HUMAN MORPHOLOGY Publication Record Basbous,
J., H. Abi-Haidar, J. Nijmeh, R. Abou-Merhi, O. Hermine, A. Bazarbachi, and
M. El-Sabban. 2000. Adhesion and intercellular communication between HTLV-I
transformed cells and other neoplastic T-cell lymphocytes and vascular
endothelium. American Society of Hematology. Blood 96:125a. Bikhazi, A. B., M. E. El-Sabban, G. N. El-Zein, and K. A. Hassan. 2000. Angiotensin II binding fibroblast and collagen alterations in myocardial infracted rat hearts. Journal of the Renin-Agiotensin-Aldosterone System 1:78. Bikhazi, A.B., K. A. Hassan, M. E. El-Sabban, and K. M. Bitar. 2000. Kinetics of angiotensin II binding on endothelium and myocytes in myocardial infracted rat hearts. FASEB J. 14:A423. Bikhazi, A.B., A. R.
Jurjus, M. T. Kamal, A. M. Al-Housseini, R. N. Saab, W. A. Jaroudi, and K. M.
Bitar. 2001. Kinetics of lipopolysaccharide clearance by Kupffer and
parenchyma cells in perfused rat liver. Comparative Biochemistry and
Physiology Part C 129:339–348. Darwiche, N., M. El-Sabban, R. Bazzi, R. Nasr, S. Al Hashimi, O. Hermine, H. De The, and A. Bazarbachi. 2001. Retinoic acid dramatically enhances the arsenic trioxide induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in retinoic acid receptor a-positive human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-I transformed cells. The Hematology Journal 2 (2):127–135. Dbaibo, G. S., W. El-Assaad, A. Krikorian, B. Liu, K. Diab, N. Z. Idriss, M. El-Sabban, T. A. Driscoll, D. K. Perry, and Y. A. Hannun. 2001. Ceramide generation by two distinct pathways in tumor necrosis factor a-induced cell death. FEBS Letters 503 (1):7–12. Gali-Muhtasib, H.U., I. Younis, J. Karchesy, and M. El-Sabban. 2001. Plant tannins inhibit the induction of aberrant crypt foci and colonic tumors by 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine in mice. Nutrition and Cancer 39 (1):108–116. Guerbouj, S., K. Victoir, N. Nuwayri-Salti, N. Seridi, I. Guizani, and M. Belkaid. 2001. GP 63 gene polymorphism and population structure of Leishmania donovani complex: Influence of the host selection pressure? Parasitology 1:25–35. Haddad, J. J. E., R. Lauterbach, N. E. Saadé, B. Safieh-Garabedian, and S. Land. 2001. Alpha-melanocyte-related tripeptide, lys-D-pro-val, ameliorates endotoxin-induced NF-kB translocation and activation: Evidence for involvement of an interleukin-1b193-195 receptor antagonism in the alveolar epithelium. Biochemical Journal 355:29–38. Haddad, J. J. E., B. Safieh-Garabedian, N. E. Saadé, S. A.
Kanaan, and S. C. Land. 2001. Chemioxyexcitation (DpO2/ROS)-dependent
release of IL-1b,
IL-6 and TNF-a:
Evidence of cytokines as oxygen-sensitive mediators in the alveolar
epithelium. Cytokine 13:138–147. Haddad, J. J. E., B. Safieh-Garabedian, N. E. Saadé, and S. Land. 2001. The biphasic immunoregulation of pyrimidylpiperazine (Y-40138) is IL-10 sensitive and requires NF-kB targeting in the alveolar epithelium. British Journal of Pharmacology 133:49–60. Haddad, J.J.E., Safieh-Garabedian, B., Saadé, N.E. and Land, S.C. 2001. Thiol regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines revealed a novel immunopharmacological potential of glutathione in the alveolar epithelium. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 296:996–1005. Hatoum, A., M. E. El-Sabban, J. Khoury, S. H. Yuspa, and N. Darwiche. 2001. Overexpression of retinoic acid receptors alpha and gamma into neoplastic epidermal cells causes retinoic acid-induced growth arrest and apoptosis. Carcinogenesis 22 (12):1955–63. Homaidan, F. R., I. Chakroun, G. S. Dbaibo, W. El-Assaad, and M. E. El-Sabban. 2001. IL-1 activates two phospholipid signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells. Inflamm. Res. 50 (7):375–381. Bazarbachi, A., M. E. El-Sabban, R. Nasr, F. Quignon, C. Awaraji, J. Kersual, L. Dianoux, Y. Zermati, J. H. Haidar, O. Hermine, and H. de The. 1999. Arsenic trioxide and interferon-alpha synergize to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I-transformed cells. Blood 93 (1):278–283. Barada, K. A., N. E. Saadé, S. F. Atweh, C. I. Khoury, and C. F. Nassar. 