Browsing by Author "Farag A.G.A."

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Diagnostic and prognostic role of galectin 3 expression in cutaneous melanoma
(2010) Abdou A.G.; Hammam M.A.; Farargy S.E.; Farag A.G.A.; El Shafey E.N.; Farouk S.; Elnaidany N.F.; Pathology Department; Menofiya University; Shebein Elkom; Ahmed Maher Educational Hospital; Cairo; Egypt; Dermatology and Andrology Department; Menofiya University; Shebein Elkom; Ahmed Maher Educational Hospital; Cairo; Egypt; Faculty of Medicine; Menofiya University; Shebein Elkom; Ahmed Maher Educational Hospital; Cairo; Egypt; Clinical Pharmacy Department; Faculty of Pharmacy; MSA University; October City; Egypt
Many of the histopathologic criteria used to diagnose melanoma overlap with atypical but otherwise benign naevi such as dysplastic or Spitz naevi. Galectin-3 is a member of the galectin gene family and is expressed at elevated levels in a variety of neoplastic cell types. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of galectin-3 expression compared with homatropine methyle bromide-45(HMB-45) (one of the established and widely used immunohistochemical melanocytic markers) together with assessment of its prognostic value in melanoma lesions. This study was carried out on 21 cases of melanoma and 20 benign pigmented naevi. Galectin-3 was expressed in all the examined benign and malignant melanocytic lesions. The nucleocytoplasmic pattern of galectin-3 appeared in malignant cases only with 42.86% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 70.73% accuracy. This pattern tended to be associated with thick melanoma (P = 0.08) and reduced survival (P = 0.22). The intensity of galectin-3 assessed by H-score was significantly of higher values in malignant lesions compared with benign lesions (P < 0.0001). The best cut-off value for discrimination between benign and malignant melanocytic lesions was 295 with 95% sensitivity, 70% specificity, and 83% accuracy. The diagnostic power of galectin-3 in distinguishing between benign and malignant melanocytic lesions relies on the pattern and the intensity of its expression. The nucleocytoplasmic pattern of galectin-3 expression carries greater probability of a malignant phenotype and a poor prognostic impact on patients' outcome. Copyright � 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Epidemiology of dermatophyte infections among school children in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2018) Farag A.G.A.; Hammam M.A.; Ibrahem R.A.; Mahfouz R.Z.; Elnaidany N.F.; Qutubuddin M.; Tolba R.R.E.; Dermatology; Adrology and STDs Department; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Shebin El-Kom; Egypt; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Shebin El-Kom; Egypt; Cleveland Clinic; Lerner College of Medicine; Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland; OH; United States; Clinical Pathology; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Shebin El-Kom; Egypt; Clinical Pharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; MSA University; October City; Egypt; Independent Researcher; Cleveland; OH; United States
Most superficial mycotic infections of human skin are due to dermatophytes. Children are frequently affected due to different predisposing factors, particularly overcrowding in classrooms. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dermatophytes infections and their related risk factors among school children in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Six public primary and preparatory schools were randomly selected and their pupils (n=3464) were asked to complete a predesigned questionnaire covering both personal data and suspected risk factors for superficial dermatophyte infections. The children were also examined for dermatological diseases. Any suspected lesions were biopsied for mycological examination. The prevalence of clinically suspected dermatophytes infections was 1.41%, whereas the prevalence of culture confirmed cases was 0.98%. The most common clinical type was tinea capitis with a prevalence of 1.01%. Microsporum canis was the only isolated organism from the suspicious lesions with a 69.4% positivity rate. A higher prevalence was observed among boys, low socio-economic pupils and those with a family history of dermatophyte infections. Pet contact and sharing towels and caps among pupils were significant risk factors. Dermatophyte infection is still prevalent among basic school pupils. Fortunately, it is related to preventable risk factors. We recommend regular screening and use of educational health programmes for kids to control it. 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH
Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with chronic urticaria: Correlation with pathologic findings in gastric biopsies
(2009) Abdou A.G.; Elshayeb E.I.; Farag A.G.A.; Elnaidany N.F.; Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine; Menofiya University; Shebein Elkom; Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; MSA University; October City; Egypt
Background: Chronic urticaria is a persistent urticaria lasting longer than 6.weeks, affecting 20% of the general population. Various infectious agents have been reported as causes of urticaria, including Helicobacter pylori, which is a common worldwide bacterial infection. Its role in inducing allergic conditions, such as chronic urticaria, has been suggested in some reports and ignored in others. Aims: To assess the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with chronic urticaria and to explore the possible etiopathogenetic link between them. Methods: Thirty-five patients suffering from chronic urticaria and 10 normal control individuals were subjected to upper endoscopic gastric biopsies to assess and semiquantify H. pylori infection and to address other pathologic abnormalities, using routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and Giemsa staining. Results: Forty percent of control subjects and 57% of patients were positive for H. pylori infection, but the difference did not reach statistically significant levels (P = 0.47). The severity of urticarial symptoms was greater in the H. pylori-positive than in the H. pylori- negative group (P = 0.019). Heavy bacterial colonization (P = 0.008) and intense gastric inflammation (P < 0.0001) were associated significantly with severe clinical manifestations. Eighty percent of the H. pylori -positive urticaria group experienced complete remission after receiving eradication therapy for H. pylori. Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori may have a role in the exacerbation of urticarial symptoms, even though it is not involved directly in its etiology, and its eradication may lead to symptom improvement in a considerable number of infected urticaria patients. The severity of symptoms is dependent on the density of bacterial infection and the intensity of inflammatory infiltrate in the gastric biopsy. 2009 International Society of Dermatology.
