Are hsCRP Levels and LDL/HDL Ratio Better and Early Markers to Unmask Onset of Dyslipidemia and Inflammation in Asymptomatic Subclinical Hypothyroidism?

The implications of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) are many amongst which the most important is progression to overt hypothyroidism. Other debatable aspects are its association with cardiovascular risk, neuromuscular and psychiatric dysfunction, increased predisposition to developing metabolic syndrome and an underlying pro-inflammatory state. We aimed to study the lipid profile, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and hsCRP levels and insulin resistance in a group of patients with SCH in a referral hospital and see if any significant differences exist between them and euthyroids. This is a case–control study where the selection of controls and cases was based on the thyroid profile. Subjects were selected on their visit to clinical biochemistry lab for thyroid function tests. 33 euthyroids were taken as controls (Group I) and 38 patients comprising of subclinical hypothyroids were grouped as cases (Group II). Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was in the range of 0.5–5.0 mIU/L for euthyroids and for subclinical hypothyroids the concentration of TSH was more than 5 mIU/L. The concentration of tri-iodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄) were in normal reference range in both the groups. Individual lipid profile parameters failed to show a significant p value between cases and controls. The LDL/HDL ratio was highly significant (p value < 0.0001) and hsCRP was also statistically between the two groups (p value = 0.0054). Lp(a) and insulin resistance did not differ significantly. SCH is a common disorder that frequently progresses to overt hypothyroidism. This study underlines the importance of LDL/HDL ratio rather than measurement of individual lipid profile parameters in bringing to light the dyslipidemic state associated with SCH. Moreover the use of hsCRP to detect an underlying pro-inflammatory state in SCH can also be emphasized.     

Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Biochemical Parameters in Pesticides Sprayers of Grape Gardens of Western Maharashtra (India)

The aim of this study was to see the biochemical effects of pesticides on sprayers of grape gardens before and after 15 days of vitamin E supplementations in Western Maharashtra (India), who were occupationally exposed to various pesticides over a long period of time (about 5 to 15 years). Blood samples were collected from all study group subjects for biochemical parameters assays before and after 15 days of vitamin E supplementation. Sprayers of grape gardens were given 400 mg of vitamin E tablet/day for 15 days. After 15 days of vitamin E supplementation to sprayers of grape gardens, we observed significantly decreased aspartate transaminase (10.88 %, P < 0.05, r = 0.88), alanine transaminase (25.92 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.46) and total proteins (3.32 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.33), whereas, no statistically significant change was found in serum acetyl cholinesterase, C-reactive proteins, albumin (ALB), globulins and ALB/globulin ratio as compared to before vitamin E supplementation. Sprayers of grape gardens, who received vitamin E supplementation, showed significantly decreased serum lipid peroxide (LP) (18.75 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.63) and significantly increased RBC-superoxide dismutase (SOD) (12.88 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.85), RBC-Catalase (CAT) (24.49 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.70), plasma ceruloplasmin (CP) (4.6 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.80), serum zinc (4.57 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.83) and serum copper (4.37 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.79) as compared to values before vitamin E supplementation. These results showed that vitamin E supplementation has ameliorating effects on these transaminase enzymes, suggesting that it may have a protective effect on liver, from pesticides induced damage. In this study vitamin E supplementation might have decreased LP levels by breaking chain reaction of lipid peroxidation. Present results indicate that vitamin E plays a crucial role in restoring the antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT and CP, in population exposed to pesticides. This helps to enhance its antioxidant ability. Therefore, it is suggested that farmers, pesticide applicators, workers in the pesticide industry and other pesticide users, who come in regular contact with pesticides, may be benefited by supplementation with vitamin E.     

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and hsCRP in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Hospital

PCOS is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder with diverse clinical presentation. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiology of this disease. Serumhigh sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker of chronic low grade inflammation, is indicative of future development of cardiovascular disease. Our aim is to evaluate the oxidant status and hsCRP levels in PCOS. The study involved 61 cases and 61 controls in the age group of 18–40 years diagnosed with PCOS. Erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum hsCRP, gonadotrophins, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, glycemic status and lipid profile were estimated. Erythrocyte MDA (p < 0.001), SOD (p = 0.007) and serum hsCRP (p < 0.001) were significantly elevated in PCOS patients than controls. Oxidative stress is present in women with PCOS along with elevated hsCRP.     

