Association of MicroRNA 196a and 499 Polymorphisms with Development of Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post-HCV Infection in Egyptian Patients.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary tumor of the liver. Chronic HCV infection is the leading cause of end-stage liver disease, HCC and liver-related death in Egypt. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs were reported to increase susceptibility to tumorigenesis; affect prognosis and as promising biomarkers in virus-host interactions.

RECK Gene Promoter rs10814325 Polymorphism in Egyptian Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Top of Chronic Hepatitis C Viral Infection.

Background: The reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) gene is a novel transformation suppressor gene that was linked to several malignancies.

Objective: To analyze any association between RECK gene rs10814325 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and HCC susceptibility along with it is association wiht various clinico-pathological and laboratory data.

Materials And Methods: RECK gene rs10814325 SNP was estimated, using real-time PCR technique, in 30 HCC patients on top of chronic HCV infection, 30 HCV related cirrhotic patients and 30 healthy controls.

Urinalysis: The Automated Versus Manual Techniques; Is It Time To Change?

Background: Urinalysis is the third major test in clinical laboratory. Manual technique imprecision urges the need for a rapid reliable automated test. We evaluated the H800-FUSIOO automatic urine sediment analyzer and compared it to the manual urinalysis technique to determine if it may be a competitive substitute in laboratories of central hospitals.

Value of optical coherence tomography in the detection of macular pathology before the removal of silicone oil.

Purpose: To assess the pathological macular changes with optical coherence tomography (OCT) before the removal of silicone oil (SiO) in eyes that had undergone pars plana vitrectomy for complicated forms of retinal detachment (RD).

Patients And Methods: Subjects included 48 patients (51 eyes) with complicated RD including proliferative vitreoretinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, recurrent RD, penetrating trauma, uveitis, giant retinal tears, and macular holes. All the eyes had undergone SiO injection.

The role of PON1 and CYP2D6 genes in susceptibility to organophosphorus chronic intoxication in Egyptian patients.

Background: Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity toward organophosphorus(OP) compounds shows inter-individual variations, rendering the identification of individuals' PON1 allozymes valuable in treating patients suffering from organophosphorus intoxication. One of the most important cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) is CYP2D6. The CYP2D6 G1934A polymorphism leads to good, poor or no enzyme activity.

Paraoxonase 1 and cytochrome P450 polymorphisms in susceptibility to acute organophosphorus poisoning in Egyptians.

Background: Organophosphates are the basis of many insecticides, herbicides, and nerve agents. They were listed as highly acutely toxic agents. Findings in knockout mice suggest that paraoxonase 1 may modulate the toxicity resulting from exposure to organophosphorus compounds.

Soluble TWEAK and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney patients (CKD). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) as a marker of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in CKD patients.

Methods: The study included 75 CKD patients classified according to eGFR into three groups; group-1 included 15 patients with stage-1 CKD, group-2 included 30 patients with stage-2 and stage-3 CKD, and group-3 included 30 patients with stage-4 and stage-5 CKD.