Strong Association of C677T Polymorphism of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene With Nosyndromic Cleft Lip/Palate (nsCL/P)

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is essential for DNA biosynthesis and the epigentic process of DNA methylation. It has been reported that abnormal DNA methylation contributes to the pathogenesis of congenital anomalies. There were many published case control studies assessing the associations of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with risks of nosyndromic cleft lip with and without palate (nsCL/P), but with inconsistent results. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. Eligible articles were identified by search of databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Springer Link up to December, 2015. Finally, a total of 22 studies with 3724 nsCL/P cases and 5275 controls were included in the present meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were pooled to assess the association. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity was also performed. All statistical analyses were done by MIX program. Meta-analysis results suggested that MTHFR C677T polymorphism contributed to the increased nsCL/P risk in overall population using four genetic models except homozygote model (for T vs. C: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.1–1.4; for TT + CT vs. CC: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.04–1.59; for CT vs. CC: OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.98–1.63; for TT vs. CC: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.74–1.4; for TT vs. CT + CC: OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.05–1.74). In conclusion, results of present meta-analysis suggested that MTHFR C677T polymorphism is significantly associated with nonsyndromic orofacial cleft.     

The Assessment of Oxidative Stress on Patients with Chronic Renal Failure at Different Stages and on Dialysis Patients Receiving Different Hypertensive Treatment

The aim of this study is to evaluate the oxidative stress in predialysis, hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis patients and to test the effects of antihypertensive drugs and volume control on oxidative stress parameters. The study was composed of five groups as follows: control group (n = 30), predialysis group (n = 30), peritoneal dialysis group (n = 30), hemodialysis group, (normotensive with strict volume control, n = 30), hemodialysis group (normotensive with medication, n = 30). Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and routine biochemical parameters were studied in all patients. Hemodialysis patients with strict volume control (HD_vc) had lower levels of MDA than other patient groups (p < 0.001), and CAT, SOD values had highest level other patient groups (p < 0.001). The treatment of hypertension with strict volume control in chronic renal failure patients causes less damage to the antioxidant capacity.     

Effect of Tulsi (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ocimum sanctum</Emphasis> Linn.) Supplementation on Metabolic Parameters and Liver Enzymes in Young Overweight and Obese Subjects

Ocimum sanctum Linn. (also known as Tulsi) is a sacred Indian plant, the beneficial role of which, in obesity and diabetes is described traditionally. This is a randomized, parallel group, open label pilot study to investigate the effect of O. sanctum on metabolic and biochemical parameters in thirty overweight/obese subjects, divided into two groups A and B. Group A (n = 16) received one 250 mg capsule of Tulsi (O. sanctum) extract twice daily in empty stomach for 8 weeks and group B (n = 14) received no intervention. Statistically significant improvements in the values of serum triglycerides (p = 0.019); low density lipoprotein (p = 0.001); high density lipoprotein (p = 0.001); very low density lipoprotein (p = 0.019); Body Mass Index, BMI (p = 0.005); plasma insulin (p = 0.021) and insulin resistance (p = 0.049) were observed after 8 weeks in the O. sanctum intervention group. The improvement in HDL-C in the intervention group when compared to the control group was also statistically significant (p = 0.037). There was no significant alteration of the liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT in both the intervention (p = 0.141; p = 0.074) and control arms (p = 0.102; p = 0.055) respectively. These observations clearly indicate the beneficial effects of O. sanctum on various biochemical parameters in young overweight/obese subjects.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Risk in Asian Population: A Meta-analysis

The C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene was implicated to be associated with thrombophilia due to its role in catalyzing the formation of 5-methylenetetrahydrofolate, a co-substrate for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Several case–control studies were investigated MTHFR C677T polymorphism as risk for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). These studies rendered contradictory results, some indicating that the polymorphism is associated with the risk of RPL whereas others concluded there is no association. To shed light on these inconclusive findings, a meta-analysis of all available studies published from Asian population relating the C677T polymorphism to the risk of RPL was conducted. The following electronic databases were searched without language restrictions: PubMed, Google Scholars, Elsevier and Springer Link up to December, 2015. Meta-analysis was performed using MetaAnalyst and Mix version 1.7. Meta-analysis results suggested that MTHFR C677T polymorphism contributed to the increased RPL risk in Asian population using all five genetic models (for T vs. C: OR 1.35, 95 % CI 1.09–1.68, p = 0.009; for TT + CT vs. CC: OR 1.44, 95 % CI 1.14–1.82, p = 0.006; for CT vs. CC: OR 1.39, 95 % CI 1.07–1.8, p = 0.01; for TT vs. CC: OR 1.79, 95 % CI 1.23.2.6, p = 0.007; for TT vs. CT + CC: OR 1.61, 95 % CI 1.02–2.56, p = 0.04). In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates a strong association between the MTHFR C677T variant and RPL in Asian population and raising the importance of the use of folate in its treatment and prevention.     

