C-Reactive Protein and Uric Acid Levels in Patients with Psoriasis

Serum CRP and uric acid levels were estimated in twenty-five patients with psoriasis (group III) before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Results were compared with a group of 25 normal subjects (group I) and a group of 25 patients of various skin diseases other than psoriatic lesion (group II). Mean value for CRP was found to be increased by more than 20 folds in patients with psoriasis, which was subsequently reduced to nearly 50% of the initial value after 12 weeks of treatment. These patients also showed hyperuricemia. Nearly 25% of these patients also exhibited arthritis. It is thus suggested that both CRP and uric acid levels should be monitored in patients with psoriasis.     

Evaluation of Serum Vitamin B12 Levels and Its Correlation with Anti-Thyroperoxidase Antibody in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been reported in patients with Autoimmune thyroid disorders. However there is limited data on exact prevalence of low B12 and its correlation with anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO) levels in these patients. The aim of our study was to estimate serum vitamin B12 levels in autoimmune thyroid disorders and to correlate B12 levels with anti-TPO. 350 patients were selected by convenient sampling. Vitamin B12 levels and thyroid parameters were estimated using fully automated chemiluminescence method on Access 2. Results of our study shows that using the manufacturer’s cut-off of 145 pg/mL, the prevalence of low serum vitamin B12 was found to be 45.50 %. Higher prevalence (55 %) was seen based on the published cut-off of 200 pg/mL The study however did not demonstrate any significant correlation between vitamin B12 levels and anti-TPO (r = −0.11 and p value of 0.30).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12291-014-0418-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Serum Vitamin D Levels in Indian Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Low serum vitamin D level has an increased association with risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).There has been no published data on the levels of this vitamin in Indian population with MS. Hence we decided to undertake this study to document if there is evidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with MS in our population. 26 patients with diagnosis of MS by modified Mc Donald’s criteria were enrolled in this study. Serum vitamin D (1,25 hydroxy) levels were measured by electro-chemiluminescence in our biochemistry lab. An age-matched control group of 202 patients who did not have a diagnosis of MS were included. In our study group 76.9 % had vitamin D level less than 20 ng/ml compared to 65.5 % of control group (p value of 0.019). Our study revealed a trend towards low vitamin D values in Indian MS patients.     

Serum Paraoxonase Levels In Patients with Acute Liver Disease

Paraoxonase is an anti-oxidant enzyme, which circulates in the plasma, tightly bound to HDL. This enzyme is known to be synthesized in the liver. This study was carried out in order to ascertain the diagnostic utility of this enzyme in acute liver disease. Serum basal as well as salt (NaCl) stimulated paraoxonase was estimated in 50 patients with an established diagnosis of acute liver disease and also in 50 healthy blood donors. Paraoxonase levels were significantly lower in patients as compared with controls (P < 0.05). The ‘receiver operating characteristic’ plot showed that this enzyme has a high degree of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis acute liver disease. Serum PON is likely to emerge as an additional test of liver function, as it encompasses three different attributes of hepatic function namely, synthetic capacity, detoxication and secretory functions.     

Serum Levels of Glycoproteins are Elevated in Patients with Ovarian Cancer

Identification of reliable biomarkers for detection and staging of cancer and monitoring the outcome of anticancer therapy has been considered to be of high importance. We aimed to estimate the levels of serum glycoproteins, protein bound-hexose, protein bound hexosamine, protein bound fucose, protein bound sialic acid and protein bound carbohydrate in 32 ovarian cancer patients and compared them with the levels that found in 25 normal subjects. As compared to the normal subjects, all the four fractions of glycoproteins level were significantly elevated in ovarian cancer patients (p < 0.05). Chemotherapy in these patients significantly decreased the levels of serum glycoproteins (p < 0.05). Thus, high levels of serum glycoproteins in ovarian cancer patients could be due to abnormal protein glycosylation indicating malignant transformation of the cells.     

