Adel Hashish - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Adel Hashish

Research paper thumbnail of Association between Prebiotics, Probiotics and Changes in Body Composition, Physique and Metabolic Products in a Longitudinal Intervention Study

Background The relationship between gut microbiota and obesity has recently been an important sub... more Background The relationship between gut microbiota and obesity has recently been an important subject for research as the gut microbiota is thought to affect body homeostasis including body weight and composition, making the intervention with pro and prebiotics an intelligent possible way for obesity management. Aim To evaluate the effect of hypo caloric high fiber regimen, physical exercise and probiotic supplementation on the improvement of health, body composition and physique among obese Egyptian women. Methods The enrolled 58 women, in this longitudinal follow up intervention study; followed a weight loss eating regimen (prebiotic), included low-carbohydrate high-fiber high-protein dietary pattern with decreased energy intake. They additionally received daily probiotic supplement in form of yogurt, and were instructed to exercise regularly for 3 months. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, laboratory investigations and microbiota analysis were obtained before and afte...

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation between Gut Microbiota, its Metabolic Products, and their Association with Liver Enzymes among Sample of Egyptian Females

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021

Background and Aim: The gut microbiota appears to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of obe... more Background and Aim: The gut microbiota appears to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of obesity, liver metabolism and the associated diseases. The present study aimed to identify the existing gut microbiota enterotypes and its metabolic products profiles among a sample of normal weight and obese Egyptian females, and to investigate the correlation between gut microbiota; body mass index andliver enzymes among them.Methods: A case-control cross-sectional study, included 112 Egyptian females; 82obese and30 normal weight; with age ranged from 25 up to 60 years. For each participant, anthropometric measurements (weight, height and BMI), laboratory investigations (AST, ALT, SCFA, CRP) and microbiota analysis were done. Results: The obese females had higher significant values of CRP,AST, ALTand SCFA. In addition, obese females had insignificant higher values of log Bacteroidetes, log firmicutes, log firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes ratio, and log lactobacillus, and insignificant lower valu...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Antioxidants Biomarkers in Plasma of Fragile X Syndrome Patients

Azhar International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of The correlation Between Vitamin D Metabolite Levels With Relapse Rate And Disability In Multiple Sclerosis

Journal of Biology Agriculture and Healthcare, 2012

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a major cause of disability in young a protective effect of Vit... more Background: Multiple sclerosis is a major cause of disability in young a protective effect of Vitamin D on multiple sclerosis is supported by the reduced risk associated with sun exposure and use of Vitamin D supplements. Moreover, high circulating levels of Vitamin D have be Objectives: The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between vitamin D metabolite level and disability and relapse rate in multiple sclerosis. Methods: Fifty four Multiple sclerosis sex and same geographical areas,35 (64.8 %) patients were with relapsing remitting type,9 (16.6 %) patients were primary progressive type and 10 (18.6 %) patients were secondary progressive typ demyelinated neurological diseases including 18 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, 6 were Gillian Barrie syndrome and 4 were acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, and the remaining multiple sclerosis patients and controls are subjected to assessment of 25(OH) D serum level by RIA. statistically significant difference between patients and controls, also very high stat patients, and disability and relapse rate. Conclusion: There is an important role of vitamin D in outcome of multiple sclerosis and the relapsing rate of the relapsing remitting type

Research paper thumbnail of Kynurenine and oxidative stress in children having learning disorder with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: possible role and involvement

BMC Neurology

Background The etiological and pathophysiological factors of learning disorder (LD) and attention... more Background The etiological and pathophysiological factors of learning disorder (LD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are currently not well understood. These disorders disrupt some cognitive abilities. Identifying biomarkers for these disorders is a cornerstone to their proper management. Kynurenine (KYN) and oxidative stress markers have been reported to influence some cognitive abilities. Therefore, the aim was to measure the level of KYN and some oxidative stress indicators in children with LD with and without ADHD and to investigate their correlations with the abilities of children with LD. Methods The study included 154 participants who were divided into 3 groups: one for children who have LD (N = 69); another for children with LD and ADHD (N = 31); and a group for neurotypical (NT) children (N = 54). IQ testing, reading, writing, and other ability performance evaluation was performed for children with LD. Measuring plasma levels of KYN, malondialdehyde, glut...

