Atorvastatin therapy in patients with RA reduced disease activity and conventional and novel vascular risk factors that promote the atheromatous lesion. Therapy was also associated with concomitant improvement in endothelial function.

The immune and hematological systems can be a target for environmental contaminants with potential adverse effects, so the purpose of this study is to provide documentation on immunotoxicity and hematotoxicity of tetrachloroethylene, which is widely used in dry cleaning in Egypt. This study was carried out on 80 adult males. Subjects designated as controls (n = 40) were healthy persons and others were tetrachloroethylene-exposed dry-cleaning workers (n = 40). The controls and tetrachloroethylene-exposed workers were then divided into four equal groups (20 individuals/group): group I, control group never smoking; group II, smoking control group; and groups III and IV, tetrachloroethylene-exposed nonsmoking and smoking workers, respectively. Blood level of tetrachloroethylene, complete blood count, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG, and IgE), the total numbers of white blood cells (WBC), and leukocyte differential counts, as well as interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), were measured. The immunotoxicity of tetrachloroethylene appeared in the form of an increase in serum immunoglobulin E in nonsmoking and smoking tetrachloroethylene-exposed workers, while the serum immunoglobulins A, M, and G levels showed no significant change in all studied groups. In addition, our results demonstrated a significant increase in white cell count, lymphocytes, natural killer (NK; CD3+CD16CD56+) cells, and B (CD19+) lymphocytes. The increase in WBC and lymphocytes may be attributed to allergic reaction. Moreover, serum and lymphocytic interlukin-4 levels were significantly increased in nonsmoking and smoking tetrachloroethylene-exposed workers. Tetrachloroethylene exposure is associated with immunotoxicity, which may lead to the augmentation of allergic diseases or appearance of autoimmune reaction.

No abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and an autoimmune disease of the joints and is widely distributed worldwide. It is characterized by alterations of the antioxidant defense system and increased free radical formation and pro-inflammatory cytokine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers and caspase 9 level in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This study included 30 RA patients and 30 healthy subjects. Plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), caspase 9 and 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8 OHdG) were assayed as well as blood vitamin C level. These parameters were reevaluated in RA patients after vitamin C supplementation for one month. Increased MDA and 8 OHdG levels and reduced TAC, caspase 9 and vitamin C. Levels were demonstrated in RA patients. After vitamin C supplementation, RA patients showed significant increase in TAC and vitamin C level and significant decrease in MDA and 8 OHdG levels, plasma caspase 9 level was not significantly affected after vitamin C supplementation. Increased oxidative stress and decreased apoptosis may have an important role in the pathogenesis of RA. The administration of vitamin C supplementation may help to relieve oxidative stress and enhance the antioxidant defense in these patients.

Objective: Aflatoxins (AFs) a group of mycotoxins, are produced by the filamentous fungi Aspergillus, particularly flavus and parasiticus. Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) is the most prevalent and the most potent of these toxins, which has potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic properties in animals and humans. Because of the wide spread of AFB 1 contaminated food and feeds and because of its hepatotoxicity, the present experimental study was carried out. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to highlight the antagonistic effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin C against the hepatotoxic effect of AFB 1 as they have a role in prevention of formation of carcinogens from precursor compounds and they are natural antioxidants.Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 85 white male albino rats divided into; Group I (control group):10 rats received I.P injection of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 15 days. Group II: 45 rats received I.P injection of AFB 1 for 15 days and then subdivided into three equal subgroups; Group II a: received regular diet, group II b: received Se orally for 15 days. Group II c: received vitamin C orally for 15 days. Group III: received Se orally for 15 days during and 15 days after AFB 1 injection. Group IV: received vitamin C orally for 15 days during and 15 days after AFB 1 injection. All groups were subjected to measurements of the following; liver function tests, serum & liver tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and the activity of serum &liver tissue glutathione S-transferase enzyme (GST) and paraoxonase1 (PON1) enzymes. Liver specimens were examined histopathologically. Results: The present study confirmed the hepatotoxicity of AFB 1 , as marked by the significant increase of serum AST, ALT enzymes activities and decrease serum albumin which is confirmed by histopathological study of liver tissues. Serum and liver tissue MDA levels were significantly increased in AFB 1 treated animals. There was significant increase of the inducible enzyme GST activity and significant decrease of GSH level in AFB 1 treated groups. There was significant decrease in PON1 enzyme activity in both serum and hepatic tissue. Se and vitamin C were effective only when given with and after the xenobiotic treatment for another 15 days. They caused significant decrease of serum activity of AST, ALT and increase in serum albumin. They also caused a significant decrease in MDA level and GST enzyme activity with significant increase of GSH level and PON1 enzyme activity in both serum and liver tissues. Conclusion: All the above findings confirm the protective role of Se and vitamin C on the hepatotoxicity caused by AFB 1 . Key Words: Selenium (Se), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase enzyme (GST) paraoxonase1 (PON1). Bull. Egypt. Soc. Physiol. Sci. 30 (2) 2010Abaskhroun et al.