Association Between Urinary IgG and Relative Risk for Factors Affecting Proteinuria in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abnormal glomerular permeability is the primary step towards the glomerulosclerosis. The progression rate of glomerulosclerosis is proportionate to abundance and severity of lesions created at incipient stage, which is reflected as proteinuria even though eGFR remains in the normal range. Therefore, there is a current need to find out the association between relative risks for the factors leading to proteinuria. The relations could be more informative, if it is with respect to the macromolecules like “IgG” excretion in urine. Type 2 diabetic patients were selected for this study with eGFR > 75 ml/min/1.73 m² and grouped into four quartiles based on UIgGCR. The markers of key factors affecting progression of proteinuria were estimated through biochemical tests. The impact of these markers on proteinuria was accessed by applying multinomial logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratio for the UGAGCR was 1.186 (95 % CI: 1.061–1.327) P < 0.003 in highest quartiles of UIgGCR, followed by odds ratio for markers of collagen catabolism 1.051 (95 % CI: 1.025–1.079) P < 0.001, and USACR 1.044 (95 % CI: 1.013–1.077) P < 0.006 respectively. The marker of glycation, i.e., glycated hemoglobin showed the highest odds ratio 5.449 (95 % CI: 1.132–26.236) P < 0.035. In addition, odds for the systolic blood pressure was observed 1.387 (95 % CI: 1.124–1.712) P < 0.002. The higher odds inform and could help to discriminate the diabetic patients with fast progressive diabetic nephropathy. The study describes critical relationship between the urinary excretion of IgG and factors leading to proteinuria in type 2 diabetic patients.     

Estimated Creatinine Clearance, Homocysteine and High Sensitivity-C-Reactive Protein Levels Determination for Early Prediction of Nephropathy and Atherosclerosis Risk In Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients are increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many studies had demonstrated that CKD is significantly associated with CVD. We aim to indicate the using estimated creatinine clearance (eCrCl), homocysteine (tHcy), and high sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, may have an impact on the interpretation risk for nephropathy and CVD. eCrCl was using the Cockroft-Gault formula, eCrCl levels were stratified according to the Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative definition. We measured serum tHcy, hs-CRP, and the other biochemical variables in 54 T2D patients compared with 40 age matched healthy controls (NDM). T2D patients were significantly lower eCrCl than NDM (P < 0.05). T2D patients also showed significantly higher in tHcy, hs-CRP, and MDA levels than NDM subjects (P < 0.05). The eCrCl was significantly correlated with tHcy and hs-CRP levels in T2D patients (r = −0.504, P < 0.001; r = −0.282, P = 0.047). eCrCl had an impact on interpretation for CKD, especially in T2D patients. Decrease eCrCl concomitant with increased in tHcy, hs-CRP, and MDA levels may present a higher risk for future diabetic nephropathy and CVD.     

Dyslipidemia Associated with Poor Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Protective Effect of Metformin Supplementation

The nature of the dyslipidemia associated with diabetes mellitus is complex and is the major risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Aim of this study was to assess the effect of glycemic control, achieved by metformin, glibenclamide and insulin, on lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. One hundred and sixty-five type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were classified into good glycemic control (Group I) and poor glycemic control (Group II) on the basis of their blood HbA1c values. The Group II was characterized with high serum triglyceride (190.46 ± 15.20 mg/dl), total cholesterol (175.3 ± 6.31 mg/dl) as well as high LDL-cholesterol (109.0 ± 5.88 mg/dl). Significant correlations were evident between HbA1c and dyslipidemia, particularly serum TG (r = 0.28, P < 0.05), and between HbA1c and total cholesterol (r = 0.310, P < 0.05). Better glycemic control and improved dyslipidemia were observed in patients on combination therapy of metformin plus glibenclamide.     

Efficacy of Turmeric as Adjuvant Therapy?in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

It is known that there is a significant interplay of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of turmeric as an adjuvant to anti-diabetic therapy. Sixty diabetic subjects on metformin therapy were recruited and randomized into two groups (30 each). Group I received standard metformin treatment while group II was on standard metformin therapy with turmeric (2 g) supplements for 4 weeks. The biochemical parameters were assessed at the time of recruitment for study and after 4 weeks of treatment. Turmeric supplementation in metformin treated type 2 diabetic patient significantly decreased fasting glucose (95 ± 11.4 mg/dl, P < 0.001) and HbA1c levels (7.4 ± 0.9 %, P < 0.05). Turmeric administered group showed reduction in lipid peroxidation, MDA (0.51 ± 0.11 µmol/l, P < 0.05) and enhanced total antioxidant status (511 ± 70 µmol/l, P < 0.05). Turmeric also exhibited beneficial effects on dyslipidemia LDL cholesterol (113.2 ± 15.3 mg/dl, P < 0.01), non HDL cholesterol (138.3 ± 12.1 mg/dl, P < 0.05) and LDL/HDL ratio (3.01 ± 0.61, P < 0.01) and reduced inflammatory marker, hsCRP (3.4 ± 2.0 mg/dl, P < 0.05). Turmeric supplementation as an adjuvant to T2DM on metformin treatment had a beneficial effect on blood glucose, oxidative stress and inflammation.     