Research paper thumbnail of 05 - Levels of Plasma Neurotransmitters in a Sample of Egyptian Children with Adhd

Research paper thumbnail of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and coenzyme Q10 levels in blood of children with learning disorder

Journal of The Arab Society for Medical Research, 2019

Background Learning disorder (LD) is manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition an... more Background Learning disorder (LD) is manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of reasoning, reading, writing, or mathematical abilities, despite average intelligence and proper education. Its etiological factors were suggested to be related to neurodevelopmental alterations. Measurement of the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was targeted in children with LD in comparison with typically developing (TD) ones. Materials and methods This study included 82 Egyptian Arabic-speaking children matched for age and sex and socioeconomic status, comprising 42 with specific LD (group I) and 40 TD children (group II). All participants were subjected to clinical and full neurological examination after reporting a full medical history. Furthermore, LD group was subjected to Stanford–Binet intelligence scale, dyslexia assessment test, and phonological awareness test, which evaluates cognitive and learning aptitudes. The levels of BDNF and CoQ10 were determined in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results All children with LD obtained a score of 1 or more as at-risk quotient by the dyslexia assessment test, which indicated a specific reading disorder. The BDNF and CoQ10 levels in the LD group were significantly less than those in the TD group. No correlations were found between the measured markers and each other or between them and the measured factors of the used tests. Conclusion The detected low levels of BDNF and CoQ10 in children with specific LD with impairment in reading would be suspected to be related to etiological or exaggerating factors for the deficits in such children.

Research paper thumbnail of Altered S100 Calcium-Binding Protein B and Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 as Biomarkers of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Hippocampus Sclerosis

Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 2018

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most commo... more Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most common form of partial epilepsy. The aim of the present study is to highlight possible and suitable biomarkers that can help in the diagnosis and prognosis of this intractable form of epilepsy. The study was carried out on 30 epileptic patients of both sexes with complex partial seizures, having an age ranging from 4 to 30 years and were selected from the outpatient epilepsy clinic at the Kasr El-Aini Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Thirty healthy children and young adults, age-and sex-matched to the patients, were included in the study as controls. Patients with epilepsy and healthy controls were subjected to a set of laboratory analyses including S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), C-reactive protein (CRP), and prolactin (PRL), in addition to neurophysiological, radiological, and psychometric assessments, on the basis of the recent evidence of the field. The results of this study showed a marked increase in the investigated biomarkers in patients with epilepsy compared to controls. The performance of the epileptic patients in psychometric assessments was below the average threshold, with the MRI analysis showing specific findings of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and EEG showing anterior temporal spikes. A significant negative correlation was found between MMP9 and psychometric test. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation was observed between seizure severity and the indicated biomarker. The present study suggests that S100B and MMP9 could be used as biomarkers for neuronal injury and helps in the prognosis of MTLE.

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary adequacy of Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder compared to healthy developing children

Metabolic brain disease, Apr 10, 2017

Although the etiology and pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still poorly understood,... more Although the etiology and pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still poorly understood, a number of environmental, anthropological, neurobiological and genetic factors have been related to the pathophysiology of ASD, even the impact of oxidative stress response related to the environment and nutrition intake. Usual recommended dietary habits are based on the combination of behavioral and dietary or nutraceutical interventions together with pharmacotherapy. Investigations about a reliable relationship between diet and ASD are still lacking. The present study aimed at comparing dietary regimens and habits of normally developing apparently healthy children, without diagnosed ASD, with a pediatric population of individuals affected by autistic disorder. Assessments of nutritional and anthropometric data, in addition to biochemical evaluation for nutrient deficiencies, were performed. A total of 80 children with autistic disorder and 80 healthy, normally developing pediatric in...

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive Function and Heat Shock Protein 70 in Children With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Journal of Child Neurology, 2016

We conducted the present study to examine cognitive function and serum heat shock protein 70 leve... more We conducted the present study to examine cognitive function and serum heat shock protein 70 levels among children with temporal lobe epilepsy. The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test was carried out to examine cognitive function in 30 children with temporal lobe epilepsy and 30 controls. Serum heat shock protein 70 levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The epilepsy group had significantly lower cognitive function testing scores and significantly higher serum heat shock protein 70 levels than the control group; there were significant negative correlations between serum heat shock protein 70 levels and short-term memory and composite scores. Children with uncontrolled seizures had significantly lower verbal reasoning scores and significantly higher serum heat shock protein 70 levels than children with controlled seizures. Children with temporal lobe epilepsy have cognitive dysfunction and elevated levels of serum heat shock protein 70, which may be considered...

