Transgenerational Genetic Effect of Trichloroethane (TCE) on Phenotypic Variation of Acrosomal Proteolytic Enzyme and Male Infertility Risk
Mohamed A. Al-Griw,
Naser M. Salama,
Soad A. Treesh,
Abdul Hakim Elnfati
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
43-49
Received:
19 August 2015
Accepted:
31 August 2015
Published:
9 September 2015
Abstract: Exposure to trichloroethane (TCE), a ambiguous environmental toxicant, has been negatively associated with male reproductive performance. The objective was to investigate, in-vivo, the mutagenic, carcinogenic or teratogenic effect of TCE maternal exposure on sperm quality and testicular cytoarchitecture of F1 generation of mice. A motile sperm separation technique was used to estimate sperm motility and a gelatin slide technique was used to measure the number of the halo around the acrosome of individual sperm as an acrosomal proteolytic enzyme (APA). Animals were followed up for signs of toxicity and mortality. Alterations in testicular tissues have been histopathology investigated. No adverse signs, symptoms and mortality were observed in the animals treated with TCE. Moreover, significant changes were seen in body and testis weight. Results of semen analysis revealed that TCE lead to low sperm count, abnormal sperm morphology, and frequently of sperm motility. These results were correlated with decrease in APA when pre-leptotene or spermatogonial cells were tested, indicating a transgenerational toxic effects. Histopathological examination revealed that TCE insult marked alterations in the microstructures of testicular tissues appeared as severe morphological abnormal spermatozoa and vacuoles. Taken together, these results suggest that early exposure to TCE causes testicular toxicity and poor semen quality. The sperm phenotypes utilized in this study may increase the value of sperm for detection mutagenic developmentally active agents, and agent with anti-fertility effects in mammals. This in-vivo animal model represents a unique platform for assessing human reproductive toxicity potential and genetic risk of various environmental mutagens, carcinogens and teratogens in a rapid, efficient, and unbiased format.
Abstract: Exposure to trichloroethane (TCE), a ambiguous environmental toxicant, has been negatively associated with male reproductive performance. The objective was to investigate, in-vivo, the mutagenic, carcinogenic or teratogenic effect of TCE maternal exposure on sperm quality and testicular cytoarchitecture of F1 generation of mice. A motile sperm sepa...
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Common MEFV Mutations in Palestinian Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Mohammed J. Ashour,
Fadel A. Sharif
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
50-52
Received:
26 August 2015
Accepted:
6 September 2015
Published:
14 September 2015
Abstract: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive inflammatory disorder caused by mutations in the MEFV gene that encodes the pyrin protein. The disease is relatively common among people originating from the Mediterranean areas. The aim of this study was to determine the common MEFV gene mutations in 270 Palestinian patients diagnosed with FMF. The patients were screened for four common MEFV gene mutations namely, p.M694V, p.M694I, p.V726A, and p.E148Q using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). The results revealed that around 22% of the patients harbored two MEFV mutations, with the compound heterozygous forms being more prevalent than the homozygous ones. The most frequently encountered mutant allele was p.M694V which existed in around 12% of the tested chromosomes. The p.M694I, p.V226A and p.E148Q mutations were observed in around 9, 9 and 7% of the tested chromosomes, respectively. In about 29% of the patients only one mutant allele could be detected and around 49% of the patients did not show any of the investigated mutations. In conclusion, the four tested MEFV gene mutations have a significant contribution to FMF in the Palestinian population of Gaza strip. Screening for those mutations should be offered to FMF patients to confirm diagnosis and effect timely treatment. Further mutations analysis the MEFV gene should be conducted in this population in order to document additional MEFV mutations.
Abstract: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive inflammatory disorder caused by mutations in the MEFV gene that encodes the pyrin protein. The disease is relatively common among people originating from the Mediterranean areas. The aim of this study was to determine the common MEFV gene mutations in 270 Palestinian patients diagnosed wi...
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Interleukin-6: A Proinflammatory Role in Nephritis in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Dalia Abdul-Halim Shaheen,
Hisham M. Habib,
Mohamed A. Marie
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
53-58
Received:
12 August 2015
Accepted:
28 August 2015
Published:
17 September 2015
Abstract: Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with a common finding of renal involvement which is related to high incidence of mortality and morbidity. IL-6 is produced by leukocytes and intrinsic kidney cells that affects inflammation, increases mesangial cell proliferation, and also contributes to autoimmunity. Objective. To detect the serum level as well as expression in PBMCs in the blood of IL-6 in SLE patients. Furthermore we compare serum level, as well as expression in PBMCs in the blood of IL-6 of lupus nephritis group versus non-nephritis lupus group and to study its correlation with other variables in SLE patients. Methods. The study was carried on 100 SLE patients, and 50 healthy control subjects. Fifty patients had lupus nephritis and 50 without evidence of lupus nephritis. Serum interleukin 6 (IL6) was measured using the ELISA technique as well as the expression of IL6 mRNA in PBMCs. Serum creatinine, C3, C4 and 24 hours urinary proteins were measured. Lupus activity was assessed using BILAG scoring system. Renal activity was measured using renal activity scoring system. Results. Serum IL6 level and its mRNA expression was significantly high in SLE patients and was higher in lupus nephritis patients than lupus patients without nephritis. IL6 was significantly correlated with renal activity score, 24 hours urinary proteins lowered C3 and C4 level and BILAG score. Conclusion. Serum IL-6 level and its mRNA expression is elevated in SLE patients as well as lupus nephritis patients. This was found to be linked with SLE disease activity in general and renal involvement in particular.
Abstract: Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with a common finding of renal involvement which is related to high incidence of mortality and morbidity. IL-6 is produced by leukocytes and intrinsic kidney cells that affects inflammation, increases mesangial cell proliferation, and also contributes to autoimmunity. O...
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