Immunohistochemical expression of leptin in non melanoma skin cancer
(Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2016) Farag A.G.A.; Elnaidany N.F.; El-Dien M.M.S.; Department of Dermatology and Andrology; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy; MSA October University; Egypt; Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Egypt
Introduction: Obesity in adults is associated with numerous health disorders including some forms of cancer. Various epidemiological studies have found a link between excess adiposity and malignant melanoma; however, the association with non melanoma skin cancer is questionable. Leptin is a hormone produced mainly by the adipose tissue and its serum level may reflect body mass index. Leptin is reported to promote proliferation and angiogenesis and deregulate apoptosis, therefore facilitates the process of carcinogenesis. Aim: The current study tried to assess leptin localization and expression in non melanoma skin cancer to verify its possible role in pathogenesis of this cancer. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 13 Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) cases and 14 Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) cases together with 19 normal skin biopsies as a control group using immunohistochemical method. Results: Leptin was expressed in 52.6% of the normal epidermis with pure cytoplasmic and both cytoplasmic and nuclear staining patterns. All cases of SCC (100%) and two cases of BCC (15.4%) showed leptin expression in tumour cells whereas nuclear expression was in favour of SCC. Stromal expression of leptin was seen in both SCC (57.1%) and BCC (38.5%) without significant differences. Percentage of leptin expression by tumour cells in SCC showed positive linear correlation with tumour size (p=0.02) and microvessel density (p=0.000). Stromal expression of leptin in SCC was associated with large tumour size (p=0.04), advanced stage (p=0.01) and tumours arising in sites other than head and neck (p=0.01). Conclusion: Leptin could have a more important role in pathogenesis of cutaneous SCC rather than BCC that may reflect the trivial role of obesity in induction of BCC. The expression of leptin by tumour and stromal cells of SCC could co-operate in its progression by promoting angiogenesis with subsequently acquiring large tumour size and then advanced stage. � 2016, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.
Is Vitamin D a participant in narrow-band ultraviolet B-induced pigmentation in patients with vitiligo?