Research paper thumbnail of Role of amino acids in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders in Saudi and Egyptian population samples

Journal of Pediatric Neurology, 2015

ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorders are complex developmental disorders with increasing incidence ... more ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorders are complex developmental disorders with increasing incidence and poorly understood etiology. Imbalance of amino acids profoundly influences brain function, and is thought to be one of the key players in the pathophysiology of autism. This study aimed to measure the plasma amino acid profiles of 20 Egyptian and 20 Saudi autistic patients in comparison to matching healthy controls to clarify the role of impaired amino acid concentrations in the etiology of autism. Plasma amino acids profiles were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. While plasma levels of glutamic, aspartic, and glycine recorded the most significant percentage elevated amino acids, glutamine, asparagine, arginine, tyrosine and isoleucine recorded the most remarkable percentage decrease in autistic patients from both populations compared to controls. Among the calculated relative values, only acidic/basic, and glutamate/glutamine ratios were significantly higher in autistics compared to controls. Non-essential/essential and glucogenic/ketogenic ratios were unaltered in autistics compared to controls. Increased plasma glutamate/glutamine ratio, together with increased glycine, arginine, aspartate, aspargine levels, and acidic/basic amino acid ratio can serve as a predictive tools for the early detection of autism. These findings suggest that glutamatergic abnormalities in the brain may be associated with the pathobiology of autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Altered urinary porphyrins and mercury exposure as biomarkers for autism severity in Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder

Metabolic Brain Disease, 2016

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social, comm... more Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social, communication, and behavioral development. Recent evidence supported but also questioned the hypothetical role of compounds containing mercury (Hg) as contributors to the development of ASD. Specific alterations in the urinary excretion of porphyrin-containing ring catabolites have been associated with exposure to Hg in ASD patients. In the present study, the level of urinary porphyrins, as biomarkers of Hg toxicity in children with ASD, was evaluated, and its correlation with severity of the autistic behavior further explored. A total of 100 children was enrolled in the present study. They were classified into three groups: children with ASD (40), healthy controls (40), and healthy siblings of the ASD children (20). Children with ASD were diagnosed using DSM-IV-TR, ADI-R, and CARS tests. Urinary porphyrins were evaluated within the three groups using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), after plasma evaluation of mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in the same groups. Results showed that children with ASD had significantly higher levels of Hg, Pb, and the porphyrins pentacarboxyporphyrin, coproporphyrin, precoproporphyrin, uroporphyrins, and hexacarboxyporphyrin compared to healthy controls and healthy siblings of the ASD children. However, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of heptacarboxyporphyrin among the three groups, while a significant positive correlation between the levels of coproporphyrin and precoproporphyrin and autism severity was observed. Mothers of ASD children showed a higher percentage of dental amalgam restorations compared to the mothers of healthy controls suggesting that high Hg levels in children with ASD may relate to the increased exposure to Hg from maternal dental amalgam during pregnancy and lactation. The results showed that the ASD children in the present study had increased blood Hg and Pb levels compared with healthy control children indicating that disordered porphyrin metabolism might interfere with the pathology associated with the autistic neurologic phenotype. The present study indicates that coproporphyrin and precoproporhyrin may be utilized as possible biomarkers for heavy metal exposure and autism severity in children with ASD.

Research paper thumbnail of Autism and Fragile X: Is There a Neurochemical Link?

