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Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection among pregnant females could induce CMV hepatitis with possible changes in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) which could be reversibly increased during normal pregnancies, particularly in the third trimester. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of CMV infection among pregnant females with and without chronic liver disease and to evaluate the effects of CMV infection on LSM and pregnancy outcomes in comparison to non-CMV-infected pregnant females. Methods This is an observational prospective study that included 201 pregnant ladies presented to the liver disease with pregnancy clinic, Cairo University from March 2018 to April 2019. We assessed the laboratory results, abdominal ultrasonography, LSM using ARFI elastography, and pregnancy outcomes. Results Two hundred and one pregnant ladies were divided into ; group 1: pregnant ladies with normal pregnancy (n = 128), group 2: pregnant ladies with chronic liver diseases not related to pregnancy (n = 35), and group 3: pregnant ladies with pregnancy-related liver diseases (n = 38). Positive CMV serology (either/or, +ve CMV-IgM, IgG) was detected in 106/201 patients (52.74%), and fifteen of them had an active infection (IgG +, IgM+, PCR+). Pregnant females with chronic liver diseases not related to pregnancy had significantly higher serum levels of CMV IgM, IgG, and PCR. Moreover, LSM had a significant correlation with CMV IgG and CM_PCR in normal pregnant ladies. Maternal mortality occurred only in pregnant females with chronic liver diseases in 5.7% (2/35). Conclusion Maternal CMV infection carries a significant risk to pregnant females with chronic liver disease. Routine CMV screening for women planning to be pregnant, especially those with chronic liver disease could help to avoid bad maternal and fetal outcomes.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal malignancies with poor prognosis. CRC cells release extracellular vesicles called exosomes to facilitate tumor progression by passing bioactive molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids between cells of the tumor and their microenvironment. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor which mainly affects the lineage of neutrophil and exerts direct anti-tumor effects on various tumor types. The purpose of our study is to investigate the effect of G-CSF on CRC cells and to evaluate its capability to attenuate the potentiality of CRC cells derived exosomes to induce bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) malignant transformation into cancer stem cells (CSCs). Results The level of both lncRNA metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT-1) (p = 0.014) & β-catenin (p = 0.01) was significantly decreased, whereas programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) (p = 0.018) was increased in CRC exosomes pre-treated with G-CSF compared to untreated CRC exosomes. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the cell proliferation in CRC cells pre-treated with G-CSF compared to untreated CRC cells (p = 0.008). Flow cytometric analysis of BM-MSCs showed that G-CSF could attenuate their transformation into CSCs. Conclusion G-CSF can be a promising therapeutic agent for CRC treatment.

