Alkaline Phosphatase Enzyme Levels Research Articles

Selenomethionine, a Trace Element, Increases Osteoblastic Activity of hFOB 1.19 Cells (an In Vitro Study).

Osteoporosis and resulting fractures affect a significant group of people in the world. It has been shown in many studies that selenium has positive effects on bone metabolism. Based on this information, the aim of this study is to investigate whether bone differentiation will start in a shorter time by applying selenomethionine (SeMet) to hFOB cells.First, hFOB 1.19 cells were cultured. Safe doses of SeMet were determined by MTT and LDH tests. Ossification levels were determined by alizarin red staining and measurement of alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels. The results were analyzed with statistical tests.It was observed that SeMet increased cell viability at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200µM in 24h. At these concentrations, cell viability increased above the control, the viabilities were as follows: 109.4%, 104.9%, 104.3%, 103.15%, and 100.27%. High doses of SeMet significantly reduce cell viability. According to Alizarin red staining, SeMet increases the amount of calcium deposits in hFOB cells in a dose-dependent manner. In the experimental groups, the highest ALP enzyme was determined in the 7-day SeMet application. The most effective dose was measured as 15µM.It was determined that SeMet, which is found as a trace element in living things in nature, increases the viability of hFOB cells, which are osteoblast cell precursors, and increases osteoblastic differentiation and osteoblastic activity in these cells. Our results are at a level that sheds light on an important problem in public health.

Liver Enzymes and Blood Lactate Profile of Patients Diagnosed with Typhoid Fever in Abuja, Nigeria

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi antibiotics resistance is on the increase and this frustrates efforts at treatment. Persistence of drug-resistant typhoid fever leads to higher mortality rate because treatment is evasive. Lactate is a marker of the severity of stress response in illnesses and liver function enzymes are indicative of the health of the liver. This study intended to identify the effect of drug resistant typhoid fever infection on liver enzymes and blood lactate levels of patients diagnosed with typhoid fever. Fifty subjects were recruited, forty-five were positive for Widal test and further subjected to stool culture examination for the identification of Salmonella Typhi. All patient’s blood were analysed for lactate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Salmonella Typhi were identified in eight out of forty-five Widal positive test patients. The eight positive Salmonella Typhi isolates showed resistance to the Amoxicillin (30 mcg), Tetracycline(30 mcg), Cotrimoxazole (25 mcg), Ceftriazone (30 mcg), Levofloxacin (5 mcg), Gentamicin (30 mcg) and Netillin (30 mcg) but showed susceptibility to ofloxacin (5 mcg). ALP (158.1±8.32 IU/L), AST(55.1±6.78 U/L), ALT (65.2 ±4.96U/L) and blood lactate (10.5±2.4 mmol/L), were elevated in all drug resistant patients when compared to reference standard ALT (7-56 U/L), AST (10-40 U/L), ALP (20-120IU/L), lactate (0.8-2.2 mmol/L). ALT, AST and ALP enzyme levels increased with increasing number of resistances to antibiotics. Untreated typhoid fever infection exerts metabolic toll on liver functions.

Synergistic Effects of Biochar and Phosphorus Fertilization on Wheat Growth, Pollution Reduction, and Soil Enzymatic Behavior

This research, conducted in the wheat fields of West Mashhad, Iran, explores the synergistic effects of nano-technology and biochar on wheat cultivation and greenhouse gas emission. There is a growing global interest in recent years to decrease air pollution through augmentation of greenhouse gas emission. Moreover, this study investigated using a factorial experiment and various levels of phosphorus and biochar treatments, the study aimed to understand the dynamics of their combined influence on wheat’s nutrient absorption and soil health. The results indicate that phosphorus fertilizer, particularly at full recommended doses, significantly enhances soil phosphorus content. This impact is further amplified when integrated with biochar, suggesting a collaborative relationship that is beneficial for both soil and crop health. The study also highlighted shifts in soil enzymatic activity: alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels are inversely related to phosphorus application but increase with biochar treatments. Given these findings, the research underscores the potential for refining wheat cultivation techniques. The paper suggests that more comprehensive studies and the integration of modern agricultural technologies could lead to more sustainable wheat cultivation strategies while optimizing yield and soil quality