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2014

BACKGROUND:Autism and Fragile X syndrome are intertwined. This study aimed at assessing Serotonin... more BACKGROUND:Autism and Fragile X syndrome are intertwined. This study aimed at assessing Serotonin, Glutamate, and Gama Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) in autism and Fragile X syndrome patients and to detect possible neurochemical similarities between the 2 disorders that can be used as metabolic biomarkers.DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighty subjects divided into four groups, two diseased groups (20 male patients with Autism and 20 males with Fragile X syndrome) and two control groups (20 neurotypical male controls and 20 Down syndrome male patients) were included. Estimation of Serotonin, Glutamate and GABA were done using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Tandem Mass Spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively.RESULTS: Serotonin was, exclusively, significantly low in autistic children. GABA was significantly high in both autistic and Fragile X children only, but not in Down syndrome children. Glutamate was significantly high in children with autism, Fragile...

Research paper thumbnail of Connexin 26 expression in buccal smears from hearing impaired Egyptian children

Research paper thumbnail of A Project to Identify Genes Contributing to Autism in Consanguineous Egyptian Pedigrees by Utilizing Homozygosity Mapping and Whole-Exome Sequencing

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of the Level of GABA and Some Trace Elements in Blood in Children who Suffer from Familial Febrile Convulsions

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2014

Febrile seizure is one of the most common neurological problems during childhood. The etiology an... more Febrile seizure is one of the most common neurological problems during childhood. The etiology and pathogenesis of febrile seizure remain unknown. However, several factors such as vitamin B6 deficiency, electrolyte disturbances, and reduction in serum zinc, selenium, magnesium levels, and low gamma - aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of febrile seizure. The present study included twenty children from 10 families, 11 were male and 9 were female. Each family has at least 2 members with a history of febrile convulsion. All cases were subjected to the following: Determination of serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium level in serum, and plasma level of γ-aminobytaric acid (GABA). Serum levels of selenium and GABA were statistically significantly low in comparison with controls. Serum copper was statistically significantly higher in cases than controls, while serum zinc showed no significant changes in the cases of febrile convulsio...

Research paper thumbnail of A study of zinc, copper and iron parameters in children with cognitive impairment

Medical Research Journal, 2014

Objective Zinc, copper and iron have been considered vital for normal brain functioning. Our stud... more Objective Zinc, copper and iron have been considered vital for normal brain functioning. Our study aimed to assess changes in the level of zinc, copper, ferritin and haemoglobin (HgB) concentration in children who presented with variable degrees of cognitive impairment. Patients and methods In this study, determination of HgB%, plasma ferritin, zinc and copper in 68 children with cognitive impairment and in 46 age-matched control children was carried out. Correlation between various elements was studied. Results A significantly decreased levels of plasma zinc and copper were found in children with cognitive decline compared with control children (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). A significantly decreased ferritin was also found in affected children (P < 0.001), whereas the difference in HgB% between both groups was not significant. No significant correlation was found between zinc and copper and between HgB% and ferritin among the studied patients, which could be attributed to increased variances of the studied elements in affected children and to the role of other cofactors. Conclusion Our current study highlights the role of zinc, copper and iron stores in cognitive processes in children, being significantly decreased in children with cognitive impairment; however, further randomized controlled studies are needed in similar populations to confirm their role.

Research paper thumbnail of Reduced Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxy and 1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D in Egyptian Children with Autism

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of vitamin D in autism thr... more Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of vitamin D in autism through serum level assessment.

Research paper thumbnail of Homocysteine and oxidative stress in Egyptian children with Down syndrome

Clinical Biochemistry, 2010

To assess homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12, trace element levels and oxidant/antioxidant ... more To assess homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12, trace element levels and oxidant/antioxidant status in Down syndrome (DS) mothers and children. 42 mothers with previous history of bearing DS baby with karyotypically confirmed full trisomy 21 were included. 48 healthy mothers with their healthy children were considered as control. Serum B12, folic acid, total homocysteine (tHcy), vitamins E and C, TBARS and trace elements were estimated. DS mothers showed higher levels of tHCy, lower levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 than controls. tHCy and folic acid concentrations were significantly decreased, while vitamin B12 exhibited a slight decrease in DS children versus control. Vitamins E and C, zinc and copper levels were markedly reduced in DS mothers. By contrast, TBARS showed significant elevation in them. Furthermore, DS children had severe reduction of vitamin C and zinc levels relative to healthy children. However, vitamin E showed slight reduction and TBARS displayed a slight rise in DS children. Abnormal folic acid-homocysteine metabolism is a potent marker to identify women at risk for having DS child and it also exposes them to oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.

