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BackgroundIncreased oxidative stress or an impaired antioxidant defense mechanism may play a crucial role in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, Paraoxonase −1 (PON1) which accounts for most of the antioxidant effect of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol has been presented as a potential therapeutic agent against atherosclerosis development. Allele frequencies for PON1 gene that influence enzyme concentration as well as activity differ greatly among ethnic groups and data from several studies showed ethnic variations in the interpretation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with PON1 polymorphisms. In this work, we investigated PON1 Q192R and L55M polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its association with CVD.MethodsThe study included 184 subjects classified into 3 groups; T2DM, T2DM + CVD, and healthy controls. PON1 polymorphisms were genotyped by real-time PCR and PON1 concentration was assayed in serum by ELISA (enzyme linked immunesorbent assay).ResultsGenotype and allele frequencies of Q192R were significantly different between controls and diabetic patients. Frequency of QQ genotype was significantly higher in healthy controls, while QR and RR genotypes were significantly higher in diabetic patients (p = 0.02). Frequency of 55LL and LM genotypes were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.009). Q192R polymorphism associated with CVD in our diabetic patients (p = 0.01) and with low serum PON1 concentration (p = 0.04). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations between 192R and other independent CVD risk factors.ConclusionPON1 192R and 55 L alleles are associated with T2DM. Q192R polymorphism is associated with CVD and lower serum enzyme concentration and might represents a novel risk factor for CVD in Egyptian patients with T2DM.

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Objectives: To study lung diseases in chronic HCV infection and vice versa and to find immunological and/or hereditary interrelating factors. Material and Methods:Study included 134 individuals, all were subjected to screening for anti-HCV antibodies by ELISA, HCV-RNA by real time PCR, pulmonary function tests, quantitative assay of interferon gamma and alpha-1-antitrypsin in serum by ELISA and genotyping of alpha-1-antitrypsin gene by Light Cycler PCR.Results: 76.5% of chronic HCV patients had abnormal PFT (P = 0.03), mainly reduced DLCO and reversible airway obstruction, and 41.6% of chest diseased patients were HCV-positive with a significant decrease in large and small airways functions. Interferon therapy improved PFT parameters. Only 33% of chronic HCV infection affected by chest abnormality responded to interferon therapy while 50% of chest free patients did. Serum IFN-γ was higher in HCV and chest patients than in control (P=0.02). All serum α1AT deficient patients had M/null genotype. Conclusions:A pathogenic role of chronic HCV infection in lung diseases is evident. Interferon treatment may reduce chest complications and improve pulmonary functions. However, chest affection may reduce the response to interferon treatment. M/null genotype of α1AT gene might play a role in chronic HCV infection and chest co-affection.

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bladder wall thickness (BWT) (using transabdominal ultrasound) on the outcomes of antimuscarinic treatment in women with overactive bladder. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 102 female patients with symptoms of OAB were recruited. All patients completed the Overactive Bladder version 8 (OAB-V8) (Arabic validation) and the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF). Patients completed the urodynamic study (UDS) including uroflowmetry and PVR and measures of BWT by transabdominal ultrasound. The patients were classified into 2 major groups: G1 (patients with BWT &#x3c;5 mm) and G2 (patients with BWT ≥5 mm). The patients were re-evaluated after 3-month medication with solifenacin 10-mg oral tablet. <b><i>Results:</i></b> At baseline, the results of OAB-V8 and ICIQ-SF were significantly higher in G2 than G1 (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Regarding UDS, volume at 1st desire to void, volume at strong desire to void, and MBC were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Intravesical pressure at strong desire and patients’ number of DO were significantly increased in G2 (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05 and <i>p</i> = 0.001, respectively). After treatment, there was an improvement in both groups regarding OAB-V8, ICIQ-SF, bladder volume at 1st desire to void, bladder volume at strong desire to void, bladder volume at DO, MBC, intravesical pressure at strong desire, and the patients’ number with DO (decreased), and these improvements were statistically significant in group 1 compared to group 2 (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> BWT showed a significant association with both OAB symptom scores and UDS parameters. The decrease in BWT is associated with a significantly higher response to solifenacin therapy regarding the UDS results.