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2018) Farag A.G.A.; Haggag M.M.; Muharram N.M.; Mahfouz R.; Elnaidany N.F.; Abd El Ghany H.M.; Department of Dermatology; Andrology and STDs; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Shebin Elkom; 32511; Egypt; Department of Medical Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Shebin Elkom; Egypt; Department of Clinical Pathology; Menoufia University; Shebin Elkom; Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; MSA University; October City; Egypt; Cleveland Clinic; Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM); CWR University; Cleveland; OH; United States
Background Because of its safety and efficacy, narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy has found importance in vitiligo treatment. NBUVB may promote pigmentation in vitiligo through provoked vitamin D synthesis. However, little is known about this issue. Objective To estimate the serum levels of vitamin D in patients with vitiligo before and after NBUVB therapy and to correlate its posttreatment serum levels with repigmentation. Patients and methods Fifty patients with different degrees of vitiligo severity along with 25 age-matched, sex-matched, and skin phenotype-matched controls were enrolled in this study. Patients with vitiligo were treated with NBUVB thrice weekly for 12 weeks. Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels (compared with controls) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Vitiligo Area and Severity Index were estimated and then reevaluated after NBUVB sessions. Results Baseline 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in vitiligo cases than controls. After 12 weeks of NBUVB therapy, a significant clinical improvement and increase in 25(OH)D concentrations were recorded; however, insignificant correlation between both was observed. Conclusion Low vitamin D level may play an active role in vitiligo development. Furthermore, vitamin D may participate partially in photo-induced melanogenesis. Therefore, the mechanism of NBUVB-induced pigmentation in vitiligo needs to be clarified. � 2018 Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor as an incriminating agent in vitiligo
(Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia, 2018) Farag A.G.A.; Habib M.S.; Kamh M.E.; Hammam M.A.; Elnaidany N.F.; Dermatology; Andrology and STDs department; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia UniversityEl Menoufia; Egypt; Medical Biochemistry department; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia UniversityEl Menoufia; Egypt; Clinical Pharmacy department; Faculty of Pharmacy-MSA University; 6th October City; Egypt
Background: Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder in which the loss of melanocytes is mainly attributed to defective autoimmune mechanisms and, lately, there has been more emphasis on autoinflammatory mediators. Among these is the macrophage migration inhibitory factor, which is involved in many autoimmune skin diseases. However, little is known about the contribution of this factor to vitiligo vulgaris. Objective: To determine the hypothesized role of migration inhibitory factor in vitiligo via estimation of serum migration inhibitory factor levels and migration inhibitory factor mRNA concentrations in patients with vitiligo compared with healthy controls. We also aimed to assess whether there is a relationship between the values of serum migration inhibitory factor and/ or migration inhibitory factor mRNA with disease duration, clinical type and severity in vitiligo patients. Methods: Evaluation of migration inhibitory factor serum level and migration inhibitory factor mRNA expression by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively, were performed for 50 patients with different degrees of vitiligo severity and compared to 15 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers as controls. Results: There was a highly significant increase in serum migration inhibitory factor and migration inhibitory factor mRNA levels in vitiligo cases when compared to controls (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between both serum migration inhibitory factor and migration inhibitory factor mRNA concentrations in vitiligo patients, and each of them with duration and severity of vitiligo. In addition, patients with generalized vitiligo have significantly elevated serum migration inhibitory factor and mRNA levels than control subjects. Study limitations: Small number of investigated subjects. Conclusions: Migration inhibitory factor may have an active role in the development of vitiligo, and it may also be a useful index of disease severity. Consequently, migration inhibitory factor may be a new treatment target for vitiligo patients. � 2018 by Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.
Mean platelet volume: An immanent predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients compared with interleukin-1? and interleukin-6
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2018) Farag A.G.A.; Zytoon A.A.; Habib M.S.; Elnaidany N.F.; Ibrahem R.A.L.; Salman S.; Mahfouz R.Z.; Department of Dermatology; Andrology and STDs; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Shebin El-Kom; Menoufia Governorate; 23511; Egypt; Department of Radiology; Faculty of Medicine; Egypt; Department of Medical Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine; Egypt; Public Health and Community Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; Egypt; Department of Clinical Pathology; Menoufia University; Shebin El-Kom; Menoufia Governorate; Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; Modern Sciences and Arts University; 6th of October City; Giza Governorate; Egypt; Hematology and Oncology Research; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM); Case Western University; Cleveland; OH; United States
Background Mean platelet volume (MPV), may help to determine atherosclerosis threat. Cardiovascular disease is one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients having psoriasis. Objective To examine MPV as a biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients, compared with interleukin (IL)-1?, IL-6, and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Patients and methods Psoriatic patients (n=70) and age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls (n=60) were enrolled. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was used to assess psoriasis severity. For all enrolled participants; evaluation of MPV, IL-1?, and IL-6 serum levels, and measuring of CIMT were done. Results The mean values of MPV, IL-1, IL-6, and CIMT, all were significantly elevated in psoriatic patients than controls (P<0.05 for all). They were significantly correlated with each other (P<0.001), and with severity of psoriasis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the possible validity of MPV for detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients (sensitivity=90.9%, specificity=61.5%, accuracy=80%, area under the curve=0.82, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval=0.71-92) with 8.95 fl/ml as a cutoff value. Conclusion MPV is a good sensitive test for early prediction of atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients. We recommend a follow-up large scale study on psoriasis to examine the use of antiplatelets. � 2018 Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society.
