Cardiovascular disease and the development of coronary artery atherosclerosis play a pivotal role in increasing mortality in patients with diabetes. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis (measured as carotid intima-media thickness [cIMT] and to study possible associated risk factors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Forty type 1 diabetic subjects, aged 11-30 years, with duration of diabetes 3-25 years and 40 normal healthy controls, were included. Blood pressure (BP) measurement, as well as screening for diabetic complications, was performed. Lipid profile, albumin/creatinine ratio, renal functions and glycosylated hemoglobin (HB A(1)c) were assayed. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured using ultrasound. The mean aggregate cIMT was higher in diabetics than controls (0.6 mm 00 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.4 mm +/- 0.1, p = 0.000). Moreover, it was higher in patients with positive family history of type 2 diabetes than in those with negative family history (mean 0.7 mm +/- 0.1 vs. 0.6 mm +/- 0.1, p = 0.018). cIMT was found to positively correlate with: age in both diabetics and controls (r = 0.76, p = 0.000, r = 0.74, p = 0.000 respectively), body mass index (BMI) in diabetics but not controls (r = 0.82, p = 0.000, r = 0.30, p = 0.06 respectively). In diabetics, mean aggregate cIMT positively correlated with duration of diabetes (r = 0.66, p = 0.000), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.82, p = 0.000), diastolic BP (r = 0.83, p = 0.000), as well as HB A1c (r = 0.40, p = 0.004) and correlated negatively with high density lipoprotein -cholesterol (HDL-C) (r = -0.88, p = 0.000). As cardiovascular morbidity is high in diabetes, non-invasive methods for monitoring vascular changes as cIMT might be useful in clinical practice for early diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis, which can allow for strategies designed to reduce the cardiovascular event rate in those patients.

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2020) Synergetic role of senna and fennel extracts as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic agents in irradiated human blood lymphocyte cultures, ABSTRACT Present work aimed to examine antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic effects of senna and fennel via synergetic mechanisms against deleterious effects of gamma radiation exposure. Cytogenetic, biochemical and immunological investigations were evaluated in human blood lymphocyte cultures. Samples were divided into Group I: control, Group II: irradiated samples with 3Gy γ-irradiation, Group III: treated samples with a mixture of calcium sennosides and fennel seed extract and Group IV: irradiated treated samples. The results revealed that radiation exposure caused an increment in numbers of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), mono-, and multinucleated cells. Biochemical results revealed a decrease in levels of SOD and CAT enzymes and an increase in LDH level after irradiation. Levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were significantly increased in irradiated group. Calcium sennosides and fennel seed extract mixture treatment after radiation exposure succeeded in returning cytokines and antioxidant enzyme levels to their normal levels as compared to control. Also, group IV showed a marvelous improvement in numbers of MN and NPB frequencies. These results indicate that the combination between Calcium sennosides as free radicals scavenger and fennel as an apoptic inducer can be used as a post-radiation treatment against oxidative and inflammation effects of ionizing radiation. ARTICLE HISTORY

Successful eradication of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection following liver transplantation (HCV) improves graft survival. This study aimed at evaluation of hepatic fibrosis changes among long-term responders to DAA therapy for recurrent HCV after liver transplantation using noninvasive methods. Patients with significant hepatic fibrosis (≥F2) who achieved SVR12 after treatment with DAAs for recurrent HCV were included (n = 52). Hepatic fibrosis status was assessed, noninvasively, by calculation of fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) and Aspartate Aminotransferase Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and by measurement of graft stiffness using FibroScan at baseline and 12 and 18 months post-treatment. Acoustic radiation force imaging (ARFI) was done for all patients 12 and 18 months post-treatment. Patients were classified into two groups based on baseline liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by FibroScan; significant fibrosis (F2; n = 28) and advanced fibrosis groups (≥F3). Over 18-month follow-up period, there was serial improvement of FIB-4, APRI, and LSM by FibroScan in both groups. Higher baseline LSM and delayed initiation of antiviral therapy were significant predictors of lack of fibrosis regression (P-value 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Fibroindices and LSM improved over time in liver transplant recipients who responded to DAAs. Baseline LSM can predict post-treatment fibrosis regression.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (commonly known as fennel) is one of the precious spices. Almost all parts of the plant are edible and have powerful interest in phytochemical and pharmacological research. The present study was designed to examine the free radical scavenging potential, oxidative damage preventive activity, and anti-inflammatory effects of traditionally used fennel. It assessed the cytogenetic and biochemical effects of fennel on suppression of the radiation hazards in human blood culture at a working dose of 200µg/ml. The treatment time was 72 h post-irradiation (3 Gy γ-irradiation). Triple blood cultures for each blood sample were set up. Ionizing radiation exposure induced significant increase in micronuclei (MN) frequencies in both mono-and binucleated cells beside significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). While Interleukin (IL)-1β, −6, −8 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α levels were significantly increased after irradiation. Treatment with fennel exhibited a decrease in micronuclei and enhancement in the level of SOD, CAT, and LDH activities. In addition, significant amelioration in IL-1β, 6 and 8, TNF-α activity was scored. The present results revealed the antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of fennel against oxidative stress induced by γirradiation.