Iraqi Journal of Cancer and Medical Genetics

Background: Total antioxidant status(TAO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) are antioxidant defensive enzymes that are catalyze the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to non harmful substance. Aim: The study focuses on the serum super oxide dismutase enzyme level, CAT level and total antioxidant status in colorectal cancer patients, which result due to an imbalance between aggressive and defensive factors. Materials and Methods: the study included 40 patients and 20 healthy individuals for comparative analysis were considered for the present study. (TAO), serum (SOD) and (CAT) levels of each individual were performed. Results: Statistical analysis of serum antioxidant enzymes level and antioxidant status revealed a significant increase in SOD, CAT of patients group (p.≥0.05), and (P.≥0.01) respectively. The TAO was significant increase (p.≥0.001). The increasing preponderance of serum SOD, CAT levels and the TAO can be explained on the basis of alteration on enzymes activity, which may lead to disturbance in homeostasis of antioxidant/oxidant balance. Conclusions: TAO, Catalase and Superoxide dismutase enzyme used a biomarker of enzymatic alteration in different diseases including cancer.

The crude aqeouse extracts of punica granatum peel were assessed for their cytotoxic activity assay. This study utilized two different types of cell lines, Hela (Cervical human carcinoma) and REF (Rat Embryo fibroblast). The results showed that the aqueous extract of punica granatum peel exhibited high cytotoxicity against the REF cell line with an inhibition value of 97.3 μg/ml after 24 h incubation. However, punica granatum peel displayed less toxicity against the Hela cell line with an inhibition value 24.4 μg/ml after 24 h incubation and this effect was dose- and time-dependent. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that punica granatum peel is potently cytotoxic against REF cell, and lesser extend against Hela cells.

The methanol extract of Peganum harmala L. was tested in vitro on the cancercell line Hep-2 (human laryngeal Carcinoma Cell, the results revealed dose- dependant significant differences, there was increasing cytotoxic effect at concentrations 156-10000 μg/ml. At the first 24 hrs. of exposure time, and with no significant differences on all period time (24, 48 and 72 hrs.). And the results showed that was increasing on apoptotic process after treated with methanol extract of P. harmala to repairing the damage of the cell and induction of cell death compared with control (not treated) on concentration 156 and 312 μg/ml.

Cancer is the major public difficulty and one of the top causes of death in the prosperous countries. Conventional plants are precious source of novel cytotoxic agents and are still in performance playing a better role in health concern. The study was intended to estimation of the anti cancer activity of aqueous extract of punica granatium on Rhabdomyo sarcoma (RD) cell line. The rind punica granatum aqueous extract was tested for its inhibitory effect in 96 micro plate formats against RD cell line. The cytotoxicity of Punica granatum on RD cell was evaluated. Dose response curve constructed the ranges between 100 μg/ml to 10 μg/ml for Punica granatum, while the inhibition values was on RD cell ranges were between 59-66% at different exposure periods.

Oxidative stress is closely related to all aspects of cancer, from carcinogenesis to the tumor-bearing state, from treatment to prevention. The human body is constantly under oxidative stress arising from exogenous origins (e.g., ultraviolet rays) and endogenous origins (at the cellular level where mitochondria are involved). When such oxidative stress exceeds the capacity of the oxidation-reduction system of the body, gene mutations may result or intracellular signal transduction and transcription factors may be affected directly or via antioxidants, leading to carcinogenesis. Aim: The study focuses on the plasma Glutathion S-transferase (GST) level, Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in colorectal cancer patient which result due to an imbalance between aggressive and defensive factors. Materials and Methods: the study included 40 patient and 20 healthy individuals for comparative analysis were considered for the present study. Serum (GST) and (MDA) levels of each individual were performed. Results: Statistical analysis of serum antioxidant enzymes level and antioxidant status revealed a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) (p< 0.001 respectively. The total plasma GST exhibited nearly a 2–3- fold increase (p < 0.001) in the patient plasma samples as compared with the corresponding controls. The increasing preponderance of plasma MDA and GST enzyme level can be explained on the basis of alteration of enzymes activity, which may lead to disturbance in homeostasis of antioxidant/oxidant balance.