2000. Calcitonin gene-related peptide regulates amino acid absorption across rat jejunum. Regulatory Peptides 90:39–45. Bazarbachi, A., R. Nasr, M. E. El-Sabban, A. Mahe, R. Mahieux, A. Gessain, N. Darwiche, G. Dbaibo, J. Kersual, Y. Zermati, L. Dianoux, M. K. Chelbi-Alix, H. de The, and O. Hermine. 2000. Evidence against a direct cytotoxic effect of alpha interferon and zidovudine in HTLV-I associated adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma. Leukemia 14 (4):716–721. El-Sabban, M.E., K. Hasan, K. Bitar, and A. Bikhazi. 2000. Angiotensin II binding and extracellular matrix remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Journal of the Renin-Agiotensin-Aldosterone System 1 (4):369–378. El-Sabban, M., R. Nasr, G. Dbaibo, O. Hermine, N. Abboushi, F. Quignon, Jc. Ameisen, F. Bex, H. De The, and A. Bazarbachi. 2000. Arsenic-interferon-a triggered apoptosis in HTLV-I transformed cells is associated with tax down-regulation and reversal of NF-kB activation. Blood 96 (8):2849–2855. Haddad, J. J. E., S. C. Land, N. E. Saadé, and B. Safieh-Garabedian. 2000. Immunomodulatory potential of thymulin-Zn2+ in the alveolar epithelium: Amelioration of endotoxin-induced cytokine release and partial amplification of a cytoprotective IL-10 sensitive pathway. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 131:1317–1324. Jabbur, S. J., N. E. Saadé, and S. F. Atweh. 2000. Chronic pain: Somatic or limbic mechanisms. Pain and neuroimmune interactions, 223–232. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Jabbur, S. J., and N. E. Saadé. 1999. From electrical wiring to plastic neurons: Evolving approaches to the study of pain. Pain Supplement 6:87–92. Jurjus, A. 1999. Human cloning between science and ethics
[Arabic]. Hospital and Health Journal 15:44–51. Jurjus, A. R., and M. S.
Abu Gergi. 2000. Non-pharmacologic treatment of hypertension. Lebanese
Medical Journal 48 (6): 378–381. Jurjus, A., R. Correa-de-Araujo, and R. C. Bohn. 1999. A bilateral double axillary artery: Embryological basis and clinical implications. Journal of Clinical Anatomy 12:135–140. Jurjus, A., R. Serhan, D. Ilyia, and E. Ilyia. 1999. The impact of new technologies on health: Saliva as a valuable diagnostic tool. Lebanese Medical Journal 47 (5):297–300. Kanaan, S. A., N. E. Saadé, M. Karam, H. F. Khansa, S. J. Jabbur, and A. R. Jurjus. 2000. Hyperalgesia and upregulation of cytokines and nerve growth factor by cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice. Pain 85:477–482.
Knio, K., E. Baydoun, R. Tawk, and N. Nuwayri-Salti. 2000. Isoenzyme characterization of Leishmania isolates from Lebanon and Syria. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 63(1,2):43–47. Maesaka, J. K., T. Palaia, S. A. Chowdhury, T. Shimamura, S. Fishbane, W. Reichman, A. Coyne, J. J. O'Rear, M. E. El-Sabban. 1999. Partial characterization of apoptotic factor in Alzheimer plasma. American Journal of Physiology 276 (4 Pt 2):F521–F527. Mangurian, L., A. Jurjus, and R. J. Walsh. 1999. Prolactin receptor localization to the area postrema. Brain Research 836(1-2):218–220. Nuwayri-Salti, N., E. Baydoun, R. El Tawk, R. Fakhoury Makki, and K. Knio. 2000. The epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Lebanon. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 94:164–166. Saadé, N. E., A. V. Apkarian, and S. J. Jabbur (Editors). 2000. Pain and Neuroimmune Interactions. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Saadé, N. E., S. F. Atweh, A. Privat, and S. J. Jabbur. 1999. Inhibitory effects from various types of dorsal column and raphe magnus stimulations on nociceptive withdrawal flexion reflexes. Brain Research 846:72– 86. Saadé, N. E., A. I. Kafrouni, C. Y. Saab, S. F. Atweh, and S. J. Jabbur. 1999. Chronic thalamotomy increases pain-related behavior in rats. Pain 83:401–409.
Saadé, N. E., H. F. Lawand, B. Safieh-Garabedian, S. A. Kanaan, S. F. Atweh, and S. J. Jabbur. 1999. Thymulin induces c-fos expression in the spinal cord of rats which is reversed by meloxicam and morphine. Journal of Neuroimmunology 97:16–24. Saadé, N. E., C. A. Massaad, S. A. Kanaan, B. Safieh-Garabedian, S. J. Jabbur, and S. F. Atweh. 2000. Pain and neurogenic inflammation: A neural substrate for neuroendocrine-immune interactions. Pain and Neuroimmune Interactions, 111–123. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.