Age- and Gender-Specific Reference Intervals for Fasting Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in School Children Measured With Abbott Architect c8000 Chemistry Analyzer

Reference intervals for pubertal characteristics are influenced by genetic, geographic, dietary and socioeconomic factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish age-specific reference intervals of glucose and lipid levels among local school children. This was cross-sectional study, conducted among Saudi school children. Fasting blood samples were collected from 2149 children, 1138 (53%) boys and 1011 (47%) girls, aged 6 to 18 years old. Samples were analyzed on the Architect c8000 Chemistry System (Abbott Diagnostics, USA) for glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL. Reference intervals were established by nonparametric methods between the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. Significant differences were observed between boys and girls for cholesterol and triglycerides levels in all age groups (P < 0.02). Only at age 6–7 years and at adolescents, HDL and LDL levels were found to be significant (P < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in glucose levels except at age 12 to 13 years. Saudi children have comparable serum cholesterol levels than their Western counterparts. This may reflect changing dietary habits and increasing affluence in Saudi Arabia. Increased lipid screening is anticipated, and these reference intervals will aid in the early assessment of cardiovascular and diabetes risk in Saudi pediatric populations.     

Prevalence of +405G>C,−1154G>A Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Polymorphism in Breast Cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the development of Breast Cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the VEGF gene on prognosis of Breast Cancer patients. This study comprised 200 patients with histologically confirmed cases of Breast cancer and 200 controls. Genotyping of the VEGF gene polymorphisms at +405G>C,−1154G>A, were performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Preoperative plasma VEGF levels were determined by ELISA. Amongst both cases and controls, the genotypic distribution of the individual SNPs were all in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Mean VEGF level was significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (t = 8.248; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between +405G>C,−1154G>A VEGF polymorphism and Breast Cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 405GG & 1154GG were associated with higher levels of VEGF.     

Lipoprotein(a) in Children of Asian Indian Descendants and Their Caucasian Neighbors: The Slovak Lipid Community Study

To elucidate a higher rate of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Asian Indian descendants (Roma) in Slovakia, we investigated frequency distribution, correlates and relationship of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] to family CVD risk factors in Roma children and their Caucasian neighbors. The study sample consisted of 607 healthy children aged 7–18 years (55% Roma, 48% male) as part of the biracial (Roma–Caucasian) Slovak Lipid Community Study. Overall, frequency distribution data of Lp(a) were highly skewed to low concentrations, with markedly higher Lp(a) levels in Roma than in Caucasian children (median and range, mg/dL: 14.5; 0–159.2 vs 6.2; 0–112.3, P < 0.001), regardless of age and gender. Lp(a) was positively correlated with apo B (0.159, P = 0.004) in Roma, and LDL cholesterol (0.170, P = 0.005) in Caucasian children. In addition, daily income of the family was negatively related with Lp(a) in Roma (−0.134, P = 0.036) while positively in Caucasians (0.136, P = 0.047). For both race groups, no significant association was found between Lp(a) and age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, smoking, and physical activity. Also, no significant relationships were examined between serum Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dL in children and family CVD risk factors, except for diabetes mellitus in parents of Caucasian origin (OR 4.46; 95%CI: 1.23–16.20). In a multivariate analysis, daily income, LDL cholesterol or apo B explained ~7% of the variance of Lp(a). This study suggests a significantly higher serum Lp(a) levels in Roma than in Caucasian children and a small effect, in general, of relevant CVD risk factors on the variation of Lp(a) levels in childhood.     

Stability of Lyophilized Human Serum for Use as Quality Control Material in Bhutan

Quality control (QC) materials are crucial for internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment scheme (EQAS). However, many developing countries are disadvantaged by unavailability and high cost of commercial control material. Therefore, preparing home-made lyophilized human serum will be cost effective for used as a QC material in Bhutan. We prepared lyophilized QC material using serum collected from Bhutanese volunteers. The stability of lyophilized serum was studied at 3 selected conditions by analyzing at certain intervals. The results were statistically compared with initial values. The significant p values (<0.05) were seen in glucose, BUN, ALT, total bilirubin and protein at 2–8 °C but no significant difference were observed at −20 °C at the end of 9 months. We concluded that, home-made lyophilized human serum prepared without stabilizers could be used at least up to 9 months if stored at −20 °C and 7 months at 2–8 °C. Stabilizers and additives are necessary if the materials are to be used longer than 7–9 months.     