Hyper Alkaline Phosphatasemia in Patients with Prostatic Cancer, Central Sudan

Background: Aim: Estimation of alkaline phosphatase levels in prostate cancer patients attending the National Cancer Institute of Gezira University to determine the association between elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and metastases in prostatic cancer patients. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study to estimate alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels in patients with prostatic cancer who attended National Cancer Institute, Gezira University's between September and December 2018. A structured questionnaire was developed and prescribed to 100 subjects, which included personal and medically important information. The level of alkaline phosphatase was determined, and a biopsy was performed, with the results interpreted by a histopathologist. SPSS-23 was used to analyze the data. Results: Patients with metastatic prostatic cancer accounted for 50% of the patients in the research, and 51% of them had an alkaline phosphatase level greater than (124U/L). Bone metastasis was the most prevalent site of metastasis, accounting for 50% of all cases, whereas liver metastasis accounted for 12% of all cases. Radiation prostatectomy plus radiotherapy was the most prevalent treatment for prostatic cancer, accounting for 86 % of cases. In comparison to individuals with non-metastatic prostate cancer, the majority of patients with metastatic prostatic cancer had an elevated alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: Finally, we discovered that the level of alkaline phosphatase is significantly raised in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Early detection and treatment will limit the impact of this serious condition.

Impact of Aqueous Neem Leave Extract on Erythromycin Induced Hepatotoxicity

Objective: To examine the protective effect of aqueous neem leaves extract against damage induced by erythromycin on liver enzyme alkaline phosphatase.
 Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Anatomy Department, Baqai Medical University, Karachi Pakistan, from Mar to Jun 2018.
 Methodology: Eighty male albino wistar rats were taken and were divided randomly into 4 groups. Group-A served as a control group with no drug given. Group-B animals received the drug erythromycin 100 mg/kg body weight orally through gastric lavage. Group-C animals received erythromycin 100 mg/kg body weight and neem leaves extract in a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight orally through gastric lavage. Group-D received only neem extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight orally. After 14 days, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture and sent to laboratory for the investigation of alkaline phosphatase enzyme.
 Results: The alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels of group-B (Erythromycin treated group) were found to be 176.98 ± 10.53 IU/L. When treated with aqueous neem leaves extract the alkaline phosphatase levels decreased to 150.10 ± 2.28 IU/L seen in group-C. The comparisons of group-B and group-C showed statistically significant (p<0.01), showing protective effect of aqueous neem leaves on hepatocytes.
 Conclusion: Aqueous neem extract showed protective effect on erythromycin induced hepatic damage.

Effects of iRoot SP on osteogenic differentiation of human stem cells from apical papilla

BackgroundResearch shows that nano-bioceramics can modulate the differentiation of dental stem cells. The novel ready-to-use calcium-silicate-based root-canal sealer iRoot SP is widely used in root filling. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of iRoot SP on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs).MethodshSCAPs were isolated and characterized in vitro, then cultured with various concentrations of iRoot SP extract. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay, and scratch-wound-healing assays were performed to evaluate cell-migration capacity. hSCAPs were then cultured in osteogenic medium supplemented with iRoot SP extracts. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay was used to evaluate ALP enzyme levels. Alizarin red staining and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) assays were performed to assess calcified-nodule formation and matrix-calcium accumulation of hSCAPs. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the osteogenic markers OCN, OSX, Runx2, and DSPP were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and LSD-t tests.ResultsiRoot SP at low concentrations (2, 0.2, and 0.02 mg/mL) is nontoxic to hSCAPs. iRoot SP at concentrations of 0.02 and 0.2 mg/mL significantly increases cell-migration capacity. In terms of osteogenic differentiation, 0.2 mg/mL iRoot SP promotes intracellular ALP activity and the formation of mineralized nodules. Moreover, the expression of osteogenic markers at the mRNA and protein levels are upregulated by iRoot SP.ConclusioniRoot SP is an effective filling material for periapical bone regeneration.