系统性红斑狼疮患者血清铁蛋白水平检测

用酶联免疫吸附试验测定２８例系统性红斑狼疮（ＳＬＥ）患者血清铁蛋白水平，结果表明，与正常对照比较ＳＬＥ患者血清铁蛋白水平增高，但治疗前后血清铁蛋白改变无显著性，与疾病活动指数无显著相关性．这些结果提示ＳＬＥ患者存在有异常铁代谢，本文对此进行了讨论．     

A Comparative Study of Bone Scan Findings and Serum Levels of Tumor Marker CA15-3 in Patients with Breast Carcinoma

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in the world. Available staging procedures to detect breast cancer are bone scan, chest X-ray, liver ultrasonography, computerized tomography, estimation of tumor markers like carbohydrate antigen (CA15-3) and carcino embryonic antigen. These procedures are expensive and may not be required in all cases. Out of 70 patients studied, 55 had normal CA15-3 and 15 had elevated levels of Ca15-3. Eight (14.5%) of the 55 patients with normal CA15-3 had abnormal bone scan. Fifteen patients had CA15-3 levels above the normal range and among these 9 (60%) had abnormal bone scan. While prime facie it would appear that a high level of CA15-3 correlate with abnormal bone scan, it is also true that the numbers are small at present and conclusions about the validity of CA15-3 as marker of bone metastasis may be premature.     

Association of Insulin Resistance with Adipocytokine Levels in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) results from the derangement of adipocyte physiology and carbohydrate metabolism. Obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are integral features of MetS. The adipokine alterations in MetS often correlate with IR and body fat content. High adipose tissue content is associated with a decreased production of adiponectin and excessive production of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), all of which induce IR. The present study evaluated the adipokine alterations in MetS and their association with IR. The findings of the current study indicate that MetS is associated with significant decrease in adiponectin and increase in TNF-α and IL-6. The present study also found that the adipocyte derived inflammatory adipokines, TNF-α and IL-6 correlate with IR while the anti-inflammatory adipokines, adiponectin does not correlate with the degree and severity of IR.     

Serum Cystatin C Levels in Renal Transplant Recipients

Cystatin C is an emerging parameter for the assessment of renal allograft function. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of serum cystatin C (SCys) with the established parameter serum creatinine (SCr) in the assessment of renal function in renal transplant recipients (RTR). The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 renal transplant patients and 29 control subjects was determined using ^99mTc Diethylene-triamine-penta-acetate (DTPA) method. SCr was measured using an automated Jaffe’s assay and SCys was measured using latex particle enhanced turbidimetric immuno assay (PETIA). The modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula was used to calculate GFR from SCr, while the Le Bricon formula was used to derive GFR based on SCys. Statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc software. SCr and SCys levels were significantly higher, while DTPA clearance was significantly lower in RTR (P < 0.0001) when compared with controls. The correlation coefficient (r value) between calculated GFR based on MDRD method and DTPA clearance was 0.343 (P = 0.06) while the calculated GFR based on Le Bricon formula was 0.694 (P < 0.001). The results have shown that SCys is a better parameter than SCr in assessing renal function in RTR. The inclusion of SCys as an additional parameter would certainly help in detection of even a marginal decline in renal function and also in adjusting the dosage of immunosuppressive drugs.     

108例病毒性肝炎患者血清补体的研究

报告１０８例病毒性肝炎患者血清总补体（ＣＨ＿（５０））和Ｃ＿３值的检测结果：急性肝炎的ＣＨ＿（５０）为６８．４±６．１３单位／ｍｌ，Ｃ＿３为１３０．２±６．６７ｍｇ％，均高于正常组（ＣＨ＿（５０）为４８．５±５．７５单位／ｍｌ，Ｃ＿３为１０２±５ｍｇ％），Ｐ＜０．０１；其他类型的肝炎患者组的补体均低于正常组，Ｐ＜０．０１．补体的含量与Ｔ细胞花环（Ｅｔ花环）呈中度相关，与ＧＰＴ呈高度相关，因此测定ＣＨ＿（５０）和Ｃ＿３可作为衡量患者机体免疫功能和判断病毒性肝炎预后的指标之一。     