The era of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) was used as novel biotechnology to replace embryonic stem cells bypassing the ethical concerns and problems of stem cell transplant rejection. The anti-tumour potential of iPSCs against many tumours including salivary cancer was proven in previous studies. The current study aimed to investigate the contribution of the Bax, Sirt-1, TGF-β, and MALAT genes and/or their protein expression to the pathogenesis of submandibular carcinogenesis before and after iPSCs treatment. Thirty Wistar albino rats were equally assigned into three groups: group I (control), group II (Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)): submandibular glands were injected SCC cells, and group III (SCC/iPSCs): SCC rats were treated by 5 × 106 iPSCs. Submandibular gland sections were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical analyses to detect mucopolysaccharides, Bax, and TGF-β expression as well as PCR quantification for TGF-β, Sirt-1, and lncRNA MALAT-1 gene expressions. Western blotting was also used to detect Sirt-1 and TGF-β protein expressions. SCC group revealed infiltration by sheets of malignant squamous cells with or without keratin pearls and inflammatory cells, in addition to upregulation of TGF-β, Sirt-1, MALAT-1, and Bax, whereas SCC/iPSCs group showed an improved submandibular histoarchitecture with the maintenance of the secretory function. Bax and TGF-β immunoexpression were significantly reduced. The upregulated TGF-β, Sirt-1, and MALAT-1 genes were significantly decreased. iPSCs protected against the experimentally induced submandibular gland carcinoma that might be achieved via their regenerative potential and their regulatory modulation of Sirt-1, TGF-β, and MALAT-1 gene/protein expressions and of the apoptotic response in cancer cells.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main cancers in the world with a high mortality rate. The molecular mechanisms of HCC are poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a role in HCC pathogenesis. Glypican3 (GPC3) is a cell surface oncofetal proteoglycan that is expressed in HCC, and its overexpression predicts a poorer prognosis. We aimed to assess the levels of alfa fetoprotein (AFP), lncRNA AF085935 gene expression, and GPC3 protein in HCC patients. Patients and methods The patients were classified into three groups: HCC group, cirrhotic group, and healthy control group. For all groups, we performed clinical examinations, laboratory investigations, and imaging. The levels of AFP, GPC3 protein, and LncRNA gene expression were estimated. A statistical analysis was done. Results Levels of GPC3 and LncRNA gene expression were significantly higher in the HCC group versus other groups. LncRNA gene and GPC3 levels are excellent for the detection of HCC with a sensitivity of 96% and 87%, respectively. Specificity was 81% and 64%, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed that LncRNA gene expression and GPC3 protein are significant predictors for HCC (p = 0 and p = 0.001, respectively). Log rank analysis based on GPC3 and LncRNA gene expression levels in HCC patients showed that high expression of GPC3 and LncRNA is associated with shorter overall survival than those with low expressions (p value Conclusion In our study, LncRNA gene expression and GPC3 levels are good diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCC patients.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem that its incidence increases nowadays with the increase in the risk of environmental pollution. CKD can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) which usually ends fatally. This study aimed to examine the therapeutic potential of Camel Wharton jelly-mesenchymal stem cells (CWJ-MSCs) in chronic kidney disease model induced in dogs. Methods CWJ-MSCs were injected directed to the kidney with ultrasonographic guidance in dogs with 5/6 nephrectomy to evaluate its therapeutic potency in such cases. Analysis of variance was applied in normally distributed quantitative variables while a non-parametric Mann–Whitney test was used for non-normally distributed quantitative variables. Results The serum urea and creatinine in the treated group were significantly decreased transferring dogs in the treated group from stage 3 to stage 2 CKD according to the IRIS staging system. Histopathology of renal tissue revealed improving CKD lesions by increasing regeneration of degenerated tubules, maintaining the integrity of glomeruli. New vascularization with blood vessels remodeling were common findings. Periodic acid Schiff stain of renal tissue showed the integrity of renal tubules and thickness of the glomerular basement membrane. Fibrosis of cortex and medulla was lower in the treated group than in the CKD model as monitored by Mallory’s trichrome stain (MTC). NGAL and KIM-1 genes expression were decreased while VEGF and EGF genes expression were increased indicating renal tissue repair. Conclusions CWJ-MSCs have a therapeutic potential in the CKD model induced in dogs.

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease that can be prevented and even treated. It leads to high morbidity and mortality rates. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative radicals were found to be implicated in COPD pathogenesis. Objectives To measure serum level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with stable COPD and also to detect the relationship of IL-6 levels with COPD severity. Patients and methods A total of 50 patients having stable COPD, in addition to 20 healthy control individuals, were included in the study. History taking and clinical examination, BMI calculation, spirometry (postbronchodilator spirometry in COPD group), and 6-min walk test were done for all patients. Measurement of serum level of IL-6 was done by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum level of IL-6 showed significantly higher concentrations among patients with COPD compared with healthy individuals [359.87±106.99 and 188.92±77.97 pg/ml, respectively; P

Background Diabetic foot ulceration is a serious chronic complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by high disability, mortality, and morbidity. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used for diabetic wound healing due to its high content of growth factors. However, its application is limited due to the rapid degradation of growth factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and PRP therapy in promoting diabetic wound healing in relation to the Notch signaling pathway. Methods Albino rats were allocated into 6 groups [control (unwounded), sham (wounded but non-diabetic), diabetic, PRP-treated, ADSC-treated, and PRP+ADSCs-treated groups]. The effect of individual and combined therapy was evaluated by assessing wound closure rate, epidermal thickness, dermal collagen, and angiogenesis. Moreover, gene and protein expression of key elements of the Notch signaling pathway (Notch1, Delta-like canonical Notch ligand 4 (DLL4), Hairy Enhancer of Split-1 (Hes1), Hey1, Jagged-1), gene expression of angiogenic marker (vascular endothelial growth factor and stromal cell-derived factor 1) and epidermal stem cells (EPSCs) related gene (ß1 Integrin) were assessed. Results Our data showed better wound healing of PRP+ADSCs compared to their individual use after 7 and 14 days as the combined therapy caused reepithelialization and granulation tissue formation with a marked increase in area percentage of collagen, epidermal thickness, and angiogenesis. Moreover, Notch signaling was significantly downregulated, and EPSC proliferation and recruitment were enhanced compared to other treated groups and diabetic groups. Conclusions These data demonstrated that PRP and ADSCs combined therapy significantly accelerated healing of diabetic wounds induced experimentally in rats via modulating the Notch pathway, promoting angiogenesis and EPSC proliferation.