Presence and frequencies of micronuclei in buccal cells from patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) were detected. The aim of this study was to investigate the genome stability in patients and carriers of single gene for sickle cell disease. Buccal swaps were collected from 12 patients with SCA [(6 females and 6 males (Group 1)] and from 8 individuals carrying single gene of SCA (Group2). Ten healthy individuals matching in age and gender were also included in this assay as controls (Group3). Numbers of cells with micronucleus and un-nucleated cells were counted in all the three groups as parameters for the evaluation of genome stability. Significant number (2-12/1000 cells) of buccal cells with micronuclei was seen in patient’s cells. However; one of the individuals with SC trait showed cells with MN. Control groups have very few cells with MN 1-3/1000 cells. Karyolitic (un-nucleated) cell number in group 1 was 2.5 times more than in group 2 and 3 respectively compared to those of the controls. These results suggest that patients with sickle cell anaemia have unstable genome when both causative mutant genes are present. Presence of apoptotic cells is solely indicating their somatic tissue damage as a result of the disease.

Background: In developing countries, measles is regarded as a serious problem and can only be combated by large-scale vaccination programs. The main known risk factor for primary vaccine failure is age at vaccination, due to persistence of maternal antibodies, which interferes with the success of measles immunization.
Objectives: Identification of sero-prevalence rate of inherited measles IgG- antibodies among infants aged 9-12months, before measles vaccination. And assessment of acquired sero-conversion rate after inoculation of measles vaccine among those infants.
Subjects and Methods: A cross –sectional study, was conducted in a selected primary health care centers in Diyala Province. The study sample included 117 infants (56 males & 61 females), aged 9-12 months, selected at a random during their routine vaccination, for the period extending from the 1st of February/2007 to the 31st January/2008. Anti measles IgG antibodies (Abs), were detected in the serum by Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay, using “Dade Behring” standard test kit.
Results: The results revealed that the mean & geometric mean measles IgG Abs titers, before measles vaccination were negative (cut off= <330 mIU/ml). After measles vaccination, the mean changed to a positive value (cut off= >330mIU/ml- <1909mIU/ml), but geometric mean titer remained in a negative level. Inherited measles IgG Abs in the serum samples of those infants was 9.4%, before measles vaccination, while seroconvertion rate was 70.3%, acquired after measles vaccination.
Conclusion: The least of infants were sero-positive at 9th months (before measles vaccination age), and a positive sero conversion obtained after that vaccine, with a primary vaccine failure in about quarter of them.

Back ground: The association of serum trace elements like Zinc, Iron, Selenium, and copper has been found in different types of cancer. Many authors observed direct association between micronutrient deficiency and the cancer mortalities. Many of essential trace element are required for growth “ play an important role in the suitable biochemistry of the body “ and they could also stimulate the growth of tumors.
Objectives: Assessment the level of trace element ( Zn, Fe, Se, and Cu ) in serum of patients with bladder cancer.
Patients & Methods: Serum samples of (40) male and female patients with bladder cancer and (20) healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Bladder cancer patients were undergo cystoscopy and diagnosed clinically by consultant urologist as newly diagnosed for primary bladder tumor. Tumor characterized by 2 independent pathologists according to the criteria of WHO . Trace element were determined by Automic Absorption Spectrophotometer.
Results: Significant increase in serum (Cu) levels and significant decrease in serum (Zn, Fe, and Se) levels in bladder cancer patients when compared with normal group.
Conclusion: Low serum ( Zn, Fe, and Se) and high Cu levels in bladder cancer patients when compared with control indicates the role of bladder cancer disorders in trace elements metabolism.

Human pregnancy appears to be an immunological paradox, in that the fetus represents a semi-allograft developing in the potentially hostile environment of the maternal immune system. One important mechanism involves the down-regulation of the cellular immune response, which has been shown to be dependent upon the suppression of T-helper (Th)1 and T-cytotoxic (Tc)1 cells,which produce interleukin -2, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor -β, and the up- regulation of Th2 and Tc2 cells, which produce IL-4, IL-6, IL- 10 and IL-13The aim of this study to investigate the possible immunological basis of recurrent abortion by studying the expression of IL-6, IL-10, IFN- γ in trophoblasts by using in situ hybridization (ISH) technique. Methods: using IL-6, IL-10 and IFN as biomarkers of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Paraffin embedded blocks from trophoblasts tissue of each patient for determination available cytokines. Results: IL-6 increased in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and IL-10 was higher in control group than in recurrent spontaneous abortion while RSA showed a high percentage of IFN-γ in comparison with control. The expression of IFN-γ decreases whereas IL-6 and IL-10 increase with increasing gestational age. Conclusions: IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL- 10 may be biomarkers of Th1/Th2 immune status during pregnancy. Defective IL-10 expression in women with RSA and non-RSA might be the possible defect in Th2 cytokines production in these patients.