动脉粥样硬化性脑梗塞和脑出血患者血浆可溶性血栓调节蛋白水平的研究

目的 探讨血浆可溶性血栓调节蛋白（Soluble thrombmodulin,sTM）与脑梗塞和脑出血患者小血管损伤、动脉粥样硬化的关系。方法 应用酶联免疫吸附方法（Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays,ELISA），检测60例脑梗塞患者、56例脑出血患者和64例健康对照的sTM水平，并分析sTM与血脂、血压的关系。结果 脑梗塞和脑出血的甘油三脂、舒张期血压明显高于对照组；脑梗塞和脑出血的高密度脂蛋白显著低于对照组；脑出血组的收缩期血压明显高于其他两组；脑梗塞的 胆固醇水平显著高于其他两组；脑出血的sTM显著高于脑梗塞和对照组，而脑梗塞的sTM显著高于对照组。sTM与总胆固醇、甘油三脂、收缩和舒张期血压水平显著正相关；sTM与高密度脂蛋白水平成显著负相关。结论 脑梗塞和脑出血存在由高血压和动脉粥样硬化导致的小血管损伤。sTM是脑卒中的独立危险因子。     

Correlation of Serum Homocysteine Levels with the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has become the most common cause of mortality in the entire world. Homocysteine is implicated as an early atherosclerotic promoter. We studied the relationship between levels of serum homocysteine with severity of coronary artery disease. Total of 70 subjects who scheduled for coronary angiogram consented to participate in this study. In all the patients Gensini scoring system was used to assess the severity of CAD. Venous samples were taken from the patients in fasting state before angiography. Homocysteine levels in patients were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbant method and were compared with respective Genseni scores of participants. Fasting serum homocysteine levels in CAD patients were significantly higher than patients without coronary artery disease (p < 0.001). Also Homocyseine levels correlated significantly with increasing severity of CAD (p < 0.001). Serum homocysteine levels correlated well with the severity of CAD.     

Circadian Rhythm of Serum Cortisol in Female Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients have disturbed sleep patterns which may lead to altered circadian rhythm in serum cortisol secretion. The aim of this study was to assess circadian changes, if any, in serum cortisol levels in female patients with FMS. Cortisol levels were estimated every 6 h during 24 h period; in 40 female patients satisfying ACR criteria for FMS (Age 36.4 ± 9.9), and 40 healthy females without FMS (Age 33.8 ± 11.1). A significant difference in the night time serum cortisol level was observed among the patients and control groups (patients, 12.9 ± 9.7 controls 5.8 ± 3.0; p < 0.01). However, no significant difference was found in serum cortisol levels in patients and control groups in the morning (patients, 28.4 ± 13.2 controls, 27.6 ± 14.5; p > 0.05), afternoon (patients, 14.4 ± 5.6 controls, 14.0 ± 6.6; p > 0.05) and evening hours (patients, 10.9 ± 5.8 controls, 8.9 ± 3.6; p > 0.05). It could be concluded that there is an abnormality in circadian secretion of cortisol in female FMS patients.     

肝肾疾病患者血清转铁蛋白和铜蓝蛋白含量的分析

对肝肾疾病进行转铰蛋白(Transferren简称TF)和铜蓝蛋白(Ceruloplasmin简称CP)测定,结果表明:各组肝炎病人的TF均显著低于正常组,且谷丙转氨酶异常和HBsAg阳性者TF含量明显低于正常者,TF可作为判断肝病预后的一个指标。肾炎病人的TF也比正常人低,CP含量各组不一,肝癌患者的CP(52.44±8.73mg％)显著高于正常人(46.75±7.92mg％),乙型肝炎病人和正常组间未见差异.肝豆状核变性患者CP非常显著低于正常人,故检测CP有助于鉴别肝硬化和肝癌,同时对临床诊断肝豆状桉变性提供一项可靠的客观指标.     