Predictors of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Complications in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in an Eastern Indian Population

The purpose of this study was to assess the predictive values of central obesity and hyperandrogenemia in development of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients in our region. Differences of fasting blood glucose level, insulin resistance index HOMA-IR, lipid parameters, waist hip ratio (WHR), body mass index, LH/FSH ratio and testosterone levels between 45 PCOS cases and 35 age matched controls were obtained. Strength of association between different parameters in the case group was assayed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Dependence of insulin resistance and WHR on different predictors was assessed by multiple linear regression assay. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, WHR and insulin resistance were significantly higher in the case group (p < 0.05). Serum testosterone showed strong correlation with insulin resistance and LH/FSH ratio (r = 0.432 and 0.747, p = 0.01 and 0.001 respectively) in the PCOS patients while WHR and serum testosterone level stood out to be most significant predictors for the insulin resistance (β = 0.361 and 0.498; p = 0.048 and 0.049 respectively). Hyperandrogenemia and central obesity were the major factors predicting development of insulin resistance and its related metabolic and cardiovascular complications in our PCOS patients. We suggest early monitoring for androgen level and WHR in these patients for predicting an ensuing insulin resistance and modulating the treatment procedure accordingly to minimise future cardiovascular risks.     

Lipid Parameters, Doses and Blood Levels of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Renal Transplant Patients

The calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) [cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac)] are currently the most widely prescribed drugs for maintenance of immunosuppression after renal transplantation. These immunosuppressants are associated with side effects such as hyperlipidemia. We evaluated the differential effects of different CNIs on serum lipid parameters in renal transplant patients. Moreover, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between doses and blood levels of CNIs, and blood levels of CNIs and lipid parameters retrospectively. Two groups of 98 non-diabetic renal transplant patients, each treated with different CNIs, were studied: group A (n = 50, mean age: 31 ± 10 years), CsA, mycophenolate mofetil/azathioprin, steroid; group B (I = 48, mean age: 34 ± 12 years), Tac, mycophenolate mofetil/azathioprin, steroid. In renal transplant patients, CNIs blood levels and doses were examined at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after transplantation. Biochemical laboratory parameters including plasma lipids [total-cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)–CHOL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)–CHOL, and triglycerides (TG)], CNI levels and doses were examined at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after transplantation. None of the patients received anti-lipidemic drugs during the study period. Blood levels of CNIs were detectable in all whole-blood samples by Cloned- Enzyme-Donor Immunoassay (CEDIA). The relationship between CNIs blood levels and CHOL, (LDL)–CHOL, HDL–CHOL, TG were evaluated. The mean serum CHOL levels and LDL–CHOL levels of patients in group A were found significantly higher than the patients in group B during the 12 month of follow up (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in TG and HDL–CHOL plasma levels between group A and group B (p > 0.005). In group A the daily dose of CsA was significantly correlated with the mean blood levels of CsA at the 1st and 3rd months (r = 0.387, p = 0.005; r = 0.386, p = 0.006), respectively. In group A, the daily dose of CsA was significantly correlated with the mean serum TG levels during the 12 month of follow up (r = 0.420, p = 0.003). In group B, the daily dose of Tac was significantly correlated with the mean blood level of Tac (r = 0.335, p = 0.020) at the 1st month. No correlation was found between mean Tac blood levels and lipid parameters during the 12-month of follow up (p > 0.05). Significant positive correlation was observed between the CsA blood levels and LDL–CHOL levels (r = 0.338, p = 0.027) at the 3rd month. In the renal transplant patients with well functioning grafts, CsA therapy is associated with increased CHOL and LDL–CHOL ratio which represents an increased atherogenic risk tended to be associated with CsA. Serum LDL–CHOL levels may be effected by blood CsA levels.     