Saadé, N. E., I. W. Nasr, C. A. Massaad, B. Safieh-Garabedian, S. J. Jabbur, and S. A. Kanaan. 2000. Modulation of ultraviolet-induced hyperalgesia and cytokine upregulation by interleukins 10 and 13. British Journal of Pharmacology 131:1317–1324.
Saadeh, F., M. E. El-Sabban, and J. S. Hawi. 2001. Rare variations of the mylohyoid muscle: Case Study. Clinical Anatomy 14 (4): 285–287. Saadeh, F.,
F. Haikal, S. M. I. Mahmoud, and M. E. El-Sabban. 2000. Patterns of talar
articular facets of Egyptian calcanei. J.Anat.Soc.India 49 (1):6–8 Safieh-Garabedian, B., M. Dardenne, S. A. Kanaan, S. F. Atweh, S. J. Jabbur, and N. E. Saadé. 2000. The role of cytokines and prostaglandin-E2 in thymulin induced hyperalgesia. Neuropharmacology 39:1653–1661.
Safieh-Garabedian, B., S. A. Kanaan, S. J. Jabbur, S. F. Atweh, and N. E. Saadé. 2000. Thymulin and inflammatory pain: A possible substrate for PGE2 dependent neuroimmune loop. Pain and Neuroimmune Interactions, 139–147. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Saleh, F. H., and A. R. Jurjus. 2000. A comparison of the effects of two classes of antihypertensive drugs on the renal and cardiac systems of hypertensive rats. Australian Journal of Medical Science 21 (3):4–11. Saleh F. H., and A.R. Jurjus. 2001. A comparative study of morphological changes in spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or a calcium-channel blocker. The Journal of Pathology 193:415–420. Talhouk, R. S., L. Hajjar, R. Abou-Gergi, C. J. Simaa’n, G. Mouneimne, N. E. Saadé, and B. Safieh-Garabedian. 2000. Functional interplay between gelatinases and hyperalgesia in endotoxin induced localized inflammatory pain. Pain 84:397–405. Talhouk, R. S., F. A. Maa'ni, N. Kalaa'ni, G. S. Zoubian, C. J. Simaa'n, M. Abi-Sai'd, S. Hamadeh, E. Barbour, and M. E. El-Sabban. 2001. Partial purification and characterization of proteins with growth promoting activities from ovine mammary gland secretions. Domest Anim Endocrinol. 21 (3):143–159. Walsh, R. J., R. C. Bohn, S. Raskin, M. F. Sherif, and A. R.
Jurjus. Radiographic Anatomy (www.NetAnatomy.com). Abstracts, Conferences, and Proceedings Abboushi, N., W. El-Assaad, M. E. El-Sabban, A. Bazarbachi, J. Usta, and G. S. Dbaibo. 2001. Ceramide inhibits NF-kB dependent Interleukin-2 transcription. FASEB J. 15 (4):A16. Al-Amin, H., N. E. Saadé, M. Jaber, D. Bou Hadir, S. J. Jabbur, and S. F. Atweh. November 2000. Acute and chronic effects of the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine on the sensorimotor behaviors in rats. Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science and National Council for Scientific Research, Fourteenth Science Meeting:184, Beirut, Lebanon, . Al-Amin, H.A., N. E. Saadé, C. A. Massaad, M. K. Khani, S. J. Jabbur, and S. F. Atweh. 2000. Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors modulate the response to acute pain in rats. Society for Neuroscience 26:2155. Al Bikhazi, A. B., K. M. Bitar, A. R. Jurjus, and K. A. Hassan. 1999. Role of kupffer and parenchymal cells in hepatobiliary clearance of lipopolysaccharides (endotoxins) in perfused rat liver. American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, New Orleans, LA, USA. Baliki, M., C. El-Khoury, N. Hawwa, S. J. Jabbur, A. V. Apkarian, and N. E. Saadé. 2001. Modulation of mononeuropathy-induced allodynia through descending influences from the orbital cortex. 2nd World Congress of World Institute of Pain: Pain Management in the 21st Century, Istanbul, Turkey. Chidiac, J. J., K. Rifai, C. A. Massaad, A. R. Jurjus, S. J. Jabbur, and N. E. Saadé. 2000. Animal tooth injury: A new model to study pain in vital teeth. Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science and National Council for Scientific Research, Fourteenth Science Meeting:189, Beirut, Lebanon.
Darwiche, N., M. El-Sabban, R. Bazzi, R. Nasr, O. Hermine, H. De The, and A. Bazarbachi. 2000. Retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide combination induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and downregulates tax in retinoic acid receptor–a positive HTLV-I transformed cells. American Society of Hematology. Blood 96:178b El-Khoury, C., C. A. Massaad, B. Safieh-Garabedian, S. F. Atweh, S. J. Jabbur, and N. E. Saadé. January 2000. Thymulin attenuates allodynia and hyperalgesia in an animal model for mononeuropathy. Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science and National Council for Scientific Research, Fourteenth Science Meeting:187, Beirut, Lebanon. El-Sabban,
M. E., K. A. Hassan, A. E. Birari, K. M. Bitar, and A. B. Bikhazi. 2000.
Angiotensin II binding and extracellular matrix remodeling in a rat model of
myocardial infarction. Journal of the Renin-Agiotensin-Aldosterone
System 1(4):369–378. El-Sabban M. E., N. Kalaany, R. Shami, A. Shaito, R. Bassam, and R. Talhouk. 1999. Modulation of gap junctional protein expression and function in CID-9 mammary cells by extracellular matrix. The Gordon Conference, USA. El-Sabban M., R. Nasr, F. Quignon, O. Hermine, H. De-The, and A. Bazarbachi. 1999. Induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HTLV-I transformed cells by a combination of arsenic trioxide and interferon alpha IX International conference on human retrovirology: HTLV, 1999, Kagoshima, Japan. J. AIDS Hum. Retrovirology 20: A29. El-Sabban M., R. Nasr, G. Dbaibo, O. Hermine, F. Bex, H. De-The, and A. Bazarbachi. 1999. Arsenic trioxide and alpha interferon combination downregulates Tax and targets the NF-kB pathway in HTLV-I transformed cells. Annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology 1999, New Orleans. Blood 92 (suppl 1). Gali-Muhtasib H.U., S. Al-Maalouf, N. Darwiche, Y. Hazimeh, and M. El-Sabban. 1999. In vitro effects of vitamin E and analogues on UVB-induced apoptosis. Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research 40: 225. Gali-Muhtasib, H.U., S. Al-Maalouf, M. Tabbal, and M. El-Sabban. 2000. Vitamin E protects against UVB-induced damage in murine keratinocytes. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Antimutagensis and Anticarcinogenesis, p. 149. September 23–27. Gali-Muhtasib, H.U., I. Younes, M. Abou-Karam, and M. El-Sabban. 2000. Gallotannin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Antimutagensis and Anticarcinogenesis, p. 70. September 23–27. Gali-Muhtasib, H.U., I. Younis, J. Karchesy, and M. El-Sabban. 2000. Plant tannins as chemopreventive agents against colon cancer: Mechanistic aspects of action in human colon cancer cell lines. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, vol 6, supplement 1:S81. Hakimeh, N., W. Almawi, H. Samaha, J. P. Aoun, S. Khoury, P. Rassam, and A. Jurjus. 2001. Hepatitis C virus genotypes in chronically infected Lebanese patients. Experimental Biology, Orlando, Florida. March 31–April 4. Hakimeh, N., J. Daccache, M. Germanos, R. Kreideh, A. R. Jurjus, M. Karam, and W. Almawi. 2001. Prevalence of factor V mutation (Leiden) among patients with venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Experimental Biology, Orlando, Florida. March 31–April 4. Hawwa, N., C. El-Khoury, M. Baliki, S. J. Jabbur, S. F. Atweh, and N. E. Saadé. 2001. Dorsal column stimulation (DCS) modulates pain through segmental and supraspinal mechanisms. 2nd World Congress of World Institute of Pain: Pain Management in the 21st Century, Istanbul, Turkey. Homaidan F. R., I. Chakroun, G. S. Dbaibo, and M. E. El-Sabban. 1999. IL-1 and ceramide regulate NF-kB and Bcl-2 in intestinal epithelial cells through distinct pathways. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Gastroenterological Association, Orlando. Homaidan F. R., I. Chakroun, and M. E. El-Sabban. 1999. IL-1 and ceramide induce COX-2 in intestinal epithelial cells with no effect on apoptosis. American Gastroenterological Association, Orlando, USA. Homaidan, F. R., Chakroun, I., Panjarian, S. B. and El-Sabban,
M. E. 2001. Adhesion of intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages regulate
the expression of connexin 26 and connexin 43 protein levels. Presented at
the International Gap Junction Meeting, Honolulu. Jurjus, A. R. July 1999. Workshop on writing research proposals, scientific papers, and editing medical journals. The WHO and the Lebanese Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon. Jurjus, A. R. January 2000. Counseling and support of patients with AIDS project: Technical committee. World Health Organization-UNAIDS, Beirut, Lebanon. Jurjus, A. R. February 2000. Regional conference and training course on health sciences. World Health Organization-EMRO, Beirut, Lebanon. Jurjus, A. R. March 2000. Lebanon and medical technology: Availability and accessibility. Italo-Lebanese Conference on Health Technology, Beirut, Lebanon. Jurjus, A. R. June 2000. Regional consultation on health research for development. World Health Organization-EMRO, Cairo, Egypt. Jurjus, A. R., M. Karam, H. Khansa, N. Saadé, and S. A. Kanaan. 1999. Thymulin injections modulate the hyperalgesia and the upregulation of cytokine levels induced by cutaneous leishmaniasis (C.L.). FASEB. Abstract 13 (5):LB112. Mroueh, S., H. Bitar, F. Bitar, M. El-Sabban, and G. S. Dbaibo. 2001. Lung ceramide levels in newborn rats exposed to hyperoxia. The American Thoracic Society meeting, San Francisco, California, May 18–23. Nasr, I. W., S. A. Kanaan, B. Safieh-Garabedian, C. A. Massaad, S. J. Jabbur, and N. E. Saadé. November 2000. Prevention of ultraviolet-induced hyperalgesia and skin inflammation by interleukins 10 and 13. Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science and National Council for Scientific Research Fourteenth Science Meeting:190, Beirut, Lebanon.
Nuwayri-Salti, N. September 1999. Amyloid like peptide in the pancreas of patients with type II diabetes: Recent advances. 8th International meeting of the Syrian Diabetes Association, Hama, Syria. Nuwayri-Salti, N. April 2000. Leishmaniases: A persistent problem in the Middle East. First International Symposium in Pediatrics Update, Beirut, Lebanon. Nuwayri-Salti, N. April 2000. Update on the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Lebanon. Inco-DC Group Meeting, Tunis, Tunisia. Nuwayri-Salti, N. September 2000. Autoimmune diseases. Fifth Makassed Medical Congress, Beirut, Lebanon. Nuwayri-Salti, N. September 2000. Diagnosis of kala-azar in two Lebanese children using rebuck skin window and longterm cultures. The Fourth Lebanese Conference on Infectious Diseases, Beirut, Lebanon. Nuwayri-Salti, N. November 2000. Immunogenetic markers in Lebanese patients with IDDM. 9th International meeting of the Syrian Diabetes Association. Al-Moujtehed Hospital, Damascus, Syria. Nuwayri-Salti, N., K. Knio, M. Naddaf, H. Sleiman, and J. Usta. November 1999. Prevalence of seropositivity to Leishmania antigens comparing asymptomatic normal subjects with patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. Oral presentation. Abstract at the 48th Annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Washington, D.C., 86:187. Nuwayri-Salti, N., R. Wakim, M. Fayad, S. Firzli, L. Bahlawan, and G. Dbaybo. October 2000. Cryptic kala-azar in two Lebanese toddlers presenting with bouts of prolonged pyrexia and either poor growth or inadequate immunity. 49th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Houston, Texas, USA, Abstract 405:307. Ochoa-Chaar, C. I. N., B. Safieh-Garabedian, S. F. Atweh, S. J. Jabbur, and N. E. Saadé. November 2000. Thymulin can alleviate the hyperalgesia and brain inflammation induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of endotoxin (ET). Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science, and National Council for Scientific Research, Fourteenth Science Meeting:188, Beirut, Lebanon.
Oghlakian, R., A. R. Jurjus, B. Safieh-Garabedian, S. J. Jabbur, and N. E. Saadé. November 2000. Fos-like immunoreactivity in brainstem centers induced by intraperitoneal injection of thymulin. Proceedings of the Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science and National Council for Scientific Research Fourteenth Science Meeting:193, Beirut, Lebanon.
Raof, A., R. Glover, and A. R. Jurjus. 2000. Using room temperature plastination technique to assess human pre-natal growth of the vertebral column and spinal cord. 10th International Conference on Plastination, Saint-Etienne, France. Rifai, K., J. J. Chidiac, C. A. Massaad, A. R. Jurjus, S. J. Jabbur, and N. E. Saadé. November 2000. Animal tooth injury: Prevention of tooth pain induced by intradental application of irritants. Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science, and National Council for Scientific Research, Fourteenth Science Meeting:191, Beirut, Lebanon. Safieh-Garabedian, B., C. A. Massaad, S. J. Jabbur, and N. E. Saadé November 2000. Chemical sympathectomy modulates hyperalgesia and cytokine levels in the endotoxin (ET) model of localized inflammatory hyperalgesia. Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science and National Council for Scientific Research, Fourteenth Science Meeting:185, Beirut, Lebanon. Safieh-Garabedian, B., G. M. Mouneimné, R. G. Abou-Gergi, N. E. Saadé, and R. S. Talhouk. November 2000. Effect of growth hormone releasing hormone on the endotoxin-induced local and completely reversible inflammation and hyperalgesia. Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science and National Council for Scientific Research Fourteenth Science Meeting, Beirut, Lebanon. Tarraf C., A. Shaito, J. Abboud, R. Talhouk, and M.E. El-Sabban. 1999. The effect of the microenvironment on modulation of gap junction expression and granulosa cell function. International Gap Junction Conference, Gwatt, Switzerland. Younis I., M. El-Sabban, and H.U. Gali-Muhtasib. 1999.
Gallotannin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a human colon cancer
cell line. Oral presentation at the 4th World Congress on Advances
in Oncology, 7–9 October 1999, Athens, Greece. Published in International
Journal of Molecular Medicine, vol. 4 (supplement): S35. Graduate Theses and Projects Baliki, M. November 2001.
Supraspinal modulation of neuropathic pain: The role of the limbic and
somatomotor cerebral centers. N. E. Saadé. Chaar, C. I. O. May 2000. Hyperalgesia and alteration of proinflammatory cytokines and neurotrophins levels by ntracerebro-ventricular injections of thymulin. N. E. Saadé. El-Khoury, Ch. May 2001. Modulation of neuropathic pain by dorsal column stimulation: Segmental and supraspinal echanisms. N. E. Saadé. Hawwa, N. September 2001. A new dental-injury model for the study of tooth inflammatory pain. N. E. Saadé. Massaad, C. A. May 2000. Upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin E2, and neurotrophins by ntraplantar injections of capsaicin. N. E. Saadé. Oghlakian, R. August 2000. Fos-like immunoreactivity in brainstem centers induced by intraperitoneal injection of thymulin. N. E. Saadé. Research Projects Angiogenesis and heterocellular
communication in leukemia: Implications for invasion and metastasis The ability of tumor cells to induce angiogenesis is fundamental to its growth potential and ultimately metastasis. Recently the importance of angiogenesis in various hematological malignancies has been documented. We have demonstrated the ability of various leukemia cells to interact with endothelial cells. Furthermore, we have recently shown, using Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL) as a model, that leukemic cells express angiogenic factors (VEGF and bFGF) and connexin 43 (Cx43) transcripts and protein and communicate with endothelial cells through gap junctions. We are currently investigating the angiogenic potential of plasma from HTLV-I associated diseases. Also, supported with our results in ATL, we are exploring the effect of the HTLV-I transactivator Tax on Cx43 gene transcription and post-translational protein modification. Finally we are studying the biological consequence of induction of angiogenesis and communication with respect to invasion and metastasis. We aim to generate knowledge to provide rationale for a novel therapeutic intervention in HTLV-I infected patients and other hematological malignancies based on inhibition of angiogenesis and modulation of adhesion and/or communication. Dr. Marwan Eid El-Sabban (Principle Investigator). Supported by DTS, URB, and MPP Funds. Investigation on polymorphic genomic markers in
relation to applied field research on the biology of Leishmania parasites in various eco-epidemiological
settings in the Mediterranean basin It describes the interaction between genetic polymorphism and the biological properties of Leishmania infantum. This, so far, has been hampered because of lack of knowledge about the parasite genetics and the inadequate molecular tools to scrutinize the Leishmania genome and of models to study this parasite genome. We start with a high number of molecular genotypic tools through the study of repeated DNA sequences and of chromosomes. Eventually, with the profusion of markers, a more rigorous definition of the parasite determinants is reached. This helps elucidate the complex biological phenomena observed in vivo and in vitro. The results of this study will be integrated in different field studies in different foci in which even the vector and the reservoir animal can be defined. Guizani, I., N. Nuwayri-Salti, P. Bastien, and J. C. Dujardin. Supported by European Commission Completed or in progress at four institutions in parallel Anti-proliferative
and immuno-modulatory effects of thymoquinone from Nigelia Saliva: Characterization
of cellular and molecular mechanisms of action Since primitive ages, people have used a variety of plants for different purposes. Among plants that are popular include the Blackseed (Nigelia saliva) that is used for the value of its extracts. The aim of this project is to determine the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of thymoquinone (TQ), the major extract of Blackseed. The anti-inflammatory effects of the drug will be tested in vitro by determining the effect it has on the level of inflammatory and immune mediators, such as the pro-inflammatory, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and eicosanoids. The anti-proliferative effects of TQ will be determined in the colon of mice, by studying the ability of the drug to delay the appearance and reduce the multiplicity of tumors induced chemically by potent carcinogens. This project also aims at determining the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the drug extracts exert their chemopreventive effects using colon cancer cell lines. The effects of TQ from Blackseed on the growth and proliferation of tumorigenic cell lines, as well as their ability to induce apoptosis and affect cell cycle phase distribution and intra-cellular transduction pathways, will be investigated. Once the extracts prove to be effective, the easily available plant product should be exploited in humans for its potential use as a modulator of the immune system, and as an inhibitor of cancer. Jurjus, A., and H. Gali-Muhtasib. Supported by LNCSR Completed or in progress at AUB Ulcerative
