Abuse of Alabukun consumption: A biochemical and histomorphological study in Rattus norvegicus rats

This study was aimed on the biochemical and histomorphological study of abuse in the consumption of alabukun powder in Rattus norvegicus rats. Five milliliter of blood specimen was collected into lithium heparin bottles from seven rats weighing 240±2g respectively with each of them administered with 0.2mg/kg alabukun powder daily for a period of two weeks (experimental group) while another seven rats weighing 240±2g each were not administered with alabukun powder (control group). Thereafter alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine and C-reactive protein were measured quantitatively in both groups of rats. The mean values of all the measured biochemical parameters in Rattus norvegicus rats in the experimental group were statistically significant (p<0.05) as compared to that in the control group. This established biochemical finding was in conformity with the histomorphological examination of the kidney and liver organs. In conclusion, this study has established that administration of 0.2mg/kg of alabukun powder on daily basis for a period of two weeks on Rattus norvegicus rats may induce hepato-renal and inflammatory disorders. It is thus recommended that consumption of alabukun powder by humans should strictly be in compliance with its prescription. However, kidney, liver and inflammatory biomarkers should be quantitatively measured in humans that have abused its consumption with a view to ascertain their health status and prevent any deleterious risks.

EXPRESS: A Rare Case of Persistent Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia is a common biochemical finding that can allude to pre-analytical or truly pathological causes. Here, we present a case of a 41-year-old female patient who has regularly presented with incidences of isolated hyperkalaemia since 2012, with otherwise normal renal function and no other associated symptoms. Investigations into the patient’s family history revealed similar biochemical findings in her brother and eldest son. Familial causes of hyperkalaemia were investigated and an eventual diagnosis of pseudo-hypoaldosteronism type 2C was established. This is a rare congenital renal tubular disorder, also known as Gordon syndrome, that can cause a characteristic triad of symptoms that include hyperkalaemia, metabolic acidosis and hypertension. The presence and severity of each of these symptoms is dependent upon the disease-causing mutation that occurs in WNK4, WNK1, CUL3 or KLHL3 genes. These mutations alter the regulation of sodium/chloride co-transporter (NCC) expression on the luminal membrane of the principal cells of the distal convoluted tubule, disrupting normal homeostatic regulation of electrolyte reabsorption and excretion. The resolution for treating this condition is the administration of a thiazide diuretic, which directly counteracts the effects of NCC co-transporter overexpression and consequently aims to resolve the symptoms that arise as a result of this aberrant signalling. The case described here uniquely presents an extremely rare pathogenic variant in the conserved acidic motif of WNK1 resulting in a clear electrolyte phenotype with no hypertension.

Hypertriglyceridemia, a common dyslipidemia of complex definition

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia is a common biochemical finding. Depending on the triglyceride levels it can be associated with increased risk of acute pancreatitis and of cardiovascular disease. The most severe forms have a genetic basis. Clinical case: We report a case of a 60-year-old woman with very high triglycerides (800- 3,000 mg/dL) and normal cholesterol levels. The patient is a non smoker, on hypolipemic diet, non alcoholic consumer, and on regular physical exercise. Her blood pressure is normal, BMI is 20, waist circumference is 78 cm. Thyroid, renal and hepatic function are normal. She has never had acute pancreatitis or cardiovascular disease. Discussion: The diagnostic and therapeutic management of this case is discussed. Causes of primary (genetic) and secondary hypertriglyceridemia are also reviewed, together with clinical features and management on every day practice. We focused on severe hypertriglyceridemia.

Distinguishing Characteristics of Hyperrecombinogenic RecA Protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Acting in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT In Escherichia coli, a relatively low frequency of recombination exchanges (FRE) is predetermined by the activity of RecA protein, as modulated by a complex regulatory program involving both autoregulation and other factors. The RecA protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RecAPa) exhibits a more robust recombinase activity than its E. coli counterpart (RecAEc). Low-level expression of RecAPa in E. coli cells results in hyperrecombination (an increase of FRE) even in the presence of RecAEc. This genetic effect is supported by the biochemical finding that the RecAPa protein is more efficient in filament formation than RecA K72R, a mutant protein with RecAEc-like DNA-binding ability. Expression of RecAPa also partially suppresses the effects of recF, recO, and recR mutations. In concordance with the latter, RecAPa filaments initiate recombination equally from both the 5′ and 3′ ends. Besides, these filaments exhibit more resistance to disassembly from the 5′ ends that makes the ends potentially appropriate for initiation of strand exchange. These comparative genetic and biochemical characteristics reveal that multiple levels are used by bacteria for a programmed regulation of their recombination activities.

Secretory Lysozyme of the Human Middle Ear Mucosa: Immunocytochemical Localization

Lysozyme was demonstrated by an immunocytochemical technique in the biopsied mucosa obtained from the promontory of the fifteen patients who had chronic middle ear effusions. Lysozyme was localized in the mucigen granules of the secretory cells, as well as in the specific granules of the polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes (PMN) and macrophages. The specimens obtained from patients with mucous effusions showed numerous secretory cells that contained lysozyme, in sharp contrast to the serous type in which only a few secretory cells could be found. The present morphological finding was in agreement with the biochemical finding which demonstrated higher lysozyme level in mucous effusions than that of the serous type. It was concluded that human middle ear mucosa provided lysozyme and that its secretion was active in serous otitis media, particularly of mucoid type.