Association of Aberrations in One Carbon Metabolism with Intimal Medial Thickening in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The present work was aimed to study the association of one carbon genetic variants, hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress markers, i.e., serum nitrite, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) on intimal medial thickening (IMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). A total number of 76 subjects from ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India were included in the study, i.e., Group I (n = 42) of T2D and Group II (n = 34) of age- and sex matched healthy controls. The glycated haemoglobin was measured by ion-exchange resin method; plasma homocysteine by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay method; serum nitrite (nitric oxide, NO), plasma MDA and GSH by spectrophotometric methods; the IMT by high frequency ultrasound. The polymorphisms of one carbon genetic variants were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and amplified fragment length polymorphism methods. Results indicate that methyltetrahydrofolate homocysteine methyl transferase (MTR) A2756G allele was found to be protective in T2D and the other variants were not significantly associated with T2D. Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCP II) C1561T (r = 0.34; p = 0.05) and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T (r = 0.35; 0.04) showed positive correlation with plasma homocysteine in T2D cases. In this study, MTR A2756G allele was found to be protective in T2D; GCP II C1561T and MTHFR C677T showed positive association with plasma homocysteine in T2D cases. Among all the genetic variants, MTR A2756G was found influence IMT. RFC 1 G80A and TYMS 5′-UTR 2R3R showed synergistically interact with MTR A2756G in influencing increase in IMT.     

Ionized Calcium Measurement in Serum and Plasma by Ion Selective Electrodes: Comparison of Measured and Calculated Parameters

To determine the concentration of ionized calcium (iCa) collected in lithium heparin and gel tubes and to correlate the measured iCa with calculated iCa. Anaerobic fasting blood samples were simultaneously collected from healthy laboratory workers in lithium-heparin and gel tubes. iCa, pH, total calcium (CaT), total protein and albumin were measured. Ionized Ca was calculated with albumin and globulin values using an appropriate formula. Mean iCa in gel tubes showed a positive constant bias of 0.08 mmol/L (p < 0.001) when compared to lithium heparin results. The mean pH of blood taken in lithium heparin and gel tubes was non-significant (p = 0.3). Measured iCa poorly correlated with CaT (r = 0.2, p = 0.1) and calculated iCa (r = 0.2, p = 0.2). To evaluate the calcium status direct measurement of iCa must be done rather than using the formulae for iCa determination. In addition serum is recommended as the choice of sample for iCa determination in comparison to plasma samples.     

Study of the Effect of Bisphenol A on Oxidative Stress in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The role of bisphenol A (BPA) in autism was investigated in 49 children (mean age = 5.950 ± 1.911 years) with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and 40 comparable age and sex matched children used as controls (mean age = 5.333 ± 2.279 years). In addition, 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) was also studied as a biomarker of oxidative stress in the same set of two selected groups. The results showed that both BPA and 8-oxodG were significantly higher in children with autism than those of control children (p values = 0.025 and 0.0001, respectively). There were positive correlations between both BPA and 8-oxodG with ASDs severity (r = 0.400 and 0.805, respectively), these correlations were highly significant (p values = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). There was a significance positive correlation between BMI and BPA, but the correlation between BMI and 8-oxodG was not significant in children with autism. The observed results revealed that BPA may increase oxidative stress resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction that affecting the behavior and functioning of ASDs children.     

Implications of ACE (I/D) Gene Variants to the Genetic Susceptibility of Coronary Artery Disease in Asian Indians

Angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has established substantial attention in the recent years as a candidate gene for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of ACE (I/D) polymorphism with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a north Indian population. A total of 662 subjects (330 CAD patients and 332 healthy controls) were examined for association of ACE gene (I/D) polymorphism and environmental risk factors. The mean age of the CAD patients and control subjects was 60.53 ± 8.6 years and 56.55 ± 7.7 years, respectively (p = 0.000). Anthropometric and demographic data showed BMI values significantly higher among CAD patients and control subjects (26.98 ± 4.9 vs 24.04 ± 4.7, p = 0.000). We observed pronounced central obesity in both CAD patients and controls, even at the lowest BMI values (<23 kg/m²). Dyslipidemia was highly prevalent in CAD patients compared to control subjects. Genotypic data showed significantly higher frequency of DD genotype in CAD patients than that of control subjects (40 vs 28.3 %). No significant difference was observed in the distribution of ID genotypes between CAD patients and control subjects. Logistic regression analysis of data demonstrate that DD genotype was associated with 1.8 fold increased risk of development of CAD in Asian Indians (OR 1.8; 95 % CI 1.22–2.66; p = 0.003). The frequency of D allele was significantly higher in CAD patients (p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the clinical and biochemical characteristics of CAD patients and controls when the data was stratified according to the genotypes of ACE gene. In conclusion, DD genotype of ACE gene may be associated with increased risk of CAD in Asian Indian population.     

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.     

