Increased Expression of Fibroblast Activation Protein is Associated with Autophagy Dysregulation and Oxidative Stress in Obese Women with Uterine Fibroids.

Uterine fibroids (UF) represent an immense health burden throughout the world. Obesity is considered one of the risk factors for UF development; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We investigated the effect of obesity on fibroblast activation and its association with inflammation, autophagy dysfunction, and oxidative stress in UF patients.

Apoptotic markers in semen of infertile men: Association with cigarette smoking.

Objectives: (i) To examine the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of DNA damage in semen from infertile men. (ii) To assess the effects of smoking on apoptotic markers and seminal parameters among infertile men. (iii) To assess the correlation of apoptosis with conventional semen parameters.

Renal functions in pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia major: relation to chelation therapy: original prospective study.

Background: In beta-thalassemia, profound anemia and severe hemosiderosis cause functional and physiological abnormalities in various organ systems. In recent years, there have been few published studies mainly in adult demonstrating renal involvement in beta-thalassemia. This prospective study was aimed to investigate renal involvement in pediatric patients with transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia major (TD-betaTM), using both conventional and early markers of glomerular and tubular dysfunctions, and to correlate findings to oxidative stress and iron chelation therapy.

Angiogenic biomarkers in children with congenital heart disease: possible implications.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine phosphorylase (PD-ECGF/TP) and leptin are known as potent angiogenic factors The objective of the study was to evaluate these angiogenic factors VEGF, PD-ECGF/TP and leptin in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and the factors that lead to angiogenesis in such cases.

Methods: Sixty CHD children were studied and divided into two groups (n=30); cyanotic-CHD (C-CHD) and acyanotic-CHD (A-CHD). Twenty five healthy children were included as controls.

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein in relation to dyslipidemia and oxidant status in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

It has been proposed that nephrotic syndrome is a consequence of an imbalance between oxidant/antioxidant statuses. The present study aimed to assess oxidant and antioxidant status in relation to dyslipidemia in children during remission and relapse phases of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The study dealt with 40 children diagnosed as SSNS.

Plasma levels of endothelin-1, angiotensin II, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E in the venous and cavernosal blood of patients with erectile dysfunction.

Objectives: To determine the alterations in the plasma levels of endothelin-1, angiotensin II, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in the venous and cavernosal blood of patients with organic and psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).

Patients, Subjects And Methods: The study included 32 patients complaining of ED; they were subdivided into two equal groups with either organic or psychogenic ED. Fifteen healthy potent age-matched male volunteers were enrolled as a control group.