Photodynamic Action (PDA) by using appropriate wavelength of irradiation conjugated with porphyrin derivatives is a powerful mechanism of tumor destruction. Hematoporphyrin derivative has been shown to selectively localize in neoplastic cells and then cause destruction of them by generation of singlet oxygen when activated by low power He-Ne laser. Light which used in this study has been emitting from this laser has a wavelength equal to 632.8 nm (red light). Doses of laser had been varied from 3.6 J/cm2 to 14.4 J/cm2. The beam of laser adjusted with a modified tissue culture plate. Cell lines had exposed to Hematoporphyrin D (HpD) for 24 hours before Laser exposure, their concentrations were varied from 5 μg/ml to 80 μg/ml. Results clearly proved a Photodynamic Action of laser conjugated with photosensitizer. No significant difference in cell viability was detected using neither the laser doses alone nor the photosensitizer (HpD) alone. Therefore, we believe that the low power He-Ne laser conjugated with hematoporphyrin derivatives’ as a photosensitizer will open the door wide for photodynamic therapy of tumors.

Tissue culture technique was used to study the growth carve for AMN-3 cell line witch had been grown in vitro for three different passages (114, 118, 123), five sequenced between one passage to other and for ten period (12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120) hour; to detects the stages of cell cycle and calculate population doubling time (PDT) for three passages. The result show the shorten of the Lag phase(from zero point- 12) h. for three passages in comparison to other stages, in the other side the long in the Log phase, its between 12- 72 hour for the passages 123, 114 and 12- 60 hour for 118 passage. The variation of population doubling time for the three passages was reaches sequins 21.34, 19.94 and 20.54 hour. Thus the result was show adhesions between Log and Stationary phase until the decline phase which show redacts in among cell growth during the time until 120 h. of the study and for the three passages.

The cytotoxic effect was tested of whey products (1%) boiled for (1, 3, 5 hours) and PH (9.0) on the cancer cell lines (Human Larynx Epidermoid carcinoma Hep-2 and Mouse – Mamary Adenocarcinoma (Ahmed – Mohammed – Nahi 2003 AMN3)by using four concentration (0, 0.625, 1.28, 2.5, 5) mg /ml for 24, 48, 72 hours an exposure period. The result showed the genotoxic effect of whey products on cancer cell line was appeared at 5 mg/ ml concentration for 72 hours on Hep-2 and 1.25, 2.5 mg/ml concentration for 48, 72 hours on AMN-3. The AMN-3 cell line more sensitive than Hep-2.

The study was carried out to test the effect of the aqueous extract of the bulb of white rain lily Zephyranthes candida on cell division in Allium cepa roots and human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The roots of A. cepa were treated with three concentrations of the extract ( 10, 30, 50 % ) for 2,4 and 6 hours. The Mitotic Index was decreased as the concentration increased , it was reduced to 66.85 and 60.35% of the control at the last concentration for 4 and 6 hours, there was no significant difference between the treatments for 2 and 4 hours. The Metaphase was arrested by all the treatments; it was almost 100 % in the concentrations 30 and 50 % for 4 and 6 hours. The human peripheral blood lymphocytes were stimulated by PHA, two volumes ( 0.1 and 0.2 ml ) of the 5 and 10 % extract were added to the culture. The extract was capable to arrest the human peripheral blood lymphocytes at Metaphase in percentages exceeded that of the colcemide. Consequently, Zephyranthes candida was considered as a promising source for antimitotic agents and it will be subjected for further investigations.

