Aim of the studyBreast cancer is the most common cause of death in women. Obesity has been associated with increased risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. It induces chronic inflammation, which increases local and systemic levels of cytokines and adipokines such as leptin. Leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes have several polymorphisms in humans. This study aims to assess the association between blood levels of leptin and LEPR Q223R gene polymorphism in patients of cancer breast.Material and methodsThe current study was carried on 48 female breast cancer patients and 48 heathy female subjects. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antibody CA15-3, and leptin hormone were determined. Single nucleotide polymorphism of LEPR Q223R was assessed by PCR/RFLP. Statistical analysis used: The statistical analysis of data was done by using SPSS version 20.ResultsThere were significant increases in the concentrations of CEA (p = 0.004), CA15-3 (p < 0.001), and leptin hormone (p < 0.001) in BC patients in relation to the respective concentrations in control subjects. CEA and CA 15-3 showed significant differences between various BC stages. As regard to LEPR Q223R gene polymorphism, AA genotype showed significantly higher frequency in BC patients when compared to their respective controls, with higher risk to develop BC.ConclusionsLeptin hormone shows significantly higher concentrations in BC patients. As regard to LEPR Q223R gene polymorphism, AA genotype showed significantly higher frequency in BC patients.

BackgroundObesity is a major worldwide health problem. It is commonly observed in Down syndrome individuals than in the general population. The reason for increased risk of obesity in DS is unclear.The current study was designed to clarify differences in some obesity- related hormones in a group of prepubertal Down syndrome children.MethodsThirty six Egyptian children with Down syndrome were enrolled in this study, divided according to their body mass index (BMI) into 23 obese and13 non obese. Another group of 43 non Down children were recruited, they were divided according to their BMI into 20 patients having simple obesity and 23 non obese, as control groups. Fasting blood samples were collected for estimation of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, leptin, free thyroxin (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) and creatine kinase (CK). Insulin resistance was assessed by Homeostasis Model Assessment method (HOMA-IR). The ratio of leptin to BMI (LEP/BMI) was used as an index of leptin resistance.ResultsMedian values of FBG, insulin, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in Down versus non Down groups, while median values of leptin and leptin resistance were non-significantly different among Down versus non Down groups. Median TSH values were non- significantly different between obese Down and obese non Down. Although the median values of TSH and FT4 were within normal range in Down groups, four cases of subclinical hypothyroidism were encountered. Leptin levels were correlated with insulin and IR but not with TSH in Down groups.ConclusionIncreased circulating leptin, a marker of leptin resistance in obese children with Down syndrome seems to be similar to that in children with simple obesity. Elevated FBG and insulin in obese Down children highlights the presence of early IR. Associated myopathy evidenced by mildly elevated CK levels could be an added factor for obesity in such group of patients.

The present study suggests that increased M30 fragments of CK18 levels may be useful as a possible marker of early tumor invasiveness.

Protozoal diseases are prevalent globally and especially in developing countries that have relatively lower socioeconomic populations such as Egypt. Direct microscopic examination (DME) is used for the detection and identification of protozoa but lacks sufficient reliability, and thus may be detrimental in obtaining accurate diagnostic or epidemiological data. In this study, we determine the prevalence of infections by Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium sp., and Entamoeba histolytica in humans in Egypt. Furthermore, we determine the reliability of DME in determining infections caused by these protozoa and compare the results to enzyme linked Immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Our results indicate that the prevalence of giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and entamoebiasis is 38, 22, and 16 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of DME for detection of G. intestinalis is 45 and 99 %, for Cryptosporidium 66 and 99 %, and for Entamoeba 45 and 100 %, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that ELISA is more reliable for diagnostic and epidemiologic study purposes.

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Background: Features of hormone disturbances in patients suffering from chronic hepatic failure have been documented for many years. Objective:To evaluate the possible diagnostic and prognostic values of cortisol, total T3, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin concentrations in cirrhotic patients for prediction of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and severity of hepatic diseases. Materials and methods:Study was carried out on 75 (40 males, 35 females) cirrhotic patients (HCV positive) with HE and 50 (28 males, 22 females) cirrhotic patients without HE (HCV positive). Patients underwent clinical evaluation with determination of the degree of HE. The severity of cirrhosis was assessed according to Child-Pugh classification. Immulite 1000 chemiluminescent immunometric assay was used for determination of cortisol, total T3, TSH and prolactin.Results: Cortisol, total T3 concentrations were significantly decreased in cirrhotic patients with HE compared to those without HE. Cutoff value for cortisol was less than 18.3 mg/dl could predict HE in cirrhotic patients according to AUROC curve showing a sensitivity of 52% and a specificity of 61%. Cutoff value for total T3 of less than 45.5 ng/dl could predict HE in cirrhotic patients showing a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 80.6%. Whereas prolactin concentration in cirrhotic patients with HE was significantly increased compared to patients without HE and its cutoff value was more than 18.85 ng/dl could predict HE in cirrhotic patients showing a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 90.3%. TSH concentration showed no significant difference in patients with HE vs patients without HE. Conclusion:Hormonal abnormalities of cortisol, total T3 and prolactin may represent risk factors and early indicators of impending hepatic encephalopathy and progression of liver disease severity.

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