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in a Pediatric Hospital of Eastern India

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Indian children of northern, western and southern states. Serum 25 hydroxy cholecalferol (ng/ml) was analyzed in 310 children and adolescents of pediatric hospital of Kolkata, India. Serum calcium (mg/dl), phosphorous (mg/dl) and alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) data was obtained. Median 25(OH)D was 19 ng/ml. 19.2 % of population had serum 25(OH)D < 10 ng/ml (severe deficiency), 52.9 % had <20 ng/ml (deficiency), 24.5 % had 20–29 ng/ml (insufficiency) and 22.6 % had >30 ng/ml (optimum). Deficiency was highest in adolescents (86.1 %), followed by school children (61.0 %), lowest in pre-school children (41.6 %). 25(OH)D concentrations was lowest in winters (P = 0.002) and spring (P = 0.03) compared to summer. There was no correlation with calcium (P = 0.99), phosphorous (P = 0.23) and ALP (P = 0.63). There is high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents of eastern India. Prevalence was lower in younger subjects. 25(OH)D did not correlate with bone mineral markers.     

Hydro-Alcoholic Cinnamon Extract, Enhances Glucose Transporter Isotype-4 Translocation from Intracellular Compartments into the Cytoplasmic Membrane of C2C12 Myotubes

Cinnamon has been used as an anti-diabetic agent for centuries but only in recent few years its mechanism of action has been under investigation. Previous studies showed that cinnamon might exert its anti-diabetic effect via increasing glucose transporter isotype-4 (GLUT4) gene and glycoprotein contents in fat cells. To study if hydro-alcoholic cinnamon extract (HACE) enhances GLUT4 translocation from intracellular compartments of nuclear or endoplasmic reticulum membranes (N/ER) into the cytoplasmic membrane (CM). C2C12 myoblastic cell line were seeded in DMEM plus 20 % FBS and differentiated to myotubes using 2 % horse serum. After myotubes formation, 100 or 1,000 μg/ml HACE, as intervention, and as control 1 % DMSO were added for 3 h. Cells were washed and homogenized followed by ultracentrifuge fractionation, protein separation by SDS-PAGE and GLUT4 detection using semi-quantitative Western blotting. Data analysis was done by two-independent samples t test for comparison of mean ± SD of GLUT4 percent in categories. GLUT4 contents were higher in CM of groups 100 and 1,000 μg/ml HACE and lower in 1 % DMSO treated myotubes (CI = 0.95, P < 0.05). For N/ER reverse results were obtained (CI = 0.95, P < 0.05). As our results have shown HACE induces GLUT4 translocation from intra-cell into cell surface. We conclude that cinnamon maybe a choice of type-2 diabetes mellitus treatment because its extract enhances GLUT4 contents in CM where it facilitates glucose entrance into the cell. However it is necessary to trace the signaling pathways which are activated by HACE in muscular tissue.     

Alleviation of Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Supplementation of Anabasis articulata Extract in Rats

Anabasis articulata (Forssk) Moq. (Chenopodiaceae) is an herb, grows in Egypt, and used in folk medicine to treat diabetes, fever, and kidney infections. The protective and therapeutic effects of the ethanol extract of A. articulata aerial parts were evaluated against dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis, compared with the standard drug, silymarin. Hepatic hydroxyproline content, serum transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and fructosamine were measured as liver fibrosis markers. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione content (GSH) were measured as oxidant/antioxidant markers. Parallel histopathological investigations were also performed. Protective and therapeutic administration of A. articulata (100 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks), markedly prevented DMN-induced loss in body and liver weights. The extract significantly inhibited the elevation of hepatic hydroxyproline, NO and MDA (P < 0.05), as well as serum fructosamine, and TGF-β1 (P < 0.05) induced by DMN while it restored IL-10 to normal level in both protective and therapeutic groups. Furthermore, A. articulata prevented the depletion in CAT, GR, and GSH levels (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, oral administration of A. articulata extract and silymarin to both protective and therapeutic groups reduced the increase in liver function enzyme activities; alanine and aspartate amintransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase in addition to alkaline phosphatase, and caused significant increase in serum albumin concentration as compared to DMN group. These data corresponded closely with those obtained for the drug silymarin. Histopathological studies confirmed the biochemical data and revealed remarkable improvement in liver architecture. Thus, it could be concluded that, A. articulata extract exhibited in vivo hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects against DMN-induced liver injury and may act as a useful agent in controlling the progression of hepatic fibrosis through reduction of oxidative stress and improving liver function.     