Study of Serum Homocysteine, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 in Patients with Preeclampsia

The present study was carried out to evaluate the occurrence of association between homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B(12) in patients with preeclampsia. Fifty preeclamptic patients from gynecology ward were studied for estimation of serum homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B(12) over a period of October 2007 to June 2010. Serum homocysteine and folic acid, and vitamin B(12) were determined by means of Immulite 1000 analyzer. The statistical analysis of study group of preeclampsia compared with normotensive control group, showed significant alterations in serum homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B(12) concentrations in preeclampsia. Inverse association between serum homocysteine and folic acid, and vitamin B(12) levels were observed in preeclampsia. The present study found hyperhomocysteinemia and deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B(12) along with increased blood pressure as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in preeclampsia.     

Correlations of Insulin Resistance and Serum Testosterone Levels with LH:FSH Ratio and Oxidative Stress in Women with Functional Ovarian Hyperandrogenism

Functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) is a form of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by elevated circulating levels of androgens derived from the ovary. Insulin resistance (IR) is the most common etiological factor in women with FOH. IR causes the generation of increased oxidative stress (OS) and diminished antioxidant status. OS is directly correlated with both IR and testosterone levels, which consequently contribute to endocrine and biochemical alterations in FOH women. In the current study, elevations in total testosterone, free testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels accompanied by a decrease in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level leading to higher LH:FSH ratio were the prominent endocrine changes observed in women with FOH. A significant increase in fasting blood levels of glucose and insulin, as well as an elevated IR were also seen in FOH women, as compared to their age matched controls. Women with FOH have higher pro-oxidant and lower anti-oxidant levels in blood than their age matched controls. In FOH women, elevations in LH:FSH ratio and OS are correlated more with hyperandrogenemia than with IR. Of the androgens, free rather than total testosterone has better positive correlations with elevated LH:FSH ratio and OS, and hence, the former is a better predictive marker for the development of biochemical PCOS in women with FOH.     

Comparative Study of Serum Amylase and Lipase in Acute Pancreatitis Patients

To establish utility of single enzymatic marker for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. This is a cohort study. Tertiary care centre proven cases of acute pancreatitis (n = 50) admitted in surgery ward between December 2011 and May 2013 were included in the study. Serum amylase and lipase were performed along with many analytes. All relevant data including serum lab values and imaging were collected. All 50 patients included in the study had raised serum lipase, 42 patients had both amylase and lipase raised, 8 patients had amylase normal but lipase raised. In smaller hospitals where limited lab and radiological facilities are available, estimation of serum lipase will be a better choice over serum amylase in diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.     

Estimation of Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA) Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Myocardial ischemia produces free radicals that catalyze a series of oxidative reactions that damage healthy tissues. The N-terminal sequence of albumin is one of the proteins modified by these highly reactive oxygen species and forms the ischemia modified albumin (IMA). This study involves investigations undertaken in different study groups to assess the levels of IMA. Mean serum IMA levels (U/mL) in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (92.1 ± 10.6), non-ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (87.3 ± 5.95) and unstable angina (UA) (88.9 ± 6.16) were significantly higher than non-cardiac chest pain (77.9 ± 6.69) and also healthy subjects (54.7 ± 17.2) (p < 0.001). IMA is a highly sensitive marker and has a high predictive value, which might prove the usefulness of this biomarker for early detection of myocardial ischemia. These data indicate a possible role of the IMA test in the early triage of patients with chest pain.     

Copper and Zinc Status in Psoriasis: Correlation with Severity

Psoriasis is a common and an inflammatory skin disease. Trace elements play an important role in the skin metabolism such as keratinisation and melanin formation as well as immunological and inflammatory reactions. Henceforth, the present study was aimed to evaluate the essential metals with special reference to Cu and Zn. In this study, 72 psoriatic patients and 50 controls were enrolled. On the basis of PASI score psoriatic group comprising of 48 mild and 24 severe psoriatic patients were grouped. The serum trace elements analysis in the subjects revealed that serum Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratio was significantly higher in the psoriatic patients as compared to controls. Interestingly, severity of the psoriasis was well correlated with the serum Cu levels. Taking together, all these findings suggest that Cu may be a major culprit in the pathogenesis as well as in the severity of the disease.