Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the autoimmune disorders, generated by a production of specific autoantibodies against self-antigens before the occurrence of clinical symptoms. The etiology of disease is still unknown, although there have been several infectious agents that have been associated with SLE development, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. Herpes simplex virus-I and -II (HSV-I and -II) and Toxoplasma gondiiare two infectious agents that have been suggested to be involved in SLE etiology. Accordingly, the present study assessed anti- HSV-I and -II and anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in sera of 64 SLE female patients and 32 healthy control women. The patients w

Systemic lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology affecting multiple organ system. Reactive nitrogen and oxygen species are claimed to play a role in this disease. However, the potential of Nitrosative/Oxidative Stress to elicit an autoimmune, response remain till now largely unexplored in humans. This study was done to investigate the status and contribution of nitrosative/oxidative stress in Iraqi patients for systemic lupus erythematosus. Blood samples from 19 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 19 age-and sex- matched apparently healthy controls were evaluated for serum levels of nitrosative/oxidative stress markers including nitric oxide, peroxynitrite and malondialdehyde. Nitric oxide levels were

Background: The systemic host modulation therapy is new approach in treatment of periodontal diseases. Materials and methods:The target of this treatment is the host response to microbial infection because at present time,it is well known that most of damage found in periodontal diseases cause by the inflammatory -immune response to periodontal infections.Sub-antimicrobial-dose Doxycycline (SDD) is a 20-mg dose of Doxycycline (Periostat) that is approved and indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Results:At present, SDD (Periostat) is the only systemically administered agent that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and accepted by the American Dental Asso

The aim of this investigation is to study the rote of alkaline phosphatase in mammogenesis and lactogenesis. A total of fortyfemalealbino rats were used and divided according to their physiological states into four groups [ten rats each]. From each deeply ether anesthetized rat, the mammary gland was removed, fixed, quenched in liquid nitrogen and sectioned using SLEE cryostat. The sections were employed for routine haematoxylin and eosin stain and alkaline phosphatase demonstration using the calcium–cobalt method. The obvious finding in the mammary glands of pregnant rat was the presence of thick black rings indicating strong alkaline phosphatase activityaround the basal part of the secretory epithelium of the alveoli. In lactating mamma

Purpose: Studying the activity of acid phosphatase, which is the marker of lysosomal activity in the mammary glands of rats at different stages of the physiological maturation [virgih, pregnancy, lactation and Post lactation] Methods: Forty, female, albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into four groups according to their physiological states [virgin, pregnancy, lactation and post lactation]. The mammary glands, after suitable fixation and sectioning, were employed for routine haematoxylin and eosin stain and for acid phosphatase demonstration Results: Acid phosphatase activity was weakly diffuse in the secretory tubules of virgin rats, the diffuse and granular activity of this enzyme was increased during pregnancy in the s

Background: Asthma is a pulmonary disorder characterized by reversible stenosis of the peripheral bronchi. This disease could affect the oral health; as a result asthmatic patients may have a higher risk of developing dental diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the caries experience and salivary elements among asthmatic patients using Ventoline inhaler. Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 30 male asthmatic patients with an age range 20-24years (under Ventoline inhaler). The control group includes 30 subjects matching with study group in age and gender. Plaque and DMFS index were used for recording caries experience. Stimulated salivary samples were collected and then salivary flow rate, S-IgA and salivary elements

Back ground; Selective re-absorption and secretion are the functions of the collecting tubules and ducts, in addition to concentrate urine through ADH-regulated and ADH-independent water channels.Method; twenty four male rats were used, they were divided into two groups of animals: Group (A) included twelve rats of five weeks old age (before puberty) that were divided into three subgroups, four rats in each subgroup. Subgroup I was control one, subgroups II and III were treated orally with melatonin in a dose of 250 & 500 µg/kg body weights subsequently. Group (B) included twelve rats of seventeen weeks old age (after puberty) that were divided into the same subgroups and treated with the doses of melatonin as in the rats of group (