Activated Carbon Fabric Mask Reduces Lead Absorption and Improves the Heme Biosynthesis and Hematological Parameters of Battery Manufacturing Workers

Activated carbon fabrics (ACF) mask prevents the absorption of lead and reduce its adverse effects of human health. Aim of this study to know the blood lead level and its effects on heme biosynthesis and hematological parameters after using 2 months activated carbon fabric mask of battery manufacturing workers (BMW). Blood lead level, heme biosynthesis and hematological parameters were measured by using standard method. Blood lead level (P < 0.001, − 13.5%) was significantly decreased, activated δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (P < 0.001, 11.97%) and non-activated δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (P < 0.001, 23.17%) enzyme activity were significantly increased, however, the ratio of activated to Non-activated δ- ALAD (P < 0.001, − 10.13%) was significantly decreased, urinary excretion of δ- aminolevulinic acid (P < 0.001, − 10.49%) and porphobilinogen (P < 0.001, − 7.38%) were significantly decreased after using 2 months ACF mask as compared to before using mask of BMW. Hematological parameters i.e Hb (P < 0.05, 13.42%), PCV (P < 0.05, 7.23%), MCV (P < 0.05, 1.9%) were significantly increased and total WBC count (P < 0.05, − 5.18%) was significantly decreased after using 2 months ACF mask as compared to before using mask of BMW. Two months using ACF mask reduces the blood lead level and improves the δ-ALDH activity and hematological parameters, decreases the urinary excretion of δ-ALA, PBG of battery manufacturing workers. Therefore, the regular using of ACF mask is beneficial to prevent the lead absorption and its adverse effects on human health.     

Effect of Hemodialysis on Plasma Myeloperoxidase Activity in End Stage Renal Disease Patients

End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) have an increased oxidative stress, with a high risk of atherosclerosis and other co-morbid conditions. Recent studies have suggested that myeloperoxidase (MPO)—mediated oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications in dialysis patients. Furthermore, dialysis treatment ‘per se’ can aggravate oxidative stress. Hence this study was designed to determine whether HD leads to an alteration in the plasma levels of MPO and malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress in ESRD patients on maintenance HD. To study the effect of HD, plasma MPO and MDA were determined before and after HD in forty ESRD patients (24 men and 16 women, age between 8 and 71 years, median being 40.5 years) on maintenance HD. Plasma MPO and MDA were assayed by spectrophotometric methods. Haematological and other biochemical parameters were obtained from patients’ case records. Plasma MPO and MDA levels were significantly higher after HD when compared with pre-dialysis levels (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between MPO and MDA (r = 0.184, p = 0.10) and other biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant correlation between MPO and MDA with haemodialysis vintage (p < 0.05). In univariate regression analysis duration of HD (β = 1.470, p = 0.045, β = 0.388, p = 0.013), was independently associated with MPO and MDA. Although HD is indispensable for survival of patients with ESRD, it is fraught with undesirable side-effects, such as an increase in the plasma MPO and MDA levels. The elevated levels of MPO contribute to the increased oxidative stress as free radicals are produced by the reaction catalyzed by it.     

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients and Comparison with Controls

In the present study, oxidative stress and lymphocytic DNA damage in both pre-op and post-op benign prostrate hyperplasia (BPH) patients with age >50 years was evaluated and compared with normal healthy subjects (controls- without any evidence of disease) of the same sex and age group. From December 2007 to November 2009, oxidative stress in 45 BPH patients were evaluated both before (pre-op patients) and after 7 days of surgery (post-op patients) in terms of measurements of plasma levels of (1) various anti-oxidative enzymes, (2) non-enzymatic antioxidants and (3) malondialdehyde which is a product of lipid peroxidation. The lymphocyte DNA damage was also evaluated by single cell alkaline gel electrophoresis in terms of tail length migration in these patients. These values were compared with their respective control subjects of similar sex and age group. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of antioxidant, reduced glutathione were found significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in serum samples of pre-operative group of BPH patients as compared to the controls. These altered parameters increased significantly (p < 0.05) and returned to their near normal control values, but not up to baseline values, in post operative patients i.e. after the cancer load was decreased by surgery. Lymphocytic DNA damage was found to be significantly increased in pre-op group as compared to controls and was reduced after surgery in post-op group. The present study therefore, shows significantly increased levels of oxidative stress and DNA damage in BPH patients which were reduced after removal of tumour load. Thus oxidative damage plays an important role in prostate tumourogenesis and timely management of oxidative stress can be of importance in preventing the occurrence of BPH.     