Development and Experimental Application of an HPLC Procedure for the Determination of Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin in Serum Samples from Human Subjects

Total capsaicins are extracted from 2 mL aliquots of serum or plasma using methyl-isobutyl ketone, evaporation of the extract to dryness and reconstitution with 200 μL of acetonitrile. The HPLC mobile phase is 40:60 water:acetonitrile. The absorbance of the eluent is monitored at 205 nm. Standardisation uses a known mixture of pure capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. Accuracies are 98.9 and 100.6 % for capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin respectively. Inter batch reproducibility for both is 15 %. The limits of detection are 2.6 and 3.8 ng/mL for capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin respectively. Analyses of sera obtained previously from human subjects who had eaten chilli containing meals showed that in those that absorbed capsaicins (N = 30) then the median, mean and SD of their serum capsaicin were: 13.4, 18.9 and 16.3 ng/mL. The corresponding data for those sera (N = 13) that had measurable levels of dihydrocapsaicin were: 6.9, 7.5 and 3.6 ng/mL. This procedure is suitable for use in prospective studies of the metabolism of orally ingested chilli.     

Relationship Between Hemodynamically Significant Ductus Arteriosus and Ischemia-Modified Albumin in Premature Infants

Hemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) may alter organ perfusion by interfering blood flow to the tissues. Therefore, in infants with hsPDA, hypoxia occurs in many tissues. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic significance of serum (ischemia-modified albumin) IMA levels as a screening tool for hsPDA, and its relation to the severity of the disease in the preterm neonates. For this purpose, seventy-two premature infants with gestation age <34 weeks were included in the study. Thirty premature infants with hsPDA were assigned as the study group and 42 premature infants without PDA were determined as the control group. Blood samples were collected before the treatment and 24 h after the treatment, and analyzed for IMA levels. IMA levels in the study group (1.26 ± 0.36 ABSU) were found to be significantly higher than control group (0.65 ± 0.12 ABSU) (p < 0.05). In infants with hsPDA, a positive correlation was found between IMA and PDA diameter (ρ = 0.876, p = 0.022), and LA/Ao ratio (ρ = 0.863, p = 0.014). The cut-off value of IMA for hsPDA was measured as 0.78 ABSU with 88.89 % sensitivity, and 90.24 % specificity, 85.71 % positive predictive, 92.5 % negative predictive value [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.96; p < 0.001]. The mean IMA value of the infants with hsPDA before treatment was 1.26 ± 0.36 ABSU, and the mean IMA value of infants after medical treatment was 0.67 ± 0.27 ABSU (p = 0.03). We concluded that IMA can be used as a marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of a successful treatment of hsPDA.     

Assessment of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in Drug Naive Patients of Bipolar Disorder

The levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance (IR) and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a sample population of bipolar disorder (BPD) patients who were newly diagnosed and psychotropically naïve were assessed and compared with an age, sex and racially matched control population. 55 BPD-I patients (15–65 years) who were non-diabetic, nonpregnant, and drug naïve for a period of at least 6 months were included in the study. Diagnosis was made using the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV axis I disorders (SCID IV). IR was assessed using homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); MS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Data were compared with 25 healthy controls. BPD patients had significantly higher mean levels of fasting plasma insulin (13.2 ± 9.2 vs. 4.68 ± 3.1 μIU/ml, p < 0.05), postprandial plasma insulin (27.2 ± 14.5 vs. 18.1 ± 9.3 μIU/ml, p < 0.05) and a higher value of HOMA-IR (3.16 ± 2.2 vs. 1.19 ± 0.8, p < 0.05) when compared to the controls. A significantly higher proportion of patients of BPD compared to controls were manifesting levels of fasting plasma glucose, serum triglyceride and blood pressure higher than the cut off while waist circumference and serum HDL cholesterol failed to show any significant difference in the proportion. There was a significantly higher proportion of prevalence of IR between BPD cases and controls (26/55 vs. 2/25, z value 9.97, p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference in proportion of prevalence of MS between these two groups. Within BPD patients, logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex or current mood status (depressed/manic) were not significantly predictive of presence or absence of MS or increased IR.     

Study on Impact of Iron and Folic Acid on the Plasma Trace Minerals in Pregnant Anemic Women

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the causes that lead to significant mortality and morbidity among pregnant women and fetus. The present study was undertaken to explore oral iron supplementation can modify the metal contents in pregnant anemic women. Iron and folic acid supplementations was given to 500 anemic women (mild = 200, moderate = 200, and severe = 100) and 100 age matched non-anemic controls daily for 100 days. Blood index values and plasma trace minerals were estimated as per standard protocols. Haemoglobin and ferritin levels were found significantly increased (p < 0.001) in anemic and control subjects after treatment. Moreover, the serum transferring receptor levels and total iron binding capacity were found significantly decreased in all treated groups. Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels were found increased (p < 0.01) after oral iron supplementation groups. Moreover, selenium (Se) manganese (Mn) and were found to be decreased in all treated groups. Data provides the conclusion that iron and folic acid supplementation recovered the essential trace minerals, except manganese, which may lead to various complications including peroxidation of vital body molecules resulting in increased risk for pregnant women as well as fetus.     