Research paper thumbnail of Association between Prebiotics, Probiotics and Changes in Body Composition, Physique and Metabolic Products in a Longitudinal Intervention Study

Background The relationship between gut microbiota and obesity has recently been an important sub... more Background The relationship between gut microbiota and obesity has recently been an important subject for research as the gut microbiota is thought to affect body homeostasis including body weight and composition, making the intervention with pro and prebiotics an intelligent possible way for obesity management. Aim To evaluate the effect of hypo caloric high fiber regimen, physical exercise and probiotic supplementation on the improvement of health, body composition and physique among obese Egyptian women. Methods The enrolled 58 women, in this longitudinal follow up intervention study; followed a weight loss eating regimen (prebiotic), included low-carbohydrate high-fiber high-protein dietary pattern with decreased energy intake. They additionally received daily probiotic supplement in form of yogurt, and were instructed to exercise regularly for 3 months. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, laboratory investigations and microbiota analysis were obtained before and afte...

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation between Gut Microbiota, its Metabolic Products, and their Association with Liver Enzymes among Sample of Egyptian Females

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021

Background and Aim: The gut microbiota appears to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of obe... more Background and Aim: The gut microbiota appears to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of obesity, liver metabolism and the associated diseases. The present study aimed to identify the existing gut microbiota enterotypes and its metabolic products profiles among a sample of normal weight and obese Egyptian females, and to investigate the correlation between gut microbiota; body mass index andliver enzymes among them.Methods: A case-control cross-sectional study, included 112 Egyptian females; 82obese and30 normal weight; with age ranged from 25 up to 60 years. For each participant, anthropometric measurements (weight, height and BMI), laboratory investigations (AST, ALT, SCFA, CRP) and microbiota analysis were done. Results: The obese females had higher significant values of CRP,AST, ALTand SCFA. In addition, obese females had insignificant higher values of log Bacteroidetes, log firmicutes, log firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes ratio, and log lactobacillus, and insignificant lower valu...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Antioxidants Biomarkers in Plasma of Fragile X Syndrome Patients

Azhar International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of The correlation Between Vitamin D Metabolite Levels With Relapse Rate And Disability In Multiple Sclerosis

Journal of Biology Agriculture and Healthcare, 2012

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a major cause of disability in young a protective effect of Vit... more Background: Multiple sclerosis is a major cause of disability in young a protective effect of Vitamin D on multiple sclerosis is supported by the reduced risk associated with sun exposure and use of Vitamin D supplements. Moreover, high circulating levels of Vitamin D have be Objectives: The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between vitamin D metabolite level and disability and relapse rate in multiple sclerosis. Methods: Fifty four Multiple sclerosis sex and same geographical areas,35 (64.8 %) patients were with relapsing remitting type,9 (16.6 %) patients were primary progressive type and 10 (18.6 %) patients were secondary progressive typ demyelinated neurological diseases including 18 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, 6 were Gillian Barrie syndrome and 4 were acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, and the remaining multiple sclerosis patients and controls are subjected to assessment of 25(OH) D serum level by RIA. statistically significant difference between patients and controls, also very high stat patients, and disability and relapse rate. Conclusion: There is an important role of vitamin D in outcome of multiple sclerosis and the relapsing rate of the relapsing remitting type

Research paper thumbnail of Kynurenine and oxidative stress in children having learning disorder with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: possible role and involvement

BMC Neurology

Background The etiological and pathophysiological factors of learning disorder (LD) and attention... more Background The etiological and pathophysiological factors of learning disorder (LD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are currently not well understood. These disorders disrupt some cognitive abilities. Identifying biomarkers for these disorders is a cornerstone to their proper management. Kynurenine (KYN) and oxidative stress markers have been reported to influence some cognitive abilities. Therefore, the aim was to measure the level of KYN and some oxidative stress indicators in children with LD with and without ADHD and to investigate their correlations with the abilities of children with LD. Methods The study included 154 participants who were divided into 3 groups: one for children who have LD (N = 69); another for children with LD and ADHD (N = 31); and a group for neurotypical (NT) children (N = 54). IQ testing, reading, writing, and other ability performance evaluation was performed for children with LD. Measuring plasma levels of KYN, malondialdehyde, glut...