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokine. Psoriasin is a noticeably over-expressed protein found in the skin lesions of psoriatic patients. Our current study was planned to examine the association of (- 947 A/G) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IL-17RA promoter region (rs4819554) with psoriasis susceptibility in Egyptian psoriatic patients. Our study included 100 patients and 100, age as well as sex matched, control groups. IL-17RA SNP association was studied using allelic discrimination. RT-qPCR and ELISA were done to assess IL-17 expression. ELISA was performed to assess psoriasin expression. Our study showed a significant association between IL-17 rs4819554 SNP and psoriasis risk, evidenced by higher G allele and AG genotype frequencies in psoriatic patients when compared to controls (allelic: OR 2.283, 95% CI 1.321-3.946, p = 0.003, and genotype: OR 3.026, 95% CI 1.356-6.752, p = 0.007). Additionally, serum psoriasin level was significantly increased when comparing psoriatic patients to controls (p = 0.0003). Moreover, significant increase in IL 17 gene and protein level in AA, AG psoriatic genotypes compared to the corresponding genotypes in normal control (p = 0.0004). IL-17 rs4819554 is significantly associated with psoriasis, and with psoriasin level, in the Egyptian population.

This cross-sectional comparative study aimed to compare serum L-carnitine and 25(OH)D levels between men with ED non-responding for oral sildenafil citrate and healthy volunteers. Overall, 192 men, recruited from two University Hospitals, were allocated into two equal groups of matched age; healthy potent men and men with ED non-responders for oral sildenafil citrate. Oral sildenafil citrate non-responders self-reported inadequate erectile responses after four attempts using 100 mg with the manufacturer's guidelines relative to meals, associated medications, and sexual stimulation/arousal. Exclusion criteria were: diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, beta blockers treatment, morbid obesity, thyroid disorders, post-radical prostatectomy, and hepatic/renal failure. All participants were subjected to; history taking, clinical examination, validated IIEF-5 questionnaire, estimation of serum L-carnitine by calorimetric method and serum 25(OH)D by ELISA method. Compared with potent controls, ED men non-responders for oral sildenafil citrate showed significant decreases in the mean serum L-carnitine level (16.8 ± 3.6 uM/L versus 66.3 ± 11.9 uM/L, P = 0.001), the mean serum 25(OH)D level (21.2 ± 7.1 ng/ml versus 54.6 ± 7.9 ng/mL, P = 0.001) and IIEF-5 score (7.8 ± 2.6 versus 23.9 ± 1.3). Serum L-carnitine showed significant positive correlation with IIEF-5 scores (r = 0.873, P = 001), serum 25(OH)D (r = 0.796, P = 0.001) and significant negative correlation with the age (r = -0.515, P = 0.001). Serum 25(OH)D showed significant positive correlation with IIEF-5 scores (r = 0.855, P = 0.001) and significant negative correlation with the age (r = -0.223, P = 0.005). It is concluded that normal homeostasis of serum L-carnitine and 25(OH)D play a role in male sexual health being significantly decreased in ED non-responding for oral sildenafil citrate.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. To our knowledge, there is no single study conducted on the role of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) gene polymorphism in breast cancer risk or prognosis. The present study aims to investigate the probable role of SPARC genetic polymorphisms in development of breast cancer; their correlation with immunohistochemical expression of VEGF; and their association with breast cancer prognosis in the Egyptian population. The study sample included 238 Egyptian females who were divided into two groups: breast cancer group (118 patients) and healthy control group (120 subjects). SPARC gene single nucleotide polymorphisms rs3210714 and rs7719521 were genotyped. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were determined in both groups and association with ductal breast carcinoma, clinicopathological and prognostic characters were determined. For SPARC rs3210714, a significant difference was observed in the codominant model and both A and G alleles' frequencies between breast cancer patients and control group (P

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes due to interplay between keratinocytes and immune cells. Iron status plays an important role in modifying the function of the immune system. Heme oxygenase (HO), heme-degrading enzyme, plays important role in protective response to oxidative cellular stress. We aimed in this study to map the iron status and HO levels and declare the role HO enzyme in iron homeostasis and immune-modulation in psoriasis. Fifty-one patients with psoriasis and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. 5 mL blood sample was withdrawn from each subject. Hepcidin, iron soluble transferring receptor (sTfR), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were estimated using ELISA technique and, HO-1 gene level was detected using RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction). Iron levels, TIBC, and hepcidin were significantly lower in cases compared to controls. On the contrary, sTfR and HO-1 were significantly over-expressed in cases compared to controls (p 0.05 in all). HO-1 expression negatively correlated with PASI score and disease extent (%) (r = - 0.614-, p = 0.001; r = - 0.807-, p = 0.001 respectively). There were no significant associations between HO-1 expression and iron, TIBC, hepcidin, sTfR levels (p 0.05 in all). Iron supplements for the patients with psoriasis are important to maintain haematopoiesis. The induction of HO-1 might have be a promising approach for the treatment of psoriasis through antioxidant ability, immunomodulatory role as well as its role in heme synthesis.

