The therapeutic properties of natural honey once considered a form of folk or preventive medicine. It is important for the treatment of acute and chronic free radical mediated diseases and toxicity. Oxidative stress can play a key role in cadmium-induced dysfunction. The aim of this work was to study the effect of natural honey on cadmium-induced liver and kidney damage. A total of 30 adult male rats were divided into three groups. Group I animals served as control were injected daily I.P. by 1 ml saline. Group II animals were injected daily I.P. with 0.5mg/kg cadmium chloride dissolved in 1 ml saline for 4 weeks. Animals of group III were treated with 0.5 mg /kg cadmium chloride I.P. and 0.05ml of natural honey mixed with water orally concurrently for 4 weeks. Liver function (SGOT),(SGPT), (ALP) and kidney function (creatinine and urea nitrogen) tests were measured. In addition lipid peroxidation,reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated in liver and kidney tissues samples. Light and transmission electron microscopic examination were used for histological changes. The results revealed that treatment with Cd caused marked elevation in the level of free radicals (lipid peroxidation) and kidney and liver enzymes, and a decline in GPx activity and GSH level. Administration of honey with Cd induced improvement in all examined parameters. On the other hand, light microscopic examination of kidney cortex of Cd treated group revealed swelling of the cells lining the convoluted tubules and vaculation of their cytoplasm. Variable degrees of glomerular degeneration were present. The liver showed different degrees of cell degeneration, necrosis, dilatation and congestion of blood vessels. Results obtained by EM examination revealed that there were affection of mitochondria and partial loss of microvilli of some kidney tubules. Furthermore, electron dense mitochondrea, depletion of glycogen granules in a rarified vaculated cytoplasm were seen in the hepatocytes. It is noticed that concurrent administration of honey with cadmium improved histological changes in both kidney and liver by light and electron microscope. It could be concluded that honey via its antioxidant activity has the ability to protect against cadmiuminduced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Background Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances that invaded Egypt’s drug abuse market over the past few years. Aim Randomized controlled trial study to demonstrate the effects of acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoid (Strox) on the brain, liver, heart, and testes in adult male albino rats through histopathological examination by light microscope and immunohistochemistry. Methods Total number of fifty male albino rats were divided into five different groups, two control and three treated groups. Negative and positive control groups received distilled water and dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, acute group received LD50 (lethal dose 50) once and observed for 14 days, chronic group received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months, and finally chronic withdrawal groups received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months and then left 2 weeks without the substance to observe the withdrawal manifestations. Results The current study revealed various histopathological changes in all organs with increased expression of cannabinoid receptor 1. The most important findings observed by light microscope examination were shrinkage and degenerative changes in Purkinje cells in brain sections, abnormalities in blood sinusoids and architecture in liver section, disruption in cardiac muscle fiber in heart sections, and finally testes showed irregularities in seminiferous tubules and germinal cells. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 in the brain, liver, and heart showed weak-positive reaction in acute group and a strong reaction with chronic groups. Additionally, increase in collagen fiber was observed in sections of the liver and heart of chronic group. Conclusions Synthetic cannabinoid sample (Strox) toxicity caused adverse effects on the brain, liver, heart, and testes as shown by increasing cannabinoid receptor 1 and caspase-3 expression.

Background There is an expanding use of new psychoactive substances containing synthetic cannabinoids in the last years. This study was conducted to identify the epidemiologic data of acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoids in Upper Egypt patients. Results All cases included in the presenting study were fifty males. Most users of synthetic cannabinoids were in the adolescence and middle age group (15–< 35) representing 68%. Curiosity was the most common motivator for using synthetic cannabinoids. Alteration of perception was reported in 68% of subjects after synthetic cannabinoids use. Additionally, dizziness, loss of consciousness, convulsion, and panic attacks were also reported. Cardiovascular adverse effects experienced by users were palpitations (76%) and chest pain (12%). Half of included subjects (50%) reported financial problems and about one-third (32%) got involved in domestic violence. Abnormal routine laboratory findings that were found in included cases were in the form of 12% anemia, 10% leukocytosis, and 6% leucopenia. Also, liver and kidney functions were elevated in 8% and 4% of the cases, respectively. While 22% and 4% of cases were positive for hepatitis C and HIV respectively. Conclusions This study can be concluded that adolescence are the most common users of SCs; neuro-psychiatric and cardiovascular side effects were the most experienced by subjects. Violence in many forms, especially domestic violence, was associated with synthetic cannabinoids abuse. Trial registration Registered in clinical trial under name syntheticcannabinoidsAssiut and ID NCT03866941 and URL.

Background Tramadol dependence is prevalent across Egypt. The allegation that it can improve sexual function is the main reason for its popularity among young men. This study aims to determine the serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in tramadol abusers. Results Serum testosterone (5.18 ± 1.95) and LH (7.79 ± 1.63) of abusers showed highly significant lower levels than control subjects, while FSH showed no significant difference between abusers and controls. There was no significant difference of hormonal levels in subjects according to the duration of abuse and dose of tramadol. Conclusions The results indicate that tramadol abuse causes a pronounced lowering of testosterone and LH levels that is not correlated to the duration of abuse and dose of tramadol.