Research paper thumbnail of 05 - Levels of Plasma Neurotransmitters in a Sample of Egyptian Children with Adhd

Research paper thumbnail of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and coenzyme Q10 levels in blood of children with learning disorder

Journal of The Arab Society for Medical Research, 2019

Background Learning disorder (LD) is manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition an... more Background Learning disorder (LD) is manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of reasoning, reading, writing, or mathematical abilities, despite average intelligence and proper education. Its etiological factors were suggested to be related to neurodevelopmental alterations. Measurement of the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was targeted in children with LD in comparison with typically developing (TD) ones. Materials and methods This study included 82 Egyptian Arabic-speaking children matched for age and sex and socioeconomic status, comprising 42 with specific LD (group I) and 40 TD children (group II). All participants were subjected to clinical and full neurological examination after reporting a full medical history. Furthermore, LD group was subjected to Stanford–Binet intelligence scale, dyslexia assessment test, and phonological awareness test, which evaluates cognitive and learning aptitudes. The levels of BDNF and CoQ10 were determined in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results All children with LD obtained a score of 1 or more as at-risk quotient by the dyslexia assessment test, which indicated a specific reading disorder. The BDNF and CoQ10 levels in the LD group were significantly less than those in the TD group. No correlations were found between the measured markers and each other or between them and the measured factors of the used tests. Conclusion The detected low levels of BDNF and CoQ10 in children with specific LD with impairment in reading would be suspected to be related to etiological or exaggerating factors for the deficits in such children.

Research paper thumbnail of Altered S100 Calcium-Binding Protein B and Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 as Biomarkers of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Hippocampus Sclerosis

Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 2018

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most commo... more Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most common form of partial epilepsy. The aim of the present study is to highlight possible and suitable biomarkers that can help in the diagnosis and prognosis of this intractable form of epilepsy. The study was carried out on 30 epileptic patients of both sexes with complex partial seizures, having an age ranging from 4 to 30 years and were selected from the outpatient epilepsy clinic at the Kasr El-Aini Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Thirty healthy children and young adults, age-and sex-matched to the patients, were included in the study as controls. Patients with epilepsy and healthy controls were subjected to a set of laboratory analyses including S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), C-reactive protein (CRP), and prolactin (PRL), in addition to neurophysiological, radiological, and psychometric assessments, on the basis of the recent evidence of the field. The results of this study showed a marked increase in the investigated biomarkers in patients with epilepsy compared to controls. The performance of the epileptic patients in psychometric assessments was below the average threshold, with the MRI analysis showing specific findings of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and EEG showing anterior temporal spikes. A significant negative correlation was found between MMP9 and psychometric test. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation was observed between seizure severity and the indicated biomarker. The present study suggests that S100B and MMP9 could be used as biomarkers for neuronal injury and helps in the prognosis of MTLE.

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary adequacy of Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder compared to healthy developing children

Metabolic brain disease, Apr 10, 2017

Although the etiology and pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still poorly understood,... more Although the etiology and pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still poorly understood, a number of environmental, anthropological, neurobiological and genetic factors have been related to the pathophysiology of ASD, even the impact of oxidative stress response related to the environment and nutrition intake. Usual recommended dietary habits are based on the combination of behavioral and dietary or nutraceutical interventions together with pharmacotherapy. Investigations about a reliable relationship between diet and ASD are still lacking. The present study aimed at comparing dietary regimens and habits of normally developing apparently healthy children, without diagnosed ASD, with a pediatric population of individuals affected by autistic disorder. Assessments of nutritional and anthropometric data, in addition to biochemical evaluation for nutrient deficiencies, were performed. A total of 80 children with autistic disorder and 80 healthy, normally developing pediatric in...

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive Function and Heat Shock Protein 70 in Children With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Journal of Child Neurology, 2016

We conducted the present study to examine cognitive function and serum heat shock protein 70 leve... more We conducted the present study to examine cognitive function and serum heat shock protein 70 levels among children with temporal lobe epilepsy. The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test was carried out to examine cognitive function in 30 children with temporal lobe epilepsy and 30 controls. Serum heat shock protein 70 levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The epilepsy group had significantly lower cognitive function testing scores and significantly higher serum heat shock protein 70 levels than the control group; there were significant negative correlations between serum heat shock protein 70 levels and short-term memory and composite scores. Children with uncontrolled seizures had significantly lower verbal reasoning scores and significantly higher serum heat shock protein 70 levels than children with controlled seizures. Children with temporal lobe epilepsy have cognitive dysfunction and elevated levels of serum heat shock protein 70, which may be considered...