Second to fourth digit ratio in female patients with acne vulgaris: Could it be a predictor of androgen receptor status?
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2019) Farag A.G.A.; Shoiab M.A.; Samaka R.; Abdou A.G.; Elnaidany N.F.; Mansour A.O.M.; Department of Dermatology; Andrology and STDs; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Shibin El-Kom; Al Minufya; Egypt; Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia University; Al Minufya; Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy; MSA University; October City; Egypt
Background: Second to fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio is the ratio of index to ring fingers length. It reflects prenatal androgen exposure and sensitivity. Androgens are important in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, This ratio may therefore be of significance in determining the expression of androgen receptors. Aim: To investigate the relationship between second to fourth digit ratio and androgen receptor expression in female patients with acne vulgaris and to assess its association with clinical aspects of acne vulgaris. Methods: Females patients (n = 352) with different degrees of acne vulgaris severity and 168 age-matched females were enrolled. Right, left and total second to fourth digit ratios were calculated. Biopsies from all participants were processed for androgen receptor expression by immunohistochemical method. Results: Right, left and total second to fourth digit ratios were significantly lower in acne vulgaris patients than controls (P < 0.001 for all), and each of them had a significant negative correlation with duration of acne vulgaris (P < 0.001; P = 0.013; P < 0.001, respectively). Androgen receptors were detected in epidermal keratinocytes, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and fibroblasts. Right second to fourth digit ratio showed a negative correlation with androgen receptor H score of keratinocytes (r = -0.28;P = 0.02), hair follicles (r = -0.22; P = 0.05) and fibroblasts (r= -0.37;P = 0.001), while left second to fourth digit ratio demonstrated negative correlation with androgen receptor H score of sebocytes (r = -0.397; P < 0.000) only. Limitations: Lack of follow-up and absence of male participants were the main limitations of this study. Conclusion: A masculine second to fourth digit ratio in female patients could anticipate acne vulgaris development, its duration and severity. Moreover, this ratio is associated with an upregulation of cutaneous androgen receptors. Taken together, second to fourth digit ratio could help in designing plans for treatment of acne vulgaris. � 2019 Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
Tramadol (opioid) abuse is associated with a dose- and time-dependent poor sperm quality and hyperprolactinaemia in young men
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2018) Farag A.G.A.; Basha M.A.; Amin S.A.; Elnaidany N.F.; Elhelbawy N.G.; Mostafa M.M.T.; Khodier S.A.; Ibrahem R.A.; Mahfouz R.Z.; Dermatology; Andrology and STDs; Menoufia University; Shebin El Kom; Egypt; Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology; Menoufia University; Shebin El Kom; Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy; Clinical Pharmacy; MSA University; 6 October City; Egypt; Faculty of Medicine; Medical Biochemistry; Menoufia University; Shebin El Kom; Egypt; Faculty of Medicine; Clinical Pathology; Menoufia University; Shebin El Kom; Egypt; Faculty of Medicine; Public Health and Community Medicine; Menoufia University; Shebin El Kom; Egypt; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine; Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland; OH; United States
Tramadol, one of the most commonly abused drugs in Middle East, impacts spermatogenesis and disturbs reproductive hormones in animal studies. We aimed to investigate tramadol impact on sperm quality and on levels of testosterone, prolactin and gonadotropins, in tramadol abusers (n=30) to age-matched control (n=30). Abusers had significantly low percentages of sperm motility, normal forms and vitality compared with control (95% CI ?40.7 to ?19.3, ?13.5 to ?9.3 and ?31.9 to ?9.7 respectively). Hypoandrogenism (95% CI ?4.5 to ?2.8), hyperprolactinaemia (CI (95%) 4.9 to 9.4) and hypergonadotropinaemia (95% CI 2.9 to 7.2 for FSH and 2.0 to 7.8 for LH) were observed in tramadol abusers vs controls. Smokers (26 of 30), concurrently abusing other drugs (11 of 30) and asymptomatic leucocytospermic (15 of 30) patients subgroups significantly abused tramadol beyond 3years (p=.02, <.001, =.03 respectively) and in excess >450mg/day (p=.02, =.01, =.005 respectively). Progressive motility (a+b%) was significantly low in young men <25years old (p=.03) subgroup. Tramadol abuse is associated with poor sperm quality, hyperprolactinaemia and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. We recommend semen analysis for tramadol long-intakes, question sperm donors and follow-up studies to prevent and reverse tramadol-induced testicular damage. � 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH