Background & aim: There is significant evidence indicating that endocrine disrupted bisphenol A (BPA) seriously endangers human health. In males, BPA affects testis architecture and sperm quality, and ultimately reduces fertility. This study explored the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa (NS) seed extract on testis and sperm abnormalities in BPA-exposed mice and characterized the underlying mechanism. Methods: Forty male Swiss albino mice (5.5 weeks old, N = 8 per group) were randomly divided into five groups: Group I, normal control, Group II, vehicle control (sterile corn oil); Group III, NS-exposed (oral 200 mg/kg); Group IV, BPA-exposed (oral 400 μg/kg body weight); Group V, BPA + NS-exposed mice. Animals were treated for 6 weeks and sacrificed for biochemical and histological examination. Results: The results indicated that BPA exposure results in significant testis and sperm abnormalities. Specifically, BPA promoted a marked reduction in the body and testis compared with the control group. Histopathological findings showed that BPA caused a widespread degeneration of spermatogenic cells of the seminiferous epithelium, decreased sperm counts and motility, and augmented sperm abnormalities, and whereas little alteration to sperm DNA was observed. In addition, BPA increased the levels of the lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced the levels of the antioxidant marker, reduced glutathione (GSH). Treatment with NS oil extract during BPA exposure significantly alleviated testis and sperm abnormalities, reduced MDA levels, and enhanced GSH levels. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that NS oil protects mice against BPA-induced sperm and testis abnormalities, likely by suppressing levels of the oxidative stress marker, MDA, and enhancing the levels of the antioxidant marker, GSH.
Mohamed A M Al Griw (5-2022)

Abstract Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Framework (HSF) with its 6 building blocks is a widely accepted tool for accurate evaluation of health systems. However, its role in the developing world has not been widely assessed yet. Methods: Six Questionnaires with 5-point Likert-scale were designed and distributed to all the attendees of Libya Health 500 (LH500) Conference, and collected just before the group discussion of Libyan health system’s session. Results: There were high levels of agreement of the respondents to the questionnaires items about the 6 building blocks. The application of evidencebased medicine and equal provision of health service to all, received the highest levels of agreement. Most of the attendees agreed that health services should be paid by the health insurance system, as it has many advantages, including the peace of mind for the public. The fairness and efficiency of the workforce and the establishment of regulatory mechanisms to address the needs of the health workforce had a high level of agreement. Moreover, a functioning health technology requires an effective supply and distribution system of technology elements. The participants agreed that health information technology is important to improve healthcare services and to prevent financial and administrative corruptions. Conclusion: It is feasible to adapt the WHO-HSF to identify the needs and ways to enhance health systems in the developing world. The Libyan healthcare providers were fully aware and committed to the need for the applicability of the WHOHSF to the National Health Service in Libya. arabic 18 English 100
Nabil A Alagili(7-2016)

Exposure to trichloroethane (TCE), an industrial solvent, has been shown to be negatively associated with reproductive performance. The present study was performed to assess the effects of TCE exposure on the reproductive performance and outcome in mice during a critical developmental window of later reproductive life. A group of female mice were injected intraperitoneally twice weekly for three weeks with TCE (100 and 400 µg/kg). Mice were followed up for signs of toxicity and death. Changes in uterine tissues have also been investigated by histopathology. The results showed that TCE exposure has reduced the number of F0 fertile females comparing to controls. Moreover, TCE exposure resulted in a decreased pups number and changed sex ratio in the litter of F0 TCE­treated dams. Histopathological examination revealed a TCE­induced uterine toxicity appeared as a severe endometrial hyperplasia with squamous cell metaplasia and adenomyosis. These results indicate that TCE exposure during a critical reproductive developmental window could affect the fertility and interfere with the reproductive outcome in mice.
Mohamed A. Al-Griw, Seham A. Azreg, Emad M. Bennour, Salem A. El-Mahgiubi, Ali R. Al-Attar, Naser M. Salama, Abdul Hakim Elnfati(10-2015)