colitis: Effect of phospho-diesterase inhibitors on TNF-alpha production and
the homeostasis of intestinal epithelium Based on preliminary results using in vitro and in vivo rat models for inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and crohn disease), this study aims at (1) determining the profile of nutrients absorption in small intestines and the respective effect of the enteric nervous system; (2) testing the effect of new and specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors on TNF-alpha expression, as well as on other cytokines; and (3) studying the restorative capacity in structure and function of the involved intestinal tissue. It involves in vivo and in vitro experiments performed on Sprague-Dawley rats treated with intra-colonic injections of iodoacetamide or trinitrobenzene sulfate in alcohol, or human biopsies in culture. Amino acid and sugar absorption will be evaluated in the treated rats by the in vivo single pass perfusion technique in both models and in vitro uptake by jejunal strips and by co-cultured cells prepared from human biopsies. In parallel, the expression of digestive enzymes, the alterations in integrins expression, and cytoskeletal elements will be analyzed by immunohistochemical techniques. Results obtained from the above experiments will be compared to sham and normal controls. The degree of significance of differences between experimental and control groups will be assessed by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests. According to results, the enteric neural circuit will be studied using acute and neonatal capsaicin treatment and Benzalkonium chloride treatment. In a second stage, the effect of various inhibitors on TNF-alpha and other cytokines expression will be studied using the PCR technique. Their effects on epithelial and mesenchymal-fibroblast cells will be explored, taking into account the proliferative capacity and the migratory ability of these cells. In a third stage, the effects of the drug inhibitors will be tested in the in vivo-induced experimental models, and the biopsies or autopsies taken will be thoroughly evaluated for various parameters, including the weight of the intestines, the staging of lesions, and a histological study of ulcers and inflammatory sites. Jurjus, A., C. Nassar, K. Barada, J. M. Reimund, M. Assaf, and M. Kedinger. Supported by Cooperation pour L’Evaluation et la Développement de la Recherche (CEDRE) Completed or in progress at AUB Leishmaniasis:
An experimental model of inflammation--Cytokines, thymulin, and hyperalgesia
cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in mice has been shown to produce hyperalgesia
and upregulation of interleukin (IL)-1b and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of thymulin on CL-induced hyperalgesia and cytokine upregulation. Daily treatment with thymulin (1, 100 and 1000ng/i.p.) produced a dose-dependent decrease of CL-induced hyperalgesia, as assessed by the tail flick and the hot plate tests. The levels of NGF and IL-1b are determined in the skin tissues of the hind leg in different groups (n=5 each) of mice over a period of 5 weeks. Mice with CL showed sustained increase in the levels of IL-1b and NGF, which were reversed by thymulin (1mg). Injection of thymulin only did not alter the nociceptive thresholds or the levels of IL-1b and NGF. We are testing immunomodulation by thymulin and the hyperalgesia induced by CL, in addition to the levels of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1b and NGF, among others. Kanaan, S. A., N. E. Saadé, M. Karam, H. F. Khansa, S. J. Jabbur, and A. R. Jurjus. Supported by URB Completed or in progress at AUB Prevalence
of CCR5-delta 32 deletion (a mutation associated with resistance to HIV-1
infection) in the Lebanese population The World Health Organization has estimated that, as of mid-1996, 22.6 million people have been infected with human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV-1), and no protective vaccine or cure is available for the infection to date. The vast majority of people are susceptible to infection with HIV-1; however a few appear to be resistant despite repeated high-risk exposures. A chemokine receptor (CCR5) has been recently demonstrated to be an entry co-factor with CD4 for macrophage tropic (non-syncytium inducing-NSI) and T-cell tropic (syncytium inducing-SI) forms of HIV-1. Resistance of macrophages and T-cells to infection by HIV-1 in culture has been associated with a 32-base pair deletion in the cDNA coding for the CCR5 receptor, which results in a frameshift in the coding sequence of the cDNA starting at nucleotide 794. This deletion was also found in the CCR5 gene of these cells. Investigations into the distribution of homozygosity (delta 32/delta 32) and heterozygosity (w/delta 32) of the deleted allele in cross-sectional and prospective studies of HIV-1 unexposed, exposed, or infected persons have strongly supported a protective effect of this deletion in different ethnic groups. One percent of Caucasians (North America and Europe) were found to be homozygous for the deletion, and 10–20% were heterozygous. Only 6% African-Americans, 7% Hispanics, 13% native Americans, and less than one percent of Asians are heterozygous for the deletion. Other studies have not found the deletion in some African countries, in Haiti, or in Venezuela. This study investigates for the first time the prevalence and distribution of the CCR5-delta 32 deletion in different Lebanese ethnic and religious groups to determine whether homozygosity for the CCR5-delta 32 genotype confers in them protection to HIV-1 infection. Karam, W. N. Karam, A. Jurjus, and H. El-Khansa. Supported by LNCSR Completed or in progress at AUB Changes