This study aimed to assess the association between aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) rs2066853 gene polymorphism with infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men and seminal oxidative stress (OS). A total of 170 Egyptian men were allocated according to their semen analysis into fertile normozoospermic controls (n = 50) and infertile OAT men (n = 120). They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, estimation of seminal glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA). AhR rs2066853 gene polymorphism was identified in the blood by PCR-RFLP. Comparing infertile OAT men with fertile controls, AhR rs2066853 genotypes showed decreased prevalence for wild homozygous genotype GG (35.8 vs 56%) and for heterozygous genotype GA (17.5 vs 30%) and an increased prevalence for homozygous genotype AA (46.7 vs 14%). Distribution of alleles of AhR rs2066853 among OAT men compared with fertile men showed decreased prevalence of G allele (44.6 vs 71%) and an increased prevalence of A allele (55.4 vs 29%). Seminal MDA demonstrated significant increase whereas seminal GPx demonstrated significant decrease in cases with AA and GA/AA genotypes compared to cases with GG genotype. It is concluded that there is a significant association between AhR rs2066853 genotype polymorphism with decreased sperm parameters as well as increased seminal oxidative stress in infertile OAT men.

In the original publication of the article, the reference citation style in the article was published incorrectly. The journal follows 'Name and Year' style for references. However, they were cited in numbering style incoherent to the references given in the Reference section which were placed in alphabetical order.

Background and objectives Sex determination of an individual based on biological fluid evidence is a critical issue in forensic science. RNA has proved valuable in the identification of body fluids and the estimation of stain age. However, it still could not provide sufficient information about their donor. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of the long non-coding XIST and RPS4Y1 markers in the identification of sex from different body fluids. Methods Saliva, semen, and peripheral and menstrual blood samples were obtained from apparently healthy volunteers. The expression of XIST and RPS4Y1 was assessed in these samples using real-time RT-PCR. Results XIST was detected in female saliva and peripheral and menstrual blood, while RPS4Y1 was detected in male blood and semen. Conclusion XIST and RPS4Y1 could be sex differentiation biomarkers in various body fluids.

Background and objectives Post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation is an important topic in forensic sciences. Several methods have been used to determine the PMI, but most of these provide inaccurate results under certain conditions. The degradation of RNA after death has been reported to be a useful tool for PMI estimation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of skin and heart GAPDH mRNA levels for determining the PMI under different environmental conditions. Methods Seventy-eight adult female albino rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Then, rats divided into the control group and four experimental groups left under different conditions (in ambient air at 30 °C and at 6 °C, buried in sand and submerged under water at an air temperature of 30 °C). The skin and heart samples were obtained at different time points (0, 24, 48, and 96 h post-mortem), and the GAPDH mRNA level in each sample was detected by qRT-PCR. Results The GAPDH mRNA levels decreased with increasing PMI in all study groups. There were significant negative correlations between the heart GAPDH mRNA level and the time interval in all studied groups, while the skin GAPDH mRNA level only showed negative correlations under certain conditions. Conclusion The GAPDH mRNA level in rat heart and skin could be a useful marker for PMI estimation under various environmental conditions.

Background Curcumin exhibits anti-diabetic activities, induces heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and is an inhibitor of transcriptional co-activator p300. A novel water soluble curcumin derivative (NCD) has been developed to overcome low invivo bioavailability of curcumin. We evaluated the effect of the NCD on signaling mechanisms involved in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and studied whether its action is mediated via inducible HO-1. Materials and methods Rats were divided into controls, controls receiving NCD, diabetic, diabetic receiving NCD, diabetic receiving pure curcumin, diabetic receiving HO inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX) and diabetic receiving NCD and ZnPP IX. NCD and curcumin were given orally. After 45 days, cardiac physiologic parameters, plasma glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (GHb), HO-1 gene expression and HO activity in pancreas and cardiac tissues were assessed. Gene expression of p300, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2A and MEF2C) were studied. Results NCD and curcumin decreased plasma glucose, GHb and increased insulin levels significantly in diabetic rats. This action may be partially mediated by induction of HO-1 gene. HO-1 gene expression and HO activity were significantly increased in diabetic heart and pancreas. Diabetes upregulated the expression of ANP, MEF2A, MEF2C and p300. NCD and curcumin prevented diabetes-induced upregulation of these parameters and improved left ventricular function. The effect of the NCD was better than the same dose of curcumin.