Alteration of Micronutrient Status in Compensated and Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis

Decompensation followed by death is the most serious outcome in patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver. Alteration of trace elements may play a vital role in the process of decompensation. To examine the change in status of trace elements during the decompensation process, we analysed the zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, bilirubin and albumin levels in the serum of compensated (n = 34) and decompensated (n = 31) liver cirrhosis patients and compared them with healthy control group (n = 36) by post hoc ANOVA. We observed significant alteration in the selected micronutrients in the diseased group relative to healthy controls (P < 0.05). Moreover, mean serum zinc and iron levels were significantly lower with a higher level of serum copper in decompensated cirrhosis group than in compensated group (P < 0.05). However, no significant decrease of serum magnesium was found between the two diseased groups. Our findings imply that the trace elements like zinc, copper and iron might exert important contributory roles in decompensation process in liver cirrhosis and hence, may be utilized as important biomarkers for these patients. Furthermore, we propose that replacements of those micronutrients at an early stage can delay or prevent the severe outcomes like hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe jaundice or ascites in these patients.     

Protein Thiols and Butryrylcholinestrase in Saliva of Oral Cancer Patients

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies recognized. Biomarkers which can predict presence of cancer and its progression can help in better management of these disorders. Over production of lipid peroxidation byproducts and disturbances in antioxidant defense system have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases including oral cancer. Studies have shown a correlation of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with tumourigenesis, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. Earlier we have observed a significant elevation in plasma BChE and protein thiols in oral cancer patients which correlated well with stages of cancer. As it was not clear whether the above markers will be altered in saliva of oral cancer patients this study was undertaken. Institutional Ethics Committee gave permission to carry out this study. Total of 55 subjects comprising healthy controls (n = 30) and biopsy proven oral cancer patients (n = 25) consented to participate in this study. Salivary samples from cases were taken before any definitive treatment. Protein thiols and BChE were estimated in salivary samples using validated assay methods. Oral cancer patients had a significant increase in pre-treatment salivary BChE levels (p ≤ 0.001) and a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.001) in salivary thiols as compared to respective values in controls. Salivary protein thiols and BChE may have a role in pathophysiology of oral cancer. Saliva can be used as a potential non-invasive screening tool in oral cancer patients.     

The Effects of Onion Consumption on Prevention of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

It is well known that dietary intakes play a pivotal role in pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); however, the role of each component of diet has not yet been elucidated. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of onion consumption on prevention of NAFLD/NASH development. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either high-fat, high sugar diet (model group), or high-fat, high sugar diet plus 7% onion powder (model + onion), or chow diet ad libitum for 7 weeks. Serum levels of fasting glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, liver enzymes, insulin, and hepatic tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene expression were determined. Hepatic histology was examined by H&E stain. Model + onion group had significantly lower hepatic steatosis, ballooning, lobular inflammation, and portal inflammation (p < 0.001), lower hepatic TNF-α gene expression (p < 0.001), lower plasma levels of ALT (p = 0.026), AST (p = 0.041), insulin (p < 0.001), TG (p = 0.041), and glucose (p = 0.009) compared with model group; however, weight gain, food intake, plasma total cholesterol and LDL levels were not significantly different between these two groups. Our data indicate that regular consumption of onion can prevent NAFLD even in the presence of the other risk factors such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and high energy, fat, and sugar intakes.     

Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis and Vitamin D in Hemodialysis Patients: Relation to Carotid Intima-Media Thickness

Cardiovascular disease, as the leading cause of patient death with chronic kidney disease, could be predicted by carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a possible relationship between serum soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and Vitamin D levels with mean right/left carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), in the hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this cross-sectional study, serums were obtained from 50 stable chronic HD patients and 39 healthy controls. The serum levels of sTWEAK, Vitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in both groups, and cIMT were determined in HD patients by standard methods. Serum levels of sTWEAK were higher [808.8 (521.6–5032.4) pg/ml vs. 664.4 (487.4–2955.8) pg/ml (p = 0.006)] and Vitamin D levels were lower [13.4 (2.5–153) ng/ml vs. 27.8 (18.4–59.0) ng/ml (p = 0.001)] in the hemodialysis patients than in the healthy control. No important correlation was found between sTWEAK Vitamin D levels (r = 0.010/p = 0.946), and mean right(r = ?0.194/p = 0.178) and left (r = 0.061/p = 0.673) cIMT in the HD patients. Our study shows that sTWEAK levels are elevated in HD patients. This elevation has no association with the cIMT.