Research paper thumbnail of Role of amino acids in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders in Saudi and Egyptian population samples

Journal of Pediatric Neurology, 2015

ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorders are complex developmental disorders with increasing incidence ... more ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorders are complex developmental disorders with increasing incidence and poorly understood etiology. Imbalance of amino acids profoundly influences brain function, and is thought to be one of the key players in the pathophysiology of autism. This study aimed to measure the plasma amino acid profiles of 20 Egyptian and 20 Saudi autistic patients in comparison to matching healthy controls to clarify the role of impaired amino acid concentrations in the etiology of autism. Plasma amino acids profiles were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. While plasma levels of glutamic, aspartic, and glycine recorded the most significant percentage elevated amino acids, glutamine, asparagine, arginine, tyrosine and isoleucine recorded the most remarkable percentage decrease in autistic patients from both populations compared to controls. Among the calculated relative values, only acidic/basic, and glutamate/glutamine ratios were significantly higher in autistics compared to controls. Non-essential/essential and glucogenic/ketogenic ratios were unaltered in autistics compared to controls. Increased plasma glutamate/glutamine ratio, together with increased glycine, arginine, aspartate, aspargine levels, and acidic/basic amino acid ratio can serve as a predictive tools for the early detection of autism. These findings suggest that glutamatergic abnormalities in the brain may be associated with the pathobiology of autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Altered urinary porphyrins and mercury exposure as biomarkers for autism severity in Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder

Metabolic Brain Disease, 2016

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social, comm... more Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social, communication, and behavioral development. Recent evidence supported but also questioned the hypothetical role of compounds containing mercury (Hg) as contributors to the development of ASD. Specific alterations in the urinary excretion of porphyrin-containing ring catabolites have been associated with exposure to Hg in ASD patients. In the present study, the level of urinary porphyrins, as biomarkers of Hg toxicity in children with ASD, was evaluated, and its correlation with severity of the autistic behavior further explored. A total of 100 children was enrolled in the present study. They were classified into three groups: children with ASD (40), healthy controls (40), and healthy siblings of the ASD children (20). Children with ASD were diagnosed using DSM-IV-TR, ADI-R, and CARS tests. Urinary porphyrins were evaluated within the three groups using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), after plasma evaluation of mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in the same groups. Results showed that children with ASD had significantly higher levels of Hg, Pb, and the porphyrins pentacarboxyporphyrin, coproporphyrin, precoproporphyrin, uroporphyrins, and hexacarboxyporphyrin compared to healthy controls and healthy siblings of the ASD children. However, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of heptacarboxyporphyrin among the three groups, while a significant positive correlation between the levels of coproporphyrin and precoproporphyrin and autism severity was observed. Mothers of ASD children showed a higher percentage of dental amalgam restorations compared to the mothers of healthy controls suggesting that high Hg levels in children with ASD may relate to the increased exposure to Hg from maternal dental amalgam during pregnancy and lactation. The results showed that the ASD children in the present study had increased blood Hg and Pb levels compared with healthy control children indicating that disordered porphyrin metabolism might interfere with the pathology associated with the autistic neurologic phenotype. The present study indicates that coproporphyrin and precoproporhyrin may be utilized as possible biomarkers for heavy metal exposure and autism severity in children with ASD.

Research paper thumbnail of Autism and Fragile X: Is There a Neurochemical Link?

