IntroductionObesity and associated metabolic disorders are a worldwide epidemic. Recent evidence suggests that the microbial community in the human intestine may play an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota between obese and normal weight Egyptian children and adults.Material and methodsThe study included 79 subjects among whom 51 were obese (23 children and 28 adults), and 28 were subjects of normal weight (17 children and 11 adults). Faecal samples were collected from all subjects. Total DNA was extracted from collected stool samples and submitted to conventional PCR for detection of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. All the studied group was subjected to clinical and anthropometric evaluation. Laboratory assessment of fasting glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and lipid profile was performed.ResultsThe proportions of the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were statistically significantly increased in the obese group compared to the normal weight group (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 respectively). The study also found a statistically significant positive trend for higher hsCRP in subjects with positive Firmicutes (p = 0.004). However, no associations were found between positive Bacteroidetes and hsCRP.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that obesity in Egyptian children and adults is associated with compositional changes in faecal microbiota with increase in the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. This could be considered when developing strategies to control obesity and its associated diseases by modifying the gut microbiota.

IntroductionFetuin-A is an important player in the enhancement of insulin resistance. There are very limited data available concerning the relationships between fetuin-A, weight status and features of the metabolic syndrome (Met S) in obese Egyptian subjects, and especially in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate fetuin-A serum level in subjects with obesity and its possible association with other laboratory and clinical variables.Material and methodsA total of 140 obese subjects and 50 controls aged 10-40 years were recruited. Demographic, anthropometric and biochemical features were collected according to a standard protocol. Serum fetuin-A levels were measured using ELISA and the modified Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP-ATP III) criteria were adopted to diagnose Met S.ResultsA higher level of serum fetuin-A was detected in obese subjects. Met S cases were also significantly associated with higher serum fetuin-A. Fetuin-A correlated significantly with BMI (r = 0.437), systolic (r = 0.228) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.295), waist circumference (r = 0.332), insulin resistance calculated by the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR) (r = 0.295) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r = 0.362).ConclusionsFetuin-A levels were higher in adults and children with obesity and Met S. They were related to insulin resistance and to features of the Met S in cross-sectional analyses. Our study demonstrates a novel association between human fetuin-A and the Met S among obese subject. Therefore, fetuin-A might be a new promising link between obesity and its comorbidities.

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The aim of the study was to evaluate NAFLD spectrum in children with type 1 of diabetes mellitus (T1DM) by simple fibrosis scores and advanced biochemical markers in association with abdominal ultrasonography (US), Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography (ARFI) and comparing their results. Material and methods: A case-control study was conducted on 142children and adolescents with T1DM and79 subjects as controls. Through medical history, clinical examination, and laboratory assessment including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and liver enzymes including AST and ALT were carried out. Calculation of simple fibrosis scores (AST/ALT ratio, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis (FIB)-4 index, paediatric NAFLD fibrosis index (PNFI) were done. Assessment of advanced biochemical markers including hyaluronic acid (HA) , amino terminal pro peptide of type III collagen (PIIINP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) levels. Also, ELF test were calculated. Results: Data of non-invasive fibrosis score, there were statistically significant difference between cases and controls in fibrosis 4 score, Discriminant score also ratio of AST to ALT value (p = 0.009, 0.000 and 0.019) respectively. Also, regarding advanced biochemical markers and ELF score, there were a high statistically significant difference in TMP, Hyaluronic acid and ELF(p = 0.00, 0.044 and 0.00) respectively. Conclusions: Our results support that there are available non-invasive biomarkers for hepatic affection in children with T1DM. Obtained results support that there is a going on process in diabetic children could be assessed by AST/ALT ratio, FIB-4 index and ELF Score with performing abdominal sonography while ARFI needed in more advanced stage.

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia are well-known risk factors for several illnesses including atherosclerosis, heart and vascular diseases and stroke. Herbal medicine is still the mainstay of about 75-80% of the world population, mainly in the developing countries, for primary health care because of better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and lesser side effects. Herbal extracts are introduced to the mankind since many centuries, several herbal extracts in different oral formulas have been recommended for diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia treatment all over the world. Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of the extract of Bitter melon (Citrullus colocynthis) in young adult Sprague Dawley female rats for eight weeks. Materials and Methods: Forty female young adult Sprague Dawley female rats were divided into two sections. Section I (Normal animals) was S.C. injection with a vehicle (0.9% NaCl) and divided into two groups (10 rats / group), one of these served as control group and the second group was received extract of Bitter melon (Citrullus colocynthis) seed 50 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks and served as normal treated group. Group II was S.C. injection with Alloxan (diabetic rats) and divided into two group (10 rats each), one of these served as diabetic control group while the second group was received extract of Citrullus colocynthis (C-colocynthis) seed (50mg/kg/day) orally for 8 weeks and served as diabetic treated group. After 8-weeks experiment was terminated and animals were sacrificed, heart blood was drawn and sera were separated for assessment of blood glucose, lipid profile, and lipid peroxidation value (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as total and direct bilirubin. Results: Both normal and diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in blood glucose, lipid peroxidation value (MDA), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) as well as total and direct bilirubin. While, levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total lipid were significantly increased in both normoglycemic and hyperglycaemic rats except ALT, AST and ALP in hyperglycaemic rats had no changes. Conclusions: The present study shed more of the light on the effect of Bitter melon (Citrullus colocynthis) extract and proves that this extract has