Role of DNA methyltransferase 3A mRNA expression in Egyptian patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Introduction: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an organ-specific autoimmune hemorrhagic disease characterized by breakdown of self-tolerance and triggering autoreactive lymphocytes' response against platelets. The underlying etiology of ITP remains largely unknown. DNA methylation plays an essential role in maintaining T-cell function, and impaired methylation can lead to inappropriate gene expression and contribute to T-cell autoreactivity and autoimmunity.

Residue levels of DDE and PCBs in the blood serum of women in the Port Said region of Egypt.

An investigation was conducted to detect residues of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blood serum samples collected from a cohort of fasting females attending the health insurance outpatient clinic at Port Said between July 1999 and July 2000. Females involved in the study included 43 females diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma of the breast, 21 female suffering benign breast disease, and 11 normal healthy females. Serum was separated and its contents of DDE and PCBs were extracted and determined, using gas chromatography, equipped with electron capture detector.