in the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha and its receptor in the blood and
follicular fluid of polycystic ovarian patients Polycystic ovary (PCO) is a symptom complex. TNF-alpha, produced by follicular cells, is thought to act as an anti-differentiative factor in granulosa cells. Dexamethasone suppresses TNF-alpha levels in PCO follicular fluid, and when added to the medical treatments, stimulates ovulation in gonadotropin-resistant, infertile women. The overall objective of this study is to examine the role of TNF-alpha in determining the fate of the ovarian follicle. Human ovaries, granulosa and theca cells, and follicular fluid from NOW and PCO patients will be examined in vivo and in vitro to study the involvement of TNF-alpha in the development of PCO. Experimental analysis will include biochemical, molecular, and immunohistochemical techniques. Human tissue specimens will be obtained from subjects undergoing treatment for infertility. These studies are expected to demonstrate the role of TNF-alpha in the regulation of development of the ovarian follicle, and to form the basis for future investigations on new modality of treatment of PCO. Karkaji, E., S. Nasr, C. Tarraf, J. Awwad, and A. Jurjus. Supported by LNCSR Completed or in progress at AUB
Prevalence
of some specific HLA Class II and related micro-satellite phenotypes in
Lebanese patients with IDDM, and their association with specific parental
genetic features associated with the MHC loci Subsequent to the internationally conducted study on the different genetic markers associated with IDDM, it was realized that the polymorphism that exists at the level of these markers on the genome could explain the contradiction associated with certain HLA genes. In an attempt to zoom in on the culprit genes, the current task is to take patients with the most likely involved gene phenotype and to try to identify all possible polymorphic forms for these specific genetic markers hoping that, by zooming in on the variations, we can uncover the genetic phenotype associated specifically with the development of the disease. Nuwayri-Salti, N., S. Azar, J. Azar, G. Halabi, Z. Awdeh, and P. Zallou'a. Supported by AUB Completed or in progress at AUB CCC and Harvard Medical School Polymorphism
in CTLA-4 gene in some autoimmune disorders, such as patients with Behcet's
disease and Grave's disease CTLA-4 gene encodes a T-cell surface molecule whose binding on certain ligands (B7) on antigen-presenting cells delivers a negative signal to the T-cell, and thus, abrogates the response by apoptosis. This, of course, effects an ongoing immune response. Recent studies have associated certain mutations in exon 1 of CTLA-4 with some auto-immune phenomena, such as IDDEM, in certain multiplex families in Spain and in Italy. In our study, we are trying to determine whether any specific polymorphism at this locus associates with patients with Behcet's disease and with Grave's disease. Nuwayri-Salti, N., S. Elizabeth, H. Nakkash, and R. Fakhoury Makki. Supported by Beirut Arab University Completed or in progress at AUB Electrophysiology
and pharmacology of pain-related behavior produced by peripheral nerves
and/or central nervous system injuries This work aims at unraveling short- and long-term plastic changes in the central nervous system produced by injury to peripheral and/or central somatic sensory pathways, and hopefully leading to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms of chronic pain. Saadé, N. E., S. F. Atweh, and S. J. Jabbur. Supported by LNCSR Completed or is in progress at AUB Roles
of dorsal column - medial lemniscal system in nociception using acute and
chronic animal preparations Most of the clinical and research reports agree on the analgesic effects of the dorsal column (DC) stimulation, but there is no unanimity about the neural mechanisms involved in this stimulation. The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of antidromic and rostral activation of the DCs, and to investigate whether these effects are mediated through a brainstem spinal loop. Saadé, N. E., S. F. Atweh, S. J. Jabbur, and A. Privat. Supported by the Franco-Lebanese Program CEDRE Completed or in progress at AUB The
clinical significance of grossly identifiable anatomic variations The identification and documentation of anatomic variations in the cardiovascular and muscular systems are being studied with relation to clinical relevance. The ongoing project is a micro/macroscopic study of selected cadaveric material; previous findings have already been published. Saadeh, F., F. Haikal, and J. Hawi. Supported by Department of Human Morphology at AUB and Department of Anatomy at Alexandria University, Egypt. |