PLGA NPs) and a coating of OLP-PLGA NPs with chitosan (CS) (OLP-CS-PLGA NPs) were prepared successfully in order to improve the dissolution rate and bioavailability. The developed OLP-PLGA NPs were evaluated for hydrodynamic particle size (392 ± 5.3 nm), PDI (0.360 ± 0.03), ZP (−26.9 ± 2.1 mV), EE (71.39 ± 5.5%) and DL (14.86 ± 1.4%), and OLP-CS-PLGA NPs, hydrodynamic particle size (622 ± 9.5 nm), PDI (0.321 ± 0.02), ZP (+36.0 ± 1.7 mV), EE (84.78 ± 6.3%) and DL (11.05 ± 2.6%). The in vitro release profile of both developed NPs showed a sustained release pattern. Moreover, the pharmacokinetics results exhibited a 2.0- and 4.75-fold increase in the bioavailability of OLP-PLGA NPs and OLP-CS-PLGA NPs, respectively, compared to normal OLP suspension. The results revealed that OLP-CS-PLGA NPs could be an effective approach to sustaining and improving the bioavailability of OLP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of an effective gel capable of treating eczema remains a challenge in medicine. Because of its greater retention in the affected area, good absorption of wound exudates, and induction of cell growth, nanogel is widely investigated as a topical preparation. Chitosan gel based on nanoemulsions has received much attention for its use in wound healing. In this study, four formulae (CRB-NE1-CRB-NE4) of crisaborole-loaded nanoemulsions (CRB-NEs) were developed using lauroglycol 90 as an oil, Tween-80 as a surfactant, and transcutol-HP (THP) as a co-surfactant. The prepared NEs (CRB-NE1-CRB-NE4) were evaluated for their physicochemical properties. Based on vesicle size (64.5 ± 5.3 nm), polydispersity index (PDI) (0.202 ± 0.06), zeta potential (ZP, −36.3 ± 4.16 mV), refractive index (RI, 1.332 ± 0.03), and percent transmittance (% T, 99.8 ± 0.12) was optimized and further incorporated into chitosan (2%, w/w) polymeric gels. The CRB-NE1-loaded chitosan gel was then evaluated for its drug content, spreadability, in-vitro release, flux, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory studies. The CRB-NE1-loaded chitosan gel exhibited a flux of 0.211 mg/cm2/h, a drug release of 74.45 ± 5.4% CRB released in 24 h with a Korsmeyer-Peppas mechanism release behavior. The CRB-NE1-loaded gel exhibited promising wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to improve the dissolution rate and aphrodisiac activity of tadalafil by using hydrophilic polymers. Solid dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation-Rota evaporator using Koliphore 188, KollidonR VA64, and KollidonR 30 polymers in a 1:1 ratio. Prepared tadalafil-solid dispersions (SDs) evaluated for yield, drug content, micromeritics properties, physicochemical characterizations, and aphrodisiac activity assessment. The optimized SDs TK188 showed size (2.175 ± 0.24 mm), percentage of content (98.89 ± 1.23%), yield (87.27 ± 3.13%), bulk density (0.496 ± 0.005 g/cm3), true density (0.646 ± 0.003 g/cm3), Carr's index (23.25 ± 0.81), Hausner ratio (1.303 ± 0.003) and angle of repose (<25°). FTIR spectrums revealed tadalafil doesn't chemically interact with used polymers. XRD and DSC analysis represents TK188 SDs were in the amorphous state. Drug release was 97.17 ± 2.43% for TK188, whereas it was 32.76 ± 2.65% for pure drug at the end of 2 h with 2.96-fold increase in dissolution and followed release kinetics of Korsmeyer Peppa's model. MDT and DE were noted to be 17.48 minutes and 84.53%, respectively. Furthermore, TK188 SDs showed relative improvement in the sexual behavior of the male rats. Thus the developed SDs TK188 could be potential tadalafil carriers for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feasible and cost effective reverse-phase high-performance thin layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC) based method was developed for the quantification of sildenafil (SLD) using eco-friendly EtOH:H2O (9.5:0.5 v/v) as mobile phase. SLD was subjected to stress conditions according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The drug undergoes significant structural changes under oxidative stress condition to the N-oxide derivative. The oxidation product Sildenafil N-oxide (SDL N-oxide) designated in the European Pharmacopeia (EP) as impurity B was characterized utilizing 1D- and 2D-NMR as well as High Resolution Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectroscopy. The aphrodisiac potency of SDL N-oxide in comparison with SLD was evaluated in vivo using rats as experimental animal model. The evaluation based on the following parameters: mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies (ML, IL and EL, respectively), mounting and intromission frequencies (MF and IF, respectively), and postejaculatory interval (PEI). SLD N-oxide expressed similar aphrodisiac effect to SLD but with less potency. Molecular docking of SDL N-oxide along with the parent drug SLD, indicated a strong binding affinity and similar binding pattern within the active site of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). However, the docking score of SLD N-oxide was slightly lower as compared to SLD in agreement with the biological study findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many members of the genus Ferula are used in traditional medicine as aphrodisiac. Objectives: The aim of this study is to confirm the aphrodisiac potential of Ferula drudeana Korovin as listed in the Turkish traditional medicine and to isolate the active metabolites using male rats. Materials and Methods: The CHCl3soluble fraction showed promising activity. Chromatographic purification resulted in the isolation of three sesquiterpene coumarins. Isolated compounds structures were determined as feselol (1), samarcandin (2), and 3'-O-acetyl samarcandin (3) based on the physical and spectral characters. Single doses of F. drudeana CHCl3soluble fraction, aqueous fraction (200 mg/kg BW), 1 and 2 (10 mg/kg BW), and sildenafil citrate (10 mg/kg BW) were orally administered to male Wistar albino rats by gavages. Mount latency, mount frequency (MF), intromission latency, intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation latency, and postejaculatory interval (PEI) were studied. In addition, copulatory efficiency and intercopulatory efficiency were calculated. Results: Oral administration of F. drudeana roots extracts, 1 and 2 significantly increased MF and IF. The latencies of mount and intromission were reduced significantly and ELs were prolonged. Treatment with the extracts, 1 and 2 resulted in the reduction of the PEI. The highest aphrodisiac activity in male rats was exhibited by 2. Conclusion: The present findings provide experimental evidence that F. drudeana roots, 1 and 2 possess aphrodisiac activities by enhancing the sexual behavior of male rats. The obtained results supported the traditional claims about the use of Ferula species for male sexual dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, which required long term therapy or lifelong treatment in some cases. Chronic use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) therapy might modify some vascular risk factors, Since atherosclerotic vascular alterations may start early in life, this study focuses on dyslipidemia which is a major atherogenic risk factor among epileptic children. The aim of this study: Was to evaluate the effect of epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on lipid profile of children with idiopathic epilepsy. Method: This study was carried out on 80 children, their age rage (7-16) divided into 20 epileptic children treated with new AED therapy,20 epileptic children treated with old AED therapy (VAP & CBZ namely),20 epileptic children newly diagnosed epileptic (according to ILAE2014 diagnostic criteria of epilepsy) they didn’t receive medication till the time of study and 20 healthy children their age and sex matched served as a control . Measurement received for all participant include detailed history, clinical examination,neurological examination and serumfasting lipid profile, while the analysis of seizure (onset, type, frequency and classification of epilepsy according to (ILAE2017)), inter-ictal EEG, history of AEDs administration; daily dose and compliance to medication)were for epileptic patient only. Result: Serum TC, LDL were significantly higher in epileptic children treated with (old and new generation) AEDs than other groups, TG and VLDL were higher in epileptic children treated with old AEDs than other groups, while newly diagnosed epileptic children have higher LDL than control group, on the other hand there is a significant higher HDL in epileptic children treated with new antiepileptic drugs than newly diagnosed epileptic children and epileptic children treated with old antiepileptic drugs. Conclusion: Epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs especially old generation antiepileptic drugs are considered risk factors of dyslipidemias & atherosclerosis. We recommend routine monitoring of the serum lipid profile in epileptic children especially they treated with old generation AEDs (VAP and CBZ namely). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Rectal varices and hemorrhoids are a gastrointestinal complication of portal hypertension. There is a large discrepancy in previous studies regarding prevalence of rectal varices and hemorrhoids and their correlation with other factors. Aim of the work: goal of our study was evaluation of the effect of band ligation of oesophageal varices (OVs) on the evolution and/or progression of rectal varices and haemorrhoids. Patients and Methods: This study conducted on 50 post- HCV cirrhotic patients screened for esophageal varices. They were divided into two main groups; Group I: It included 25 post-HCV cirrhotic patients, screened for OVs, band ligation was indicated in them, and they were banded for OVs. Group II: It included 25 post-HCV cirrhotic patients, screened for OVs, and band ligation was not indicated in them. All of them were submitted to oesophagogastrodudenoscopy (OGD) for assessment of OVs and short colonoscopy for assessment of rectal varices & haemorrhoids at the baseline and after 6 months. Results: Obliteration of esophageal varices by endoscopic variceal band ligation did not affect the incidence of hemorrhoids (38% before and after) and anorectal varices (12% before and after). Conclusion: It is concluded that esophageal variceal band ligation does not affect the incidence of hemorrhoids, or anorectal va1rices inpatients with liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective potentials of Silene villosa Caryophyllaceae methanol extract in rats. Methods: Toxicity of S. villosa extract was evaluated in rats. Inflammation was induced in rats by injection of 0.1 mL carrageenan (1 %) in the left hind paws. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used to induce liver damage. Five groups of rat were used. The 1st (normal control) and 2nd (hepatotoxic) groups received the vehicle. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups received silymarin, 250 and 500 mg/kg of S. villosa extract, respectively, for 7 days. Liver injury was induced on the 7th day by intraperitoneal administration of 1 mL/kg of CCl4 to rats in groups 2 - 5. Results: The results showed that S. villosa is safe. It significantly reduced carrageenan-induced edema compared to normal (p < 0.01) and standard (p < 0.01) groups. The extract protected (p < 0.01) rats against the deleterious effect of CCl4. It decreased (p < 0.01) the elevated serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as elevated serum levels of bilirubin (BRN), compared to CCl4 control rats. Reduced activities of the antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased (p < 0.01) in rat liver, compared with CCl4 control group. The results were confirmed by histological findings in rat liver as the extract reduced necrosis and hydropic degeneration of hepatic tissue compared to CCl4 control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that S. villosa possesses anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities in rats, and therefore, has therapeutic potentials in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this work is to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in children with idiopathic epilepsy under anti-epileptic drugs and to determine the effect of the type and the duration of drug administration on BMD. Subjects and methods This study conducted on 120 children divided into two groups, Epileptic group included 60 children diagnosed as having epilepsy on the basis of clinical examination receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDS). Control group included 60 healthy children. All patients subjected to clinical examination and determination of bone mineral density. Results Among epileptic children, there were 35 children (58.3%) with generalized tonic clonic seizures, 11(18.3%) were partial, 10(16.7%) were partial with secondary generalization, 4(6.7%) were absence seizures. 41(68.3%) epileptic patients were on antiepileptic monotherapy while 19 (31.7%) were on polytherapy. Seventeen children with low bone mineral density state (LBMD) and 43 with normal bone density. Epileptic patients had lower BMD, Z- score, and AM compared with controls (P value < .001). Epileptic patients with LBMD had significant decrease in Z score, BMD and AM (P < .001) compared with epileptic patients with normal bone state. Conclusion Epileptic patients receiving polytherapy showed more decrease in BMD than that of epileptic patients receiving monotherapy with (P < .001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]