Does LDL-C Estimation Using Anandaraja’s Formula Give a Better Agreement with Direct LDL-C Estimation than the Friedewald’s Formula?

Estimation of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is crucial in management of coronary artery disease patients. Though a number of homogenous assays are available for estimation of LDL-C, use of calculated LDL-C by Friedewald’s formula (FF) is common in Indian laboratories for logistic reasons. Recently Anandaraja and colleagues have derived a new formula for calculating LDL-C. This formula needs to be evaluated before it is extensively applied in diagnosis. We measured LDL-C by homogenous method (D-LDL-C) in 515 fasting samples. Friedewald’s and Anandaraja’s formulas were used for calculation of LDL-C (F-LDL-C and A-LDL-C, respectively). The mean LDL-C levels were 123.3 ± 53.2, 112.4 ± 50.2 and 109.2 ± 49.8 mg/dl for D-LDL-C, F-LDL-C and A-LDL-C, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the results (P > 0.001) obtained by calculation formulas compared to the measured LDL-C. There was underestimation of LDL-C by 10.8 and 14 mg/dl by Friedewald’s and Anandaraja’s formulas respectively. The Pearson’s correlation between F-LDL-C and D-LDL-C was 0.931 and that between A-LDL-C and D-LDL-C was 0.930. Bland–Altman graphs showed a definite agreement between mean and differences of the calculation formulas and direct LDL-C with 95% of values lying with in ±2 SD limits. The mean percentage difference (calculated as {(Calculated LDL-C)-(D-LDL-C)}/D-LDL-C × 100) for F-LDL-C was maximum (−11.6%) at HDL-C ≥ 60 mg/dl and TG levels of 200–300 mg/dl (−10.4%) compared to D-LDL-C. A-LDL-C results gave highest mean percentage difference at total cholesterol concentrations <100 mg/dl (−37.3%) and HDL-C < 40 mg/dl (−17.1%), respectively. The results of our study showed that FF is better in agreement with D-LDL-C than Anandaraja’s formula for estimation of LDL-C by calculation though both lead to its underestimation.     

Plasma TGF-β1, MMP-1 and MMP-3 Levels in Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) presenting clinically with upper abdominal pain, as well as exocrine and endocrine insufficiencies, is characterized by irreversible morphological and functional alterations in the pancreas. The objective of the present study is to investigate the plasma levels of transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1 (collagenase) and MMP-3 (stromelysin) in CP. A total of 71 CP patients and 100 control subjects were considered for the study. Plasma levels of TGF-β1, MMP-1 and MMP-3 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients and control subjects. The plasma levels of TGF-β1 and MMP-1 were significantly elevated in patients compared to control group (*P = 0.0301, **P < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the plasma levels of MMP-3 between patients and controls (P = 0.3756). The elevated levels of TGF-β1 and MMP-1 may influence the inflammatory reactions by enhancing the pancreatic stellate cell activation and deposition of extracellular matrix resulting in pancreatic fibrosis. Thus, the present study highlights the role of fibrogenic cytokine marker TGF-β1 and matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of CP.     

Role of Nitric Oxide in Salmonella Infection

Nitric oxide (NO) derivative of l-arginine is an important signaling molecule that mediates a variety of essential physiological processes including vasodilation neurotransmission, and host cell defense. Many types of cells produce NO e.g., smooth muscle cell, endothelial cell, and leukocytes. Host defense functions are known for many bacterial and parasitic infections. In the present study we estimated the levels of serum NO in cases of salmonellosis and in controls. The nitric oxide was estimated by cadmium reduction method, Griess reaction. We observed that in controls the level of NO was (22 ± 2.06) μmol/l and in cases the level was (137.49 ± 29.84) μmol/l. The level of NO was significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001). The raised level of NO could be accounted for by host response to the infection. The host rapidly expresses iNOS, which in turn produces an excess amount of NO. Its cytotoxic effect is by its reactive nitrogen oxide derivative e.g., peroxynitrite. Apart from this it also has anti apoptotic functions. In future one can do follow up study of typhoid cases by bacterial culture.