The study has been applied to 50 blood specimens from randomly selected wood painters from three towns in Al-Anbar province: Khalidiya, Falluja and Ramadi, starting from January 2007 to August chosen 2008. In addition, 20 specimens were taken from normal individuals as control group. This study involved analysis of the chemical materials found in wood paint composition their effects on the cytogenetic of those who are subjected to them through the use of circulating blood lymphatic cells. In other words, this research dealt with the study of (karyotype, the blast index and mitotic index). The study also focused on the effect of paint materials on the physiological standards of blood, some biochemical examinations were included.
Cytogenetic analysis showed the following results: The occurrence of structural and numerical aberration in workers subjected to wood paint materials with an average (22.51%) as compared to the control group (0.8%). Significant increase (P>0.05) of the blast index percent(%17.6) and Mitotic index (%1.669) occurred in wood painters as compared to that of the control group in which blast index (%6.04) and Mitotic index (%0.713). Results showed abnormality in reproductive health in wood painters. The ratio of children death was (7.46%) as compared with that of the control group which represented (3.33%). While malformation average was (1.49%) in wood painters’ children, there was no malformation in control group children.In terms of the service period, there was a significant increase (P>0.05) in hemoglobin concentration in workers where its ratio represents (15.314) mg/100ml as compared to that of the control group (14.655)mg/100ml. In addition, the age and the work location have nothing to do with the increase of the hemoglobin concentration. The results of the study did not show a relation between the rate of PCV in workers and the service period, age categories and the work location. Furthermore, the study pointed out that there was a significant increase in the hemoglobin concentration and the rate of PCV in workers whose service period is between (10-17) years and age categories (30-40) years as compared to the control group. In terms of service, the study showed a significant increase (P>0.05) on the number of PLT with an average (354.7) per mm3 and on the total number of WBC with an average (7353) cells per mm3 to wood painters as compared to the control group in which the number of PLT was with an average (286.6) cells per mm3 and the number of WBC was (6745) cells per mm3. The study did not show a relation between age categories and work location on one hand and the number of PLT and WBC on the other hand. The results showed significant decrease (P>0.05) in the nutrophils ratio in wood painters wast represented (47.464)% as compared to that of the control group (58.050)% depending on the service period. On the contrary, age categories and work location did not show such effect. The results revealed that a significant increase (P>0.05) in the number ratio of the lymphocytes (38.50)%, monocytes (7.86)% , acidophil (3.85)% and basophiles (2.06)% in wood painters as compared to the control group (32.62)%, (6.40)%, (2.32)% and (0.82)%. On the contrary, age categories and work location did not show this increase.
The results of biochemical examinations showed significant increase in ALP concentration in wood painters with an average (83.96 U/L) as compared to the control group (41.45 U/L). In addition, ALP concentration increased in workers whose service period is between (3-10) years and (24-30) years as compared to the control group. Moreover, the results did not show a relation between the increase of ALP according to age categories and work location. In terms of the service period, the study showed significant increase (P<0.05) in AST with an average (32.73 U/L) and ALT with an average (31.67 U/L) in wood painters as compared to the control group where AST represented (18.38 U/L) and ALT represented (16.35 U/L). Furthermore, the study showed significant increase in AST and ALT concentration (P>0.05) in workers whose service period is between (3-10) years and age categories between (40-45) years, also results showed significant ALP & ALT increase in wood painters from Khalidiya and Ramadi as compared to the control group. The study showed no significant differences in the total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin between the wood painters and the control group according to the service period, work location and age categories. At the same time, and in terms of the service period and work location, the results showed significant increase (P<0.05) in the direct bilirubin concentration in the painter group (0.313 mg/dl) as compared to the control group (0.183mg/dl).

This study was carried out to recognize the effect of the most important component in the pericarp of Punica granatum fruit which is known as crude Ellagic Acid. The toxic effect of Crude Ellagic Acid extract has been tested in vivo to determine the LD50 in normal mice, and the therapeutic effect in tumor transplanted mice. The qualitative chemical analysis showed that crude Ellagic Acid extracted contain Glycosides, Tannin, and Flavonoid while Steroid, Terpen, and Alkaloid were absent. This study showed intermediate toxicity of crude Ellagic Acid extract in normal laboratory mice in respect to LD50 which was 935.25 mg/kg while the result of therapeutic experiments in tumor bearing mice showed reduction in tumor volume about 61.8% in those treated with the higher dose of Crude Ellagic Acid extract (93.525) mg/kg,and 97.4% in those treated with lower dose (46.762) mg/kg after 5 weeks from the onset of the treatment. Moreover histopathological study of the tumor mass at the end experiment indicated necrosis in the tumor mass of high dose –treated mice(93.525) mg/kg, but those treated with low dose(46.762) mg/kg of Crude Ellagic Acid showed infiltration of inflammatory cell in addition to necrosis in their tumor mass. All treated mice with high and low dose of crude Ellagic acid showed no histopathological effect in their internal organs including Liver, Spleen, and Kidney.

Pattern of the Lewis and Kell blood groups were determined in a sample consisted of 381 individuals. A one hundred of this sample represents the control, whilst the remaining individuals (281) were affected by β-thalassemia. The latter, was divided into 158 individuals affected with major thala.; 67 individuals affected with intermediate thala. and 56 individuals affected with minor thala. (carriers). The various comparisons between the studied blood sample revealed the existence of significant differences between the Lewis blood group for β-thala.; also between each of its three types(major, intermediate and minor) as compared with the control sample. This difference was attributed to decrease in resistant phenotype Le(a-b+) and relative increase in Le (a-b-) phenotype. The Kell blood group did not differ significantly in the types of this disease. It appears, the importance of Lewis blood group as another source for detecting the risk of inheritance for β-thala. and other common genetic diseases, because its phenotypes reflect the variation between various samples. It can be used in concordance with other laboratory tests in genetic counseling. It was recommended to do more studies about the other secondary blood groups in order to known the frequency of its patterns between the normal and disease samples.