Evaluation of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Changes and TGF- β Expression in the Liver of Cholestatic Rats Treated with Ethanolic Extract of Plantago Ovata

BACKGROUND: Induction of cholestasis is one of the methods of liver fibrosis which causes the development of oxidative stress, increased expression of fibrogenic markers, excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, and finally the incidence of fibrosis. Plantago ovata is known as a rich source of various secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, trypanoids, and ascorbic acid. OBJECTIVES: the present study, the expression of TGF- β as a fibrotic marker and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) changes in cholestatic rats treated with P. ovata extract were evaluated. METHODS: In this study, 48 adult Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into eight groups of six animals each as follows: (1) healthy control group without bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery and treatment; (2–4) three healthy experimental plus P. ovata groups: rats without BDL, treated with P. ovata at dose levels of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively; (5) the BDL group: rats with BDL and treated with distilled water; and (6–8) the BDL plus P. ovata groups: rats with BDL and treated with P. ovata at dose levels of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The rats were treated with P. ovata extract for 45 consecutive days (once per day). After euthanasia and serum isolation, ALP enzyme level was measured. Moreover, the rat liver was fixed in 10% formalin buffer solution. The immunohistochemical study was performed by TGF-β antibody. Data analysis was performed using the One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test and the Prism statistical program (p <0.0001). RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase in the serum levels of ALP enzyme and TGF-β expression in BDL group. Treatment with P. ovata extract was able to significantly improve these changes in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that P. ovata extract probably due to its phenolic compounds and its antioxidant effect has a protective effect on the liver and subsequently improves the increased serum ALP level and also reduced TGF-β expression

The effect of LED photobiomodulation on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells: in vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of three different light-emitting diode (LED) wavelengths on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in vitro. PDLSCs seeded on 96- and 24-well plates, for proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation, respectively, were irradiated daily by LED light with peak emission wavelengths of 630, 680, and 830 nm at constant energy densities of 3.5 J/cm2. Cultures were grown for 8 days for the proliferation assay, 10 days for the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and 28 days for Alizarin red staining. Mitochondrial activity, ALP enzyme level, and the ability to form calcium phosphate deposits were measured and compared across cultures. Results obtained from statistical analysis of the experimental data indicated that the rate of proliferation (P < 0.05) in 830-nm irradiated cultures were significantly higher than the control samples at day 6 and 8; whereas, for the 630- and 680-nm groups, test results showed lower proliferation rates at day 8. For osteoblastic differentiation, significantly greater mineralization than the control samples was detected in the red-light groups (630 and 680 nm) during the late differentiation period (P < 0.001), which was supported by a higher ALP activity of the 630- and 680-nm groups in the early stage (P < 0.01). The results of this study demonstrate that the PDLSCs responded differently to specific LED wavelengths. For enhancing cellular proliferation, 830-nm LED irradiation was more effective. On the other hand, the wavelengths of 630 and 680 nm were better for stimulating osteoblastic differentiation.

Radioprotective Effects of Plants from the Lamiaceae Family

Edible and medicinal plants are still an interesting source of promising biologically active substances for drug discovery and development. At a time of increasing cancer incidence in the world, alleviating the bothersome side effects of radiotherapy in debilitated cancer patients is becoming an important challenge. The aim of the study was to overview the literature data concerning the radioprotective activity of extracts, essential oils, and some chemical compounds obtained from 12 species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, gathering of numerous spice and medicinal plants rich in valuable phytochemicals. The analysis of available publications showed radioprotective effectiveness of essential oils and complex extracts containing phenolic acids and flavonoids in various in vitro and in vivo models. Relatively welldocumented preventive properties exhibited the following species: Mentha × piperita, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Origanum vulgare, and Rosmarinus officinalis. However, few plants such as Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha arvensis, M. spicata, Plectranthus amboinicus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, S. officinalis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Zataria multiflora should be more investigated in the future. Among the mechanisms of radioprotective effects of well-studied extracts and phytochemicals, it can be mentioned mainly the protection against chromosomal damage, scavenging free radicals, decreasing of lipid peroxidation and elevating of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels as well as the reduction of the cell death. The plant substances protected the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow and lung fibroblasts. The studied species of Lamiaceae family and their active chemical compounds are potent in alleviating the side effects of radiotherapy and should be considered as a complementary therapy.