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2014

BACKGROUND:Autism and Fragile X syndrome are intertwined. This study aimed at assessing Serotonin... more BACKGROUND:Autism and Fragile X syndrome are intertwined. This study aimed at assessing Serotonin, Glutamate, and Gama Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) in autism and Fragile X syndrome patients and to detect possible neurochemical similarities between the 2 disorders that can be used as metabolic biomarkers.DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighty subjects divided into four groups, two diseased groups (20 male patients with Autism and 20 males with Fragile X syndrome) and two control groups (20 neurotypical male controls and 20 Down syndrome male patients) were included. Estimation of Serotonin, Glutamate and GABA were done using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Tandem Mass Spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively.RESULTS: Serotonin was, exclusively, significantly low in autistic children. GABA was significantly high in both autistic and Fragile X children only, but not in Down syndrome children. Glutamate was significantly high in children with autism, Fragile...

Research paper thumbnail of Connexin 26 expression in buccal smears from hearing impaired Egyptian children

Research paper thumbnail of A Project to Identify Genes Contributing to Autism in Consanguineous Egyptian Pedigrees by Utilizing Homozygosity Mapping and Whole-Exome Sequencing

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of the Level of GABA and Some Trace Elements in Blood in Children who Suffer from Familial Febrile Convulsions

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2014

Febrile seizure is one of the most common neurological problems during childhood. The etiology an... more Febrile seizure is one of the most common neurological problems during childhood. The etiology and pathogenesis of febrile seizure remain unknown. However, several factors such as vitamin B6 deficiency, electrolyte disturbances, and reduction in serum zinc, selenium, magnesium levels, and low gamma - aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of febrile seizure. The present study included twenty children from 10 families, 11 were male and 9 were female. Each family has at least 2 members with a history of febrile convulsion. All cases were subjected to the following: Determination of serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium level in serum, and plasma level of γ-aminobytaric acid (GABA). Serum levels of selenium and GABA were statistically significantly low in comparison with controls. Serum copper was statistically significantly higher in cases than controls, while serum zinc showed no significant changes in the cases of febrile convulsio...

Research paper thumbnail of A study of zinc, copper and iron parameters in children with cognitive impairment

Medical Research Journal, 2014

Objective Zinc, copper and iron have been considered vital for normal brain functioning. Our stud... more Objective Zinc, copper and iron have been considered vital for normal brain functioning. Our study aimed to assess changes in the level of zinc, copper, ferritin and haemoglobin (HgB) concentration in children who presented with variable degrees of cognitive impairment. Patients and methods In this study, determination of HgB%, plasma ferritin, zinc and copper in 68 children with cognitive impairment and in 46 age-matched control children was carried out. Correlation between various elements was studied. Results A significantly decreased levels of plasma zinc and copper were found in children with cognitive decline compared with control children (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). A significantly decreased ferritin was also found in affected children (P < 0.001), whereas the difference in HgB% between both groups was not significant. No significant correlation was found between zinc and copper and between HgB% and ferritin among the studied patients, which could be attributed to increased variances of the studied elements in affected children and to the role of other cofactors. Conclusion Our current study highlights the role of zinc, copper and iron stores in cognitive processes in children, being significantly decreased in children with cognitive impairment; however, further randomized controlled studies are needed in similar populations to confirm their role.

Research paper thumbnail of Reduced Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxy and 1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D in Egyptian Children with Autism

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of vitamin D in autism thr... more Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of vitamin D in autism through serum level assessment.

Research paper thumbnail of Homocysteine and oxidative stress in Egyptian children with Down syndrome

Clinical Biochemistry, 2010

To assess homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12, trace element levels and oxidant/antioxidant ... more To assess homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12, trace element levels and oxidant/antioxidant status in Down syndrome (DS) mothers and children. 42 mothers with previous history of bearing DS baby with karyotypically confirmed full trisomy 21 were included. 48 healthy mothers with their healthy children were considered as control. Serum B12, folic acid, total homocysteine (tHcy), vitamins E and C, TBARS and trace elements were estimated. DS mothers showed higher levels of tHCy, lower levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 than controls. tHCy and folic acid concentrations were significantly decreased, while vitamin B12 exhibited a slight decrease in DS children versus control. Vitamins E and C, zinc and copper levels were markedly reduced in DS mothers. By contrast, TBARS showed significant elevation in them. Furthermore, DS children had severe reduction of vitamin C and zinc levels relative to healthy children. However, vitamin E showed slight reduction and TBARS displayed a slight rise in DS children. Abnormal folic acid-homocysteine metabolism is a potent marker to identify women at risk for having DS child and it also exposes them to oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.