Extracellular calcium stimulates osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells by enhancing bone morphogenetic protein-2 expression

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) promotes the differentiation of non-osteogenic mesenchymal cells to osteogenic cells. In this study, we isolated human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) and investigated the effects of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) and extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]out) on the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. rhBMP-2 promoted calcium deposition in hASCs and stimulated the mRNA expressions of six proteins known to be involved in the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs: Runx2, osterix, alkaline phosphatase, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin. Elevation of [Ca2+]out enhanced the level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme, increased the mRNA expressions of Runx2 and osteocalcin and induced the expressions of BMP-2 mRNA and protein in hASCs. Elevation of [Ca2+]out transiently increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]in) due to activation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). The Ca2+-induced expressions of BMP-2 mRNA and protein were inhibited by the calmodulin antagonist, W-7. Furthermore, elevation of [Ca2+]out decreased the cytoplasmic level of phosphorylated nuclear factor of activated T-cell-2 (NFAT-2) and increased the nuclear level of dephosphorylated NFAT2. Taken together, these results suggest that rhBMP-2 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Furthermore, an increase in [Ca2+]out enhances the expression of BMP-2 via activation of the CaSR, elevation of [Ca2+]in and stimulation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent NFAT-signaling pathways.

Point-of-Care Assay of Alkaline Phosphatase Enzymatic Activity Using a Thermometer or Temperature Discoloration Sticker as Readout.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a significant biomarker in clinical diagnostics, and the abnormal level of ALP enzyme in serum is closely related to various diseases such as bone or liver cancer, bone metastases, and extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Herein a simple and portable photothermal biosensor was developed for sensitive detection of ALP enzyme based on the formation of polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles using a thermometer or temperature discoloration sticker as readout. A MnO2 nanosheet was first prepared using a novel one-pot strategy which was operationally simple and not overly time-consuming. Then dopamine (DA) was quickly polymerized into PDA nanoparticles in the presence of the MnO2 nanosheet. When the model analyte ALP was present, the substrate 2-phospho-l-ascorbic acid trisodium salt (AAP) was catalytically hydrolyzed into l-ascorbic acid (AA), resulting in the inhibition of the formation of the PDA nanoparticles owing to the fact that the MnO2 nanosheet was reduced to Mn2+ by the generated AA. Thus, a portable biosensor based on the photothermal properties of PDA nanoparticles for ALP enzyme detection was established with a detection limit as low as 0.1 U/L (thermometer) and 1 U/L (temperature discoloration sticker). In addition, it also showed excellent sensing performance for the ALP assay in human serum. Such a simple, label-free, cost-effective, and sensitive assay could exhibit real potential application for ALP detection and early diagnosis, especially in developing countries or remote regions.

HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF NORMOTENSIVE AND PREECLAMPTIC PLACENTAS

The placenta plays a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is more common in multifetal pregnancies than singleton pregnancies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the histopathology of normotensive and preeclamptic placentas and the localization of alkaline phosphatase activity. In our study, 10 normotensive and 10 preeclamptic, totally 20 placentas were obtained.Paraffin sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson trichrome and PAS for histopathological examination.Remaining sections were then stained via Gomori’s method and micrographed under light microscope. Sections of the control group observed normal histologically structure.The alkaline phosphatase reaction was evident in the inner and outer membranes of the syncytiotrophoblasts. There was a significant increase in the number of syncytial knots, terminal villi and syncytial bridges in the preeclamptic placenta sections. Marked thickening of the trophoblast basal membranes were observed. Alkaline phosphatase reaction in preeclampsia group: The localization of alkaline phosphatase in the inner and outer membranes of the syncytiotrophoblasts was reduced. In placentas of preeclampsia group, a significant increase in syncytial knot, syncytial bridge were observed. The level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in preeclamptic placentas was found to be lower compared to normotensive placenta.

In Vitro Assessment of Estrogenic Potential of Biofield Energy Treatment using Human Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Cell Line

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of Consciousness Energy Healing based DMEM medium on the level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) activity in Ishikawa cells. The test item, DMEM medium was divided into two parts. One part of the test item received Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mahendra Kumar Trivedi and was labeled as the Biofield Energy Treated DMEM, while the other part did not receive any treatment, and defined as the untreated DMEM group. The cell viability using MTT assay of the Biofield Energy Treated DMEM group was observed as 108%, which indicated that the test item was safe and non-toxic. The estrogenic potential using ALP level showed a significantly increase by 73.21% in the Biofield Energy Treated DMEM group as compared to the untreated DMEM group. Overall, the experimental data suggested that the Biofield Energy Treated DMEM has significantly improved ALP level, which play a vital role for the promotion and maintenance of estrogen level. Based on the study outcomes, it is concluded that Biofield Energy Healing Treatment showed a significant improved ALP level, which can be used in various estrogenic disorders such as hypophosphatasia, osteoporosis, severe anemia, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, magnesium deficiency, heart surgery, aplastic anemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, enteritis in children, Wilson’s disease, pernicious anemia, bacterial infection and intrauterine infection is a leading cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, subfertility, infertility, endometritis, early pregnancy loss, fetal defects, and preterm birth.

Anew Approach Using Natural Chitosan Gel in the Treatment of ChronicPriodontitis Patients. (Clinical, Radiographic and Biochemical Study)

objectives: The use of chitosan gel may be considered as a new local chemotherapeutic material for treatment of chronic periodontitis patients. This study was directed to evaluate clinical, radiographic and biochemical effects of 1% chitosan gel in the treatment of chronic periodontitis patients. Methods: 20 patients were divided into two groups. Group I: consisted of 30 sides received SRP with intrapocket application of 1% chitosan gel. Group II: consisted of 30 sides received SRP only. All patients were subjected to initial phase therapy and instructed for plaque control regimen. Then, evaluated clinically and radiographically at baseline, 3 and 6 months after treatment. The laboratory evaluation of alkaline phosphatase enzyme level was done at baseline, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. The data were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Results: The clinical parameters such as probing depth,clinical attachment level, plaque index and gingival index were recorded at baseline at 3 and 6 months. In all groups, highly statistically significant differences were showed in both groups at the different intervals when compared to the baseline. Plaque index between the two groups representing no statistical significant difference in group I when compared with group II at different intervals. Gingival index showa statistical significant difference in group I when compared with group II at 3 and 6 months. Probing depth show a statistical significant difference in group I when compared with group II at 3 months and no difference at 6 months. The Clinical attachment level show a highly statistical significant difference in group I when compared with group II at 3 and statistical significant difference in group I when compared with group II at 6 months. Conclusions: Intrapocket application of chitosan gel 1% appeared to be effective adjunctive in treatment of mild to moderate chronic periodontitis.

Osteogenic and osteoclastogenic potential of jaw bone-derived cells-A case study.

Though the stem cell properties of tooth-derived periodontal ligament and gingival cells have been widely documented, surprisingly little is known about both the osteogenic and osteoclastogenic differentiation capacities of the more clinically relevant jaw bone-derived cells. These cells could be considered being recruited during bone healing such as after tooth extraction, after placing an implant, or after surgical or traumatic injury. Here, we compared the osteoblast and osteoclastogenesis features of four consecutive bone outgrowths with periodontal ligament and gingiva cells. For osteogenesis assay, cells were cultured in osteogenic medium, whereas in osteoclastogenesis assays, cells were cultured in the presence of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a source of osteoclast precursors. After osteogenic stimulus, all six cell types responded by an increased expression of osteoblast markers RUNX2 and DMP1. Periodontal ligament cells expressed significantly higher levels of RUNX2 compared to all bone outgrowths. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels in periodontal ligament cells reached earlier and higher peak expression. Mineral deposits were highest in periodontal ligament, gingiva and the first bone outgrowth. Osteoclastogenesis revealed a stepwise increase of secreted pro-osteoclastogenesis proteins M-CSF, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the last three consecutive bone cultures. OPG mRNA showed the opposite: high expression in periodontal and gingiva cells and the first outgrowth. Osteoclast numbers were similar between the six cultures, both on bone and on plastic. This first study reveals that jaw bone outgrowths contain bone remodelling features that are slightly different from tooth-associated cells.

The Relationship Between Orthodontic Force Applied by Monoblock and Salivary Levels of Alkaline Phosphatase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Enzymes

The current study was aimed to determine the relationship between the orthodontic force applied by monobloc and the salivary level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes, considering the time factor after insertion of the appliance and whether there is a correlation between these enzymes. A sample of 28 growing patients requiring orthodontic treatment with myofunctional appliance (Monoblock) was taken for the current study with an age range 9 to 12 years,all patients had Angle's class II division 1 mal-occlusion with no or mild crowding, the sample was selected using simple random sampling. Only 16 subjects (10 males and 6 females) were included who follow certain inclusion criteria. Unstimulated saliva was collected from the patients before monoblock insertion, then 1 hour after insertion, followed by 14 days and 28 days. Salivary levels of ALP and LDH were measured using a spectrophotometer and compared with the base line. The results revealed that ALP and LDH levels increased with increasing time after monoblock insertion, and there was the statistically insignificant difference after 1-hour post-insertion for ALP enzyme level, but highly significant after 14 and 28 days. While for LDH level,there was the statistically significant difference after 1-hour post-insertion, but highly significant difference after 14 and 28 days post-insertion. In this regard to the relation between salivary ALP and LDH enzymes levels at different time intervals, showed that there were no significant correlations between the enzymes using Pearson's correlation test. The ALP and LDH salivary enzymes activity is affected by mechanical forces generated by monobloc activator and these enzymes activities can also be increased during the rapid growth phase of childhood such as late infancy and early puberty where the age of subjects was selected in the current study. The determination of ALP and LDH salivary enzymes activities during the skeletal maturity is crucial for the success of myofunctional monobloc treatment; therefore, saliva can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for determination of chemical biomarkers for detection of bone remodeling process during myofunctional monoblock treatment Keywords: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Monoblock, Orthodontic force, Salivary levels.

A Comparative Pathophysiological Study of Normal and Growth Retarded Human Placental Tissue

This study compares the pathophysiology of normal and growth retarded human placental tissues. Female patients were recruited from the Antenatal Clinic of Dolu Specialist Hospital, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, between 2008 and 2012. A total of 48 normal term placentas and 15 placentas of known IUGR cases were used for this study. IUGR cases were confirmed on the basis of ultrasound follow-up and diagnosis. Normal term placentas were collected at the point of delivery by a consultant gynaecologist, the cords were clamped, and membranes were then carefully trimmed after which each placenta was weighed. About 1 cm thickness of both normal and growth retarded placenta tissues was cut, processed for hematoxylin and eosin stain, while tissues for enzyme (ALP) assay were homogenized in cold 0.5 M sucrose solution. Comparative analysis of the data was done using ANOVA;P&lt;0.05was taken as significant. The photomicrographs were observed/studied under light microscope, using the X150 and X600 magnifications. It was revealed therein that placental tissues are homogenous (regionally), compromised of maternal spiral arterioles and deregulated villous vasculogenesis, and that there is a significant difference in the level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme. We therefore concluded that there is a distinct difference between the normal and growth retarded human placenta tissue.

Effects of tricalcium silicate cements on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Tricalcium silicate cements have been successfully employed in the biomedical field as bioactive bone and dentin substitutes, with widely acclaimed osteoactive properties. This research analyzed the effects of different tricalcium silicate cement formulations on the temporal osteoactivity profile of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMW-MSCs). These cells were exposed to four commercially available tricalcium silicate cement formulations in osteogenic differentiation medium. After 1, 3, 7 and 10days, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to detect expression of the target osteogenic markers ALP, RUNX2, OSX, OPN, MSX2 and OCN. After 3, 7, 14 and 21days, alkaline phosphatase assay was performed to detect changes in intracellular enzyme level. An Alizarin Red S assay was performed after 28days to detect extracellular matrix mineralization. In the presence of tricalcium silicate cements, target osteogenic markers were downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels at all time points. Intracellular alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels and extracellular mineralization of the experimental groups were not significantly different from the untreated control. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed increases in downregulation of RUNX2, OSX, MSX2 and OCN with increasing time of exposure to the tricalcium silicate cements, while ALP showed peak downregulation at day 7. For Western blotting, OSX, OPN, MSX2 and OCN showed increased downregulation with increased exposure time to the tested cements. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels generally declined after day 7. Based on these results, it is concluded that tricalcium silicate cements do not induce osteogenic differentiation of hBM-MSCs in vitro.

A reversible model for periportal fibrosis and a refined alternative to bile duct ligation

Bile duct ligation (BDL) is commonly employed as a model for hepatic periportal fibrosis. However, BDL is limited in that it is a severe procedure; is irreversible in practice; the severity of injury cannot be modulated and the procedure is associated with high mortality. Methapyrilene (MP) administration has therefore been investigated as an alternative model. Male rats were subjected to BDL or orally dosed with 150 mg MP per kg body weight 3 times per week for up to 6 weeks. Both procedures resulted in increases in serum alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels and periportal liver injury as judged by marked inflammatory cell recruitment to the periportal regions of the liver lobule. Injury in both models was associated with an accumulation of pro-fibrogenic myofibroblast and fibroblast populations – and to fibrosis – in the periportal regions of the liver lobule. Both procedures also caused an expansion in the number of biliary epithelial cells and a ductular reaction. However, the studies with MP resulted in no rat mortality, in contrast to the BDL procedure. Injury, inflammation, fibrosis and the ductular reaction that occurred in response to MP treatment all reversed within 3 weeks after MP treatment withdrawal. The MP model of periportal fibrosis is therefore a superior – more refined – model of periportal fibrosis than BDL since the degree of injury may be modulated (through alterations in injuring MP dose); the procedure is less severe; is subject to minimal mortality and is reversible (and therefore a more sensitive model to identify effective anti-fibrogenic drugs).

Comparative study of dietary soy phytoestrogens genistein and equol effects on growth parameters and ovarian development in farmed female beluga sturgeon, Huso huso

Oocyte maturation in fish is a hormonally regulated process. In the light of long-term oocyte maturation in beluga, the aim of this research was to study the estrogenic effects of different concentrations of soy dietary genistein (GE) and equol (EQ) on the growth performance and ovary development in farmed female Huso huso. Fish were fed with concentrations 0 (control), 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 g of EQ and GE per kg of isoproteic (CP 45 %) and isoenergetic (19.5 MJ/kg) diets during a year. Blood samples and ovary biopsies were collected from each fish seasonally. The main results of the present experimentation are that growth performance was not affected significantly both in GE and EQ (P > 0.05). EQ at concentration 0.4 g/kg had more estrogenic effects than other concentrations of EQ and GE in beluga so that 64 % of fish were matured sexually. Some reproductive indices such as oocyte diameter, testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E₂) increased significantly at EQ 0.4 g/kg at the end of experiment (P < 0.05), while 17α-hydroxy progesterone level (17α-OHP) showed no significant changes at all concentrations. Biochemical indices such as calcium, phosphorous and cholesterol increased at GE concentrations, but decreased at EQ concentrations similarly at the end of experiment. There was a negative relationship between plasma phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels. Based on results, EQ at concentration 0.4 g/kg improved oocyte development more than the other concentrations of GE and EQ, and therefore, it can be used as an additive to diets for inducing ovary development in this species.